My Favorite Project: Milestone Reservoir

Turning Old Quarries into New Possibilities

Some projects resonate deeply, blending technical challenges with meaningful community impact. For Kelley Lazor, Mining Engineer at Schnabel Engineering, the Milestone Reservoir project stands out.

A Bold Vision for Sustainable Water

Loudoun Water’s Potomac Water Supply Program aims to provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water supply to rapidly growing Loudoun County, Virginia. A key component of this initiative is the conversion of retired quarries into raw water storage facilities. The Milestone Reservoir is the first such project, repurposing a former Luck Stone quarry to hold over one billion gallons of water.

Engineering Challenges That Inspired Innovation

Schnabel Engineering played a pivotal role as the lead geotechnical engineer and tunnel designer. The project involved designing a 260-foot-deep intake shaft and three intake tunnels through diabase rock, employing drill and blast tunneling methods. Additionally, Schnabel designed a 560-foot-long tunnel for raw water transmission and provided slope stabilization solutions around the quarry rim.

Repurposing Land, Serving the Community

This project exemplifies the principles of land reclamation and sustainable engineering. By repurposing an existing quarry, the team minimized environmental disruption and provided a long-term solution to the community’s water needs.

Learning on the Front Lines

“Participating in every stage—from design to construction—helped bridge the gap between concept and execution,” says Kelley. “Collaborating with the miners on-site provided lessons that continue to shape my approach to practical, effective design.”

As Kelley looks back on Milestone Reservoir, she sees more than technical achievements—she sees a project that will serve Loudoun County for generations. It’s a powerful example of how engineering can repurpose the past to meet the needs of the future, and why this work continues to inspire her.