Clear Creek Solutions
Specialty: Stormwater and hydrologic modeling, software development, training
Management: Joe Brascher, president and CEO; Shanon White, vice president; Doug Beyerlein, principal engineer and CFO
Founded: March 2005
Headquarters: Mill Creek
2004 revenues: $0
Projected 2005 revenues: $300,000
Current projects:
Developed Western Washington Hydrology Model version 3 for the state Department of Ecology; hydrologic modeling for the city of Bellingham; stormwater modeling for the state DOT, Sea-Tac Airport and city of Seattle
Clear Creek Solutions began when the principals — formerly of Aqua Terra Consultants — bought out the Washington offices of Aqua Terra. Doug Beyerlein spoke to the DJC about his new company.
Q: What is your company’s biggest accomplishment this year?
A: We just completed version 3 of the Western Washington Hydrology Model for Ecology. The software package allows developers to appropriately size stormwater ponds and mitigate development impacts. We’re working on the same type of model for San Francisco Bay area governments.
Q:What are you worried about?
A: With a new company there’s a lot to worry about. It’s a matter of making sure we can do everything we want to do with the resources we have.
Q: What emerging markets look interesting?
A: The whole issue of low-impact development practices is emerging. We’re providing tools to evaluate their effectiveness. One example is a blue roof. It’s a green roof without the dirt and vegetation. Rainfall is stored on the rooftop. An orifice on the roof controls the release of runoff.
There’s also rain gardens. We’ll be working with WSU Cooperative Extension, which is going to produce a homeowners’ manual on how individuals can create rain gardens in their own yards.
Q: Are there skills in short supply in the industry?
A: We’re looking for people who understand hydrology. A lot of people understand drainage, but they don’t necessarily see the big picture of the hydrological cycle. I think there’s a lack of experienced hydrologists.
Q: What about upcoming regulatory changes?
A: I think the big one is going to be the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for the phase two communities. A lot of smaller cities that have not had to have permits in the past are going to be required starting in about a year.