Taco Bell
The Graham Taco Bell project involved the expedited design, permitting, and construction support of a new onsite wastewater treatment system for a quick-service restaurant in Graham, Washington. LSE stepped in as the new and late-stage Designer of Record and was responsible for developing a new septic system design, coordinating with regulatory agencies and contractors, and supporting the project through installation and approval. The project was completed on an accelerated schedule, with design, permitting, installation, and final approvals occurring in approximately three months.
Project Overview
LSE was brought into the Graham Taco Bell project in late August to oversee construction of the restaurant's septic system. Shortly after becoming involved, our team discovered that the original septic design had expired and could no longer be used for permitting or construction. To prevent delays to the restaurant's opening and overall construction schedule, LSE quickly mobilized to develop a completely new wastewater treatment system design and guide the project through approval and installation. This process typically takes six months or more, and we guided the project to completion by the end of the year.
Project Goals
The primary goal of the project was to avoid construction delays resulting from the expired septic design. The project also required the development of a compliant wastewater treatment system capable of handling the unique effluent characteristics generated by a Taco Bell restaurant. In addition, the team needed to obtain regulatory approval quickly, coordinate installation activities efficiently, and ensure the restaurant could open on schedule while meeting Taco Bell corporate requirements.
Process / Approach
After identifying that the original septic design had expired, LSE immediately assembled the resources necessary to redesign the system under an aggressive timeline. Overtime was approved, and team members were mobilized quickly to develop a new design from the ground up. The resulting solution incorporated a complex wastewater treatment regime and drip dispersal system specifically engineered for the demands of a high-volume restaurant facility. Throughout the project, LSE maintained close communication with the contractor and worked proactively with local Health Department staff to facilitate timely review and approval of the design.
Solution
LSE successfully designed and submitted a new wastewater treatment system within just two weeks, allowing regulatory review to begin without impacting the construction schedule. The design was approved quickly, construction proceeded as planned, and the system was installed the following month. By combining technical expertise, efficient project management, and strong relationships with regulatory agencies and contractors, LSE compressed a process that typically takes six months or longer into approximately three months. This expedited effort allowed the Graham Taco Bell to remain on schedule and open on time while fully meeting regulatory and corporate requirements.