Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008 - (Page 19)

Even apart from the cost savings achieved on projects such as Malvern, developers are requesting the application as a decision support tool—because it gives them better information months earlier in the design process. Site development costs are notoriously difficult to predict and typically represent 25 percent or more of a project’s total budget. By having this essential information as part of their pro formas from the beginning, developers gain a stronger negotiating position with property owners, banks, and tenants. “SITEOPS eliminates surprises, which usually come in the form of dirt problems,” says land developer Tim Dockery, principal of The Crown Companies. “Even if grading optimization saved no site cost dollars, it would be worth it—it just so happens that it does save money and it does expedite the process.” The flexibility of the software is also valuable for land developers seeking to incorporate more sustainable design features into their projects. For instance, engineers can adjust the design to designate tree saves and other set-aside areas. Further, the application includes the ability to specify semi-permeable concrete, by altering the runoff coefficient. The dollar impact of reducing time and energy spent on earthmoving during site development is not difficult to grasp. The environmental impact of reduced fuel and emissions is also noteworthy. A typical 175-horsepower bulldozer emits as much particulate matter as 500 cars, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Saving resources and saving money often require difficult tradeoffs. As engineers at Nave Newell discovered, site op- timization represents a powerful way to create more efficient sites—delivering higher value to clients and with greater design flexibility. SLDT About the author: Tess Gadwa is Communications Manager for BLUERIDGE Analytics, providers of SITEOPS site engineering software. To learn more, visit the company’s website at www.siteops.com. Innovative Stormwater Management Products The FloGard® DVHS offers an innovative and economic alternative for BMP implementation in new and retrofit applications • Fits industry-standard manholes/vaults • Economical installation • Ease of maintenance • Vector control Next Steps DiGiacobbe reports that with the results of the site optimization in hand, the outlook for the project shifted considerably. “In these difficult economic times, reducing site costs is crucial to the success of a project.” Engineers at Nave Newell created a new plan for storm water and grading based on the optimized design. As of August 2008, the Malvern project is in the final phases of permitting, with construction expected to begin within the next six months. DiGiacobbe said that he is optimistic about the potential of site optimization technology to reduce energy expenditures and site development costs on future client projects. “This has been revolutionary. It changes the way we position ourselves to our clients. It changes our offerings. Now we’re able to add the estimated site cost and do earthworks. This changes the game.” Perk Filters can be installed in existing drop inlets, installed as a catch basin system at individual inlets or as a centralized modular treatment system installed on-line or off-line. • Modular, scalable design • Addresses wide array of pollutants • Highly effective media filter performance • Easy, low cost installation and maintenance SHAPI N G THE FUTURE O F WATER Q UALIT Y™ Evolving Stormwater Management Solutions C U D O WATER STORAGE SYSTEM Modular Bioretention • Highly porous matrix • Replaces both drain pipe/ aggregate • More volume/Enhanced retention • Passive/active irrigation • Mitigates water temperatures U.S. PATENT PENDING Contact us today to learn more about these exciting systems for complete stormwater management. KRISTAR ENTERPRISES, INC. 1-800-579-8819 Visit our web site at: www.kristar.com S i n c e 19 9 3 Circle 136 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard www.SLDTonline.com 19 http://www.siteops.com http://www.kristar.com http://www.kristar.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard http://www.SLDTonline.com

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Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008

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