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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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