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KCE Tool Highlight: AutoCAD

When it comes to project design and planning, KCE focuses on bringing innovative ideas and solutions to the table. Our advanced technology tools not only help our clients achieve cost-effective, reliable utility design but also provide state-of-the-art engineering services. Programs in our toolkit, such as AutoCAD, allow us to create 2D and 3D models, bringing designs from the drawing board to reality.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a software program that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design and modeling. It allows us to create solids, surfaces and mesh objects to bring engineering projects to life. Once project data and measurements are collected, we incorporate them into AutoCAD to fully develop our plans.

How do we use AutoCAD at KCE?

Before AutoCAD, starting a project required time-intensive manual calculations. Today, the program streamlines the creation of early plans, freeing our team to devote more time and attention to project execution. For example, we use AutoCAD for stormwater hydrology and hydraulic calculations, efficiently providing the insights our team needs to move a plan forward with confidence. AutoCAD also allows us to draw detailed schematics and calculate areas or volumes.

AutoCAD is instrumental in maximizing client value on many of our engineering projects. On a recent project involving a large residential subdivision, we used AutoCAD to value-engineer over 3,500 linear feet of proposed sanitary sewer main to minimize conflicts with shallow rock encountered on the site. Using 3D models of the proposed utilities in AutoCAD, we were able to efficiently and accurately raise the sanitary design while avoiding conflicts with other utilities. The final sanitary design was raised by 3.5 feet on average, saving the client an estimated $100,000 in blasting and trench rock excavation costs.

Why does KCE use AutoCAD?

AutoCAD provides a tremendous advantage in our engineering projects. As the industry standard, it offers a variety of benefits to our staff and our clients, including:

Maximized productivity
Automated drafting tasks
Faster calculations
Enhanced design precision
Streamlined workflows

AutoCAD is just one of the many tools in our kit that help us provide clients with a comprehensive view of their projects.

For more information about KCE or the tools we use, visit kceinc.com.

KCE Tool Highlight: GPS

At Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc., we draw on a wide range of professional surveying disciplines to deliver projects efficiently and cost-effectively. One tool in particular that enables us to provide accurate, reliable data is our GPS technology. Our GPS operates on the same core satellite-based principles as the GPS tech in your phone or car, but it is surveying-grade technology designed for a much higher level of precision and professional application.

What is GPS?

GPS stands for global positioning system and uses a network of satellites to communicate with ground receivers. By tracking signals from at least four satellites, the receiver can calculate its location anywhere on Earth, providing precise location information such as its latitude, longitude and altitude.

How does KCE use GPS?

GPS is integral to our surveying work. Whether it’s a construction project, a small boundary survey plot plan, or a large subdivision plan, GPS is a fast and accurate way to map and model the physical world before starting a project. Having precise data and measurements is essential to our engineering work, so before we begin, we ensure our data is as accurate as possible.

GPS data collected through our surveys is used to develop highly accurate models, forming the foundation for cost-effective and efficient project execution. Once we gather the necessary data, we use it to develop a detailed digital representation of the project in our engineering software.

What are the benefits of using GPS?

Not only is GPS the industry standard, but there are many reasons we continue to rely on this technology across our projects.

Cost-Effective

- - Because it is quick and accurate, we reduce time spent on manual measurements and decrease overall field manpower needs, making GPS highly cost-effective.

Saves Time

- - Accuracy and precision are critical in surveying, but the efficiency of data collection is equally important. Our state-of-the-art GPS technology quickly captures measurements, saving surveyors significant time in the field. In many cases, GPS can collect topographic data in a fraction of the time required by traditional manual methods.

Accurate Large-Scale Mapping

- - Survey GPS provides real-time geospatial data collection along with exceptional large-scale accuracy, making it ideal for geospatial mapping. It establishes a stable reference framework, ensuring spatial data accuracy and preventing large-scale errors in mapping.

Seamless GIS Integration

- Using highly accurate, real-world data collection features, GPS captures coordinates that are mapped, layered, and cataloged within GIS software.

GPS is just one of the many tools in our toolbelt that help us support our clients’ surveying and municipality needs. For more information about KCE or the tools we use for our services, visit kceinc.com.

Eric Snyder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Consulting Engineers, Named to Lehigh Valley Business’ LVB 300

The recognition honors influential leaders whose vision, innovation and community impact are shaping the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh Valley Business has named Eric Snyder, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Keystone Consulting Engineers (KCE), to the 2026 LVB 300, recognizing his leadership, strategic vision and contributions to the Greater Lehigh Valley. The list recognizes 300 professionals across 26 industries for their sustained achievement and meaningful contributions to the region’s businesses and communities.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside so many leaders who are making a difference in the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said Snyder. “This recognition reflects the incredible team at KCE and the clients and communities we’ve had the privilege to serve.”

Since joining KCE in 2004, Snyder has played an instrumental role in the firm’s growth, advancing from office manager to president and CEO. Throughout his career, he has focused on building strong relationships, empowering employees and fostering a collaborative culture that values accountability and teamwork. His leadership has helped strengthen KCE’s reputation as a trusted engineering partner for municipalities, developers and organizations throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

In addition to the LVB 300, Snyder has earned recognition for his leadership and contributions to Pennsylvania’s infrastructure industry. In 2025, he was named to City & State Pennsylvania’s Infrastructure Honorees list, recognizing influential leaders helping shape the future of infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Under his leadership, KCE was also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as a Qualified Professional through the SPEED Program, expanding the firm’s role in supporting infrastructure development across Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1972, Keystone Consulting Engineers is a 100% locally-owned civil engineering and land surveying firm serving municipalities, developers and organizations throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley and Pocono region. Known for its technical expertise and long-standing regional presence, KCE has built its reputation on delivering practical engineering solutions.

“I’m proud of the team we’ve built and the culture we’ve created at KCE,” said Snyder. “Our success has always come from working together and staying focused on helping our clients succeed.”

As KCE continues to grow, Snyder remains committed to developing future leaders, advancing the firm’s legacy of service and delivering engineering solutions that strengthen communities throughout the region. His inclusion in the LVB 300 reflects the leadership and vision that have defined both his career and KCE’s continued success.

The Value of Working with KCE

KCE is not your average engineering firm, and when you work with our team, you get more than engineers who get the job done. You gain a dynamic partner: a team of professionals who are deeply connected to the community and genuinely invested in your success.

Why Municipalities Trust KCE as a Long-Term Engineering Partner

As a multidisciplinary civil engineering and surveying firm, KCE provides integrated support for municipalities and authorities of all sizes. From townships and boroughs to cities, sewer authorities, water authorities and beyond, we have built strong relationships with municipalities for more than 54 years. Fostering these relationships doesn’t depend on time alone; it requires a commitment to service, responsiveness and partnership.

What sets KCE apart isn’t just our experience. It’s how we work alongside municipalities to navigate complex projects, secure funding, and build lasting relationships.

Direct Connection

At KCE, every project is led by a dedicated project manager or shareholder with full decision-making authority. When clients call, they speak directly with someone who understands their project inside and out, not just from the sidelines.

This approach reduces delays, strengthens communication and keeps projects moving forward efficiently. Rather than navigating multiple contacts, municipalities have a single, accountable point of contact from start to finish.

Assisting with Funding

One of the biggest challenges municipalities face is securing the funding needed to move projects forward. KCE actively helps clients identify and pursue grant and funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels.

From preparing grant applications to assembling supporting documentation, our team works closely with municipalities to position projects for success. In fact, many of our projects are funded through grants, helping communities advance critical initiatives without placing unnecessary strain on local budgets.

Relationships Rooted in History

For more than 54 years, municipalities have relied on KCE for consistent, high-quality service. Our clients often work with the same project managers over time, building familiarity, trust and efficiency.

Because we know the region so well, we can anticipate challenges, understand local dynamics, and develop solutions that align with each municipality’s unique needs. This approach also delivers results that strengthen long-term partnerships and build trust.

Strategic Engineering and Planning Support

KCE works with municipalities early in the planning process to develop practical, forward-thinking solutions, even in complex or constrained environments.

Our team also assists with reviewing and updating zoning ordinances to ensure projects move forward efficiently. By aligning engineering design with local regulations, we help municipalities avoid delays and streamline approvals. We take pride in being a trusted partner to municipalities and helping communities thrive.

If your municipality is planning a project or seeking funding support, KCE is ready to help. Contact Daren Martocci today to learn how we can support your next initiative, or visit kceinc.com to explore our municipal services.

Built on Experience: Why KCE is a Trusted Engineering Partner in Pennsylvania

Since 1972, Keystone Consulting Engineers (KCE) has been a trusted civil engineering and land surveying partner for municipalities and private developers across Pennsylvania. With more than 54 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable engineering solutions that support the growth and success of the communities we serve.

KCE provides comprehensive services tailored to meet today’s complex engineering needs, including civil engineering, landscape architecture, surveying and traffic planning & engineering. What truly sets us apart, however, is how we serve our clients: through local expertise, long-standing relationships and a deeply committed team.

Locally Based and Personally Invested

KCE’s roots run deep in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos with multiple offices across the region. This means that many of our employees live, work, and raise their families in the same communities we serve, creating a strong sense of personal investment.

Our team approaches every project with a heightened level of care, accountability, and pride because the projects we design and deliver directly impact our own neighborhoods, schools, and infrastructure. For our clients, this means working with a partner who not only understands the region but is also genuinely committed to its long-term success.

Low Turnover, High Experience

One of KCE’s greatest strengths is the stability of our team. Many of our professionals have been with the company for more than 20 years, contributing to an expert bench of deep technical and institutional knowledge.

This longevity translates directly into better outcomes for our clients. Municipalities and organizations can rely on consistent points of contact, often working with the same project managers year after year. Over time, this continuity builds trust, improves communication, and enables our team to anticipate needs and challenges more effectively.

100% Employee-Owned, 100% Accountable

KCE is proud to be a 100% employee-owned company. Our leadership team consists of professionals who are actively engaged in the firm’s day-to-day engineering, surveying and planning projects, fostering a culture of accountability and shared responsibility at every level.

All decisions are made with client outcomes in mind, by experienced professionals who understand the technical complexities of projects and the unique characteristics of the communities we serve.

Strong Regional Partnerships

KCE’s success is built on decades of collaboration with municipalities, boroughs, townships and local agencies. Projects aren’t one-time engagements; they’re part of ongoing partnerships to strengthen our communities over time. This perspective allows us to approach each new project with valuable context and insight.

Because we stay closely connected to our clients and communities, we are able to respond quickly, align with local priorities, and deliver proactive solutions that are both practical and forward-thinking.

Committed to Quality, Driven by Community

At KCE, we are committed to delivering creative, high-quality civil engineering and surveying services on time and with exceptional value.

More importantly, we are driven by a shared purpose: helping communities grow, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for the people who live there.

If you’re planning a project and looking for a reliable, experienced engineering partner, KCE is ready to help. Contact our team today to discuss your needs. Visit kceinc.com to learn more about our services and experience

NEW! Lehighton Outdoor Center

Congratulations to owner/developer/entrepreneur Jerry McAward on his development of the Lehighton Outdoor Center soon to be the new home of Jim Thorpe River Adventures, which is nearing completion. erry contacted Keystone Consulting Engineers in August of 2014 to assist him with the development and approval process for this project. Keystone Consulting Engineers reviewed Jerry ‘s intent to develop a 12, 000 sq. ft. Outdoor Center building and a 300+ space parking area on the 7.6-acre parcel. KCE recognized that the site needed approval from FEMA, Lehighton Borough Authority, Lehighton Power Co, Carbon County Planning Commission, Carbon County Conservation District (E&S and NPDES permits), Lehighton Zoning Hearing Board and Lehighton Planning and Borough Council.

Newly Elected Municipal Officials

With the year winding down, the new year brings newly elected municipal officials to the table. This public service is vital to the growth of a community, as well as individual gratification for making a commitment to participate in important local government decisions. Here at Keystone Consulting Engineers, we pride ourselves as a premier municipal engineering firm. Whether a Township or a Borough government, two knowledge-packed resources for supervisors and council members are the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials (PSATS) and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB). They are both just a phone call away to answer any question that comes along the way, which makes them very popular among officials state-wide. Two valuable subscriptions for your members are the “Township News” and the “Borough News” magazines. Beginning this month, PSATS will be sponsoring the 2018 Boot Camp. The initial training sessions will introduce them to their responsibilities and prepare them for their first meeting when they take office at reorganization in January. More in-depth and comprehensive training regarding rules and laws that govern the townships and boroughs will be available once they have been sworn in. Any training provided by both associations is always very valuable and all encompassing. Classes are also offered to municipal secretaries and managers, as well. If you are a town of 600 people or 10,000 people, the same laws apply and those laws can change on a consistent basis, so training is important for everyone. Visit the Associations at http://www.psats.org/ or http://boroughs.org/ to keep on top of the latest news, legislation, training opportunities and services. To read the full article, click here.

NPDES Stormwater Program-Part 1

Residents who actively attend their local municipal meetings might be “in the know” with regard to the environmental mandates that the EPA has placed on municipal governments and have probably heard the words “stormwater pollution” or “NPDES” mentioned over the last several years. But what does all of this mean to a household? Part 1 of our mini series regarding stormwater pollution will address how residents can help do their part for the good of the environment. NPDES is the acronym for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which, simply put, means getting rid of as many pollutants as possible from rain or snow melt events that flow over the land before it reaches local surface waters. Here we will touch on some tips for healthy household habits.

After a snowmelt or a steady rain, salt and other de-icers runoff into the inlets and pollute our streams and rivers and ultimately impact our drinking water and animal habitats. The salt depletes the oxygen content in aquatic ecosystems which is harmful to fish and aquatic plant life. Salt can also deplete the soil of beneficial bacteria and nutrients and inhibit future plant growth come spring. If using de-icer, limit the quantities used to only what is needed to do the job.

Tips On Smart Winter Salt Use

Consider throwing down salt before it snows. The de-icer can last longer and have a greater efficiency if applied before the snowfall. It prevents ice from bonding to the pavement and allows for easier cleanup. The less salt used, the better for protecting our watersheds.
Do not use sand or kitty litter. Sand and kitty litter can obstruct the inlets and outfalls and are harmful to aquatic life and our drinking water.
Consider the use of alternative solutions. In addition to the aforementioned rock salt (Sodium Chloride), Calcium Chloride and products with Potassium Chloride can be used safely. Other alternatives include Calcium Magnesium Acetate and Potassium Acetate (chloride free).

stormwater

How to Protect Your Yard from Erosion

What homeowner wants to see their property washed away from a heavy rain event? How many of you have spent many hours of time and plenty of money on beautiful landscaping to just watch it all wash away? The industry term is “erosion”. Erosion can cause problems worse than just unsightly lawns. Erosion can uproot plants with a shallow root system; divert soil into the streets, thereby blocking storm sewer systems; or infiltrating soil into natural water resources. The Soil Science Society of America has come to the rescue with a blog they put out back in September where they recommend some tips to protect your yard. A few samples include: adding mulch and plantings, installing retaining walls or managing rainwater with rain gardens or swales. All of these concepts serve a dual purpose – they beautify your property while providing a firm foundation for your soil. To see the entire blog, click here.