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Sewers

City of Point Arena. Was asked by the City to recommend Infiltration/Inflow improvements to the sewer system since the City’s percolation ponds had nearly overflowed during the preceding winter. Determined that improvements of the percolation ponds would increase the disposal capacity sufficiently that improvements were not needed to the sewer system.
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Sewer Expert Witness & Sanitary Sewer Design Expert Services

I am a sanitary sewer design expert and sewer litigation consultant. I help attorneys, insurers, agencies, and property owners find the real cause behind a sewer failure. Maybe you’re dealing with a sewage backup. Maybe it’s a collapsed sewer line or a sanitary sewer overflow. Either way, I dig into the facts, explain what happened in plain English, and back it up with solid engineering evidence.

What Does a Sewer Expert Witness Actually Do?

A good sewer engineering expert witness doesn’t just sit at a desk and read reports. I dig into the real facts. That means pipe materials, installation records, maintenance history, soil conditions, and inspection footage.

As a sewer failure expert witness, my job is simple: connect the technical dots and turn them into testimony that a judge, jury, or adjuster can actually follow. I’ve worked on well over 100 legal cases involving water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. So I know how to hold up under cross-examination.

My Background in Sanitary Sewer Design and Investigation

My experience doesn’t stop at the courtroom door. I’ve spent over 40 years designing, managing, and inspecting sewer collection systems across the country. That includes sewer master plans, pump station design, pipe rehab, and infiltration and inflow (I&I) improvements.

I’ve been project manager on roughly 175 projects. I’ve also helped design around 300 water and wastewater systems, from a single septic tank to a large treatment plant. Why does this matter? Because it’s exactly what makes my forensic work strong. I know how these systems are supposed to work. So I can spot where and why they didn’t.

How Does the Investigation Process Work?

  1. Case Review – First, I look at the technical file, photos, maintenance logs, and any existing reports.
  2. Site & Data Analysis – Next, I check pipe condition, flow data, groundwater levels, and installation history. This helps me pin down the failure cause.
  3. Root Cause Findings – Then, as a sanitary sewer infiltration witness or sewer pipe failure expert witness, I determine if the problem came from corrosion, root intrusion, poor bedding, overloading, or a maintenance gap.
  4. Clear Reporting – After that, I write up my findings in plain language, not just engineering jargon. This way, attorneys and clients can use them with confidence.
  5. Testimony Support – Finally, if the case moves forward, I’m ready to testify and stand behind what I found.

Why Work With Me?

I combine real design experience with forensic analysis. That combination is rare. Most experts only review paperwork. I’ve actually built and managed the kind of sewer infrastructure I’m evaluating. On top of that, I hold a California PE license and advanced degrees from Georgia Tech and Harvard.

I also belong to groups like the Water Environment Federation and the American Water Works Association. In short, this mix of hands-on know-how and legal experience is why attorneys nationwide trust me as a sewer infrastructure expert witness.

Let’s Discuss Your Case Today!

Need a sewer expert witness for attorney support? Looking for an infrastructure evaluation or a sanitary sewer overflow consultant? I’m ready to help. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and get a clear, experienced opinion on your sewer issue!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of sewer cases do you handle?

I handle sanitary sewer overflows, sewage backups, pipe failures, pump station breakdowns, infiltration and inflow problems, and maintenance-related lawsuits. Every case gets a full technical review. That way, my findings hold up in negotiations, mediation, or trial.

2. Do you only work on sewer design, or also litigation?

Both. My design background covers sewer networks, pump stations, and treatment systems. My litigation work covers forensic investigation and expert testimony. Together, this helps me explain tricky failures in a way non-engineers can follow.

3. How soon should I bring in a sewer litigation expert?

As soon as you can. The sooner I look at site conditions and records, the more evidence I can help preserve before it’s lost, cleaned up, or changed. That early start can make your case a lot stronger.