Issuu

C H A’S D I G I TA L N E W S L E T T E R | W I N T E R 2 0 2 6

IN THIS ISSUE Industry Insight

Asset Management: A GameChanger in Manufacturing Page 2

From the CEO’s Desk Page 6

Featured Projects Page 8

Featured Solution Data Centers Page 11

Technology

Digital Tools Get Tapped Page 12

Compliace Alert Arc Flash Page 14

Health & Safety

Minimizing Human Exposure to Risks with Drones Page 15

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ExCHAnge Newsletter | Fall 2023 | CHA Consulting, Inc. ExCHAnge | CHA’S DIGITAL NEWSLET TER

POWER & MANUFACTURING SECTOR

INDUSTRY INSIGHT Asset Management: A Game-Changer in Manufacturing

Real-time data empowers decision-makers with actionable insights, boosting accountability and enabling leadership to make smarter investments and drive continuous improvement.”

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, asset management has emerged as a strategic differentiator, driving operational excellence, efficiency, speed to market, and financial performance. By leveraging technologies such as computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), electronic documentation, Internet of Things (IoT), vibration analysis, and predictive analytics, manufacturers can build, scale and monitor equipment health in realtime, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend asset life. Taking a proactive approach to building, upgrading, and maintaining your most critical equipment assets minimizes costly disruptions, especially in high-stakes sectors such as life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This approach also enhances production planning and resource allocation, which is especially important considering maintenance and service are a large budget item for manufacturers. The result of a robust asset management program is a smarter, more resilient operation with improved performance and stronger ROI. When precision, compliance, and uptime are critically important to a manufacturer’s ongoing success in the marketplace, having a quality asset management program has become a necessity. Some of the most common asset management tools focus on supporting equipment maintenance and 2

reliability, including commissioning, qualification, validation, decommissioning, and maintenance program management. To help manage the significant expenses of maintenance, asset management programs take a proactive approach, using tools such as predictive and preventive maintenance to address and reduce system downtime and extend the life of critical equipment. Advanced diagnostics, such as vibration analysis, identify issues early – before costly manufacturing disruptions occur. Another significant element of asset management is maintaining organized operations and responsiveness with tools such as CMMS administration; maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) spare parts; work order processing; and electronic documentation. Beyond efficiency, asset management plays a critical role in compliance, safety, and sustainability. Systems that track asset usage and maintenance history help manufacturers meet regulatory standards, reduce liability, and support environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals by optimizing energy consumption and minimizing waste management, as well as extending the life of critical equipment. Manufacturers can also lower carbon emissions and ensure more efficient use of raw materials by avoiding equipment breakdowns and identifying energyintensive processes, then working toward improvements that support decarbonization strategies.

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Vital to supporting ESG goals, accurate records of inspections and maintenance reduce the risk of accidents and support a safer and more transparent working environment. Real-time data empowers decision-makers with actionable insights, boosting accountability and enabling leadership to make smarter investments and drive continuous improvement. In a manufacturing setting, asset management can transform maintenance from a reactive drain on resources into a strategic driver of growth, competitiveness, and operational efficiency. Nonprofit pharmaceutical company Civica RX is a shining example of tapping into the power of asset management to successfully launch and operate a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Civica’s new 140,000-squarefoot manufacturing facility in Petersburg, Virginia, is a

CHA’s partnership with Civica exemplifies the value of collaborative solutions in advancing manufacturing infrastructure and supporting missiondriven innovation.”

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NEWS CHA Acquires Midwestern Engineers, Inc. CHA has acquired Midwestern Engineers, Inc., an Indiana-based engineering firm with a long-established reputation for delivering critical water, wastewater, stormwater, and survey solutions across Indiana. Read more here. 3

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Supported by $100 million in federal and private investment, this facility stands as a model for domestic medicine production, supporting public health resiliency and economic development in the community.”

state-of-the-art plant designed to produce U.S.-made injectable medicines and affordable insulin for millions of Americans. Founded in 2018, Civica is a nonprofit pharmaceutical company with a mission to ensure that quality, affordable essential medicines are available to everyone. With a focus on addressing drug shortages and dramatically lowering prescription costs, Civica’s work has made a significant impact in the healthcare landscape. Its latest milestone is the completion of this essential RX manufacturing facility. CHA supported Civica across a broad range of asset management initiatives vital to the successful launch and ongoing operations of this facility. CHA’s Asset Management team provided expertise in data validation, system migration, and the digital transformation of their CMMS. The team also assisted with quality approval, staff augmentation, and played an integral role in preparing Bay 3 of the manufacturing facility by enrolling all related systems into the CMMS—a critical step in ensuring operational readiness and ongoing compliance.

2025 ENR SOURCEBOOK TOP 25 The 2025 Engineering News-Record (ENR) Sourcebook Market Survey ranked CHA among the top firms in the country delivering solutions to specific market segments. We achieved top 25 rankings in buildings, transportation, power, and environmental categories. Buildings – Distribution & Warehouses #5 Buildings – Retail #14 Transportation – Bridges #22 Power – Transmission & Distribution #23 Power – Co-Generation #6

Power – Fossil Fuels #25 Environmental – Sanitary & Storm Sewers #19 Environmental – Water Transmission Lines & Aqueducts #17 Environmental – Chemical & Soil Remediation #20

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This highly advanced site includes three manufacturing bays, a vial line capable of filling 90 million vials annually, and a separate high-speed line for pre-filled syringes and insulin cartridges. Supported by $100 million in federal and private investment, this facility stands as a model for domestic medicine production, supporting public health resiliency and economic development in the community. CHA’s partnership with Civica exemplifies the value of collaborative solutions in advancing manufacturing infrastructure and supporting mission-driven innovation. Sally Blasi, Lead Procurement and Ops Director at Civica, remarked about CHA’s Asset Management role on the project, ”Heartfelt thanks to CHA for partnering with us during the Blue Mountain Regulatory Asset Management

(BMRAM) implementation and the commissioning of our third bay production line. Both of these projects are significant milestones for our organization, and your support has been incredibly valuable. The implementation was particularly complex as it involved both a system migration and the introduction of a new system. CHA’s industry-specific expertise and deep understanding of how BMRAM works were instrumental in helping us navigate this challenging transition. Your team provided invaluable guidance for the data migration, helping us avoid potential pitfalls.” For more information, contact Asset Management Project Group Leader Dan Kepfer at dkepfer@chasolutions.com.

Intern Program Concludes with NEWS Summer Impressive Presentations CHA welcomed 82 interns for a 10-week hands-on learning experience this summer. The interns represented 47 colleges and universities and worked with professional staff in 28 CHA offices and three client sites. Their summer culminated in symposium showcases in Albany, NY, and Atlanta, GA, where small groups delivered final presentations tackling some of the industry’s biggest challenges, including data center development, PFAS contamination, and the use of AI tools.

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FROM THE CEO’S DESK… At CHA, our clients’ success and the positive impact of their projects on communities remain central to our mission. As we reflect on 2025, it was a year shaped by both dynamic opportunities and some headwinds for our industry. The rapid pace of digital transformation, including the adoption of artificial intelligence, is evolving how we operate and deliver value. Meanwhile, national and global factors—such as political uncertainty, shifting funding priorities, and evolving tariffs—have shaped our clients’ needs and the pace of project development. CHA experienced meaningful growth and technological advancement over the past year. Our team expanded to more than 2,100 professionals, and we welcomed new colleagues through three strategic acquisitions in California, Texas, and Indiana. These additions have broadened our technical expertise and extended our reach, allowing us to offer new services and strengthen our ability to deliver integrated solutions across the country.

NEWS

Harnessing the power of technology to drive operational efficiencies and serve our clients has and will continue to change how we work. In light of the ongoing shortage of technical resources affecting our entire industry, we’ve been focused on embracing technology that enables us to optimize our workforce, make the greatest impact, and deliver the highest value to our clients. We have put a greater focus on integrating our Digital Solutions team with targeted technical groups and investing strategically in digital technology as a key tactic to deliver exceptional service to our clients and grow and scale our business. Our commitment to innovation is matched by our ongoing dedication to attracting and retaining top talent, supporting our teams with the latest in technology, opportunities for career progression, and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone is empowered to contribute and grow. This year, our technical thought leaders have contributed to industry conferences, published articles, and shared insights on topics such as PFAS, lead service line replacement, mobility enhancements, and innovative uses of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Their expertise highlights the depth of talent within CHA and our ongoing commitment to advancing the industry. I invite you

With the retirement of several long-time leaders at CHA, we’re pleased to celebrate several strategic promotions and new hires across the organization.

Transportation

Sports

Building Design

Bridges

Government

Bryan Busch, PE Business Line Director

John Hickok, PE Business Line Director

Chad Reilly, AIA Business Line Director

Ryan Cooley, PE Business Practice Leader

Rob Faulkner, PE Northeast Market Segment Leader

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to visit our website and follow our social media channels to learn more about their contributions. Looking ahead to 2026, I am optimistic about the opportunities all this dynamic change will bring. As we have experienced in 2025, I expect continued rapid technological advancement that will shape our industry, underpinned by the continued investment needs of many of our public transportation and water clients to better support our communities and remain competitive as a nation. We will see additional investment and development of data centers to support the acceleration of AI, which also has a direct impact on the need for grid modernization, alternative power sources, and resiliency. Commercial, institutional, and advanced manufacturing development should be helped by the easing of interest rates; however, the cost of building materials could remain

a headwind. At CHA, we will continue to invest in digital solutions to ensure we deliver greater value to clients. We will maintain our focus on developing talented leaders and teams, while expanding our national footprint to directly and better serve our clients and communities. By embracing change and working collaboratively, we can turn any challenge into an opportunity and help shape a future defined by ingenuity and shared achievement. As we close out 2025, I want to thank our clients, partners, and employees for their dedication and collaboration. Together, we are building a future focused on innovation and progress. Wishing you a New Year filled with new possibilities. Jim Stephenson, President & CEO

New Leadership in Transportation, Sports, Building Design, Aviation, Water, and Strategic Markets

Government

Aviation

Transportation

Water Resources South

Building Design

Drew Pitman Southeast Market Segment Leader

Dan Kever, PE Market Segment Leader

Bob Talbot, PE Business Practice Leader

Nelson PerezJacome, PE Business Practice Leader

Keng Liu, AIA, LEED AP Director of Design

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FEATURED PROJECTS

Commercial & Institutional Sector

Bowdoin College Pickard Field Brunswick, Maine Bowdoin College recently redefined its athletic landscape through a transformative 18-month overhaul of Pickard Field. This phased renovation modernizes infrastructure, enhances accessibility, and expands opportunities students, student-athletes, and the entire Bowdoin community. CHA continues to provide a range of services to Bowdoin, including athletic facility design, landscape architecture, civil engineering, survey, and construction administration. Phase 1 of this project involved the construction of new synthetic turf baseball, softball, and multipurpose fields, as well as a natural grass rugby field, and dark-sky compliant sports lighting on all playing surfaces, which increased field availability by nearly 40 percent. The fields include accessible seating, press boxes, new dugouts, clay and synthetic turf bullpens, and double-occupancy batting cages for both softball and baseball. The new multipurpose field is a lighted facility with a FieldTurf® surface, lined for soccer and rugby. Sustainability was a major consideration in the design. CHA reoriented the fields for optimal solar exposure and site utilization, incorporated synthetic turf to reduce water usage and maintenance, and implemented LED lighting to decrease energy consumption and minimize light pollution. A new underground stormwater filtration system treats runoff from the entire complex, and the design preserves cross-country routes with provisions for future geothermal infrastructure. In response to public and planning board concerns about perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOAs), CHA undertook a rigorous, multi-step process to verify that proposed and installed materials were free of PFOAs, setting a standard in the region for environmental consciousness. More than a facilities upgrade, this initiative reimagines how Bowdoin College supports its students—extending seasons, enhancing performance, and fostering a dynamic environment for athletic competition as well as recreation and wellness. 8

Power & Manufacturing Sector

Mass Maritime Campus-Wide Decarbonization Bourne, Massachusetts CHA, as part of a design-build team with BOND Building Construction, Inc., is leading the design and implementation of extensive energy efficiency measures across the Massachusetts Maritime Academy campus and in four buildings, including a campus ambient loop served by a 252 borehole ground heat exchanger. The scope encompasses design, installation, commissioning support, and measurement and verification of the decarbonization and energy conservation measures. The CHA team worked closely with DCAMM and the academy staff to develop the detailed design for the campus geothermal system, central pumping station, and building HVAC retrofits to replace aging equipment with compatible equipment. All the while, relocating equipment from floodprone areas to increase the resiliency of the campus heating and cooling infrastructure. The single-pipe campus ambient loop is sized to allow for future expansion to additional buildings and to allow for connection of additional thermal resources in support of the academy’s long-term energy and carbon reduction goals.

CHA additionally developed multiple energy conservation measures and provided retro-commissioning services. This complex design project involved providing the geothermal connection to support a new STEM building being constructed, as well as retrofitting Harrington Hall during operation, and a new mechanical addition to Kurz Hall. CHA worked within the constraints set by the college, confirming minimal disruption by scheduling site visits when classes were not in session. The proposed geothermal system will provide water to various terminal equipment inside the buildings, including ground-source heat pumps, air handling units with heat pump coils, rooftop heat pumps, and heat pump chillers. CHA leads the project’s technical aspects and oversees every development phase, including the permitting process and coordination with relevant authorities. CHA has also been providing expert guidance and design for energy conservation measures, including upgrades to lighting fixtures, lighting control systems, and HVAC systems.

NEWS CHA Brings Home AIA Maine 2025 People’s Choice Award CHA’s architecture team was celebrated for its impressive work on the Saratoga Race Course Clubhouse and Grandstand at the recent AIA Maine Awards. Based on peer voting, the CHA team was the 2025 People’s Choice Award winner. Read more about this award-winning project.

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Infrastructure Sector

Stanton Water Treatment Plant PFAS Removal Facility Stanton, Delaware Veolia’s Stanton Water Treatment Plant, with a capacity of 30 million gallons per day, draws surface water from the White Clay and Red Clay creeks, treating an average daily flow of approximately 15 million gallons per day (mgd). In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s March 2023 mandate on maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—chemicals widely referred to as “forever chemicals”—Veolia has proactively initiated upgrades to comply with these new standards. In 2022, Veolia engaged the design-build team of M.F. Ronca and CHA to spearhead the design and construction of critical upgrades to the Stanton facility to remove PFAS. CHA served as the engineer of record for the project. The comprehensive design included a new PFAS removal facility, which included 42 twelve-foot diameter process vessels, pump station upgrades, small and large diameter interconnecting piping, chemical dosing, a 17,600 square foot treatment building, site development, and regulatory permitting. To assist with granular activated carbon selection and operator training, CHA oversaw the design, construction and operation of a pilot treatment system. The full-scale system went online in March 2025 and continues to provide exceptional, PFAS-free water quality to more than 100,000 customers. * This impressive project was showcased in November 2024 in USA Today: USA Today - Tackling Forever Chemicals.

NEWS CHAngemakers

ARTICLE/BLOG

Unlocking Opportunity: Federal Brownfield Funding for Municipal Revitalization in 2026.

Building Safer Communities: Proactive Fire Safety Through Expert Inspection.

Building Pennsylvania’s Future: Inside the $90 Billion Infrastructure Transformation.

Staying Ahead of the Curve in Legionella Prevention.

Read more here.

ARTICLE/BLOG

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TECHNOLOGY Digital Tools Get Tapped for Water Project Transformation Water resources has emerged as a natural area for engineering to fully embrace digital technologies and achieve transformative impacts. Our water systems exist at a complex intersection of critical infrastructure, data-rich information that often lacks proper capture and management, and the pressing need for environmental stewardship amid strict regulations and ambitious sustainability goals. At the same time, water infrastructure faces a perfect storm of challenges, including aging pipes, the retirement of experienced personnel, and emerging contaminants. Taken together, these factors make water resources particularly well-suited for digital transformation. Digital technologies offer opportunities to identify efficiencies and cost savings across water, wastewater, and sewer systems. For example, advanced tools can detect leaks and pinpoint areas in need of maintenance, while predictive analytics support proactive asset management, highlighting potential issues before system failures occur. These technologies can also optimize energy use in pumping and treatment processes, helping utilities identify areas for system improvement or replacement, and ultimately delivering more reliable and sustainable operations.

Smart Solutions for Lead Service Line Replacement As an Esri Gold Business Partner, CHA is at the forefront of using geospatial technology to modernize and accelerate the lead and copper water line replacement process. By leveraging the Esri ArcGIS platform, we’ve transformed traditional, paper-based field inspections into a fully digital, automated workflow that improves accuracy, efficiency, and transparency from the field to the office. Our Digital Solutions team partners closely with our engineers to rapidly design and deploy custom Esri-based field applications. These apps empower crews to capture inspection data, photos, and material information directly from the field, synchronizing updates instantly to the utility’s system of record. This seamless 12

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integration with the Enterprise Geodatabase ensures that every field worker has access to the most current asset information, enabling faster decision-making and eliminating duplicate data entry. Building on this foundation, CHA continues to expand the platform to support health and safety checklists directly within the same field apps. Field crews will be able to complete pre-job safety briefings, document hazard assessments, and verify compliance procedures in real time, ensuring that safety protocols are integrated into daily operations without adding extra steps or paperwork. Downstream, the same system powers automated daily summaries, monthly materials reports, and interactive dashboards that provide project managers with clear, real-time visibility into progress, compliance, and materials usage. By combining CHA’s deep engineering expertise with Esri’s industry-leading technology, we’re helping utilities confidently navigate regulatory compliance, improve operational efficiency, and deliver safer drinking water—faster.

Building a Smarter Asset Inventory with Esri and Bad Elf When a municipality in Virginia needed a faster, more accurate way to map and manage its water and sewer infrastructure, CHA delivered a digital field solution that combined the power of Esri’s ArcGIS platform with Bad Elf GPS technology. Our team designed and deployed user-friendly Esri field applications that seamlessly integrated with Bad Elf highaccuracy GPS units. The solution was rapidly deployed, easy for field crews to learn, and required minimal setup,

allowing teams to begin collecting critical data within days. Using the mobile apps, CHA engineers captured precise location data for valves, sewer cleanouts, and other key infrastructure assets, while simultaneously recording detailed inspection information in the field. All collected data is automatically synchronized to the Esri Enterprise Geodatabase, creating a centralized and accurate asset inventory accessible in real time. This connected approach not only improved data quality and efficiency in the field, but also gave our client a solid foundation to manage the full life cycle of their infrastructure assets—from maintenance planning to long-term capital improvement. By combining CHA’s industry-leading geospatial technology team with the simplicity and accuracy of Bad Elf GPS, CHA is helping municipalities confidently move from paper maps to digital asset management—one field app at a time.

The Next Innovation For over 30 years, CHA has been at the forefront of leveraging digital tools to improve water, wastewater, and sewer systems. As AI and advanced data analytics continue to evolve, our engineers and Digital Solutions team are driving innovation by capturing critical field data and turning it into actionable insights. By strategically harnessing this information, we help municipalities and utilities make smarter decisions, optimize operations, and achieve meaningful impacts on the infrastructure that communities rely on every day.

For more information, contact Senior Vice President, Digital Solutions Neal O’Driscoll at nodriscoll@ chasolutions.com.

NEWS IDEA Presents CHA Power Client with Innovation Award The International District Energy Association awarded NLine Energy and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (PSHMC) the Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award for creating a resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable energy platform across PSHMC’s 550-acre medical and research campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania. CHA was the engineering partner on this project.

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COMPLIANCE ALERT:

ARC FLASH An arc flash is a dangerous electrical explosion caused by a low-impedance connection to an electrical system’s ground or other voltage phases. Arc flash hazards are present whenever personnel service, operate, or expose live parts of electrical equipment while it remains energized. Ideally, equipment should be de-energized before any work is performed. However, there are instances where exposure to energized equipment is necessary. In such cases, personnel must be trained in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E standards to understand the associated risks and hazards. NFPA publishes codes and standards designed to minimize the risk and effects of fire and other hazards, including electrical safety, like arc flash protection, through standards such as NFPA 70E. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is also responsible for ensuring safe working conditions and has standards related to arc flash risk. OSHA 1910.269(I)(ii) requires employers to make a reasonable estimate of the incident energy to which employees might be exposed when working with electric arcs. Failure to adhere to these

practices, which can prevent severe injuries from arc flash incidents, may result in OSHA citations and fines of up to $500,000 or more. CHA provides specialized services in electrical arc flash studies, which are essential for identifying potential electrical hazards, maintaining the safety of personnel and equipment, and complying with NRPA and OSHA regulations. CHA engineers can complete an arc flash study of your electrical distribution system, including protective device coordination, update one-line diagrams, label equipment with OSHA and ANSI-approved arc flash labels, make recommendations for arc flash mitigation methods and solutions, advise on PPE purchases, and provide health and safety training for employees. It is essential to note that NFPA 70E regulations require qualified personnel to perform these studies under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer. For more information or to arrange an arc flash study for your electrical distribution system, contact Derek Aucompaugh at daucompaugh@chasoutions.com.

NEWS Annual Sustainability Report Now Available The 2024 Sustainability Report highlights innovative solutions to our clients’ most pressing sustainability challenges. Read more here.

Earns American Sports Builders NEWS CHA Association Award The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) has recognized the Pickard Field Complex at Bowdoin College in Maine as a winner in the Field Facilities, Multi-Field Facility category of its annual awards program.

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HEALTH & SAFETY Minimizing Human Exposure to Risks with Drones Drone technology offers a cost-effective and efficient means of collecting data and performing tasks that would otherwise be difficult or hazardous for humans. Equipped with sensors, cameras, and specialized technologies, they can capture images, videos, and data, protecting workers from hazards such as falls, exposure to high-voltage environments, and dangerous or sensitive areas, as well as providing protection from unstable or toxic locations. Examples of drone usage to protect human safety span industries from utilities to construction and manufacturing: •

Electric Grid Inspection – maintenance identification and storm damage assessments

•

Construction site monitoring – inspections and monitoring of environmentally sensitive or structurally unstable areas

•

Structural Assessments – inspection of roofs, bridges, tall buildings, and damaged infrastructure

•

Gas Emission Monitoring – identification of gas leaks and equipment failures

•

Manufacturing Facilities – inspection of confined spaces with limited access points

•

Emergency Response – damage assessments and identification of environmental hazards

For more information, contact Anthony Tremblay, Director of Corporate Health and Safety at atremblay@ chasolutions.com or Kevin Wentworth, Senior Corporate BIM Manager at kwentworth@chasolutions.com.

NEWS CHA Acquires Steger Bizzell CHA has acquired Steger & Bizzell Engineering, LLC (Steger Bizzell), a leading Central Texas civil engineering firm with a 53-year history of delivering water and wastewater, land development, and surveying services to public and private clients. Read more here.

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CHA is an innovative, full-service engineering, design, consulting, and program/construction management firm providing a wide range of technology-enhanced services. Creating solutions. Helping people. Improving our world.

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