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To keep a stormwater program from drowning in its data, it’s essential to manage information so it’s easily accessible and can help drive critical decisions. The Town of Apex, NC, is using data management tools to automate and streamline its stormwater information in a way that has improved operations and, more importantly, helped with municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) compliance. Apex worked with Freese and Nichols to develop a Survey123 and ESRI Field Maps mobile app that serves an array of functions: tracking, logging, adding and storing data; collecting photographs; spatially locating assets; performing real-time assessments; and using custom scripts to automate triggers that generate stormwater control measure (SCM) inspection reports. The system can automate 30-day reminder email notifications to property owners informing them of their upcoming annual SCM inspection. These tools and a custom dashboard allowed for daily quality and progress checks. As a result, the Town of Apex organized its stormwater data to meet MS4 compliance.
Read MoreEach year, CPWA develops public policy priorities to inform its work advocating for public works to federal government departments and officials. This session will provide a brief overview of past activities and the current priorities of the federal government as well as an opportunity for facilitated discussion and knowledge exchange. CPWA Board members will facilitate small group discussions among attendees focusing on CPWA’s existing policy priority areas as well as possible new areas of focus. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences, including the challenges they face, so that CPWA can more effectively advocate for recognition and solutions.
Read MoreThis tech box provides information on using analytics to track efficacy of email distribution.
Read MorePublic works operations and maintenance staff excel when routines and standard procedures are in place, but public works rarely has the luxury of working without unexpected disruptions. The panel discusses operations…
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The APWA Winter Maintenance Sub-Committee created this fact sheet on public works in winter storm fighting.
Read MoreSo Liquids 101 told us why we use liquids. Liquids 201 focuses on the how of using liquids. How do we actually get, store, transfer, and apply liquids directly to the pavement. In this session, we will cover brine making, storage of liquid materials, the systems needed to transfer liquids from storage to trucks, and the equipment needed on the trucks to store liquids on the trucks and deliver liquids from the trucks to the road. We will also discuss typical application rates, how those rates vary depending on type of storm and the strategies you are pursuing, and what you should expect in terms of outcomes when using liquids in these ways. We will also present tested methods for providing your workforce with the needed training to implement a successful liquids program.
Read MoreAccurate equipment calibration is a cornerstone best management practice for winter maintenance operations. Yet, many agencies do not recognize or understand its value. Attend this session for a first-hand account of how smart equipment calibration can lower overall program costs and minimize environmental impacts.
Read MoreThis session will cover the roles of managing people in the public works fleet environment.
Read MoreGood asset management calls for utility owners to provide for the life extension of aging pipes where feasible. Products currently in use include Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP), pipe relining, and spray on applications. Each of these methods utilizes the existing pipe as a carrier for the new lining. During the installation, the pipeline is taken out of service which results in an interruption in service. Installation and repairs can take from several hours to several weeks. In most circumstances, it remains the obligation of the municipality or utility agency to continue to provide service during the rehabilitation process. To maintain service to customers, a pumping and by-pass system needs to be established before the sewer or water line is taken out of service. Maintenance projects like CIPP and spray on methods tend to follow a performance-based design/build approach leaving the specific application to the contractor. But what about the by-pass? Contractors may not be as familiar with the local environment as the local public works department or engineer. Pre-planning may be needed. By-pass routes, if long or within a congested community, can be an expensive and challenging process rife with environmental permit requirements, evaluation of easement rights/right-of-way, and conditions imposed within intergovernmental agreements. As by-pass systems can be a significant cost component of the repair project, planning and permitting the route in advance of the project can reduce uncertainties for the contractor which many times can yield lower costs to the owner.
Read MoreIn many American cities today, we talk about encouraging bicycling and making it safer while at the same time we continue to construct unprotected bicycle facilities where the typical user does not feel encouraged to ride and most bicyclists do not feel safe or comfortable riding in. Constructing unprotected bicycling facilities falls short of helping agencies achieve many of their goals including to reduce GHG, improve public health, increase alternative mode shares, and enhance bicycle safety. Often, unprotected bicycle facilities are selected during an alternatives analysis due to their significantly lower cost compared to protected facilities and the lack of comparable differences between the two types of facilities. This presentation’s approach to addressing this issue focuses on identifying the potential differences in bicycle ridership on a facility-specific and network-wide basis between protected and unprotected facility types. First, presenters will show how they analyze the difference in potential ridership impacts between protected and unprotected bicycle facilities based on roadway characteristics and area demographics using a predictive statistical model. Second, applying a grid-theory based analysis, presenters will show how they analyze the network wide impact of creating new connections within the overall network. This type of analysis leverages data from around the country to give decision makers, the public, and engineers & planners an easily replicable way to quantify the potential ridership and GHG benefits of protected facilities.
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