Greetings from Olsson Associates
 
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We have created Perspectives as a way to stay in touch with you and share information to give you a new perspective on Olsson Associates and the work we do. We hope you might learn something new with each issue.
 
You probably already know that Olsson is a diverse firm and that we deal with everything from wastewater treatment plants to skate parks, rails and trails to sports complexes, and designing multi-lane roads to creating sustainable communities. Through Perspectives we'll bring you a new topic each month from a wide array of subjects -- industrial development, permitting, landfill gas capture, and new methods of surveying -- just to name a few. 
 
In the meantime, I would be interested in hearing from any of you regarding possible topics that might be of interest or trends you see in your industry. As a group of engineers, planners, scientists, and surveyors, we are in the business of solving problems. We can best offer that service by understanding your needs.

 
Mike Yost, PE, LEED AP
Vice President
303.374.3111 or myost@oaconsulting.com
New Survey Standards for Airports
By Diane Hofer, PE, Airports Team
 
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In May 2009, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published new survey standards that have had a significant impact on master planning, as well as runway construction projects that are funded with FAA grants. The standards are contained in the new 492-page Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5300-18B (aka "18B").
 
The detailed standards require not only specific survey procedures, but also the input of GIS attributes. Raw data files are submitted to the FAA, along with the electronic drawing files and GIS files. While the standards are currently limited to runway and planning projects, ultimately all FAA-funded planning, design, and as-built surveys must meet the standards. These standards will be implemented over the next year or so.
 
In addition, when imagery/aerial photography is needed, the new AC 150/5300-17B requires that this be completed with the leaves still on the trees. The imagery data files must then be approved by the FAA before the survey can begin. This can delay projects by 6-12 months as we wait for FAA approval and then the growing season. READ MORE
Webinar: LEED for Neighborhood Developmenthttp://oaconsulting.com/perspectives/porch.jpg
 
In the August Perspectives, we shared information about Sustainable Neighborhood Developments. If you're interested in learning more, please sign up (link below) to take part in this upcoming Webinar.
 
Olsson Associates will present "LEED for Neighborhood Development," an AIA approved, one-hour course. This Webinar presentation will cover the draft, post-pilot version of the LEED-ND rating system, which is expected to "go live" in the fall.
 
We will discuss existing sustainable neighborhoods and will touch on how LEED-ND principles are becoming more appealing to homeowners. Overall, this rating system has a number of positive impacts for those in the development and design industry, which we'll discuss.

October 15, 2009
Noon - 1 p.m., CDT
 
Click here to register and learn more.
Featured Project: Overland Park Soccer Complex | Overland Park, Kansas
 
Game On!
 
 
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Olsson Associates is proud to be part of the DLR Group, Workshop, and CHA Sports team that worked with the City of Overland Park to bring more of the world's most popular sport to Overland Park, Kansas.
 
The new Overland Park Soccer Complex consists of 12 lighted, regulation-size, synthetic-turf fields, three cafes, and a 16,000-square-foot field house. The fields are broken into three pods with a stream corridor that splits the pods. The overall layout of the complex was designed to work in harmony with the environment by preserving existing stream vegetation, enhancing the natural corridor for wildlife habitat, and protecting water quality.
 
The fields are not the only green feature in this complex; "green" best management practices were used through bioswales and a rain garden with native plantings. Both were installed to remove pollutants found in stormwater runoff, reduce erosion, and minimize frequent flooding.  READ MORE 
In This Issue
New Survey Standards for Airports
Webinar: LEED for Neighborhood Development
Featured Project: Overland Park Soccer Complex
Arizona Park Wins Parents' Picks Award
Stay in Touch with Olsson
Arizona Park Wins Parents' Picks Award 
 
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Peoria, Arizona's Rio Vista Park and Recreation Center has won Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Award for best Phoenix-area playground or park. Between 2001 and 2003, Olsson master planned and designed the park for the city and master planned the recreation center site as a facility within the park.
Stay in Touch with Olsson! 
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At Olsson, everything is Elemental:  LAND | WATER | AIR | LIFE 
To learn more, please visit www.oaconsulting.com.