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William Moriarty's Legacy in Environmental Engineering and Community Leadership

William Moriarty's Legacy in Environmental Engineering and Community Leadership

William 'Bill' B. Moriarty, a prominent figure in environmental engineering and community leadership, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 73. Born in Chicago, Moriarty's career was marked by significant contributions to infrastructure projects across the United States, particularly in California, Florida, and Texas. He was instrumental in managing the Austin Clean Water Program, which earned numerous accolades and helped the city avoid serious penalties from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Moriarty was recognized as a board-certified specialist in environmental engineering and featured in 'Who’s Who in Environmental Engineering and Science.' Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply involved in his community, serving as President of the Rob Roy Homeowners Association and leading various community improvements. Moriarty was also known for his love of sports, particularly as a fan of the Chicago White Sox and Bears, and his passion for his Irish heritage.

Chicago to Convert Abandoned Railway into Elevated Nature Trail for Community Use

Chicago to Convert Abandoned Railway into Elevated Nature Trail for Community Use

Chicago is set to transform an abandoned railway corridor into the Englewood Nature Trail, a 1.75-mile elevated path designed to serve as a community hub. The project, which will run from Wallace Street to Hoyne Avenue, aims to connect homes, parks, and gathering spaces while promoting urban agriculture and public art. The initiative is part of the city's broader Green Healthy Neighborhood Plan, which seeks to enhance urban spaces for residents. The trail will be developed with $26 million in funding from city and federal sources, with construction scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

California, Arizona, and Nevada Propose Water-Saving Plan for Colorado River Amid Reservoir Crisis

California, Arizona, and Nevada Propose Water-Saving Plan for Colorado River Amid Reservoir Crisis

California, Arizona, and Nevada have put forward a proposal to implement voluntary water-saving measures over the next three years to address the critical water levels in the Colorado River's reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell. These reservoirs are at historically low levels due to overuse and climate change impacts, such as reduced snowpack and warming temperatures. The plan aims to save 3.2 million acre-feet of water through voluntary cutbacks until 2028, with an additional 700,000 acre-feet saved through conservation measures and infrastructure improvements. This proposal is part of a broader effort to stabilize the water supply for the 40 million people who rely on the Colorado River. The plan requires approval from the states' water agencies, the Arizona legislature, and cooperation from the federal government.

California, Arizona, and Nevada Agree on New Water-Saving Plan Amid Colorado River Crisis

California, Arizona, and Nevada Agree on New Water-Saving Plan Amid Colorado River Crisis

California, Arizona, and Nevada have reached an agreement on a new water-saving plan to address the critically low levels of the Colorado River's reservoirs. The plan, announced by representatives of the three states, aims to stabilize the river through 2028 by implementing larger cuts in water use than previously proposed. The agreement identifies more than 3.2 million acre-feet of water cutbacks, building on earlier proposals. This short-term deal was negotiated after talks with four other states on a long-term water-sharing plan reached a deadlock. The Colorado River, which provides water to about 35 million people and 5 million acres of farmland, has seen its flow dramatically decrease since 2000, exacerbated by global warming. The snowpack in the river's watershed is at a record low, contributing to the depletion of reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

Phoenix Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Wins Arizona Project of the Year for Drought Resilience

Phoenix Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Wins Arizona Project of the Year for Drought Resilience

The 24th Street Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation project in Phoenix, led by PCL Construction, has been awarded the 2026 Water Treatment Project of the Year by the Arizona Water Association. This recognition was announced during the association's 99th Annual Conference and Exhibition, which highlights projects demonstrating innovation, technical complexity, and long-term community benefits. The project, executed in partnership with Carollo Engineers for the City of Phoenix, focused on enhancing system reliability and resilience at a critical treatment facility serving the northern parts of the city. The upgrades are designed to help manage ongoing drought conditions and reductions in Colorado River supplies, ensuring consistent water service to approximately 400,000 residents. Despite challenges such as pandemic-era supply chain issues, the project was completed on time, maintaining uninterrupted water service.

Today Marks the Skyscraper Milestone That Changed Chicago

Today Marks the Skyscraper Milestone That Changed Chicago

The Willis Tower, originally known as the Sears Tower, stands as a testament to architectural innovation and engineering prowess. This iconic skysc...

NSW Government Delays Environmental Water Flows, Impacting Wetlands and Wildlife

NSW Government Delays Environmental Water Flows, Impacting Wetlands and Wildlife

The New South Wales government has been delaying the release of environmental water flows to critical wetlands in the state's north-west, prioritizing agricultural activities over ecological needs. This decision has reportedly harmed the breeding cycles of frogs and endangered birds, and damaged local ecosystems. Emails released by a local grazier, Jonathon Guyer, reveal that the state's environment and water department postponed water flows to accommodate the harvesting of winter cereal crops. This delay has led to significant ecological consequences, including the disruption of breeding cycles for various species and the death of fledgling waterbirds and frogs. The Gwydir wetlands, which are internationally recognized and support several Ramsar-listed sites, rely on these environmental flows to maintain their health. Despite the ecological importance, the department has repeatedly adjusted water delivery schedules to fit around farming activities, raising concerns about the prioritization of agricultural...

NASA-ISRO Mission Reveals Rapid Sinking of Mexico City, Impacting Infrastructure

NASA-ISRO Mission Reveals Rapid Sinking of Mexico City, Impacting Infrastructure

The NISAR satellite mission, a collaboration between NASA and ISRO, has revealed significant land subsidence in Mexico City due to extensive groundwater pumping and urban development. The city is sinking at a rate of more than half an inch per month, causing damage to infrastructure such as roads and the Metro rail system. The satellite, launched in July 2025, has been tracking ground movement in the city, highlighting the compression of the ancient lakebed beneath Mexico City. Historical data shows that parts of the metropolitan area were sinking by about 14 inches per year during the 1990s and 2000s.

Fort Collins Requests Voluntary Water Conservation Amid Dry Conditions

Fort Collins Requests Voluntary Water Conservation Amid Dry Conditions

The City of Fort Collins in Northern Colorado has initiated a voluntary water conservation request for its residents, marking the first such appeal since 2021. The city manager has urged residents to limit their water usage, particularly on lawns, as a proactive measure to manage water resources. This request comes at the beginning of May, a time when water usage typically increases due to warmer weather and lawn maintenance. The city aims to mitigate potential water shortages and ensure sustainable water management practices during the dry season.

JIREH Workforce Solutions and Summit Ridge Energy Open Clean Energy Training Center in Chicago

JIREH Workforce Solutions and Summit Ridge Energy Open Clean Energy Training Center in Chicago

JIREH Workforce Solutions and Summit Ridge Energy Open Clean Energy Training Center in Chicago

Chicago's Archer Avenue Sees Compromise in Bike Lane Debate

Chicago's Archer Avenue Sees Compromise in Bike Lane Debate

The Chicago Department of Transportation's Complete Streets program has sparked debate over the implementation of bike lanes on Archer Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the city. The program initially reduced vehicular capacity to accommodate cyclists, leading to opposition from local residents and businesses who rely on parking and loading zones. In response, a compromise has been reached that maintains some of the bike-friendly changes while restoring certain parking and loading areas. This decision comes amid criticism from bike activists who have been vocal about their demands for safer cycling infrastructure.

VVater Secures $5M Contract to Enhance Water Treatment in Bastrop Amid Rapid Growth

VVater Secures $5M Contract to Enhance Water Treatment in Bastrop Amid Rapid Growth

VVater has been awarded a $5 million contract by the City of Bastrop, Texas, to implement its chemical-free Farady Reactor water treatment system. This initiative aims to expand the city's water treatment capacity and improve system resilience in response to significant population growth and industrial development. Bastrop, located east of Austin, is experiencing increased demand on its water infrastructure due to nearby technology and manufacturing operations. The Farady Reactor, an electricity-based treatment platform, is designed to reduce reliance on conventional chemicals and improve operational efficiency. City officials, including Mayor Ishmael Harris, emphasize the importance of modernizing infrastructure to accommodate future growth and ensure efficient water treatment and reuse.