The NEWSLETTER this month pertains to comments that we are encountering from developers concerning the limited available area for STORMWATER DETENTION in their commercial developments. With the implementation of Phase II Stormwater Program (NPDES) by EPA, the requirements have become even MORE STRINGENT for the management and control of the proposed runoff.

McSteen and Associates have been working with specialized subsurface contractors to address this concern and we are utilizing specific software that McSteen & Associates possesses which aid in the design of subsurface piping systems. Specifically, this software can develop inflow hydrographs, stage storage and discharge relationships, route the inflow hydrograph, design the release structure and compute the outflow hydrograph and display the data in an easy to follow format to SATISFY municipality and EPA REQUIREMENTS and get the necessary approvals or permits on the first submittal.

In many cases, above ground ponds create potential health and safety hazards, involve costly perimeter fences and take up space that the developer would like to utilize for building square feet, support parking and increased attractive landscaping. Normally pipes used for detention can also be used to transport the storm water flow therefore making it very economical to install subsurface detention compared to the traditional detention ponds.

Over the years, McSteen & Associates have established a relationship with the local approving agencies for clear, concise, detention reports utilizing the latest computerized drainage programs, assuring timely approvals.

You can count on McSteen and Associates, a second-generation multi-faceted family business that has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1970. The management team consists of Terry Feller, President and Registered Professional Engineer and Surveyor, Tim Feller, Vice President and Registered Professional Surveyor and Debbie Feller CFO and Certified Public Accountant.

Currently 50 employees and offices in Cuyahoga, Lake, Summit, and Franklin counties will handle your surveying and engineering needs. Local knowledge of the area municipalities ensures timely completion of your project.

Whether your needs are Mortgage Location and Boundary Surveys, Commercial and Industrial Surveys or complete Engineering Design we are well staffed to provide the professional product you need. Each project will receive the personal service associated with working with a well-established family owned and operated business.

Joke of the month:
A newly hired employee fresh out of school came back to the company engineering office after meeting with the local City Engineer. They had just finished discussing plans that were submitted for a new commercial center. The new engineer had done his best to understand the review comments and took extensive notes. He felt he would need to address as many comments he could before the weekly project meeting with his supervisor so he dove into his notes with vigor.

At the end of the week in the project meeting the new engineer went over the City comments with his supervisor, addressing each with his solution and out-lining steps needed to implement them. Finally, he told his superior that all the comments had been addressed. After the meeting his supervisor asked if the young engineer was nervous because he noticed the young engineer had drank three glasses of water during his presentation. The young engineer replied he was just trying to satisfy the comment by the City, circled on the Grading Plan.

The supervisor rolled open the plans to the grading plan and read the note circled. "You need more water retention."

Web Site Link of the Month: Aerial views of sites in the U.S. with and without contours.