Environmental Investigation & Remediation Archives - 鶹TVվ /tag/environmental-investigation-remediation/ Fri, 15 May 2026 22:22:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Why Soil Strategy Drives Restoration Success /why-soil-strategy-drives-restoration-success/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:04:37 +0000 /?p=246887 The post Why Soil Strategy Drives Restoration Success appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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鶹TVվ 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, 鶹TVվ 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.

Jim Kooser

Wetlands and Natural Resources Practice Leader, Midwest and Northeast Regions

Jim Kooser is a senior ecologist with more than 30 years of experience leading wetland, upland and ecological restoration projects across the U.S. At 鶹TVվ, he manages natural resource investigations, permitting and mitigation planning for a wide range of infrastructure and environmental initiatives. Jim’s knowledge of native plant communities, ecological risk assessment and regulatory compliance helps clients design resilient, habitat-forward solutions that align with state and federal requirements. He is also a mentor to early-career scientists and a recognized leader in field data collection and GIS-integrated ecological analysis.

Eric S. Goddard, PWS

Ecological Resources Project Manager

Eric Goddard is a Professional Wetland Scientist with more than 19 years of experience in ecological site assessment, permitting support and habitat evaluation. At 鶹TVվ, he manages wetland delineations, sensitive species assessments, vegetation remediation planning and design, regulatory compliance and environmental review for infrastructure and restoration projects. His background includes extensive work in plant ecology, sensitive species surveys and Clean Water Act permitting across multiple states. Eric has also led environmental education initiatives and workforce development programs, bringing a practical, field-based perspective to client solutions and team mentorship.

Return to the Sphere

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]]> 鶹TVվ Awarded $18 Million Contract to Service and Remediate Underground Storage Tanks /atlas-awarded-18-million-contract-to-service-and-remediate-underground-storage-tanks/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:13:46 +0000 /?p=244039 The post 鶹TVվ Awarded $18 Million Contract to Service and Remediate Underground Storage Tanks appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 鶹TVվ Technical Consultants, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATCX) (“鶹TVվ” or the “Company”), a leading Infrastructure and Environmental solutions provider, announced that it has been awarded an $18 million contract to inspect and service a network of underground storage tanks (UST) for a public agency client. The contract, which was included in second quarter 2022 backlog, has an initial term of three years with two one-year extension options.

Under the contract, 鶹TVվ engineers and technical staff will determine the extent of any release to the environment and develop plans to remediate any detected contamination to state-mandated cleanup levels. 鶹TVվ will be responsible for assessments, risk-based corrective actions, UST removals, design and installation of remediation systems, and site closure activities.

“鶹TVվ is committed to helping our clients protect their communities by providing high-quality environmental services,” said 鶹TVվ CEO, L. Joe Boyer. “Given our successful track record in the market, familiarity with environmental standards, and extensive geographic reach, 鶹TVվ has one of the top UST inspection and remediation businesses in the United States. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers in this critical environmental market.”

The EPA’s UST program provides comprehensive set of regulatory standards for USTs containing petroleum or certain other hazardous materials to protect the environment and human health by reducing the number and severity of contamination events. As of September 2021, there were more than 560,000 USTs at approximately 194,000 facilities that are regulated by the UST program, and more than 1.9 million USTs have been closed since the program’s inception in 1984.

About 鶹TVվ Technical Consultants
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, 鶹TVվ 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, 鶹TVվ 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 鶹TVվ innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit.

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. The information included in this press release in relation to 鶹TVվ has been provided by 鶹TVվ and its management team, and forward-looking statements include statements relating to 鶹TVվ’ management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us and are based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto; (2) the risk that our actual results may differ from the guidance we have provided; (3) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of our past acquisitions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain management and key employees; (4) changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; (5) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (6) the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (7) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those under “Risk Factors” therein.

Contacts:

Media
Karlene Barron
770-314-5270

Investor Relations
Chase Jacobson, Vallum Advisors
512-851-1507

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]]> 鶹TVվ Awarded $5 Million Environmental Services Contract With ConocoPhillips Company /atlas-awarded-5-million-environmental-services-contract-with-conocophillips-company/ Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:01:28 +0000 /?p=244020 The post 鶹TVվ Awarded $5 Million Environmental Services Contract With ConocoPhillips Company appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 鶹TVվ Technical Consultants, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATCX) (“鶹TVվ” or the “Company”), a leading Infrastructure and Environmental solutions provider, announced today that it has been awarded a $5 million contract to provide environmental services to ConocoPhillips (COP). Services include the assessment and remediation of petroleum-oil impacted soil and groundwater associated with historical oilfield activity in the western region of the United States. The contract is for a five-year term.

“We are proud of our relationship with COP since 2005 – a partnership built on trust and consistent delivery of sustainable solutions, as they continue to responsibly access, develop and produce oil and natural gas to help meet the world’s energy needs,” said 鶹TVվ Chief Operations Officer, Ken J. Burns, Jr.

ConocoPhillips is an independent exploration and production (E&P) company headquartered in Houston, Texas that explores for, produce, transport and market crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and liquefied natural gas on a worldwide basis.

鶹TVվ’ strong partnership, coupled with a quality safety program, led to the award of the contract with COP. 鶹TVվ is committed to maintaining a strong safety culture and a healthy, hazard-free work environment for all who operate in, visit, or enter their facilities and job sites.

About 鶹TVվ Technical Consultants

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, 鶹TVվ is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,600+ employees nationwide, 鶹TVվ brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental; Testing, Inspection and Certification; Engineering & Design; and Program, Construction, and Quality Management. To learn more about 鶹TVվ innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. The information included in this press release in relation to 鶹TVվ has been provided by 鶹TVվ and its management team, and forward-looking statements include statements relating to 鶹TVվ’ management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us and are based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto; (2) the risk that our actual results may differ from the guidance we have provided; (3) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of our past acquisitions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain management and key employees; (4) changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; (5) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (6) the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (7) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those under “Risk Factors” therein.

Contacts:

Media
Karlene Barron
770-314-5270

Investor Relations
Rodny Nacier, ICR Inc.
512-851-1507

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]]> What are PFAS Chemicals, and Why Do They Matter? /what-are-pfas-chemicals/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:19:07 +0000 /?p=242977 The post What are PFAS Chemicals, and Why Do They Matter? appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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As a leading environmental firm, 鶹TVվ is committed to supporting our clients’ needs with sustainable PFAS solutions that are consistent with evolving regulatory changes and how those changes may affect their risk-based decisions.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that contain linked chains of carbon and fluorine. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” the bond between carbon and fluorine atoms is one of the strongest in nature – making PFAS chemicals difficult to remediate and remove.

PFAS chemicals have been used in various industrial and commercial applications and consumer products since the 1940s, including non-stick cookware, waterproofing materials, and firefighting foam. While their unique stability and resistance to degradation ensure durable, long lasting consumer products, their pervasive nature also leads to significant environmental challenges. Because the chemicals have been used in products for decades, most people have been exposed to them through the food we eat, or from contaminated drinking water and can cause potential adverse health effects.

The ability of PFAS to bio-accumulate in the environment, coupled with its high mobility, have led to persistent contamination concerns. The introduction of PFAS into wastewater and solid waste has led to further distribution of PFAS into rivers and streams, surface water, and sludge applied to land.

While most advanced laboratories can identify up to 70 PFAS chemicals, thousands of PFAS chemicals are known to exist. The PFAS class of chemicals continues to expand as manufacturers and laboratories identify and create replacement PFAS chemicals.

The absence of a comprehensive federal policy regarding PFAS chemicals creates challenges for many environmental lifecycle stages, including property transactions, investigation, treatment, waste handling and disposal, and litigation.

Although the use of certain PFAS chemicals has been discontinued, legacy uses, unregulated imported products, and a lack of commercially viable alternatives to certain public safety products (e.g., firefighting foams) will continue to present ongoing environmental issues and human health concerns.

Scientific research into human and environmental health concerns is considered a critical first step toward regulating PFAS chemicals. This research can take years to complete and continues to lag behind the manufacturing and industrial waste that comes from their use. As a result, regulation has either been delayed, as is the case at the federal level, or has been pursued with intentional conservatism, which is the case in some states.

The EPA recently announced plans for new wastewater regulations, including first limits for PFAS, and updated limits for nutrients – from key industries. The new , identifies opportunities to better protect public health and the environment through regulation of wastewater pollution.

For the last five years, our team of scientists and geologists at 鶹TVվ have specialized in providing site investigations and innovative treatment solutions for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Our services include:

  • Public Supply and Private Drinking Water Sampling
  • Groundwater, Surface Water, Soil, & Sediment Sampling
  • Stormwater Treatment Design
  • Design of Poet Systems – Private and Public Supply
  • Landfill Monitoring Services
  • Forensic Analysis
  • Standard Operating Procedures & Best Practices

For more information on how 鶹TVվ addresses PFAS challenges, read more >>

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