Water Project Receives Engineering Award

Fleis & VandenBrink (F&V), the civil engineering firm which designed and constructed West Shore Community College’s new water system, 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 finished in June 2020.  F&V collaborated with the 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.

“This project was years in the making,” stated Mike Moore, WSCC director of facilities and recreation. “To have it completed is a benefit not only to our campus community, but also to nearby residents.”

The college had a well water system with a high concentration of organic material causing unsavory odors, discoloration, 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 to construction of four miles of watermain and the elevated 170-foot, 50-gallon water tank. Included in this construction are eight fire hydrants, allowing for fire flow and the ability to flush the main water line along Stiles Road.

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

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 Friday, February 26, during the 56th ACEC annual awards ceremony held via Zoom.