Burns and McDonnell

Focus on Safety First. Always.

Safety is first, at home and at work. It’s our No. 1 guiding principle and a standard that holds even greater significance this year as it relates to enhanced protection for people as well as information. Fortunately, improved procedures and advanced technologies are strengthening safety and security measures to keep both safe, on-site and in the cloud. Below, read about recent “cyber mafia” attacks on major organizations, particularly those with unsecured operational technology, and what actions to take to defend against them.

Wearable devices with voice-activated technology, remote-controlled equipment, and transportation design that focuses on speed compliance are topics that continue to gain traction because of their increased safety potential.

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ARTICLES

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Plugging Cybersecurity Leaks

As utilities target mitigation of evolving cyber risks, the plan starts with a comprehensive maturity assessment and gap analysis of IT and OT systems.

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Technology Can Reduce Many Safety Risks on Construction Sites

Technology, including wearables, AI and exoskeletons, promises cost savings, greater efficiency and safer employees on construction sites and in the shop.

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Designing for Safety With Self-Enforcing Roadways

To prevent accidents, transportation authorities can employ self-enforcing roadways, a design concept that uses environmental cues to promote safe driving.

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A Visitor Site Safety Plan Starts With Asking the Right Questions

A site safety plan for visitors starts with questions. Success depends on scheduled activities at the construction site — and preparation and planning.

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Transportation Utilizing Big Data and Technology to Improve Transportation Safety

Conventional methods of analysis along with technology-driven data analyses can help identify road safety issues and improve safety measures.

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CBRS Auction Results Are in; Did Utilities Cash in to Build Private LTE?

Eight electric utilities jumped into the spectrum arena with bids for the right to build telecommunications networks — but why only eight?

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Delivering Thanks to Truck Drivers Everywhere

Truck drivers, often unsung heroes, keep the economy and our livelihoods intact with deliveries to homes, stores, job sites and more. Let’s thank them.

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Risk Profiles Emerge as LTE Devices Go in on Utility Networks

Secure-boot functionality addresses the challenge of device security on electrical grid networks, but it requires utility collaboration with vendor partners.

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Untangling the Implications of a Supply Chain Breakdown

The supply chain makes connections that manufacturers rely on. A focus on just-in-time delivery weakened supply chain links, and the pandemic tested them.

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Preparing for an Unannounced Facility Response Plan Exercise

Oil storage facilities required to have a facility response plan (FRP) can prepare for unannounced inspections by engaging contractors and practicing.

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How Energy Storage Will Support Expansion of Renewables

As energy storage systems expand to meet electrical grid challenges, it is important to understand the drivers and challenges facing renewables markets.

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Why It Means So Much to Give Back

Many companies take social responsibility seriously, with passionate employees donating time, talent and money to achieve extraordinary outcomes during extraordinary times.

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Advancement of Project Controls Can Greatly Improve Project Outcomes

Advanced project control technologies integrate the project team and process for better project outcomes, reducing or eliminating the risks of human error.

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Prioritizing Stakeholder Outreach for Current and Future LNG Projects

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) operators can build collaborative communication with community stakeholders by engaging early via flexible, creative methods.

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Offshore Wind Supply Chain Requires a Collaborative Approach

The developing U.S. offshore wind market needs regional and national collaboration between supply chain stakeholders in order to meet clean energy goals.

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Stakeholder Management: Unlock Renewable Generation Potential

Developers focus on collaboration with groups of stakeholders to be impacted by the transition to renewable generation and battery storage facilities.

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Visualize This: Mobile Apps Deliver Real-Time Remediation Results

Mobile applications are powerful tools capable of collecting, organizing, processing and visualizing data to better inform remediation strategies.

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Rounding Out System Verification With Building Enclosure Commissioning

Building enclosure commissioning and MEP commissioning both focus on system verification, but they require unique sets of skills to accomplish.

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EPC Supports Flexibility for COVID-19-Related Construction Shutdown

Project delays and shutdowns at oil and gas facilities can be managed more efficiently under an engineer-procure-construct (EPC) contractual framework.

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Add Agility to the Supply Chain With Real-Time Manufacturing Data

A pull supply chain model uses real-time consumer data, collected through the implementation of robotics and automation at manufacturing facilities.

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Increasing User Adoption of Business Intelligence

Business intelligence solutions enable the analysis and presentation of vast amounts of organizational data in a way that reveals key operational insights.

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Digging Further Into the History of Pipelines

Gas and pipelines have an expansive, colorful history. As new inventions altered demand, pipeline owners adjusted and expanded their reach to meet demand.

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COVID-19 Pandemic Accelerates Decline in Coal-Fired Generation

The power industry has seen change amid the pandemic. Economic uncertainty and decreasing demand have led to a decline in power from coal-fired sources.

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Get Your Submissions Ready: The Final Part A CCR Rule Is Here

The EPA released the final version of “Holistic Approach to Closure Part A” defining deadlines and requirements for CCR management. The time to act is now.

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Decarbonizing the Mining Industry

Leaders in the mining industry are integrating renewable energy options to cut costs, meet decarbonization goals and minimize pressure on the grid.

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Reduce Remediation Costs by Accounting for Bioavailability

Removing contaminants from a site is challenging. Bioavailability can reduce remediation costs while helping meet environmental and safety standards.

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Harnessing the Power of Data for On-Time and On-Budget Water Projects

Real-time data tools provide information that helps management teams achieve cost and schedule goals throughout a water or wastewater project’s life cycle.

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Affording Everyone the Opportunity of Connectivity

The pandemic shines light on long-standing, obvious gaps in necessities for some communities, including communication deserts for rural residents.

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Designing and Delivering Federal Projects in Remote Areas

Designing and delivering Department of Defense projects in remote locations requires preparation to ship materials, find a workforce and locate equipment.

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Pairing Ecological Restoration With Environmental Remediation

Ecological restoration credits can offset significant environmental restoration costs. These remedies must follow specific steps to comply with regulations.

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Final Rule: A Safer, More Efficient Method of Flashpoint Testing

The EPA has modernized how ignitability of hazardous waste is determined under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, effective Sept. 8, 2020.

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Enhancing Rural Electric Infrastructure for an Efficient Smart Grid

Better infrastructure is vital to preventing outages and building a more efficient, reliable smart grid — and to keeping rural communities running.

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Open Access Networks Provide Platform for Broadband Expansion

Rural communities face a stark digital divide. Open access networks bridge the gap between rural and urban access to reliable telecommunication services.

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Reconsidering Funding From the Rural Utilities Service

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is one financing option for rural electrical utility cooperatives seeking low-cost funding for critical infrastructure.

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Rural Communities Reap the Benefits of Wind and Solar

Rural power providers are integrating wind and solar energy to support more reliable and affordable energy options for customers.

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Alert Calls for Action to Secure Critical Infrastructure OT Systems

The recently issued joint alert from NSA and CISA urges operators of critical infrastructure facilities to secure their operational technology (OT) systems.

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Optimization Is a Key Factor for Membrane Treatment Facility Design

An optimized layout for membrane water treatment facilities is key to reducing costs and operator frustrations, as well as supporting potential expansion.

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Utilities See End-of-Life Changes for Assets With PJM Interconnection

For many utilities, the end-of-life process for assets will be changing. Updated regulations standardize planning for transmission asset replacement.

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Loan Programs Support Critical Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Projects

New funding opportunities through the WIFIA and SWIFIA programs give communities a way to advance critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

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What Makes Remediating Complex Sites So Difficult and Costly?

Complex site remediation often fails when the conceptual site model doesn’t account for the dynamic processes at work in the impacted groundwater system.

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Considering Combined Boots on the Ground and Virtual Technologies for Electric Utilities

Boots on the ground in rural areas help utilities provide seamless service for their customers who rely on the power they produce.

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Investing in Airport Technology: Expanding Airport Capabilities

The importance of data and connectivity is clear in the face of the pandemic. Airports can benefit from up-to-date technology, bandwidth and infrastructure.

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Making Underground Transmission a Reality With All-In Project Delivery

The construction complexities of an underground transmission project can be streamlined with an all-in engineer-procure-construct (EPC) project approach.

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Minimizing Environmental Impacts in a Project Life Cycle

Experienced environmental specialists help in each phase of a project, from acquiring the correct permits to minimizing impact to public stakeholders.

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Considerations for Constructing Medium-Duty EV Infrastructure

A successful conversion to medium-duty fleet electric vehicles (EVs) requires organizations think through technology, siting, funding and delivery method.

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Capturing CO2 Without Diluting Plant Value

Carbon capture and storage technology may be intrinsic to continued operation of coal- or gas-fired power plants. Understand the impacts and costs.

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Technology Key to Meeting New Construction Priorities During Pandemic

In the face of rapidly changing construction priorities triggered by the pandemic, wearables technology is solving challenges where site access is limited.

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A Regulatory Mindset Supports Cost-Effective Remediation

Remediation of an environmentally impacted site requires a delicate balance among technical skills, legal experience and regulatory knowledge.

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Overcoming Backbone Capacity Limits With SD-WAN

Utilities can overcome backbone capacity limits with SD-WAN, getting cloud data to the internet quickly by strategically locating low-cost connections.

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Rethinking the Power of Startup and Commissioning

Integrating startup and commissioning into project planning from the start can help realize the full value of a facility and minimize changes.

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Designing a Distribution Gas Pipeline With Construction in Mind

Distribution main pipeline replacement programs benefit when design considers the site conditions and safety for construction crews and residents.

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Embracing the Unknown: A New Path Forward for Sports

Sports leagues worldwide hoping to launch a new season will need to apply a creative, flexible approach to overcome the challenges of the pandemic.

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Coordinating With Regulatory Entities for Water Treatment Plant Projects

Adding membrane filtration and softening to an existing water treatment plant means coordinating with EPA and other regulatory entities on permitting.

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Looking Ahead at Lasting Impacts on the Transportation Industry

Transportation infrastructure is the backbone of economic prosperity. COVID-19 challenges cities, counties and transportation agencies to meet demands.

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Unlocking the Value Within Your Remediation Portfolio

A complex remediation portfolio benefits from the accountability, data-driven decision-making and strategic perspective that program management brings.

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Using Asset Framework to Transform Data Into Operational Intelligence

Using Asset Framework from OSIsoft PI System can help contextualize and visualize data to inform strategic operational decisions and capital spending.

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Pandemic Boosts Need for Sustainable Investment Under RIIO-2 Framework

Sustainable investments are key for future reliable electricity production under the RIIO-2 framework, despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Reflections From Houston: The Importance of Resilient Infrastructure

Houston is a case study in how resilient infrastructure requires a shift in the standard design approach, to look beyond history and prepare for the future.

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Federal Court Reauthorizes Use of Nationwide Permit 12

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily reinstated nationwide permit (NWP) 12, a permit heavily used for utility projects, dispelling some uncertainty.

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Solid Backing: Central Plant, Utility Infrastructure Resiliency Critical to Hospital Operations, Patient Safety

Natural disasters challenge the ability to provide reliable power to critical healthcare facilities. Effective utility master planning can see big returns.

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Overcoming Challenges for the Future of Telehealth

Telehealth services enable safe care during the pandemic. For growth to continue, healthcare providers need to address clinical staffing and IT infrastructure.

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Mastering Voltage Regulation for Reliable Power

Automatic voltage regulation can help power plants increase operational efficiencies, maintain reliable power supplies and comply with NERC VAR-002.

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Entering the Animal Health Market With Smart Manufacturing

Smart manufacturing practices can help organizations shift into new markets like animal health by supporting data-driven decisions about capital investments.

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Improving Effective Use of Data in the Healthcare Industry

Healthcare systems may have organizational data, but harnessing it for strategic decisions is difficult. Technology solutions extract actionable information.

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Healthcare Staff Reductions Threaten Regulatory Compliance

The pandemic challenged the healthcare industry to function with fewer financial and staffing resources. At risk: environmental health and safety compliance.

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Breathe New Life Into Aging Hydroelectric Plants

Hydroelectric plants offer immediate access to clean energy, but aging facilities require planning for numerous electrical and mechanical updates.

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Consider Individual Experiences When Tackling Transportation Projects Today

The pandemic experience is different for different locations. Approach transportation projects with unique solutions that fit people’s unique experiences.

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Acting on Final Rule for Rail Transport of LNG

A new PHMSA rule authorizing LNG transport by rail within certain safety parameters could be a boon to power plants with existing rail infrastructure.

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Sustainable Infrastructure for LA’s 2028 Olympics and Beyond

Los Angeles is taking a sustainable approach by maximizing existing infrastructure, engaging the community and focusing beyond the 2028 Olympic Games.

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Examining Gas Storage as a Route to Optimize Renewable Energy

Converting excess renewable power from wind or solar into methane or hydrogen gases may increase storage capacity in the march toward carbon neutrality.

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The Navigable Waters Protection Rule: What It Means for Your Project

The rules over jurisdiction of regulated waters have been changing for 60 years, most recently under President Trump’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule.

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Leveraging Data for Airport Revenue Streams

Varied revenue streams can support airport operations during challenging times. Adoption of the latest connectivity, bandwidth and infrastructure is critical.

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Preparing Water and Wastewater Utilities for a Pandemic

Emergency plans are key for water and wastewater utilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for staff health and continued operations planning.

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Thorough Planning and Evaluation Support an Enduring CEMS Upgrade

To reduce challenges when updating continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) in gas-fired power plants, start with extensive planning and evaluation.

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Bridging Cultural Gaps

From her nomadic upbringing to delivering a water treatment plant to Wichita, Chitra Foster is dedicated to improving communities around the world.

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Building a Strong Foundation

Throughout her 22 years with Burns & McDonnell, Amy Clement has used her project management experience to deliver aviation and federal projects.

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Pay It Forward: An Engineer’s Journey to a Better Tomorrow

Through her work in electrical engineering, Madhu Bhargava is focused on leaving the world better than how she found it.

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Strong Work Ethic and Passion-Driven Career Key for Success

Hard work and passion go hand in hand for a successful career. Amber Yount explains how these values have helped shaped her career as a lead engineer.

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Sustainable Practices Can Create Disaster Resilience

Sustainable infrastructure practices make cities and government more resilient. Disaster preparedness must consider resiliency and sustainability.

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Let’s Take Positive Steps to Get More Women in Engineering

As we celebrate the role of women in engineering worldwide, it’s important to take time to reflect on what lies ahead, both barriers and opportunities.

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Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in the Energy Industry

When Sarah Soard progressed to management, she sought leadership and training to help her develop the next generation of women in the energy industry.

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Each Project Is a Unique Experience

Cayley Gunn’s career has provided her with international work and exciting new opportunities. Learn what originally drew Cayley to her career path.

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Built to Last: Resilient Design Keeps the Community in Mind

Communities are addressing rising sea levels and evolving rainfall patterns through resilient system designs that adapt, endure and create lasting benefits.

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Office Design Changing in Response to Pandemic

Companies are implementing new measures to address health and safety guidelines. Offices face new design challenges to accommodate the needs of occupants.

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Give Gas-Insulated Switchgear a Second Glance

Taking a holistic view, some factors might make gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) a more cost-competitive substation option than it first appears.

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PHMSA’s Mega Rule, Phase 1: Verifying Integrity of Natural Gas Pipelines

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Mega Rule, Phase 1, focuses on improved maintenance and safety for natural gas pipelines.

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A Look Back at Design Standard Shifts: ADA vs. COVID-19

New design standards can take decades to develop. Much can be learned from the ADA Accessibility Guidelines process as industries prepare for reopening.

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Choosing a Framework for Optimal Risk Management

Choosing the right framework is key in the assessment and management of risk. A framework can help organizations go beyond meeting compliance standards.

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A More Sustainable Approach: The Future of Public Events

When a city builds or upgrades facilities based on a major event, delivering and paying for investment sustainability and resiliency must be considered.

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AB 2800: A Call to Action for Climate Resilient Infrastructure

The U.S. needs a rating system — similar to Energy Star — that allows consumers to compare resiliency and sustainability of home construction materials.

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Proactive Measures Boost Pollinator Habitats

Pollinators, crucial to food systems and natural ecosystems, face the threat of habitat loss, but electric transmission line routes can be a benefit.

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Microgrid in Hawaii Provides Stability in Stages

Microgrids like the Pacific Energy Assurance and Renewables Laboratory (PEARL) project improve grid stability and resiliency while incorporating renewables.

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Battery Storage Key to Energy Transition as Industry Addresses Safety

Energy storage is transforming power, and lithium-ion is a driving force. Time will tell whether lithium-ion will remain in the lead over the long-term.

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Executive Order Adds Momentum to Mitigation of Cyberthreats to U.S. Power Industry

In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks in recent years, the U.S. utility industry has responded with an array of strategies designed to reduce and eliminate vulnerabilities to increasingly digitized systems. Now, with the recent issuance of an executive order from President Donald Trump, utilities will expand this effort to other assets touching the bulk electric system.

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Grid Stability Considerations for Successful Offshore Wind Projects

Demand and potential for offshore wind generation are huge. To execute properly, projects must identify and address offshore wind’s effect on grid stability.

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An Integrated Delivery for Gas-Insulated Substation Execution

A coordinated team drives success for a gas-insulated substation (GIS), especially in urban areas seeking reliability and a condensed footprint.

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Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges With Commissioning for Existing Buildings

Retro-commissioning — commissioning for existing buildings — helps airports examine airflow systems and maintenance processes for current passenger needs.

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Profit Recovery Through Optimized Performance

The chemicals, oil and gas industry faces constant challenges. By understanding profit recovery, organizations can optimize for future disruptions.

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Stay Focused on Long-Term Strategies to Build Successful Projects

With many organizations facing project shutdowns and potential layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clear communication has never been more important.

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Project Management Office Provides Adaptability in Uncertain Times

An integrated program management team and project management office principles provide the flexibility necessary for organizations facing uncertain times.

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Adapting to the New Normal of Healthcare

The healthcare industry has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and providers must find creative ways to adapt.

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Project Management Office Techniques Create Reasonable Solutions

Project management office techniques may be a solution for organizations to overcome challenges and move forward despite the ongoing pandemic.

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Visualizing Return-to-Work Facility Management Plans

As companies begin to create and present return-to-work plans for employees, geospatial tools can aid in developing safe facilities and campuses.

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What’s New: Embracing Virtual Internships

Though our intern program is online-only this year, its goal is still to establish relationships and deliver real-world experiences for career development.

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Key Design Considerations Based on LNG End Use

LNG markets have key specs based on intended uses. Facility designers must prep for the intended use, identify impurities and implement treatment approaches.

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Making More Effective Strategic Asset Management Decisions

Effective strategic asset management decisions require using data from quantitative asset management tools to inform business decisions and capital budgets.

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Investing in Airport Technology and an Improved Passenger Experience

Next-generation technologies like 5G can benefit airports and airlines as they seek to improve the passenger experience during a period of great disruption.

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FCC Action Shows Utility Demand for Private LTE

A recent FCC ruling allows utilities to build out private telecom networks for controls and other uses, freeing up increasingly scarce spectrum resources.

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Optimizing Capital Investment Dollars in a Challenging Environment

Traditional capital planning processes take time and require adjustments to meet business needs. AssetLens offers a new approach.

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Humble Lessons in Leading Through a Pandemic

Leslie Duke shares how to lead a team to success during the pandemic, based on guiding teams through everything from hurricanes to tumultuous markets.

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Considering Automation for the New Normal

Steps are being taken across various industries to improve processes through automation to keep up with demand while maintaining social distancing.

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Design Plans for Public Spaces Can Aid in Social Distancing

Adjusted layouts and 2D diagrams can help transform workplace design and public spaces to accommodate social distancing needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Finding Sustainability in Today’s Chemicals, Oil and Gas Market

Investors are putting capital in projects that promise carbon efficiency. In chemicals, oil and gas, this means finding new product delivery options.

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Utilities of the Future Will Look Very Different

Florida utilities are responding to renewable energy mandates, energy storage needs and electric vehicle demand, making them models for the future.

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Air Cargo to the Rescue — Again

Air cargo systems are taking on new burdens amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry is modernizing and creating options that meet new shipping demands.

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Employing Strong Safety Techniques for Industrial Site Demolition

Industrial facility demolition is a complex process that can lead to safety incidents. Good planning and hiring streamlines the effort and safeguards staff.

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Safety Is First: Best Practices for Safely Returning to the Workplace

Returning to the workplace safely means having a well-defined plan that mitigates risk and makes employees feel comfortable.

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Altering Facilities for a Post-COVID-19 World

Returning to work for many industries could mean major changes to facility design and procedures. Moving ahead will require rethinking spaces and layouts.

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Preparing for a Changing Future for the Supply Chain

With the supply chain significantly disrupted in response to COVID-19, organizations are looking to increase security by onshoring operations.

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Food Distributors Face Pandemic Challenges

With consumers buying more groceries as they spend more time at home, suppliers are facing new challenges during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Enabling Peer-to-Peer Connection to Solve Public Involvement Challenges

Public involvement practices must change in a new normal. Utilities from across the country discussed best practices and ways to facilitate new approaches.

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Adaptable Plans Will Help Workers Come Home to the Office

Reestablishing an effective office environment starts with a plan, but success will depend on follow-through in implementation and evaluation.

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Advancing the Circular Economy of Plastics

Advanced recycling methods have many advantages when it comes to plastics, creating new opportunities in the circular economy of plastics.

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Investing in a Post-Pandemic Future

With anticipated federal funding to come as a result from the ongoing pandemic, agencies should plan now for projects with a future investment benefit.

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A Pandemic Doesn’t Change the Need to Engage Communities

New infrastructure projects will develop from the COVID-19 pandemic. Making clear communication a priority is vital to keep stakeholders informed.

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Transforming Utility Resilience

Many utility systems are at risk from extreme weather. Data analytics and computer modeling can provide clear pathways to direct new investment.

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Surviving Another Ride on the Solar Coaster

Infrastructure stimulus funding for renewable generation could take many forms in a post-COVID-19 world, and utility-scale solar projects must be prepared.

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The Outlook for Pharmaceutical Onshoring in the Wake of COVID-19

Global supply chain disruptions have U.S. manufacturers examining the possibilities of onshoring Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) production.

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Adjusting Expectations for a Power Demand Curve Curveball

Dramatic disruptions in daily life have been among the ripple effects of the pandemic. We are also observing a shift in power use and the demand curve.

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New Industries Bring New Life to Dilapidated Port Facilities

Environmental remediation and revitalization efforts at port facilities on the East Coast are creating value and appeal for the offshore wind industry.

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Fuel System Upgrades During Disruption

Now is the time for jet fuel operators to address maintenance and upgrade items in order to better prepare for the new normal of air travel.

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Automating Security Operations: SOAR Supports Integrated Cybersecurity

Security Orchestration, Automation & Remediation (SOAR) can help teams automate and integrate processes for increased security amid increased remote work.

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Creating Control in Unpredictable Circumstances

As construction health and safety standards adapt for social distancing, crews seek ways to reduce hours while advancing projects. Prefabrication can help.

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A Steadfast Workforce Delivers Responsive Power

Electric utilities are shifting project delivery approaches to maintain critical infrastructure during the pandemic and improve their long-term resiliency.

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Virtual Project Kickoffs Require New Creative Direction

Certain creative solutions are bringing efficiency to virtual kickoff meetings, keeping business moving as expected in the oil and gas industry.

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Managing Utility Reliability and Service Through a Public Crisis

Utilities must manage in the current crisis without missing a beat in reliability. Past crises have helped establish the tools to tackle this challenge.

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Recorded Environmental Training Sessions Initiate Smooth Operations

Recorded environmental training sessions are serving as a valuable resource and solution to move projects forward during the current COVID-19 crisis.

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Bridging the Gap: Benefits of a Business Continuity Plan

Risk is a constant. Preparing for disruptions is difficult, but a business continuity plan can help an organization stay afloat during and after an event.

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Maintain Safe, Reliable Power Generation With Remote Troubleshooting

Keeping power plants running is critical. If solving a protective relay operation on-site is not feasible, remote troubleshooting can deliver the solution.

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Federal Court Ruling May Impact Utility Line Projects

A nationwide permit (NWP) for utility line project development in wetland areas was revoked by a federal court, potentially causing schedule delays.

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Locking in Construction Projects Before Demand Returns

Amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, now is the time to lock in opportunities for critical infrastructure construction projects.

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PMO Technologies Keep Remote Project Teams Connected

Project management office (PMO) technology provides current project data for financial and schedule decisions — critical for an increasingly remote workforce.

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Extending the Value of Lidar Scanning Technology

Lidar scanning offers a variety of benefits that, when used during disruptions, help continue to move projects forward.

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Innovative Technologies Support Safe and Efficient Deployment of Teams

An innovative travel planning tool support the safety of teams in the field and keep critical infrastructure projects moving forward.

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Adding to the Tool Belt: Augmented and Virtual Reality Headsets

Augmented and virtual reality offers engineers an effective way to tackle new and emerging challenges to the construction of projects.

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Transitioning to Remote Project Management

The right project management applications can help utilities move critical infrastructure projects forward, despite a pandemic.

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Facility Management for the New Normal

Building Information Modeling offers the ability to create digital twins of facilities for continued facility management during disruptions.

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3D Models Support Agile Critical Infrastructure Workflows

Critical infrastructure project teams are remaining agile with the help of 3D scanning technology that provides a virtual realistic model of project sites.

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Implementing Compartmentalization Protects People and Enhances Security

During this pandemic, a physical security plan is critical for facility safety. Compartmentalization is key to solving physical security challenges.

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Embrace Agile Marketing: 10 Ways to Respond in Times of Crisis

As the pandemic crisis evolves, marketers respond with agile marketing, helping unite teams, prioritize high-value initiatives and refine strategies.

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Setting Up Communities for Economic Rebound

Economic development at the municipal level is vital to the promotion of growth, accessibility and stability in the realm of the global market economy.

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A New Reality: Solid Waste Management Practices Pivot Amid Pandemic

The solid waste industry is adjusting business operations to protect the health and safety of its employees and communities served.

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Prepare for Infrastructure Stimulus Package With Shovel-Ready Projects

A potential federal infrastructure stimulus bill may provide economic relief via shovel-ready projects. Utilities can prepare by showing economic benefits.

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Cloud-Based Systems Stand Ready for Seamless Project Delivery Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Cloud-based systems can offer the reliability and security needed to keep today’s critical infrastructure projects moving forward with flexibility.

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EPC Project Delivery Offers Stability During Pandemic

Critical infrastructure construction projects can find flexibility and stability with engineer-procure-construct project delivery.

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Successful Means Safe: Mitigating Risk During a Health Crisis

The new coronavirus is changing how construction sites operate. Keeping workers safe means identifying and mitigating new and emerging threats.

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Mind the Gap: Resilience Goes Beyond Compliance

Critical infrastructure industries are implementing connectivity and data systems that open them up to new threats that require cybersecurity mitigations.

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Maintaining Connections and Efficiency With an At-Home Workforce

Widespread work-from-home needs are testing corporate networks. Split tunneling can minimize congestion, avoid bottlenecks and keep information secure.

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How Will the Pandemic Likely Impact the Battery Storage Market?

Transportation and shipping, manufacturing supply lines, and yet-unknown disruptions are likely in the coming months for the battery energy storage market.

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Bolstering Support During the Coronavirus Pandemic

As organizations and community members face significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, Burns & McDonnell is providing additional resources and services to clients, communities and employee-owners throughout the U.S.

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Detailed Planning Prevents Weather-Related Construction Delays

Complex logistics are key to the success of all construction projects, and most things can be planned for. But severe weather requires a contingency plan.

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Solve Procurement Challenges by Partnering With Small or Diverse Businesses

A proactive business diversity program can help utilities harness skill sets and services that may be in short supply, but they must expand the pipeline.

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Responding to Cyclical Changes in Workforce Availability

COVID-19 and volatility in oil and gas prices will require strategies for maintaining efficiency and flexibility in the face of changing market demand.

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Learning From Past Disruptors in the Aviation Industry

The aviation industry is experiencing mass disruption from COVID-19. Airports and airlines learn from past disruptions to navigate the current situation.

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Increase Manufacturing Capacity in Times of Crisis With Lean Principles

Lean principles combined with existing assets can quickly and cost-effectively increase manufacturing output, even as the pandemic disrupts businesses.

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An Unwavering Commitment to Uninterrupted Support

As the pandemic upends how people live and work, we are leaning on 120+ years of experience providing continuous support to critical infrastructure projects.

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Fun Ideas to Spark Interest in STEM for Kids at Home

STEM topics can help students find where they fit in the real world and discover real careers. These resources can help parents excite curious young minds.

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Virtual Engagement Can Overcome Public Outreach Obstacles

Virtual open houses deploy online tools and materials to educate stakeholders and obtain feedback to support successful public engagement efforts.

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Ease Supply Chain Strain With Small and Diverse Business Partnerships

Dramatic disruptions in the supply chain for vital safety items can be solved by tapping the resources of small and diverse businesses.

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Navigate Supply Chain and Manufacturing Challenges During Disruption

The pandemic has left manufacturers to meet growing demand amid supply chain disruptions and new safety risks — challenges to solve with careful planning.

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Technology Helps Overcome Current On-Site Limitations

Assisted reality technologies can help project teams overcome current on-site limitations and improve safety, efficiency and effectiveness.

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Low Rates Open Doors to Advancing Infrastructure Projects Amid Crisis

The recent drop in interest rates to as low as 0.25% is creating rare opportunities to advance infrastructure projects with little or no “cost of money.”

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How We’re Responding to the Coronavirus

During this international coronavirus crisis, Burns & McDonnell is maintaining its commitment to making clients successful through robust support services.

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How Prepared Is Your Utility to Sustain and Extend Emergency Measures?

To plan for a pandemic of the current magnitude, utilities can identify business elements essential in assessing the potential impact of a disruption.

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IN THE NEWS

podcast

Utility Regulation and Policy: Video Roundtable, 4th Edition

In Public Utilities Fortnightly’s recent video roundtable, Midwest utility leaders — including panelist Meghan Calabro, director of distribution modernization at Burns & McDonnell — discussed their response to the pandemic, utility service resilience, return to office planning and the long-term outlook for their companies. This session was moderated Ray Kowalik, CEO of Burns & McDonnell.

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podcast

Offshore Wind Insider Podcast, Ep. 23

In Business Network for Offshore Wind's latest podcast episode, Kent Herzog with 1898 & Co. and Tony Appleton with Burns & McDonnell discuss important considerations and developments with offshore wind transmission, ports and harbors, as well as permitting, in the U.S.

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At this time, Burns & McDonnell is not offering pure architectural services in the states of Illinois, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire or New Jersey. We may, however, provide design-build services for architectural projects.