In this article, Ұ����Ƶapp’ Abandoned Mine Lands Program Manager Clayton Kirk Roderick discusses Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation. ��With more than three decades of mining experience, Ұ����Ƶapp understands how to transform abandoned mine lands into safe, sustainable spaces through effective planning, strategic permitting and successful remediation.

Across the Appalachian and Midwestern coal regions, the physical legacy of historic mining remains visible — and consequential. ��Abandoned highwalls, unstable spoil piles, subsidence features, clogged streams and acid mine drainage (AMD) are not relics of a distant past; they are active risks to public safety, water quality and surrounding ecosystems. Addressing them requires more than remediation. ��It requires leadership grounded in experience, regional understanding and long‑term accountability.

Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) reclamation is among the most technically complex and publicly consequential forms of environmental restoration. ��The work sits at the intersection of geology, hydrology, engineering, ecology and regulation. ��Success depends on understanding how historic mining practices altered landscapes and how those altered systems behave decades later.

Coal powered America’s industrial rise from the late 1800s through the mid‑20th century. Extraction occurred aggressively, often without environmental safeguards. Today, abandoned mine features can impair watersheds, destabilize slopes and threaten communities. Recognizing this history is important; effective reclamation depends on translating that understanding into sound, site‑specific solutions.

Ұ����Ƶapp’ AML practice is built on more than 30 years of collective mining and reclamation experience. ��Our multidisciplinary team of engineers, geologists, scientists and designers works from offices located within the bituminous and anthracite coal basins of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. ��That proximity matters. It brings deep familiarity with regional geology, hydrologic behavior and regulatory requirements — insight that allows reclamation plans to move efficiently from concept through permitting to construction.

AML sites rarely present a single challenge. ��A typical project may involve steep and unstable slopes, acid‑producing spoil, degraded streams, complex drainage patterns and abandoned underground mine openings. ��Ұ����Ƶapp approaches these sites with integrated planning and design services that address risk holistically. ��Our work includes reclamation plan assessment and development, grading and drainage designs, groundwater and subsurface investigations, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and evaluations of active and passive AMD treatment systems.

Environmental compliance and long‑term performance are central to every project. ��Ұ����Ƶapp supports AML programs with environmental assessments, stream and wetland delineations, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation and permitting services. ��During construction, our teams provide quality assurance and oversight to support that approved reclamation procedures are implemented correctly. ��Post‑reclamation monitoring and operation support help confirm that treatment systems and restored landscapes continue to perform as intended.

This integrated approach has been applied across a wide range of AML projects in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. ��Ұ����Ƶapp has led reclamation designs for sites featuring vertical abandoned highwalls exceeding 80 feet in height, extensive spoil and coal refuse areas, stream restoration / reconstruction, closure of underground mine openings and AMD‑impacted waterways. ��Some solutions have included highwall reclamation by backfilling using existing mine spoil, grading and revegetation to reduce infiltration, acid generation and sediment transport, drainage improvements, AMD treatment systems and the stabilization of landslide‑prone slopes. ��In some cases, projects have also incorporated habitat features and public amenities while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

The value of AML reclamation is measured not only in technical success, but in public benefit. Ұ����Ƶapp’ work has been recognized with multiple Ohio Department of Natural Resources Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards, reflecting outcomes that improve water quality, enhance safety and return land to productive use.

As federal and state investment in AML programs continues, the scale and complexity of remaining legacy sites will demand experienced, trusted partners. ��Effective reclamation requires more than correcting past impacts — it requires restoring confidence in the land itself. ��Through disciplined engineering, environmental stewardship and sustained oversight, AML reclamation can protect communities, stabilize landscapes and support healthier, more resilient futures.

Learn more about Ұ����Ƶapp’ Abandoned Mine Lands solutions.

By Alex Hartig, Program Manager and A.J. Alshammasi, Senior Engineering and Operations Manager

This week, we’ll be in Bakersfield, California, joining peers from across the country at the 2nd Annual Orphan, Idle & Marginal Wells California Conference. For those of us working directly on well plugging and abandonment, this gathering comes at an important moment.

Across California — and well beyond — states are facing a growing inventory of orphan, idle and marginal wells. Many of these wells, drilled in the early and mid-20th century, were left without proper documentation or closure, leading to methane leaks, soil and groundwater contamination and safety risks to nearby communities.

From our perspective, conferences like this matter because they create space for honest, technical conversations about what is working, what is not and where programs still struggle.

Why This Work Matters to Us

Both of us dedicate our days to the intricacies of well abandonment, engaging in project planning, navigating regulatory requirements, coordinating field teams and addressing unforeseen issues that arise once operations commence. Each site and well presents unique challenges, frequently extending beyond purely engineering concerns to include data deficiencies, community considerations and long-term land use planning.

Alex’s work focuses heavily on subsurface investigations and remediation across Southern California, including sites with complex contamination histories and limited documentation. Much of that effort involves review of historical aerial photos, available public/private records and aligning closure activities with broader environmental compliance goals.

A.J.’s role centers on leading engineering, operations and risk management for complex orphan, idle and marginal wells — reconstructing incomplete well histories, designing abandonment programs that are technically sound, regulatorily defensible and executable in the field. That often means balancing cost, safety, environmental protection and uncertainty, all at once.

What connects our work is the belief that successful closure programs rely on collaboration — between engineers, geoscientists, regulators and communities — and on the smart use of modern tools.

Sharing Lessons from the Field

At the conference, A.J. will be presenting “A Well Abandonment Journey Overview,” which draws directly from real‑world project experience. The presentation will walk through how teams are approaching complex abandonment projects today, including:

• Reconstructing well histories when records are incomplete or missing.
• Using drone‑based geophysical tools to help locate undocumented wells.
• Integrating engineering design with field execution to reduce surprises.
• Applying risk‑based planning to prioritize work and protect communities.

These are not theoretical concepts — they’re lessons shaped by what we see on the ground. Our goal in sharing them is to contribute practical insights that others can adapt to their own programs.

The Value of Coming Together

The technical challenges around orphan and idle wells are significant, but so are the opportunities. We’re seeing encouraging progress as states invest in closure programs and as the industry becomes more open to new technologies and cross‑disciplinary approaches.

What we value most about this conference is the opportunity to listen — to hear how others are addressing similar challenges, to learn from different regulatory environments and to understand community perspectives that shape how projects move forward. These conversations help refine practices and, ultimately, improve outcomes.

As national efforts to address legacy wells continue to scale, the path forward depends on shared learning and sustained collaboration. We’re looking forward to being part of that conversation in Bakersfield — and to carrying those insights back into the work that continues long after the conference ends.

Learn more about Ұ����Ƶapp’��Orphan, Idle and Marginal Well Closure services.

Ұ����Ƶapp technologists Jim Kooser, Wetlands and Natural Resources Practice Leader, Midwest and Northeast Regions and Eric S. Goddard, PWS, Ecological Resources Project Manager highlight the role of native soils in restoration. Strategic soil planning not only enhances ecological outcomes but also reduces costs through faster recovery and lower maintenance.��

Across the U.S., agencies are investing billions of dollars to restore wetlands, uplands and ecosystems as well as reclaim orphaned wells and redevelop brownfields. These initiatives carry high stakes: they reverse decades of land use impacts, improve stormwater management and help rebuild critical habitats. The most successful restoration strategies go deeper than what’s visible above ground. Lasting success depends on what happens beneath the surface. By addressing soil structure, restoring hydrology and supporting healthy nutrient cycles and microbial life, Ұ����Ƶapp helps agencies and developers achieve outcomes that endure, cost less to maintain and deliver stronger returns on public investment.��

Why Soil Matters��

When restoration approaches prioritize speed and immediate cost savings, the result is compacted soil during earthmoving, the application of low-cost seed mixes quickly and considering the job complete as soon as something green appears. The outcome is predictable: invasive or undesirable species dominate while target native plants struggle in degraded soil conditions.����

Foundation Work Happens Underground��

Sustainable restoration begins with what you can’t see. Before any seed hits the ground, four critical soil factors determine project outcomes: soil structure, chemistry, biology and hydrology.����

Native soils function as complete ecosystems. Beyond basic sand, silt and clay, soil also contains organic matter and living microbial communities that cycle nutrients, regulate moisture, create structural microhabitats and strengthen plant resilience. Compaction and the removal of accumulated soil organic matter essentially break this biological engine, leaving restoration efforts to fight an uphill battle.����

The shift in approach is straightforward: address the soil foundation before vegetation establishment, and native species gain the competitive advantage they need to thrive in the long term.����

Practical Soil Development Strategies��

• Prevent Compaction Damage: Heavy machinery destroys soil structure with every pass. Instead, loosely pile materials and use low-pressure, tracked equipment for final grading. For severely compacted areas, the “push-up method” — creating aligned soil stacks with minimal pressure, then light grading — can restore essential porosity. Deep tilling to a depth of 2-4 feet optimizes the root growth capacity of trees, shrubs and meadow species.������

• Feed the Microbiome: Incorporate fine organic matter such as sawdust to increase soil carbon, enhance water retention and support beneficial microbes that aid native plant health and resilience. When possible, repurpose on-site tree and shrub material to reduce waste and naturally enrich the soil.����

• Balance Nutrient Chemistry: Test soil conditions before adding fertilizers. Former agricultural sites often contain excess nitrogen that fuels the growth of invasive species. Carbon-rich amendments can help rebalance these conditions, depriving non-native species of their preferred higher-nitrogen environment.����

Strategic Species Selection��

Match plant choices to restoration goals, whether that’s pollinator support, wildlife corridors, visual appeal or ecosystem reconstruction. In many cases it’s all the above. Regional native species offer proven compatibility with local soil and climate conditions.����

Maximize ecosystem resilience by incorporating plants with varied bloom periods and mature heights. Establish native meadows through drilling, broadcasting or hydroseeding techniques. In deep-tilled areas, combine tree and shrub planting with strategically placed brush piles made from site debris. These serve as wildlife refuges, carbon stores and seed banks that accelerate natural regeneration.����

Long-Term Performance Advantages��

Well-established native systems require minimal ongoing intervention. Initial watering and weed management may be necessary during the first growing season. After that, annual dormant season mowing often provides sufficient maintenance. Forested areas require some initial understory maintenance but become increasingly self-sustaining as canopy coverage develops.��

The broader benefits extend beyond reduced maintenance. Properly designed native systems control stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, support biodiversity and deliver measurable ecological value. These projects succeed not just by what gets planted, but by what flourishes over time.����

The Bottom Line��

Investing in soil strategy shifts the focus from short-term site turnover to long-term ecosystem health with aesthetic benefits. It requires more upfront planning, but the return on investment is clear: better environmental outcomes, fewer future interventions and measurable cost savings. Start with the soil, and you build a legacy that lasts.����

In this article, National Brownfields Director Kelly Schmitt reflects on her brownfields journey and how community-centered approaches transform environmental challenges into opportunities for economic revitalization, cultural preservation and lasting community change.��

Some careers are just jobs. Mine has been a calling. From the very first brownfields grant I supported to the work I lead today at Ұ����Ƶapp, the focus has remained the same: helping communities reclaim their past to build a more sustainable future.��

When I started my brownfields journey, I had no idea how deeply it would shape my perspective. One of the earliest and most memorable projects I was involved in was in Miles City, Montana, where we supported the cleanup of the Old Holy Rosary Hospital, an aging, shuttered building that had outlived its original purpose. Working alongside the local housing authority to secure funding, the vision was transformative: convert an urban blight into affordable housing that families desperately needed.����

The day I left Montana, I heard a story on the radio about the grand opening of that very housing project. It was a full-circle moment that encapsulates why this work is so important. I didn’t get to see the ribbon-cutting or witness the first family move in, but I knew I had played a small part in making it possible. In brownfields work, we don’t always get to witness the end result, but that doesn’t make the job any less rewarding.��

Another project I worked on that exemplifies the broader potential of brownfields work is the Garden of Surging Waves in Astoria, Oregon, a public park and cultural heritage site celebrating Chinese American history. It’s a beautiful, meaningful space rooted in community pride and cultural healing, and it exists in part because brownfields funding helped clear the way. These projects highlight the power of brownfields work to not only improve environmental conditions but also help communities tell their stories and shape their identities.��

“We help create housing where there was once hazard, parks where there was once pollution and hope where there was once disinvestment. Even when our names aren’t on plaques, we know our efforts made those moments possible.”��

— Kelly Schmitt, National Brownfields Director, Ұ����Ƶapp��

Like many professionals, my path hasn’t been linear. I left consulting temporarily, but I continued writing brownfields grants because the work kept calling me back. During that hiatus, I worked for a nonprofit social services organization in Milwaukee, helping secure funding for youth programs, housing initiatives and mental health services. That experience was eye-opening. It introduced me to challenges I had never directly encountered and deepened my empathy for communities we serve.����

When I returned to brownfields work, I brought a broader, more compassionate perspective, recognizing that our efforts extend far beyond land reuse to encompass the lives that are fundamentally shaped by environmental and economic conditions.����

My role at Ұ����Ƶapp allows me to bring all this experience together — technical expertise, grant writing and a passion for community impact. I’m part of a team that shares these values and commits to helping local governments, regional agencies and nonprofits transform uncertainty into opportunity. We approach each project understanding that environmental sustainability, economic revitalization and community development are all interconnected.��

Brownfields work is rarely fast-paced or glamorous, and its impact often remains invisible to the broader public. But the patience required is worth it. Each successful project becomes a catalyst that ripples through generations, creating opportunities for families and businesses that might never have existed otherwise.����

That legacy is a privilege to be part of, and it’s why Ұ����Ƶapp remains committed to this essential work.����

Plugging orphan and MCWs is one aspect of the overall closure process of well locations. Effective remediation requires comprehensive site evaluation, a detailed closure plan and post-restoration monitoring to ensure long-term stability.

The Risks of Leaving Wells Unplugged

When left unaddressed, orphan wells and certain MCWs can create environmental, operation and safety risks:

• Surface Leaks & Groundwater Contamination – Without a reliable seal, gas and fluids can migrate into groundwater-producing zones and affect drinking water. Fluids and gas can migrate to the surface and affect the soil and ground surface.
• Structural Failure & Site Instability – Many old wells have deteriorated, with casing integrity issues, in addition to inadequate plugging materials or the absence of plugging materials. As materials degrade, casing failures can lead to unintended interactions with other producing formations including those containing groundwater and those containing oil and gas.
• Impact on Future Production and Development – Unmapped and improperly plugged wells can interfere with new and existing energy production. Before drilling, companies must often locate and address orphan wells to avoid costly delays, regulatory challenges and operational disruptions. These wells also interfere with potential land development projects.

Well Program Sustainability

Without a broader strategy that includes sustained federal and state funding support, wells will not get the attention they need soon enough. The oil and gas well grant programs of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA/BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have provided additional funding to states that are typically underfunded for this work. With this additional funding, state oil and gas programs have been uplifted, hundreds of well sites have been closed and private sector jobs have been expanded to meet the demand. However, the lasting success of these programs depends on sustained existing funding and expanded funding, in addition to workforce investment and policies that support these programs.

A well closure program is only as effective as its long-term strategy. With continued commitment from policymakers and industry leaders, orphan well and MCW programs can turn liabilities into assets — protecting our natural resources and supporting future development opportunities.

Learn more about Ұ����Ƶapp’ orphan, idle, abandoned and marginal well program management.

AUSTIN, Texas, June 12, 2024 — Morgan Mullins, PG, Ұ����Ƶapp Technical Consultants Project Geologist, has been named to Zweig Group’s 2024 Rising Stars List, an honor recognizing outstanding young professionals in the AEC industry for their remarkable achievements and leadership.

Jacque Hinman, CEO of Ұ����Ƶapp Technical Consultants, expressed pride in Morgan’s achievements, stating, “Morgan’s work ethic embodies our commitment to excellence, innovation, and environmental stewardship. We are exceptionally proud of her achievements as she represents Ұ����Ƶapp on this year’s list of Rising Stars.”

Morgan has played a significant part in managing a portfolio of ten landfill contracts, overseeing annual environmental monitoring, providing on-call engineering services, and educating site operators on Georgia’s solid waste management laws.

Her expertise encompasses performing environmental site assessments for a range of clients, including county governments, commercial real estate entities, and environmental cleanup initiatives aimed at revitalizing vacant lots in Georgia cities.

Among her notable projects is the Phase 2 expansion of the Oglethorpe County C&D Landfill from 2019 to 2022. Despite challenges such as COVID-19 delays and changes in county leadership, Morgan skillfully navigated these obstacles, securing state approval for the expansion.

In 2023, she led a site suitability assessment across 260 acres for Phase 3 permitting, establishing 30 wells to analyze subsurface conditions and laying the groundwork for a significant landfill expansion.

In 2020, Morgan spearheaded the upgrade of Jefferson County CR138 landfill’s environmental monitoring network, aligning it with updated regulatory standards. Her exceptional project management and leadership ensured the project was completed on schedule and under budget.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has made significant contributions to community projects. From August 2020 to June 2022, she lent her expertise to an Engineers Without Borders project in Dumangbe, Sierra Leone, aiding in the construction of a bridge that significantly improved the community’s access to essential services.

Morgan is also a natural team builder. She mentors newcomers and bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application, earning trust, respect, and confidence from colleagues, managers, and clients. Her hands-on training and efficient scheduling enable her team to consistently exceed project expectations.

In October 2022, Morgan was elected Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), where she has been pivotal in organizing professional development conferences and providing invaluable guidance to students.

About Ұ����Ƶapp Technical Consultants

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Ұ����Ƶapp is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend the lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,500+ employees nationwide, Ұ����Ƶapp brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental (ENV); Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC); Engineering & Design (E&D); and Program Management/Construction Management, and Quality Management (PCQM). To learn more about Ұ����Ƶapp innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit��.

Media Contact:
Jamie Myers
337-349-5486
Jamie.Myers@oneatlas.com

�� ��

Q&A: Explore the intersection of geology and landfill management with Zweig Group’s 2024 Rising Stars Award Winner, Morgan Mullins, PG.

Q: Can you share a memorable experience from your time at Ұ����Ƶapp where you felt proud of the impact you made on environmental stewardship in Georgia?

The majority of my five and a half years at Ұ����Ƶapp have been spent working on our landfills team, supporting anywhere from 10 to 13 different counties across Georgia. Most of these are small rural counties with limited budgets and manpower, facing a complex set of solid waste regulations. They look to me and my team to help them navigate these often confusing regulations in a way that keeps them in compliance, operational, and profitable.

In 2018, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) rolled out a program requiring all active landfills to update their plans. One of our clients, Jefferson County, had significant updates to their plan set while also opening a new section of their landfill. Bob Whitfield, our compliance expert, handled the opening of the Section 3 landfill masterfully, with support from engineering staff. My environmental team managed the environmental monitoring well expansion, installing around 22-23 groundwater and methane wells. This was an ‘all hands on deck’ situation and the success of this project was due to my team’s dedication to getting the job done right.

This project required meticulous coordination between the county, state, and our team to balance regulatory deadlines, county budgets, and our staffing schedules. We pulled it off successfully despite being in the middle of the 2020-2021 supply chain disruptions. Seeing the wells operational and the landfill running smoothly was incredibly rewarding.

Q: How do you approach balancing the various demands of annual environmental monitoring, on-call engineering services, and educating site operators on solid waste management laws?

It’s all about the team. I couldn’t do this alone. Randy Romero, my right hand man in the landfills, manages the field schedule and ensures the fieldwork gets done. He’s excellent at keeping track of our deadlines for annual sampling and communicating with our clients. Bob Whitfield handles most of our on-call engineering tasks, explaining complex technical pursuits in an understandable way to both our clients and me.

We take it one schedule change at a time, one phone call at a time. Thankfully, our schedule has been consistent year-to-year, which helps maintain a good workflow. Having dedicated and skilled people working alongside me is what makes or breaks our efforts.

Q: Could you elaborate on the challenges you faced during the Phase 2 expansion of the Oglethorpe County C&D Landfill, and how you overcame them to secure state approval for the project?

The biggest challenge was the rapid filling of the landfill. We were racing against the clock to expand the landfill horizontally and vertically before it reached maximum capacity. This type of landfill is a significant revenue source for our clients in small counties, so timing was critical.

Clear communication with our client and the state regulators was crucial. Regular check-ins and being proactive about addressing concerns that our regulators had helped us stay on track. This consistent dialogue ensured we met deadlines and secured the necessary approvals.

Q: How did your involvement with Engineers Without Borders in constructing a bridge in Sierra Leone influence your perspective on the intersection of geology and community development?

I was involved with the Engineers Without Borders project for almost three years through the DC chapter. We worked with a village in southern Sierra Leone to construct a bridge over a creek that seasonally isolated half of the village during the rainy season. This had severe implications for access to schools, jobs, and healthcare, especially during the Ebola outbreak in 2015-16.

My contribution involved analyzing soils data and working with bridge engineers to determine the best construction approach. The experience underscored the importance of applying technical knowledge to solve real-world problems, directly impacting community health and well-being.

It was incredibly fulfilling to see how our efforts could make such a significant difference.

Q: As the Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, you played a significant role in organizing a successful conference. How do you see your leadership within professional organizations contributing to the wider geology community?

One of my favorite aspects of the conference was the student panel. We invited students that were attending the conference to ask questions about transitioning from the classroom to the workplace. It was rewarding to help them understand how to format resumes, stay calm in interviews, and translate their academic skills into practical applications.

This interaction was incredibly satisfying because I remember being in their shoes — excited but anxious about entering the professional world. Helping the next generation of geologists, especially women geologists, feel more confident about their future is something I’m passionate about. I hope to see some of them apply for jobs at Ұ����Ƶapp or see them again at future conferences.

A piece of advice I give to new grads is to ‘do it scared.’ I don’t love the phrase ‘fake it until you make it’, we don’t need to ‘fake’ anything. I know I can do my job well and these students know that they are deserving of the jobs they are interviewing for, but we all get nervous before big meetings. So, I tell them to do it scared. It’s worked for me.

Q: How do you maintain effective communication and collaboration across different stakeholders to ensure project continuity and success?

Consistency and adaptation are key. I don’t have a singular, major career-defining project; rather, my success comes from consistently communicating with clients, following up, and maintaining a regular presence on-site. This consistency extends to our field schedules, ensuring a balanced workload and good work-life balance for the team. Adaptation is important in my role as a lot of the time, field work does not go as planned. We adapt our plans and our approach to fit changing conditions, then communicate with our clients to ensure they are included and informed at each stage of a project.

My strength lies in the quality and frequency of communications, always asking, ‘How can we get this done?’

Q: Looking ahead, what are some of your aspirations and goals within the field of geology? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?

In the last year and a half, I’ve shifted from a technical role to more of a project manager role, boosting my confidence and leadership skills. Moving forward, I want to expand the types of projects we work on, always searching for new clients and more challenging work.

I’m particularly excited about revitalization projects that involve transforming vacant lots into community spaces. For example, we’re currently completing the environmental reporting on a project to turn a gravel lot on Main Street into a mixed-use commercial and residential area. These projects have a direct positive impact on communities, making them more vibrant and healthier.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to the field of geology?

Growing up near Augusta, GA I loved spending time outdoors and was fascinated by nature. We spent a lot of time outside as a family, whether that was going to the local lake or playing in our backyard. My dad is a civil engineer, and he often took [my siblings and me] to his job sites, sparking my initial interest in engineering. However, as I progressed through high school and college, I realized I had a stronger inclination toward science over math. I have been driven by a lifelong love of science, a desire to understand how the natural world around us formed, and understanding what we can do to ensure the beautiful places around us stay beautiful.

I took an introductory geology class my sophomore year of college and was immediately hooked. I continued my studies at Georgia State and later at Clemson, focusing on groundwater quality and contamination cleanup methods. My passion for geology led me to Ұ����Ƶapp, where I’ve learned about the importance of landfills and their role in protecting the environment.

Q: Talk to me about the values that drive your interactions with your colleagues, clients, and community initiatives.

I lead with empathy, kindness, and excellence to deliver a consistent, high-quality product to our clients. I deliver results by building relationships because our client’s experience with Ұ����Ƶapp is the most important deliverable to me. This can look like volunteering with my coworkers to teach young girls about engineering, educating clients about ways to balance environmental cleanup initiatives and budgets, or taking time to ask about a client’s kid who recently graduated.

Environmental stewardship is also a core value for me. My love for the outdoors and deep appreciation for nature drive everything I do. In my professional life, this translates to doing my best to protect our environment and create sustainable solutions for waste management. It’s about balancing the needs of our clients with the imperative to safeguard our natural world for everyone’s benefit.

Source Eugene V. Debs Hall | The transformed tavern in Buffalo, NY now a community hub.

An Ұ����Ƶapp project of a former mall in Burlington, VT that is underway for CityPlace Burlington.

Source world-architects.com | Tower at Eagle + West in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), better known as drones, are taking Arizona’s to new heights.

As part of a plan to rid the state of legacy-related hazards, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) contracted a group of technical consulting firms to locate abandoned wells across dozens of sites.

The process involves attaching magnetometers, or sensors that can detect changes in the earth’s magnetic field, to remote-controlled UAVs. Once airborne, the unmanned aerial system reads magnetic signatures produced by metal casings of oil and gas wells.

Project teams conduct drone passes at high speeds over large areas to help inform traditional, ground-based studies, increasing the coverage and efficiency of well detection efforts. This approach also allows the ADEQ to expend the time and resources typically required of manual surveys elsewhere.

Arizona’s aerial reconnaissance activities mark a significant step forward for well abandonment efforts. The experience led Ұ����Ƶapp to invest in its own UAV equipment, including a , American-made Inspired Flight IF1200a drone and a Geometrics MagArrow II UAV Magnetometer.