McGill Minute

National Environmental Education Week is the nation’s largest celebration of environmental education. Thursday the 22nd of April is also Earth Day. To do our part in environmental education we took time to talk with Jonathan Herman, an Environmental Planner at McGill about stream restoration. Jonathan has over 15 years of experience in a wide range of park and stream restoration projects. Learn what causes the need for stream restoration and what engineering firms can do to improve the quality of streams damaged from erosion resulting from both man-made and natural causes.

Mike Dowd, PE, of McGill's Asheville office joins us to provide information on America's Water Infrastructure Act and what small operators need to know about the act, staying in compliance, and meeting upcoming deadlines. Mike has over 24 years of experience and leads McGill's water / wastewater practice.

Have you ever wondered how the air handling system works at your office, your school, or your local hospital? Or, with the transmission of germs and viruses at the top of mind, how good the air quality is in these different places? On this podcast, our team asks Drew Hubbard, PE, McGill's Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Practice Area Lead, some questions to find out what new technologies are available to address indoor environmental issues such as potential virus transmission, inhalation of small particulates, and allergens, as well as what facility operators with limited resources can do to protect employees.

In our most recent McGill Minute podcast, we discussed some of the tips that helped two of our Engineering Associates – Noah Green, EI, and Natalie Croom, EI – with their job search process. It can be a stressful time: trying to find a firm that shares your values, figuring out the direction of your career path, and deciding where you want to live, all while trying to network and set up interviews. Noah and Natalie share some great tips on how to manage this uncertain (but also exciting) phase of life. Good luck landing your first engineering job!  

In part 3 of the McGill Minute’s series on utility systems we are exploring opportunities to move public utilities forward despite challenging financial times. In part 1, RJ Mozeley shared his insights on how COVID-19 is impacting utility systems and provided both short-term and long-term strategies. During part 2 of this series, Dale Schepers discussed the importance of revisiting rate structures. In part 3, we would like to share some real-world examples of how our customers are using rate planning and McGill’s funding assistance to achieve better outcomes. As well as, how you can get started today toward planning for your utility’s future.

In part 2 of the McGill Minute’s 3-part series on the effects of COVID-19 on utility systems, you will hear from Dale Schepers on how effective rate studies can help municipalities, counties and utility districts weather this storm and future problems that may arise.