Water management and climate change adaptation expert, Peter Wijsman of consultancy firm Arcadis was recently elected to the Water Education Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Wijsman is an alumnus of the Water Education Foundation’s 2012 Water Leaders Program and joins four other newly elected board members.
Great international experiences
At Arcadis, Wijsman is responsible for developing the firm’s water practice in Northern California with a focus on water management and ecosystem restoration.
Additionally, he has background in policy development and planning for municipal, regional and national flood risk management and waterresources related projects which he has put to use on projects in the Netherlands, South East Texas, New Orleans, New York and in the Florida Everglades.
“As the Water Education Foundation looks back on 35 years of successful work on various water challenges, I’m excited to bring my experience and international perspective to resolving some of our most challenging water issues like water conservation, climate change and integrated water management,” said Peter Wijsman, principal in charge for Arcadis US.
About the WEF foundation
The Water Education Foundation is nonprofit, impartial organization, that maintains a strong commitment to high standards of objectivity and balance in all its publications and programs, earning respect from all sides in the debate over water in California and the Southwest.
The Foundation’s mission is to create a better understanding of water issues and help resolve water resource problems through educational programs.
Leading this effort is a 30-member, voluntary Board of Directors comprised of individuals from a broad cross-section of the business, agricultural, municipal, environmental and public interest communities.
This news item was originally published on the website of Arcadis US
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Water Education Foundation
Sacramento, USA
+1 916 444 6240 www.watereducation.org
Arcadis US
Highlands Ranch/Denver, USA
+1 720 344 3500 www.arcadis-us.com
Engineering and consultancy firm Arcadis announced it has been hired by the New York Economic Development Corporation (NY EDC) to study various alternatives for flood risk reduction in Lower Manhattan and other areas vulnerable to flooding due to sea level rise and future severe weather events.
The Arcadis studies are scheduled to be complete and presented to the NY EDC over the next several months.
Variety of scenarios
Arcadis is conducting quantitative analyses of computer models simulating a variety of scenarios including theoretical storms, and high tide and sea level rise as far into the future as 2050.
The studies provide data the NY EDC can use to determine the need for flood risk reduction efforts and which conceptual coastal intervention features might provide multiple levels of defense against the possible effects of severe weather.
Variety of approaches
A variety of approaches could be considered including engineered structures like sea walls, smart levees, and storm surge barriers, and measures that work with nature like wetlands restoration, salt ponds and beach nourishment.
Additionally, methods for strengthening the city’s infrastructure and critical buildings to provide for severe weather resiliency are explored as part of the studies conducted.
A storm surge caused by superstorm Sandy hit New York on 29 October 2012.
Dutch and US expertise
“As major storms like Sandy occur more frequently, coastal cities like New York will face flood risk management decisions,” said Steve Blake, CEO for Arcadis US. “Multiple lines of defense, including those designed and built with nature, will need to be considered in any comprehensive protection strategy.
Blake: “Using our global Dutch and US expertise and the lessons we learned in designing the flood risk mitigation system in New Orleans, position us well to help the EDC weigh all options for managing potential flooding of the New York waterfront.”
About Arcadis
Arcadis develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 21,000 employees and more than $3.2 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive international network supported by strong local market positions.
About NY EDC
The New York Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that functions as a city agency, encouraging economic growth through a variety of means, including facilitating real estate development, improving infrastructure, attracting and retaining businesses, and conducting economic research and analysis.
This news item was originally published on the website of Arcadis.
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Arcadis
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+31 20 2011 011 www.arcadis.com
Engineering and consultancy firm Arcadis has been awarded two contracts to help restore Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. For both projects, Arcadis US will focus on diverting valuable sediments and nutrients from the Mississippi River to start rebuilding the thousands of acres of land now being lost every year.
The two projects together represent a potential capacity of 85,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of sediment-rich Mississippi River waters to build up to 25,000 acres of wetlands over 50 years.
Land-building sediments from Mississippi
For the ‘White Ditch Freshwater and Sediment Diversion’ project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District selected Arcadis US to design a freshwater and sediment diversion system south of New Orleans. The goal of the program is to offset the trend of coastal deterioration brought on by years of human intervention on the river. Delivering valuable land-building sediments from the Mississippi River will help maintain the current area of marsh habitat and its ability to reduce vulnerability to coastal storms, waves and flooding.
The plannend diversion of fresh water from the Mississippi into the marches of Plaquemines Parish near White Ditch.
Rebuild barrier islands and coastal marshes
The other Arcadis US contract is for the Lower Barataria Sediment Diversion Project, part of the state of Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s larger, 50 billion dollar program of coastal restoration and protection.
Intended to rebuild the barrier islands, shoreline and coastal marshes of Caminada Headland and Shell Island, the program is designed to restore both habitat and the sustainability of the shoreline itself. An integral component of the overall program, the Lower Barataria Sediment Diversion Project is expected to create between 9,000 to 12,000 acres of wetlands over a 50-year period.
Restoring coastal wetlands and natural barriers are all part of a strategy critical to the region known as America’s Wetland. Reconnecting the Mississippi River and its fresh water and sediments to the delta will help rebuild important ecosystems and their ability to make the coastal area more resilient to storms.
Flood protection and wildlife
“The coastal wetlands are more than a land mass. They are integral to the economy and culture of the region,” notes Rudy Guichard, senior vice president/director of Aracdis US “Not only do they act as part of the multiple layers of defense against storms and flooding, these areas provide the habitat for fish and wildlife that are part of Louisiana’s economic lifeblood.
Multi-faceted development with nature as dynamic engine
“As a global leader for designing sustainable coastlines and waterways, Arcadis believes in developing multi-faceted, integrated solutions to restore, protect, and enhance sensitive coastal areas. We are working with the Army Corps and the state of Louisiana to design these projects with and from nature, in effect using nature as a dynamic engine. These projects will harness the massive power of the Mississippi River to bring sediment and nutrients to the basin. You couldn’t afford to dredge the same amount in the same time.”
About Arcadis
Arcadis develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 21,000 employees and more than $3.2 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive international network supported by strong local market positions.
This news item was originally published on Arcadis US
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Arcadis
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+31 20 2011 011 www.arcadis.com
International consultancy Arcadis announced that it has acquired Geohidrología Consultores (GeoHidrología), one of the largest hydro consulting companies in Chile with 55 employees.
Arcadis acquired 100% of the shares from the management of the company, who will remain within the firm. Financial details were not disclosed.
More comprehensive solutions
Hernán Bezamat, CEO of Arcadis Chile (second left on photo) said: “The hydrogeology expertise is essential for many studies and projects that Arcadis currently develops for mining clients and government agencies, such as tailings deposits, waste rock dumps, tailings and water dams as well as for environmental impact analysis. Arcadis and GeoHidrología will deepen their diversified offers of solutions to their customers through synergies that strengthen us as leaders in the Chilean and regional market of engineering and consultancy”.
Pablo Rengifo, CEO of GeoHidrología (right on photo), highlighted: “This merger will allow us to offer our customers more comprehensive solutions in the field of water resources and environmental hydrogeology, promoting the development and internationalization of GeoHidrología”.
Grondwater modelling firm
GeoHidrología, headquartered in Santiago was established in 2006 as a groundwater resources and groundwater modeling firm. Initially, the company focused on government agencies but soon it also became active for private sector companies, especially for the mining sector. In response to client demands it has developed capabilities in surface hydrology, environmental and hydraulic engineering services.
More recently the company has added geothermal resources capabilities to assist its clients in reducing their energy consumption. In addition the company offers environmental services.
Private and public clients
GeoHidrología has successfully performed projects for private and public clients in the mining and water utility sectors, including copper mining companies like Codelco, SQM and Collahuasi; Aguas Andinas, the largest sewerage and drinking water utility of Chile, Chilean Water Agency (DGA), and Chilean National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin).
Arcadis has successfully worked together with GeoHidrología on projects in the past. Water is a scarce resource for mining clients in Chile.
With the acquisition of Geohidrologia, Arcadis is adding the core capability of hydrogeological engineering and becomes the market leader in this field.
About Arcadis
Arcadis is a leading international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. The company develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 21,000 people and 2.4 billion euro in revenues, it has an extensive international network supported by strong local market positions.
Arcadis supports UN-HABITAT with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world.
This news item was originally published on the website of Arcadis.
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Arcadis
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+31 20 2011 011 www.arcadis.com
“Superstorm Sandy came three months too early”, said professor Jeroen Aerts of the Free University of Amsterdam on Dutch television, commenting the 4,5 metre high storm surge that hit New York when the super storm made land fall on October 29th.
Requested by mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York last year after hurricane Irene caused huge economic damage, Aerts is studying all possibilities to protect the city from flooding. One of the option is a Dutch based ‘delta plan’ with levees and navigable storm surge barriers.
The study is expected to be ready early next year.
The superstorm Sandy killed at least 50 people, many hit by falling trees. Some 375.000 people were evacuated and over 8 million people were without electricity. The damage is estimated to top 20 billion US dollar.
The coastline of New Jersey was the hardest hit area with flooded coastal towns as Atlantic City and Ocean City. In New York the 14 ft storm surge knock out unprotected underground infrastructure as the subway and many power stations.
New York called the flooding of the subway the ‘worst devastation’ the city’s transit system has ever seen in its 108 year history.
‘ Superstorm Sandy caused sea level to rise up to 14 feet along Low Manhattan, New York.
Reluctant to costly engineering options
Six years ago, the New York authorities approached Amsterdam-based scientist Jeroen Aerts for advice. At that time Aerts was involved in a comprehensive study on the vulnerability of coastal cities. New York ranked high as a flood prone city.
“Initially they proved a little bit reluctant in terms of considering large scale protection measures, like surge barriers”, according to Aerts.
The Dutch ‘delta plan’ is a called after the south east river delta area in the Netherlands. This delta area flooded in 1953 and in response to that disaster the national government drew up the ‘delta plan’ to prevent .
A large scale flood defence system was designed, called the Delta Works. This system includes the two large mobile storm surge barriers, Maeslantkering and Oosterscheldedam.
“These large engineering solutions are expensive, and New York wanted inexpensive solutions”, Aerts says. “But this changed last year, after Hurricane Irene caused huge economic damage. Then they also saw this sense of urgency that maybe we should also look at other options”, he says.
Aftermath of superstorm Sandy
In the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, Aerts expects the discussion on a large Dutch-based ‘Delta plan’ to revive. Flood protection in the US is based on building regulations, evacuation and insurance. This has a cultural background as Americans put little confidence in their government and want to take their own responsibility.
“But the economic damage is enormous, especially if a city like New York comes to a halt for a few days”, making Aerts doubt on the cost effectiveness of flood risk reduction in the US.
Jeroen Aerts, professor Free University of Amsterdam
Piet Dircke, Arcadis
Investment in New Orleans already paid back
Expert on global water management Piet Dircke of engineering firm Arcadis reacted in the Dutch media as well. He wonders if the New York authorities will now reconsider their policy .
Dircke mentioned the 14,5 billion dollar reconstruction works on the flood defence system of New Orleans. “In August the levees and barriers withstood the storm surge caused by hurricane Isaac. If the New Orlerans had not improved its flood defence system it would have flooded again. The investment already paid back,” according to Dircke.
Conceptual design of storm surge barrier
“In 2009 we have presented New York a conceptual design of a navigable storm surge barrier in the Verrazano Narrows between Long Island and Staten Island. Clearly the time was not right”, ascertains Dircke. He hopes superstorm Sandy will lead to a renewed interest from the New York authorities.
“Our design is what a storm surge barrier in the Verrazano might look like”, the global water expert Dircke of Arcadis continues, “as part of an integrated flood protection plan for the Hudson Bay. Such a plan should consist of more elements then a barrier alone. In the Netherlands we are preparing a second ‘delta plan’ that includes different measures, bot structural and non-structural, for variable scenarios such as climate change and socioeconomic development. These potential measures are compared and combined into a system, were all components work together. With a planning, cost estimates, EIA, prioritization, budgeting, funding, institutional and other aspects,” explains Dircke.
Dutch engineering firm Arcadis has been contracted to repair two major waste water treatment plants in New York that were damaged by storm Sandy, according to company’s chief executive Neil McArthur.
Arcadis was evaluating damage at the Nassau County and Newton Creek water treatment facilities. It was still unclear how much it would cost to get the plants back to full operating capacity after being flooded this week.
Up and running again
“We are responding very rapidly to the immediate request of the local authorities. Their immediate focus of attention is to get the utilities systems up and running and usable,” McArthur said in an interview to news agency Reuters.
Improved capacity
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) just finished a 5 billion USD project on the Newton Creek WWTP in February to improve the plant’s efficiency, boosting its cleaning capacity from 620 million to 700 million gallons of water.
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Arcadis
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+31 20 2011 011 www.arcadis.com
International consultancy company Arcadis announced that it has acquired ETEP Consultoria, Gerenciamento e Serviços Ltda. (ETEP), the largest water engineering and consultancy company in Brazil.
ETEP has 300 employees and annual gross revenues of approximately R$ 50 million (€ 20 million) and net revenues of R$40 million (€16 million). Arcadis has acquired the shares from management who will all stay with the business. ETEP has a track record of strong growth in the attractive Brazilian water market and produces margins above 10%. Further financial details were not disclosed.
Specialized in water supply
ETEP, headquartered in Sao Paulo was established in 1966 as an infrastructure company (still 17% of revenues), but has since developed into a highly specialized company in water supply, water treatment and wastewater (83% of revenues). The company provides program and project management as well as engineering, consultancy and related services.
ETEP works for public clients including water companies and municipalities, but also works with private sector clients such as contractors and industrial firms. Arcadis has successfully worked together with ETEP on projects in the past. Combined with Arcadis Logos, we will be the undisputed leader in the fast developing Brazilian water market.
Strongh reputation
Arcadis Executive Board member Friedrich Schneider said: “This is an excellent addition to our Brazilian activities. ETEP is a top notch company with a strong reputation and high quality people. This step will allow us to more quickly expand our position in the Brazilian water market. The addition of ETEP will significantly strengthen Arcadis Logos water capabilities and position us for future growth. Also, with two additional regional offices, our geographical spread within Brazil is further enhanced.”
New solutions for Brazilian market
Lineu Alonso CEO of ETEP said: “We have worked with Arcadis Logos in prior projects and have met with their water experts, who can bring a whole array of new solutions into the Brazilian market. With large Brazilian cities needing to further invest in water treatment networks and facilities, while also facing investments in water supply, we believe the Brazilian market is a place where our combined technologies can strongly support our clients and help us win new ones.”
This press release was originally published on the website of Arcadis
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Arcadis
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+31 20 2011 011 www.arcadis.com
Consultancy firm Arcadis announced that Harrie Noy has decided to step down from his position as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board in the upcoming General Meeting of Shareholders on May 16, 2012, He will be succeeded by Neil McArthur, who was named to the Executive Board last year.
Also, the current Director Europe, Stephanie Hottenhuis, who has been with ARCADIS since 1995, would be nominated for appointment to the Executive Board at the upcoming General Meeting of Shareholders.
Board member for 18 years
Noy was Executive Board member for 18 years, of which 12 years as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board. Under his leadership the company grew strongly, mainly through further international expansion. Since 2000, gross revenues increased from 750 million to 2.3 billion euro, the number of employees from 7,500 to almost 19,000 and the market capitalization from 150 million to 1 billion euro.
Big acquisitions
De Noy led the acquisition of a number of large companies with a leading reputation in the market: US-based environmental consultancy BBL (2005), international architectural and master planning firm RTKL (2007), water and environmental company Malcolm Pirnie (2009) and more recently the merger with project management and consultancy firm EC Harris.
Strategy for Asia and Middle East
Neil McArthur, civil and mechanical engineer, started his career at Shell, where he worked on large investment projects in Qatar and the Netherlands.
Since joining ARCADIS he has been closely involved in the merger with EC Harris, leads the integration process and is responsible for the strategy for Asia and the Middle East.
Stephanie Hottenhuis has worked for ARCADIS since 1995 in several positions in market development, project management and general management, gaining extensive international experience, especially in Asia and Europe.
This news item is based on the press release originally published on the website of Arcadis.
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Arcadis NV
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+31 20 2011 011 www.arcadis.com
The engineering firm Arcadis announced that it won a large contract to provide consultancy and management services to oversee construction of a new water network for Oman’s Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW). When complete, the network will bring clean water directly to the taps of hundreds of thousands of residents in the Al Sharqiyah region.
Ending water supply with trucks
The project will eliminate the need to truck water from filling station outposts to residents, reducing PAEW’s carbon footprint as well as noise and traffic pollution. The three-year, multi-million dollar contract is scheduled to begin in January 2012.
Growing water demand
The water conveyance system is intended to support the region’s growing population and the development of a future planned shipping port in the region that will further bolster Oman’s economic growth. Arcadis will work closely with the PAEW and contractors to safely address the challenges of the region’s rugged terrain, meeting the fast-tracked project schedule on time and within budget.
Delicate balance of natural resources
“Arcadis will use its global expertise of finding solutions for groundwater depletion to bring clean, reliable drinking water to the region for what will be the first time for many residents, all while maintaining the delicate balance of development requirements and natural resources. We will share Arcadis’ knowledge and skills with PAEW in order to help sustain these projects over the long-term and meet Oman’s goals of improving the country’s infrastructure,” said Arcadis water director Bill Dee.
This news release was originally published on the website of Arcadis.
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Arcadis Corporate
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
T +31 (0)20 2011 011 www.arcadis.com
June 27, 2011 – ARCADIS (EURONEXT: ARCAD), the international consultancy, design, engineering and management services company, announced today that it has been awarded a 54 million dollar contract to manage an environmental sediment remediation project in the tidal Lower Passaic River in Newark, N.J, one of the most complex and industrial river systems in the U.S.
The project involves dredging, dewatering and off-site disposal of approximately 40,000 cubic yards of the most heavily contaminated sediment from the river. These actions will help create and maintain a more healthy and sustainable river environment.
Removing sediment
The project is anticipated to start this July and continue through late 2012. The team will install an enclosure around the work area prior to removing any sediment, which will support existing shoreline structures and minimize movement of any re-suspended sediment. After removal, the sediment will go through a dewatering process with subsequent treatment of the effluent, and the sediments will then be transported out-of-state for ultimate disposal.
Leading position
Steve Blake, member of the Executive Board of ARCADIS and CEO for its U.S. business said: “ARCADIS has an excellent track record of assisting clients in removal and disposal of contaminated sediments, a growth market in which ARCADIS has a leading position. Over the past several years, our staff has worked on the design of the project and we are excited to see these efforts come to fruition”.
“ARCADIS’ involvement with the project further bolsters our position in the sediment remediation market as a leading designer and implementer of river system restoration to improve the natural environment.”
About Arcadis
ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. We enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life by creating balance in the built and natural environment. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 16,000 employees and over €2 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive international network supported by strong local market positions. ARCADIS supports UN-HABITAT with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world.
This press release has originally been published on website Arcadis.
