As New York recovers from the aftermath of one of the most destructive natural disasters in its history - one that caused unprecedented damage and crippled our transportation and energy infrastructure—the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York) and its member firms are proving integral to the recovery efforts, providing immediate engineering expertise and design guidance necessary to rebuild and prepare for future weather events.
ACEC New York member firms are on the front lines of the recovery work, involved in multifaceted activities, from restoration of wastewater pumping stations, to "unwatering" operations at buildings and sites across the boroughs; from assessing the conditions of the structural facilities and mechanical systems for schools, housing, bridges and transit to inspecting the city's waterfront infrastructure. Even the asset management system that enabled the city to determine which agencies had equipment that could be used in response to the storm was developed by one of New York's consulting engineering firms.
Called on by city agencies and authorities, New York's consulting engineers are assisting, among others, the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Housing Authority, the School Construction Authority, the Office of Emergency Management, as well as the MTA, NYSDOT, FEMA and many municipalities throughout the area.
Behind the scenes, ACEC New York, along with the American Institute of Architects and the Structural Engineers Association of New York, is serving as a resource for the DOB, helping to identify specific issues engineers and architects are facing in helping owners get back into their homes. Through the DOB Storm Recovery Website, ACEC New York is also listed as a source for finding NYS licensed professional engineers.
As the rebuilding effort moves into the next phase, ACEC New York will continue to work with the city and state to find solutions to the question: How do we redesign New York's infrastructure to make sure this doesn't happen again? To help answer that, the council has created a steering committee to develop recommendations, filter information and best deploy volunteer resources. Input on recommendations will be sought from member firms in all disciplines—structural, MEP, environmental, water and wastewater, transportation and infrastructure—and from those with specific knowledge and expertise on building and electrical codes. Member firms will continue their post-storm work with public agencies and private owners, and will stand ready to serve on state, city and local commissions and task forces to help rebuild a stronger New York.
"Protecting New Yorkers begins with the design and sustainability of our infrastructure—its ability to withstand not only normal wear and tear, but weather events like Sandy. New York's consulting engineers are prepared to take on that challenge," said ACEC New York president Jay Simson. "Our infrastructure is our lifeline." Tags: