At HR Green, we understand that giving back is more than community service—it’s a powerful way to grow both personally and professionally. Volunteering allows our employees to connect with others, develop new skills, and contribute to causes that truly matter. Whether through environmental initiatives, local charities, or industry outreach, our team’s commitment to volunteering reflects the values of collaboration, community, and leadership that define HR Green.
Building Communities. Improving Lives.
Our mission goes beyond providing technical solutions—it’s about making a meaningful impact. We partner with our clients to drive success, but we also believe in living our core values outside the office. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting local initiatives, or engaging with our communities, every team member plays an active role in building stronger, more vibrant communities. Volunteering is a reflection of our commitment to collaboration, leadership, and community—values that guide us in everything we do, both professionally and personally.
“Personally, volunteering is important to me because it allows me to give back and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I’ve formed meaningful relationships with fellow staff and community members, creating a network of support and friendship that enriches my life.” – Mike Liska
Supporting Our Communities, Together
To help make this easier, we offer two paid volunteer days annually to give back without having to worry about taking time off. Whether it’s a cause close to your heart or a team-driven initiative, we believe that volunteering strengthens our connections and reflects the values that define HR Green.
“I love volunteering and participating in the United Way Day of Caring! I still drive by some of our previous project sites and am reminded of the impact we can have on our community. My favorite part is getting to know co-workers in a different environment as we work together, share our skills on a project or task and simply get to know each other as people. It’s often hard work, but very rewarding!” – Jennifer Jackson
Our Commitment in Action
These photos capture the spirit of HR Green employees coming together to give back. Whether it’s lending a hand at local food banks, participating in environmental clean-ups, or supporting community-building initiatives, our team is proud to make a difference, one project at a time.
Cedar Rapids Office Day of Caring: Volunteering With Heart and Hands
Each May, HR Green’s Cedar Rapids team rolls up its sleeves and steps out into the community for the annual Day of Caring—a powerful initiative that mobilizes over 1,000 volunteers to support local nonprofits and tackle critical community needs.
HR Green has proudly participated in this event since the early 2000s. What began as small-scale projects has grown into an enduring tradition of service, especially after the 2008 flood when the team expanded efforts to focus on recovery and rebuilding. Today, their impact spans organizations like YMCA Camp Wapsi, the Salvation Army, Four Oaks, Foundation 2, Habitat for Humanity, and Brush for Kindness.
From painting and building decks to flood remediation and laying floor joists for new homes, the Cedar Rapids crew continues to show up with energy, care, and teamwork.
“The Day of Caring is more than just volunteer work—it’s an opportunity to give back to our community while strengthening the bonds within our team. We’re proud to be part of this effort and look forward to continuing to make a difference!” – Jodi Nealson
Join the HR Green Team
At HR Green, we believe that volunteerism is not only essential to a healthy work culture, but also to the greater good of the communities we serve. If you’re passionate about giving back and want to make an impact personally and professionally, we invite you to explore the opportunities available at HR Green.
Until this year, Illinois lacked a unified building code at the state level—though it did have several individual codes in place. However, there was no overarching standard for general building practices. Instead, building codes were adopted at the local level, leading to a patchwork system where some jurisdictions enforced their own codes while others had none at all.
With the passage of Public Act 103-0510, that is changing. Effective January 1, 2025, every area in Illinois must implement a building code that meets the minimum standards set by the International Code Council (ICC)—regardless of whether they previously had a code in place. By June 1, 2025, all municipalities and counties must confirm their codes align with the baseline statewide requirements.
Key Changes Under the New Illinois State Building Code
A True Statewide Code for the First Time: Municipalities and Counties must now meet the minimum construction standards of the International Building Code including Appendix G, International Existing Building Code, and International Residential Code.
Applies to All Municipalities and Counties Under the new statewide requirement, every municipality and county in Illinois must have a building code that aligns with minimum standards. Jurisdictions without an existing code or building department are not required to adopt a code but builders and home buyers must ensure they follow the “baseline” code, which aligns with International Code Council (ICC) standards from one of the past three code cycles—specifically, the 2018, 2021, or 2024 editions. Areas with existing codes must verify that their standards are at least as stringent as those established by the ICC within the last nine years. Municipalities with adopted codes must ensure their codes are up to date by June 1. If a municipality without a code wishes to adopt one, they must do so by June 1 as well.
Standardized Safety and Structural Requirements: The law requires that all communities—urban, suburban, and rural—follow the same core safety and structural guidelines, creating consistency across the state.
Fast-Approaching Deadline: Municipalities and counties have until June 1, 2025, to update their codes and submit their compliance documentation to the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB).
How This Impacts Municipalities, Counties, and Developers
This shift comes as a surprise to many jurisdictions, and the race is on to meet the compliance deadline. Local governments, developers, and construction professionals will need to evaluate existing regulations, adopt necessary updates, and establish enforcement mechanisms—all within the next several months.
Our Building and Code team at HR Green offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet your needs. From code reviews and inspections to navigating the approval process, our certified professionals bring decades of experience to help municipalities and developers meet the new requirements.
How HR Green Can Assist:
Code Review and Compliance Audits – Assessing current codes and ensuring alignment with the new statewide requirements.
Plan Reviews and Inspections – Evaluating new projects to verify compliance with structural, safety, and energy standards.
Implementation Strategy and Consulting – Providing a roadmap to meet deadlines and avoid potential enforcement issues.
Act Now to Meet the June 1, 2025 Deadline
The transition to a statewide building code is a major shift for Illinois municipalities and counties. Whether your jurisdiction has an existing code that needs updating or is adopting a code for the first time, HR Green is here to help.
Don’t wait until the last minute—contact us today! Let’s prepare your projects to be compliant and excel in safety and efficiency under the new Illinois State Building Code.
In the world of broadband network design, precision and efficiency are paramount. Traditionally, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software has been a staple for creating detailed blueprints. However, as the complexity of broadband deployments increases, particularly with initiatives like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are emerging as the more powerful and versatile tool. This article delves into the key advantages of using GIS over CAD for broadband network design, demonstrating why it’s the smarter choice for modern ISPs.
The Limitations of CAD in Broadband Design
CAD software excels at creating precise 2D and 3D drawings. However, when it comes to the vast, geographically dispersed nature of broadband networks, CAD falls short. It primarily focuses on the “what” of design—the layout of cables and equipment—without adequately addressing the “where.”
Lack of Spatial Context: CAD drawings often lack the crucial spatial context needed for effective network planning. They don’t readily integrate real-world geographic data, such as terrain, existing infrastructure, and property boundaries.
Limited Data Integration: Integrating data from various sources, like demographic information or environmental factors, is cumbersome in CAD. This hinders comprehensive network analysis and planning.
Difficulty in Route Optimization: Optimizing network routes based on real-world constraints, such as terrain and right-of-way availability, is challenging in CAD.
Inefficient Collaboration: Sharing and collaborating on CAD drawings across multiple teams and stakeholders can be complex and time-consuming.
The Advantages of GIS for Broadband Network Design
GIS, on the other hand, is specifically designed to handle spatial data and perform geographic analysis. This makes it an ideal tool for broadband network design, offering several key advantages.
Enhanced Spatial Awareness: GIS provides a comprehensive view of the network’s geographic context, integrating data from various sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photos, and LiDAR data. This allows for more informed decision-making.
Seamless Data Integration: GIS can seamlessly integrate diverse datasets, such as demographic information, land use data, and existing infrastructure maps. This enables ISPs to analyze network performance, identify potential challenges, and optimize network design.
Advanced Route Optimization: GIS tools can analyze terrain, road networks, and other geographic constraints to optimize network routes, minimizing construction costs and deployment time.
Improved Collaboration and Communication: GIS platforms facilitate collaboration and communication among teams and stakeholders through web-based interfaces and data sharing capabilities.
Accurate Cost Estimation: By integrating data on terrain, infrastructure, and material costs, GIS can provide accurate cost estimations for network deployments.
Efficient Permitting and Right-of-Way Acquisition: GIS can help identify property boundaries, easement locations, and environmental constraints, streamlining the permitting and right-of-way acquisition process.
Network Performance Analysis: GIS can be used to analyze network performance data, identify areas with poor coverage, and optimize network design for improved performance.
BEAD Compliance: GIS is invaluable for the collection and reporting of the geographic data required for BEAD compliance.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating GIS and CAD
While GIS offers significant advantages, CAD may still have a place in your overall engineering design. Once design is completed geospatially, we suggest leveraging GIS platform interoperability with CAD software for complex permitting tasks.
Strata Networks Lehi City Telecommunications Planning and Design
Strata Networks is the largest independent telecommunications cooperative in the state of Utah, with more than 70 years of service to the Uintah Valley. The company wanted to expand its footprint to bring the benefits of fiber-based internet to more people but needed assistance to help them scale their business and grow quickly.
Strata selected HR Green for our understanding of both technical design and operational needs, implementing a geospatially-based Fiber Management System (3-GIS) and Construction Management System (Render). Lehi City, Utah, chose Strata to build and operate its municipally-owned network. HR Green helped Strata identify technology, processes, and operational improvements for growth. HR Green completed preliminary planning and cost estimates for 22,000 homes and businesses, creating a High-Level Design (HLD) for backbone routes and cabinet locations. The broadband design team provided fiber-to-the-home design services for over 475 miles of network using aerial, underground, and microtrench methods.
“GIS revolutionizes broadband network design by offering superior data organization and analysis capabilities – truly invaluable for the requirements established for BEAD compliance.”
-Ed Barrett – Broadband Business Unit President | HR Green
The Future of Broadband Network Design
As broadband networks continue to expand and become more complex, GIS will play an increasingly vital role in their design and deployment. Its ability to handle spatial data, integrate diverse datasets, and perform advanced analysis makes it an indispensable tool for ISPs looking to build robust, future-proof networks. By embracing GIS, ISPs can optimize network design, reduce costs, and accelerate deployment, ultimately bridging the digital divide and bringing high-speed internet to everyone.
Contact our Broadband team today to discover how we can help you reduce costs, accelerate deployment, and bring high-speed internet to everyone.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the food and beverage industry is constantly seeking sustainable solutions to meet the growing demands of production, address the challenges of aging infrastructure, and comply with stringent environmental regulations. Pretreatment processes play a crucial role in achieving these goals by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of various applications.
Wastewater Pretreatment Applications
Many industries have some level of wastewater pretreatment ahead of their own full wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) or before discharging to the local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW.) This not only protects the municipal treatment facility but also helps industries remain compliant with environmental regulations.
Screening and Grit Removal
Screening is the first line of defense in a pretreatment system. It involves removing large solids—such as food scraps, packaging remnants, and plastics—from the wastewater stream, typically with rotary drum screens, stair screens or bar screens. These materials can be recovered for further processing and their removal also helps prevent clogged pipes and damage to downstream equipment.
Grit removal targets smaller, abrasive materials like sand and other fine particles that are harmful to downstream equipment. Vortex and cyclone style grit removal systems are commonly used.
Equalization (EQ) Basins
EQ basins help balance fluctuations in both the flow rate and the concentration of pollutants in wastewater. By collecting and slowly releasing wastewater at a steady rate, EQ tanks ensure that downstream processes — like biological treatment or chemical dosing — operate under more consistent and optimized conditions.
FOG, TSS, and BOD Removal
Many industrial processes in food and beverage manufacturing generate wastewater with high levels of fats, oils, and greases (FOG), total suspended solids (TSS), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Low density wastewater, FOG in particular, is difficult to treat and can form blockages and interfere with downstream biological processes. Solids separation by flotation can remove up to 90% of Suspended Solids, including FOG, BOD and other colloidal materials
1. DAF – Dissolved Air Flotation
DAF is a widely used technology that uses pressurized or aspirated air to create microbubbles. These attach to FOG and suspended solids, lifting them to the surface for removal. The DAF process is enhanced by conditioning the incoming waste stream with appropriate pH adjustment, coagulation, and flocculation.
2. SAF – Suspended Air Flotation
The SAF process is very similar to a DAF configuration but instead of microbubbles it introduces a surfactant-based froth directly into the wastewater stream. It offers advantages such as a smaller footprint, higher loading rates, lower operating costs, and charged bubbles to attract floc.
pH Adjustment
Industrial processes can result in acidic or alkaline wastewater that must be neutralized before discharge. Chemical feed systems add acids or bases—like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide—to bring the pH into the acceptable range. Flash mixing zones optimize chemical effectiveness and minimize chemical use.
Biological Treatments
Biological processes are often used in pretreatment of high strength wastewater prior to discharge to a conventional WWTP or POTW but are also utilized in full treatment systems. They use microorganisms to break down organic pollutants. These systems can be aerobic or anaerobic, depending on the nature of the wastewater.
1. Anaerobic Systems
Anaerobic wastewater treatment is a method of treating wastewater that relies on microorganisms that thrive in oxygen-free environments to decompose organic matter. It can significantly reduce BOD and chemical oxygen demand while generating biogas as a byproduct. Common systems include lagoons and high-rate anaerobic reactors. It can also be used as a pretreatment step before aerobic treatment.
2. Activated Sludge
Activated Sludge systems use oxygen to facilitate microbial consumption of organic matter and nitrification of ammonia, as well as anoxic and anaerobic selectors to facilitate biological nutrient removal. Technologies like Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), and Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR) are commonly used for the core treatment process for BOD and nutrient removal.
3. Sedimentation and Clarification
This physical process is integral to activated sludge and facilitates heavier solids to settle at the bottom of a tank for removal. Chemicals like Alum and Ferric Chloride or polymers are often used to bind smaller particles into larger aggregates for enhanced settling.
Common Challenges in Wastewater Pretreatment for Food and Beverage
In the food and beverage industry, wastewater pretreatment faces several common challenges, including aging infrastructure, retrofitting within limited footprints, and maintaining continuous operation during construction sequencing.
Aging Infrastructure
Aging infrastructure presents a growing challenge for food and beverage manufacturers managing wastewater treatment. Many treatment systems in this sector were originally built decades ago and may not be equipped to handle modern processing demands or comply with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
Retrofitting Within a Limited Footprint
Upgrades commonly require retrofitting existing infrastructure within a limited footprint. Most food and beverage manufacturing facilities are space-constrained, especially older ones or those in urban or suburban settings.
Construction Sequencing
Construction sequencing is crucial to maintaining continuous WWTP operation. Sequencing involves the careful planning and coordination of construction activities to ensure the treatment system remains functional and compliant during upgrades or retrofits.
Optimal Pretreatment Offers Multiple Benefits
A well-designed and properly maintained pretreatment system offers multiple benefits, including:
Reduces loading on downstream processes: By removing solids, FOG, and high-strength organics early, pretreatment systems decrease the biological load on main treatment processes. This allows for smaller aeration basins, lower energy consumption, reduced chemical dosing and sludge handling needs, improved equipment lifespan, and lower maintenance.
Improves operational stability of downstream units: Pretreatment smooths out variations in flow and load, helping downstream systems operate within optimal parameters.
Increases compliance with effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs): Pretreatment helps meet ELG parameters more reliably, reducing dependency on advanced polishing systems.
Reduces risk of fines and surcharges: Pretreatment minimizes the likelihood of violating discharge permits or exceeding limits set by POTWs.
Enables resource recovery opportunities:
Biogas generation: High-strength organics captured in pretreatment can be directed to anaerobic digesters to produce methane-rich biogas for energy generation or heat recovery.
Water reuse: Cleaner effluent from pretreatment improves the efficiency of reuse systems, making treated water suitable for non-potable reuse such as cleaning, irrigation, or cooling.
Byproduct recovery: Solids and residuals from pretreatment can sometimes be processed into marketable or beneficial products such as animal feed or fertilizer. For example, the captured FOG from a DAF or SAF can be sold as an ingredient for pet food or as tallow to a rendering company.
New Technologies Can Increase Capacity Within the Same or Smaller Footprint
Modern treatment technologies are designed to be more efficient, compact, and scalable than older traditional systems. This allows food and beverage manufacturers to significantly increase their treatment capacity without requiring large physical expansions. These technologies include:
Membrane Bioreactors: A proven technology in both municipal and industrial settings, MBRs combine biological treatment and membrane filtration in a compact system. They offer a smaller footprint than conventional activated sludge systems and produce high-quality effluent suitable for reuse.
Process Intensification and Densification: Emerging technologies are advancing the treatment of industrial waste, enhancing settling performance, and improving nutrient removal capabilities at existing facilities.
High-rate Anaerobic Systems: Systems such as upflow anaerobic sludge blankets or expanded granular sludge bed reactors treat high-strength wastewater efficiently and produce biogas, all in relatively small volumes.
Skid-mounted or Containerized Treatment Systems: These systems allow rapid deployment and require less on-site construction and space.
Automation and Monitoring Technologies: Smart sensors can reduce manpower requirements, optimize process control, and reduce the need for oversized equipment to handle variability.
HR Green’s Professionals Partner with You to Design Smarter Pretreatment Strategies
Implementing a well-planned pretreatment system protects public infrastructure, maintains regulatory compliance, and can significantly reduce operational costs. Investing in the right pretreatment technologies is a smart, sustainable choice.
If you’re exploring pretreatment options or upgrading your current system, our industrial water team can help design a solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you optimize your pretreatment strategy.
In today’s digital age, a clear plan for connectivity is essential for every community’s growth and prosperity. A Connectivity Systems Master Plan (CSMP) provides a coordinated approach to broadband infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration across government, businesses, and residents. A CSMP aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, support adaptation, and secure future readiness for your community.
Understanding Connectivity Systems Master Plans
A CSMP provides a clear roadmap with actionable next steps and cost estimates to help your community achieve its connectivity goals. As these projects are completed, your community will establish a well-coordinated, resilient, and future-proof connectivity system that supports your current needs and long-term goals.
Transform your community’s connectivity with a CSMP: the ultimate strategic roadmap for integrating all communication and technology systems.
To develop a CSMP, our team collaborates with you to define your community’s connectivity goals. Existing infrastructure is assessed to document current connectivity systems and pinpoint needs and inefficiencies. Additionally, we document what you are paying for current connectivity systems in fees and maintenance (current and future). We also identify where there are silos that impact communication, collaboration and connectivity between stakeholders. A project list is developed that includes cost estimates, which we recommend including in your Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). We also evaluate and identify grant and funding opportunities to help fund these initiatives.
Cost Savings, Efficiency, and Future-proofing
A CSMP delivers significant advantages by reducing costs, enhancing operational efficiency, and preparing communities for future technological advancements. Cost savings are achieved by minimizing reliance on third-party vendors, finding efficiencies, reducing overlap, improving budget planning, and leveraging grant opportunities to fund infrastructure upgrades.
Operational efficiency is enhanced by eliminating duplicate efforts and centralizing all digital infrastructure under a single, coordinated plan.
Additionally, a CSMP provides scalability, enabling future expansion of smart city technologies, such as smart lighting, sensors, traffic control, cameras Wi-Fi, and big data management.
Real-World Applications
As a result of implementing a master plan, our team facilitated the achievement of the following real-world successes:
A city was provided with the opportunity to invest $10M in a fiber ring but calculated $14M in savings over 10 years. After the initial 10-year period, the city could continue to save approximately $1M annually.
A Council of Government (COG) was able to get a grant for traffic control systems and was able to extend it to connectivity for government agencies, residences, and businesses.
City Manager Leadership is Vital
Connectivity planning is often delegated to departments, resulting in fragmented and disconnected solutions. To create a truly integrated and future-ready system, community leaders must take the initiative in overseeing a CSMP. This approach will:
Align all departments under a unified strategy.
Keep long-term sustainability in mind when making investments.
Maximize both efficiency and financial benefits.
A proactive, citywide approach prevents siloed decision-making and establishes a well-coordinated infrastructure that serves the entire community.
Future Trends in Master Connectivity Planning
As technology advances, several key trends are shaping the future of connectivity planning:
Economic Development: As competition for attracting businesses intensifies, cities with a well-defined master connectivity plan will have a distinct advantage and serve as a compelling selling point for economic growth.
Cost Savings Through Strategic Improvements: Many connectivity systems operate in silos, often requiring ongoing payments to vendors for equipment and services. By integrating under a unified plan, cities can significantly cut costs.
Future-Proofing: Connectivity is fundamental to nearly every aspect of life, from education and healthcare to public safety and economic development. Having a clear, structured connectivity plan can help your company keep pace.
Smart Applications: As connectivity infrastructure expands, cities will have opportunities to implement smart applications. A master plan provides a roadmap for determining which technologies to deploy, where to place them, and what infrastructure is required. This approach helps city leaders make informed decisions rather than reacting to short-term trends.
Managing Big Data: As cities deploy smart technologies, they generate more and more volumes of data. Sensors monitor traffic flow, parking applications track availability data, cameras create videos, and smart utilities collect usage statistics. A master connectivity plan defines how data is collected, managed, and stored.
Grant Opportunities: Many grant programs fund connectivity-related projects, such as traffic signal control systems that require infrastructure. Cities that integrate these funding opportunities into a broader connectivity strategy can maximize their impact. Several of our clients have received grants to install traffic control systems, including fiber and conduit at intersections; integrating these into a comprehensive CSMP is significant and dynamic. This example, one of many, shows how coordinating grants within a CSMP can enhance connectivity.
Community Identity and Branding: Cities can leverage their infrastructure improvements to redefine their identity and attract businesses, residents, and investors. While rebranding is not a requirement of the planning process, a city with a strong digital infrastructure can use this as a differentiator.
Take the First Step Towards a Smarter, More Connected City
Our broadband team is ready to help you streamline operations, reduce costs, and unlock new opportunities. Contact us today to start building a smarter, more efficient, and better-connected community.
Ensuring the resilience of public works infrastructure in the face of budget constraints and unexpected repairs is both a strategic challenge and an opportunity for innovation. Limited funding and long-deferred maintenance can put critical assets at risk, but with the right approach, departments can maximize every dollar and extend the life of their infrastructure. Here are six strategies to help stretch your budget and optimize resources.
1. Take a Value Engineering Approach for Better Project Outcomes
Value engineering involves analyzing all the features of the project, including the construction process and materials used, as well as expected quality, and looking at what the lowest cost would be to meet that need. Ultimately, it can improve the value of your overall project by optimizing all its elements.
Using frameworks like Envision by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure while planning a project can help save costs with management and stakeholder collaboration, as well as using efficiency to save money over time.
Constructability reviews are also a tactic to consider. An experienced consultant can analyze the construction plan to find slight modifications that would make the project easier to build and ultimately save money.
2. Strengthen Asset Management for Long-term Resilience
A well-executed asset management strategy extends the lifecycle of infrastructure and equipment while optimizing budget allocation. Regular maintenance of roads, stormwater systems, and utilities helps prevent costly emergency repairs and ensures that critical assets remain in peak condition.
By staying proactive, municipalities can reduce long-term expenditures and avoid the financial strain of sudden failures. Coordinating upgrades across departments further enhances efficiency by consolidating projects and reducing redundant work.
An asset management plan provides valuable data to justify both short-term funding requests and long-term capital investments. And, a thorough asset management plan for your core infrastructure ensures that all system data and maintenance requirements are well-documented and accessible, safeguarding continuity of operations as key long-term staff members retire or transition.
3. Learning from the Success of Your Peers
The challenges that public works departments face—aging infrastructure, funding shortfalls, and climate resilience—are not unique. Many cities have successfully navigated similar hurdles and can serve as valuable case studies.
Consulting with peers for budget-maximizing ideas is always wise, and it’s equally beneficial to engage with your engineering consultant. If their firm has a national reach, they are likely to have insights from other communities and departments facing similar budgetary pressures and can offer valuable suggestions based on comparable projects.
By collaborating with your peers and engineering partner, you can leverage their broader experience to develop accurate forecasts, helping to justify cost-saving measures now rather than delaying projects with uncertain future costs.
4. Maximize Your Budget by Accessing Outside Funding
With budgets for long-term projects often shrinking without notice and climate change creating unexpected challenges, there’s a real need for department executives to look for outside funding. Funding opportunities are available through programs like the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program, which has allocated billions to various projects. Your engineering partner should create a source-and-use-of-funds matrix that focuses on matching various parts of a project with these federal and state grant and loan programs. Many grants require local matching funds but using them can stretch a tight budget to cover a big project.
5. Leveraging Staff Augmentation for Optimal Results
Staff augmentation—hiring specialized personnel on a temporary basis—offers cities a strategic way to meet project demands without committing to long-term hires. Infrastructure projects often require expertise in areas such as permitting, design reviews, and grant writing, but maintaining full-time staff for each specialized area is not always practical. By bringing in expert support when needed, you can address workload peaks without overburdening existing teams. This approach helps to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
6. Review Your Fee Structure
It pays to make sure your permit fees align with those of neighboring communities and are structured to cover your long-term costs. If a utility is paying 50 percent less for services like street cuts, right-of-way usage, and utility permits compared to another city, that’s lost revenue. You can maximize your budget by calculating your actual total costs, comparing your fee structures to your neighbors for these services, and updating your policies and pricing models.
Partner with HR Green’s Municipal Services Professionals
HR Greens’ Municipal Services’ professionals combine creativity with reliability to provide staff augmentation and multi-faceted consulting services to local governments. We provide Engineering, Public Works, Planning, and Building Departments with staff to meet the variable workloads without the normal long-term costs. Our team assists public agencies in both identifying and securing outside financial resources while helping our clients through the associated regulatory and administrative requirements.
Let’s partner together to optimize your budget and build stronger, more resilient infrastructure. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next project.
Many Illinois communities today still rely on groundwater aquifers as their primary source of drinking water. As the Chicago Metropolitan Area continues to grow, water demand is on the rise, causing water levels within the aquifers to deplete at unsustainable rates. As a result, the Cook and DuPage Counties of Illinois were forced to cease use of groundwater in the 1990’s, switching instead to Lake Michigan water. Other Illinois counties today are starting to experience the effects of groundwater depletion. In 2020, the Illinois State Water Survey published a report which indicated that numerous communities within the southwestern suburbs of Illinois are at risk of being unable to meet their drinking water demands in theupcoming decades. In response, many communities in the region are turning to Lake Michigan water as an alternative drinking water source.
Transitioning from groundwater aquifers to Lake Michigan water can be a huge undertaking. In addition to costly capital improvements, communities must secure and maintain a Lake Michigan Water Allocation permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources (IDNR/OWR). To receive an allocation, the respective community must first prepare a detailed application in which they prove that they are able to comply with the IDNR’s stringent water allocation requirements. Once the community successfully secures a permit, they must comply with the IDNR/OWR’s annual reporting requirements to maintain the allocation.
Summary of Lake Michigan Water Allocation Requirements
To secure and maintain a Lake Michigan Water Allocation permit, each community must meet the IDNR/OWR’s Part 3730 Rules. One of the most important requirements for each permittee is to maintain a non-revenue water threshold of no more than 10%. Non-revenue water (NRW) is the percentage of the community’s total water supply which the community is unable to bill due to water system losses, measurement errors, and other limitations. In other words, it is considered a loss in water supply revenue. The IDNR/OWR will only authorize a water allocation if the community is able to maintain a water revenue loss at or below 10% of total water supplied. If permittees exceed the 10% threshold, they must implement a water system improvement plan outlining strategies the community will take to meet the compliance requirements.
IDNR/OWR’s Part 3730 Rules also require implementation of several water conservation practices, including but not limited to adopting water rate structures that discourage excessive water use and adoption of water conservation ordinances. Permittees are also required to complete an annual water audit form (known as the LMO-2) using the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Free Water Audit Software and following guidelines in AWWA’s M36 Manual for Water Audits. The water audit is used to quantify the community’s annual non-revenue water percentage and must be submitted to the IDNR/OWR each year.
Key Components of a Water Allocation Application
The Lake Michigan Water Allocation Application consists of a detailed report that defends the community’s need for a water allocation and provides a technical assessment that proves the community can meet IDNR/OWR’s criteria for a water allocation. Key components of the application include but are not limited to:
A detailed description of the existing water system
Water supply and water consumption projections for the community based on anticipated population growth over a time period (typically 20 years). In Northeastern Illinois, the growth projections published by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) are typically used.
Technical data and assumptions supporting the requested water allocation estimate
A feasibility analysis and economic evaluation of other water supply source alternatives
Historic water supply and water consumption data for the community
A water audit using the AWWA’s Free Water Audit Software which meets guidelines in AWWA’s M36 Manual for Water Audits
An estimate of the community’s existing non-revenue water percentage
A proposed project schedule, including the anticipated timeline for infrastructure design and construction as well as the anticipated startup date for supplying the community with Lake Michigan water.
Existing and proposed water conservation measures
A Water System Improvement Plan and technical analysis exemplifying how the community will meet the 10% non-revenue requirement before transitioning to Lake Michigan water. The plan must include a non-revenue water percentage reduction schedule showing how the proposed water system improvements will reduce the NRW to 10% or lower. The community must show that the NRW percentage is at or below 10% before they are allowed to use the Lake Michigan water allocation.
Partner With HR Green to Secure Your Lake Michigan Water Allocation Permit
HR Green has staff specialized in preparing applications and water audits that meet the IDNR/OWR’s Lake Michigan Water Allocation requirements. Most recently, in the spring of 2023, HR Green helped a community in the southwestern suburbs of Illinois successfully secure a water allocation permit in preparation for future groundwater supply uncertainty in the region.
HR Green can assist communities with the following services:
Securing a Lake Michigan Water Allocation permit from start to finish, including gathering pertinent data, preparing the application, navigating through the Pre-Hearings with IDNR/OWR staff, and participating in the official Hearing.
Preparing the annual LMO-2 form and water audit using AWWA’s Free Water Audit Software and the AWWA M36 Manual for Water Audits.
Preparing Water System Improvement Plans to help communities reduce their non-revenue water below the 10% threshold.
Download a PDF
If you need help securing or maintaining your Lake Michigan Allocation Permit, please contact:
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program presents a transformative opportunity for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to expand connectivity across the United States. However, this opportunity hinges on the ability to scale rapidly and efficiently to meet the program’s demanding timelines and performance standards. As a broadband engineering company, we recognize the complexities involved and offer guidance to help ISPs capitalize on this pivotal moment.
Strategic network planning is the cornerstone of successful scaling. It begins with a meticulous demand analysis, pinpointing areas with the highest need and least coverage. This granular data informs future bandwidth predictions, ensuring the network can accommodate growth. Technology selection is equally crucial, favoring scalable options like fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) to align with BEAD’s high-speed requirements and future-proof the network.
ImOn Communications Boosts Broadband Access
ImOn is a local provider of fiber-based internet, data, video, and voice services in Eastern Iowa and aimed to expand beyond Cedar Rapids to increase revenues. They needed support for designing Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) in new areas and selected HR Green to design networks for 8,000 service points in Dubuque and Iowa City. They expanded to three markets, covering over 40,000 service points, with plans to overbuild these communities by 2025.
HR Green’s thorough kickoff and documentation process helped them understand ImOn’s network architecture, translating designs into effective construction documents. They developed a market deployment model using both buried and aerial construction, and created permit drawings, fiber maps, and bills of material. These deliverables mirrored ImOn’s in-house prints and integrated into marketing and OSS systems, leading to significant operational savings.
Technology Selection: Prioritize scalable FTTH for future-proof networks.
Route Optimization: Utilize GIS and simulations for efficient deployment.
Redundancy: Implement diverse fiber paths and backup power for reliability.
Rapid deployment is essential for meeting BEAD timelines, necessitating streamlined construction and deployment processes. Proactive engagement with local authorities expedites permitting, and partnering with experienced construction firms ensures timely, quality deployments. Modular construction techniques and digital tools for project management and inventory tracking further enhance efficiency.
Key Deployment Strategies
Scaling operations requires a proactive approach to network management. Deploying robust Network Monitoring and Management Systems (NMS) allows for continuous performance monitoring, while remote diagnostic tools minimize downtime. Predictive maintenance, data analytics, and empowered field technicians contribute to efficient operations.
Key Operational Optimization Points
Deploy robust Network Monitoring and Management Systems (NMS).
Implement remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance.
Empower field staff with mobile tools to access real-time data.
Automate routine tasks.
As the customer base expands, a scalable customer support infrastructure becomes vital. Offering support through multiple channels, developing a comprehensive knowledge base, and implementing a robust ticketing system ensures efficient customer service. Cloud-based call center solutions provide the necessary scalability.
Key Customer Support Strategies
Offer multi-channel support (phone, email, chat, self-service).
Develop a comprehensive knowledge base and FAQs.
Implement a robust ticketing system and CRM.
Utilize cloud-based call center solutions.
Financial planning and resource management are critical for sustainable growth. Developing detailed financial models, securing adequate funding, and implementing efficient inventory management are essential. Workforce planning and strict cost control measures aid profitability.
“BEAD represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the digital divide—but it demands precision, speed, and scalability. From planning to deployment, our broadband team delivers the engineering experience and strategic guidance needed to build resilient, future-ready broadband networks.”
-Ed Barrett – Broadband Business Unit President | HR Green
Key Financial and Resource Management Points
Develop detailed financial models and secure adequate funding.
Implement efficient inventory management.
Conduct comprehensive workforce planning.
Maintain strict cost control measures.
BEAD’s stringent compliance and reporting requirements necessitate accurate data collection, robust compliance monitoring, and comprehensive documentation. Transparency with regulators and stakeholders is paramount, as is the use of GIS-driven data to simplify reporting and compliance activities.
Key Compliance and Reporting Elements
Implement accurate data collection and reporting systems.
Establish a robust compliance monitoring program.
Maintain comprehensive documentation.
Maintain transparency with regulators and stakeholders.
Embracing emerging technologies like NFV, SDN, AI, and cloud-based solutions enhances scalability and efficiency. Considering open access network models can also accelerate broadband adoption.
Bridge the Digital Divide—Build Future-proof Broadband Networks
Scaling an ISP for BEAD requires a strategic, collaborative, and technology-driven approach. By prioritizing robust network planning, streamlined operations, and efficient resource management, ISPs can successfully navigate the BEAD program.
Ready to bridge the digital divide and build future-proof broadband networks? As a leading broadband engineering company, we are dedicated to empowering ISPs with the expertise and support they need. Contact us today to discover how our team can help you achieve your goals and create a connected future for all.
At HR Green, we recognize that mentorship is a vital element of professional growth, especially in the dynamic field of civil engineering. Mentorship goes beyond technical expertise; it’s about fostering personal growth, building communication skills, and helping employees navigate their careers with confidence. As part of our commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers, we’re proud to highlight the strength of civil engineering mentorship at HR Green.
Mentorship and Growth at Every Stage of Your Career
Mentorship is at the heart of HR Green’s culture, supporting employees at every stage of their careers—from internships to senior-level roles.
Empowering Continuous Growth: Whether you’re an intern, a new employee, or a seasoned professional, HR Green offers guidance, resources, and opportunities to help you achieve your career goals.
Diverse Opportunities: With services spanning water resources, transportation, land development, environmental services, and more, our team members have the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines.
Flexibility Across Locations: Our nationwide presence allows employees to experience new challenges, change focus, or relocate to different offices to further their careers.
Local Community Job Shadow
Job shadowing at HR Green offers students in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience by observing and working alongside industry professionals on real-world projects. Participants gain valuable insight into daily operations and project management. This immersive experience helps aspiring engineers build practical skills and develop professional relationships as they explore potential career paths.
Civil Engineering Internship Experience at HR Green
Our internship program is a vital part of our talent development strategy, offering aspiring engineers hands-on experience in a dynamic, professional setting. Interns contribute to meaningful projects across multiple engineering disciplines, gaining insights into their career interests. They work alongside experienced professionals who provide mentorship, guidance, and career advice, all within an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
From fieldwork to office-based roles, interns gain exposure to the full spectrum of engineering. One intern shared, “The variety of work was incredible. I worked on nine different types of projects during my internship, which helped me figure out exactly what I want to pursue in my career.”
We understand that internships are essential for an engineer’s career development, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where potential is nurtured, and passion thrives.
Meet Us at Your Upcoming Career Fair!
As the spring semester begins, HR Green is excited to meet future engineers and connect with students at upcoming career fairs and professional development events. Whether you’re looking for an internship or exploring career opportunities, we want to learn about your goals and share insights about the civil engineering industry.
Check our career fair schedule to see if we’ll be visiting your campus. We look forward to meeting you and helping you take the next step in your career journey!
Our Mentoring Circles initiative creates meaningful connections between experienced mentors and the next generation of engineers. This program creates a collaborative, supportive environment where both mentors and mentees can share knowledge, insights, and diverse perspectives.
The Mentoring Circles program connects one mentor with a group of 4-5 mentees in bi-monthly meetings, allowing for personalized coaching and guidance. These discussions cover a wide range of topics, including career development, communication skills, and understanding company culture. The program rotates annually, enabling participants to build relationships across different departments and learn from a variety of experiences.
Professional Development at HR Green: Supporting Your Growth Every Step of the Way
We’re committed to your continuous growth and development. Our professional development programs provide the resources and opportunities to help you succeed:
Green University: Access over 1,000 e-courses covering technical skills, project management, and professional development.
Grow with Green: Career coaching and individualized planning help you reach your career goals.
Foundations Program: This two-day workshop introduces you to the company’s culture and internal operations.
Project Manager Academy: Gain essential project management skills to lead successful projects.
Business Development Academy: Enhance client relationships and communication skills to become a trusted advisor.
Leadership Academy: Develop leadership capabilities to drive change and foster effective relationships.
Licensure/Certification Reimbursement & Bonus: Receive financial support for obtaining professional certifications, plus a bonus upon completion.
Tuition Assistance & Membership Reimbursement: Get financial support for continuing education and professional memberships.
Want to learn more? See more information on how HR Green supports your professional development.
Join the HR Green Team
At HR Green, we believe that mentorship and professional development are the cornerstones of a fulfilling career. If you’re ready to grow, collaborate, and make an impact, we invite you to explore the opportunities available at HR Green.
Ultraviolet (UV) systems are an effective technology used at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to disinfect wastewater to meet and exceed permit limits for E. Coli, Enterococci, and similar disinfection requirements. UV disinfection offers several benefits, including the elimination of chemical handling and a smaller footprint. However, selecting and sizing UV systems for each application is critical and must be done based on regulatory requirements, client preferences, and site-specific factors. There are multiple ways to design and procure a UV disinfection system, each with specific advantages and disadvantages based on the requirements of the project.
In this article, we explore key considerations in designing and selecting UV disinfection systems for wastewater treatment, including:
The basics of UV disinfection theory
An overview of UV system components
Project-specific criteria to consider
How to perform an alternative analysis to preselect UV systems
Considerations for procurement (e.g., two competing designs or preselection)
Sizing UV Disinfection Systems
UV systems are sized to meet a certain Reduction Equivalent Dose (RED) for each project to deactivate microorganisms and disinfect wastewater. The dose needed to disinfect the wastewater sample is reduced using two reduction factors (typically one for quartz sleeve fouling and one for end of lamp life) to determine the RED used for design. The RED and the UV system sizing can be influenced by many interconnecting factors, including bioassay validation (third-party validation of UV system models), UV transmittance (i.e. pre-UV influent wastewater quality), desired log inactivation effectiveness and effluent permit requirements, and the dosage reduction factors.
Designing Open Channel UV Disinfection Systems
UV systems are either open channel systems or closed vessel systems. This article is specific to open channel systems. There are a variety of open channel UV disinfection system makes and models but most of them have the following common basic components: UV lamps and Quartz Sleeves, UV banks/modules, Ballast/drivers, cleaning systems, lifting mechanism, level control device, sensors, SCADA/control panels, and influent flow conditioner plates.
The design and selection of UV system is highly specific to the unique characteristics of each site, project goals, and client/operator preferences.
Key factors to consider include:
Site conditions (greenfield vs. rehabilitation)
Process design criteria (upstream treatment and permit effluent limits)
Redundancy needs
Channel geometry
WWTP hydraulics and level control requirements
Available space for associated lifting, electrical, and controls equipment
Additionally, local service availability ensures reliable maintenance and is a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. Finally, owner and operator preferences significantly influence the selection process. All of these factors influence project capital costs and operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses, with lifecycle costs typically governing the selection of a UV system.
Designs and products on the market for open channel UV disinfection technology vary significantly between manufacturers, and these differences extend past manufacturers selection and impact other aspects of design, such as channel geometry, hydraulics, electrical requirements, cleaning and lifting mechanisms, and other site layout considerations as well as the O&M of the system.
Click and drag the image above to view the 360-image.
Selecting and Procuring UV Disinfection Systems
Given the lack of “swappable equipment characteristics”, there are two common approaches to selecting and procuring UV disinfection systems. The first approach – allowing multiple manufacturers to compete during the bid phase which may lead to the need for separate designs for each manufacturer. Approach two – selecting a manufacturer through a preselection process or predesign engineering alternative analysis. Following are the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches:
Approach 1: Allowing Multiple Manufacturers to Compete during Bid Phase
Advantages:
Cost Competition: Encourages competitive pricing on bid day for a traditional design-bid-built project, potentially lowering overall project costs.
Diverse Options: Provides a wider range of technologies and designs to choose from, which may lead to innovative project specific solutions.
Flexibility: Allows for adjustments based on the best available technology and market conditions (lead times, contractor preferences, etc.).
Disadvantages:
Design Complexity: May require separate designs for each manufacturer, complicating the overall system integration. This generally results in increased engineering effort and design fees.
Increased Time: Lengthens the bidding, evaluation, and construction submittal review processes, as each proposal needs thorough review.
Potential for Confusion: Different design approaches can lead to inconsistencies and challenges in coordination. As well contractors’ bids are not apples to apples comparison if contractors choose different UV systems.
Approach 2: Preselecting a Manufacturer via Alternative Analysis
Advantages:
Systematic approach: Allows competition and comparison between manufacturers against the established project criteria, often using qualitative and quantitative measures. Making selection for the most suitable project specific option based on the alternative analysis.
Streamlined Design: Facilitates a cohesive design process tailored to a specific manufacturer’s technology, enhancing integration.
Faster Implementation: Reduces the time spent on bidding and submittal review process, generally allowing for quicker project execution.
Clearer Expectations: Simplifies communication and alignment between the project team, the selected manufacturer, and the Contractor.
Disadvantages:
Limited Bid-Day Competition: Generally, this approach reduces the competitive bidding environment, potentially leading to higher costs if equipment is not preselected.
Dependency on One Manufacturer: Creates a reliance on a single manufacturer, which could pose risks if issues arise with their technology or personnel support.
Inflexibility to Change: If project requirements evolve, it may be challenging to adapt when bound to a single manufacturer’s solutions.
Optimizing UV System Selection for Effective Wastewater Disinfection
UV disinfection systems play a vital role in helping wastewater treatment plants meet stringent regulatory standards for pathogen removal. Selecting the right system requires careful consideration of site-specific factors, project goals, and operator preferences, as these choices significantly impact capital and operational costs. Both procurement approaches—allowing multiple manufacturers to compete or preselecting a single manufacturer—come with their own advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed against project requirements. Ultimately, a thorough understanding of UV disinfection theory and system components is essential for making informed decisions. By optimizing the selection process, WWTPs can enhance disinfection efficiency while maintaining compliance and minimizing lifecycle costs.
Partner with HR Green’s Water Team to implement innovative wastewater treatment solutions. HR Green works with municipalities and utilities to design, construct, and implement wastewater treatment engineering solutions. Whether you’re looking to upgrade existing facilities or develop new facility designs, our proactive approach includes energy-saving initiatives that strategically invest dollars into upgrades, helping your facilities meet service and permit needs for the future. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next project.
