Engineering

The Engineering Department provides the Town of Salem with a variety of services related to the field of Municipal Engineering. We review the design plans and specifications of subdivision developments; site developments; water, sewer and drainage systems; roadways that become our resident's neighborhoods and the communities businesses. In doing so, the Engineering Department reviews plans for compliance to regulations and codes while keeping in mind that the design must be functional and maintainable. After the various plans and specifications have been deemed to comply and are approved, the Engineering Department is then responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plans during the construction phase. In the construction phase of development the Engineering Department issues the following pertinent permits: subdivision construction permit, street opening permit, sewer connection permit, grease interceptor permit, water connection permit, driveway permit and gas permit; and also provides inspection services for the construction of the various utilities, driveways, roadways and associated improvements of the developments. Other important functions the Engineering Department provides during the construction phase are setting and monitoring the bonding requirements of the various developments and contractors as wells as reviewing the Subdivision As-Built Plans and Deeds for Roadways that are proposed to the Town for acceptance.

The Engineering Department is also responsible for working with and overseeing the expansion of Public Utilities in existing Rights of Way and issuing the associated Permits, Petitions and Licenses. We provide engineering support and services for the Town's various departments, Boards and Commissions as needed. We also work very closely with the Information Services Department in the development of the GIS system. We maintain and manage maps and records associated with the Engineering Department and provide copies of maps to the extent possible. We work very closely with the Assessing Department and Information Technology in updating the Tax Maps. We provide information to the general public, various Engineers, Surveyors, Contractors, Developers, Realtors and Businesses etc. that call and visit our office.

Engineering, in cooperation with IT and DPW, is in the process of planning the implementation of a recent technology investment, Salem’s Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) software. The Infrastructure Asset Management software will provide the means to inventory, track, and plan for future infrastructure investments in the Town’s roadway, sewer, water, and drainage systems.

Engineering is also responsible for coordinating and overseeing the annual Neighborhood Road Program. The Neighborhood Road Program has been developed in cooperation with DPW and Community Development as a programmatic approach to maintaining existing roads within the community. By utilizing the Road Manager software as part of IAM, we are able to better identify the Town's roadway system needs, plan for future road projects, and implement a construction and maintenance effort for pavement management.  Salem has recently revised and adopted a 10-year road program in November 2011. 

Links:

EPA Stormwater Links:
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/kids/
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/dosdont.html
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/facts/
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/facts/point10.htm