As yet another calendar year winds down, it is important to reflect upon the importance of civil engineering contributions to society and to actively advocate our profession. The Bay Area is somewhat unique in that the breadth of those contributions should be apparent to the casual observer. We have world class transportation elements, water distribution systems, and structural engineering achievements right here in our own backyard. However, with the possible exception of the Golden Gate Bridge, the average citizen would struggle to identify many of those facilities. Why? Because we do not do enough to promote ourselves and the civil engineering profession outside of the workplace. Sure, every one of us can probably recite a “Doctor, Lawyer, and an Engineer” joke that makes light of our practicality or “left-brain” tendencies but when was the last time you mentioned a dam or bridge to your next-door neighbor?

I believe the ongoing decline of our infrastructure and the lack of college freshmen entering civil engineering programs can be linked, in part, to the understated nature of civil engineers themselves. Instead of chugging along in anonymity, do your part to promote civil engineering and its importance to society on a daily basis. ASCE can help you in that effort. Regular attendance at monthly branch dinner meetings will keep you apprised of recent and upcoming projects and other important developments in the “built environment”.

I look forward to serving as the Golden Gate Branch President in the coming year. Other 2012 branch officers are:

• Russell Moore, Vice President
• Rita Foti, Secretary
• Sarah Scarbrough, Treasurer
• Erik Okada, Board Director
• James Small and Ed Curran, Programs

Our 2011 Golden Gate Branch dinner meetings were highlighted by fantastic programs on such projects as the Bay Bridge, Hoover Dam, and the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct. For 2012, we are looking forward to another exciting year of programs, increased ASCE membership, and a greater appreciation for the achievements of civil engineers everywhere. Have a safe and happy holiday season and New Year!

Design-Build for the Hetch Hetchy Water Supply Tesla Ultra Violet Water Treatment Facility

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) recently completed the successful construction of the 315-MGD Tesla ultraviolet (UV) disinfection facility for its unfiltered Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct (HHA) supply. The project was constructed to comply with the Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and was the first design-build project for SFPUC water infrastructure. This presentation will address the project’s design-build project delivery method, construction challenges and lessons learned. Construction notice to proceed was issued in March 2009 at 60% design and challenges included equipment procurement, tie-in to the existing Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct and installation of large diameter steel pipe. The project was completed in the summer of 2011.

In a prior article, the issue of the scope of liability of a negligent surveyor was discussed. The case involved a surveyor who was found to be liable to a future buyer of surveyed property even though the surveyor never had a contract with that future buyer. Several factors were cited in the decision that went into the determination of the liability for the negligent survey. Points mentioned were the extent to which the transaction was intended to affect the injured party, the foreseeability of harm to him, the degree of certainty that the injured party suffered injury, the closeness of the connection between the surveyor’s conduct and the injury suffered, the moral blame attached to the surveyor’s conduct, and the policy of preventing future harm.

I am excited to be the President of the San Francisco Section of YMF for this year. I have been involved in YMF for a few years now and it is an honor to represent the group.

As President, it is my responsibility to set some goals for the year. These goals are designed to foster a dynamic YMF that can provide value for younger civil engineers to develop solid relationships and advance their careers. So here goes:

• Maintain SF YMF as a bridge between university students and established professional engineers.
• Continue to build relationships between SF YMF and ALL other engineering/design groups in the Bay Area.
• Develop consistent and reliable fundraising activities.

November Meeting

Please join the Golden Gate Branch and the Northern California Chapter of APWA for a luncheon meeting on Friday, November 18. We will hear a very interesting and informative presentation about two Engineers Without Borders (EWB) projects that took place this past summer.