Larry A. Goertz, P.E., Hydraulic Engineer, M&E Consultants
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Engineering, Texas A & M University
Master of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Current Licenses and Registration, other Affiliations:
Licensed Engineer in Texas and New Mexico
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Soil and Water Conservation Society
Years Experience:
M&E Consultants: Since 2006
NRCS (SCS): 37 years
Specialized Training:
NRCS watershed planning procedures, TR 20, TR 55, TR 66, HEC-RAS and SITES
computer programs, NRCS Programs, watershed planning process, H&H analysis for
planning and design, watershed water yield studies, and hydrologic evaluation of the
performance of dams.
Experience and Qualifications:
Hydraulic Engineer (Part-Time), M&E Consultants (2006 – Present)
Dam Evaluation Services for 33 Flood Retarding Structures, Navarro County, TX.
Applied HEC-RAS computer program and Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality’s simplified breach method to provide data for developing breach inundation
reports and maps. This information helps the Navarro County Soil and Water
Conservation District maintain dam hazard classifications and develop emergency action
plans.
Dam Evaluation Services for 40 NRCS Assisted Flood Retarding Structures, San
Antonio, TX. Provided SITES program analyses for the concept design of three dams
selected for upgrading, based on a risk assessment.
Engineering Field Practices.
waterway.
Provided H&H analyses for complex farm pond and
Hydraulic Engineer, National Design Construction & Soil Mechanics Center, NRCS
(2000 - 2006)
Performed peer review and hydrologic design of complex water resource projects on an
NRCS-wide basis. Reviewed the hydrologic and hydraulic design of more than 20
NRCS-assisted new and rehabbed dams. Provided hydrology and hydraulics technology
transfer, including presentations at SITES, HEC-RAS, and hydrology & hydraulics
workshops. Tested and assisted in the development of the SITES computer program for
dam design and earthen spillway erosion analyses. Participated in national work groups
to develop or modify NRCS policies, standards, or procedures.
Civil/Hydraulic Engineer, NRCS/SCS, Temple, TX (1985 - 2000)
Provided NRCS statewide leadership on hydrologic and hydraulic procedures, methods,
and policy. Assisted a watershed planning staff and a design staff in performing
hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for watershed planning and dam design. Coordinated
the dam safety program and maintained the dams inventory on 2700 NRCS-assisted
dams, located in TX. Led the field dam safety inspections of more than 20 dams, located
in the Trinity, Brazos, and Guadalupe River Basins of TX. Evaluated proposed
modifications of dams at the requests of local watershed sponsors. Trained engineers
and technicians on hydrology and hydraulics working tools, such as the SITES and TR20 computer programs. An example of the assistance to the TX Design Staff follows:
Elm Fork MPD 19, Muenster, TX. Provided SITES computer program analyses to
proportion the dam and evaluate the earthen spillway erosion and breaching potential.
The work included modeling the runoff potential from a drainage area with two upstream
dams and an area greater than 10 sm.
Hydraulic Engineer, SCS, Albuquerque, NM (1978 - 1985)
Provided hydrologic and hydraulic leadership for all SCS programs in NM. Furnished
hydrologic design data for a heavy project workload which included dams of large
drainage area (largest was 180 sq mi). Exchanged and developed technical data with
team members and various engineers and technicians, including personnel from other
agencies. Developed and used computer-generated data extensively.
Hydraulic Engineer, SCS, San Marcos, TX (1974 - 1978)
Worked as a member of a watershed planning staff. Developed and analyzed hydrologic
and hydraulic data for use in watershed plans, environmental impact statements, and
flood insurance studies. Examples include the Upper San Marcos River, Sabanna River,
and Brushy Creek, TX Watershed Plans, and the Mason, TX Flood Insurance Study.
Supervised an engineering technician and various engineering aids.
Field Engineer, SCS, TX locations (1968 - 1974)
Planned and applied engineering practices including graded parallel terraces, grassed
waterways, diversions, grade stabilization structures, ponds, critical erosion area
treatment, agricultural waste management systems, irrigation pipelines, subsurface
drainage systems, and land leveling. Trained area personnel on design and installation
of engineering practices.