Civil Engineering

BIA civil engineers combine their knowledge and creativity with 21st Century technology to provide solutions for clients' projects, from the development of challenging sites to the design of improvements to existing facilities. Our greatest satisfaction comes from finding creative solutions for clients who thought they had insurmountable problems.

• Site Feasibility Evaluation

BIA recommends a professional site feasibility evaluation as the first step of any proposed development project. A feasibility study is a truly worthwhile investment. Its conclusions can help provide insight into potentially challenging obstacles, alert the client to potential alternatives and assist in outlining a game plan for the design and approval process in the initial stages of the project. When acquiring real estate for development, a site feasibility study should be part of the due diligence process to determine allowable uses, regulatory requirements,  utility services, and other factors that may impact potential development; all of which will help lead to a more successful project for the client.

• Site Design & Permitting

Site Development (or Land Development) Planning and permitting is a crucial step in the development of a project to take it from a vacant site to being able to start construction.  This process includes the preparation of design documents to depict the proposed development and obtain the necessary approvals.  The site development plans generally show improvements such as site layout features (building orientation, parking, driveway access), site grading, stormwater management features, utility services and erosion control measures. BIA prepares site development plans in accordance with applicable local, state, and Federal regulations. Our experience dealing with the many agencies involved in permitting ensures that site plans are approved in a timely manner.

• Subdivision Plans

Subdivision plans serve a variety of functions. The most basic is to divide land into smaller lots for sale or development. A subdivision can be as simple as a lot line adjustment, or as complicated as a 250 lot residential development - along with all its associated roads and utility infrastructure. Whether the subdivision is for residential lots or for an industrial park, before any lots can be sold, a subdivision plan must be designed, approved, and recorded.

• Water Distribution Systems

Whether it be an on-site well or public water system, our staff is experienced in the design and permitting of supply and distribution systems that meet site-specific needs. We also have extensive experience in resolving malfunctions and problems in existing systems.

• Waste Water Treatment and Distribution Systems

Effective waste water management is critical to land development and building projects. Our staff is experienced in the design and permitting of conveyance and treatment systems that meet site-specific needs — and we also can solve malfunctions and problems presented by existing systems.

• Soil Erosion Control Plans

A Soil Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Plan and Narrative are required anytime a project proposes earth disturbance. Whether the plan is reviewed by the County Conservation District Office or by the local municipality, the plan requirements are similar. The goal is to prevent soil from eroding and being carried off site, where it can cause problems on local roads or streams. BIA has the experience and relationships with the local county conservation districts to prepare the plans and obtain approvals in a timely manner.

• Stormwater Management Design/NPDES Permitting

Every project that proposes an increase in impervious cover (building, parking, sidewalk, etc) will need to address stormwater management controls.  These controls may be as simple as conveyance pipes or swales or could be more involved and include detention basins and infiltration systems.  Construction activities disturbing more than 1-acre are required to get a permit from the PA DEP (NPDES Permit – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) which has a strong directive to promote groundwater recharge and water quality. 

This is to be accomplished through infiltration facilities (rain gardens, basins, seepage beds, etc), reduction of impervious coverage (porous pavement, grass pavers), or alternate methods like green roofs and capture/reuse systems.  BIA has the experience with dealing with PA DEP to help lead clients through the permitting process and design of stormwater management controls to achieve a successful project.