Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) announces that the Highland II Reservoir Liner and Cover Replacement project and three PWSA employees are receiving awards at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pittsburgh Section ‘Engineers Week Awards Banquet’ tomorrow, February 18, 2023.
This recognition from within the industry reflects how PWSA has evolved as an organization in recent years, focusing on modernizing infrastructure, maintaining water quality, and growing talent from within.
Please join us in congratulating Barry King, Director of Engineering and Construction, Ana Bennett, Engineering Project Manager, and Rick Obermeier, retired Chief of Operations and Technical Support.
“It is an honor to see our staff and projects recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers – Pittsburgh Section,” said PWSA Chief Executive Officer, Will Pickering. “The work we are doing today will benefit the Pittsburgh community for years to come. We are proud to receive this recognition and are looking forward to celebrating these achievements at tomorrow’s banquet.”
Government Civil Engineer of the Year: Barry King, Director of Engineering and Construction
PWSA’s Director of Engineering and Construction, Barry King, is being honored with this award this year for his established reputation for professional service, character and integrity, notable performance and meritorious achievement, particularly within the Authority’s Water Reliability Plan projects which include the Highland II Reservoir Liner and Cover Replacement project and the eventual replacement of the century-old Clearwell.
Young Government Civil Engineer of the Year Award: Ana Bennett, Engineering Project Manager
Ana Bennett, Engineering Project Manager at PWSA, is being honored with the Young Government Civil Engineer of the Year award for her technical competence within the field, indications of pursuing a fruitful career, character and integrity, notable performance in projects like the Volunteers Field Drainage and Regrading Project and contributions to the ASCE Clean Water Festival celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.
Service to the People Award: Rick Obermeier, Chief of Operations, Technical Support (Retired)
In acknowledgment and appreciation of his outstanding service to advance the welfare of the people in our community, and in honor of his 40-year career at PWSA and a lifetime of dedication to the residents of Pittsburgh, Rick Obermeier was selected for the 2022 Service to the People Award for the Pittsburgh American Society of Civil Engineers.
Mr. Obermeier retired from PWSA in January of 2022. His notable achievements include contributing to two small-meter change-out programs, a large-meter change-out program, and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) metering system.
Award of Merit: Highland II Reservoir Liner and Cover Replacement Project
The Highland II Reservoir Liner and Cover Replacement project is part of PWSA’s Water Reliability Plan, and included the demolition and removal of the preexisting liner and cover and installation of a new reservoir liner, floating cover, and supplemental equipment, such as the rainwater removal pumps and associated piping on the floating cover.
This nine-month project, the largest of its kind in North America in 2022, ensured the reliability and security of the reservoir and represented a $24 million investment in Pittsburgh’s water future. Learn more about this project at Pgh2o.com/Highland-2-Reservoir-Liner-Cover.
PWSA would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to the above awardees, as well as all associated with the successful Highland II Reservoir Liner and Cover Replacement project!
More information about tomorrow’s ASCE Awards Banquet can be found at asce-pgh.org/awards.htm.
