San Diego County Water Authority and RBF Consulting Receive Project Award from ACEC California

SAN DIEGO--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC CA) has selected the Camp Pendleton Seawater Desalination Project Feasibility Study for a 2012 Engineering Excellence Honor Award. RBF Consulting (RBF), a Company of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE Amex:BKR), prepared the comprehensive feasibility study for the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) for a 50 – 150 million gallon per day seawater desalination facility located on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

“This feasibility study lays the groundwork for a seawater desalination facility that would be one of the largest desalination facilities in the United States.”

The Water Authority retained RBF to study over 15 alternative desalination plant sites; analyze alternative seawater intake options and brine discharge options, including hydrodynamic modeling; prepare conceptual designs of intake facilities, discharge facilities, desalination facilities, power generation facilities, and a product water conveyance system including thirteen miles of new large diameter pipeline and three pump stations; and prepare numerous technical memoranda covering a wide range of engineering, site planning, environmental and project implementation issues.

“RBF is pleased to play an important role in the Water Authority’s plan to develop  a new, safe, and drought-proof water supply that would help alleviate Southern California's water supply crisis,” stated Paul Findley, vice president, RBF Consulting. “This feasibility study lays the groundwork for a seawater desalination facility that would be one of the largest desalination facilities in the United States.”

The San Diego County Water Authority (www.sdcwa.org) is a public agency serving the San Diego region as a wholesale supplier of water. The Water Authority works through its 24 member agencies to provide a safe, reliable water supply to support the region’s $186 billion economy and the quality of life of 3.1 million residents.

ACEC California (www.acec-ca.org) is a statewide association representing more than 1,000 consulting engineering and land-surveying firms. ACEC California is dedicated to enhancing the consulting engineering and land surveying professions, protecting the general public and promoting the use of the private sector in the growth and development of the state. Members provide services for all phases of planning, designing and constructing projects.

RBF Consulting (www.rbf.com), a Company of Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com), provides engineering, design, planning, and construction services for complex and challenging projects worldwide. With more than 3,250 employees in 110 offices across the United States, the company is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.