About
Tobon Engineering is a minority owned engineering consulting business founded by Maurice Tobon, P.E., PMP a Professional Engineer with over 34 years of experience in water, wastewater engineering, master planning, utilities management, construction in south Florida and internationally.
The owner and president of Tobon Engineering, Maurice Tobon served for nineteen years at the highest management levels of two of the largest water utilities in south Florida (Palm Beach County and City of Fort Lauderdale) and was responsible for nearly $ 1 billion in capital improvements.
His experience consists of water and wastewater engineering and planning, in particular master planning, hydraulic modeling, capital planning, operations and maintenance and vulnerability/emergency response planning. Mr. Tobon has unique experience and insight from many years in government and understands the issues faced by water and wastewater utilities.
Company Strategy
-
Purpose
To be a leader in the water engineering and climate change consulting industries by providing experienced technical services.
-
Vision
To provide quality services that exceed the expectations of our clients.
-
Mission Statement
To build long term relationships with our customers and clients and provide exceptional customer services by pursuing business through understanding the issues faced by water utilities.
-
Core Values
We believe in treating our customers with respect by integrating honesty, integrity, and ethics into all aspects of our business.
-
Goals
Regional and international expansion in the fields of water engineering, hydraulic modeling, utilities management and climate change, develop a strong base of key clients. To build good reputation in the field of consulting and become a key player in the industry.
Elevate Your Water and Wastewater Systems with Expert Engineering
Harness over 34 years of expertise for unparalleled results in water and wastewater management and engineering.
Resume
Mauricio Tobon, P.E., PMP
President
Education
M.E.–Civil Engineering, University of Florida (92)
B.S.–Civil Engineering, University of Florida (90)
Registration
Professional Engineer:Florida ,Hawaii)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Mauricio Tobon is a professional water engineer with over 30 years of experience in water, wastewater, reclaimed water engineering, climate change, and utilities management in South Florida and internationally.
He served for over fifteen years at the highest management levels of two of the largest water utilities in South Florida (Palm Beach County and the City of Fort Lauderdale) and was responsible for nearly $1 billion in program management capital improvements. His international experience includes projects in the Caribbean, Philippines, Nepal, India, Tanzania, Micronesia, and the Bahamas. He has extensive knowledge of water and wastewater engineering design and construction. Mauricio has unique experience and insight from being in government for many years and understands the issues faced by water and wastewater utilities
Professional History
2022-to present, GWSI (Philippines), Director of Innovation and Technology
2016 to present Tobon Engineering, President
2016 to 2021 United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS), Senior Infrastructure Advisor (Retainer)
2007 to 2016 Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, Director of Engineering/Program Manager
1997 to 2007 City of Fort Lauderdale, Engineering Design Manager/Assistant Program Manager
1990 to 1997 Camp Dresser & McKee Inc., Project Manager
Specific Technical Experience
Water Supply and Treatment
Senior Project Engineer, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, Miccosukee Service Plaza Wastewater Treatment Membrane Bio Reactor and Water Treatment Reverse Osmosis, Preliminary Design Report and Design Criteria Package
Responsible for the development of the Preliminary Design Report, which evaluated wastewater and water treatment options to serve the proposed Miccosukee Service Plaza in Broward County, Florida. Options considered for the wastewater system included several BNR and MBR systems, including the use of an effluent reuse system for toilet flushing. Water treatment options considered included nano and reverse osmosis filtration systems.
Director of Engineering, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, New Production Wells at WTP 2, 3, and 8
Oversaw the engineering and construction of 8 new water supply wells for two membrane and one lime softening plant. The project also included well yield analysis and permitting.
Director of Engineering, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, WTP 2 MIEX System
Managed the replacement of the existing ozone system with a water treatment system (MIEX) to treat the color and organic content of the potable water at WTP No. 2, increasing plant capacity by 1.9 MGD to 16.4 MGD. Responsible for directing and advising on the design and facilitating construction of the improvements.
Director of Engineering, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, Lake Region WTP Energy Recovery
Installed energy recovery devices (ERDs) and associated improvements for the four existing reverse osmosis (RO) skids at LRWTP. The ERDs enhanced performance, saved energy, and reduced power costs. Directed and advised on the design and facilitated construction of the improvements.
Director of Engineering, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, WTP 2 Filter Replacement
Oversaw the construction of a two-level filter structure, including granular media filters, enclosed filter gallery, air scour blowers, electrical room, clearwell, transfer pumps, backwash pumps, a concrete-lined backwash water pond, and backwash water return pumping station. Responsible for directing and advising on the design and facilitating construction of the improvements.
Engineering Design Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale, Peele Dixie Nano Membrane Treatment Plant
Managed the construction of a new 13 MGD membrane water treatment facility located adjacent to the existing Peele Dixie water plant. Included construction of a new concentrate disposal well and decommissioning of the existing water treatment plant. Responsible for directing and advising on the design and facilitating construction of the improvements
Water and Wastewater Planning
Consultant and Team Lead, Climate Resilient Water Security Plan for the City of Zamboanga, Philippines, 2021
Led the development of a climate-resilient water master plan for Zamboanga City. The master plan involved developing new water sources, determining future water demands, managing water demand, and utilizing the WEAP model to assess climate impacts on new water sources and develop a capital improvement program.
Consultant, Reclaimed Water Master Plan, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, 2020
Responsible for analyzing reclaimed water system data, including historical and projected yearly, monthly, daily, and hourly demands. Developed the reclaimed water hydraulic model, which was integrated with the Broward County model. The integrated hydraulic model was used to determine pipe sizing, booster station locations, storage requirements, and the extent of reclaimed water availability.
Consultant, Town of Davie Water and Wastewater Master Plan, 2019-2020, Town of Davie Utilities Department
Responsible for water and wastewater system data analysis, including historical and projected yearly, monthly, daily, and hourly flows from the treatment plants into the distribution and collection systems Data analyses includes rainfall variations and their impact on wastewater flows. Serve as a technical advisor for the development of a 20-year capital improvement program.
Director of Engineering, 2012 Water and Wastewater Master Plan, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department
Oversaw the development of the 2012 Water and Wastewater Master Plan for Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department. The master plan recommended over $500 million in capital projects, forming the basis for the ongoing Capital Improvement Program. The master plans were developed by consultants under Mr. Tobon's direction and supervision.
Director of Engineering, 2014 Glades Region Water and Wastewater Master Plan, Palm Beach County Water Utilities
Developed the first Water and Wastewater Master Plan for the municipalities of South Bay, Belle Glade, and Pahokee. The master plan summarized existing conditions, created hydraulic models for water and wastewater collection systems, and prioritized improvements, including treatment systems. The master plans were developed by consultants under Mr. Tobon's direction and supervision.
Engineering Design Manager, 2007 Water and Wastewater Master Plan, City of Fort Lauderdale Public Services, Florida
Developed the 2007 Water and Wastewater Master Plans for the City of Fort Lauderdale. The master plans identified over $550 million in capital projects, which served as the basis for the Waterwork 2011 Program Management. The master plans were developed by consultants under Mr. Tobon's guidance, direction, and supervision.
Project Manager (CDM), Water and Wastewater Master Plan, City of Coral Springs
Managed the Water and Wastewater Master Plan for the City of Coral Springs, Florida. Created the first hydraulic models of the water and wastewater systems for the city. Mr. Tobon was fully responsible for all deliverables as the Project Manager.
Project Manager (CDM), Wastewater Master Plan, City of Miami Beach
Developed the Wastewater Master Plan for the City of Miami Beach, Florida. Responsible for the hydraulic model of the wastewater system and analysis of population growth with subsequent capital improvements.
Hydraulic Modeling
Over 25 years of hydraulic modeling experience using KYPIPE, Cybernet, and Infowater software. Mr. Tobon has developed hydraulic models with up to 75,000 pipes for both water and wastewater systems, including pump and booster stations. He is experienced in model development from GIS databases, calibration based on field test data, capital planning, and evaluation. His expertise encompasses both steady-state and extended period simulation of multiple water distribution systems, including the generation of various scenarios to account for hourly demand patterns, seasonal variations, and fire flow demands. For wastewater systems, his experience includes static and extended period simulation of multiple wastewater pump stations and force main systems, with a focus on simulating collection area flow patterns, pump operations, and analyzing resultant force main pressures, flows, and pump station cycling.
Infrastructure Assessment
Consultant, Yap State Water and Wastewater Treatment Engineering Assessment, Yap State, Micronesia Tobon Engineering is the primary subconsultant responsible for preparing the Engineering Assessment Report (EAR) and performing engineering design to replace the existing Yap State Public Service Corporation Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia
Consultant, VA Medical Center Wastewater Treatment System Evaluation, Canandaigua, New York
Tobon Engineering is the subconsultant responsible for preparing the Engineering Evaluation of the VA Medical Center Wastewater Treatment Plant. The evaluation includes treatment equipment condition assessment, replacement evaluation and construction of new wastewater conveyance infrastructure.
Program Management
Director of Engineering/Program Manager, Water and Wastewater Master Plan, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department
Mr. Tobon held an executive-level position, managing and providing leadership to a staff of 35 in the Engineering Division and consultant Program Managers for the Water Utilities Department's $400 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The team included over 10 professional engineers, construction managers, engineering inspectors, and support staff. He was personally responsible for creating the Program Management program (WUD 2020 Capital Improvements Program) by effectively managing staff and consultant partners. His responsibilities included developing organizational performance measures and structures that balanced competing interests while exercising established policies and procedures, streamlining production, and enhancing the department’s cross-functionality and efficiency.
Engineering Design Manager and Assistant Program Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale
Partially responsible for the development and implementation of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s 10-year, $550 million Water and Wastewater Program Management (Waterworks 2011). Played a key role in managing the Waterworks 2011 program and served as the Assistant Program Manager for this effort.
Wastewater Collection and Transmission Systems
Director of Engineering, Lift Station Rehabilitation Phases 1-4, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department.
Rehabilitation of 38 lift stations during a 4-year period, rehabilitation included new wet well coatings, valves, piping, pumps, and control panels. Mr. Tobon was responsible for directing and advising staff from preliminary design through construction.
Director of Engineering, Booster Station 5241 Improvements, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department.
Rehabilitation of a major inline wastewater booster station, improvements included new valves and piping. The design-build contract was carried out under the direction of Mr. Tobon.
Director of Engineering, South Bay Wastewater Lift Station Rehabilitation, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department.
Rehabilitation of 4 lift stations, rehabilitation included new wet well coatings, valves, piping, pumps, and control panels. Under Mr. Tobon’s direction, all grant requirements were met and he was responsible for directing and advising on the design and providing guidance during construction.
Director of Engineering, Pahokee I&I and Wastewater Lift Station Improvements, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department.
Mr. Tobon was responsible for ensuring successful in-house design and construction project which was ARRA Funded. All grant requirements were carried out under his direction by engineering division staff.
Engineering Design Manager, Pump Station Rehabilitation: Pump Stations No. A-11, B-8, D-39, D-47 and E-5, City of Fort Lauderdale Public Services, Florida.
Rehabilitation of 6 major lift stations, some of the improvements included replacement of can stations for submersible stations. Rehabilitation included new wet well coatings, valves, piping, pumps, and control panels. New sanitary sewer, manholes, and force mains were also constructed. Mr. Tobon was responsible for directing and advising on the design and guidance during construction.
Engineering Design Manager, Pump Station Rehabilitation: Pump Stations No. A-2, A-17, A-18, A-19 and A-21, City of Fort Lauderdale Public Services, Florida.
Rehabilitation of major lift stations, rehabilitation included new wet well coatings, valves, piping, pumps, and control panels. New sanitary sewer, manholes, and force mains were also constructed. Mr. Tobon was responsible for directing and advising on the design and facilitating construction of the improvements.
Engineering Design Manager, Pump Station Rehabilitation: Pump Stations No. D-41, A-9, B-5, B-6 and B-13, City of Fort Lauderdale Public Services, Florida.
Rehabilitation of major lift stations, rehabilitation included new wet well coatings, valves, piping, pumps and control panels. Some of the duplex can stations were removed ,and new submersible stations constructed. New sanitary sewer, manholes and force mains were also constructed. Mr. Tobon was responsible for the directing and advising on the design and facilitating construction
Wastewater Transmission Piping
Director of Engineering, FPL 36 Inch Reclaimed Water Pipeline, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department.
Construction of an 18-mile 36-inch Reclaimed Water Pipeline from the East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant to the West County Energy Center. The project consisted of 11 direction drills including under the Florida Turnpike and through the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area. The total $52 million project was a Public Private Partnership between Palm Beach County and FPL. The pipeline portion of the project was designed by Palm Beach County staff under the supervision of Mr. Tobon, who was also involved during construction. The total cost of the pipeline was $19 million.
Engineering Design Manager, A1A 24-inch Wastewater Force Main, City of Fort Lauderdale Public Services, Florida.
The project was for the construction of 3,600 feet of a new 24-inch force main along A1A and Seabreeze Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. The new force main relieved a hydraulic restriction in the wastewater system and reduced system pressures, which increased wastewater flow to the wastewater treatment plant. The project was designed by City staff under the supervision of Mr. Tobon and constructed under his direction.
Wastewater Treatment and Collection System
Engineer of Record, Americana Village Wastewater Treatment and Collection System.
Responsible for all operating and engineering permitting for a 0.20 MGD wastewater treatment plant and collection system in Miami, Florida. Various reports include Sewer System Evaluation, Plan of Compliance, Wastewater Treatment Performance Evaluation, and Operating Permit Renewal. Works closely with operational staff to ensure compliance with regulations and engineering standards.
Senior Project Engineer, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, Miccosukee Service Plaza Wastewater Treatment Membrane Bio Reactor and Water Treatment Reverse Osmosis, Preliminary Design Report and Design Criteria Package.
Responsible for the development of the Preliminary Design Report which evaluated wastewater and water treatment options to serve the proposed Miccosukee Service Plaza in Broward County, Florida. Options considered for the wastewater system included several BNR and MBR systems, including the use of an effluent reuse system for toilet flushing. Wastewater effluent disposal options were also evaluated based on permitting requirements, cost, and operations. Water treatment options considered included nano and reverse osmosis filtration systems.
Publication
- Tobon M., Pettit C. (2017),Toolkit for Climate Resilient Water Utility Operations ,USAID
Elevate Your Water and Wastewater Systems with Expert Engineering
Harness over 34 years of expertise for unparalleled results in water and wastewater management and engineering.