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The Village of Cadiz, Ohio is located in Harrison County, Ohio. The village is in the midst of the shale oil activity in Ohio. Two shale oil plants have been constructed in the village, along with two new motels. In June of 2012, Ohio EPA mandated the village make improvements to their wastewater system. A tight timeline was included in the mandate from Ohio EPA.

The village’s wastewater system was constructed in 1939. No significant improvements or extensions were made to the system before issuance of the Finding and Orders by Ohio EPA. The system consisted of 197,684 linear feet of gravity lines ranging from 4-inches to 15-inches, 22,069 linear feet of 1.5-inch to 6-inch force mains, 794 manholes, 14 cleanouts, and 9 pump stations. The collection system was constructed primarily of clay pipe. The system surcharged during wet weather events. Resulting untreated wastewater flowing into nearby creeks and onto private properties.

Ohio EPA required the village to submit monthly reports and to participate in a monthly conference call with staff from Ohio EPA’s Columbus and Southeast District offices. E.L. Robinson Engineering staff drafted monthly reports for the village and participated in the conference calls. The reports and calls focused progress made on wastewater system improvement. The village was placed under a “connection ban.” No new wastewater customers were permitted to connect to the village wastewater system without approval from Ohio EPA. E.L. Robinson Engineering developed a report that tracked elimination or reduction of inflow and infiltration to the wastewater system. As I&I was eliminated by the village, Ohio EPA granted credits for new connections. It was critical for the village to maintain report and document elimination of I&I. The credits generated permitted new shale oil industries and supporting businesses locating in the village to connect to the wastewater system.

The North Trunk Collection System project is the third project completed by the village in an effort to improve their wastewater utility. This project involves replacement or rehabilitation of the many of the most problematic collection lines, manholes and other appurtenances. Work includes nearly 3,700 feet of pipe lining, 1,200 linear feet of 8-inch gravity line and 1,400 linear feet of 4-inch service laterals.

This project has a budget of $870,000. Funding for this work was provided by Ohio EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF). E.L. Robinson Engineering staff is currently completing planning and design of the next phase of collection system improvements. This phase is significantly larger in scope than the current project. Anticipated cost for the next phase is expected to be $8-milllion. A funding package is being developed at this time for those improvements. It is anticipated that funding will be provided by USDA-Rural Development, USACE, Appalachian Regional Commission and possibly Ohio EPA’s WPCLF program.

E.L. Robinson Engineering staff has worked with the village to complete a rate analysis to appropriately set wastewater user charges at levels that provide adequate revenues to cover operation, maintenance, capital improvements, debt service and reserve accounts.

North Trunk Collection System Improvements

E.L. Robinson Engineering was contracted by the Logan County Development Authority to provide project planning and site design including approximately one half-mile of access road design, site grading plan, sediment and erosion control, water and sanitary sewer layout; and upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant. This development includes 52 acres of land located near the Southwest Regional Jail and US 119 Corridor G. ELR is able to provide clients, like the Logan County Development Authority, with a full range of civil engineering and construction management services. ELR’s goal is to provide convenience and make the job of their clients as easy as possible.

ELR is committed to providing maximum efficiency in the completion of every project. The Earl Ray Tomblin Industrial Park and Access Road utilized the full depth of ELR’s quality services, including stormwater drainage, preparation of bid/contract documents, participation in the solicitation and evaluation of bids received, construction administration and inspection, assistance with easement/property acquisition, surveying and mapping, and preparation of all necessary permit applications

Earl Ray Tomblin Industrial Park and Access Road

E.L. Robinson Engineering, working as the designer for The Ruhlin Company, was successful in winning the $40,000,000 Design-Build Willow Island Power Plant Site Development Project. The project, currently under construction, involves diverting water from the locks and dam through a powerhouse to generate an average annual output of approximately 195 GWh. ELR Engineering designed and coordinated the layout and arrangement of the cellular and land-slide earthen cofferdam, perimeter slurry cut-off wall, powerhouse excavation, instrumentation, dewatering system, and temporary roads.

In addition, ELR was responsible for the preparation of all design criteria, analyses and design calculations, specifications, construction drawings, and quality control and quality assurance. The design includes construction, operation, and maintenance of the necessary facilities, including groundwater seepage cut-offs, required for dewatering the construction areas, and insuring that the completed excavation is free from running or standing water. The system incorporates pumping wells, sumps and drainage ditches to allow all work within the cofferdam to be accomplished in the dry.

The design also includes an instrumentation system to monitor the performance of the cofferdam excavation and dewatering system. During the drilling for establishing the base elevations for the dam structure within the first stage of cofferdam, a fault under existing Pier 9 and weir area was discovered resulting in changes in the footing design of the pier. The fault-shattered rock was removed, excavation was cleaned and backfilled with concrete, and the concrete gravity monolithics were replaced with circular sheetpile cells and connecting arcs. Slush grouted rock berms were placed downstream for stability and a grout curtain constructed under the weir.

Willow Island

E.L. Robinson Engineering teamed with the joint venture of the Beaver Excavating Company and Mosser Construction, Inc. to develop a Value Engineering Change Proposal (VECP) for the LUC-24-1272 (US 24 over Norfolk Southern Railroad) and LUC 24-1293 (US Route 24 over Ramp D) structures for the LUC-24-6.19 project in District 2. This VECP resulted in a project savings of over $3 million dollars. The VECP included the realignment of Ramp D closer to the Norfolk Southern Railroad. This allowed for the elimination of the 306 foot long precast concrete arch structure over the Norfolk Southern Railroad and the 330 foot long precast concrete arch structure over Ramp D.

The two eliminated structures were replaced with a two span rigid frame/slab structure with a 57 degree +/- skew and average length of approximately 213 feet. The structure was then classified as a buried structure and was no longer classified as a tunnel as it was now less than 300 feet in length. Tunnel lighting was replaced with standard underpass lighting and the fire suppression system and advance tunnel signing was eliminated. A strut and tieback system was provided for the two span structure to provide footing lateral stability thereby permitting the footing size and pile pattern to be reduced.

The main slab reinforcing steel was designed and detailed to be perpendicular to the substructure units. The roadway barrier was designed to be integral with a substantial reinforced concrete edge beam. The two span structure was designed for overloads as applied per the contractor’s earth moving equipment. In addition, the area of mechanically stabilized earth walls was reduced by approximately 21,000 square feet. This VECP resulted in a savings of just over $3 million dollars.

LUC-24-6.19 VECP

Project involved the replacement of the SR 109 over the Maumee River. As part of the project, alignment alternatives were developed to realign SR 109 to eliminate the existing offset intersection. The intersection with SR 109 with CR 424 was designed to change SR 109 to the predominant movement and make CR 424 a stop condition. The proposed bridge will be a 12 span prestressed concrete I-beam structure and will have aesthetic enhancements including bicycle friendly railing. The project also involved design of guardrail to provide access to a future bikepath, drainage improvements, ROW plans, traffic control, and MOT. Extensive environmental coordination was completed as the Maumee River at this location is classified as a recreational river.

HEN-109-18.02

This project involves the major pavement rehabilitation of I-71 from State Route 665 to Stringtown Road. The project involves full depth pavement and an additional third travel lane in each direction that will be added to the median. ELR completed a MOTAA where several concepts were evaluated, leading to the selection of a part-width MOT plan. The FRA-71-0903 L/R structures over White Road will be replaced with single span prestressed concrete I-beam structures. All existing signs and guardrail will be replaced and the drainage was evaluated for replacement, repair, or reuse. In addition, the project involved 5 noisewalls and lighting design.

FRA-71-5.29

The proposed Exchange Road Waterline Extension Phase I project is being implemented by the Flatwoods-Canoe Run (FCR) Public Service District and is necessary to provide quality and dependable potable water and fire protection service to approximately 59 residences in the Holly and Otter Magisterial Districts of Braxton County, West Virginia. This project will be supplied via the FCR PSD’s Water Treatment Plant. The project includes upgrading an existing booster pump station and the construction of a water storage tank that will be sized to provide water to future phases of expansion of the system.

The Exchange Road Phase I project would tie-in at the existing Pressure Reducing Station near the intersection of State Route 4 and County Route 19/22. The Exchange Road Phase I project would serve residents along County Routes 19/22, 19/26 and 19/16.

The proposed project is estimated to cost $3,136,600 and is being funded by a $1,853,500 Appalachian Region Commission Grant; a $570,000 USDA Rural Development Grant; a $570,000 USDA Rural Development Loan and $142,500 in private contributions.

This Phase I Project will provide water to the planned Phase II Project that will serve an additional 39 customers. The Phase II Project is estimated to cost $2,498,027 and will be funded by an already committed $1,698,027 Abandoned Mine Lands Grant and a requested Small Cities Block Grant in the amount of $800,000.

Exchange Road Waterline Extension Phase 1

This award winning design build project with Schirmer Construction and Cleveland Metroparks was prompted by the necessary removal of the original Fort Hill steps due to severe erosion of the over 100’ high cliff adjacent to the Rocky River, next to the Rocky River Nature Center. ELR proposed a unique set of timber stairs connecting landings set on “tree” like support navigating the popular trail to 100’ above the valley. The stairs feature 2 overlooks and singular column foundations to minimize the impacts to the surroundings and view shed. This design won the 2018 ABCD award for Outstanding Special Purpose Bridge.

Cleveland Metroparks Fort Hill Steps Wins ABCD Award

E.L. Robinson Engineering is a diversified civil engineering and planning firm with proven performance and established experience. We have successfully and creatively designed and completed top-quality engineering solutions since 1978 in multiple states including Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Corridor H, Kerens to US 219 Connector Design Build

Transportation Engineering

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E.L. Robinson Engineering (ELR) is a civil engineering and planning firm with seven offices across West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Since 1978, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering creative, high-quality engineering solutions across our region and beyond.

As we continue to grow, we’re always looking for talented professionals to join our team. What began as a small surveying firm with just four employees has evolved into a highly diversified company with more than 150 engineers, surveyors, and support personnel.

, the ELR team contributes to a wide variety of projects that serve communities in meaningful ways. Our employees have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art tools and utilize innovative methods while delivering projects that meet real-world needs.

From improving pedestrian safety and accessibility to expanding access to critical areas, no two projects are the same. Some require quick action—particularly when urgent roadway or bridge repairs are needed—keeping the work interesting and fast-paced.

Beyond the work itself, ELR is committed to supporting our employees both professionally and personally. We believe taking care of our team is the first step in providing excellent service to our clients.

We encourage employees to pursue interests outside of work and regularly support team-building activities and social gatherings, from attending local baseball games to enjoying a round of golf together. We also respect our employees’ time away from work. Many of our team members are working parents or actively involved in their communities, so flexibility and understanding around schedules are essential. We offer competitive benefits and flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to tailor their work-life balance to meet their family’s needs.

One of our proudest distinctions is that ELR is an employee-owned company. As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, every team member has a stake in the firm's success.

ELR is also an Equal Opportunity Employer and, when applicable, offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, tuition reimbursement, and more.

The ELR Workplace Culture: Our People Come First

We value our strong company culture and exceptional employee retention. Longevity here is a natural result of a workplace focused on professional growth, job satisfaction, and meaningful mentorship.

We prioritize mentor relationships between experienced staff and newer employees to support both personal and professional development.

“The culture of E.L. Robinson is one of longevity and growth, and not just growth in numbers, but a growth in learning,” says Todd Garnes, CAD Manager and Designer. “If you’re willing to learn. We’re willing to let you.”

Our workplace culture fosters a close-knit, supportive environment where growth is encouraged, and new ideas are always welcomed.

“The stress and tension that you may have at some of these more rigid firms, we just don’t have that here,” shares Jack Ramsey, Beckley Director of Operations. “We’re very open to allowing people to be creative. All that just factors into providing a really good family atmosphere that we think, in the end, gives us an edge and provides a better product to our client.”

With deep ties to the communities where we work, our employees take pride in projects that truly make an impact locally.

“I love my job. I like coming to work every day, and the variety of the types of projects we work on, who I work with, the clients we work with, and really having an impact on the community that I live in and drive around every day,” says Angela Call, Transportation Operations Manager.

As a full-service engineering firm, ELR provides expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including:

Construction Services and Alternative Delivery

We offer opportunities at every career stage, from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles, across all service areas. ELR also provides a summer internship program designed to deliver hands-on, real-world experience.

Interested in joining the ELR team? View open positions on our 

Engineering Your Future Starts At E.L. Robinson

At E.L. Robinson Engineering, we make it a priority to stay current with the latest certifications and industry standards. Recently, team members Trevor Thewes and Matthew Papesh, P.E., earned their SPRAT Level 1 Rope Access Technician certifications through the 

Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians

A SPRAT certification is one of the most respected achievements in rope access work. It provides recognition, credibility, and, most importantly, ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective access to structures and geological features during inspection, maintenance, and construction.

For ELR, this certification expands our ability to inspect bridges and other complex structures safely using rope access techniques. The SPRAT program offers three levels of certification, and this training marks the first step for both Trevor and Matthew.

To maintain certification, technicians must log field hours regularly and recertify every three years. If more than six months pass without climbing, a refresher course is recommended to stay sharp. Both team members plan to advance to the Level 2 certification in the future.

SPRAT training sessions take place year-round at certified facilities around the world. Trevor trained at the Vertical Access Training Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Matthew completed his certification with Elevated Safety at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland.

While rope access training isn’t required for structural inspection, it’s a valuable tool in the field.

“Rope training isn’t necessary to complete an inspection. Most bridges can be inspected using a manlift or Snooper truck,” Matthew said. “But rope access broadens our ability to inspect in more challenging situations, such as limited site access or environmentally sensitive areas.”

Both Trevor and Matthew came away from their SPRAT training with new skills and a new appreciation for the work.

“I learned that SPRAT rope technicians have a wide range of jobs, which opens new opportunities for ELR,” Trevor said.

“My favorite part was realizing how focused you are while climbing, you don’t notice how high you may have gotten in the air,” Matthew said. “Once you’re at that point, it’s fun to look down and just let the ropes hold you as you swing in the wind.”

, and certifications like this keep ELR at the forefront of safety and innovation.

“I like inspecting because I always learn something new by looking at how things were constructed in the field,” Trevor said. “Inspections help me understand how a structure will react to forces over time.”

“It’s a unique experience to know that you are part of the process of keeping our infrastructure sound for everyone else,” Matthew added. “It's also nice to step away from the desk from time to time and get time in the field.”

We’re proud of Trevor and Matthew for their dedication to learning and their commitment to advancing ELR's capabilities — one climb at a time!

Reaching New Heights with SPRAT Certifications

The West Virginia Great Barrel Company doesn’t make whiskey; it makes the barrels – the “infrastructure” that holds it while it is in the maturation process. There would be no whiskey without the barrels, and without our site development, utility, and roadway infrastructure, there would be no whiskey barrel plant!

We noticed several parallels between whiskey barrel manufacturing and civil engineering. Both combine science, creativity, and practical application to produce results that are functional and enjoyable! Let's explore the similarities.

E.L. Robinson’s West Virginia Great Barrel Company Infrastructure Project Highlights

The West Virginia Great Barrel Company Project included site development, industrial access road design, and both water and wastewater service extension.

The site development portion involved grading and drainage plan preparation as well as building pad elevations, parking lot design and permit filing.

 The roadway team furnished all materials, labor, and equipment necessary for the construction of approximately 2,060 linear feet of roadway, including drainage, guardrail, signage and pavement markings.

The water portion of the project extended water service to approximately 50 residential customers, the Greenbrier State Forest, a UPS Distribution Center and the WV Great Barrel Company Plant. Additionally, 1,500 linear feet of gravity sewer line extended service to the new plant.

The West Virginia Great Barrel Company Manufacturing Process Highlights

On the West Virginia Great Barrel Company website, the company says, “To build a better whiskey barrel with industry-leading leak rates and more controlled flavor development, we first had to build a better process.”

How Do Civil Engineering and Whiskey Barrel Manufacturing Relate?

We see several commonalities in our work. They build whiskey “infrastructure” in the form of the vessel that enables optimal maturation, and we build transportation and utility infrastructure that is a means to the end, providing vital access and resources to communities. They don’t “just” make barrels, and we don’t “just” design or build anything. Things that seem simple and are often overlooked can be among the most essential and complex parts of an ecosystem.

• Quality Materials & Regulatory Standards

• Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Work

These parallels highlight how both civil engineering and whiskey barrel manufacturing combine science, creativity, and practical application to produce results.

To learn more about our site development, roadway, utility, and other services, visit 

https://www.elrobinsonengineering.com/services

 To learn about the West Virginia Great Barrel Company, visit 

Engineering Neat: The Crossroads of Infrastructure & Whiskey Maturation

See What’s Behind an Extraordinary Employee Retention Rate

E.L. Robinson Engineering (ELR) proudly celebrates 46 years of excellence and a remarkable employee retention rate of 93% for those who have been with the company for five years or more. To help explain how we accomplished this exceptional longevity and success, we interviewed several long-term employees who have dedicated their careers to ELR to get some insight into why they have stayed. Here's what we learned.

The Essential Role of Company Culture in Employee Retention

Whether with us for eight years or 38, the first thing our employees say drives them to stay when we ask about employee retention is about the other people around them, how they treat one another, and the culture they create together through positivity, team building and community.

"The office has a great group of people. Everyone gets along with little to no personal conflict. Coming to work where there is a positive feeling is great," says 

, Director of Operations for the Columbus, OH office, with ELR since 2006.

, a Structural Engineer in Cleveland, who has been with ELR for 10 years, echoes this sentiment: "I love that ELR feels like a family. Everyone gets along well and truly enjoys working together. We enjoy collaborating at work and spending time together outside of work."

ELR's commitment to team building fosters a sense of community among employees and contributes deeply to employee retention. 

 a Geotechnical Engineer in Columbus since 2011, cited the importance of shared experience for employee retention, "ELR makes a concerted effort to team build, which in turn encourages employees to enjoy time together outside of the office. For example, the Columbus office participates in golf and kickball leagues outside of the office."

, a CAD Manager/Civil Designer with over 25 years at ELR, appreciates the trusting and supportive culture: "The company culture at ELR is very relaxed and family or community feeling. We are professionals and get the work finished, but no one is looking over your shoulder and micromanaging."

Charleston, WV Field Construction Inspection Manager and 23-year employee, 

, highlighted a valued connection to the company's leadership as a key motivator: "My respect for Jack Pendleberry was my start. I stayed because we all felt like [founder] Ed Robinson cared about us, and we cared about him. You just do not find that with other companies."

In fact, Woods-Shaffer is also one of our “boomerang” employees. She left for about a year early-on, but returned quickly, and never looked back, sharing, “Ed Robinson called and asked me to come back. I did.”

Defining and Delivering Work-Life Balance for Employee Retention

In a service-based business filled with driven and dedicated professionals, the line between work and life can seem thin, or even non-existent at times. That makes the effort to deliver and maintain work-life balance and support one another even more important to employee retention and satisfaction.

explains, “The basic realities of our industry are that projects have deadlines, and sometimes we have to work to meet those deadlines. ELR succeeds because employees are cross trained, and never work on an ‘island’ so to speak. If you’re working long hours on a deadline, the chances are you’re getting help from others to ease the burden.”

Employee & Family Focused Philosophy with Supportive Policies 

Beyond the natural ebb and flow of work and priorities, we maintain an institutional support system that has helped deliver long-term employee retention, facilitating work-life balance through various policies and practices.

, a Transportation Engineer in Cleveland since 2016, explains, "ELR is very supportive of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and encourages activities outside of work."

Putting the fine point on the connection to employee retention, 

adds, "We have always operated on the belief that family comes first. When you feel that the company that you dedicate so much time and effort to actually cares about your wellbeing ... that deserves loyalty!"

Clients, Projects, and Positive Challenges at the Heart of Employee Retention

The work is always at the core of employee retention and satisfaction, especially when those employees are in an advanced professional field like engineering. It’s the day-to-day details, client interactions, constant change, and results that make all the difference.

“I find working and getting to know our clients very satisfying. I really enjoy meeting and discussing the client’s wants and wishes at the beginning of a project. Many times, clients will have my direct phone number and have called to discuss aspects or concerns of a project. Direct communication, respect, and partnership with clients is a large part of ELR’s success,” 

 attributes a great deal of employee retention to the variety within and across projects, saying, "ELR has a way of getting itself into unique jobs. It seems like, if a company is too small, you only work on small jobs. If a company is large enough, an employee is 'pigeonholed' into doing the thing they do best. But at ELR, I’m forced to wear multiple hats and know how to do multiple things."

, seeing the results of her work is incredibly rewarding. She explains, "The most satisfying part of my job is being able to go out to a bridge after it’s been completed. I’ve been involved with a few Cleveland MetroPark projects, and it is so fun being able to take my kids out to see 'what mom does' for work."

 expands on the role of results in job satisfaction and employee retention, adding, “Seeing the development of a project from initiation to completion is incredibly satisfying. Whether it's overcoming challenges as a team or visiting the final product upon completion, each stage brings its own sense of accomplishment and reward."

ELR's ability to adapt to new challenges and changes in the industry is crucial for its continued success in general and for employee retention. 

 notes, "Challenges and industry change are met head-on. ELR is not afraid to try new software or adopt new methodology in order to stay viable and competitive."

 says it’s "The people and the constant changes and challenges of heading a construction inspection group” that keep her motivated, but laughs, “There’s a fine line between satisfaction and crazy."

Employee Retention Builds through Nurturing Opportunities

Satisfaction and loyalty over time also depend on a sense of growth and progress. There is no shortage of that here. We actively reinforce the importance of both providing and accepting opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

 finds great satisfaction in serving as a mentor, offering, "After 32 years in this profession, I think I have some knowledge to pass on. Sharing this knowledge and experience with the next generation of engineers is vital for the success of our company and our profession."

Support for Continuing Education and Professional Development 

ELR's support for professional growth is a significant factor in employee retention. White continues, "The company provided both financial support and flexibility for me to return to university and earn both my master’s and PhD. degrees."

 also values the encouragement to engage with professional organizations, offering, "ELR is very encouraging about being involved in professional organizations, like [the Association for Bridge Construction and Design] 

 [originally named Women’s Transportation Seminar]. It’s great getting out, meeting other professionals, and learning about things we might not encounter in our regular day to day."

The evolution of roles and responsibilities is a common theme among long-term employees. 

reflects on her journey. "Starting out as a graduate fresh out of college, I was given tasks that really helped me learn about bridges, structures, and the whole process of plan development to construction and inspection. Now I can use this experience and knowledge to help write reports, identify design problems, and help newer coworkers who are just starting out."

Emphasizing the role of learning by doing and trust in employee retention, 

 talks about how his team leaders have helped, emphasizing, "Jamal [Nusairat] and Peter [Narsavage] have put me in positions ahead of what my abilities are, and I appreciate being challenged more than being taught."

The Employee’s Role in Employee Retention and Satisfaction

Finally, we heard a lot about the importance of each employee being a proactive participant in his or her own experience on the road to our high employee retention rate.

Advice from Long-Standing Loyal Employees 

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” emphasizes 

. “At ELR, everyone is eager to help you learn and develop new skills."

"My advice is to never be afraid to try something new,” 

 recommends. “It’s easy to stay in a position doing repetitive projects and never step outside your comfort zone."

 encourages hard work and teamwork, reinforcing, "Learn everything you can, work hard and take care of your team ... and they will take care of you."

Why Employee Retention and Satisfaction Matter

The stories and experiences of ELR's long-term employees paint a picture of a company that values its people, fosters a supportive and collaborative culture, and encourages continuous growth and development. This dedication to employee satisfaction and professional advancement is what makes E.L. Robinson Engineering a standout employer in the industry with extraordinary employee retention.

For more information on our work environment, employee benefits, and career opportunities, visit 

Celebrating Employee Retention at ELR

Making the Future Greater than the Sum of Multiple Projects

After devastating floods in 2016, the Clendenin and the Upper Elk River area of Kanawha County and Clay County, West Virginia (WV) had a long journey of extensive recovery efforts. Instead of “simply” trying to rebuild what was lost, the state, county, city, and other economic development authorities seized the opportunity to reimagine the historically challenged terrain as a tourist destination through multiple capital improvement projects.

“In Clendenin, the aftermath was especially striking. [City Council Member Dave] Knight estimates that 90 percent of homes in the town… were flooded,” according to the article “The Upside of Downstream” by Jeff Link in 

It’s tempting to make a “lemonade from lemons” analogy, but that’s far too simplistic. Sour lemons become delicious, sweet lemonade with just enough sugar and water. Taking a historic and physically challenging floodplain from the aftermath of a natural disaster to a thriving community full of potential is far more complex, nuanced, and even sweeter.

Capital Improvement Projects In and Around Clendenin

A combined recovery and revitalization on this scale requires tremendous vision and coordination, not to mention deep expertise in working with a 100-year floodplain. Rebuilding, remediating, preventing future flood damage, and preserving the natural environment was a tall order. E.L. Robinson (ELR), with our local heritage and extensive experience in landscape architecture, had a major role to play across five essential capital improvement projects for community revitalization.

Clendenin and Upper Elk River Tourism Destination Feasibility Study

The Kanawha County Planning Commission brought ELR in to prepare a feasibility study to introduce a new tourism destination site - a proposed BMX Bike Track - in the Clendenin and Upper Elk River area. The County then selected a site along the proposed Elk River Rail-Trail State Park. Finally, we developed a concept plan for the chosen site and prepared a budgetary cost opinion for the County’s use in pursuing grant funding.

In another capital improvement project with the Kanawha County Commission, ELR’s landscape architects and planners prepared a trail town feasibility study for the Town of Clendenin to better position its businesses and residents to showcase and expand the retail and recreational environment in the upper Kanawha County and lower Elk River area.

With an expected influx of recreational tourism visitors to the town and the new Elk River Rail-Trail State Park, Clendenin had a great opportunity to capitalize on a large proximity of potential trail users and visitors within and outside the County and State. The Kanawha County Commission planned to develop a platform for new trail amenities and businesses while leveraging the existing Elk River Scenic River and its associated parks and recreational amenities. The ultimate goal was to boost the economic activity in the region through destination tourism activities.

The Clendenin Trail Town Feasibility Study explored the potential capital improvement project to develop recreational amenities associated with non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, etc.) The study identified potential trail amenities and trailheads, potential new and/or expanded businesses, and the implementation strategy needed to develop them. ELR developed concept plans for a proposed trailhead and other selected elements and prepared budgetary cost opinions for the County’s use in pursuing grant funding.

Running along Buffalo Creek, the Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad (BC&G) is an 18.6-mile-long former coal-hauling shortline that operated primarily from 1904 through 1965. Through a repurposing strategy called rail-with-trail, which strategically builds recreational trails directly adjacent to an active railroad, the Clay County Business Development Authority (BDA) is now maintaining the BC&G as a sightseeing excursion train and recreation trail. Tragically, the Buffalo Creek riverbank and much of the BC&G railroad and trail incurred severe damage from erosion, sediment deposition, washouts, and bridge displacements from the flash floods of 2016.

As Clay and affected neighboring WV counties underwent numerous flood-mitigation initiatives to repair homes and infrastructure, damage to the BC&G recreation area was also assessed and inventoried using scans of the original 1904 railroad right-of-way centerline maps. This post-flood assessment helped indicate the damaged locations of the trail and lay the foundation for designing needed repairs. The Clay County BDA selected ELR to spearhead a team of geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, and landscape architects to develop detailed capital improvement, design, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-approved construction plans for the replacement and repairs of the bridges, railroad, culverts, and trails from the community of Dundon to just past Swandale, for approximately15 miles.

The Town of Clendenin acquired the properties of former home sites condemned by FEMA following the June 2016 floods. With the help of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Wildlife Resources Section, the town set out to repurpose the 1.25 acres adjacent to the Elk River into a new green, environmentally-friendly boat ramp and river access point along the Elk River in Clendenin.

ELR’s landscape architects developed conceptual designs with budgetary cost estimates for two different approaches to the river for the WVDNR and the Town of Clendenin to consider. We then developed construction plans and bidding documents for the selected capital improvement concept, which included a new parking lot utilizing previous asphalt pavement, new lighting, a concrete boat ramp, wood bollards, an informational kiosk, directional signs, bumper blocks, ADA-accessible parking areas, and landscaping.

Clendenin Outdoor Performance Stage Foundations

Finally, the Town of Clendenin also worked with ELR to provide survey stakeout services, and structural and geotechnical engineering design services to prepare foundations for a new Outdoor Performance Stage near the Elk River at the end of Main Street in Clendenin. The permanent stage would replace a portable stage previously used for Fourth of July celebrations, a chili cookoff and wine-tasting festival, and other events that hosted live musical performances.

The Town hired PDM Architects to design an exposed timber-frame joinery-style outdoor stage, right in the floodplain. With the potential for flood loads on the foundation construction, ensuring the stage’s resistance to flooding was critical. That meant they needed essential soil analysis by geotechnical experts.

ELR executed a geotechnical investigation that included four 30-foot-deep core borings to locate bedrock and discover the soil properties under the new stage. We delivered soil samples encountered to our laboratory for sieve and hydrometer analysis and Atterberg limits testing (a basic measure of the critical water content of fine-grained soils). Based on the core borings and soil analysis, ELR prepared foundation plans for six pier locations to support the new stage.

Capital Improvement for Community Revitalization and a Brighter Future

Clendenin and the surrounding counties recognized the opportunity in the aftermath of disaster. Instead of “just” rebuilding, the community leveraged the required capital improvements to envision a brighter future through revitalization and reimagination.

“The flood was horrible. But we made good come out of bad,” Knight says. “It made us kind of reinvent Clendenin to rely more on our natural resources, our assets like the Elk River and the trail. So I think we will actually come back better than what we were before the flood,”

 the article “The Upside of Downstream” by Jeff Link in 

The Role of Landscape Architecture in Clendenin Capital Improvement

The projects covered here are near and dear to our hearts, as many of our team call West Virginia home. “

It’s incredibly inspiring to see a community rally in such a constructive and optimistic way,

” emphasizes Landscape Architect and Project Manager, Todd Schoolcraft. “

The future is indeed bright, even if high water comes again, and we are deeply proud to be a part of the solution.

Landscape designer Gracetyn Carper continues, “

Incidentally, Todd is from Clendenin and I'm from Clay, so we have a special and significant care for the culture and environment of the Elk River Area. Seeing the growth and being a part of the future is incredibly rewarding.

 with any questions or to discuss the needs you may have for a capital improvement project.

Capital Improvement for Community Revitalization 

Digging Deep to Prepare for the Winter Freeze

What civil and environmental engineering considerations help prepare bridges and roads to be ready for the winter freeze? 

January 2024 saw frigid temperatures stream across the United States, affecting nearly every state, including in the deep south where people and infrastructure were largely caught off guard. Even those accustomed to the cold thought twice before venturing out.

In that situation, most people take precautions against damage and danger. But for those of us in the field of civil and environmental engineering, contemplation happens during the planning phase of projects, well in advance of the extreme weather.

Let’s get out our shovels to dig into why civil and environmental engineering professionals need to plan so far ahead.

Civil and Environmental Engineering Factors Brace Against the Elements

When conditions get extreme, it’s easy and important to focus on the immediate situation and surroundings. We think about how to prevent the worst from happening, whether that’s pipes bursting or roads, ramps, and bridges freezing over. But if civil and environmental engineering hasn’t done its job, the solutions might not work, and the problems could multiply. That’s because once the infrastructure is built, there are constraints.

In the planning and design phases of an engineering project, we anticipate potential problems, incorporate space for contingencies, account for environmental impacts, and optimize the structural or system design for the majority of the situations we can anticipate. Here are two examples of civil and structural engineering considerations to get ahead of the winter freeze.

Freezing Pipes and Water Management System Design

Anyone who lives in the northern part of the U.S. knows that when temperatures dip below zero for extended periods of time, pipes are at risk of bursting. And if it’s ever happened to you, you know that no good can come of it as flooding begins, requiring emergency response and repairs.

The precaution people take to avoid such a catastrophe is to turn faucets on to a slow drizzle and leave them running. When that happens across an entire water distribution system, it increases demand even at a minimal flow rate per household. That could mean even bigger trouble in the form of time, effort, and money if the civil and environmental engineering team designing that system didn’t plan for the additional capacity to meet demand.

Our Utilities Engineering team works with municipalities large and small, using the latest technology and in-house design software to ensure that the capacity is sufficient across water treatment plants, pump stations, and waterlines. From original environmental assessments, planning, and design, to line extensions and emergency management consultation, our engineers have a major role to play in mitigating or addressing the risks of extreme weather.

Innovative Ways to Guard Against Freezing Bridges and Roadways

Another critical area for civil and environmental engineering consideration is the surface of bridges and roadways. Not only are ice, snow, and standing water a safety concern for drivers but the rock salt used to keep them from freezing also sets the pavement up for potential potholes after the thaw. The planning and design phase is where we evaluate and specify everything from road slope and proper drainage to structural elements like fencing and curve banking that contribute to safer roads.

Here are two examples of intriguing innovations that are being developed that can help guard against freezing bridges and roadways and the resulting pothole risk.

 According to the developer, “Solar Roadways® panels have an integrated heating component. The heating system in Solar Roadways® maintains a temperature above freezing. This keeps the road free of snow and ice. Since more than 70% of the U.S. population lives in snowy regions, this system could be a crucial solution to maintaining safe road conditions. The implementation of a heated roadway system would also save a significant amount of time in snow removal.” 

 According to the December 14, 2020. World Highways 

, A new additive for self-de-icing asphalt mixture roads in winter, By Shahin Eskandarsefat, “The idea is to add de-icers to the asphalt mix during the production. This type of additive is a convenient solution for areas of high risk of accidents such as busy intersections, hilly streets, or icy zones. By reducing the adherence between ice and road surface these pavements provide safer driving conditions alongside less winter maintenance costs. From another point of view, since this type of additive reduces the freezing point of the pavement, the number of the freeze/thaw cycles will be reduced, making the road less susceptible to damage and giving the road longer life.”

Learn More About Civil and Environmental Engineering

We specialize in thinking ahead and considering the surrounding environment to avoid problems and extra costs down the road. To learn more about all of our civil and environmental engineering areas of expertise, visit our Services page or 

Cold Snap Considerations for Civil and Environmental Engineering 

As engineers, we’re the first to admit that we’re fascinated by technology. We love to understand how things work and find new ways to make them work better, faster, easier, more cost-effectively, or all the above. E.L. Robinson (ELR) head of geomatic surveying, Tom Rayburn, frequently uses technology tools like laser mapping, which helps us collect thousands of data points in each scanning drive.

Mobile Scan

In civil engineering, surveying is a component of many kinds of projects, and a critical part of geomatics, or the mathematics of the earth. In an engineering survey, we inspect an area to determine its condition or state and delineate details and dimensions for the intended use. From highway design, site development, stream restoration projects, infrastructure design, and even hydro-surveying, we depend on our surveyors and their tools.

Surveying has been supporting civil engineering for millennia - literally. Traditional land surveying used tools like compasses, chains, rods, and theodolites (a precision instrument that measures angles in the horizontal and vertical planes). Surveyors created accurate maps by manually recording observations and employing mathematical calculations.

We’ve all done manual land mapping, and sometimes we still do, but now we have the latest mobile scanning technology for laser mapping, which is much more efficient. It’s not only faster, but it also reduces the need for return surveying. All of that saves money in addition to time. But wait, there’s more. This technology allows us to simplify the logistics of the surveying process. On highway survey projects, we can avoid lane shift traffic control, which creates traffic flow and safety challenges.

Rayburn says. “I would say that laser mapping through mobile scanning saves us about half the time on certain projects. Maybe more considering all aspects we are able to address.”

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