Rich Millet is a seasoned water resources and dam engineering leader with six decades of experience guiding major infrastructure projects across the United States. Early in his career, he played a central role in dam, surface water and reservoir development along the East Coast before becoming one of the principal design engineers for Metropolitan Water District’s Diamond Valley Reservoir. This is a landmark $2-billion off-stream storage project that transformed an empty valley into a fully operational reservoir in under five years and established critical water supply redundancy for Southern California.

Rich later led the California Department of Water Resources’ Urban and Non-Urban Levee Evaluation Program, a nine-year forensic assessment of roughly 1,300 miles of levees throughout Central Valley, California. The effort produced a comprehensive risk categorization system and helped spur nearly $4 billion in subsequent levee improvements, significantly reducing statewide flood risk to population and infrastructure. Over his long tenure with ArchTam and its legacy firms, Rich has also held senior leadership roles, including principal, Bay Area office manager, Denver office manager, Board of Directors member, and Chief Practice Officer before transitioning into his current role as a senior consultant. Today he mentors and advises staff across multiple active water and dam related projects, providing senior technical review, guidance and support. This February, he celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 60 years with ArchTam.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I was always good at math and science, and as I was finishing high school, I found myself torn between two very different paths. I had a physical education teacher in grammar school who made a great impression on me, and for a while I thought becoming a gym teacher would be a meaningful and rewarding career. I’ve always been athletic, so the idea of working with kids and staying active really appealed to me.

At the same time, my brother-in-law was a civil engineer, and I was drawn to the idea of working outdoors and not being tied to a desk. I ended up choosing engineering, probably with a little encouragement from my parents, and went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which is a strong engineering school in Troy, New York. During my time there, I joined ROTC, was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and spent two years at the Army Engineer School at Fort Belvoir teaching basic engineering courses.

After completing my service, I knew I wanted to focus on geotechnical engineering rather than structural or transportation work. That led me to Woodward Clyde, which was one of the top geotechnical firms in the country at the time. I applied and was hired into the New York–New Jersey operations. From there, my water resources career really took off.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

My favorite ArchTam project is definitely Urban Levee Evaluation (ULE) and Non-Urban Levee Evaluation (NULE). The project was a nine-year effort, and the sheer scale was incredible. At any given time, we had about twenty to twenty-five inhouse staff working on the project, supported by four or five primary consulting firms and another twenty or so secondary firms, including environmental support teams, surveyors, labs and drilling companies. It really had everything in it, and it was extremely rewarding. One of the biggest accomplishments on this project was developing resources and databases that are still used today. We prepared a handbook for the state that continues to guide consultants working on levee projects in California and beyond. We also created a cost estimating tool, a simplified design flow chart for remediation, and a suite of technical and resource documents that have had long-lasting value. Knowing that these tools are still in use is something I’m very proud of.

Over 60 years, I’ve had the chance to work on a lot of great projects, but this one stands out not just because it was recent, but because of how immersive and complex it was. Nine years is a long time to be involved in a single effort. At times, it felt like a complex balancing act, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Tell us about your work with cutoff walls and how that became your area of expertise.

I first became involved with cutoff walls in the early 1970s when the technology was still very new. A former Woodward Clyde principal introduced the concept to me. At the time, we had a client building a series of reservoirs that needed a reliable way to control seepage beneath their dams. The idea of creating a vertical, low permeability barrier in the ground to block water flow was innovative for that period, and I was immediately intrigued. We designed and constructed our first cutoff wall for one of their smaller dams, and its success led to several more dams and cutoff wall systems being constructed for that same client. That early exposure put me at the forefront of the technology long before it became commonplace. Over the years, I have authored award-winning technical papers and helped shape technical specifications that are still referenced now. To date, I have participated in over 50 cutoff wall projects with depths reaching 145 feet.

Since then, cutoff walls have remained a consistent and specialized part of my career, particularly for dams and levees where seepage control is critical to public safety. I often get called to support teams across ArchTam on technical decisions, design approaches and constructability questions. I also serve on two national technical panels through the Deep Foundations Institute and the United States Committee on Large Dams, helping advance best practices for soil bentonite and related wall systems. Today, I continue to work on major cutoff wall projects, including deep installations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Natomas Basin near Sacramento. After more than fifty years in this field, cutoff walls have become one of the areas where I bring deep, practical experience — especially valuable for complex dam projects where seepage control is fundamental to performance and long-term resilience.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

When I think about how my work has positively impacted the community, I go back to the ULE and NULE programs. The work we did there significantly enhanced public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure in Northern California. Since we completed our evaluations and the resulting remedial construction work, the region has experienced several major storm events, and those levees have performed well. In many ways, the biggest success is that nothing happened. The improvements held, and communities were protected. That is extremely rewarding.

Another major project that stands out is the Diamond Valley Reservoir for the Metropolitan Water District. That reservoir provides almost a year’s water supply for Southern California and was designed with the recognition that much of the region’s water comes from Northern California. If an earthquake disrupted that flow, Southern California could have been in a very difficult position. By creating this massive off-stream storage system, supported by three major dams, the Diamond Valley project helped ensure a more secure and resilient water supply for millions of people. All the water in that reservoir is pumped in from the California and Colorado River Aqueducts, so it serves as a critical buffer for the entire region.

There often isn’t recognition for this type of work because the best outcome is when the public doesn’t notice anything at all, and the systems perform exactly the way they’re supposed to. That’s certainly true for both the levee program and the Diamond Valley Reservoir. The results speak for themselves: communities are safer, flooding risks have been reduced and Southern California now has a far more reliable water supply. Knowing that these efforts have strengthened resilience and protected people’s lives and infrastructure is the real reward.

Share a piece of career advice.

I’ve always believed that communication is the key to being a successful consulting engineer. Our work depends on explaining technical recommendations clearly so clients understand what needs to be done and why. If you can’t communicate — whether in writing or in person — it’s very hard to be effective because even the best technical work won’t go anywhere if others can’t follow it.

Today, with so much analysis done on computers and with AI, strong communication skills are more valuable than ever. When engineers learn to speak and write clearly, they can share their ideas with confidence, build trust with clients and take on greater responsibility. Being able to stand in front of a client or community group and explain your work opens doors, and it’s one of the most important capabilities you can develop for a successful and rewarding career.

Header image photo credit: Central Valley Flood Protection Board

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Ken Myers has built a nearly five-decade career dedicated to federal water infrastructure, dam safety and flood risk management — spending more than 20 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District and over 30 years supporting major civil works programs in the private sector. After graduating from Chico State University in 1978, he joined USACE through its two-year Junior Engineer Training rotational program. His early assignment as a construction inspector on the New Melones Dam — completed while he was onsite — sparked a long-term commitment to complex dam and flood control projects. Upon completing his rotations, Ken landed in the District’s Levees and Channels Section, where he spent many years advancing urban flood protection work and gaining deep knowledge of the federal project development and delivery process.

After more than two decades of federal service, Ken transitioned to the private sector, where he continued to support USACE and its non-federal partners across California. Over the past 14 years with ArchTam, he has remained closely aligned with the USACE Sacramento District, working with regional flood agencies and joint power authorities to deliver major dam, levee and flood system improvements. In his current role, Ken helps guide ArchTam’s partnership with USACE and advance critical water infrastructure programs that protect communities and support long-term resilience.

Tell us about what inspired your career in dams.

I attribute my interest in dams and flood control to my dad during my childhood, even though he likely had no idea he was influencing my future career path. When I was growing up in the 60s, a large dam was being built on the Feather River, not far from the small agricultural town where I was raised. My dad used to take us up to the overlook where you could see the dam under construction. It seemed like we went there every single weekend, and I remember seeing it slowly rise and take shape, bit by bit.

That river had flooded the year I was born, in 1955, and the Oroville Dam eventually alleviated a lot of that threat. Before the dam was fully completed in 1970, there were still moments when high river stages created real concern. I remember one Christmas when I was about seven or eight, the Feather River was running so high it was almost up to a bridge crossing in town. Even though the Oroville Dam wasn’t fully functional yet, there was enough of the embankment built to help buffer that flood risk. Our family left home for a few days because of the threat, and when we returned, we discovered that my dad and grandfather had moved things up off the floor — including the big console TV — to try to floodproof the house. Looking back, I had no idea how much all of that was sinking in. When you are a kid, it is not a conscious thought that you are going to become a civil engineer because of dams and flood control projects. But looking back, I’m sure those experiences shaped me — even if I didn’t realize it at the time.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects at ArchTam has been the Folsom Dam Raise. The goal is to raise the perimeter of the reservoir by six and a half feet. Folsom has the main concrete dam with the spillways and tainter gates, but then around the perimeter there are these low spots, including embankment wing dams, eight earthen saddle dams, and the mile-long Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD). ArchTam was awarded the work on Dikes 7 and 8 and MIAD, and we have been working on this project for about seven years now.

At the project kickoff, USACE let us know they wanted Dike 8 completed on an accelerated schedule, and we worked closely with them to make that happen. As we continued with the designs for Dike 7 and MIAD, project priorities evolved, and we supported USACE through an alternatives analysis to determine the best approach moving forward. Originally everything was going to be a full earthen raise, but through that process the decision was made to go with parapet walls on top of several of the embankments instead. That meant reworking some of the designs, including Dike 7 from final design and MIAD from about 65 percent, but it was the right solution for the project.

Construction of the MIAD raise has just been completed, with Dike 7 construction planned to follow. It has been a complex, multi-year effort with changing needs and fast-track milestones, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Working side by side with USACE, adapting as the project developed, and helping move a major flood risk management project forward has made this one especially meaningful for me.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the communities in California.

A lot of the work I am most proud of has been in the Sacramento region and up through the Yuba City/Marysville area. These are places where communities were directly affected by flood risk, to the point where flood moratoriums were put in place. One example is the Natomas area, just north of downtown Sacramento. At one point, no new development was allowed, and it was very difficult for people to get flood insurance. Through the flood improvement work in Natomas, and in the Yuba River Basin as well, we were able to help demonstrate adequate progress to FEMA. There is a whole process behind that, but once the region met those requirements, the moratorium was lifted and you could start to see infill development return.

This flood protection development made a real difference for people living there. I live in a floodplain myself, and because of the work that local flood agencies have done in partnership with USACE, I believe the risk of flooding has been reduced. I still carry flood insurance, but at a much more affordable, preferred risk rate. Without these improvements, my insurance bill would be sky high. Knowing that our work has helped lower that burden for entire communities — and reduced their flood risk at the same time — is something I feel really good about.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to make sure you become technically proficient in your field. A strong technical foundation really does carry you through your career. When I first started doing design work, I was drawing on mylar with a T-square and calculating quantities with a planimeter. Now technology is completely different, from digital design tools to modern surveying equipment, and it continues to evolve. It has been remarkable to see how much things have changed and how much more precise the work has become. Building solid technical skills early on will help you adapt to those changes and set you up for long-term success.

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By immersing participants in United States Coast Guard operations through hands-on demonstrations and focused discussions, the program creates an unmatched opportunity to understand the Service’s 11 statutory missions and explore new ways to support them. For ArchTam, participating is both an honor and a responsibility: a chance to listen, learn, and apply decades of expertise to help the Coast Guard execute its mission with agility and confidence.

Immersive learning: Experiencing the United States Coast Guard mission up close

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is designed to embed industry leaders with the Coast Guard across multiple missions and locations. Through interactive sessions and site visits, participants gain firsthand insight into the Coast Guard’s operational challenges and priorities. Now on its fourth cohort, we have participated in the Industry Academy since the program’s inception, sending one representative annually.

Beth Kalapos, ArchTam vice president and federal program leader, who has managed DHS’s Nationwide A/E Services IDIQ for 20 years and led numerous Coast Guard projects, shared her perspective:

Each cohort experiences a series of visits to Coast Guard facilities across the country. During his participation in the third cohort, Nathan Carte, environmental scientist, traveled to multiple locations, including Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC, TRACEN Cape May, Coast Guard Yard, Station South Padre Island, Base San Juan, Base Kodiak in Alaska and Base Seattle. These visits offered a firsthand look at the Coast Guard’s diverse missions — from drug interdiction and ports, waterways, and coastal security to search and rescue and protection of living marine resources.

Brendan Grady, project manager and a participant in the Industry Academy’s second cohort, experienced that same mission diversity firsthand. From donning a Gumby suit and jumping into the water at Base Seattle, to observing a helicopter-based search and rescue exercise in Miami, to tactical water training aboard an 87-foot patrol boat, the program offered immersive exposure to the breadth of Coast Guard operations.

A gathering of industry leaders

A hallmark of the Industry Academy is the diverse mix of participating organizations. Leaders from technology, engineering and security sectors work side by side, sharing perspectives and identifying ways to support the Coast Guard more effectively.

Beth reflected on the value of these interactions:

Brendan echoed this sentiment, noting the unusually broad range of industries and people represented — from A/E firms and wireless technology providers to retired military personnel and even public relations professionals.

Looking ahead: Shared commitment to mission readiness

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is more than a training program. It is a forum for shared commitment, where industry partners learn directly from the Coast Guard and identify new ways to contribute meaningful solutions.

For our participants, it deepens our understanding of Coast Guard operations, strengthens relationships and supports our mission to help federal partners operate with confidence.

We are proud to stand with the Coast Guard and fellow partners, bringing the curiosity to learn and the capability to integrate solutions that strengthen security, resilience and mission success.

Header image photo credit: Nathan Carte

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That’s why Erika’s recent move into the role of Lead Service Line Leader for the U.S. West comes at such a pivotal time. In this position, she helps teams and clients navigate complex regulations, leads monthly meetings with a team of ArchTam experts and brings together professionals from across the country to share resources and lessons learned. In doing so, she enables the rapid deployment of best practices across the lead service line replacement projects we deliver with our utility partners.

Collaboration is at the heart of her work and attending the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Quality Technology Conference in November 2025 offered the perfect opportunity to learn, connect and bring fresh insights back to her team.

Why I attended Water Quality Technology Conference (WQTC)

I first attended WQTC in 2022, when I presented on the lead service line investigations we were conducting on behalf of Denver Water. It was exciting to share our approach and even more rewarding to see how much interest utilities showed in the discussion. For the 2025 event, my focus was different. With my new role, I wanted to gain perspectives on industry practices for lead pipe replacement and apply those learnings internally. Networking with peers and hearing about emerging trends was my priority.

What stood out most

The sessions were packed with insights. Here are a few that really stuck with me:

1. Innovation in lead service line identification
   U.S. regulations require utilities to replace lead service lines by 2037. First, they need to know what their pipes are made of. I saw technologies such as X-ray fluorescence that can identify pipe materials without the need to dig up people’s front yards. That’s huge for utilities trying to work efficiently and minimize disruption.
2. PFAS
   PFAS was a major topic, with utilities exploring treatment options to meet strict standards. The regulatory pressure is real, and it’s driving innovation across the industry. For example, treatment technologies are looking to enhance traditional adsorption through novel media that better withstands background organics, or through powdered forms applied in controlled reaction tanks and recovered via membranes, filters or similar processes. There are also advancements underway with the scaling up of foam fractionation processes to separate PFAS from the water column in complicated liquid streams. This approach creates a low‑volume, PFAS‑rich foamate needing little pretreatment, making it well‑suited for use with emerging destruction technologies.
3. Wildfire impacts on water quality
   Living in Colorado, this hit close to home. Ash and chemicals from wildfires can enter raw water reservoirs, overwhelming treatment plants. Some projects are piloting ways to treat ash from recent fires to prepare for future events.

A keynote that inspired me

One of the most inspiring talks came from a NASA engineer who designed the International Space Station’s water treatment system, capable of recovering 98 percent of urine into drinking water. It was a powerful reminder that innovation starts by questioning what we take for granted — like the role of gravity in water treatment and reimagining solutions for environments where those basic assumptions no longer apply. Beyond the technical talks, I enjoyed hearing how challenges vary across regions. In Denver for example, customers have embraced lead service line replacements thanks in part to strong community engagement and an education program that builds trust and understanding. However, distrust of local government makes it harder. Small and rural utilities face different hurdles, like not having GIS systems, which makes it harder to locate service lines, plan replacements efficiently, and meet regulatory reporting requirements. Those conversations were eye-opening and gave me a broader perspective of the challenge.

How it helped me grow

Attending WQTC was as much about learning as it was about connecting. Talking to people outside Colorado and hearing what everyone else is doing helps me grow professionally. Meeting AWWA folks who work on the regulatory front in Washington, D.C. was fascinating too. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the policy side of what we do. I’m also excited to be part of the AWWA Distribution System Water Quality Committees to help with the young professional activities and initiatives for the upcoming year. We’re working to get more young professionals involved, encourage abstract submissions for future conferences, and create opportunities for growth. Building the next generation of water leaders is something I’m passionate about.

Looking ahead

As I step into this new role, my focus is clear: collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing. Every utility faces unique challenges, but we all have the same goal — to provide safe, reliable drinking water. WQTC reminded me how important it is to keep learning and connecting.

If you’d like to share your experiences with lead service line replacement or water quality challenges, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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Born and raised on a farm in southwestern Saskatchewan, Ryan King studied civil engineering technology at Lethbridge College before returning to Saskatchewan to stay close to his family. After an early role with the City of Saskatoon on a term contract, he eventually joined UMA Engineering, a legacy company of ArchTam, and has been with us for 25 years and counting.

Ryan has extensive experience in preliminary design, detailed design and construction services for water and wastewater facilities, site grading, stormwater management, water and sanitary sewer servicing and road work. He was previously ArchTam Canada’s conveyance market sector lead and has recently moved into a role as lead of the North & Indigenous market sector. In this role, he will focus on delivering practical solutions and strong project outcomes across Northern communities. He has strong, long-standing relationships with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Lac La Ronge Indian Band and the City of Yellowknife, to name a few.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Right out of high school, I worked for several construction companies on large commercial and institutional projects. I would observe the engineer or architect come to the site to check on their design and on the work we were doing. To have the responsibility and freedom to take a design from concept to reality really intrigued me and led me to consulting engineering.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

I want to say most of my projects hold special meaning. However, my favourite project is probably the Saskatchewan Landing Regional Water Project (SLRWPU) where I was the project manager and project engineer. This project brought a reliable and sustainable potable water system to a vast area of west-central Saskatchewan.

The project was with one of our longest-standing clients in the Town of Rosetown — a partnership that made us truly excited to pursue this work. I still remember meeting with the water utility in its earliest days, before they had even issued an engineering request for proposals, and being part of the journey all the way through to celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the project’s completion.

Over seven years, we delivered a transformative solution: two water treatment plants, five booster stations and reservoirs, and 700 kilometers (435 miles) of transmission and distribution pipeline. The impact on the community was profound and lasting. We’re incredibly proud to have helped SLRWPU achieve its vision and complete a project that continues to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Our work always aims to make a difference in communities, but one partnership truly stands out. Over the past 25 years, my projects with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) feel the most impactful. The infrastructure we’ve delivered across multiple PBCN communities have real lasting benefits to remote northern areas — from providing safe drinking water to creating new subdivisions or housing. These improvements have profoundly impacted the quality of life for the residents, and the opportunity to contribute to that transformation remains deeply rewarding to me personally.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to enjoy the journey. I never set out to reach different roles or responsibilities within our firm. I focused on being the best consulting engineer I could be — providing sound advice and exceptional service to my clients, listening carefully and responding to their needs, especially those of our long-term clients.

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Vinoth Manoharan has 19 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure, including 12 years leading major initiatives from our Houston office. He specializes in the planning, design and delivery of complex water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations across Texas, with a strong track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and navigating regulatory and funding challenges. Vinoth also leads our water and wastewater treatment team in Houston, partnering with offices across the country to deliver resilient, community-centered solutions.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up and seeing the effects of untreated water on public health and safety motivated me to become a water and wastewater engineer. I carried that motivation into my education, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and then a master’s degree in environmental engineering, where I focused specifically on water and wastewater treatment. That path shaped my entire career and continues to drive my commitment to preserving water resources for all.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

My favorite project is the 360-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) City of Houston East Water Purification Plant. It was the first project I was assigned to when I joined ArchTam and I’ve been involved in various aspects of its design and improvements ever since.

The project began with a Sustainability Evaluation Study to assess and recommend strategies for long-term plant sustainability. Over more than a decade, it has evolved into a series of impactful improvements that have strengthened the facility and its operations. Throughout this time, I have built strong relationships with the operations and maintenance staff, and the engineering team — everyone who keeps it running. Being responsive and accountable to the client has been key, and it’s rewarding to know that our work is helping Houstonians access safe, clean drinking water.

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, our team’s foresight and preparation ensured the East Water Purification Plant stayed operational, keeping safe water flowing to millions despite record-breaking rainfall. Planning ahead for vulnerabilities and implementing critical improvements made all the difference. Most recently, we completed a condition assessment of the plant facilities and developed a facility master plan to address deficiencies and create a blueprint for future capacity expansion. A recommendation was made to decommission Plants 1 and 2 to make way for a more resilient treatment facility. This recommendation will provide long-term reliability and redundancy with a focus on producing clean and safe drinking water sustainably.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I’m working on three different projects for the City of Port Lavaca, a historically underserved community. One of the key initiatives involves expanding their wastewater treatment plant, significantly improving infrastructure to support future growth and environmental resilience. The challenge was that they didn’t have the financial capability to fund the expansion.

We explored different grant options, but they didn’t qualify for any at the time. After extensive research into alternatives, we were able to secure a loan for them through the Texas Water Development Board. We applied on their behalf and successfully obtained funding, which will reduce impact and help the city and its residents move forward.

It felt rewarding to be involved from the very beginning, helping build the project all the way through and truly making a difference for the community.

Share a piece of career advice.

Starting your engineering career strong is essential. Early on, focus on earning the trust of senior colleagues and clients by consistently showing initiative and accountability. Demonstrating a willingness to take ownership not only builds credibility — it sets the foundation for long-term career growth.

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Nik Carlson is a principal economist based in Oakland, California with several decades of experience performing economic and financial analyses for a wide range of water, wastewater, renewable energy, transportation and natural resource infrastructure projects across the United States. Nik routinely supports project planning for our clients’ large infrastructure projects. His analysis of economic benefits provides the basis for better decision making, including the evaluation of project alternatives and justification to secure project funding. His expertise in feasibility, benefit-cost, environmental justice and impact analysis help achieve more beneficial, equitable and sustainable long-term project outcomes. Nik’s experience has ranged from supporting multi-billion water/wastewater programs, public-private concession evaluations for the National Park Service, providing grant funding assistance to cities and successful water-right litigation settlements for small tribal governments in rural Montana and Oklahoma. As a certified ENVISION Sustainability Professional, Nik led the sustainability analysis and application that contributed to the US 101 Managed Lanes project receiving a Silver award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

During my gap year before university, I worked for a grassroots environmental group in Massachusetts as a community organizer and door-to-door fundraiser. Our leading issue was advocating and organizing for the clean-up of groundwater pollution from a neighboring military base. I saw firsthand both the environmental effects and the bureaucratic challenges in addressing complex and sensitive issues. But more importantly, working with local residents and public officials showed me the vital and effective role that informed public engagement, stakeholder commitment and collaboration can contribute to achieving effective environmental solutions. This formative experience encouraged me to earn a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government where I gained the analytical skills and tools I needed for a career as an environmental economics practitioner.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

Over the last 14 years, I have been involved in planning and development of Sites Reservoir in Northern California. Once completed, it will be California’s largest new reservoir project in over 50 years and will provide off-stream storage of up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water — enough to serve 7.5 million people. The project is an ambitious and expensive collaboration between the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the State of California, and more than 20 regional water agencies. It has been an interesting, challenging and personally rewarding experience supporting the project’s evolution from initial conceptual alternatives to its forthcoming project delivery during a period of shifting political contexts, regulatory requirements and evolving future water demand and availability projections.

As a complex and multi-benefit water project, there is a multitude of interrelated resource and operational issues. Determining the project’s lifecycle costs and benefits has been an important component of the work. My work also included the analysis to identify the most beneficial approach to water management for urban water demand, agricultural, ecosystem, recreation, flood protection, water quality, emergency supply and hydropower generation. My analysis has supported the evaluation and selection of project alternatives, justified over US$1 billion in federal and state funding, and assisted sensitive negotiations between agency partners to secure public benefits. As a result, this project has greatly expanded both my understanding and ability to perform comprehensive and rigorous economic feasibility evaluations.   

One of the most rewarding achievements was helping the Sites Authority apply and advocate for state funding. This effort required intensive collaboration with the team’s hydrologists, engineers, cost estimators and environmental experts to quantify and document the reservoir’s expected long-term performance.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community

I recently helped the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMVA) in Reno, Nevada win US$30 million in federal grant funding for its groundbreaking wastewater reuse project. This ambitious initiative will convey wastewater from the City of Reno to the City of Sparks for advanced treatment and groundwater replenishment to provide critical benefits to the entire watershed. The project not only increases dry-year water supplies for Sparks’s residents and businesses — it is also a forward-thinking solution that allows the neighboring City of Reno to avoid a costly expansion of its wastewater facility. The recycled wastewater supply is not only vital for supporting the City of Sparks’ future growth and economic development but also important for maintaining local agricultural use and protecting the Truckee River’s ecosystem. By addressing both water scarcity and infrastructure challenges, TVMA is taking a major step towards more sustainable watershed management that also ensures a more reliable and resilient future water supply and wastewater service for the region’s residents and businesses.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to try daily to maintain a growth mindset as best you can. Try to stay curious, open and flexible to new ideas and opportunities. Embrace continuous learning, challenges and occasional mistakes. Actively collaborate and learn from your colleagues. A growth mindset approach will not only help your personal growth and make your professional life more rewarding but can also keep you more youthful and engaged in your day-to-day tasks and relationships. It can also enable you to better collaborate and contribute to innovative problem solving to improve the world around us.

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Laurie Langford, Technical Director – Water, reflects on how cross-sector experience can help water utilities deliver smarter, more resilient outcomes.

Leading Melbourne’s most digitally advanced transport initiative: M80 Ring Road

The M80 Ring Road upgrade stands out as a career-defining chapter. It followed a secondment leading a digital transformation program, so not only was it a technically complex project with multi-agency coordination and strong community expectations, it required further expansion of my skill set during that time.

In that digital design leadership role, I helped guide Melbourne’s most digitally advanced transport initiative. The experience proved the power of digital to transform how we deliver.

Another aspect of the project that stands out to me is the focus on co-design and community engagement. We spent a lot of time working with representatives of the Wurundjeri peoples to incorporate their perspectives and design inputs. We wanted to ensure that their voices were heard and reflected in the outcome. The 6 Layers of Country were incorporated into the design in elements like colours, shared use path experience, tree retention and consolidation of utilities. What the landscape and urban design team achieved was powerful for the whole team because it brought a deeper sense of purpose. Codesigned landscape outcomes enhance community ownership and trust, a model that can strengthen stakeholder relationships in water infrastructure delivery.

Where digital tools make the difference

Sustainability is an area where digital tools can make a big difference. On the M80 Ring Road, we used digital models to analyse materials and quantities, incorporating carbon capture and sustainability targets into the design process.

We explored optimisation options, bringing sustainability to the forefront. By addressing these challenges early rather than retrofitting towards the end, we achieved better outcomes. This proactive approach can and should be applied more broadly.

Transport and water: Shared DNA, shared challenges

In their core DNA, you could say transport and water are the same: complex systems, high public value and scrutiny, and the need for clear governance and trust between delivery partners.

In both the water and transport sectors, our true clients are the end users, our customers, commuters and wider community. There is a great responsibility in providing efficient solutions that truly meet the requirements of these users and minimise risks. Achieving this is made possible through effective communication of the ‘why’. We then must translate those decisions into accessible language for all to understand.

My work leading digital delivery and asset management programs taught me how to use technology not just for efficiency, but for smarter lifecycle outcomes. In water, that means helping utilities plan, build and operate assets with greater accuracy and long-term resilience, ensuring every dollar invested delivers sustained community benefit and considers whole of life costs.

I also bring my passion for addressing strategic challenges alongside clients and a collaborative, future-focused approach that’s grounded in purpose.

Flexibility and foresight in the rapidly changing world of water

Staying ahead of the rapidly evolving water sector means one thing: adaptability. Long-term planning now requires flexibility — not just in delivery, but how we define success. While we can’t always predict the end goal, we can use digital tools to model scenarios, test assumptions, and adapt plans in real time. This type of agile planning is essential for our water utilities, enabling them to respond to changing conditions while still delivering resilient, community-focused outcomes.

Asset management, when paired with digital innovation, is an area with enormous potential. When leading the Victoria Department of Transport’s digital transformation program, I focused on two main aspects: digital delivery and asset management. In digital delivery, I explored how technology could streamline processes and deliver tangible benefits. In asset management, we worked to define the asset information requirements that enable intelligent decision making, management and operations. The key is taking a whole-of-life-cycle approach and optimising through digital inputs, ensuring sustainability and efficiency are built into the process from the start.

A career connected to values

I’m lucky to have had many meaningful moments throughout my career across projects.

There’s something special about walking past something you helped create. Just recently, I passed a copse of gum trees along the Yarra River in Melbourne, planted years ago as part of a public open space project I managed. Back then, they were tiny saplings. Now, they stand tall, a reminder of the lasting impact of our work.

But it’s not just the physical outcomes that matter. Work should be fun, and building a good culture makes all the difference. During my time on the Level Crossing Removal Program, we built a culture that was vibrant, inclusive and genuinely fun. That sense of connection extended to clients too. Trivia nights and casual catchups helped build trust and partnership, making the work more rewarding.

At the end of the day, it’s those little things. The gum trees that grew tall, the laughter over cake competitions, the shared meals and the connections made at trivia that stand out. They remind me that our work isn’t just about delivering projects, but about creating lasting impact and meaningful relationships.

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A civil engineer with seven years of combined experience, Larry Wade previously worked for the Virginia Department of Transportation, where he focused on environmental design for transportation and infrastructure projects. That experience paved the way for his current role as a stream restoration designer on ArchTam’s team, where he continues to apply his expertise in environmental engineering.

Larry resides in Roanoke, Virginia with his wife and their dog. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, running and exploring the outdoors, activities that reflect his love for nature and adventure.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up, I was drawn to the outdoors and spent my free time outside, typically hiking, fishing, biking or running. At the same time, I loved STEM subjects like math, physics, chemistry and biology, and I dreamed of finding a career that could combine my passion for nature with my interest in science. That’s what led me to study environmental science and engineering in college, where I discovered how conservation and recreation could intersect with solving engineering problems.

Over the years, my career has evolved from focusing on environmental science to working on engineering and design projects. What keeps me inspired is seeing how infrastructure can create meaningful benefits for both communities and the environment, all while advancing sustainability goals.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

My favorite project at ArchTam so far has been the College Lake Dam removal in Lynchburg, Virginia. The dam, classified as a high-hazard structure, posed a significant safety risk to the surrounding community. Its removal was necessary to eliminate the potential for dam failure and to restore the ecological integrity of Blackwater Creek.

Since construction began last January, I’ve been supporting construction oversight and administration for the City of Lynchburg. The project involves removing the dam, restoring more than 4,000 feet of stream and creating floodplain wetlands, all of which will deliver long-term safety, environmental and community benefits.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders. This includes the City, the contractor, our subcontractors, the neighboring university and technical teams across ArchTam, from dam engineers and construction specialists to environmental experts. Each group brought unique expertise that helped make this project a success.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

The College Lake Dam removal project is such a standout example of how a project can have a meaningful impact on a community. The project has significantly improved water quality in the river and eliminated the risk of dam failure. In addition, the restored river will provide a much higher aesthetic value and offer recreational opportunities in the future.

Beyond this project, many of our stream restoration efforts in the Mid-Atlantic, particularly within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, are driven by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program. These projects focus on reducing erosion by stabilizing streams, which improve watershed quality, but they also often enhance the aesthetics, and the recreational value for the communities they are located in. As civil engineers, we’re deeply committed to serving the public by improving infrastructure but it’s incredibly rewarding to work on stream restoration projects that frequently provide multiple other benefits to the public.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice, both for life and career, is to make learning a lifelong commitment. A dedication to continual learning not only helps you build a career that is interesting, challenging and rewarding, but also enables you to create meaningful benefits for your community. Achieving this requires asking lots of questions, seeking out the right mentors, and always striving to educate yourself and grow through training and new experiences.

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Jeremy Salisbury began his career as a civil engineer before moving into project management and over time, into leadership roles. Throughout his career, he has remained closely connected to both civil engineering and project delivery, particularly within the water industry, where he has built nearly two decades of experience.

Outside of work, Jeremy leads a full and lively life with two children and a large extended family. He’s passionate about the outdoors and spends much of his free time cycling — both on the road and on mountain trails — and skiing. Based in North Wales, he takes full advantage of the region’s stunning landscapes, often spending weekends walking, riding, or ideally both, whatever the weather.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I joined the industry straight out of school, drawn by a mix of curiosity and a desire to solve problems. I’ve always enjoyed the methodical process — step one, step two — figuring out how things work and how to fix them. That mindset, along with a strong interest in the environment and sustainability, led me to explore infrastructure and how it shapes the world around us. At a careers event, I met someone from Welsh Water who described civil engineering as the skills that bring civilization to life. That really stuck with me. I started out in the drainage department, very hands-on, and quickly realized how central water is to everything we build. Whether it’s bringing water in or taking it away, it all comes back to water. Over time, I’ve come to see those of us in the water industry as custodians of something essential. Every decision we make has the potential to impact lives — and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on involved a historic piece of infrastructure originally designed for mine drainage. The engineering challenges were considerable — from navigating difficult geology and aging assets to integrating modern systems within a legacy environment. Innovation was essential, particularly in the method of construction, which demanded clever thinking and close collaboration between the consultant and contractor. Access constraints required a completely different way of working, pushing the team to adapt and rethink conventional approaches. What truly set the project apart was its broader impact: we built trust across communities, engaged meaningfully with stakeholders, and placed environmental stewardship at the heart of our work — protecting habitats and enhancing biodiversity. It was a powerful reminder that engineering is not just about technical precision, but also about collaboration, creativity, and care for the people and places we serve.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

For me, it always comes back to community. Whether I’ve worked in infrastructure, local authorities or the water sector, the goal has always been the same: to make a positive impact. I’ve spent years focused on delivering projects and achieving outputs, but a conversation with a water company director shifted my thinking. She reminded us that while we were solving technical problems, we’d lost sight of the outcomes — what it meant for the people affected. That moment stuck with me. I was working on a flooding program at the time, and despite our efforts, homes were still being flooded. It made me realise that even one person’s experience — like having sewage in their home on Christmas Day — matters deeply. If we can prevent that from happening, we’ve done something meaningful. Whether it’s a highway project or a major water recovery program, I’ve always been fortunate to work on projects that directly benefit communities. That’s why I do what I do.

Share a piece of career advice

Find your passion, listen actively and surround yourself with great people. Passion makes work enjoyable, listening helps you grow, and the right team will push you further than you can go alone.

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