Editorial

An Open-Minded Infrastructure

A review of the evolution of infrastructure systems in the United States demonstrates a long history of patchwork solutions to fix environmental, social and economic problems with existing systems. Time and time again we see cities adapting the existing system to resolve a current environmental problem, without resolving the problem at the source. In short, we are too quick to make decisions regarding the fate of our infrastructure system and often don't look beyond the limits established by the existing system.

Currently, there are two major trends for water and wastewater management "upgrades" in the U.S., burying reservoirs and separating stormwater from the sanitary sewer system. Security concerns in the U.S. have resulted in the burying of open reservoirs. In many scenarios, these reservoirs offered benefits beyond water supply, serving as part of the cities green infrastructure, visually integrated into historic parks and in some cases, providing recreation. Stormwater separation can provide temporary relief from combined sewer overflow events, but it doesn't address the need for responsible treatment and management at the source. In both infrastructure "upgrade" scenarios, solutions are reactionary, resolving immediate concerns, but failing to address a broader range of potential future issues.

As private consultants and public servants, how can we advocate an "open-minded" approach to infrastructure planning and design? And, why should we advocate such an approach? I think it should occur on multiple levels. We must share our expertise and knowledge with disciplines, respecting their viewpoint and welcoming their ideas in return (IEES sets a great example). We must advocate the involvement from a broad range of experts in our work. A collaborative approach will result in fresh perspectives and new ideas that can enrich the process and the product.

By involving experts with differing backgrounds, feasibility analyses will begin to incorporate criteria beyond the traditional cost, safety, and regulatory concerns. The result of evaluating multiple criteria will be an infrastructure with multiple purpose and function. With an "open-minded" approach, it is possible that someday infrastructure will be celebrated by a community, no longer seen as a "utility" but as an object of beauty, education, art, and ecology, linking us to our past with feelings of optimism about the future.