Army Corps of Engineers Contract Awards Expand Zia's Client Base

With a recent Award of a Task Order Contract from Norfolk District Army Corps of Engineers, Zia is expanding its reach farther to the East Coast

Zia recently began work on three Army installations in the Eastern United States as a result of a recent 8(a), Single Award Task Order Contract (SATOC) for management and environmental support, awarded by the Norfolk Virginia District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). At this time Zia has commenced work at Fort Benning, GA., Fort AP Hill, VA., and Fort Eustis, VA. Between the three installations, Zia is currently managing installation sustainability planning, forestry, natural resources strategic planning, pollution prevention, NEPA support, and environmental management system support. The SATOC award consists of the base year plus four option years with a $10 million award limit for the entire duration of the contract.

On another front, right in our backyard, we have commenced work for the completion of an Environmental Assessment at Holloman Air Force Base, NM. This contract is being administered by the Albuquerque District USACE. In keeping with the national goal of enhancing production of electric power through renewable energy sources, the Air Force is contemplating construction of a Photovoltaic solar generating system at Holloman Air Force Base. The Environmental Assessment undertaken by Zia is in support of this renewable energy generation system and it will be conducted under the Air Force's Environmental Impact Assessment Process. As of this writing Zia's scientists are on the ground conducting Cultural and Natural Resources surveys in support of the Environmental Assessment.

With the recent awards, Zia is proud to be serving four Army Corps of Engineers' Districts including Tulsa, Fort Worth, Norfolk and Albuquerque.

News From Our Mid-west Service Location

Zia's Iowa office was relocated from Des Moines to Ames in January 2010, about the same time Donn Stone, P.E. joined Zia and assumed the responsibilities as the mid-western region manager. Donn brings 20 plus years of environmental consulting experience, the last nine years of which he was serving as an independent environmental consultant. Donn brings expertise in assisting industries with environmental compliance, including wastewater treatment, air emissions, storm water NPDES permits, spill prevention plans, and various other tasks required by regulations.

Franchesca Zenitsky, who served as the Des Moines office manager before Donn, is now focusing her full attention to project management of a multitude of projects involving environmental site assessments, Avian and Bat Risk assessment studies for the renewable power industry. Franchesca is also pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian by attending the veterinary school at Iowa State University while continuing with her responsibilities at Zia on a part time basis.

Zia Helps the Homeless and Hungry

In response to an article that ran in the Las Cruces Bulletin, Zia donated over $900 to Casa de Peregrinos, a non-profit food bank for the homeless that provides packages of staple food items to the needy. The Bulletin article said a steadily rising wave of homeless people seeking nourishment prompted the organization to call out to the community for support. According to the article, Casa de Peregrinos provided packages to over 33,000 people last year.

"It's shocking to realize that there are people suffering from hunger in our own community and I believe this is a great opportunity to lend a hand and make a difference," said Griselda V�lez, a planning department manager at Zia and coordinator of the donation.

Zia Participates in American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

Zia once again contributed to the success of this year's Relay for Life in the City of the Crosses, which was held on August 27-28 at the Ron T. Galla T-ball Fields. For the third year, Zia's Survey Division provided the conceptual layout of the event. In the field, Division personnel provided markings for the walking track for the City Parks Division to lay chalk lines upon, and provided markings for the big tents and team spaces. Additionally, Zia contributed $1000 to this life celebrating event.

The Relay for Life is sanctioned by the American Cancer Society and provides a family oriented atmosphere to participate in this fight against cancer. The teams walk from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning without sleeping; just like cancer, a disease that never sleeps. This year's event raised approximately $90,000 towards the fight to find the cure for cancer.

SECURITY and SAFETY CAUTION

Workplace Safety

The recent fatal shooting at a Fort Bliss convenience store and two other high-profile Active Shooter incidents in the news (Albuquerque, NM and Hartford, CT), serve as stark reminders of the reality of this workplace phenomenon. The Counterintelligence Division of the Missile Defense Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base recently distributed the following pamphlet that provides information about this subject. Click here to view the pamphlet which provides information about prevention, an emergency action plan, and personality indicators that could serve as warning signs about a potential shooter.

Ladder Safety

It's that time of year where the leaves start to fall and many people want to get on the roof to clean the gutters out, and close up the evaporative cooler and attic vents.

• Ladders are to be kept free of oil, grease, wet paint, and other slipping hazards.


• Wood ladders must not be coated with any opaque covering, such as paint, except identification or warning labels on one face only of a side rail (paint can hide cracks and other defects).


• Foldout or stepladders must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections in an open position when in use.


• When two or more ladders are used to reach a work area, they must be offset with a landing or platform between the ladders.


• The area around the top and bottom of ladder must be kept clear.


• Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections, unless they are specifically designed for such use.


• Never use a ladder for any purpose other than the one for which it was designed.

• Inspect ladders regularly. Stepladders and extension ladders should be inspected for broken or frozen joints or latches. Aluminum ladders should be inspected for cracks and broken welds. Aluminum ladders should also be inspected for rough spots and burrs before first use.


• Wood ladders should be inspected for cracked wood, splinters, and rot. Look for broken or loose hardware. Protect wood ladders with linseed oil or clear sealant. Never paint a wooden ladder - as stated earlier, the paint may hide imperfections such as rot or cracks.


• Fiberglass ladders are protected with a clear sealant. If the fiberglass is damaged through the sealant, sand lightly before applying another coat of lacquer.

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