We do more than handle the paperwork. Our Public Works Administration team is experienced with managing and expediting a project or program through the public works process and most notably, at maintaining all lines of communication. We communicate regularly with city staff, councils and commissions, coordinate activities between departments, contractors and outside agencies, and work diligently to keep the public informed with workshops and public meetings. We know that good communication leads to solid working relationships, which results in successful projects.

Wallace Group’s Public Works Administrators are actively involved with various projects and programs–from grant applications and compliance programs to operations and management support for a variety of water, wastewater and other public works projects. We demonstrate our expertise in three specific areas:

Finance / Funding,
Right-of-Way, and
Environmental Compliance

FINANCE / FUNDING

Wallace Group has developed a solid reputation in creating and administrating special assessment districts and managing private water and wastewater companies. In fact, Wallace Group provides engineering services and acts as resident engineer for several community service districts. Our company has found that offering a wide range of services to public agencies paves the way for smoother design, administrative and operations processes.

Our professionals coordinate budgets, track capital improvement programs, administer grant funds, and analyze the financials for any project. We are experts at acquiring and administering federal and state grants and loan funds and providing fiscal management services as well.

RIGHT OF WAY

Right-of-way Acquisition is a critical component of most public works projects. Problems with right-of-way can delay a project, significantly affect the cost through redesign or construction, or in a worst case, can even halt a project.  Successfully navigating right-of-way issues plays a key role in the overall success of some projects.

Wallace Group provides a total range of technical project support services, including right-of-way and real property acquisition services. Our efforts are collaborative and comprehensive, and we offer a fair process for all parties involved. We understand the concerns of both the public agency and the private landowner and can guide negotiations for either party to achieve the best results.

Our services are in compliance with requirements of the State Code of Civil Procedure, Government Code and related rules of the Streets and Highways Code, as well as Caltrans procedures and local assistance programs. This level of service conforms to the certification process requirements in State and federally assisted projects. Wallace Group’s right-of-way staff is designated under the professionally recognized International Right-of-Way Association. Our Clients can be confident that they are working with professionals who have attained multiple years of experience through education, testing, and real world experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Wallace Group’s Environmental Compliance Division is responsible for assisting clients with a variety of environmental compliance needs. These needs include permit renewals, monthly and annual reporting, studies, and monitoring.  Additionally, we assist public agencies in the development of emergency response plans for water and wastewater systems. We have a thorough understanding of state, federal and local regulatory requirements and constantly work on developing and maintaining strong professional relationships with regulatory agencies such as the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Our professionals have backgrounds in engineering, environmental compliance, and public works management.  Our group is an active participant and a member of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).

Sewer System Management Plans (SSMP) and General Wastewater Discharge Regulations (GWDRs)

The State Water Resources Control Board adopted GWDRs for all publicly owned or operated sanitary sewer systems in California consisting of more than one mile of sewer line in 2006.  The goal of the GWDRs is to provide a consistent statewide regulatory approach to ensure that sanitary sewer collection systems are properly operated and maintained to reduce the frequency, volume, and impact of Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). Wallace Group has experience in updating and assisting with the development and implementation of all aspects of SSMPs and GWDRs, including several requirements that enrollees may not be aware of such as annual training of collection system staff, and overflow emergency response plan development.

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Control Programs

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) are the number one cause of Sanitary Sewer Overflows.  As preventative maintenance, it is recommended that agencies provide training to their employees on the minimization and control of FOG in the sanitary sewer collection system.  Wallace Group assists with, and manages, FOG control programs for multiple public agencies and cities in San Luis Obispo County.  These programs have evolved from permitting, inspections, and public education campaigns, to the development of enforcement programs and issuance of fines to Food Service Establishments who actively remain out of compliance.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) Permit Programs

Wallace Group’s water and wastewater professionals have provided NPDES and WDR consulting services to public agencies and private firms since 1986.  Our professionals have a thorough understanding of the permit process, which contributes to expedited and efficient turnaround, which is pleasing to both clients and regulatory staff members alike.