Letter from the Editor
By Katie Swanson, PE, Water Resources Engineer, CDM Smith, BSCES Vice President and BSCESNews Editor
It’s “Water and Environmental Solutions” month at BSCESNews. This subject is near-and-dear to my heart, being both a water resources engineer and avid lover of all things water (February always has me dreaming of sunny beaches and warm afternoons on boats). The vibe in this month’s issue, however, takes a cue less from 1995 post-apocalyptic Kevin Costner in Waterworld and more from the public awakening that the nation is having in terms of racial inequities. February is celebrated nationwide as Black History Month and it’s fitting then that we include articles with calls for action to increase and support diversity among the civil engineering industry in this month’s issue. We learn from a collective of authors about inequities in the civil industry and what our counterpart NEWEA (New England Water Environment Association) is doing to tackle these issues. On the BSCES side, Karen Kelly from CDM Smith introduces the new BSCES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. I’m hopeful that these actions will lead to needed changes in our industry. Now is the time to step up and get involved!
In addition to our calls-to-action, we have updates from BSCES President Bruce Jacobs and EWRI Chair Denise Prussen. Mike Sullivan (CHA) brings us back on theme with his next installment of Historic New England Infrastructure and teaches us about the first water source for the City of Boston. Eric Spargimino (CDM Smith) then gives us some food for thought in highlighting the cost implications of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) management on biosolids processing.
Next on the horizon is our March Construction-themed issue, followed by Outreach and Volunteerism in April and then the State of Infrastructure in May (Figure 1). Email newsletter.board@BSCES.org for additional information on how to submit an article.
Figure 1. Upcoming BSCESNews Themes and Article Submission Deadlines
And with that, I’ll leave you to read this issue of BSCESNews (and perhaps to dream of warmer days at the beach, like I will be doing). Don’t forget to engage with BSCES on our social media pages (LinkedIn: BSCES LinkedIn Group or Twitter: @BSCESNews or @BSCES) – we’d love to hear your thoughts or what you’ve been up to.
Figure 2. Dreaming of warmer weather with BSCESNews unofficial mascot Scout
Happy reading!