As a Principal Engineer with Integral Consulting Inc., a leading environmental services company and valued Land Science® client, Keith Brodock wears several “hats.” He begins, “In addition to my role as Principal Engineer with Integral Consulting, I serve as the President of an affiliated company, Integral Engineering, P.C. where I have responsibility for the operations and direction of that company.” Brodock joined Integral Consulting in 2012, as a Managing Engineer. He was promoted to Senior Consultant, prior to promotion in his current position as Principal Engineer. Suffice to say, throughout his tenure at the firm, Brodock has impacted virtually every facet of the company. He continues, “Currently I’m responsible for successful delivery of investigation and mitigation projects, which includes vapor intrusion mitigation design and construction. As a Principal, I serve in multiple states as the engineer in charge of projects ranging from investigation to mitigation design/construction to vapor intrusion mitigation design/construction. I also co-lead our internal Project Management training program and recently served as an advisor to the Executive Committee.”

Throughout his 10+ years with the firm, Brodock has strived to optimize what he feels are the company’s strengths, while keeping an eye on the firm’s long-range goals. He shares, “Our people and their technical expertise are our obvious strengths. I truly feel we can solve any challenge. In fact, in the past year alone we were granted two patents for new technological solutions. And while we have achieved much success, our goals remain unchanged– achievement of sustainable growth through commitment to our clients, health and safety, quality, diversity and sustainability.”

To prepare for a career in environmental mitigation, Brodock earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. To stay current with new technologies and emerging trends he adheres to a rigorous schedule of continuing education credits. “I hold professional engineering licenses in 14 states and that alone requires me to take numerous continuing education courses, from engineering, to law, and ethics.  A couple of my favorites were the recent courses I taught on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ‘PFAS’, and on updates to the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program. Outside of those, I recently took a course on ‘Electrical Engineering Principals and Practice for Non-Electrical Engineers’. I’ve always been interested in electrical engineering design and have used my knowledge of electrical engineering in mitigation control system design/operation.”

When it comes to the future of environmental mitigation, Brodock is bullish on the industry’s prospects for growth, in part due to the evolving science. He continues, “As science continues to evolve, there will be a need for more mitigation. And as we identify more chemicals that present risk, and as risk level thresholds decrease, I believe there will be a continued need for new mitigation techniques and processes.”

Brodock enjoys working with Land Science and he especially appreciates how they are well positioned to respond quickly to the changing demands of project and site work. He shares, “It’s easy to work with Land Science. They communicate quickly and are very thorough. Recently, with the supply chain disruptions, it was difficult to plan schedules for a project, but Land Science provided accurate estimations and delivered Retro-Coat® on-time.” With regard to specific Land Science products, he says Retro-Coat is at the top of their list. “Hands down, it’s Retro-Coat. It’s a fantastic product for installing a vapor barrier in an existing building. Most of our vapor intrusion work is in existing buildings, so it’s important to have tools that work in existing buildings and that are also accepted by the regulatory community.”

In addition to his current work, Brodock and Integral Consulting have been busy developing programs and solutions for their new practices. He points out that Integral Consulting recently started a Natural Resources and Environmental Economics “NREE” and a Water Resources practice. He shares, “Ted Tomasi, Managing Principal and Business Director for the NREE practice, recently released two whitepapers on environmental justice in Natural Resource Damage Assessments (NRDA). And we are also consulting on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters. We’ve developed an internal ESG platform and are now taking our experience to other companies who need help in developing their ESG programs.”

Residing in Montclair, New Jersey with his wife and two children, Brodock works out of the company’s New York City office. Outside of work, much of his free time is spent shuttling his kids to their various activities. He also enjoys applying his knowledge of technology towards home-based solutions which he feels helps make life easier. He shares, “Over the past few years I’ve developed a home automation system, and I continually add new features to it. A lot of it is focused on security, so I don’t want to disclose too much, but let’s say that at various times the system checks to be sure the house is secure, and if it’s not, the system can either alert me or take its own action to fix the situation. I’ll add that it sometimes freaks people out when the house “moves” or “talks”! A non-security automation I’ve designed allows some of my lights to turn on based on the position of the sun, instead of at a specific time, so the lights always come on at dusk, regardless of the time of year.”

When asked how he would encourage others to join his field of study, he feels it’s important to provide opportunities for a new generation of those who want to help clean up our planet. He shares, “I believe that by encouraging younger folks to study and develop solutions to current environmental issues, we will naturally grow the industry. As a company, Integral funds academic scholarships for research in the environmental and STEM fields, and several of those scholarships have gone to schools with historically high black student populations.”

Land Science is proud to have Keith Brodock, Principal Engineer with Integral Consulting Inc. and President of Integral Engineering, P.C., as a valued client and partner, and appreciates his deep and diversified experience and commitment in providing successful vapor intrusion mitigation outcomes for Land Science and its clients.

As President of Earth Mitigation Systems, an environmental consulting company and valued Land Science® client, Nathan Shamosh sees the benefits to owning and managing his own vapor intrusion firm, and appreciates the diversity and variety that comes with managing a wide variety of consulting projects over the years. He begins, “I’m fortunate to have developed great relationships with smart people throughout my work experience, and these relationships have allowed me to learn and connect with other like-minded professionals. Ultimately my working relationships have led to hundreds of successful consulting projects. Being able to look back at complex design build projects, or a firm tripling revenues because of specific strategies we implemented, is a gratifying experience.” Prior to forming Earth Mitigation Systems (EMS) nine years ago, Shamosh held positions with other vapor intrusion firms including Director of Business Development, National Sales Manager, and Regional Vice President positions. He initially became interested in the vapor intrusion space when he found he enjoyed the technical aspects of engineering, construction, and the development of new technologies to solve environmental problems. His current responsibilities include consulting services to developers, contractors, engineers, and architects on the design and construction of vapor intrusion mitigation systems, building envelope, and renewable energy projects. Additionally, EMS consults on a long term, in-house basis on business development and revenue growth strategies. His educational background includes a BS in Business Management from California State University Dominguez Hills.

When asked what he likes about working with Land Science®, Shamosh mentions the company’s ingenuity, especially when it comes to technology. He shares, “Land Science is always looking for creative ways to improve their technologies and provide options that clients can consider for a variety of site conditions. A recent project comes to mind where a client had been using a system that did not work well with subgrade conditions as well as surrounding trade work. The issues ultimately lead to QAQC problems and schedule delays. Working with the Land Science team, we presented the option to use MonoShield®. The ease of installation, and robustness of the system, allowed our team to surpass field challenges and set the schedule up for success. The client could not be happier with the performance of the system and quality of the installation.” In terms of other Land Science products and solutions, Nitra-Seal® is also preferred for its quality, price point, and speed of install. He continues, “Nitra-Seal is a competitive option that provides a high level of protection. As an example, we recently worked on a large distribution warehouse facility where the client wanted a composite membrane but was concerned about the costs and time it would take to install. We ran cost/schedule analysis with a variety of systems and presented the options. Nitra-seal was the preferred choice because it came in under budget, provided the level of protection required, and exceeded schedule expectations. To keep up with emerging trends and the latest technology, Shamosh attends webinars and conferences. He shares, “I haven’t attended many conferences recently, but in the past I’ve attended AEHS in San Diego and in Massachusetts. I’ve also attended the Battelle conferences, ICSC/Recon, National Brownfields Conference, AIA Conference, IBEC, and others.” Through his work and efforts to continuously learn about industry best practices, he hopes to accomplish a variety of company objectives that will impact the service EMS is able to provide clients. He continues, We also want to expand VI services into the Southeast and Midwest regions through our in-house consulting. Since each company has different services and challenges, my approach and goals for each one is different. “EMS is also working on proprietary renewable energy technologies that we expect to reach market potential in the near future”.

Residing in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and two daughters, Shamosh finds time away from work to be with his family, and also enjoys international travel. “We usually go to Italy for a month every year or travel to other parts of the world. Also, music and art are a big part of our home.” When asked what he likes most about his work, he feels the broad range of clients and services are especially stimulating. He continues, “I get to work with different companies at various levels within the environmental industry. Being able to serve multiple disciplines brings diversity to my work, which keeps projects exciting. I also get to work with smart business owners who bring their talents to the table in different ways. Being surrounded by this diverse mix has always led to new paths for EMS and for me personally.” And the most challenging aspect of his work? He muses, “The best part of the job can also be the most demanding. Being pulled in multiple directions from different disciplines across various time zones can be difficult.” And while his work has its challenges, he realizes his experience and responsiveness in a demanding industry can help differentiate Earth Mitigation Systems. He shares, “We have the ability to consult for different disciplines at various stages in the development cycle. Our experience, forward thinking, and connectivity to the latest technologies serve our clients interests and set the stage for long lasting relationships”.

Shamosh also keeps an eye toward the future of the vapor intrusion industry and sees a few areas where change may be taking place. He shares, “I think we’ll see more standardized regulations with VI around the country, along with more voluntary systems implemented to protect against litigation. In addition, we’ll likely see stronger investments towards a combination of renewable energy technologies, such as landfill gas to energy, biogas, RNG, plastics to energy, solar, hydrogen fuel cells, wind, and hydro. The world’s energy needs will continue to grow, however we are still in the early stages of transitioning away from fossil fuels.” And how would he encourage others to join his field of study? He concludes, “I suggest students start with a Geotech degree, it’s a great base to work up from. I also recommend gaining as much field experience as possible, a combination of field smarts and book smarts will take young professionals a long way. When searching for a position, look for small privately owned companies run by smart, business savvy people who have an unshakable moral code. Stick around long enough to be a part of significant growth, and if there is an opportunity, buy into the company. After you have gained enough experience, I recommend starting a new business. I’m certainly glad I did.”

Land Science is proud to have Nathan Shamosh, President of Earth Mitigation Systems, as a valued client and partner, and appreciates his deep and diversified experience and commitment in providing successful vapor intrusion mitigation outcomes for Land Science and its clients.

In a highly specialized career spanning 35+ years, Rich Rago, Lead Scientist and Vapor Intrusion Practice Leader at Haley & Aldrich, Inc., still enjoys the thrill of discovering new methods and approaches to his work. He begins, “Over the last 30 years, I have been fortunate to lead research on topics that have meaningfully advanced the environmental practice.” Rago started his career with Haley & Aldrich in 1991. The company is a national environmental and geotechnical engineering firm, headquartered in Massachusetts. Upon joining the firm as Senior Scientist, he initially worked in all aspects of environmental consulting, including field planning and execution, data interpretation, report development, and regulatory negotiation. He also established and managed Haley & Aldrich’s in-house analytical laboratory, performing screening for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PCBs, metals, and petroleum fingerprinting. His current responsibilities include working with clients in manufacturing, aerospace, utilities, institutions, and real estate development across a wide range of complex projects, providing high level strategy across their portfolio of sites in the U.S. and abroad. He earned a BS in Environmental Earth Science at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Rago first became interested in environmental mitigation while working for a commercial clinical laboratory in the mid-1980’s where he first became involved in compliance with hazardous and radioactive waste regulations. He shares, “This was fairly early in terms of the environmental field. It was my first introduction to the environmental practice, and it was really exciting to get in at the beginning of what is now the environmental industry. The rest is history.”

Today, Rago routinely participates in training programs as a member of professional organizations in several states. In addition, he conducts classes along with other experts via the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Air & Waste Management Association, and for an array of professional organizations in several states. He continues, “I love this aspect of my job. I currently provide lectures for Princeton Groundwater’s Remediation Courses, and later in October I will be providing lectures for a class in Brazil.” When asked about the future goals of Haley & Aldrich, he feels the company is on target to position itself as a leader in integrating technology and human potential to tackle tough environmental issues facing the world. He shares, “The company is always looking forward, and we recognize the future will require nimble adaptation to meet our clients’ changing needs. Regardless of how we adapt, we’ll always stay focused on delivering an extraordinary client experience, while continuing to be a place where talented people want to work.”

When it comes to working with Land Science, Rago appreciates the staff’s high level of expertise and commitment. He shares, “With Land Science and REGENESIS, you get to consult with seasoned professionals. I appreciate that they are taking an active role in educating the practice on the advancements in barrier technologies.” As for specific product usage, he makes recommendations, depending on the unique situations dictated by each site. He continues, “Most all of my mitigation practices have been active and passive systems, and barriers are generally not products I use as a standalone solution.  However, I recently recommended that a colleague consider Retro-Coat® for a project in the southwestern U.S., and I have specified MonoShield® and TerraShield® on previous efforts.”

When asked how he’s seen the industry evolve, he feels increased competition and tiered pricing have begun to shape the industry. He continues, “I have seen many firms fail over the years, and a lot of growth by acquisition. In my view, a commodity atmosphere has developed amongst some of our peers, with competition resulting in lower prices and lower quality. On the positive side, we all have brought our successes and failures to the table to better the practice. Some regulations have become more streamlined, flexible, and practical, and some states have gone on to develop successful privatized programs. Firms have also become more agile and specialized, which means I get to work with some very smart people.”

Residing in Glastonbury, CT with his wife, Rago finds time away from work to enjoy several outdoor activities. “I love skiing and managed to get in 50 ski days last year, which also included snowshoeing and skating. In other seasons, I enjoy biking, kayaking, boating, and hiking. I love being outdoors!” When asked what Haley & Aldrich has planned for the future, he says the firm is always working towards advancing the practice. He shares, “Haley & Aldrich is always looking to innovate in the field of science and engineering. In essence we’re always looking for approaches to apply advances in new ways to solve our clients’ emerging problems. We also want to make sure we continue to connect with what’s important to our staff so that we all feel engaged and energized by our work.” While he appreciates working on his own projects, he finds collaborating with others especially rewarding. “I enjoy working on teams, both internal and external. I love finding technical and practical solutions to complex problems.” And the most demanding part? “Working in consulting means sometimes giving it 100% and oftentimes going beyond 100% to meet the demands. For me, the biggest challenge is to do all of it – to be a leader and a mentor, to be a teacher, while constantly learning and looking for new ways to do the same things better. And, of course to make sure we are doing all the other things correctly.” And how would he encourage others to join in his field of study? He concludes, “I would encourage entry level practitioners and those thinking about a career in environmental sciences to get broad and comprehensive field experience. Good technical writing skills and data reduction skills are also a must. For the vapor intrusion practice, incorrect decision making can lead to potential inhalation exposures so it’s important to take this profession seriously.”

Land Science is proud to highlight Rich Rago’s work in the industry as Lead Scientist and Vapor Intrusion Practice Leader at Haley & Aldrich, Inc. As a valued client and partner, Land Science appreciates his seasoned experience and leadership in providing successful vapor intrusion mitigation outcomes for clients across the industry.

For Laurie Chilcote, a career in environmental mitigation allows her to pursue several professional interests, and helped garner a diverse background. She begins, “I like variety, challenges, collaboration, and helping others. I am grateful for the opportunities my career has provided- meeting and working with so many people and organizations in the environmental industry from all over the world, and collaborating on how to protect the environment.” Chilcote admits to “wearing many hats” when describing her current position with Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc., a leading environmental firm and valued Land Science® partner. She continues, “I have been working for Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc. since 1995. Currently, I am the Director of Sales & Marketing and the Office Manager for Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc. and the Vice President of Vapor Pin Enterprises, Inc., and Vapor Pin do Brasil. During my tenure, I’ve also served as HR Administrator, Business Development Manager, Sales & Marketing Director, AP/AR, and Data Management.”  Suffice to say, her time at Cox-Colvin has helped develop a diverse, balanced background, yet one that includes several areas of specialization. Prior to joining Cox-Colvin, Chilcote served as a Regional Business Development Manager for a global design and engineering consultancy. Earlier, she completed course work at The Ohio State University, before initially starting out in the marketing side of environmental mitigation.

In her day-to-day responsibilities, Chilcote manages analytical data and provides managerial and technical oversight on all marketing and sales for the Vapor Pin® product line, both within the USA and Internationally.  She is also responsible for website development, webinar training, product development, distributor management, and customer relations.  She continues, “I also educate the public on Vapor Pin® technology, implementation, and quality control.  As part of that educational outreach, I make presentations to environmental firms, regulatory agencies, and developers throughout the US and internationally on a variety of Vapor Intrusion topics.” In addition, she has served on the Board of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), and is a founding member of the Association of Vapor Intrusion Professionals (AVIP).  She shares, “AVIP’s purpose is to establish a community of Vapor Intrusion professionals who are dedicated to advancing the industry, exploring new technologies, and sharing knowledge and science related to Vapor Intrusion.” At Cox-Colvin & Associates, Chilcote appreciates and strives to assist the firm to achieve its long-term goals, which include the continued expansion of services and strong growth in its client base.  One such example includes the recently added services of asbestos sampling and air monitoring. With regard to Vapor Pin Enterprises, she continues. “For Vapor Pin, we would like to expand our European and South American markets and distribution network.  We also plan to continue the development of new products that will help environmental professionals do their work more effectively and efficiently.”

When it comes to working with Land Science, Chilcote appreciates their professionalism and commitment to achieving successful outcomes. She continues, “I enjoy working with Land Science because of the people and the company’s dedication to its work.  Everyone is personable, competent, collaborative and dedicated to protecting the environment.” With regard to specific use of Land Science products and solutions, Chilcote feels two stand out in particular as complements to Cox-Colvin products. “Our Vapor Pin® Insert is used to facilitate the collection of soil gas samples and pressure measurements beneath engineered vapor intrusion barriers, such as Terra-Shield®, or vapor mitigation coatings, as with Retro-Coat®,” she says.  “As a result, we have seen our inserts requested in many engineered drawings from Land Science clients. One example of the collaborative relationship we share is showcased by a white paper that Cox-Colvin developed in conjunction with Land Science and REGENESIS®. The project focused on Biostimulation and Bioaugmentation of Recalcitrant VOCs in Groundwater using HRC® and BDI® Plus for a site we worked on together.”

Residing in Ohio, where she has lived her entire life, Chilcote enjoys a variety of hobbies and activities outside of work. She shares, “Most importantly, it’s about spending time with my children, grandchildren, family and friends.  I am also a big Disney fan.  I have an Annual Pass for Walt Disney World and enjoy the RunDisney events with friends and family. One fun fact is that my daughters and I have matching Disney tattoos (their request!).  When asked what she enjoys most about her work, she quickly points to the connection between humans and our environment. She shares, “I’m passionate about protecting people and the environment, and this career provides me with a platform to do more than just take up space on this earth- it enables me to make a difference on a larger scale and be involved.” And the most challenging aspect of her job? “Oh that’s an easy one…balancing life and work!” She  also feels honored to be selected this year as an Ambassador for RemTech Europe.  She continues, “RemTech Europe Ambassadors are environmental experts from Control Authority, universities, consultancies, and private companies that support RemTech Europe initiatives disseminating RemTech Europe scientific content.” And how would she encourage others to join in her field of study? She concludes, “Network, network, network.  I would encourage others by getting involved with students through mentorships and internships, as well as conferences.  We have also been fortunate to connect with students through organizations such as the American Institute of Professional Geologist (AIPG), the Ohio Environmental Services Industry (OESI), and many others.”

Land Science is proud to have Laurie Chilcote, Director of Sales & Marketing for Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc. and the Vice President of Vapor Pin Enterprises, Inc., as a valued partner, and appreciates her deep and diversified experience and commitment in providing successful vapor intrusion mitigation outcomes.

With more than 35 years of experience in the vapor intrusion industry, Tom Hatton, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Vapor, LLC, an innovative mitigation technologies company and valued Land Science® client, has enjoyed great success, knowing the impact that vapor intrusion mitigation can have on the environment. He shares, “This work is my passion. Having the benefit of watching this industry grow — from its inception to its current state of critical importance — has been rewarding. For me, vapor intrusion is more than just environmental science and buildings-  it’s a calling to protect human health by providing cleaner indoor air environments.” Hatton co-founded Clean Vapor and has led the N.J.-based firm for the past 15 years.  Prior to forming the company, he spent 20 years developing and implementing vapor intrusion mitigation solutions for residential and commercial clients. His extensive experience includes work on over 11,000 sites in the US and abroad, and clearly positions him as an expert in his field. He continues, “One of the things I love most about the vapor intrusion (VI) industry is solving the problem at hand. Every building is different, and designing an effective VI system is as much an art as it is a science. Understanding all of the variables contributing to a VI problem, interpreting the data, and designing the most effective system possible for a specific site makes the work enjoyable.”

Hatton chose the VI field due to what he calls a “natural love” of the sciences, construction engineering, and problem solving, and feels vapor intrusion is the intersection of all three. “What makes it especially rewarding for me,” he says, “Is the outcome- which is the protection of human health. When I complete the design and installation of a vapor intrusion mitigation system (VIMS), along with the integration of the long-term monitoring program, I know the air in that building is healthier and better for the people who occupy that building each and every day.” Hatton’s interest in the environment and sciences began in his youth, and would lead to earning his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Natural Science (a major which combines physics and chemistry) from Bryan College, a private university located in Dayton, TN. He recalls how vapor intrusion was just beginning to emerge early on in his career, and how VI research projects provided an opportunity to creatively blend all three of his passions- chemistry, soil mechanics, and building construction, into one effort. He also discovered how much he enjoys the variety VI projects offered. He continues, “Every building is a unique challenge. Unraveling the mystery of a building leads to continuous learning opportunities, creative solutions for both existing buildings, new construction, and improving the electronic management of those systems. It really is all about enhanced sustainability and keeping future generations safe.”

Hatton enjoys working with Land Science, in part because of the company’s principles. “Land Science appreciates the value and importance of a job well-done.  In an industry that affects human health, Land Science prioritizes quality and efficacy over cost and expediency.” He relates how a recent new construction project in a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina required the use of an advanced engineered barrier. He continues, “As system designers, Clean Vapor knew that for this project, Land Science offered an ideal solution. By using Nitra-Seal the client was getting a superior value that will last the life of the building and provide decades of protection against vapor intrusion.” He notes that Nitra-Seal® and MonoShield® are used for a variety of applications because they offer the best combination of protective properties, ease of application, long-term durability, and cost. To stay current on new technologies and emerging industry trends, Hatton ensures Clean Vapor is continually engaged in on-going professional development by evaluating new technologies, materials, and products. He shares, “Our team does this on our own and in collaboration with others, in an effort to help us better understand construction practices and on-going process improvements.”

Hatton and his family reside in New Jersey, where he and his wife, have two grown children. His daughter also works in Clean Vapor’s marketing department as a project coordinator. In his free time, Hatton enjoys “anything with wings or motors”. He shares, “I am a pilot and enjoy flying recreationally. I also enjoy restoring antique cars, and convertibles…as long as they’re Fords.  I also enjoy scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking.” When asked what he enjoys most about his work, he responds quickly, “Knowing that Clean Vapor has designed and installed over 11,000 mitigation systems and that our goal of producing results exceeds industry standards which has resulted in the improvement of human health and the saving of lives.” And the most challenging aspect? “I will say it is educating responsible parties about the value of investing in mitigation solutions and persuading them to take action to both protect the building occupants and reduce their long-term liability.”

When asked how he would encourage others to join his field, he points to his industry’s diversity and the multitude of opportunities. He concludes, “Vapor intrusion is a multi-faceted industry that is at the intersection of geology, lab science, consulting, construction, data analytics, electronics and the mechanical trades. There are many growth opportunities in each of these disciplines. The US EPA has characterized the current state of the industry as being in the ‘2nd inning of a nine-inning ball game’, and I would agree with that assessment. A young person could enter this industry right out of school and have an opportunity to shape not only their own career, but that of an industry still in its infancy. The global market is almost unending, which presents nearly endless opportunities for growth and fulfillment.”

Land Science is proud to have Tom Hatton, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Vapor, LLC, as a valued client and partner, and appreciates his vast experience and exceptional leadership in providing successful vapor intrusion mitigation outcomes for Land Science and its clients.