Engineering Reports and Studies

RGA provides a comprehensive list of reports and studies for our clients in multiple areas of expertise. Utilizing our staff's experience on a wide variety of projects, our reports and studies include client collaboration to ensure pertinent information within the final product.

Services Include:
(see below for representative projects)

Wastewater:
​

-    Capital Improvement Plans
-    Development/Referral Reviews
​-    Grant Applications
-    Master Plans
-    Preliminary Engineering Reports
-    Project Needs Assessments
-    Rate Studies
-    Sanitary Sewer Line/Manhole Evaluations
     and Condition Reports
​-    Sanitary Sewer Capacity Studies
     and Flow Monitoring
-    Sanitary System Modeling

Water:
​

-     Capital Improvement Plans
-     Development/Referral Reviews
-     Grant Applications
-     Master Plans
-     Preliminary Engineering Reports
-     Project Needs Assessments
-     Rate Studies
-     Water Transmission/Distribution
      System Evaluations
-     Water System Capacity Studies
-     Water System Modeling

Drainage/Floodplain:
​

-     Conditional Letter of Map Revision
​      (CLOMR)
-     Development/Referral Reviews
-     Drainage Studies
-     Floodplain Modeling
-     Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
-     Master Plans
-     No-Rise Certification

Roadway:
​

-     Asphalt and Concrete Condition Reports
-     Capital Improvement Plans
-     Corridor Location and Conceptual Studies
-     Development/Referral Reviews
-     Master Plans
-     Roadway Assessments
-     Turning Movement Analysis
​

Contact:

​​Ricardo J.F. Goncalves, ​P.E.

PRESIDENT
​
Direct Line: 303-468-8484
Cell: 303-901-2367
rickg@rgengineers.com


​​​James R. Landry, ​P.E., CWP

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
​
Direct Line: 303-468-8482
Cell: 303-901-2444
jlandry@rgengineers.com


Gary E. Welp, ​P.E., CFM

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
​
Direct Line: 303-468-8484
Cell: 303-901-2447
gwelp@rgengineers.com

Our Team / Contact Us

Representative Projects
(Click to Open)

Engineering Reports and Studies

Applewood Sanitation District, Jefferson County, Colorado
Annual Line Status Report and Development Referral Reviews

RGA is designing, managing, and inspecting repairs to the district's sewer system. This work includes bidding and contracting firms to perform annual video inspections, reviewing annual videos, making assessments and prioritizing the replacement of lines, providing annual reports to the district, producing design plans and contract documents, advertising, bidding and construction management inspections of these projects.​

​

Applewood Sanitation District, Jefferson County, Colorado
Wastewater Rate Study

​The RGA team prepared a rate study analysis for the district to determine an adequate annual rate that would support operation and maintenance of the existing system and fund future capital improvement projects. 

Buckhorn Valley Metropolitan District, Brighton, Colorado
​Water Master Plan Update

The RGA team analyzed the diversion of surface water, storage, and distribution for non-potable irrigation system for a 900 customer community near Gypsum, Colorado.  The team developed a five-year master plan, capital improvements plan, and rate study to develop improvements to the system and fees to pay for the improvements.  

City of Creede, Colorado
​Collection System Preliminary Engineering Report (PER)

​In order to reduce the infiltration rife with high levels of zinc and cadmium, to increase the integrity of the system, and to satisfy compliance issues on the City’s WWTP Discharge Permit, RGA assisted the City in bidding a video, jetting and root cutting project. We then evaluated the video of 31,000 linear feet of sewer and are making repair and replacement assessments and costs, and evaluating other alternatives, including complete replacement. We also assisted the community in the process for receiving DOLA and SRF funding to construction the project. 

City of Florence, Colorado
Water Rate Study

RGA reviewed the Water Fund for the City, and concluded that a small inflation of rates every year would assist with covering any future maintenance and/or replacement fees for the City, while being fair for all of the system users.

City of Monte Vista, Colorado
Capital Improvement Plan

RGA evaluated videos for approximately 34,000 LF of sanitary sewer, made assessments of pipe conditions and provided a Capital Improvement Plan that recommended cured-in-place point repairs and cured-in-place re-lining of portions of the system, and excavated repairs.

City of Monte Vista, Colorado
Wastewater Capital Improvement Project PER

​RGA created a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for the city that addressed the proposed strategy to significantly reduce inflow and infiltration in the gravity collection system, replace two (2) deteriorating baffle curtains at the Henderson Wastewater Treatment Plan and replace the failing Lariat Lift Station. RGA also assisted with obtaining a CDPHE Planning and Design Grant for this PER.

City of Monte Vista, Colorado
Water System Rate Study

RGA was engaged to prepare a study to examine the costs of operating the City of Monte Vista’s water system and to subsequently recommend several options and structures for modifying rates for charging its water users to recover these costs.  

City of Monte Vista, Colorado
Utility Rate Study

RGA was engaged to prepare a study to examine the costs of operating the City of Monte Vista’s utilities and to subsequently recommend several options and structures for modifying rates for charging its users to recover these costs.  

City of Sheridan, Colorado
City-Wide Street Capital Improvement Plan

RGA was selected to complete a City-Wide Street Capital Improvement Plan for the City of Sheridan. The purpose of this CIP is to identify, prioritize, and address the City's roadway improvement needs in order to assist the City Council in identifying proposed road maintenance and replacement projects over the next ten years. Each City street was walked, inspected, and measured by an RGA inspector. Inspections included existing pavement conditions, curb, gutter and sidewalk conditions, drainage, traffic and utilities.

Crestview Water and Sanitation District, Denver, Colorado
Water and Sanitary Sewer Model

​RGA completed a water distribution model using EPA NET and a sanitary sewer collection model using EPAs Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) for water and sewer. The model will incorporate winter weather water use as a base for sanitary sewer contributions. The models accurately depict all piping within one of the largest water and sewer districts in the Denver Metropolitan Area. 

Crestview Water and Sanitation District, Denver, Colorado
Sanitary Sewer Pipeline Assessment

RGA reviewed sanitary sewer videos, assessed pipe condition, made recommendations for repair and met with the district to review findings and establish annual replacement and rehabilitation projects.

East Alamosa Water and Sanitation District, Alamosa, Colorado
Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

​RGA prepared a water and wastewater capital improvements plan (CIP) for the East Alamosa Water and Sanitation District to identify problems to a system that had been widely ignored over that last several years.  The first step was to meet with the water and wastewater system operator to identify areas in which frequent problems and repairs were encountered or needed.  With this information, RGA developed a camera, jetting and root cutting program to initially inspect the most problem prone and inspect the remainder of the system over the next couple of years.  The information obtained from the video indicated areas that posed acute health risks that had never been known about and also showed various areas where other repairs were needed.   From this data, RGA was then able to determine the type of repairs needed and, most importantly, develop a priority listing of the areas of critical need decreasing in importance to those only needing routine maintenance.  RGA also provided cost data from the repairs that were needed and a plan was developed to find solutions to problem areas within the district, which has been key to developing a basis for securing funding/grants from DOLA or CDPHE. This report was revised in September of 2019 in anticipation of CDPHE funding application.

Fairways Metropolitan District, Boulder County, Colorado
​2016 Sewer Rate Study

​RGA created a customized sewer rate spreadsheet model to determine the rate increase required to cover costs associated with the recent projects along with existing annual expenses pertaining to sewer services. The provided rate study was flexible and can be used by the district in the future to analyze options for rate adjustments, budgeting, capital improvement projects, and project financing. 

Fairways Metropolitan District, Boulder County, Colorado
Wastewater Treatment Plant Evaluation

The RGA team performed an evaluation of a 107,000 GPD mechanically-aerated lagoon wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).  The District had been experiencing problems with the WWTP after the latest expansion.  The high effluent total suspended solids concentration and poor performance of a polishing wetland resulted in concerns that the latest expansion was not properly designed.  The evaluation verified the design and stated the possible causes of the problems.  A Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) was prepared to evaluate various alternatives for solving the problems. The preliminary engineering report and associated recommendations assisted the district in obtaining a 0% interest loan from the CDPHE Green Project Reserve to fund a major facility upgrade.

Fairways Metropolitan District, Boulder County, Colorado
Inflow and Infiltration Study

The RGA team performed an inflow and infiltration study which included reviewing a televised recording of the entire collection system and a physical inspection of every manhole. After documenting areas of concern, a complete system map was created which ranked each deficiency. All improvements have been completed and inflow and infiltration significantly reduced.

Forest View Acres Water District, El Paso County, Colorado
Master Water System Review

​The RGA team reviewed the district’s water system for water supply sufficiency, recommended utilization of an alluvial well system for water supply, identification of excessive losses, and recommended various improvements to the system, including replacement of a major transmission line and improvements to the water treatment plant and storage system.

Franktown Business Area Metropolitan District, Douglas County, Colorado
​Water and Sewer Utility Study

The Franktown Business Area Metropolitan District provides potable water and sanitary sewer service to several existing and proposed developments.  The RGA team estimated water demand and wastewater production values for the area over the course of approximately 15 years.  The team planned a major potable water and sanitary sewer infrastructure upgrade which included transmission mains, well facilities, pump stations, storage tanks, collection outfalls and interceptors, lift stations, and treatment facilities.  The study required strategic coordination with Douglas County, the Tri-county Health Department, the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority, and local residents and businesses. 

Fremont Sanitation District, Cañon City, Colorado
User Rate and System Development Fee (SDF)

The RGA team prepared a wastewater rate study for the district, which included a review of their System Development Fee (SDF) structure.  

Galeton Water and Sanitation District, Galeton, Colorado
​Preliminary Engineering Report

​Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) to obtain funding for a complete replacement of the district’s 0.037 MGD wastewater treatment plant. The PER was also created to satisfy all engineering evaluation requirements in the Notice of Violation/Cease and Desist Order (NOV/CDO) from CDPHE. Above what is required by the NOV/CDO, this document is also being utilized by the district as a mechanism to apply for funding through the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development to finance the proposed improvements. 

Lincoln Park Metropolitan District, Douglas County, Colorado
Roadway Assessment

RGA was selected by the District to complete a Roadway Assessment. The purpose of this assessment was to identify, prioritize, and address the District’s roadway improvement needs to assist the District in identifying proposed road maintenance and replacement projects for maintenance needs and in some cases, to prepare the roadways for eventual transfer to Douglas County.

North La Junta Sanitation District, La Junta, Colorado
Wastewater Treatment Plant Evaluation

RGA was retained by the North La Junta Sanitation District to complete a preliminary engineering report to evaluate major deficiencies in their wastewater treatment process. RGA completed a thorough analysis that recommended several upgrades to return the facility to compliance. The PER was submitted and approved without comment by CDHPE.

Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District, Pagosa Springs, Colorado
2020 Phased Replacement of Collection Lines

Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District retained RGA to complete a phased replacement plan for its sanitary sewer pipelines. RGA reviewed approximately 82,277 linear feet of sanitary sewer line video inspection records. Pipe deficiencies were scored based on descriptions provided in the inspection records. Pipe deficiencies were categorized into 7 categories: cracks, breaks, joints, sags, roots, debris, and infiltration. Numeric pipe condition ratings were assigned based on an analysis to determine whether the deficiencies were light, moderate, or extensive. The total rating of each pipe segment was based on the sum of the numeric pipe condition ratings for each of the 7 categories. Pipe segments were then divided into 5 condition categories: good, fair, moderate, poor, and emergency conditions. During this process, RGA identified an area where the manhole names had been duplicated and renamed them to avoid future confusion. Detailed cost estimates were prepared for each of the 5 categories and a phased improvements plan was recommended to be implemented over a 20 year period.

Paint Brush Hills Metropolitan District, El Paso County, Colorado
​Water Master Plan and Rate Study

​The Paint Brush Hills Metropolitan District retained RGA as District Engineer in 2015. The district had no master planning document and district staff had only a general idea of when new infrastructure was required based on future residential development. RGA completed a water master plan  on behalf of the district that studied all facets of the district’s system including raw water, water storage, distribution, and wastewater collection. The master plan made several time triggered recommendations for improvements including a 750,000 gallon water storage tank and a centralized water treatment system. In addition, the RGA team analyzed the district’s rate structures, which had not been analyzed for years, developed a capital improvements plan for necessary future  system improvements made necessary by new growth, and developed an equitable rate structure that encourages conservation yet would pay for the necessary improvements. The rate study was updated in 2020.

Parker Water and Sanitation District, Parker, Colorado
Water and Sewer Master Plan

Parker Water and Sanitation District serves approximately 34,000 residents and has an expected build-out of 76,000 residents.  The RGA team prepared the District’s Water and Sewer Master Plan to serve as a detailed guideline for anticipated utility needs.  Our firm selected and sized future water system improvements based on development locations and anticipated water demands, including water treatment, pumping, transmission, and storage.  The Master Plan includes an analysis of the District’s Reclaimed Water and expected future hydraulic loading.  After planning the District’s future infrastructure, RGA determined year-by-year costs for the three (3) systems (water, sewer, and reclaimed water).  

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District, Jefferson County, Colorado
​Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring

Multi-family units were found to produce an average per capita flow rate of 50 GPD. Single-family units produced an average per capita flow rate o f55 GPD. Additionally, there were only two pipe segments that exceeded the district and City and County of Denver’s criteria of 50% full.

Southern Ute Tribe/Town of Ignacio, Colorado
Utility Rate Analysis

RGA was chosen to prepare an analysis of the Town of Ignacio's water and wastewater systems, which is provided and treated by the South Ute Tribe's Utility Division. The RGA team analyzed a rate structure that was insufficient and out of date to capture enough revenue to pay for, not only the current system operations and maintenance costs, but future required improvements, without subsidies from the general fund. Our study examined and projected the tribe’s funding mechanism out for thirty years, and assisted the tribe in structuring a rate program.

Stonegate Village Metropolitan District, Douglas County, Colorado
Wastewater Utility Plan

The RGA team prepared the district’s Wastewater Utility Plan (WUP) to the standards and requirements set forth by the Denver Region Council of Governments (DRCOG) and other approval agencies.  The firm summarized the district’s existing wastewater facilities and determined the future system needs for the area serving 18,000 residents. The WUP projected growth trends, wastewater production, and influent quality for a 20-year period.  RGA also prepared a requisite Emergency Response Plan for the WUP.

Todd Creek Metropolitan District, Brighton, Colorado
Rate Studies for Non-Potable and Potable Water Systems

Todd Creek Village Metropolitan District ultimately will serve 3,500 customers with both a potable and non-potable (irrigation) water system. Current customers number 1,200.  The RGA team has completed a rate study every two years since 2008 to establish, verify, and update the rates for both systems.  We use a sophisticated computer model developed by our in-house team.  Actual expenses can be input, as well as a 10% sampling of actual monthly metered water usage, projected to the total number of customers.  Future projected expenses were input in the years that they were expected to occur.  The model was used to develop base fees, tiered increases, based on water usage, other fees, and yearly percentage increases.

Town of Buena Vista, Colorado
Rate Studies and Master Plan/CIP Update for Potable Water System

​The Town of Buena Vista currently serves approximately 1,800 customers. The RGA team completed a rate study to establish, verify, and update the rates using our computer model developed by our in-house team.  Actual expenses were input, as well as a 10% sampling of actual monthly metered water usage, projected to the total number of customers. Future projected expenses were input in the years that they were expected to occur. The model was used to develop base fees, tiered increases, based on water usage, other fees, and yearly percentage increases. The study showed that only a minor increase to the rate was necessary.  Updates were provided in 2016 and 2019.

Town of Buena Vista, Colorado
​Water Master Plan Update

RGA was tasked with updating the town's water resources master plan and completing a rate study. The scope of the updated master plan was a detailed analysis of the town's raw water rights, water treatment system, water distribution system and finished water storage system. Recommendations for improvement or replacement were also provided along with detailed project cost estimates. RGA also completed a rate study to ensure the town could fund annual water main replacement programs and construct and additional water storage tank. 

Town of Center, Colorado
Asset Inventory Report

The purpose of the Town of Center’s Asset Inventory Report was to summarize the inventory, overall age, and condition of the capital assets owned and operated by the town. As part of this report, RGA provided a prioritization of improvements and/or replacements of any aging, damaged or otherwise insufficient assets.

Town of Del Norte, Colorado
Water Master Plan

​RGA completed an update to the Town of Del Norte's Water Master Plan as part of the 2016 Water System Improvements project. This plan updates the town's water infrastructure, evaluates the town's water infrastructure based on current usage and future expansion and provides recommendations for future improvements to the town's water infrastructure. 

Town of Del Norte, Colorado
​Collection System Preliminary Engineering Report (PER)

Through initial analysis of the Del Norte wastewater treatment plant influent flows, it became immediately apparent that the wastewater collection system was experiencing extremely high volumes of inflow and infiltration. Mostly due to seasonally high groundwater levels, this inflow and infiltration was doubling and sometimes tripling the influent flow into the wastewater treatment plant. To determine and asses the problem areas, RGA assisted the town in bidding a camera, jet and root cut project. This project resulted in a complete collection system evaluation, including recommendations for improvement, types of improvement necessary (slip line, pipe burst, open cut), and a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) which was submitted for funding assistance. RGA also assisted the Town in the design of approximately 55,000 linear feet of sewer pipe replacement. In addition, RGA designed and permitted the installation of new influent and effluent flumes and completed a facility hydraulic re-rating through CDPHE. 

Town of Del Norte, Colorado
Capital Improvement Plan

​RGA evaluated videos of 50,000 L.F. of sanitary sewer, and making assessments of pipe conditions and will provide a Capital Improvement Plan that will recommend both cured-in-place point repair and cured-in place re-lining of portions of the system along with excavated repairs in some areas.

Town of Del Norte, Colorado
Wastewater Treatment Plant Flow Monitoring Project

The Town of Del Norte’s wastewater treatment plant was originally designed with 18-inch influent and effluent flumes, which are far too large to accurately measure the influent and effluent flows at the facility. RGA recommended the town install 6-inch influent and effluent. 

Town of Eckley, Colorado
Wastewater Treatment Plant Evaluation/Preliminary Engineering Report

The Town of Eckley’s aerated lagoon system was constructed over ten years ago, but was never issued a discharge permit by CDPHE. RGA prepared an evaluation of the plant’s hydraulic and biological capacities, and made determinations as to the quality of effluent percolating into the groundwater. RGA evaluated alternatives that met CDPHE’s and USDA’s requirements.  The town used a grant that RGA helped them obtain from CDPHE to fund the study. Improvements to the facility included approximately 653,400 SF of synthetic liner for a complete retention pond. 

Town of Kersey, Colorado
Utility Master Plan

The RGA team prepared the Town’s Utility Master Plan to serve as a detailed guideline for anticipated utility needs.  Our firm developed the master plan to study the cost and feasibility of providing utility service (sanitary sewer, water, and storm water) to possible development zones directly to the north and west of the Town of Kersey along State Highway 34 and Weld County Road 49. 

Town of Kiowa, Colorado
Water and Sewer Capacity Analysis

RGA performed a water and sewer capacity analysis and prepared a utility plan for the town’s ability to serve the Womboldt Annexation, a 400-unit development.  

Town of Lyons, Colorado
Capital Improvements Update, Water Rights Assessment and Water and Sewer Rate Study

The RGA team performed a Capital Improvements Update and Water Rights Assessment and incorporated the results into a rate study. RGA worked with the town to gather data for review and provided a preliminary and final report.

Town of Mountain View, Colorado
​2019 Sanitary Sewer System Improvement Project - Capital Improvements Plan

​RGA evaluated videos for sanitary sewer, made assessments on pipe condition, and provided a Capital Improvements Plan that recommends both cured-in-place point repair and cured-in place lining of portions of the system along with excavated repairs in some areas. RGA provided bid documents for the design of 11 point repairs with 8” PVC (Approximately 600 LF); 2 manhole locates/raisings; approximately 4750 LF of 8” Cured-in-place liner with service reconnections; 6 Manhole modifications; 24 manhole linings; 19 protruding tap removals; concrete repair and asphalt patch paving. ​

Town of Mountain View, Colorado
​Project Needs Assessment

The RGA team create a Project Needs Assessment for the town's wastewater and stormwater collection system improvement projects.  The wastewater collection system improvements project rehabilitated sewer lines through cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining to maintain existing infrastructure and lining manholes.  The stormwater collection system improvements project includes road regrading and installation of curbs, gutters, and subgrade stormwater piping to convey water to an existing stormwater system to remedy inadequate stormwater conveyance leading to water ponding and unsafe conditions for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Town of Mountain View, Colorado
​Sidewalks Assessment Project

RGA was retained to complete an assessment of existing sidewalk conditions for the Town of Mountain View. The purpose of this assessment was to identify, prioritize and recommend sidewalk repairs and replacements.

Town of Mountain View, Colorado
​Streets, Curb and Gutter and Storm Assessment Project

RGA was retained to complete an assessment of existing roadway pavement, curb and gutter and storm drainage system conditions for the Town of Mountain View. The purpose of the assessment was to identify, prioritize and recommend roadway improvements to assist the Town Council in identifying proposed road maintenance and replacement projects over the next ten years.

Town of Superior, Colorado
​Utility Master Plan

RGA assisted the town with an update to RGA's Utility Master Plan from 2005. As part of the original Utility Master Plan, RGA developed the Utility Master Plan to properly prepare the Town for its future growth.  Our team summarized existing conditions and analyzed water and irrigation demand, as well as wastewater production trends.  Hydraulic water and sewer models were developed to replicate existing conditions.  We also evaluated existing storage, treatment, and conveyance capacities.  Considering anticipated development, RGA estimated future water and irrigation demands, and wastewater productions.  The resulting Utility Master Plan outlined the necessary distribution, storage, and treatment improvements. Finally, our team determined budgetary costs for the future water, sewer, and irrigation system improvements.

Westridge Sanitation District, Jefferson County, Colorado
Annual Line Status Report

RGA is designing, managing, and inspecting repairs to the district's sewer system. This work includes bidding and contracting firms to perform annual video inspections, reviewing annual videos, making assessments and prioritizing the replacement of lines, providing annual reports to the district, producing design plans and contract documents, advertising, bidding and construction management inspections of these projects.​