Category Archives: Client Spotlight

Kathy Lehnus, a Senior Geologist with Farallon Consulting, LLC, brings depth and an impressive range of experience within the environmental remediation space to her role with the firm. With more than 27 years managing environmental consulting projects, Kathy has excelled in a variety of roles, including site investigation and remediation, regulatory compliance, staff training, new business development, and much more. She begins, “I have had the pleasure of working in a variety of positions that include both the public sector and EPA contracts. I’ve also worked at national and international private firms, giving me a wide array of experience in expertise and approach.”

Lehnus joined Farallon, a leading environmental consulting firm based on the West Coast, just over 3.5 years ago. In her current role, she specializes in projects focused on transactional investigation and regulatory oversight. In addition, she performs characterization-level Phase I Environmental Site Assessments with focused subsurface investigations, including vapor intrusion evaluations, which are designed to provide a wide array of data options within workable budgets and deliverable time frames.

She continues, “I have also managed investigation and remediation projects led by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and California Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Coordinating multifunctional teams to ensure projects remain on time and on budget, while obtaining regulatory approvals for project redevelopment milestones is always key when working with these regulatory bodies. Additionally, I provide technical input to owners and counsel for identifying potential risks associated with purchasing and redeveloping contaminated properties.”

Lehnus became interested in environmental remediation in her youth while living in western Massachusetts, where she became enamored with the beauty of the Adirondacks. “I became involved in ecology groups looking to ‘go green’ before it was even a catch phrase! Studying environmental science and geology in college was a natural next step.” She laid the groundwork by earning a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she also received a BA in Geology. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Geology at the University of Connecticut and is licensed in both Connecticut as Licensed Environmental Professional and in California as Professional Geologist.

While she enjoys many aspects of her work, servicing clients ranks at the top. She shares, “I really enjoy working with clients and providing them with the solutions they need to help them be successful in their tasks.” Her desire to help clients via close collaboration dovetails nicely with what she says is a key future goal at Farallon. She continues, “Farallon wants to continue to provide clients with high quality and technically creative solutions, while building strong and enduring relationships. The staff at Farallon collaborate with each other to leverage expertise in a variety of fields to provide the very best for our clients. A good example of this would be when preparing a cost estimate for a client who wants to purchase contaminated property. Farallon can rely upon our Phase I due diligence experts who have discovered and followed leads to truly understand previous use and potential release areas. This is a skill set not commonly offered by other consultants, many of whom will provide low-cost, “check the box” Phase I work, while simply seeking to please clients by not pointing out problems, instead of identifying issues and providing reasonable solutions.”

With regard to working with Land Science, Lehnus appreciates the partnership Farallon has developed. “From offering multiple options to being part of the scheduling process, Land Science helps me get the job done. I recall one recent example where a client purchasing an existing distribution warehouse requested that we provide them with a Phase I ESA as part of their typical purchasing procedures. Although the building was only used in the past as a food storage warehouse, we identified a historical map that showed a carpentry shop and paint booth in the building that appeared to be associated with constructing crates for food transport. Although there was a short due diligence timeframe, we were able to mobilize the following week and collect sub-slab soil vapor samples beneath the building pad. We identified chlorinated volatile organic compound impacts in one area of the building, which led to air sampling that identified potential exposure threats throughout the building. We then provided the client with a cost estimate for mitigating impacts, which we implemented immediately upon their purchase to ensure the protection of occupants until additional work could be completed. Later, we applied Retro-Coat® to the floor to further mitigate air impacts.”

She continues, “Working with Land Science helped provide us with the ability to sample in a quick timeframe and develop creative mitigation solutions, which in turn allowed the client to move forward with the purchase and lease back immediately.” In terms of specific Land Science products, Retro-Coat continues to be Farallon’s “go to” solution for its clients due to its outstanding track record on performance. Kathy adds, “As part of our evaluation for determining the best post-construction vapor barrier for an existing dry cleaner, we evaluated several epoxy coatings as options to apply to the existing floor. Based on discussions with Land Science, the Retro-Coat barrier had been used for several sites with regulatory oversight as the proven method of mitigation.”

Living in Mission Viejo with her husband, (who also happens to be a Geologist) and their three teenage kids, Lehnus finds time away from work to enjoy socializing with friends over a glass of wine, while discussing “what makes people tick and the earth turn- geology pun intended!”.  She adds, “For relaxation, when I’m not indulging in binge-watching guilty pleasure TV, you’ll find me reading a good book.”

When asked how she would encourage others to join her field of study, she points to the diverse range of opportunities that exist, depending on one’s interest. She concludes, “Environmental consulting requires us to stretch in all directions- from geology, biology and chemistry, to understanding the legal language of regulations, to understanding clients’ needs and being able to explain technical findings to them. We also need to create investigation scopes, prepare and maintain budgets, keep subcontractors in line, and mentor and manage fellow staff members. Every day and every project are different and challenging!

Land Science is proud to have Kathy Lehnus, Sr. Geologist with Farallon Consulting, LLC, as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and they appreciate her diversified experience and leadership in providing successful remediation and mitigation outcomes for Land Science and its clients.

When it comes to utilizing a skillset that includes operational leadership, teamworking and mentoring, Glenn Burks, Principal Environmental Engineer and Director of Environmental Services for Group Delta Consultants, appears to be checking all the right boxes. He begins, “I believe my skills lie in establishing strong and successful local operations, both from an operations and culture standpoint, and then scaling that up to regional offices. My experience thus far has had a positive impact on both our success, and where I hope to be in the future.” Burks joined Group Delta nearly 10 years ago after working as a Project Manager and Sr. Project Manager for several environmental remediation firms. In his current role at Delta, he manages the Environmental Division, and is responsible for overall division finances, recruiting, business development and final technical QA/QC of work products. He continues, “I perform the final QA/QC review on all Phase I Environmental Site Assessments due to the potential risk associated with the purchase of properties. Depending upon the project, I also provide technical reviews of environmental site assessment and remediation close out reports, given my expertise in this area. Lastly, I also provide expert support to attorneys involved in litigation associated with contaminated properties, and contribute to new business development.”

In preparing for a career in environmental remediation, Burks earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California San Diego. He later added his Master’s and PhD in Environmental Engineering from UCLA. To stay current with new technology and emerging trends, he is an active member of the ASTM Committee developing the National Guidance for Green Remediation  (E2893-16: ASTM Standard Guide for Greener Cleanups). He shares, “I remain engaged with leading experts in Green Remediation and am exposed to the latest technologies and best management practices. I am also very active in following regulatory advances and treatment technologies related to the most important emerging contaminant in the last decade: Per – and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).”

With regard to working with REGENESIS®, Burks says most of his experience is with Land Science®, in the design and installation of subsurface barriers. “While the bulk of my work is with Land Science, REGENESIS is well known and respected in the industry and provides effective products for soil and groundwater remediation of most contaminants we find in the environment. I look forward to working with both REGENESIS and Land Science in the years to come.” He feels the success of his division is due, in part, to the unique culture that exists. He shares, “We have been successful as a division because we empower ALL employees in business development and foster a very entrepreneurial operation. Not all ideas stick, but we have grown to a formidable operation because of our aggressive approach.  I very much enjoy mentoring younger staff and observing them succeed because when they succeed, I succeed!”

Burks became interested in environmental remediation after first working in the oil refining sector, before realizing he wanted to pivot and assist in helping the environment. He shares, “My first job following USCD was serving as a Process Engineer for Fluor Daniel. There I designed and optimized various processes at oil refineries and petrochemical facilities. Although the work was very challenging and highly variable, I eventually came to the conclusion I did not want the end result of my work effort to pollute the environment.”

When asked what he sees in the future for his industry, he says it’s all about PFAS. “Without question, the investigation and remediation of PFAS-contaminated sites is the next big wave in environmental consulting.” Living in the south Orange County community of Mission Viejo, CA,  Burks finds time for a variety of hobbies and outdoor activities, including open water swimming competitions, including the Alcatraz Sharkfest. He continues, “I love to swim and compete in open water swimming events. Swimming the San Francisco Bay from Alcatraz Island to the Aquatic Park Cove in San Francisco requires disciplined training and a fair amount of courage and/or stupidity to move past the fear of sharks (there are no sharks in the bay). This event is also particularly meaningful to me because I swim with my daughter who first swam it when she was 15 years old! Helping her get past her fears of swimming in open and very cold water paid off after seeing her exult when we completed the race. For travel, my favorite destinations include Sweden in the winter to skate on the frozen ocean along the coast near Stockholm, the Caldas de Gerez National Park in Portugal, and Northeast Africa, where I once lived for two years in Eritrea.” He also finds time to volunteer mentoring environmental studies students at UCI, and lectures in their “Careers Course” program.

And what does Burks find to be the most rewarding aspect of his work? “Most certainly it is working with our team of highly intelligent and competent engineers, geologists and environmental scientists and feeding off their energy and accomplishments. My greatest enjoyment is derived from seeing others that I have assisted and/or mentored succeed and reach their goals. I strongly believe giving our staff ownership of projects and the responsibilities that go along with the ownership is the most effective way to build a team of technically challenged and content employees and, ultimately, a financially successful firm.” How would he encourage others to join his field of study? He concludes, “I would strongly recommend getting degrees in geology or civil/environmental engineering and work for a few years before going back for a Master’s degree, and specialize in a particular field that you enjoy. You’ll never know if you excel in a particular field unless you try it. So go out into the real world and get exposed to as many projects and activities as possible!

REGENESIS is proud to recognize Glenn Burks, Principal Environmental Engineer and Director of Environmental Services for Group Delta Consultants, as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and they appreciate his contributions and leadership in providing successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and Land Science, and its clients.

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.

For Patrick Lowery, Sr. Environmental Manager with SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory & Testing, Inc., a multi-disciplinary environmental consulting firm and valued Land Science® client, a career in environmental mitigation was sparked by an interest in geology, a field his grandfather worked in. Lowery initially planned to follow his grandfather’s path and become a geologist, but then realized his true passion involved assisting in the cleanup of our planet. He shares, “My grandfather was a geologist for Shell Oil in the Permian Basin, near Midland Texas.  Throughout college my focus was to work in the petroleum industry.  I took a year off from school after earning my Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Alabama and was going to attend Colorado State University for my Masters in Geophysics, however, while working with a consulting geologist that year I found I enjoyed the environmental field.” The following year, Lowery relocated to South Carolina, where he continued to explore and gain experience in environmental mitigation. He continues, “I obtained my Professional Geologist License in 2006-2007, and really enjoyed the evolution of the environmental industry, and the challenges each project presented.” One aspect of his environmental work he appreciates in particular is the collaboration. He shares, “In the environmental consulting industry, you are part of a team working towards a common goal, from property development to cleanup.  Working through all of the logistics and problem solving to achieve a common goal is rewarding and provides excellent opportunities for professional growth.”

Throughout his nearly eight years at SUMMIT, Lowery’s role has focused primarily on due diligence investigation. He explains, “When a due diligence investigation identifies a need for further investigation, mitigation and regulatory involvement (UST, Brownfields) I am generally looped into the project.  I am able to communicate with clients on the risks associated with a property, the contamination or the regulatory routes, and help develop a plan for successfully guiding the client through the project.  I then execute the plan and utilize my technical background to provide innovative solutions to complicated issues.” Prior to joining SUMMIT Lowery worked for another environmental engineering firm, first as an Environmental Operations Manager and then as its Chief Technical Officer. When asked what he sees the future holds for environmental mitigation, he feels there is greater interest in treating sites due to the advancements in solutions and awareness. He shares, “When I started in the environmental industry, clients were hardly aware of environmental concerns as they related to property purchases and development.  Throughout the years however, clients have become more aware and educated on environmental issues. I expect to see more complicated, environmentally impaired development in the future. Technologies, such as those offered by Land Science, coupled with knowledgeable clients, are making these types of projects more commonplace.”

When it comes to working with Land Science, Lowery points to several advantages in the areas of testing, support, and durability. He explains, “I appreciate that Land Science completes rigorous testing on their products to ensure the barrier products are protective for the constituents mitigated.  I also like what I see in durability. The sub-slab components and vapor barrier products are very durable and withstand most construction traffic following installation, a common failure point in most systems.  And Land Science fully supports and backs their vapor barrier products.  It’s great to be able to speak with a Land Science technical representative when needed, and any installation issues are handled directly and quickly.” With regard to specific products, Nitra-Seal® and Terra-Vent® have both been used with success recently on a just completed, large multi-family apartment complex development in North Carolina.  He shares, “VOCs and methane were the constituents mitigated.  The use of TerraVent and Nitra-Seal was very successful for the sub-slab vapor mitigation systems.  Using a continual monitoring system, the sub-slabs have shown uniform communication and extended areas of influence since installation.”

When asked what he likes most about his work, Lowery is quick to share how much he likes a challenge and seeing a project through to completion. “I enjoy that each project brings new challenges. This includes digging into a project and helping clients navigate and institute plans that are successful. It’s especially rewarding to complete a complicated project. Seeing the development or successful mitigation through to the end is very satisfying.” And the most demanding aspect of his work? “Managing time expectations, because difficult and complicated projects take time and in most cases, require regulatory involvement.  This is another reason Land Science products are a good tool, because they generally install quickly with limited development downtime.”

Married and the father of a 3-year old daughter, Lowery and his family live in Columbia, SC, where in his free time he enjoys playing golf and being a hands-on dad to their energetic daughter. “Not much time for any other hobbies at this point,” he says. “Although we do volunteer work for the Special Olympics of South Carolina, where my wife serves as Director of Communication.” When asked how he has seen the industry change over the years, he feels clients and lending institutions are more educated on environmental issues, and that many challenging projects can now be mitigated through the use of various tools, such as vapor barriers and regulatory programs.  And how would he encourage others to join in his field of study? He concludes, “At SUMMIT we have provided summer internships in the environmental department for college and even high school aged students.  I encourage students who have an interest in the environmental field to reach out to local engineering firms and inquire about internships or shadow programs.  Since Environmental Consulting can span from wetlands to advanced mitigations, there is a broad industry to explore.”

Land Science is proud to have Patrick Lowery, Senior Environmental Manager with SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory & Testing, Inc., as a valued client and partner, and appreciates his specialized background and commitment in providing successful vapor intrusion mitigation outcomes for Land Science and its clients.

It’s not often Land Science® has the opportunity to work with a valued client whose background includes extensive experience with its parent company, REGENESIS. However, Suzi Rosen, PG, CHg, Principal and Technical Director for Partner Engineering & Science, Inc., is an exception. In addition to her experience in site assessment, mitigation, and expert witness/litigation support at various consulting firms, Suzi also served with REGENESIS for 3 years as a Southwest District Technical Manager. She shares, “My experience at REGENESIS was very important in my career development, and together with my other experience, helped prepare me for my role with Partner. Currently, my day-to-day responsibilities include serving as a technical resource for projects throughout the country that require some type of regulatory agency interaction or remedial/mitigation action, as well as overseeing and managing projects.” One of the aspects of her work she enjoys most is helping her clients navigate complex environmental issues.  She continues, “Many of my clients are developers, so I work on those projects from the early Phase I Environmental Site Assessment stage all the way through cleanup, soil management, vapor intrusion mitigation, and any regulatory closure that is required. Our group also works on a lot of Remedial Cost Estimates that are part of the various property transactions, of which I’m often involved. I also have the opportunity to perform third-party review and expert opinion work for litigation and cost recovery cases.”  To prepare for a career in environmental mitigation, Suzi earned her BS in Geology from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and also completed significant graduate course work at California State University Los Angeles (CSULA) and CSUF in geology and contaminate fate and transport.

Now completing her fifth year with Partner Engineering & Science, Suzi appreciates the company’s culture and emphasis on professional development, as well as their long-term growth objectives. She continues, “Partner has a corporate level goal to be the best home for talented professionals in our field.  I can say for me personally, they’ve accomplished that.  Partner continues to grow nationally and around the globe with a focus on providing technical services facilitating all aspects of a property transaction, from pre-acquisition to post-development operation and maintenance.  We are also constantly developing new technologies and processes to increase our efficiency and technical excellence so we can serve our clients in a way that makes their lives easier.” To stay abreast of emerging trends and new technologies, Suzi attends industry-focused webinars and training classes- usually several times per month, which are often offered by industry groups like ITRC and various mitigation vendors. She adds, “I participate regularly in technical conferences in California and the mid-west, either as a speaker, moderator, or attendee. Topics are usually around new sampling or assessment technologies, regulatory updates, or industry trends.”

With regard to working with Land Science, Suzi appreciates the company’s expertise and deep reservoir of technical expertise. She continues, “Land Science is a great resource and partner for vapor intrusion mitigation work.  Their internal technical resources have been extremely helpful, and their network of certified applicators makes projects go smoothly.  The last RetroCoat® project I did was for a warehouse in Los Angeles that was purchased by one of our celebrity clients.  We had a very small window for getting in and installing RetroCoat before the warehouse contents were set to arrive.  If we did not finish in time, they would have to pay for temporary storage, and it would have been a nightmare if the project was delayed. Nick Mjolsness with Land Science found one of their applicators and arranged for the site walk, bidding, product delivery, and installation within about a two-week time frame.  When I was handed this project and told they needed a VI mitigation system put in place within about two weeks, I almost told the client it was impossible, and yet Nick and Jeff Andrews over at Pacific Coast Contracting (applicator) helped me pull it off.  They made me and Partner look great, and the client even got to pick a specialized look for the floor coating.” When it comes to specific Land Science product usage, RetroCoat is used most often for existing structures requiring vapor intrusion mitigation. She adds that her team is still learning about the new barrier products being offered by Land Science.

When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Suzi values her role as a knowledgeable resource for her clients. She shares, “I love helping my clients navigate potential or actual environmental issues on a property they are going to redevelop or acquire.  Helping them understand their risk in a way that makes sense to them, so they can make the best business decision, is a unique service and a talent I have cultivated over the years.  When I can help their internal process go smoothly and minimize costs, I find that very rewarding.” And the most challenging aspect of her work? “Usually scheduling, since many of our projects are on a very tight timeline. Working within extremely tight time constraints is a regular occurrence and takes a lot of self-management to be able to meet deadlines without sacrificing your own well-being.” Established in both southern California and central Michigan, Suzi spends much of her free time as a teacher of Ishayas’ Ascension, which she refers to as “meditation for the modern-day world”.  “I’ve been practicing Ascension for nearly 20 years now and can’t imagine life without it! I have a cat, Chloe, who keeps me company when I am working from home and should probably be called Shadow, since she is always by my side.  I also like to stay active and love to lift weights, hike, kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), ski, explore areas I have not seen before, and spend time with good friends.” She also finds time to volunteer for the Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS).  She shares, “I love dogs as well as cats, but I can’t really have a dog since I usually travel a fair amount for work.  HATS gives me an opportunity to spend time helping animals and walking dogs that may otherwise not get any active time outside.  The hardest part is having to take them back to the shelter.”

When asked how she’s seen the industry change over the years, she points to the increased number of women choosing this field. She concludes, “There are more and more women in the environmental industry now, and it is not viewed as much of an oddity as it was when I first started in the mid-1990s.  It is a little bit less of an “old boy’s club” – particularly at a firm like Partner where there are so many women professionals, including at the leadership/executive level. For me, environmental mitigation has been a great career choice and I look forward to what the future has in store.”

Land Science is proud to have Suzi Rosen, PG, CHg, Principal and Technical Director for Partner Engineering & Science, Inc., as a valued client and partner, and appreciates her diversified experience and commitment in providing successful vapor intrusion mitigation outcomes for Land Science and its clients.