Date: October 26, 2023, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (networking opportunity from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM)
Presenter
Webinar will be led by James Burn, Jax Vollmer, and Matt Main
James Burn, GIS and Data Management Lead - GM BluePlan
Jax Vollmer, Asset Management - GM BluePlan
Matthew Main, Infrastructure and Asset Manager - City of Welland
(biographies listed below)
The City of Welland retained GM BluePlan Engineering to assist in a comprehensive review and documentation of existing data holdings and processes with respect to CCTV inspections and rehabilitation of sewers. The main objective of the project was to develop a new condition-based CCTV program in conjunction with a prioritized pipe rehabilitation program. These new programs were designed to be evidence based using the information and findings from condition inspections as opposed to the traditional geographic area-based methodology currently being used.
As with many municipalities, the challenges put forth by budgetary constraints and aging sewer networks generated the need for a programmatic approach to the inspection and rehabilitation process. In the City the traditional geographic area-based inspection programs resulted in the over inspection of pipes known to be in good condition, while chronically problematic sewers had the potential for being missed. Utilizing a new tool and programmatic approach based on existing CCTV data allowed the City to take a holistic view of their system, which opened the door to a more efficient, evidence based, and defensible program.
The pairing of complete CCTV datasets with the City’s extensive and well-maintained geographic information system was integral to the success of this project. Mutually agreed upon parameters were applied to the resulting overview, narrowing inspection and rehabilitation selections based on not only condition grade, but age, material and other mitigating factors affecting deterioration of pipelines.
This approach allows the City to select the highest risk pipes for immediate rehabilitation and inspection, while meeting their annual budgetary needs. It provided a clear snapshot for future planning, simultaneously utilizing the budget to its maximum effectiveness to improve the overall health of the sanitary and storm sewer systems.
Built using common off-the-shelf software applications, these tools not only integrate with the City’s current systems seamlessly but may also be easily maintained and adjusted to meet the City’s future goals and needs.
Remain on the call after the webinar to network and socialize with your fellow BeSpatial members!
James Burn first attended Brock University where he received his B.Sc. in Environmental Geology, and later attended Niagara College receiving a post graduate certificate in GIS and Geospatial Management.
Over the past 24 years, James has worked in the engineering field in both the public and private sectors and is currently the GIS Lead and a partner at GM BluePlan Engineering. In this position, he supports core engineering services as well as the Infrastructure Planning, Hydraulic Modeling and Asset Management teams. James' strengths include spatial analysis, data management and ETL.
James is a Licensed and Certified Engineering Technologist in geomatics as recognized by the PEO and OACETT respectively and is also certified with the Canadian Institute of Geomatics in Geospatial Management and GIS/LIS in addition to being a certified GISP.
Jax Vollmer has over 20 years of experience working in underground utility management, inspection, and repair in the private sector, utilizing an in depth understanding of WRc and the NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program. She was WRc certified under NAAPI in 2000 and certified under NASSCO in 2013. She is well versed in database applications including SQL, ESRI, QGIS and MS Access. When she moved into consulting in 2021, she brought with her a variety of skills and disciplines to her team, and endeavours to represent the interests of her clients, the general public and the environment in her work.
Her practical experience includes site and field works, which rounded out her understanding and application of installation, rehabilitation, maintenance and repair methods to underground utilities. Jax enjoys a depth of knowledge of CCTV inspection hardware in addition to multiple CCTV Data Collection software packages and has been instrumental in the design and building of field CCTV inspection units from the installation of reels and cameras to PC building and software implementation and training, and particularly enjoys the integration of asset condition to GIS.
Matthew Main has been with the City of Welland’s Engineering team for 6 years and is currently their Infrastructure and Asset Manager. Prior to his time at Welland, Matt worked for the Town of Grimsby for 10 years as an integral part of the Engineering department. He was not only tasked with administering Grimsby’s GIS, but also spearheaded the project management of capital, maintenance and development projects.
Matt is a Professional Engineer but he’s also passionate about GIS and ensuring the best and most accurate data drives Welland’s decision making.
Interested in offering a Webinar? Contact Wendy for details.
