Atlas project wins ASCE Project of the Year for underground water tank in Idaho
(UI) — Atlas Technical Consultants Inc. has been awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Southern Idaho Section's 2023 Project of the Year for the Whistle Pig Tank development, recognized in the category for projects under $10 million.
“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional geotechnical capabilities of our Boise team,” said Atlas CEO Jacque Hinman. “We’re proud of their hard work and look forward to their continued innovation and success.”
The Whistle Pig Tank project addresses the critical issue of water supply, providing essential storage and system resiliency for South Ada County residents and businesses. Developed in collaboration with engineering firm Keller Associates for water utility company Veolia, the project includes a distinctive 2.65-million-gallon concrete tank, which is fully buried to blend with the natural surroundings.
Named after local groundhogs and ground squirrels, the tank was constructed within a steep hillside to minimize visibility and reduce impact on the existing Birds of Prey site. Innovative features include a series of pressure-reducing valves for filling and complex valving and controls for managing bypass provisions. The tank’s mixing system uses high-pressure water for mechanical mixing, eliminating the need for a pump. A small control structure on top of the tank allows for future re-chlorination.
The project also involved challenging pipeline installations, an overflow pond, and creative grading and access improvements. The Atlas team guided the tank's construction, performing specialized geotechnical investigations, calculating lateral earth pressures, and providing comprehensive construction recommendations.
This achievement builds on a decade-long partnership between Atlas and Keller Associates, relying on mutual trust and proven success from previous collaborations.
Related News
From Archive
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- California invests $590 million to boost water reliability, upgrade sewer systems statewide
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- Dominion proposes 186-mile underground HVDC power line across Virginia
- Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
Comments