The Seasonal High-Water Table (SHWT) is the highest elevation in which groundwater rises to during the wet season. As Civil Engineers, we must ensure that our systems are installed above this seasonal high-water table. This ensures that sufficient recharge can be provided, and it protects our designs from structural damage throughout the year. But how do civil engineers determine where the …

As civil engineers, we select piping materials for a wide range of applications and designs. The specific pipe material that is selected can significantly impact the cost, efficiency, and longevity of a project. Among the many options available, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes stand out for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and their ability to resist corrosion over time. Because of these properties, …

WJH Engineering is currently providing Due Diligence / Feasibility Services for over 1,500 residential units throughout the state of New Jersey. These services help to identify potential risks associated with a project, and they aid developers in making informed financial decisions before investing in properties. When performing due diligence on a project site, we typically begin by looking at the …

If you’ve spent enough time in this industry, you’ve surely seen the acronym “D.I.P.” before. D.I.P. stands for ductile iron pipe, and it is often used for potable water transmission and distribution. D.I.P. is made of ductile cast iron, which undergoes a unique treatment process that gives it remarkable properties. Unlike traditional cast iron, ductile iron can withstand significant bending …

On March 20th, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed new affordable housing legislation into law. This new legislation provides a formal framework and timeline for municipalities to determine their affordable housing obligations (i.e., the number of units required), and it imposes strict deadlines for municipalities to act on these obligations. Also, this new legislation prohibits wealthy towns from paying their way …

On March 26th, The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed within seconds of being struck by a cargo ship leaving the city’s port. This collapse sent shockwaves throughout both the local community and the engineering world. Such unprecedented incidents raise questions about the efficacy of modern engineering techniques, and the vulnerability of the world’s ageing infrastructure. Why the …

Most of our clients (contractors, builders, and commercial site owners/operators) are required to file and maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). A SWPPP is a site-specific document consisting of plans and a written report addressing the sources of stormwater pollution present at a construction site. This stormwater pollution can come in the form of sediment runoff, fallen leaves and …

Have you ever driven past a construction site and wondered: What is the purpose of that black fabric installed along the site’s border? This black filter fabric is known as a silt fence, and it plays a vital role in preserving a site’s soil. Normally, vegetation stabilizes topsoil so that stormwater is less likely to disturb it and transport it …

Recently, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced that it would be implementing Emergency Rule-making to the Flood Hazard Area Control Act (FHACA) Rules (or N.J.A.C. 7:13). Five key points from this Emergency Rule-making include, but are not limited to: Non-tidal design flood elevations will be raised by two feet. “Non-tidal” applies to sites that are not affected by flooding …

In most New Jersey municipalities, there are minimum lighting requirements for roadways, parking lots, and outdoor recreational areas. These requirements exist to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians traveling through the area. So, Civil Engineers and Landscape Architects prepare lighting plans to demonstrate compliance with these requirements, when applicable. Here at WJH Engineering, we are constantly re-investing in our …