Localized and regional flooding can cause significant damage and loss of property, making property owners feel helpless. Here at Atterbury & Associates, our team of civil engineers can protect property owners from unnecessary headaches by recognizing the importance of storm water management in all of our designs.

Effective Stormwater Management

As development claims undeveloped land; pavement, parks, and buildings replace fields, forests, and streams. This results in the inability for stormwater to flow to natural drainages or seep into the ground as it naturally would.  Uncontrolled stormwater runoff and the contaminants it can contain negatively impact downstream properties and waterbodies.  As civil engineers, we perform measures to both control stormwater and enhance  stormwater quality in all of our designs. 

The approach for maintaining stormwater can be as simple as reducing the amount of pavement proposed in a project, or as creative as designing a stormwater retention system to treat runoff from areas with either high amounts of impervious surface or high concentrations of contaminants.  Systems can also be designed to capture, store, treat and re-use runoff to help reduce utility costs.  We work hand in hand with the architect and developer with State and County regulations and requirements in mind, to come up with an effective solution that fits the goals of the project.

In addition to developing stormwater solutions on a variety of different projects, other services that we provide include: 

• Grading Design
• Construction administration
• Septic and wastewater
• Surveying and mapping
• Water resources
• Sediment and erosion control
• Agency permitting

Contact Us Today

Our team has the knowledge and expertise to tackle any development project, large or small. Client satisfaction is our top goal. Talk to us at Atterbury & Associates for more information. Contact us at 707-433-0134. Find us on a Facebook, or Google+ and subscribe to our blog. 

Designing a New Septic System in Sonoma County

Septic systems provide reliable waste management solutions for local residences, wineries, farms, small businesses, and many other Sonoma Country rural properties. When properly designed and maintained, a septic system will perform reliably for many years. The Atterbury and Associates team has vast experience in the design of septic systems for residential and commercial uses. 

A Sound System Begins With Design

Septic systems are utilized to dispose of wastewater for properties that lack convenient or realistic access to a municipal sewer system. Since many areas of Sonoma County are rural in nature, septic systems have long been utilized for wastewater disposal.   While designing septic systems, it is important to ensure that the proper site is chosen and the proper system is utilized for the subject property.

The first step in septic system design is the selection of a potential disposal site. Several potential disposal sites may need to be considered on the subject property.  Testing of the site soil’s ability to receive wastewater and measuring of distance to groundwater are crucial in determining if the potential disposal site is acceptable.  Once testing is complete and the site has been surveyed, the septic system design can begin.   Atterbury and Associates has considerable experience in all aspects of septic system design, including selecting a potential disposal site, verifying the site soil’s septic potential, mapping out the site, calculating and designing the septic system, and finally, submittal to the appropriate agency for permitting.  

Information From the Professionals

Our firm wants to ensure that each of our clients receives a well designed septic system. Our services will help accomplish this in several ways, such as:

• Ensuring that the most efficient septic system is designed.
• Ensuring that the septic system design meets all relevant regulations.
• Overseeing the design and construction of a system to ensure quality at every level.
• Verifying that the septic plans are given appropriate clearance and approval before work begins.

The Right System for Every Property

Atterbury and Associates has the skills and experience necessary to design septic systems for all types of properties.  Wastewater management is an essential part of site development and we can help make sure it is done correctly and efficiently. For more information on our services, please find us on Facebook or Google+, or subscribe to our blog.

Restructuring land boundaries in anticipation of developing a new subdivision has to be handled with skill and care. If any stage of the process is mishandled, expensive and time-consuming delays could result. Each subdivision and the real estate parcels contained within its boundaries are subject to local government regulations; subdivision planning in Sonoma County has to adhere to the latest municipal standards. Atterbury and Associates have extensive experience navigating the intricacies of subdivision real estate planning and can help every development project reach a successful conclusion.

An Ally You Can Count On

Our team is dedicated to ensuring the success of every project our clients bring to us. Our unparalleled expertise and experience gives us an edge when navigating the complex and often-changing world of real estate policy. We have insight into each aspect of subdivision planning, including:

• Waste water disposal
• Lot configurations
• Water systems, including storm water management
• Navigating County and City subdivision standards
• Road and street planning
• Grading and drainage
• Satisfying conditions of approval
• Erosion control
• Coordinating with Land Surveyors

Our experience allows us to assist with the development of many specialty properties, including waste water treatment facilities. 

We Are Here to Help

We look forward to helping your company take on its next major land development project. The expertise of Atterbury and Associates is at your service. Contact us today or connect with us on Google+, Facebook, and through our blog. 

One of the very first steps to any development project is land planning. This is the process of designing and planning the layout of buildings, open areas, sidewalks, streets and more for a specific area according to the needs of a developer. Although anyone can claim to be a land planner, quality planners and engineers such as those at Atterbury & Associates take into account the developer’s needs, as well as regulations regarding development in Sonoma County and the state of California.

Why Is It Important?

Planning is an essential step to understanding what you can and cannot do with a particular property. Land planning services help developers to understand how many buildings, streets, sidewalks, and other features can occupy a specific amount of space, as well as how best to put project funds to use and maximize property profitability. Land planners are also instrumental in subdivision, adjusting, and merging of properties. Certain plots of land may also be reserved for designated uses, something the land planner should know.

A Collaborative Effort

Although an important initial step, there are many other aspects to developing a piece of land in addition to designs and input from a land planner. The use of technology and working with a variety of consultants is the best way to ensure a development project reaches its maximum potential. When selecting a land planner for your project, be sure to choose someone knowledgeable, experienced, and who will work well with the others involved in your project.

We Can Help

Atterbury & Associates provides land planning and a variety of other civil engineering services. Start learning how to get the most out of your development property by contacting our office us at 707-433-0134.

It is important to consider County Code when undertaking any development project to determine whether or not you need permits. County permits are required for many types of developments and improvements, but use permits are usually required for large development project that could affect conditions of the surrounding neighborhood or conflict with the Sonoma County General Plan and Zoning Code. Atterbury & Associates can help you through the application process should you need one.

When You Need a Permit

Many small projects are covered under “Permitted” uses in the county, but more intensive development projects are likely to fall under the category of “Uses Permitted with a Use Permit.” Examples of projects requiring use permits include:

• Wineries
  
• Contractor storage yards
• Kennels
• Creekside development
• Mixed use projects
• Planned developments
• Breweries

If your project falls under or is similar to any of these, you will need to obtain a use permit by applying to the governing County.

The Process

To apply for a use permit, a completed application is reviewed by the Sonoma County Project Review Division of the Permit and Resource Management Department (PRMD), county departments, and California state agencies. The project is analyzed for environmental impact and then scheduled a public hearing by either the Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustments. Use Permits are generally granted at the discretion of the Board of Zoning Adjustments or Planning Commission, and they usually come with strict conditions when approved.

Let Us Help

Atterbury & Associates provides permit processing services to help you through the time-consuming process of applying for a Use Permit in Sonoma County. Get your application started today by calling us at 707-433-0134 or contacting us here.

The purpose of percolation testing is to determine the absorption rate of the soil where a septic leach field is proposed.  Water is applied to the soil and absorption time is recorded to determine an overall average rate.  A percolation test is typically performed after suitable soils have been located on site.    

How Is Testing Done? 

 A standard percolation test typically consists of the following steps: 

1. Verify site soils are suitable for septic development and verify with a County Sanitarian.  This process includes reviewing profile holes to evaluate the texture of the soil and determine if there are any limiting conditions.  Limiting conditions include, but are not limited to, high clay content and/or low distance to groundwater. 
2. Dig multiple percolation test holes at various depths, depending on soil conditions observed in Step #1.
3. Insert a length of 3” perforated PVC pipe into each percolation test hole.  The percolation test hole diameter needs to be greater than the pipe diameter. Leave a small amount of pipe extending above ground and surround the bottom of the pipe with 12” of pea gravel. 
4. Presoak the test holes adequately the day prior to the percolation test.
5. On the day of the test, fill each pipe with water to the pea gravel and record the time filled.
6. After one hour, measure the water level from the top of the pipe and record the results.  Continue this process for six hours, refilling the pipe to the pea gravel whenever the water level drops to within two inches from the bottom of the test hole.  If a pipe is dry after the first hour, refill to the pea gravel and take readings every ten minutes for two hours, also refilling the pipe to the pea gravel whenever the water level drops to within two inches from the bottom of the test hole. 
7. After the test is complete, divide the time intervals by the corresponding drop in water level to discover the percolation rate in units of minutes per inch. 

Typically, soils with higher concentrations of clay will have slower percolation rates than sandy soils.  The percolation rate, once established, will play a crucial part in the next step of the process, septic system design. 

Call for Advice and Assistance

Atterbury and Associates has valuable experience in both percolation testing and site soils investigation for septic potential.   As the area’s leading civil engineering and land planning firm, we here at Atterbury and Associates are at your disposal during the planning of your next project. 

For more information on percolation testing and other geological and horticultural planning methods, please contact us at 707.433.0134, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. You can also get updates on civil development issues by subscribing to our blog.  

If you’re in the market for a civil engineering firm, it is important that you choose one that is right for your project. No matter what type of consultation, planning or management that you are in need of, the right civil engineering firm should have certain criteria met. There are five things you should keep in mind when choosing the right company for your project.

1- Experience with similar projects. 
Of course one of the most important things to consider when choosing a civil engineering firm is to ensure that they have done the type of work that you need done in the past. You can usually do this by checking their references and credentials, but be sure that you don’t contact a company that works with only bridges to plan an apartment complex! 

2- Land-use knowledge. 
Be sure that the company you are selecting is able to quickly come up with the right use of land ideas and policies. If the civil engineering firm that you’re interested in doesn’t know how to properly use the land in your area, they might not be the best choice for your project.

3-Check references and credentials. 
Remember that anyone can refer you to a company that might not be what you are looking for. To avoid having a bad match-up, or a civil engineering firm that does not hold up to their side of the contract, be sure to check their references. Any respectable company will be able to show certifications on request, and be able to reference past customers.

4-Don’t base your decision on price alone. 
Although pricing is a factor, remember that sometimes the lowest bidder is the lowest quality. If you need quality work done, don’t just consider the pricing, think about the big picture and what paying a few extra dollars is going to help you achieve!

5-Verify insurance.
 Since civil engineering projects are typically quite extensive and could cause a great deal of damage if done improperly, it is vital that you verify that the civil engineering firm you’ve chosen has insurance. You can do this by asking to see their policy, and calling the issuing company to double-check their coverage limits. Most companies are required to hold an insurance policy, so be sure to check their credibility and their limits.

Contact a civil engineering firm that will help you achieve your goals. For more information on starting your next project in the Sonoma County area, contact Atterbury & Associates today! Find us on Facebook or Google+ and subscribe to our blog. 

A civil engineer serves a very important purpose and is an essential part of many different types of projects. Civil engineers are often utilized for their extensive knowledge of the land planning process as well as many regulatory aspects involved in construction work. Civil engineering companies are responsible for preparing construction documents, permits and determines work compliance in accordance to such documents. 

It is important to determine at what step you need to hire a civil engineer for your project. Civil engineering company are often required for construction projects for the preliminary evaluation, as they do things like survey the land, determining the size and boundaries of a property. A civil engineering company also determines what permits are required when building residential and commercial properties as well as inspecting them to make sure they meet the requirements of local building codes. You will find that a civil engineer plays an important part in many different steps throughout the design, construction, and building processes. Performing preliminary work before construction even starts, doing design and plan preparation, as well as inspecting improvements after they have been built. 

When it comes to construction projects, whether residential or commercial, it is not uncommon for a civil engineering company to be present on a daily basis to make sure that the work done meets local codes and that there are no violations of any kind. A civil engineering company is also responsible for inspecting and analyzing the proposed construction plans for the project to make sure that the construction is in compliance with approved plans. 

Every construction project, no matter what kind, needs to have a civil engineer to help with all of the details and technicalities. Civil engineers possess an extensive knowledge of building codes and other regulations that contractors and builders will need to follow when building any type of structure. 

For more information on how to go about finding the best civil engineer for your project, contact Atterbury & Associates today! You can also find them on Facebook, add them on Google+, or subscribe to their website’s blog to get up to date information about the civil engineering industry.

This newly drilled water well will provide potable and fire suppression water for a new multiple unit residential project in Healdsburg. Water storage tanks, a swimming pool, and a complex network of piping and pumping equipment will be constructed to serve the new dwellings. 

The Atterbury & Associates team provided support in obtaining the well drilling permit, developing a groundwater study, and locating the drilling site. Our staff is currently designing the water distribution system and preparing plans for construction.

Atterbury & Associates is proud to share this septic system development project located in Geyserville. This property is slated for a future commercial and residential use; farming and single family residential. Engineering services by our team include property due diligence, soil investigations, percolation testing, non-standard septic system design, and support during construction.

This property is encumbered by access constraints, several easements, and existing water rights to neighboring properties. Grading, drainage, and utility design services will follow the septic system phase with the ultimate goal of occupancy being granted this year.