When it comes to managing stormwater, sewage, and wastewater systems, one mistake can cost thousands—or even millions—in environmental damage, fines, or system failure. That’s why hiring a wastewater expert witness engineer like Bonneau Dickson, PE, can be critical for resolving disputes, conducting forensic investigations, or designing long-term solutions. Based in Berkeley, CA, and serving clients across the United States, Bonneau Dickson brings decades of civil engineering experience to the table with a special focus on stormwater design, wastewater systems, and sewage overflow analysis.
If you’re searching for a wastewater expert witness, stormwater expert witness engineer, or a wastewater forensic expert engineer, you’re in the right place. This article breaks down the common problems in this field, what practical solutions look like, and how expert insight can make or break your case or project.
Understanding Water and Wastewater Challenges
Common Pain Points in Wastewater Systems
Many of the cases Bonneau Dickson handles as a wastewater design expert engineer involve one or more of the following challenges:
- Sewage system overflows (SSOs): Often caused by capacity issues, root intrusions, or pipe failures.
- Improper stormwater design: Leads to flooding, erosion, and property damage.
- Regulatory non-compliance: Costly violations related to EPA or state-specific guidelines.
- Aging infrastructure: Outdated systems struggle to meet modern demand.
Real-World Example: California Stormwater Failure
A recent Bay Area lawsuit involved a stormwater drainage system that caused repeated flooding on private property. Bonneau Dickson provided expert analysis, proving the design was flawed due to poor grading and inadequate capacity—resulting in a successful settlement.
Why Engineering Expertise Matters
Wastewater and stormwater systems are highly regulated and technically complex. Municipalities, developers, and attorneys turn to engineers like Bonneau Dickson to untangle liability, determine causes of failure, and recommend solutions. An expert’s voice can be the difference between winning and losing a case—or building a system that works for decades.
How a Wastewater Expert Witness Engineer Helps
What Is a Wastewater Expert Witness?
A wastewater expert witness is a professional engineer who can evaluate, explain, and testify about technical elements in legal or regulatory disputes involving:
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Sewage collection systems
- Pump stations
- Overflow events
- Stormwater detention/retention
Key Roles of an Expert Witness Engineer
- Investigation & Forensics
- Identify root causes of system failure.
- Trace overflow or contamination sources.
- Analyze flow capacity and hydraulic performance.
- Litigation Support
- Write technical reports and declarations.
- Provide depositions and courtroom testimony.
- Support attorneys in understanding engineering facts.
- Design Review
- Evaluate compliance with codes and best practices.
- Offer second opinions on proposed designs or repairs.
- Propose alternative engineering solutions.
Who Hires Wastewater Experts?
- Environmental attorneys
- Municipal agencies
- Civil engineering firms
- Property owners & developers
- Insurance companies
Practical Engineering Solutions That Prevent Future Problems
Smart Design for Wastewater Systems
Designing effective wastewater systems isn’t just about moving water—it’s about anticipating challenges. As a wastewater design expert witness, Bonneau Dickson helps assess and develop systems that:
- Prevent backups and overflows
- Minimize infiltration/inflow (I&I)
- Comply with local, state, and federal laws
- Operate efficiently with minimal maintenance
Best Practices Include:
- Using hydraulic modeling software to simulate flow.
- Selecting pipe materials based on long-term soil and load conditions.
- Installing odor control and ventilation systems.
- Including redundant pumping systems for reliability.
Preventing Sewage Overflows
A sewage wastewater expert witness often investigates SSOs, which can lead to contamination, property damage, and lawsuits. Common overflow prevention methods include:
- Routine maintenance and cleaning
- Capacity upgrades based on projected growth
- Emergency overflow basins
- Proper grading and backflow prevention devices
Advanced Stormwater Design Strategies
A stormwater design expert witness ensures water runoff is controlled and channeled properly—especially in urban environments. Typical solutions may involve:
- Green infrastructure like bioswales and permeable pavers
- Detention basins and retention ponds
- Stormwater management modeling (SWMM)
- Sediment and erosion control during construction
Expert Witness Services You Can Trust
The Role of Forensics in Engineering
When failures occur, a wastewater forensic expert engineer like Bonneau Dickson dives into the details. Forensic services involve:
- Reviewing design drawings and construction records
- Examining maintenance logs
- Conducting site inspections and flow monitoring
- Identifying where design, construction, or maintenance went wrong
Key Forensic Questions Answered:
- Did the design follow code?
- Were materials used appropriately?
- Was the system operated and maintained correctly?
- Could the failure have been predicted?
Case Study: Sewage Overflow Dispute
In a Southern California case, residents experienced raw sewage backups during heavy rains. The defense claimed the events were unavoidable. Bonneau Dickson’s forensic analysis proved the pump station design lacked sufficient backup power and storage—leading to a favorable ruling for the plaintiffs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a stormwater and wastewater expert?
Stormwater expert witnesses deal with rainfall runoff systems—gutters, drains, detention basins. Wastewater expert witnesses focus on sanitary sewage systems—what goes down sinks, toilets, and industrial drains.
When should I hire a wastewater design expert engineer?
Early! Bringing in an expert during the design phase helps ensure regulatory compliance, cost savings, and long-term reliability. They also catch problems that generic civil engineers may miss.
How do I know if my system is out of compliance?
If you’ve received a notice of violation (NOV), experienced backups, or suspect capacity issues, it’s time to consult a wastewater forensic expert engineer for an inspection and review.
Can you help with permitting and regulation?
Yes. Bonneau Dickson, PE, regularly assists clients in preparing permit applications, navigating stormwater regulations, and responding to enforcement actions.
Why Choose Bonneau Dickson, PE?
Deep Experience, Proven Results
With over 30 years of civil engineering expertise, Bonneau Dickson is a licensed professional engineer who has worked with public utilities, private developers, and legal professionals across the United States. His specialties include:
- Expert witness testimony for litigation
- Sewage system overflow investigation
- Stormwater design and compliance audits
- Design reviews and forensic engineering
Trusted By:
- Local governments and municipalities
- Law firms involved in environmental and construction litigation
- Property developers needing expert support
- Homeowners’ associations dealing with drainage issues
Key Takeaways:
- Wastewater and stormwater systems must be designed with precision and reviewed regularly to prevent costly issues.
- Hiring a wastewater expert witness engineer early can help avoid legal trouble and fix system vulnerabilities.
- A qualified forensic wastewater expert can provide clear, technical evidence in court or regulatory disputes.
- Bonneau Dickson, PE brings decades of civil engineering expertise and expert witness experience to clients across the U.S.
Ready to Solve Your Water and Wastewater Issues?
Don’t let a minor drainage issue turn into a legal or environmental disaster. Work with an experienced stormwater and wastewater expert witness engineer who understands the systems, the science, and the stakes.
📞 Schedule a consultation with Bonneau Dickson, PE today to discuss your project or case. Visit https://bonneaudickson.com to get started.
