Update: Feb 12, 2024

Greetings,

I thought I would do another update since we do not have class this Tuesday. I heard through the grapevine that there were some concerns/frustration/thoughts among the ENE students. I thought I would try to address them. 

I think much of the challenge is that the ENE roles depend greatly on the other specialty areas.  Here's an example - I believe the transportation specialists are planning to put the truck entrance on N. Canal Road just south of the "restricted construction" area in the north west corner of the site.  However, this puts the entrance much closer to the area zoned as residential and thus has the potential to compromise the health, safety, and well-being of the public.  I would argue that the transportation specialists should be working with the ENEs to find a location that is suitable and protective of the public. Jack Cooper Transport is located across the street from the CS site on Billwood Highway and the county has already agreed to upgrades to Billwood Highway as a Class A road (according to the township supervisor).

I understand that the geotech specialists have located the buildings solely on soil borings, but then this means the hydrologists have to wait for those decisions to be made and then work within those constraints. Dr. Li wanted to use this time to make sure the hydrology students have a working model (even if it needs significant changes later).  

The other challenge is the CS has stated that they are still in "the programming phase" and data for water, energy, number of trucks, etc. "isn't currently available".  This means we're left to make assumptions.  To try to estimate the number of trucks, I tried to count the number of trucks on the aerial photo of the Willow Street site. I then added 50% to allow for expansion.  You will need to make similar assumptions.  Just document and justify them as best you can.

Dr. Li, Chenyang, and I felt that there was a need to help the students learn the software packages, which was the reason for the longer meetings. 

As a reminder, we do not have class tomorrow. I will be in my office (EB 3505) from 3-5 PM in case anyone would like to meet.  The second deliverable is due Thursday 2/15 at 11:59 PM.  I posted a rubric for this week's assignment this morning.

There are two memos due: a group memo and an individual memo.  I designed the rubric for the group memo.  Make sure that you cover all of the elements in the group memo.  Your individual memo should go into the finer details. For example, Dr. Li will want to see that your model is working; although we fully recognize that there is much refinement to be done during the semester. I want to see that you have a good understanding of what is needed in terms of stormwater treatment, treatment of the wastewater from vehicle washing, analyzed the groundwater quality, and you've communicated with the other specialists as noted above.  Chenyang wants to see that you're developing the model for the solar arrays. He doesn't need to see the work of the hydrologist specialist unless it has specific impact on the solar energy aspect or LEED activities.   

Dr. Li will be available tomorrow afternoon for one-on-one Zoom meetings to review your model or to answer any questions you may have regarding the modeling process or requirements.  Email Dr. Li for an appointment and to get Zoom login details. 

Chenyang would review your models and address any questions you have pertaining to solar modeling.  He would like you to send him your current modeling results and any problems you're having through email.  

Moving forward, the ENE (water and air quality group) will meet from 5-6 pm on Tuesdays, as requested.  Also, as desired we will visit the Tollgate project on Feb. 20 before our 5 pm meeting.

 Dr. Masten

P.S. Emily Edwards (BS ENE) is in the EB Lobby today until 3 pm with Fishbeck!  This would be a great opportunity to talk with one of our recent grads and learn about employment with Fishbeck!   Don't forget about The Environmental, Energy, Natural Resources Fair at Munn Ice Area on Thursday from Noon to 4 pm. The Civil Engineering Career Expo is also on Thursday at Munn Ice Area from 6-8 PM. My advice is to not limit yourself by name: there are very few firms that just hire ENEs or CEs! Network widely!

Dr. Masten

Happy Lunar New Year!