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An engineer applies technical knowledge and analysis to practical problems, helping protect health, safety, and property. Depending on the project, the work can include investigating site conditions, evaluating options, designing improvements, preparing plans and reports, and observing selected construction work. At West Shore Engineers, that includes civil and environmental engineering for properties, water and wastewater systems, and facility compliance.

NYSED’s description of engineering practice.

Contact an engineer early when a project involves a new or replacement septic system, site development, drainage, drinking water or wastewater improvements, a structural or foundation concern, or technical permit requirements. A municipality, health department, lender, or other reviewing authority may request engineering plans or an evaluation. The required professional and scope depend on the project and applicable rules; not every repair requires engineering. Send the location, proposed work, and any agency or lender request so we can help identify the next step.

An engineer’s seal, often called a PE stamp, identifies the licensed Professional Engineer taking professional responsibility for the engineering work shown in a signed and sealed document. In New York, the seal and signature indicate that, to the best of the engineer’s knowledge and ability, the work is accurate, follows applicable codes at the time of submission, and meets customary professional standards with public health, safety, and welfare in mind.

For clients, it identifies who is accountable for the engineering plans, specifications, or report within the stated scope. A signed and sealed design still goes through any required agency review and permitting; it does not by itself confirm that construction was completed according to the plans. Read NYSED’s guidance on professional seals and signatures.

Engineering codes of ethics describe the professional principles that guide engineers’ decisions. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Code emphasizes public safety, competence, honesty, objective advice, and responsible service to clients. New York’s engineering laws and professional conduct rules also govern licensed practice.

For your project, this means you should expect:

• Safety first: Recommendations that protect people and property, even when a shortcut would be cheaper or faster.
• Appropriate expertise: Work within the engineer’s qualifications, with specialist support or referrals when needed.
• Honest findings: Clear explanations of technical concerns, limitations, and options, without hiding unfavorable results.
• Independent judgment: Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and recommendations based on the project’s needs.
• Respect for your information: Confidential handling of project information, subject to applicable disclosure duties.

At West Shore Engineers, these principles guide our advice and project decisions. If a proposed approach raises safety or compliance concerns, we explain the issue and help identify appropriate alternatives.

Read the NSPE Code of Ethics · New York engineering laws and professional conduct rules

These terms are defined by the applicable regulation or permit and are not interchangeable. “Qualified professional” may require a particular license, professional credential, or agency-recognized expertise. “Qualified personnel” generally refers to people with the knowledge, training, and skills required for an assigned task; it does not automatically mean a licensed engineer.

For example, EPA industrial stormwater guidance describes qualified personnel in terms of their ability to assess stormwater risks and control measures. NYSDEC’s industrial stormwater permit instead defines “Qualified Person” and “Qualified Professional” separately: the former may be a knowledgeable facility employee or consultant, while the latter addresses stormwater-management expertise and specified professional qualifications. Engineering work still must meet New York’s professional licensing requirements.

Always check the exact definition, task, and training or credential requirements in the permit governing your site. A PE license does not replace every task-specific qualification, and an inspection-training certificate does not authorize someone to practice engineering. NYSDEC industrial stormwater permit · EPA industrial SWPPP guidance · NYSED professional practice guidance.

We work with homeowners, municipalities, water system operators, commercial property owners, and solid waste facilities. Whether you are planning a property improvement, managing a water system, or addressing facility compliance requirements, Amy and Ryan help identify the engineering support you need. Tell us about your project so we can discuss the scope and next steps.

We provide civil and environmental engineering for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities. Services include site plans, septic system design and perc testing, drinking water evaluations, chemical inventory tracking and EPCRA / Tier II support, environmental compliance, Phase I environmental site assessments, solid waste program support, and property and foundation evaluations. Visit our Services page for the full overview.

Yes. Based in Peru, NY. Serving Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties, and communities throughout New York State. Tell us the project location so we can confirm the scope, site visit needs, and applicable reviewing agencies.

Start with the property address, a brief description of your goals, and your preferred schedule. Helpful records include surveys, existing plans, permit correspondence, photographs, soil or water test results, and any agency notices. You do not need every document before contacting us.

Start with a conversation about the project location, your goals, and any available plans or agency correspondence. Amy or Ryan will help identify the next step. We then provide a proposal outlining the scope, engineering fee, and anticipated schedule. Once the proposal is accepted, the engineering work begins, with direct communication and coordination throughout the agreed scope. The steps may include records review, site visits, testing, design, reports, or agency coordination, depending on the project.

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Timing depends on site access, testing, design complexity, the completeness of existing records, and agency review. We discuss the expected steps and schedule when defining the scope. Design completion and permit approval are separate milestones, so involve us early when construction dates matter.

Fees depend on the project scope, field work, testing, reporting, and coordination required. We discuss the work and provide a project-specific proposal before proceeding. The proposal identifies what is included and any anticipated outside services, such as surveying or laboratory testing.

Yes. You work directly with the engineers responsible for your project. Amy brings environmental compliance and project management experience; Ryan brings design, regulatory, and public-sector experience. Learn more about Amy and Ryan.

We are a woman-owned engineering firm, with Amy Davies, P.E., as majority owner. New York State Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certification is planned; we are not currently NYS WBE certified. Contact us for the latest status when planning teaming or procurement requirements.

We offer construction field observations, plan conformance reviews, contractor coordination, submittal reviews, scheduling, cost tracking, and change-order review within an agreed scope. Share the plans, project stage, and support needed so we can define responsibilities and deliverables.

Visits focus on the work and conditions identified in the agreed scope. Observations may document visible progress, compare selected work with the plans, and identify items needing clarification or follow-up. Periodic visits do not provide continuous inspection of every activity or replace the contractor’s responsibilities for construction methods and site safety.

Yes. We can help clarify design information, track questions, and coordinate communication among the owner, contractor, and design team. The proposal identifies our role, anticipated meetings or site visits, and how decisions will be documented.

Yes. We can review selected product information, shop drawings, or other submittals for consistency with the design intent and agreed review scope. Send the relevant plans, specifications, submittal package, and requested review date.

Yes. We can help organize project schedules and cost records and review the technical scope and supporting information for proposed changes. The owner retains contract and spending authority unless otherwise agreed. Share the contract scope, schedule, budget information, and proposed change.

No. An engineering evaluation addresses specific structural or foundation concerns within a defined scope, such as visible cracking or movement. A general home inspection covers a broader range of building components. Share the concern, photographs, and any lender or municipal requirements so we can discuss an appropriate assessment.

Contact us early for a new home, a replacement system, a property with limited space or challenging soils, or a change in building use or wastewater flow. We can help identify the design and approval steps applicable to your property before construction decisions are made.

A typical project includes reviewing the proposed use and existing records, evaluating site conditions, coordinating soil and percolation information, developing a layout, and preparing plans for the reviewing authority. The exact scope depends on the property and local requirements. We also coordinate responses to review comments.

A percolation test, commonly called a “perc test,” measures how water moves into soil under the test conditions. A test pit or deep hole allows evaluation of soil layers, texture, groundwater indicators, rock, and other restrictive material. People often use “perc test” to describe the overall septic site evaluation, but these are different parts of the assessment. Both help inform septic design; a favorable perc result alone does not establish site suitability.

Yes. We evaluate the available information and site constraints to identify feasible wastewater treatment options. Soil conditions, groundwater, rock, slopes, setbacks, and usable area can affect the design. A raised or alternative approach may be worth evaluating, but suitability requires a site-specific assessment and agency review.

It may. Changes in occupancy, building use, or wastewater flow can trigger evaluation of the existing system and available site area. Share your plans before finalizing the layout so we can help identify whether records review, testing, redesign, or agency coordination is needed.

We can help review available health department or municipal records and determine what additional information is needed. Field investigation may be necessary. An engineering evaluation has a defined scope; it is different from routine tank pumping or a guarantee of the remaining life of an existing system.

Ryan previously served as Director/Engineer of Environmental Health at the Clinton County Health Department. His involvement in more than 1,500 septic system reviews and designs helps him assess site constraints, anticipate review questions, and develop practical solutions. His background combines engineering design with regulatory and public-sector experience.

Yes. We can help review potential funding opportunities, organize application information, and prepare supporting engineering documents within an agreed scope. New York’s Septic System Replacement Fund is administered through participating counties, which determine eligibility and awards. Property location, program criteria, available funding, and project timing matter. Assistance does not guarantee a grant. Review the NYS Septic System Replacement Fund.

Send the property location, existing septic records, photographs or descriptions of the concern, agency correspondence, and any estimates or proposed schedule. Contact the administering program before starting work or committing expenses so eligibility, approval steps, documentation, and reimbursement conditions can be confirmed.

A site plan shows how proposed improvements relate to the property and its existing features. Depending on the project, it may address buildings, access, parking, grading, drainage, utilities, and septic systems. Municipalities and other reviewing agencies determine the submission requirements for the proposed use.

A current survey is often an important starting point, especially when property lines, easements, setbacks, or detailed elevations affect the design. We review the available records and identify survey needs. Boundary surveys and property-line determinations are performed by a licensed land surveyor.

Yes. We evaluate site conditions and the proposed improvements to develop an appropriate scope for drainage, grading, or stormwater design. Useful information includes photographs during wet weather, existing plans, and the location of recurring ponding or erosion. Some projects also require survey information or additional investigation.

Yes. We assist with site planning, expansion layouts, wastewater and drinking water engineering, and regulatory coordination. Early review of the intended use, occupancy, utilities, and site constraints can help identify the studies and approvals needed.

A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan addresses oil spill prevention and response measures at covered facilities. Applicability depends on factors including oil storage, facility activities, and the potential for oil to reach waters. We help evaluate applicability, prepare plans, and support implementation.

They may. Facility type alone does not determine whether the federal SPCC rule applies. Storage capacity, container types, exemptions, and site drainage all matter. Send us the tank and container inventory, capacities, and a site layout so we can define an applicability review.

EPCRA is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Tier II is the annual hazardous chemical inventory reporting required under Section 312 for covered facilities. It provides emergency planners and responders with facility chemical information. Tier II is one part of EPCRA, not the entire compliance program.

Applicability depends on the chemicals, quantities, SDS requirements, and exemptions. General federal thresholds are 10,000 pounds for hazardous chemicals and, for extremely hazardous substances, 500 pounds or the threshold planning quantity, whichever is lower. Special rules can apply. We review your inventory and current requirements before determining reportability.

Covered facilities submit the annual inventory report by March 1 for the preceding calendar year. Begin gathering records early enough to review quantities, storage locations, and contacts before submission.

New York encourages E-Plan for state submissions. Local Emergency Planning Committee and fire department submission arrangements must also be checked; state submission alone should not be assumed to satisfy every local requirement.

Yes. We offer applicability reviews, inventory organization, quantity calculations, report preparation, and submission support within an agreed scope. We work with the facility to confirm source information, reporting recipients, and authorized review before filing.

Gather current Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), product names, inventory and purchasing records, maximum and average onsite quantities, storage locations and containers, facility contacts, prior reports, and agency correspondence. Include information on mixtures and changes during the reporting year so we can identify gaps.

Yes. We can help develop a practical inventory register, organize SDS references, document storage locations, and establish an update process and reporting calendar. The tracking approach is tailored to your facility and available records.

No. These are separate programs with different applicability tests and obligations. A facility may need support under more than one program. We can help identify which reviews belong in the project scope rather than treating one report as proof of overall compliance.

Yes. We can help organize tank and facility information and prepare PBS registration application, renewal, or change documentation within an agreed scope. The applicable requirements depend on the facility, tanks, and responsible agency. Send the current registration, tank inventory and capacities, site layout, and agency correspondence. NYSDEC PBS registration and renewal guidance.

Yes. We can review an existing Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure plan against the facility’s current oil inventory, storage arrangements, drainage, containment, and operating practices, and prepare appropriate updates. Review and certification requirements depend on the plan and changes involved. EPA guidance on SPCC plan review and certification.

Yes. We can review inventories, SDS records, storage practices, spill prevention measures, inspection documentation, and reporting processes within a defined scope. Findings can be organized into practical corrective actions. Chemical inventory, EPCRA, PBS, and SPCC are separate programs; the scope should identify which obligations are being reviewed.

We prepare engineering reports and provide system and treatment evaluations, disinfection calculations, corrosion control recommendations, and regulatory coordination. We assist owners in understanding technical issues and identifying the information needed for a proposed improvement or approval.

Four-log treatment describes a 99.99% reduction of a specified target organism. An evaluation examines whether the treatment approach can meet the applicable performance objective under the operating conditions. The required target, calculations, monitoring, and approval depend on the system and regulatory requirements.

Yes. Send the complete laboratory reports, sampling dates and locations, system description, and any agency correspondence. We can help define an evaluation and identify follow-up engineering or testing needs. For a public water system, operational and notification requirements remain the responsibility of the owner or operator.

The term describes substances receiving increased attention as research, testing methods, and drinking water requirements develop. Examples include PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, and 1,4-dioxane. Some already have drinking water standards; the term does not mean a substance is necessarily new or unregulated.

Yes. We provide emerging contaminants consultation for drinking water systems and property owners. Depending on the project, support may include reviewing existing laboratory results, identifying additional testing needs, evaluating treatment approaches, and coordinating with laboratories, treatment providers, and reviewing agencies.

For a public water supply, start with the water supplier’s available monitoring results and annual water quality report. For a private well, discuss the testing scope with an appropriately accredited laboratory and the local health department. Testing must target the substances of concern; a routine water test may not include PFAS or 1,4-dioxane.

Yes. We can review the substances tested, reported concentrations, units, detection limits, and available system information. We help identify questions for the laboratory or reviewing agency and outline potential next steps. Applicable requirements depend on the water supply and the contaminants involved.

Depending on the PFAS compounds, water chemistry, and system needs, options may include activated carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis. No single treatment is appropriate for every contaminant. Evaluation should consider demonstrated performance, maintenance, monitoring, operating costs, and management of spent media or treatment residuals.

Send the complete laboratory report, water supply location and type, existing treatment information, available monitoring history, and any agency correspondence. For a facility, include typical water use and project goals. These records help us define a practical consultation scope.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) evaluates a property’s environmental history and conditions through records research, a site visit, interviews, and professional analysis. It is commonly used during property transactions. The scope and intended use should be established early, including any lender or due diligence requirements.

A standard Phase I ESA generally does not include soil or groundwater sampling. Findings may identify a need for additional investigation, which is typically addressed under a separate scope. We help explain the findings and coordinate appropriate follow-up support.

A review can examine permits, reporting schedules, inspection records, storage practices, and operating procedures within an agreed scope. We help identify gaps and organize corrective actions. Amy’s experience includes environmental audits, air permitting, stormwater, spill prevention, and solid waste compliance.

Keep the complete notice and attachments, note any deadlines, and contact us promptly to discuss technical support. We can help review findings, organize information, and develop an appropriate corrective-action scope. Engineering assistance does not extend a regulatory deadline; contact the issuing agency about any deadline questions.

We design training templates, signage, flyers, and survey layouts for staff communication, facility programs, and public outreach. Amy’s multimedia design background helps turn project information into clear, professional materials tailored to the audience.

Yes. We can help organize your content into a consistent training template with clear headings, visuals, and space for project-specific information. Tell us who will use the materials, how training will be delivered, and whether the template needs to be updated by your staff.

Yes. We can design signs and flyers for facility communication, events, and program outreach. Share the intended location, viewing distance, dimensions, audience, and required wording. Printing, fabrication, and installation needs can be discussed when defining the scope.

Yes. We can help structure questions and create a clear survey layout around your goals and intended audience. Tell us whether you need a printed or digital format. Survey hosting, distribution, and analysis can be discussed separately when defining the project.

Useful starting materials include your goals, target audience, draft text, logo and brand colors, photographs you have permission to use, preferred dimensions or format, and desired schedule. Let us know who will review and approve the final content.

We discuss the deliverables, file formats, review process, and revision scope before work begins. Let us know whether you need print-ready files, digital materials, or editable templates so the proposal reflects how you intend to use and maintain the design.

Yes. We assist property owners, municipalities, and facility operators with identifying permit questions, organizing supporting information, preparing application materials, and coordinating with the appropriate agencies. The scope depends on the species, location, damage, and proposed response.

A depredation permit authorizes specified activities to address wildlife damage or certain safety concerns. The issuing agency determines the permitted species, methods, locations, dates, and conditions. A permit application is not authorization to begin work.

No. Requirements vary by species and activity. New York wildlife authorizations and federal migratory bird requirements are separate considerations. Some situations have specific exceptions or authorizations; we help identify the appropriate agency review before a response is selected.

Yes. We can assist with application documentation and agency coordination. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers federal migratory bird depredation permits, and USDA Wildlife Services may be involved in evaluating the problem and recommending measures. Applicable state requirements must also be addressed.

Provide the property location, suspected species, photographs taken safely, dates and frequency of incidents, a description of damage or operational concerns, and records of measures already tried. Include previous permits, agency correspondence, and the proposed schedule if available.

Our listed service covers consultation, application support, and coordination. Any trapping, capture, relocation, or other field control work must be separately scoped and carried out by appropriately authorized individuals. New York licenses nuisance wildlife control operators; permit assistance does not replace the authorizations required for field activities.

Yes. Within an agreed scope, we can help track permit dates, organize activity records provided by the permit holder or operator, and prepare supporting reporting or renewal materials. Agency approval and the permit holder’s responsibilities remain governed by the applicable authorization.

A waste characterization study examines the types and proportions of materials in a waste stream. West Shore Engineers can help define the study objectives, plan the approach, evaluate available data, and prepare findings to support recycling, diversion, and solid waste program decisions. Share the materials or facility involved and how you intend to use the results so we can propose an appropriate scope.

Yes. West Shore Engineers offers closed landfill monitoring and reporting support tailored to the site and its approved requirements. The scope may include reviewing existing records and monitoring plans, coordinating field monitoring and laboratory services, evaluating results, and preparing reports. Send the closure documents, monitoring plan, recent reports, and agency correspondence so we can identify the work needed.

We help municipalities and organizations with solid waste annual reporting, Local Solid Waste Management Plan implementation, household hazardous waste event planning and management, and grant applications to support these programs. We also provide waste characterization studies, closed landfill monitoring and reporting, and solid waste facility permitting and compliance support. Contact us to discuss your program and the assistance you need.

Yes. We help organize operating records, review available waste and recycling data, and prepare annual reporting documentation within an agreed scope. The applicable report depends on the facility or activity. Send us your permit or registration, previous reports, and current records so we can identify the reporting needs and confirm the applicable instructions and deadlines.

Useful records may include permits or registrations, prior reports, waste and recycling quantities, material destinations, operating logs, inspection records, and agency correspondence. Household hazardous waste programs may also have event records and contractor documentation. We review what is available and help identify missing information before preparing the report.

Yes. We assist with turning the adopted plan into practical program tasks, tracking implementation progress, coordinating supporting information, and preparing documentation for applicable updates or reporting. Share the current plan, implementation schedule, prior submissions, and agency comments so we can define the work needed.

Yes. We provide planning and program coordination support for household hazardous waste events, including schedules, contractor coordination, collection information, and reporting documentation. We help the organizer identify applicable requirements and define responsibilities. Waste collection, transportation, and disposal are coordinated with appropriately qualified service providers.

Yes. We help identify potentially suitable funding programs and prepare application materials, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation. Eligibility, eligible costs, application timing, and funding availability depend on the specific program. Contact us before committing to project expenses so we can review the opportunity and application requirements; funding awards are determined by the grant provider.

A review can examine permits or registrations, reporting obligations, operating records, inspection findings, and program procedures within a defined scope. We help organize requirements, identify documentation gaps, and develop practical next steps. Send your facility or program information and any agency notices so we can discuss the appropriate review.

Amy has experience with annual reporting, Local Solid Waste Management Plan implementation, household hazardous waste event management, and grant applications supporting these programs. She also serves as Vice President of SWANA’s New York Chapter. Her background helps clients connect program planning, compliance documentation, and funding applications.

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) addresses pollutants carried by stormwater runoff. An SPCC plan focuses on oil spill prevention and control. The plans serve different purposes; a facility or project may need one, both, or neither depending on its activities and applicable requirements.

Yes. We provide stormwater planning, inspections, reporting, and compliance support. Requirements depend on the activity, permit coverage, and site conditions. We help clarify the scope and coordinate with NYSDEC or local reviewers where applicable. Read NYSDEC’s stormwater guidance.

Yes. We assist with Notices of Intent (NOI), Notices of Modification (NOM), and Notices of Termination (NOT), as applicable to the permit and project. We review existing coverage, facility or construction information, and supporting records to identify the appropriate filing. The owner or operator retains applicable certification and permit responsibilities.

Review the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan when site activities, drainage, pollutant sources, controls, or responsible personnel change, and when inspections or monitoring identify concerns. We can evaluate an existing SWPPP and prepare updates to reflect site conditions and applicable permit requirements. Send the current plan, permit coverage, recent inspections, and sampling results.

Within an agreed scope, we can help identify applicable monitoring requirements, organize sampling locations and procedures, coordinate laboratory services, review results, and support reporting and follow-up. Parameters, storm-event criteria, frequency, and response actions depend on the facility’s permit. NYSDEC industrial stormwater permit guidance.

Yes. We provide inspection and documentation support tailored to the site, permit, and agreed scope. The work may include observing controls and exposed materials, documenting findings, and organizing corrective actions. Send the permit, SWPPP, site layout, and recent inspection records so we can confirm the required inspection scope and qualifications.