O'Connell, William J., 1903-1966.

Biography

The following "qualification" material was presented as an EXHIBIT in a case where William O'Connell testified in his capacity as consultant for the Contra Costa County Water Agency. It is included here for the biographical detail.

BUSINESS ADDRESS:

W. J. O'Connell & Associates 1214 Burlingame Avenue Burlingame, California

CAPACITY IN WHICH APPEARING:

Consultant to Contra Costa County Water Agency

EDUCATION:

Graduate work in bio-chemical and chemical engineering, Rutgers University, 1927.

Bachelor of Science degree, University of California, 1925, in engineering.

Undergraduate work in civil and sanitary engineering, University of California.

Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco.

REGISTRATION:

Professional Engineer

Civil and Professional Engineers Certificate No. CH 1866, State of California.

Related Advisory Responsibilities

EXPERIENCE:

Thirty years professional and industrial engineering experience.

Worked with A.D. Edmonston, Division of Engineering and Irrigation, California Department of Public Works, 1925-26, on State Water Plan.

With Wallace & Tiernan Sales Corporation, 1928-41, providing technical services on problems of municipal and industrial water supply and waste disposal throughout the United States, including water supply problems of numbers of large central generating stations.

Since 1942, has operated own consulting offices to advise on industrial process problems encountered in food, solar salt, chemical and heavy industrial operations and on the use of manufactured products or utility services in wet processes. Wide experience in developing suitable water supplies and providing for waste disposal and air pollution control in a variety of industries. Industries advised on the effects on their long-range expansion plans of the attitudes of local, county and state governmental agencies toward provision and regulation of the use of water supply and waste disposal facilities needed by industry and the extent of public financing of the construction and operation of such facilities. Works with lawyers on technical data to be used in legal proceedings.

Comprehensive studies made of California's water resources development proposals with particular attention to ultimate use by state and county agencies and industry.

Technical information and advisory services provided for cities, counties, and public districts concerning water resources development, waste disposal, air pollution, recreational use of water, fisheries resources, water rights, water quality control, saline water conversion and flood control.

Illustrations of Work Performed:

Directs detailed staff study of State water planning, including analysis of historic flows of rivers tributary to the delta, extent of diversions, historic and projected effects of planned state works on chlorinity encroachment, historic and existing water rights, projected water needs in the Delta and effects of upstream drainage and seepage on the Delta, and related problems. Directs preparation of reports for presentation to state agencies, illustrated by Graphic Portrayal in Color and Symbol of the Effects of Salinity Encroachment in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Based Upon the Assumed Construction and Operating Schedules of the Biemond Cross-Delta Transfer Plan. Provides technical analysis of legislative proposals relating to the California Water resources development program and its effects upon Contra Costa County.

Confers with legislative committees, the State Department of Water Resources, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and other agencies. Assembled technical information for the 1959 report, Contra Costa County's Water Requirements: A Report to the Citizens from the Board of Supervisors Concerning (1) The Threat of Deterioration of Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Supplies (2) The Program Required to Protect County Water Needs (3) The County's Ultimate Water Needs.

Confers with representatives of other counties on technical aspects of formulating repayment contract terms for purchase of California Water Resources Development System water from projected South Bay Aqueduct.

Contra Costa County Department of Public Works

Consultant on problems of water supply, water pollution, sewerage, refuse and garbage disposal, and air pollution, since 1954. Advises on preparation for and appearances before legislative committees and administrative agencies. Consults on the recreational uses of impounded water. Confers on possible location of U.S. saline water conversion plant at Antioch. Arranged and conducted air-and-boat tour to familiarize leaders of Feather River Project Association with Delta problems and Delta Concept in State water planning.

Southwest Contra Costa County Water District

Responsible for planning development of supplementary industrial water supply for Richmond area, including use of reclaimed sewage.

State Senate Interim Committee on Proposed Water Projects

Acting staff director, 1958-59, advised committee on all phases of state water planning and problems, arranged hearings, conferred with the Department of water Resources and other agencies, and analyzed and reported to the committee on testimony, exhibits and prior studies. Prepared questionnaire addressed to each county as to its water resources and needs, now and in the future, and as to the effects and sufficiency of state proposals. In addition, directed an intensive study of Delta water problems and possible effects of proposed cross-transfer works. Prepared committee's progress report to the Senate, Study of Sufficiency of Proposals and Some Effects of the California Water Development Program, May 14, 1959.

East Bay Municipal Utility District.

Technical information and advisory services on effects upon salmon fisheries of proposed Mokelumne River diversions and storage; preservation of the fisheries; and participation in negotiations with interested agencies.

Standard Oil Company of California

Consultant on water supply, waste recovery, and disposal, and process problems since 1947.

Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Office of Rubber Reserve

Consultant on water supply and waste disposal needs at all California synthetic rubber plants of the RFC during world War II.

City of Hayward

Technical information and advisory services on solution of well water supply problems.

Canners League of California

Consultant, since 1950, on water supply and waste disposal problems. Advises on effects of water supply and sewerage service proposals.

California Sardine Products Institute and California Fish Canners

Analyzed water supply and waste disposal problems of the industry, recommending basis for water quality control program and design of treatment facilities to meet water pollution control requirements.

Oakley County Water District

Technical information and advisory services on general plan for flood control.

Western Fruit and Vegetable Canners Association

Analyzed the magnitude of the California fruit and vegetable canning industry's contribution to pollution of waters of the state and appraised how that responsibility is to be met in the future. Prepared Report on Problem of Disposal of Processing Waste and Presentation of Facts Relating to the California Fruit and Vegetable Canning Industry.

Tri-Valley Packing Company

Original design for canner waste disposal works to meet water pollution requirements at Stockton plant.

From the guide to the William J. O'Connell Papers, 1952-1966, (Water Resources Collections and Archives)