F&V’s Water Improvements Design an ACEC Winner

Fleis & VandenBrink (F&V) has received an Engineering Merit Award in the 2021 American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) annual Engineering & Surveying Excellence competition.

The award recognizes outstanding Michigan engineering and surveying projects from the past year and the engineering professionals who have significantly contributed to the profession.

F&V’s winning project, “Clean Water A Flush Away for College Campus,” was for West Shore Community College. F&V collaborated with the rural college, City of Ludington and the City of Scottville, to design a 50,000-gallon elevated water tank with an automated water flushing device to restore water quality.

The college had a well water system with a high concentration of organic material causing unsavory odors, discoloration, overall poor water quality and limited capacity. The design improved capacity for firefighting and future growth in the area and eliminated stagnant water concerns during breaks.

F&V also completed a water feasibility study that led construction of four miles of watermain and the elevated 170-foot, 50-gallon water tank,

“We appreciated F&V’s innovative ideas including the automated water flushing device to keep the water supply fresh at all times,” said Scott Ward, West Shore’s president. “F&V exceeded all expectations on this project which meet the current and future needs of students and faculty.”

The new water system also provides water backup for the City of Scottville and helps support future development for the college and neighboring Amber and Victory townships, Ward added.

The award was announced last Friday during the 56th annual awards ceremony held via Zoom.