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The origin of the word “civil” is the Latin word civis, or citizen. The use of “civil” (as used in “civil engineering”) began between 1350 and 1400, and now–over 600 years later–we continue to practice “engineering for citizens.” Roads, bridges, clean drinking water, the energy grid, housing, office buildings, and numerous other examples of modern living, are the results of civil engineering. SHN civil engineers are part of this tradition. The ways in which we design, build, and maintain our modern society are listed in Services, but here are a few projects that represent our commitment to our communities and the practice of “citizen engineering.”
SHN and the Noyo Harbor District have completed many projects together, with two of them–the boat launch and ice house projects–in close proximity.
The boat launch project improved and upgraded the harbor’s facilities to enhance accessibility and environmental sustainability. SHN’s scope of work included securing grant funding, conducting environmental surveys, and designing the new boat launch, access pathway, and ADA-compliant restroom. The project also features innovative stormwater management solutions to treat 100% of parking lot runoff before it reached the Noyo River, and it accounts for future sea level rise, anticipating up to 21 inches. This project is notable for its significant community and economic benefits. It supports the local economy by increasing boat launches by an estimated 21%, which boosts slip rents and parking fees for the Harbor District.
The boat launch project faced several technical challenges, including environmental and regulatory constraints. The presence of eelgrass, a critical habitat, required innovative construction methods, such as using reinforced precast concrete panels instead of traditional caissons to minimize habitat disturbance. Construction was carefully timed to coincide with low tides and avoid disrupting salmon migration. Funded primarily by a grant from the State Department of Boating and Waterways, the project was completed on time and within budget, despite an increase in scope to include additional paving.
The ice house project is located directly across from the ADA-compliant walkway. It is constructed of three stacked shipping containers and will store up to 20 tons of flake ice. The geotechnical aspects of this project are complex, with weak soil conditions requiring the design of a mat slab foundation. SHN provided survey, engineering, geotechnical, and planning services.
The former Unocal Bulk Fuel Terminal was located adjacent to the Coos Bay Channel, west of Highway 101. In 2002, SHN began additional site investigations, working with TRC and other consultants. From then until 2007, SHN installed and monitored additional wells and designed and installed an air sparging trench for remediation. Project responsibilities transferred to TRC in 2007, and a formal Request for No Further Action was drafted in June 2012.
On much of the same site, the Teakwood Plaza project involved redeveloping the former bulk fuel terminal site into a new commercial center. Beginning in 2021, SHN was contracted to perform geotechnical investigations, preliminary design services, and construction documents. SHN’s scope expanded to encompass mapping existing site conditions; preparing site plans, grading, drainage, utility, and roadway plans; and performing construction staking, materials testing, and 1200-C monitoring. This redevelopment project aimed to revitalize the area by converting an industrial marine bulk fuel terminal into a commercial hub, thereby boosting the local economy.
The redevelopment project faced several technical challenges, such as accommodating changes in building sizes and locations, which required numerous change orders. Additionally, adverse soil conditions, including non-engineered fill and soft bay mud, necessitated innovative solutions to avoid deep pile foundations. Despite these challenges, SHN’s site development services minimized the need for multiple subcontractors and streamlined scheduling and phasing. This project is notable for its significant positive impact on the community, transforming a previously contaminated and underutilized site into a vibrant commercial area.
The Arcata Ball Park Improvements Project revitalizes a beloved community landmark in downtown Arcata, California. As the prime consultant, SHN provided a full suite of professional services including topographic surveying, geotechnical investigation, civil and structural engineering design, and construction administration. Dillingham Associates contributed landscape architecture, lighting, irrigation, and accessibility design, supported by specialty subconsultants. The project scope included ADA-compliant path-of-travel improvements to the left field lawn seating area, a complete redesign of the entry plaza, and structural enhancements to the ballpark’s façade. The SHN team delivered phased design packages at 60%, 90%, and 100% completion levels, ensuring thorough coordination and cost control throughout. The team also supported the City of Arcata during bidding and construction, responding to contractor inquiries, reviewing submittals, and conducting site visits to ensure quality and compliance.
This project is especially notable because the Arcata community has deep connections with the ball park, and many technical challenges were met. The Arcata Ball Park is more than just a sports venue—it’s the home field for families, friends, and fans of the Humboldt Crabs, the oldest continuously operating summer baseball team in the US. The ball park is used for hosting events ranging from baseball games to outdoor movies and dances. The design team embraced this legacy, integrating community feedback and preserving the park’s character while modernizing its infrastructure. The site’s tight footprint and complex topography posed significant design challenges, particularly in achieving ADA accessibility and integrating new features within existing constraints. SHN’s local presence and prior involvement in the grant application process enabled the team to “hit the ground running,” delivering responsive, context-sensitive solutions. The project was funded by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, with SHN assisting in securing the grant. Ultimately, the Arcata Ball Park Improvements Project is a model of collaborative, community-focused design that enhances accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for generations to come.
