KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) provided comprehensive engineering inspection services for the Pascack Brook Flood Mitigation Project in the Village of Spring Valley, New York. Throughout construction, KSE was responsible for monitoring contractor operations to verify compliance with the contract documents, engineering plans, technical specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements. The firm’s inspectors coordinated closely with the owner, contractor, utility companies, and local stakeholders to maintain project quality, facilitate construction sequencing, resolve field issues, document project activities, and help ensure that the work progressed safely, on schedule, and within established quality standards while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community.
The project was undertaken to address longstanding flooding problems caused by the overflow of Pascack Brook, which had repeatedly impacted residential neighborhoods and local roadways during significant storm events. To substantially improve stormwater conveyance capacity and enhance the resiliency of the surrounding community, the project included the construction of a new 15-foot-wide by 7-foot-high reinforced concrete bypass culvert extending along Stonehouse Drive from Francis Place to Union Road and continuing along King Street to a point east of Anthony Avenue, where the new culvert reconnected to Pascack Brook. The completed bypass system now diverts excess stormwater flows during heavy rainfall events, significantly reducing flood risks to nearby homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
In addition to the new culvert, the project included extensive utility relocations and roadway improvements to restore and modernize the surrounding infrastructure. New water mains and sanitary sewers were installed on both sides of the culvert to reconnect existing residential services while improving the long-term reliability of underground utilities. Surface improvements included new sidewalks, ADA-compliant pedestrian curb ramps, catch basins, drainage connections, curbing, access and sanitary sewer manholes, and full roadway reconstruction. Existing private utility facilities, including gas mains, were relocated or replaced where required to accommodate the new infrastructure.
Maintaining access and public safety throughout construction required careful planning and coordination. Temporary roadway closures were implemented in phases to minimize disruptions to residents and emergency services, while temporary pedestrian walkways ensured safe access to homes and neighborhoods during each stage of construction. Through proactive field coordination and diligent construction oversight, KSE helped facilitate the successful delivery of this complex infrastructure improvement while maintaining quality, safety, and effective communication among all project stakeholders.
The project’s innovative engineering, exceptional construction execution, and significant contribution to community resilience were recognized with the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) Silver Award for Engineering Excellence.
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