H2M is proud to recognize the many award-winning projects of 2021. These projects span our markets and disciplines and are a representation of the hard work and dedication of our staff. A constant across all this outstanding work is the focus on communities, which remains our top priority as we continue to expand and develop innovative design solutions to complex problems.
ABOUT THE AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of New York 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards
Posillico Materials – Soil Wash Plant, Diamond Award:
Posillico Materials opened the world’s largest contaminated soil washing facility in October 2019. Located in Farmingdale, NY, the Soil Wash Plant was created in response to the history of illegal contaminated dumping plaguing Long Island. With few options for local disposal and landfills reaching capacity, options were limited, with sand mines closing in response and increased costs to compensate dwindling supply. Addressing an environmental crisis that threatens sustainability, the Soil Wash Plant is revolutionary in its impact, with wide reaching benefits that will serve as a model for the country. It provides a local solution to LI’s contaminated soil problem, while mitigating the strain on both landfills and sand mines by providing an alternative, in addition to economic benefits from recycling materials.
SQ4D – Additive Manufacturing Process (3D-Printed House), Platinum Award:
Additive manufacturing is a process using machines to deposit thin layers of plastic, metal, concrete, and other materials atop of one another, producing three-dimensional objects from the bottom up. H2M architects + engineers worked with SQ4D, a Long Island, New York based construction technology company. A ruggedized gantry-style 3D printer was developed called an autonomous robotic construction system (ARCS) that builds full-sized commercial/residential structures. This technology was utilized to construct a 1,400 square-foot-house in Calverton, New York – one of the world’s largest 3D printed homes.
Somers Central School District – Safety and Security System, Gold Award:
Somers Central School District installed a $11 million state-of-the-art safety and security upgrades program which will be utilized across four school buildings and two campuses, totaling 575,000 square feet. H2M designed a multi-faceted effort focused on occupant and visitor management using state-of-the-art physical, electrical, and communication system upgrades.
Town of Smithtown – Comprehensive Master Plan, Gold Award:
The Town of Smithtown tasked H2M with preparing a 2020 Comprehensive Plan to help shape the physical, social, environmental, and economic future of the Town. Working with the Town’s leadership, H2M developed a new Comprehensive Plan, updating the 1957 adopted plan. The goal of the update was to build on community assets and identify strategies to address ongoing issues and opportunities, all while positioning the Town of Smithtown as a desirable place to live, work, and visit for the next 10 years and beyond.
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of New Jersey 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards
SUEZ New Jersey- Lead Service Line Replacement Phase A, Honor Award:
When New Jersey signed into legislation, regulation requirements that required public water supply systems to inventory and replace lead service lines, SUEZ Water, New Jersey was proactive and sought assistance to immediately launch a comprehensive lead service line replacement (LSLR) program to remove lead from its drinking water system. H2M utilized an innovative approach that optimized data collection, documenting critical processes and infrastructure improvements for both regulatory compliance and future operations use. The team worked collaboratively to ensure residents of Bergen and Hudson counties were safeguarded from the threat of chronic lead exposure, improving confidence in a foundational component of public infrastructure, and protecting the health of the residents of New Jersey.
Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Distinguished Award:
When the Department of Public Works (DPW) was relocated in Princeton, NJ, its site across from Municipal Hall became the perfect fit for the relocation of Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad.
Site design was challenged with working around the remaining DPW fueling station, a local traffic shortcut permanently closing, and building height restrictions. Aggressive protections were designed along a 30-inch water main running through the site to ensure possible water main breaks would not compromise the building. The structural design was vital to the success of the facility as it directly addressed many of the site challenges and maintained the design’s consistency using steel. There were also several sustainable design elements incorporated to not only protect the health and wellness of the first responders occupying the building, but the surrounding community as well.
National Groundwater Association Groundwater Industry Awards
AOP Treatment for 1,4-Dioxane in Long Island Groundwater, Outstanding Groundwater Remediation Project Award (small-scale) for 2021
Emerging contaminants have become a national concern and one of the water industry’s most vexing issues. The contaminant 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen, was first identified as a concern in drinking water in 2012, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3). Though widely spread across the United States, 1,4-dioxane was most concentrated amongst Long Island groundwater supply wells. H2M architects + engineers, representing over 40 water districts on Long Island, leapt into action developing a strategic plan to address the challenge, while recognizing more rigorous regulations were on the horizon. As a result of this initiative, which addressed the nation’s most pervasive case of this contamination in an area solely reliant on groundwater, Long Island will likely become the center of AOP treatment in the world.
New Jersey Alliance for Action Distinguished Engineering Award
Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority (ACMUA) Emerging Contaminant Project, Distinguished Engineering Honor
The State of New Jersey was one of the first in the country to begin regulating Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. ACMUA like many others, was challenged by these new regulations. Atlantic City has two sources for their water supply: surface and groundwater. The wells established in this municipality are along a lake bordering the Atlantic City International Airport. Testing of several wells revealed perfluorinated levels which required emergency action on the part of the ACMUA to achieve MCL compliance.
H2M was called upon to develop an emergency PFAS treatment for ACMUA. To ensure the water supply would comply for the year, this treatment needs to be done rapidly so overall regulatory compliance could be achieved. H2M consulted with the ACMUA to manage the source of their water and guided them on how to deploy GAC to three wells along the bank of the lake. H2M leveraged their previous experience in treating chemicals in this family, prior established relationships with manufacturer partners, and ACMUA’s existing equipment. The success of this endeavor requires the selected contractors and equipment to come together at the right time, ensuring all pieces are in place for the rapid deployment.
FIREHOUSE Station Design Awards
Lexington Fire Headquarters, Gold Award
Lexington Fire Headquarters provides modern amenities and safety of a new building, with traditional aesthetics that reflect the station’s location in one of the country’s most recognizable historic districts, a half mile from the Lexington Battle Green. The new building was constructed on the site of the Town’s existing Fire and Rescue Headquarters. Built in 1947, this facility was less than half the size of the new station. With a tight urban site and minimal lay down space, careful consideration was given to phasing and logistics. The team coordinated re-routing of Camellia Place, a side road to the North of the building, to expand the width of the site and provide additional parking. Responder health, safety, and comfort were paramount to the design. Air quality is maximized using 100% outside air units, MERV 13 filters, optimized carbon dioxide monitoring, and dilution. The station includes on-site decontamination and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) maintenance, filling, and storage. Gender-neutral bunks and shower rooms support fluctuations in the department’s staff demographics, while a generous day room provides opportunities for relaxation and socialization. The design meets Town of Lexington’s progressive sustainability guidelines; it’s highly efficient and resilient. The station uses a full electric and solar thermal system, including the first full-electric radiant apparatus floor in the world. No fossil fuels are burned on-site, except back-up hot water heater and kitchen range. Roof-top photovoltaics off-set the building’s electrical use and are hidden from street view, keeping with historic district considerations. This LEED Gold equivalent building performs as designed, exceeding the ASHRAE 90.1 standard by 30%.
