Securing Water Resources through Planning and Documentation

“When you have water issues, you have legal issues,” said Darrel Ellefson, Lac qui Parle County Environmental Officer and Lac qui Parle-Yellow Bank Watershed District Coordinator in western Minnesota. “You need have to have a firm like Houston Engineering that can back up your claims. I’ve worked with Houston Engineering for almost 10 years and have always been satisfied with their knowledge and expertise.”

Cutting-edge technology provides accurate measurements that enhance environmental assessments. “Generally if we have a controversial ditch project, we call Houston Engineering right after we call our attorneys,” said Ellefson. “They have top-notch surveying and GPS equipment, so we know that we will have reliable data if there is a dispute on elevations or other aspects of a project. With environmental controls, you want to be sure you have all your information documented and Houston Engineering does such a great job with that.”

Good communication is another key for project success. “If I ever have a question, even if it’s not related to a project, I can call my contacts and get an answer right away. The Houston Engineering staff is friendly, easy to work with and up front with information. I feel secure and confident that they will do the job right.”

Currently Ellefson and the Houston Engineering team are building the Lazarus Creek Dam. “You never know how many issues are out there until you start building an earthen dam. We spent the better part of three or four years sorting through the environmental issues and Houston Engineering helped us every step the way with that process. You need to document everything in a spec book, and they took care of all that. They have the expertise, systems and personnel to take care of things. It’s a real one-stop shop.”

Vital water resources will continue to affect Ellefson’s work into the future as he tries to control flood waters coming out of the Dakotas. And the Houston Engineering team will be there to support him. “Houston Engineering cares. They want your business and make sure they do everything they can to keep you as a client. We’ve never had any issues that compromised our work or forced us to do any second guessing. Houston Engineering is doing an excellent job.”

- Darrel Ellefson, Lac qui Parle County Environmental Officer and Lac qui Parle- Yellow Bank Watershed District Coordinator