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  • 1.  Engineer's Role in Flint, Michigan Lead Issue?

    Posted 07-26-2019 03:55 PM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 08-01-2019 12:38 PM
    I have searched news reports and the Michigan PE Board to see if there is any documented evidence of a professional engineer being held responsible, or in any way liable, for what happened in Flint, Michigan.

    Does anyone know any details about what the engineers working on the water source switch recommended and why their recommendation (presumably to conduct a corrosion study) was not done?

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    Michael Bloom P.E.,M.ASCE
    Sustainability Practice Manager
    R.G. Miller Engineers, Inc.
    Houston TX
    (281)921-8784
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  • 2.  RE: Engineer's Role in Flint, Michigan Lead Issue?

    Posted 07-28-2019 09:19 AM
    I don't know the details but as a water process engineer involved in many plant designs a corrosion study should have been a mandatory part of the process design, especially given the lead service lines. IMHO, if the engineer did not at least recommend a corrosion study, they will likely be held liable. If they did recommend such a study, and the client refused to conduct one, and if they have that documented, they should be in the clear.

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    Bevin Beaudet P.E.,M.ASCE
    President/Owner
    Bevin A. Beaudet, P.E., LLC.
    West Palm Beach FL
    (561)373-4442
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Engineer's Role in Flint, Michigan Lead Issue?

    Posted 07-28-2019 09:19 AM
    Sorry to post twice to the same question, but the more serious question that I have is: why didn't the regulators REQUIRE a corrosion test?

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    Bevin Beaudet P.E.,M.ASCE
    President/Owner
    Bevin A. Beaudet, P.E., LLC.
    West Palm Beach FL
    (561)373-4442
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Engineer's Role in Flint, Michigan Lead Issue?

    Posted 07-28-2019 09:20 AM
    Michael - the Michigan AG has gone to court against two of the engineering firms involved.  Here is a recent article:
    https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/michigan/flint-water-crisis/2019/07/16/nessel-engineering-firms-played-seminal-role-flint-water-crisis/1747221001/

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    Charles Haas F.ASCE
    LD Betz Professor of Environ. Eng. & Department Head - Civil, Architectural and Environmental Eng.
    Drexel University
    Philadelphia PA
    (215) 895-2283
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    Original Message


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