06/11/2026
McNeil Engineering’s Spring 2026 Newsletter showcases a wide range of projects that reflect the firm’s multidisciplinary expertise across surveying, civil engineering, consulting, structural engineering, and landscape architecture. Each project highlights a different way McNeil Engineering helps clients solve technical challenges while supporting safer, smarter, and more functional spaces.
Drone LiDAR Survey and Stockpile Analysis at Skyline Mine
At the Skyline Mine site, McNeil Engineering’s Survey team used drone-based LiDAR technology to capture accurate existing surface conditions across a stockpile area. This work supported material volume calculations and helped mine operators better understand current site conditions.
By using an RTK-enabled drone equipped with LiDAR sensors, the team collected dense point cloud data without requiring crews to physically access the stockpile. This approach improved field safety while still producing the high-resolution elevation data needed for reliable volumetric analysis.
The final dataset gave mine operators a clear digital model of the surface, helping them track material quantities and make informed operational decisions. It is a strong example of how advanced technology can make survey work safer, faster, and more precise.
Civil Engineering for Wasatch Surf Club
McNeil Engineering is also supporting the Wasatch Surf Club, a major indoor surfing wave pool project planned in Draper near Bangerter Highway and I-15. The project requires detailed civil site engineering, with a strong focus on grading, drainage, utilities, and coordination across multiple design teams.
A project of this scale requires careful site shaping to accommodate wave-generating basins, perimeter decks, access areas, and supporting infrastructure. McNeil’s grading work helps maintain smooth transitions, ADA-compliant access, balanced earthwork, and proper elevations for the surf basin.
Drainage is another key part of the project. Runoff must be directed away from the basin and structures, while stormwater systems must address water quality, groundwater conditions, and local permitting needs. McNeil’s civil engineering role helps support a facility that is functional, constructible, and ready for long-term growth.
Consulting Work at the Utah State Developmental Center
McNeil Engineering’s Consulting team has supported the Utah State Developmental Center through several site improvement projects over the years. These projects have focused on improving safety, access, and pavement conditions across the campus.
The work has included parking lot additions, speed humps, asphalt patching, new asphalt installation, and other paving-related improvements. These upgrades help staff, residents, visitors, and service providers move through the campus more safely and efficiently.
One notable project included the design of a fire truck access road serving the Center’s new therapy building. This type of improvement supports emergency access while helping the campus continue to modernize. The ongoing partnership reflects McNeil’s ability to provide practical, responsive solutions over multiple project phases.
Structural Engineering for North Union Apartments
In Midvale, McNeil Engineering’s Structural team contributed to North Union Apartments, a modern multifamily residential development designed to support high-density urban living in the Salt Lake Valley corridor.
The project includes studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, townhome-style units, structured parking, shared amenities, and resort-style community features. From a structural perspective, a project like this requires extensive coordination between architectural goals, resident comfort, safety, and long-term durability.
McNeil’s team provided structural engineering solutions for a multi-story residential environment, including framing systems, vertical and lateral load transfer analysis, parking structure coordination, and seismic design considerations. The work helped create a structure built to support modern urban living while meeting the performance demands of development along the Wasatch Front.
Landscape Architecture at the Utah State Developmental Center
McNeil Engineering’s Landscape Architecture team has also played an important role at the Utah State Developmental Center. Led by Scott Schoonover, the team has helped support campus improvements focused on landscape renewal, site functionality, and user experience.
A major part of this work involved replacing aging irrigation systems and improving landscaped areas throughout the campus. These improvements support healthier, more sustainable landscape performance while also making the campus feel more welcoming and well maintained.
The landscape work has been coordinated with broader site upgrades, including parking lot additions and concrete and asphalt improvements. This integrated approach helps ensure that the campus functions well as a whole, creating smoother access and a more supportive environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Better Projects
Together, these Spring 2026 projects show the breadth of McNeil Engineering’s work across Utah and beyond. From advanced drone surveying in mining environments to civil design for a one-of-a-kind surf facility, from campus accessibility improvements to multifamily structural engineering and landscape renewal, each project reflects a practical approach to solving real-world challenges.
McNeil Engineering continues to support clients with technical expertise, thoughtful coordination, and solutions designed for long-term performance.
