This premier black-tie event, held in the Washington, D.C. area, annually brings together the most recognizable names in civil engineering.  On April 23, 2009, ASCE honored the remarkable achievements of civil engineers over the past year by awarding five lifetime achievement awards, the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) for the year's most outstanding project, the Henry L. Michel Award for Industry Advancement of Research, and the Charles Pankow Award for Innovation. 

Celebrate this special event with ASCE on March 25, 2010.

Orange County, Calif., Water System Wins 2009 OCEA

For its creative, effective solution to water shortage challenges, the Orange County, Calif., Groundwater Replenishment System has been selected as the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement for 2009. With water demand soaring in southern California, Orange County needed a solution that was more cost-effective than importing water or desalination and would satisfy needs for decades to come. The county's Water and Sanitation District opted for a process that recycles and purifies wastewater and returns it to reservoirs and groundwater aquifers - one which also mitigates the impact of droughts. ASCE President Wayne Klotz calls the system "an excellent example of how civil engineering can contribute to a community's economic success, improve residents' quality of life and protect public safety." The award was announced and presented to Orange County water officials at the Society's OPAL Gala Thursday evening.

>> Find out more about the Groundwater Replenishment System - read about it and watch a 2009 Report Card water systems video that shows how it works. See the five other distinguished projects that were contenders for the 2009 OCEA.

>> View photos of the OPAL Gala, including the award-winning guests of honor. Watch brief video profiles with background on each of the Outstanding Projects and Leaders winners, the top OCEA project and five other nominees, plus the Pankow Award for Innovation and the Michel Award for Research winners.

ASCE proudly recognizes this year's five lifetime achievement recipients:

CONSTRUCTION
	John F. Donohoe, M.ASCE Chairman of the Board Moretrench American Corporation "For innovation and excellence in construction of civil engineering projects and/or programs."
DESIGN
	Jeremy Isenberg, Ph.D., P.E., Hon.M.ASCE, NAE Senior Principal AECOM "For innovation and excellence in civil engineering design."
EDUCATION
	J. Michael Duncan, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, NAE University Distinguished Professor, Emeritus and Associate Director of the Center for Geotechnical Practice and Research Company Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University "For demonstrated excellence in advancing civil engineering education."
GOVERNMENT
	David J. Nash, P.E., RADM, CEC, U.S. Navy (ret), F.ASCE Director Project Management Office "For demonstrated administrative skills leading to the completion of significant public works projects and/or programs."
MANAGEMENT
	Thomas D. Furman, Jr., P.E., BCEE, M.ASCE Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer CDM "For demonstrated exceptional management skills in his professional career."

ASCE proudly recognizes this year's six OCEA contenders:

2009 Charles Pankow Award for Innovation:

Claremont Tunnel Seismic Upgrade Project

2009 Henry L. Michel Award for Industry Advancement of Research:

Vice Admiral Michael K. Loose, P.E., M.ASCE