WRECO 2007 News

Physical Modeling of Folsom Dam Auxiliary Spillway
June 2007

Sacramento has the greatest risk of flooding of any major city in the country. Folsom Dam, located on the American River, about 20 miles northeast of Sacramento, CA, was built in 1950 based on previous records of historic flows in the American River. It now appears that the quantity of water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains has increased during large floods. Furthermore, early levees were not constructed to current engineering standards. As part of the public safety effort, WRECO is working with St. Anthony's Falls Laboratory at the University of Minnesota on a physical modeling study of the proposed auxiliary spillway which includes a gated control structure, chute, a stepped spillway and a stilling basin.

2007 Tranny Awards
June 2007

WRECO is the proud team member of two Tranny Awards for our project teams' exceptional work on Interchange 880 Coleman Avenue Interchange in the City of San Jose and Maxwell Bridge Project for the City of Napa. URS Corporation was the primary consultant for the winning projects. The Tranny Awards are sponsored by the California Transportation Foundation (CTF), a non-profit organization that recognizes outstanding performances and achievement in transportation.

WRECO Helps Prevent Flooding at the EBMUD Water Treatment Plant
May 2007

The North Lane in Orinda has been subject to several floods in recent years. The flood area has included the EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utilities District) Water Treatment Plant that supplies water to over 1 million people. The City of Orinda contracted WRECO to analyze storm water drainage systems. WRECO proposed new designs for drainage improvements that include detention basins and a storm drain bypass line which will help protect the EBMUD Water Treatment Plant and local residences from flooding.

WRECO Helps Reduce Traffic Congestion in Santa Cruz County
April 2007

WRECO is working with the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to deal with current and future travel demands and congestion along Highway 1 in Santa Cruz County. Alternatives include adding auxiliary lanes or widening the existing four-lane highway to a six-lane facility by adding an HOV lane, which will encourage ridesharing and transit use. These proposed solutions improve traffic operations and reduce delay. Thay may also reduce congestion-related accidents.

WRECO Works with State and Federal Agencies to Improve Road Safety in San Diego County
April 2007

In San Diego County, the winding roads of State Route 94, combined with the presence of large trucks and other vehicles, have created traffic congestion and hazardous traffic conditions. The existing roads have geometrically inadequate curves and limited maneuvering areas for trucks to make turns. WRECO is working with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration to improve traffic operations and promote traffic safety by proposing realignment of road segments and improving lane geometrics.

WRECO Lends a Hand to Los Altos Hills
March 2007

WRECO is currently working on a sewer system expansion study for the Town of Los Altos Hills. Approximately half of the town currently relies on septic tanks. WRECO is helping Public Works Director Henry Louie upgrade this system. By conducting initial analysis, WRECO will provide Los Altos Hills with a phased expansion improvement plan that meets their budget as well as their environmental and infrastructural needs.

WRECO Helps Protect Habitat for Endangered Species
February 2007

WRECO is working with Joseph Peterson of Caltrans District 4 Hydraulics in order to preserve the California Tiger Salamander habitat along State Route 116. This species has been in decline for several reasons, including loss of habitat due to development. WRECO will provide drainage recommendations that incorporate this additional concern. WRECO has already made significant progress with its designs.

WRECO Welcomes Analette Ochoa
January 2007

WRECO welcomes Analette Ochoa to our team. She is our newest Senior Associate and our first female supervisor. Mrs. Ochoa brings to us 14 years of experience at Caltrans, including, most recently, 4 years as the District 4 Storm Water Coordinator.

WRECO Gives Fish a Chance
January 2007

WRECO recently helped Jon Frye and Matt Griffin of Santa Barbara County Flood Control District balance the County's development and ecological needs. The County's existing dam and debris basin on Gobernador Canyon Creek prevented fish passage; this barrier prohibited the upstream migration of Steelhead Trout and interfered with their breeding process. WRECO's engineers provided a solution: a functional debris basin which allows safe passage for fish.

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