Harrisburg, PA: Dawood created geographic information systems (GIS)-based survey tools and a water quality Story Map for Lower Allen Township—recognized with a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) 2023 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
“Using Esri ArcGIS software produces consistent, accurate, and timely data—supporting Lower Allen water sampling and analysis and empowering the Township to make more informed decisions on stormwater management and permit reporting,” said Jesse Suders, MPS, GISP, municipal services director with Dawood.
In tandem with an Esri ArcGIS Dashboard, the Township’s Pollution Control Measures StoryMap illustrates water quality results and educates residents on how Lower Allen’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program protects natural resources. Dawood and Township staff trained volunteers how to use GIS for water sampling and testing.
Lower Allen was awarded a $5,000 Pennsylvania-American Water environmental grant in 2021 to evaluate potential pollution discharges into the Cedar Run and Yellow Breeches Creeks. A Township partner since 2020, Dawood helped allocate grant funds as part of Lower Allen’s Pollution Control Measures program to plan for and develop an MS4 and GIS-fueled asset management solution.
“Jesse’s municipal services division provides Pennsylvania First-Class Townships such as Lower Allen with significant insight on how to increase operational efficiency and maximize GIS technology investments for field work, asset data collection, and management,” said Jodie Gosselin, GISP, director of geospatial technologies with Dawood.
About Dawood
Established in 1992, the Dawood family of companies plans, designs, and manages construction of sustainable environments throughout the US, features Pennsylvania Government Finance Solutions, develops real estate through Good Hope Ventures, and extends dimensional scanning, GIS, and building information modeling internationally through ArchiTube, its 3D technology arm in Poland and the Middle East. Dawood delivers award-winning planning, and design solutions to municipal, planning, environmental, water, utility, energy, transportation, industrial, economic and land development, movie and entertainment, real estate, and retail clients. The company’s workforce development, mentor-protégé, and community programs advance STEM, diversity, and inclusion.
About PADEP Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence highlight the best environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each year, the program distinguishes businesses and organizations involved in a cross-section of environmental initiatives ranging from cleaning up watersheds, saving energy, and eliminating pollution to reducing waste.