The development and advancement of societies has been inextricably linked with how humans have sourced, stored, transported, treated and disposed of water. Society has also struggled with the dichotomy of this natural resource – on the one hand it’s a vital contribution to prosperity and development and on the other hand, it’s a potentially destructive power to property and life.
At GEI we work with water agencies, state, local and federal governments, developers, utilities, and industry to effectively plan, design, engineer, and construct projects that meet the challenges of an ever-changing environment.
250+water specialists across the U.S.
Completed dam projects in all50states
How We Deliver
Planning & Studies
At GEI we understand that each water project is unique. Once a project need has been identified, we work with our clients to understand, evaluate and develop the best approach based on the project specific technical, institutional, regulatory, economic and environmental challenges.
Our Approach:
To meet these complex challenges, GEI helps formulate our clients’ vision through a thorough understanding of the project opportunities and challenges.
Key Activities & Deliverables
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Project Viability Study
Alternative Analysis
Stakeholder Analysis
Existing Data Review
Preliminary Investigations & Studies
Essential Issues
Project Funding
Site Selection
Stakeholder Engagement
Safety
We integrate health and safety in all that we do, every day at GEI. From site safety plans to daily safety briefings and site safety audits. Our culture of safety at GEI is reflected in our processes, training programs and ultimately our safety record. Since safety transcends every facet of our work, we integrate seamlessly with our client’s safety programs and protocols.
Permitting
Permitting is an often overlooked phase of a project and if not properly planned for, can cause serious project delays. Successful permitting involves deep regulatory understanding and local relationships that create submittals that can be efficiently reviewed and accepted.
Our Approach:
From federal permits such as Section 404, NPDES, NEQA or FERC permits to the myriad of state and local permits, GEI has a sound understanding of the ever changing world of permitting water infrastructure related projects.
Key Activities & Deliverables
Permit Acquisition Strategy
Siting & Routing Studies
Conceptual Mitigation Planning
Monitoring & Reporting Program
Scoping Meetings
Essential Issues
Streamlined Review Opportunities
Local Relationships with Jurisdictional Parameters
Knowledge of Governing Laws
Stakeholder Communication & Engagement
Design & Engineering
GEI has extensive experience and expertise in the design and engineering in almost all types of water infrastructure projects from dams, levees, canals, and pipelines to waterfront and marine related facilities and structures.
Our Approach:
Alternative approaches to engineering and design can offer significant savings to project cost and schedule. At GEI, we continually look at new ways to create functional and safe designs that meet the expectations of all project stakeholders.
Key Activities & Deliverables
Value Engineering
Use of Technology to Drive Cost & Schedule Savings
Construction Drawings
Construction Specifications and Contract Documents
Design Documentations
Engage Specialty Contractors for practical designs as needed
Essential Issues
Project Team Collaboration & Communication
Cost Efficiency
Clear, Complete, Constructable Designs
Risk Allocation
Enable Client and Regulatory Reviews
Construction
Typically the bulk of total project cost is realized in the construction phase. It also has the highest risk in terms of cost and schedule overruns. At GEI our construction managers and field inspectors bring proven and practical approaches to monitoring construction quality throughout the project to help create on budget and on time projects.
Our Approach:
Many construction issues can be avoided with a sound approach in the planning, investigation and design phases coupled with strong communication and project management during construction.
Key Activities & Deliverables
Attendance to pre-construction and construction progress meetings
Management of submittals, requests for information, and non-compliance reports
Implement Construction Quality Assurance program
Progress reporting and final construction documentation
Mobile materials testing laboratory
Essential Issues
Project Team Collaboration & Communication
Operations & Maintenance
Long-term operations and maintenance of water infrastructure projects is becoming an increasing concern for government and the public at large. This involves the inspection and rehabilitation of existing structures so that they meet current standards and address longer-term safety concerns, while maintaining reliable operation. At GEI we know that government budgets are stretched thin so we work with our clients to identify and then rehabilitate structures that have the highest return on investment.
Our Approach:
GEI helps our clients maintain and operate their critical infrastructure through the following:
Key Activities & Deliverables
Asset management plans and programs
Risk based analyses and modeling
Cost-benefit analyses
Inspection of infrastructure
Benchmarking of best practices
Incorporation of lessons learned
Find out how GEI can partner with you to provide innovative solutions.
