Integrated Water and Coastal Resources Management and Planning

Basin and regional water resources management and the planning and design of water resources development projects have been Harza's principal areas of operation since the Company's founding in 1920. Harza has completed more than 4,000 assignments in such water-related developments as:

	national and regional water sector planning,
	water supply for municipal, industrial, and agricultural users,
	irrigation and drainage systems,
	flood, control,
	hydroelectric power generation,
	fisheries and recreation facilities,
	navigation, and
	harbor facilities.

Because of this extensive experience, we have been able to develop a systematic approach in providing planning and management services, based upon proven technologies and procedures. Through our involvement with many overseas water development assignments, most of which have included working with local counterpart staff, our personnel are experienced in transferring technologies and procedures through on-the-job and formal training efforts. During this technology transfer, our engineers and scientists have concentrated on the importance of practical approaches to problem solving and decision support and the adoption of systematic procedures to improve the efficiency of the planning process.

Harza's approach to sustainable development is founded on solid experience in river basin planning and management, in the design of project structures, and in providing engineering services during construction. This foundation assures that Harza's development plans are realistic and environmentally sound, can be implemented, and that planning-level cost estimates are adequately and reliably prepared for decision-making.

With ample experience in data inventory and systems analysis techniques required for effective regional and river basin planning and management, we have taught our clients how to identify and evaluate development strategies and screen candidate sites. Example projects include the Jordan Rift Valley Integrated Master Plan, Water Resources Management Planning for the Palestinian Authority, Master Planning Studies for the Tacna and Moquegua Basins in Peru; the Puyango-Tumbes Basin Feasibility Study (Peru and Ecuador); preparation of a Cost Manual for hydroelectric and project evaluations in Venezuela; basin surveys for pumped-storage, conventional hydroelectric, and water storage projects in the United States and several countries overseas; and preparation of water sector master plans for Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Rid Lempa, El Salvador

Harza has performed extensive large-scale simulation modeling mostly using computer programs or models developed in-house to meet specific project needs. These models are used to investigate the ability of alternative projects and development strategies at various development levels to meet the forecast needs, and to assess the sensitivity of project performance to alternative levels of reliability and risk. Examples of our in-house models include stochastic generation of stream flows, various single and multiple reservoir screening and operation models, and reservoir rule curve development. We also use other available models for simulation of large-scale systems, such as the HEC series of models developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Our computer methods cover the full range of planning and design level work in hydrology, hydraulics studies, environmental assessments, and structural analysis.

Using computer models and interactive spreadsheet analyses, we prepare detailed economic and financial studies of projects and sponsoring organizations. In addition, we utilize the Investment Analysis Model to help identify project and program priorities in terms of economic return and other social variables for our national and regional water sector studies.

We have made extensive use of electric power system capacity expansion models and have analyzed the economic expansion plans for predominantly hydro, predominantly thermal, and mixed hydrothermal systems.

Harza personnel have prepared land-use mapping, identified cropping patterns, and determined crop water and irrigation water requirements at all levels of detail —from reconnaissance to design. We have performed condition assessments and have planned storage, diversion, and conveyance systems to meet a variety of needs. We have made preliminary and detailed river hydraulics studies to examine pre and post-project flood levels, sediment transport, channel aggradation/degradation, and water surface profiles.

Harza engineers and planners are experienced in guiding planning studies to achieve realistic and useful results compatible with sustainable and long term economic development, within established schedules and budgets. They are experienced in preparing reports and presenting those results in a format enabling the decision makers to recognize the key issues and form their own recommendations. These results are achieved primarily by personnel from Harza's permanent staff who have worked together in teams for many years.