Kansas City, Mo., April 30, 2002 -- Black & Veatch announced Tuesday it has been selected to lead an international stormwater research team in a $690,000 study of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The project is funded by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), United Kingdom Water Industry Research (UKWIR) and the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF).
Under a contract signed earlier this month, Black & Veatch will lead U.S. and U.K. teams in collecting information and providing guidance that will enhance understanding of stormwater quality management technologies and issues in both countries. Participants will assess the performance, impacts, maintenance requirements and whole-life costs of various BMPs/SUDS.
A six-month literature review and data survey to compile current information and identify BMPs and SUDS for in-depth evaluation will precede a three-year monitoring and evaluation period.
"Although many BMPs and a number of SUDS have been constructed, there is little consolidated guidance information on their potential performance, associated risks and whole-life costs in either the U.S. or the U.K.," said WERF Project Manager Jeff Moeller.
"This project presents a unique opportunity to evaluate and collate vital information on the performance of current practices and to share information between the U.S. and the U.K."
"The results of this study will benefit communities and utilities on both sides of the Atlantic," said Americas Division President Jim Patton. "We're delighted that our presence and stormwater experience in both countries have qualified us to lead an international team of preeminent stormwater research organizations and consultants in conducting research for such prestigious sponsors."
In the U.K., the team is led by wholly owned Black & Veatch subsidiary Binnie Black & Veatch and includes H.R. Wallingford, a U.K. center for drainage research, and the Urban Water Technology Centre, Abertay University, Dundee. In addition to Black & Veatch, the U.S.-based team comprises the Center for Research in Water Resources, University of Texas, Austin; the Low Impact Development Center, Rockville, Md.; and ETEC, L.L.C., a Minority Business Enterprise engineering consulting firm in University Park, Md.
The City of Austin, Texas, is contributing in-kind services in the form of stormwater data.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch Corporation is a global engineering, construction and consulting company specializing in infrastructure development in the fields of energy, water and information.
Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch serves its clients with conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset management, information technology, environmental, security design and consulting, and management consulting services.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., the employee-owned company has more than 90 offices worldwide. Black & Veatch is ranked 80th on the Forbes "500 Largest Private Companies in the U.S." listing for 2001. The company's Web site address is www.bv.com.
