August 2011 – The ambitious $176.1-million Nacimiento Water Project – the largest locally funded project taken on by the County of San Luis Obispo – was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Project of the Year Award for Region 9.  This achievement has led to the project’s nomination for national recognition and is one of five finalists for ASCE’s Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award.

As a collaborative effort between the County, the Cities of San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, along with the Atascadero Mutual Water Company, Templeton Community Services District, and outside consulting firms, this project is certainly worthy of the OCEA Award.  The project boasts 45 miles of pipe, three pump stations, the ability to deliver a maximum of 15,750 acre-feet of water from Lake Nacimiento to participating agencies by way of multi-port intake, along with SCADA system and appurtenances.  Producing innovative approaches to design, construction, and operational strategies, the Nacimiento Water Project was a perfect candidate for this prestigious award and speaks to the attitude of cooperation among local stakeholders.

Cannon provided the surveying services including topographic surveys and legal descriptions for the 45-mile pipeline, which crosses creeks and rivers and passes through both urban and rural areas.

Nominees for the OCEA Award will be recognized during ASCE’s annual Outstanding Projects and Leaders Awards Gala on March 22, 2012.  During the event, the winner of the Award will be announced.  As nominees come from across the United States, inclusion in this elite group is certainly an accomplishment in and of itself.