Michael Schrader has been named group manager in the civil and environmental engineering group of Woodard & Curran. He has more than 18 years’ experience designing and managing water, sewer and stormwater projects. He has a B.A. in civil engineering from Northeastern University and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Water Works Association.
PBN: What has led you to focus on wastewater issues?
SCHRADER: I have experience in a broad range of civil engineering projects. … I got into this field because I really enjoy the challenge and complexity of helping cities and towns develop sensible solutions to challenging environmental issues.
PBN: What are some of those challenges?
SCHRADER: It is a challenge for the underground infrastructure to provide the needs of the above-ground development. In most of the urban centers the water and sewer systems were built in the late 19th or early 20th century. A particular stress to the aging infrastructure results from the shift from manufacturing to housing. Residential housing puts a much higher water demand per square foot than a mill or a factory did.
PBN: How is regulation affecting the issue?
SCHRADER: We have a much better understanding of the natural environs and the effects of pollution. Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the R.I. Department of Environmental Management are moving towards treatment standards that are based on the actual water conditions within the receiving body, rather than limits based upon available technology. As technology has improved, so have expectations of water management. Ultimately, this is a triumph for the environment. But it is complex and costly.
PBN: How does that affect municipalities?
SCHRADER: Today’s municipal leaders and facilities managers are under increasing pressure. Post Katrina, the public expects and demands that their infrastructure is professionally managed and properly maintained. … Another challenge is to achieve public buy-in on expensive repairs and upgrades to infrastructure that is not visible to the public.
