�鶹TV��վ was recently the presenting sponsor for the 2025 State of Gwinnett County Address, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.����

�鶹TV��վ CEO Jacque Hinman opened the program with remarks that reflected the company’s decades-long relationship with Gwinnett County and its commitment to community partnership and progress. The remarks were followed by a two-minute video presentation showcasing the firm’s regional impact.����

“Our relationship with Gwinnett is grounded in shared purpose and trust,” says Hinman. “At �鶹TV��վ, we lead with heart, put people first and deliver with excellence. We’re proud to support the county’s long-term growth through collaborative partnerships and infrastructure solutions that enhance quality of life.”��

The sponsorship comes at a critical time as Gwinnett County continues to advance major initiatives in transit, housing, public safety and workforce development. As a longstanding program management partner to the County, �鶹TV��վ remains focused on delivering responsive services that support these bold goals.����

“Our presence at this event affirms �鶹TV��վ’ dedication not just to the work but to the people and purpose behind it,” Hinman adds. “We’re invested in Gwinnett’s future and honored to be part of its continued success.”

About �鶹TV��վ Technical Consultants:��

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, �鶹TV��վ 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TV��վ 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TV��վ innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit .��

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Media Contacts:��

Carolyn King
Director of Communications
carolyn.king@oneatlas.com��

Lori Irvine
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications
lori.irvine@oneatlas.com��

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we recognize the profound impact this historic storm has had on families, businesses and communities, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating storm.

At �鶹TV��վ, we’re honored and humbled to support the recovery process. For decades, we’ve worked side-by-side with communities as they rebuild after natural disasters. Our offices along the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern coast, supported by additional staff from across the country, stand mobilized and ready to meet the needs of communities and regions that have been impacted by Helene.

Your Partner in Recovery

Our team of industrial hygienists are on the ground, offering critical services to assess and mitigate storm damage. We’re here to guide you through key aspects of the remediation process, ensuring both the safety of your environment and the well-being of those who depend on it.

• Asbestos and lead surveys: surveying buildings and structures for the presence of potentially hazardous materials and providing guidance for abatement.
• Water damage investigations: identifying and addressing water intrusions to prevent long-term structural and health issues.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments: testing air quality to ensure a safe return for building occupants.
• Mold surveys and remediation planning: evaluating mold growth and developing clear plans for safe removal.
• Allergen identification and bacteria testing: detecting potential health risks, such as bacterial contamination, which can result from water damage.

Our Commitment to the Community

At �鶹TV��վ, we’re more than a service provider — we’re partners in recovery. From our efforts after major Hurricanes, such as Katrina, Sandy, Harvey and Ian, to our long-term work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and now our rapid response to Hurricane Helene, we understand true recovery goes beyond rebuilding structures. It’s about restoring the safety and well-being of the people who live and work in these environments.

Moving Forward Together

We believe in the strength and resilience of the communities we serve. Recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. As you rebuild, �鶹TV��վ will be by your side, ensuring your environment is safe, your people are protected, and your path forward is clear.

Stay safe, and remember, together, we will rebuild.

Disaster Recovery Tips

Here are a few essential tips to help you stay safe and manage recovery efforts in the wake of a hurricane:

• Document damage immediately: Take photos and videos of any damage to your property, both inside and out, before beginning any cleanup or repairs. It’s critical for insurance claims.
• Approach water damage carefully: Floodwaters can contain bacteria, chemicals and debris. Avoid wading through standing water unless necessary, and always wear protective gear.
• Check for structural integrity: Before re-entering any building, inspect for signs of structural damage. Look for cracks, sagging ceilings or other signs of compromised integrity.
• Don’t handle potentially hazardous materials: Find out if building materials contain asbestos or lead before handling, and take appropriate precautions as needed.
• Address mold quickly: Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after flooding. Prompt action is necessary to prevent long-term health issues.
• Ensure safe air quality: Poor air quality can pose serious health risks, even if no visible damage exists. Consider having indoor air quality tested, especially if water damage occurs.

Sources:

As the world grapples with extreme heat due to climate change, nations like Sierra Leone and Mexico are adopting low-cost, eco-friendly solutions such as tree planting and cooling stations.

Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, is striving to transform into ‘TreeTown’, with over 1 million trees planted since 2020 to provide shade and employment opportunities for its residents.

On the other hand, India and Mexico are implementing innovative strategies like cool roofs and energy efficiency standards to address extreme heat.

The pressing need for climate adaptation was underscored at a recent global heat summit that emphasized sustainable and cost-effective solutions, prompting the US to offer resources and technical assistance through international aid.

To help countries navigate the challenges of adaptation and development, institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are providing financing for low-carbon cooling technologies and supporting the integration of heat risks into fiscal planning.

While these initiatives represent progress, they are just the beginning of efforts to address the significant threat posed by extreme heat on a global scale.

The new fire station in Decatur, Ga., is one of five being constructed as part of a county-wide infrastructure improvement program.

In 2017, voters in DeKalb County, Ga., overwhelmingly approved a one-cent sales tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements. As the last county in the Atlanta metro area to implement a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), residents were well aware of the positive impact these improvements could have on their communities. Expectations were high. “The public trusted us with this investment, and we had to deliver,” says Zach Williams, DeKalb County’s chief operating officer. “With our staff deep into the day-to-day operations of running the county, we knew we were going to need support to augment our staff and help us define and execute the projects we had identified.”

After conducting a qualification based selection process, county officials selected �鶹TV��վ Technical Consultants, a national provider of program management and construction management services. “They were simply the best fit. We were aware of their reputation based on their work on other SPLOSTs throughout the state. And they’ve done an outstanding job,” Williams says.

Since 2018, �鶹TV��վ has been supporting DeKalb County with a multidisciplinary team of designers, managers, schedulers, cost estimators, construction inspectors and administrative support personnel. The sixyear program is expected to result in $400 million in funding for projects such as safety and signal improvements, sidewalks and multi-use trails, updated public safety equipment and facilities, and capital improvements to parks, public clinics, senior centers and libraries. The largest investment is being directed toward resurfacing roadways throughout the county. “With four active paving contracts currently underway, the county is on pace to repave 100 miles of roadway this year. Prior to SPLOST, they only had the resources to see to 10 to 12 miles each year. It’s really been a success story, and all for just that extra penny,” says Chris Kingsbury, program manager for �鶹TV��վ.

On June 12, more than 200 residents and firefighters attended the grand opening of a new 􀀁re station in the southwest corner of the county– the first in almost a decade. The previous facility was constructed in 1953 and due for an overhaul, but it was not merely a brick-and-mortar improvement. “Chris and his team used these projects to not only modernize the structure but to modernize the way our firefighters carry out their duties. These are the people who are running into burning buildings and they deserve a clean, safe and welcoming environment. We’re also including community rooms in the new firehouses (a total of five will be built) to promote oneness with the community,” Williams says.

DeKalb County’s robust business community is also benefiting from the program. The 20% small business commitment included in the SPLOST agreement has been exceeded each year and mentorprotégé arrangements have been developed to provide valuable work experience to disadvantaged businesses.

For leaders in the county, it was important to use the program as a means of raising the profile of DeKalb, while also providing a higher quality of life for its residents. “It has given DeKalb County an opportunity to assert its place in the metro Atlanta area. We haven’t been able to invest in our infrastructure like other jurisdictions that have had SPLOSTs for decades. This has been a game-changer not only in how our county looks but also in giving our residents a reason to have faith in their government. And �鶹TV��վ has been a great partner in making that happen,” Williams says.

Communication and transparency have been keys to the program’s success. Using the county’s GIS system, project progress is updated and made available to the public. Residents can simply go to the county’s website, click on a penny icon and then enter their address to see a list of improvements that have been made in their neighborhood. An email hotline was set up where issues can be reported and complaints lodged, but the inbox has remained largely empty. “I think we’ve only had to respond to around five issues, which is just a testament to how the work is being delivered,” says Williams.

SPLOST programs are unique to the state of Georgia, the first was created in 1985, and �鶹TV��վ has become the go-to consultant for a majority of the programs in the Atlanta metro area, along with others throughout the state. �鶹TV��վ also does similar CIP development and administration work for public agencies around the country. “I don’t think of �鶹TV��վ as a consultant— they’re part of us,” Williams says “They have an office that’s closer to me than some of our department heads and we meet on a regular basis. You can definitely say they’re embedded in our staff, and that’s where we need them to be.”

Published by Engineering News-Record (ENR) – Environmental Management On July 1, 2023

Q&A: �鶹TV��վ’ National Director of Industrial Hygiene and Building Science Alex Peck shares insights into recent air pollution events.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires settled across the U.S. Midwest and eastern seaboard in June, covering major cities in a hazardous haze.

Federal authorities issued health advisories in multiple regions, urging people to remain indoors and monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) until further notice.

While wildfire phenomena no longer surprise residents of western states, , a smoke-veiled, New York City skyline spurred public health concerns about the future.

Can exposure silently harm your health? We caught up with Alex Peck, the National Director of Industrial Hygiene and Building Science at �鶹TV��վ, to learn more about the effects of wildfire smoke and how to deal with these unprecedented challenges.

How threatening can smoke that’s traveled hundreds of miles away from its source be to human health?

Canada’s fighting at the moment, so it’s difficult to determine the exact source of the smoke. We can presume that the airborne soot impacting New York state and the East Coast comes from western Canada by way of a storm system in Maine, but it’s likely that these fires are burning more than just vegetation and timber.

While breathing particle pollution from any source, including wildfires, can be harmful, if the fires are burning manmade structures and products containing plastics and rubbers, chemically, there’s no telling what you could be inhaling.

And unlike the wildfire smoke that stays aloft in the west, this particular smoke is lingering at ground level.

What is particulate matter?

Particulate matter (PM) refers to the microscopic solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Although we can’t see these particles individually, they materialize as haze or smoke when present in high concentrations.

We differentiate sizes on a scale from PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less) to PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less), or particles 50 times smaller than the diameter of a strand of hair.

The nose and throat can stop many larger PM10 particles from entering our body. Whereas finer, PM2.5 particles, can penetrate deep into lung linings and cause a host of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

How do you analyze and rate wildfire smoke?

That’s actually one of the biggest challenges in occupational health and safety: we don’t have a good way of doing that right now.

Of course we can analyze the air in a myriad of ways, but the problem is there’s not really one catch-all solution where, to reference Star Trek, we can use a tricorder to gather, compute, and record air quality data.

We have to identify what we believe is in the air and then order the lab to analyze for it. Fires release thousands of toxic chemicals that are typically present in low quantities, making them difficult to capture. That’s one reason why we always focus on PM2.5, because it’s a good marker for just all the pollution in general. PM2.5 also tends to travel further at harmful concentrations than many of the other contaminants.

What smoke detection devices has �鶹TV��վ installed for clients?

A lot of buildings, especially older models, weren’t built with ventilation systems that can detect particles that come from wildfires.

We recently started installing low-cost sensors that record air quality data in real time. They look like thermostats. They analyze ambient temperature, humidity, particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide from people breathing in the building.

It’s new equipment that we can set and forget for 24/7 air quality monitoring. These devices can help our clients understand the impacts of wildfire smoke and other pollution on their indoor environments and employees.

How can �鶹TV��վ help wildfire-prone properties stay healthy?

Climate scientists expect hotter, drier conditions to extend the fire season. Here’s how �鶹TV��վ can help:��

1. Develop custom health and safety plans for employees working in hazardous conditions.
2. Perform indoor air quality evaluations amid wildfire events.
3. Conduct indoor air quality evaluations after a wildfire/isolated building fire incident to understand impacts and provide guidance for remediation.

The first entails developing a health and safety program for sectors that are exposed to wildfires. It’s geared towards commercial farmers, groundskeepers, delivery drivers, landfill operators, or anyone who primarily works outdoors. We also help businesses comply with wildfire regulations in applicable states.

The second concerns an assortment of different equipment, sensors and sampling devices, and laboratory analyses to assess ventilation system quality. We help determine if the ventilation systems are functioning at full capacity or if improvements are needed.

The third involves testing building surfaces for soot, ash, and char. In most cases, the smoke particles actually stick to surfaces and settle in the dust, which gives off a lingering smoke odor. We perform wipe samples to determine the level of impact to areas within a building and inform remediation plans. Smoke travels through wall cavities in sneaky ways. Basically, we help rid the building of contaminants and the associated smell.

How can individuals own their safety?

Keep an eye on those AQI numbers at . You can also view various “citizen science” indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring programs online, such as . Some platforms even allow you to opt for a meter that you can set up outside your front door.

If you’re in an area that’s experiencing intense smoke, staying inside is the main recommendation from federal agencies.

Make sure that the air quality inside is as good as it can be. You’ll want to keep windows and doors airtight as best you can. Make sure you’re using the highest rated air filters that your ventilation system allows.

I suggest buying those affordable air purifiers for rooms, too. The one thing that I would note about those is you want to buy one that has a , and you want to pay attention to the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). Get one that’s the right size for the area you’re trying to filter.

Stay away from ionizers. Basically, avoid products that advertise ionization capabilities or ionizing the air. They’re known to produce ozone and other pollutants that you don’t want to breathe. Just stick to HEPA filters. They’re tried and true.