Garney installs water pipeline for Dominican Republic village
Apr 2016
APRIL 2016 — Garney employee-owners recently installed 12,000 LF of PVC waterline and 200 new spigots throughout Villa Aleman, Dominican Republic, bringing clean water to 1,500 people. Villa Aleman had no potable water source and many residents were relying on rainfall collection or contaminated shallow aquifers for their water supply. In partnership with The Living Water Project and Knox ProCorps, Garney sent manpower to install the ½-inch to 4-inch waterline in connection to a new deep well. During construction, Garney worked closely with the community and newly established Villa Aleman Water Committee.
Garney employee-owners Ben Ramsbottom, Clay Greene, Gary Minnich, and Jeff Seal helped the Committee install more than 2,000 LF of pipe by hand each day. In addition, helping with the water pipeline construction provided an opportunity to educate the Committee on the proper alignment, services, and connections required for future installations and maintenance. Garney employee-owners donated the pipe and provided the necessary tools and parts for the Water Committee to maintain their system for months to come.
“It was a humbling experience and it made me look at things differently upon my return,” said Jeff Seal, Operations Manager. “In living Garney’s goals and philosophies, we helped many people in need and made some great memories in the process.”
Garney assumes leadership of Vista Ridge Water Supply Project
Mar 2016
APRIL 2016 — Garney has concluded an agreement with Abengoa S.A. expanding Garney’s role in the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Vista Ridge Water Supply Project to a leadership position. Garney now holds an 80 percent equity stake as well as complete control of the project. Garney has been a member of the Vista Ridge consortium since the start of the project.
The Vista Ridge team, led by Garney, will provide 50,000 acre-feet of water to the rapidly growing San Antonio community. The total projected cost to develop the project is $844 million. Garney now plays the lead role in overseeing the design, construction, and financing of the project.
“The employee-owners of Garney Construction are excited to lend our water system expertise to this significant project for the city of San Antonio,” said Mike Heitmann, President and CEO of Garney Construction.
The 142-mile Vista Ridge pipeline remains a critical project for San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Vista Ridge will expand San Antonio’s water supply by 20 percent, decreasing pressure on the sensitive Edwards Aquifer, which is subject to Federal, state and regional pumping regulations. SAWS is a national leader in water conservation, and the Vista Ridge pipeline will complement SAWS’ continued conservation efforts and development of other water resources as San Antonio adds an additional one million residents by 2040. SAWS currently provides water and wastewater services to more than 1.6 million consumers in the region.
Garney has more than three decades of experience serving as a water and wastewater contractor for SAWS, successfully delivering critical projects for its consumers, including the Water Resources Integration Program Pipelines and Twin Oaks Pump Station, SAWS Carrizo Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Project, and SAWS Water Recycling Program. Last year, as part of the Water Resources Integration Program, Garney installed 140,000 linear feet of 60-inch pipe, similar to the pipe that will be used for the Vista Ridge pipeline.
Robert R. Puente, President and CEO of SAWS noted that the new leadership is a positive step in the progression of the Vista Ridge project. “Garney Construction has a strong history with SAWS and has been involved in this project since the beginning. In stepping up to the lead position, Garney brings unparalleled continuity and skill to the table.”
Garney Pacific Lands Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project
Jan 2016
JANUARY 2016 — California American Water selected Garney Pacific to construct the majority of its $92 million desalination pipeline network. Concurrently with two other water pipeline contractors, Garney Pacific will construct 22 miles of pipelines, pump stations and storage facilities along the Monterey Peninsula to deliver desalinated water to 100,000 residential and commercial customers. Garney Pacific, a subsidiary of Garney Holding Co., was established in 2015 to focus operations on constructing water and wastewater projects in Northern California.
The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project will include a source water intake system, a 9.6 MGD or 6.4 MGD desalination plant, brine discharge system, product water conveyance pipelines and storage facilities, and an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) system. Once complete, the new network will replace reliance on the Carmel River as a primary source of water supply. With schedule and budget as primary drivers in the qualifications-based selection process, California American Water will conduct value engineering efforts with all three water pipeline contractors during the first half of 2016.
“The award of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project is a significant achievement for Garney Pacific and anchors our expansion into Northern California,” said Scott Parrish, Chief Operating Officer of Western Pipe Operations. “We look forward to continuing Garney’s tradition of excellence with this extremely important project, and we’re excited to exceed California American Water’s expectations, and to perpetuate Garney’s reputation, goals, and philosophies.”
Bill E. Williams, Director of Northern California Operations, and Kevin Downs, Operations Manager, are spearheading Garney’s involvement on the project. Matt Roberts, who served as the Lead Estimator in the pursuit phase, will also contribute to Garney’s value engineering efforts on the project.
For more information on the project, visit the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project website.
Garney Expands Presence in South Texas
Jan 2016
JANUARY 2016 — Treatment facility operations are ramping up in South Texas with the addition of Garney’s Houston office. Under the direction of Vice President, Mike Gardner, leadership and staff have been added to Garney’s regional office located near Houston Hobby International Airport. Garney’s Houston branch opened in 2015, alongside new offices near San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC.
Garney’s recent success in the South Texas market has resulted in water supply and wastewater treatment plant construction opportunities with the Lower Colorado River Authority, San Antonio Water System, and the City of Castroville.
“As Garney continues to grow, opening a Houston office and putting boots on the ground to expand our water and wastewater treatment plant capabilities in the South Texas market made great sense,” said Mike Gardner, Vice President. “For years, Garney has maintained a significant water pipeline construction presence in the area, so adding treatment plant capabilities will broaden our Texas footprint as a top water/wastewater contractor.”
James Schmerber and Michael Froelich, Project Managers, and Warren Henderson and Raul Arvizu, Superintendents, are managing Garney’s efforts in the Houston area. Cody Schmidt, Field Engineer, and Michelle Presko, Project Coordinator, will also be instrumental in developing Garney’s Houston operations.
2016 Objectives Built on 55 Years of Tradition
Jan 2016
JANUARY 2016 — The start of a new year inevitably evokes a time of reflection and the opportunity to ignite change. In 2016, that reflection for Garney will be marked by celebrating 55 years in business. Since 1961, the company has thrived on our goals and philosophies of integrity, excellence, and fairness with our customers. These goals and philosophies have always been a mainstay of our organization, leading Garney to more than a decade of dominance in the rankings as one the nation’s leading water contractors.
As we enter 2016, Mike Heitmann, President & CEO, has developed Garney’s annual objectives in parallel with the foundation that Charles Garney brought to the company 55 years ago. Garney’s 2016 company objectives will leverage focus in three aspects:
SAFETY
Garney will maintain a steadfast focus on safety. It is incumbent upon each employee-owner to live our safety culture and take ownership in performing every activity. Safety is truly number one with Garney and safety will never be sacrificed for productivity.
STRENGTHEN THE TEAM
The company’s consistent growth will continue to drive mentorship and employee development to equip our employee-owners for new opportunities and a strong market.
NEW INITIATIVES
With several new initiatives underway, including new business ventures of Garney Federal and Garney Pacific, Garney will enhance strategic planning and implementation to generate success in these arenas.
Although Garney has experienced a rapid start to 2016, the company is not without vision and inspiration built on timeless goals and philosophies.
Garney Salutes Vice President Tom Dahl in Retirement
Jan 2016
JANUARY 2016 — Tom Dahl has retired following 25 years of illustrious service with Garney. Dahl joined Garney in May 1991 and since that time, he has orchestrated the company’s accounting and financial reporting systems, financial planning, banking and bonding relations, and administration of the employee stock ownership plan and benefit plans.
Most notably, Dahl’s impact on the employee stock ownership plan has been crucial to Garney’s success over the past 25 years. During his tenure, Dahl worked closely with the company’s Board of Directors in the areas of strategic planning, executive compensation, acquisitions, investments, and valuation of the company’s stock. He also served as an advisory member of the Board’s investment committee and managed the company’s investment funds.
Jeff Lacy, Chief Financial Officer, Tom Roberts, Director – Financial Reporting, and Meggan Krase, Director – Corporate Controller, will ensure continuity and continuing excellence as Garney moves forward in this transition.
Garney Installs First BioCon Pelletizing Application
Oct 2015
OCTOBER 2015 — Garney completed a state-of-the-art installation on two Kruger BioCon dryers at the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility for the Town of Cary, North Carolina. Garney’s involvement with the installation of these dryers marked the first pelletizing application for this type of dryer in the nation. At present, only eight BioCon dryers have been placed in service throughout the United States.
The Solids Handling Facility produces Class A, Exceptional Quality biosolids in compliance with EPA 503 regulations. The pelletizing system provides a final product that can be applied in a variety of commercial agricultural reuse applications, virtually free of site and use restrictions. To date, the Town of Cary has processed nearly 210 tons of pelletized material and anticipates producing roughly 100 tons per month.
Garney was responsible for construction of the Solids Handling Facility, installation of three belt filter presses, BioCon dryers, odor control facilities, and ancillary utilities. This project was one of eight concurrent construction projects for a new 18 MGD treatment facility on a greenfield site that will serve the growing Towns of Cary, Morrisville, and Apex.
In addition to constructing the facility and systems, Garney provided 60,000 LF of 54” and 48”steel pipe force main in Wake and Chatham Counties. The effluent outfall pipeline connects to the new Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility and discharges in the Cape Fear River through a cast-in-place headwall constructed on the river bank.
Garney Welcomes Fred Thornhill, Federal BD Manager
Oct 2015
OCTOBER 2015 — Garney welcomes Fred Thornhill, who will lead all business development endeavors for Garney Federal, Inc. Fred will work in conjunction with Jay McQuillen Jr., P.E., Director of Federal Operations, to broaden Garney’s client base in the Federal market throughout the United States. The mission of this business unit is to develop the Federal government into one of Garney’s key customers. Garney’s resume includes several Federal projects, but as a percentage of our total volume, it is a small piece of our customer base. Garney will focus on our expertise – water and wastewater projects – within this market segment.
“Fred brings to Garney more than 25 years of Federal construction expertise,” said Mike Heitmann, President & CEO of Garney Construction. “Working with the Federal government brings certain challenges and requirements, and Fred is able to navigate these very effectively. Fred is a critical part of the team we are building to tackle this new initiative.”
Garney Federal will add additional expertise and personnel resources in government contracting as well as resources with heavy civil capabilities in the Pacific Northwest, California, and Hawaii. Business operations for Garney Federal will be based in Gig Harbor, Washington.
“Garney will bring our 100% employee owned culture to this market sector,” said Heitmann. “This culture has proved to be extremely successful in the municipal and industrial water and wastewater markets. Our employee-owners work harder and smarter than our competition because they own the company. Our strong resume of project experience, financial strength, and safety record make Garney a strong candidate for the Federal market.”
Garney Awarded ABC Excellence in Construction
Oct 2015
OCTOBER 2015 — The South Texas Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) named Garney recipient of the 2015 Excellence in Construction Eagle Award for the ClearWater Ranch Development & Delivery Project. Garney also won the Platinum STEP Award in the South Texas Region recognizing Garney’s safety efforts on our numerous projects in South Texas.
ABC’s National Excellence in Construction program has become the premier competition within the construction industry that recognizes outstanding construction projects across the nation. The awards celebration honors members of ABC’s most innovative and high quality construction projects, safety programs, and diversity programs.
Garney was recommended for the award based upon outstanding work in serving as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the ClearWater Ranch Development & Delivery Project. Garney met strict design and construction time frame requirements set by Parkhill Smith & Cooper and Midland County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 due to drought conditions faced by citizens in West Texas.
Construction was pivotal in adding a second source of freshwater to the T-Bar Ranch pipeline for the City of Midland, Texas. The project included the drilling and development of 25 wells, allowing access to more fresh water during the severe drought. With the addition of this water source, the 65-mile long T-Bar Ranch Well Field Development & Delivery system now delivers more than 24 MG of fresh water per day to the Midland community.
“The quality of work and attention to detail in the construction of this difficult project was among the best I’ve seen,” said Ryan Kennerly, Project Manager of Parkhill, Smith & Cooper. “The project was well-coordinated, particularly the wells and collection pipeline work, remote pump station work, and power transmission lines, which minimized disruption of the service to Midland water customers. Garney did an excellent job with conflict resolution between the different trades to keep land owners happy and required utilities in close proximity of existing roadways.”
Music City Hosts Pipe and Plant University
Oct 2015
OCTOBER 2015 — With Garney’s commitment to continuous improvement and employee development, more than 200 employee-owners gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, for the second annual Pipe and Plant University. The training provides a series of meetings held for Project Managers and Project Engineers across the company with a focus on safety, quality, and technical advancement.
Garney welcomed several liaisons and vendors from the transmission industry including Robert & Cassie Construction, Bricker Seismic, Tekrock, Terrafirma Earth Technologies, GME and Colorado Shoring. Individuals from Burns & McDonnell and Eco-Tech spearheaded sessions for the facility group.
Tours at several of Garney’s area job sites were also held for attendees, thanks in part to Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
Pipe and Plant University is a critical stepping stone toward advancing Garney’s employee development efforts. In 2016, Garney anticipates continued growth in combination with several new initiatives. Building our bench and depth around continuous improvement will remain foremost in our culture to ensure our systems and infrastructure can support this growth.