Environmental Business Journal Awards

Strategic undergrounding program
Won by: San Diego Gas & Electric
Award: EBJ Industry Leadership – Strategic Undergrounding Program

The team delivered industry-leading results on a Southern California utility’s Strategic Undergrounding Program, addressing escalating wildfire risks driven by drought, extreme heat and high winds. By placing the environmental team at the center of delivery alongside engineering and construction, ArchTam cut cost per mile, accelerated permitting and significantly increased the pace of undergrounding. The program managed 18 service categories, maintained strong safety and quality, and enabled 112 miles of powerline undergrounding — a 53 percent annual increase and 23 percent cost per mile reduction. Sustainability and equity were embedded throughout, achieving 38 percent Diverse Business Enterprise participation, minimizing environmental impacts, engaging nine Tribes through 37 meetings, and securing more than 500 permits and easements. This integrated model sets a new benchmark for wildfire mitigation and resilient infrastructure.

Realigning the Lower San Acacia Reach: A model for sustainable river management in the Rio Grande watershed
Won by: ArchTam
Award: EBJ Project Merit – Sustainability Model for Rio Grande Watershed

The Rio Grande watershed is critical for water users, ecosystems, and recreation, but its highly dynamic channel has shifted significantly over the past century. To address challenges in the Lower San Acacia Reach — such as channel perching, conveyance losses, and declining habitat — the Bureau of Reclamation is planning a 20‑mile river realignment south of Socorro, NM that works with natural geomorphic trends to improve water delivery, enhance ecosystem health, and reduce long‑term maintenance. ArchTam is supporting a four‑year environmental program with robust stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance, producing key analyses including a 2024 geomorphology and alternatives report and a 2025 Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This forward‑looking effort integrates engineering, science, and collaboration to strengthen river resilience.

Closing the loop on PFAS: Advanced technology for ARFF vehicle decontamination
Won by: ArchTam, TRS Group, Inc., Denver International Airport
Award: EBJ Technology Merit Awards – PFAS Decontamination

Airports face growing PFAS contamination challenges from decades of AFFF use, intensified by the EPA’s 2024 designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances. Denver International Airport, with ArchTam and TRS Group, implemented a groundbreaking closed-loop cleaning system to decontaminate ARFF vehicles, circulating heated water and cleaning agents through foam systems on each vehicle. After three to five cycles, PFAS levels dropped an average of 98.72 percent, enabling safe conversion to fluorine-free foam without replacing vehicles and saving millions in equipment costs. A total of 20 firefighting vehicles were cleaned, supported by SOP development, rigorous sampling, and validation of analytical results. This innovative, repeatable approach sets a national precedent for cost-effective PFAS remediation and regulatory compliance.

Leading the charge in post-wildfire environmental recovery
Won by: ArchTam and ECC for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Award: EBJ Industry Leadership – Post-Wildfire Rapid Environmental Recovery

After the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led a six-month recovery effort that cleared more than 12,000 parcels, enabling communities to rebuild while safely managing hazards such as asbestos, lead and lithium batteries without harming wildlife or cultural resources. The team’s custom mobile and GIS-enabled apps streamlined more than 27,000 biological and archaeological monitoring forms, reducing errors and accelerating clearance through real-time digital reporting. Working long hours, crews recovered artifacts and documented historic structures, preserving cultural heritage, while the program also provided hands-on training for recent graduates through mentorship with senior experts. This effort set a national standard for innovative, coordinated and resilience-focused disaster recovery.

Klamath Dam removal project
Won by: RES
Award: EBJ Project Merit – Large-Scale River Restoration

When four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River were deemed environmentally and economically unsustainable, a diverse coalition — led by Tribes — advanced the landmark 2016 Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, creating the Klamath River Renewal Corporation to deliver the largest dam removal project in history. The final dam came down in October 2024, and by fall 2025 over 10,000 Chinook salmon had returned to the upper basin. The project restored habitat, reconnected floodplains, improved tribal subsistence resources, created public access to world‑class whitewater, and will return 2,000 acres to the Shasta Indian Nation. ArchTam facilitated federal cultural resource compliance, protected cultural sites, and supported listing part of Kikacéki on the National Register.

Climate Change Business Journal awards

Innovating energy and carbon management for the world’s largest chemical company
Won by: ArchTam and BASF
Award: CCBJ Consulting & Engineering – Sustainability Target Architecture Solution Implementation

ArchTam partnered with BASF to deliver a global energy and carbon management solution that provides transparent, asset‑management GHG estimation to support Product Carbon Footprints. Using BASF’s STArS architecture for data collection on Enablon, ArchTam created a scalable, assurance-ready approach to automize data collection for CO2 emissions that can be rapidly deployed plant by plant. Three proof-of‑concept sites validated the method, enabling expansion across 550 plants worldwide, including Ludwigshafen, Germany. The solution automates significant parts of the data collection for GHG reporting, supports sustainable product design, reduces energy use and lowers operating costs. By combining advanced technology with strategic consulting, ArchTam helped BASF to significantly increase efficiency in the processes and transform complex environmental data into actionable insights.

Building Brazil’s carbon future: A transformative national carbon certification program
Won by: ArchTam, BNDES, Bradesco Bank and Ecogreen Fund
Award: CCBJ Consulting & Engineering – Carbon Certification Program for Brazil

ECORA is a national carbon credit certification program positioned to become a reference for Brazil and the Global South, strengthening trust and transparency while enabling market-wide growth. Structured through ArchTam’s advisory program and formally launched in partnership with BNDES, Bradesco and the Ecogreen Fund at COP30, it enhances security and scalability in a sector that must grow 400 percent by 2030. Integrated with the Conservare Digital Platform, ECORA digitizes the full credit generation lifecycle — from feasibility to retirement — using geospatial analytics, predictive modeling and automated traceability. The solution reduces transaction costs, accelerates certification, and aligns methodologies and safeguards with Brazil’s diverse biomes, regulatory frameworks and socioenvironmental realities. By delivering high-integrity, locally tailored certification and expanding market access, ECORA attracts global investment and supports Brazil’s low carbon transition, demonstrating ArchTam’s leadership in scaling climate solutions.

The post 2025 Environmental Business Journal and Climate Change Business Journal awards appeared first on Blog.

Carrie Henderson is a vice president based in Arlington, Virginia, where she serves as our East Region Environmental Health and Safety + Air (EHS+Air) Sales Director and Program Manager. As of October 2025, she is also the East Region Environment Federal Market Sector Lead. For over 25 years, she has combined her passion for science and policy with hands-on problem solving to help federal clients meet environmental goals. Known for her collaborative approach and clear communication, Carrie guides programs that facilitate compliance, protect people and strengthen communities.

What inspired you to join the industry?

My fascination with environmental science started young, sparked by Saturday mornings spent watching an environment-themed TV show called “Captain Planet” and a high school recycling project that led me to the National 4-H Congress.

As a chemistry major and one of the first environmental studies minors at Wake Forest University, I was fascinated with how science drives environmental policy and compliance. I realized environmental consulting would allow me to help a range of organizations reduce emissions and meet their environmental responsibilities.

This discovery led to my 25-year journey supporting clients across the U.S. on everything from regulatory compliance to sustainability planning. Throughout that time, my motivation has remained the same: to facilitate science and policy working together to protect people and places.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most rewarding projects was developing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) PFAS management program, which regulates a group of persistent chemicals found in firefighting foams and industrial products. Over three years, our team built the program from the ground up to help the agency address one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

We analyzed regulatory actions across all 50 states, developed policies that standardize PFAS management enterprise-wide and created an environmental management information system (EMIS) to collect and report data. We also designed and delivered training to help hundreds of environmental professionals across the agency use the system effectively.

The program we built helps DHS protect people and the environment while setting a foundation for continuous improvement. Helping clients protect communities and the environment is the kind of impact that makes this career so fulfilling.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

As a military spouse, projects that improve the lives of service members and their families mean a lot to me.

I’ve supported the Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) Environmental Management Program for nearly a decade, leading initiatives that enhance environmental compliance, conservation and communication across installations.

One of the most impactful efforts has been supporting outreach for veterans and families affected by historic drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Our team manages information distribution and operates a help desk staffed by veterans who can connect with callers through shared experience and empathy. It’s a reminder that environmental programs are ultimately about protecting people.

Beyond Camp Lejeune, our work with HQMC includes advancing PFAS management, air and water quality initiatives, and sustainability programs that directly improve the environments where Marines live and work. Knowing our work contributes to that mission is incredibly meaningful.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to always deliver your best work and say yes to new opportunities, even when they push you outside your comfort zone. Early in my career, a major reorganization changed my trajectory overnight. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I treated it as an opportunity to redefine my path, which led me to larger program leadership roles. Whether I’m leading complex environmental programs that bring together multiple agencies or mentoring early-career professionals, I focus on accountability and communication. Those qualities build trust with clients, teammates and regulators — and that trust is the foundation for delivering lasting environmental solutions.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Carrie Henderson appeared first on Blog.

From assessment and remediation projects for Defence, to other large-scale remediation projects across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, his work continues to make a lasting impact on history and communities.

A core leader in ArchTam’s Defence Environment team, Peter also brings diverse experience from working across utilities and government organisations, where he became adept at navigating mature frameworks and robust systems. He is highly experienced in managing large teams and complex programmes of work.

Peter is a people person who, above all, thrives on getting the job done while always keeping the best interests of his clients and team top of mind.

What have been the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on in your career?

One that stands out was an assessment project that required stepping back in time. I was part researcher, part historian, diving into archives to piece together history about the site. As an author, I was hands on uncovering records, piecing them together and analysing risks. It was challenging, detailed work that demanded both problem solving and persistence.

I’ve also been fortunate to work on many large-scale assessment programs and remediation projects, which are technically challenging and often involve risky scenarios. One example is an asbestos remediation project. While these projects can be complex, they’re also incredibly rewarding because of the variety and very tangible public health outcomes for communities. I’ve had similar experiences in the utilities sector, where leading major programmes carried the same mix of complexity and community impact. Those roles broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt approaches across different industries.

What skills do you draw on most when leading Defence projects?

Communication is critical. Defence has processes to follow, layers of responsibility, and representatives from different backgrounds, so communication, both written and verbal, must be clear and precise.

Defence is also very mature in how it manages land, with established guidelines and policies that must be followed carefully. Having an experienced team around me is key, and for new team members, we always hold onboarding meetings to set expectations and align on processes from the start. That foundation sets everyone up for success.

How do you build strong client relationships on complex projects?

For me, it always comes back to being present and engaged. Regular face-to-face meetings are invaluable — you can pick up on the questions and nuances that don’t always come through virtually. On large projects or programmes, this consistent communication helps align scopes and stakeholders, keeping everyone moving towards the same purpose and goal.

I also take a hands-on role, reviewing reports and staying close to the detail. That involvement gives me confidence in the quality of what we deliver and reassures clients that their needs are front and centre. It’s about being part of the solution, not just overseeing it from a distance. This approach has been particularly important when leading large multidisciplinary teams, where fostering alignment and a “best for project” mindset ensures we deliver the right outcomes for clients and communities.

How does your work translate into positive environmental outcomes?

At its core, contaminated land management is about reducing risks to human health and the environment. The most obvious impact comes during the cleanup phase, when we assess and remediate contaminated land for beneficial reuse and it’s made safe for use again.

Outside of the Defence sector, one project I’m particularly proud of was a nature-positive remediation project that remediated sediments on a shoreline. We then hand planted that shoreline with mangrove seeds, resulting in the reestablishment of the native mangrove ecosystem. Seeing nature be restored and then flourish as a direct result of our work was a clear demonstration of the tangible benefits remediation can deliver, and very rewarding on a personal level.

What excites you most about working on Defence projects?

The variety. No two projects are the same, and each presents its own challenges.

On top of that, ArchTam’s Defence team has a strong, in-depth understanding of Defence’s portfolio. Working alongside such a capable team makes it possible for us to consistently deliver for our clients. It’s a team built on trust and deep technical understanding, and that’s something I genuinely enjoy being part of.

The post Combatting contaminated lands: Meet Peter Brogan appeared first on Blog.

Aimee Ruiter is a licensed civil engineer and sustainability professional with 24 years of experience in environmental remediation consulting. She specializes in sustainable remediation and leads multidisciplinary teams through complex remediation design projects. Her experience spans the full lifecycle of remediation – from site investigation and remedial alternative evaluation to design, construction, and site closure. Over the years, she has focused on the remediation design of former industrial sites, including manufacturing facilities, manufactured gas plants, railyards, and petroleum refineries.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Aimee is an Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) and holds a professional certification in Sustainability from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She plays a key role in advancing ArchTam’s sustainable and regenerative remediation program. Her work includes development of internal guidance, tools, and training to support sustainable practices throughout remediation.  She also advises clients on updating their sustainability frameworks to align with evolving industry standards and business goals, making them more accessible and actionable.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I originally majored in civil engineering with a focus on transportation. But my interests took a new direction when I read A Civil Action, a book about a 1984 lawsuit in Woburn, Massachusetts, where a spike in childhood leukemia was linked to industrial contamination of the local water supply. The case led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require two companies to fund what became the largest toxic cleanup in the Northeastern United States at that time.

That story hit close to home. The book also mentioned the McKin Company Superfund Site in Gray, Maine, my hometown, where a waste storage and disposal facility had contaminated residential wells with industrial solvents. That personal connection made the issue feel urgent and real, and inspired me to shift my academic focus to remediation.

Around the same time, I attended a presentation where environmental scientists were collecting sediment samples from a boat on a beautiful sunny day. Like environmental detectives, they used forensics to discover that there were actually two distinct contaminant plumes requiring cleanup. The project combined my love for the outdoors with complex problem-solving. It looked like fun and meaningful work.

After college, I joined ArchTam and began working in environmental remediation, and I’ve been here ever since, for nearly 24 years.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

Rather than a single project, I’d like to highlight a current initiative that I believe will lead to many of my future favorite projects: embedding sustainability into our remediation practice.

Over the years, I’ve become increasingly passionate about sustainability and climate action in my personal life. I’ve volunteered with the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and serve as chair of my small town’s energy committee. Naturally, I wanted to bridge that interest with my professional work at ArchTam.

With the incredible support of my supervisor, Kris Carbonneau, I was able to realign my career to better reflect my evolving goals. She encouraged me to pursue further education, and earlier this year I completed a Professional Certificate Program in Sustainability from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also connected me with John Bleiler, our global remediation lead, who has been championing a framework and tools for embedding sustainability into our remediation work.

Although the concept of sustainable remediation has been around for over a decade, I hadn’t truly appreciated that connection, and I know I’m not alone in that. Remediation projects are uniquely situated to make a meaningful impact, as they intersect with land, air, water, and communities. For the past year and a half, I’ve been in a new role in which I’m working closely with John and a steering committee to help drive a cultural shift at ArchTam — one where sustainability is embedded into every stage of remediation practice.

One of our key accomplishments is the development of our Foundational Standard: Sustainable Remediation Guidance, a practical “how to” guide. We encourage project teams to incorporate sustainable remediation best management practices (BMPs) and conduct lifecycle analysis to evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs). Many of the recommended practices are simple, cost-effective, and impactful –  such as optimizing excavation volumes, reducing soil transport distances, or using rail instead of trucks to lower greenhouse gas emissions. We’re also advocating regenerative remediation, which integrates ecological and community uplift into site restoration, transforming formerly blighted properties into valuable assets for both clients and communities.

ArchTam’s sustainable remediation team has developed several internal digital tools to help practitioners incorporate sustainability into their day-to-day work:

• ArchTam’s Sustainable Rem BMP Checklist: This web-based tool draws from a range of industry sources, including EPA and ASTM guidelines, to identify BMPs for sustainable remediation. Users input details such as project type, remedy, phase, and sustainability priorities. The tool then generates a tailored list of applicable BMPs for that specific project. These outputs can be used to guide internal teams and engage clients in conversations about integrating sustainability.
• ArchTam’s Sustainable Rem KPI Estimator: This simple tool provides quick, high-level estimates of key sustainability metrics for typical remediation scenarios. It calculates greenhouse gas and air emissions, water and soil usage, and estimated field exposure time. Designed as a rough screening tool, it enables teams to rapidly compare different remedial approaches and identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts.
• SiteWise^TM into ScopeX Automation: For more in-depth assessments, many of our practitioners use SiteWise^TM, an industry-standard remediation lifecycle analysis tool developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Navy, and Battelle. ArchTam has created an automated process to upload SiteWise^TM results directly into the ScopeX Portal, ArchTam’s internal digital hub for evidence-based decarbonization strategies, project carbon data and asset specific methods and workflows. This integration allows us to scale insights across projects, enabling teams to identify and implement more effective decarbonization solutions for our clients.

To support ArchTam’s cultural shift toward more fully embracing sustainable remediation, we’re also building a strong support system. I’ve been leading a Sustainable Remediation Enterprise Capabilities Team, composed of international staff who are ready to assist remediation projects in integrating sustainability more effectively. In addition to the foundational standard and tools mentioned above, we’re also developing training modules and template language to help equip staff for conversations with clients and to build confidence in applying sustainable practices. I’m also excited to co-lead the new Sustainable and Regenerative Remediation Technical Practice Group Specialty Area — an internal community for ArchTam staff who are eager to learn more, share knowledge, and advance best practices in this evolving field.

I’m excited to watch ArchTam lead the industry in sustainable remediation and the positive impact we can create together.

Share a piece of career advice.

“Bloom where you’re planted.”

For a long time, I daydreamed about finding a career that directly addressed the climate crisis, without realizing I already had that opportunity right in front of me. Through my work in remediation at ArchTam, I discovered I could drive meaningful change from where I was. I just wish I had realized it sooner!

People often ask how they can get involved in sustainable remediation. My advice? Start where you are. Look for ways to integrate sustainability into your current projects. Talk to your clients – many already have corporate sustainability goals, and we can help them achieve those through how we approach remediation.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Aimee Ruiter appeared first on Blog.

In Richard’s 21-year-career as an environmental engineer, he’s managed programs and projects that include contaminated site investigation and remediation, hydrogeological assessments, and water resource management.

What have been the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on in your career?

Unsurprisingly, Defence projects come to mind. A couple of projects I worked on presented new types of environmental challenges that needed strong teamwork across discipline areas to solve. We also needed to be flexible to changing scope, context, and stakeholder needs, and evolve as we uncovered technical knowledge on these new challenges with no precedent. There were also immersive and extensive stints in the field.

In your role leading our contaminated land services teams for our Defence clients, what key skills and strategies do you often use?

While all project management fundamentals are important, change and people are especially important for contamination projects. I seek to understand the client and project drivers and the scope and then match the right team for what is required. Everyone has different strengths and ways of working, so understanding these and figuring out ways to align them with project needs supports delivery. You can plan and make decisions based on the information available to you, but nothing is certain, and planning for change and managing it effectively is critical for success.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with clients when you’re working on complex projects like contaminated land remediation?

A good kick-off meeting and establishing regular and open communications (both verbal and written so everybody remembers what we spoke about previously). Building a good relationship makes it a lot easier to manage and tackle changes when they happen and means everyone can share in success. It’s also important to understand the unique requirements and systems of our clients so we can deliver. This doesn’t happen straight away but through learning from feedback and applying these to other tasks and projects.

How does your work in contaminated land management contribute to positive environmental outcomes? Can you share some examples of projects where significant environmental improvements were achieved?

When you design a remediation project with sustainability principles, and these are met, there are clear social and environmental benefits. Land investigation and risk assessments can solve uncertainties about a site and surrounding environment so that it can be released for beneficial uses.

In what ways do you engage with local communities during environmental projects? How do you ensure that their concerns and needs are addressed throughout the project lifecycle?

It depends on the project. Where there is engagement with a local community, it’s important to actually listen to them, and understand what’s important to them and what information they need. From there, stakeholder engagement specialists, supported by technical people, can clearly communicate project objectives, findings and next steps in a way that meets the community’s needs,

Richard’s leadership has been instrumental in our 20+ years of delivering robust and consistent environmental services to the Australian Defence sector.

The post Combatting contaminated lands: Meet Richard Somerville appeared first on Blog.

Since joining ArchTam in 2017, Felicia has worked on numerous Defence projects. She provides ongoing leadership, support and project management on the Australian Defence Force’s Regional Contamination Investigation Program. Through this, she’s developed extensive site contamination knowledge of the Defence Estate in South Australia and within other regions. She’s used her knowledge of the program to design, implement and provide technical advice on multiple other land contamination and resource quality Defence programs and projects across Australia.

What have been the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on in your career?
I find projects with complex problems — that need diversely skilled teams to solve — most rewarding. Additionally, I derive great satisfaction from working on projects that foster genuine partnerships with clients. These projects force me to think outside the box, to find the right people that will find the best solutions. In these scenarios I need to leverage my skills and networks, and build trusting relationships. Some projects that come to mind are remediation projects where complex challenges like co-mingled contamination or hazardous wastes were presented. These projects required established partnerships with clients, specialist teams, and subcontractors to deliver safe solutions.

In your role leading our contaminated land services teams for our Defence clients, what key skills and strategies do you often use?
My experience leading projects within the Defence estate has equipped me with a deep and practical understanding of Defence policy, legislation and technical guidance. I leverage this knowledge to develop and implement strategies tailored to the unique needs of each project to tackle contaminated land and other environmental issues for the sector.

I often draw on strategic planning, regulatory navigation, stakeholder engagement and technical risk assessment to deliver for our Defence clients. I prioritise early and proactive collaboration to identify issues early, streamline approvals and maintain compliance. My approach ensures the delivery of practical and cost-effective solutions to support long-term estate sustainability.

How do you deliver exceptional value for our Defence clients?
I deliver exceptional value to our Defence clients by building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams that combine deep local knowledge with specialised technical expertise. During my time at ArchTam, I’ve cultivated strong relationships with our people across Australia in our Environment business, our broader multidisciplinary teams, and our global network of technical experts who have specialised and niche technical knowledge. I also maintain close working relationships with trusted subcontractors who bring specialist capabilities to the table.

These relationships are essential for building teams with the right local and technical knowledge, best suited to the unique challenges of each project, to deliver excellent results for clients. I’ve used this team approach to deliver complex remediation pilot trials and remediation projects for Defence. Ultimately, I focus on understanding our clients’ priorities and bringing our best people to align solutions to their operational, environmental and strategic goals.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with clients when you’re working on complex projects like contaminated land remediation?

Relationships are only built and maintained on trust. By treating a project as a partnership with our clients, we jointly own the task of finding and delivering the right solutions. We continuously engage and communicate with transparency through project delivery so our clients can trust we’re doing what we say we will. We bring clients along the delivery path, sharing progress and wins, and if issues arise, we tell our clients immediately so there are no surprises. This is crucial for complex and sensitive projects.

What long-term environmental benefits result from successful contaminated site remediation? How do you measure and communicate these to stakeholders and the community?

When a site is successfully remediated it is no longer a potential (or actual) contamination risk to the environment and the people around it. When we remediate a site, land is unlocked for community/economic/industrial benefit, rather than being wastefully restricted. We plan for remediation by assessing a number of factors and determining which remediation approach is best. The approach is based not only on returning the land for use but also on meeting sustainability targets such as low energy use and low waste generation. This means we return the land to its most beneficial community impact. Stakeholder and community engagement is so important in remediation to make sure our approach best meets the expectations of those impacted by the land being decontaminated.

Felicia’s leadership has been instrumental in our 20+ years of delivering robust and consistent environmental services to the Australian Defence sector.

The post Combatting contaminated lands: Meet Felicia Mellors appeared first on Blog.

Climate Change Business Journal Awards

Greater Toronto Airport Sustainable Design and Construction Guideline
Won by: ArchTam’s client, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA)
Award: Advancing Best Practices:  Sustainable Airports

The GTAA manages and operates Toronto Pearson International Airport, North America’s second largest in terms of international traffic. The GTAA is launching significant investments in their facilities and terminals, aimed at transforming Pearson into one of the most advanced, sustainable and passenger-friendly airports in the world. Aligning to their environmental master plan goals, the GTAA and ArchTam developed a Sustainable Design and Construction Guideline, a framework incorporating leading sustainable design practices into their facilities program. The guidelines include LEED sustainability certification, Envision, and the Canada Green Building Council Net-Zero Design Standards, while addressing critical areas such as circular design and construction, climate resiliency, sustainable transportation, water management, energy efficiency, carbon emissions/air quality, materials, resources, zero-waste strategies, and construction logistics.

Building Climate Resiliency into the Colorado River Basin: Water Operations and Management Compliance
Won by: ArchTam
Award: Project Merit: Colorado River

Covering 250,000 square miles, the Colorado River provides water to 40Mpeople (including 30 tribes) and 5.5M acres of agriculture, while supporting hydroelectric renewable power, recreation, and rich ecological communities. Prolonged drought is stressing this lifeline and causing aridification. To provide long-term resiliency, ArchTam is working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in developing revised dam operations and providing all required environmental compliance.  Given the multi-decade planning horizon and significant unknowns around future flows and demands, ArchTam is applying a first-of-its-kind approach within the Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty framework to assess the impacts of different operational alternatives. ArchTam is facilitating a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process and addressing compliance for over 10 listed species under the Endangered Species Act.

The Natural and Nature-Based Solution Job Aids
Won by: ArchTam
Award: Advancing Best Practices: Nature-Based Solution

Developed in collaboration with FEMA and not-for-profit organizations, these resources empower local communities, planners, and engineers to integrate nature-based solutions into infrastructure and hazard mitigation projects.

Addressing rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and intensified storm events exacerbated by climate change, the three job aids — shoreline and dune stabilization and restoration, bank stabilization, and stormwater management — offer practical guidance for designing projects that harness natural systems such as wetlands, mangroves, and vegetative buffers. These solutions reduce risks, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity while promoting sustainability.

Tailored to Puerto Rico’s unique geography and ecological challenges, the job aids bridge the gap between science and actionable strategies.

City of Guelph Drought Response Operational Plan
Won by: ArchTam’s client, City of Guelph
Award:  Advancing Best Practices: Drought Response Planning

The City of Guelph is one of the largest groundwater-based cities in Canada. Groundwater can be slow to replenish and with Provincial population growth pressures, a long-term plan was required to manage the impacts of drought. The City’s goal was a plan to minimize economic and ecological losses, while meeting the requirements of its customers and maintaining human health. The plan was developed using statistical and modeling analysis informed by the City’s extensive groundwater monitoring dataset. These tools provide a robust and multi-layered approach to sustainably managing the resource and maintaining essential water distribution to the community. The Drought Response Operational Plan identifies thresholds for increasing levels of drought severity and actions for the City to take at each level.

Environmental Business Journal Awards

Circular Approach to Algae Improves Water Quality
Won by: ArchTam
Award: Environmental Business Journal, Industry Leadership

Excess nutrients entering surface waters lead to uncontrolled algae growth and hypoxia, creating marine life “dead zones”. The Gulf of Mexico’s 6,500-square-mile dead zone poses risks to aquatic life and human health, such as Florida’s Red Tide event from 2017-2019, which caused $1 billion in losses. Agricultural stormwater runoff, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, is a major contributor. The EPA is addressing this through initiatives like the NWFWMD Algae Harvesting Project which tested ArchTam’s patented Hydronucleation Floatation Technology (HFT) to reduce nutrient discharge and improve agricultural sustainability. The successful NWFWMD demonstration in Florida showed algae harvesting significantly reduces nutrient levels, improves water quality, and that harvested algae can replace up to 50 percent of synthetic fertilizers. 

Next steps focus on scaling this technology to assess its effectiveness across diverse regions and crops.

Strategic Growth for Permitting Capabilities Creates Win-Win Merger
Won by:  ArchTam
Award: Environmental Business Journal, Mergers and Acquisitions

ArchTam’s acquisition of EMPSi marked a significant milestone, exemplifying ArchTam’s commitment to expanding our environmental consulting capabilities and underscores our dedication to delivering sustainable legacies.

EMPSi is a premier industry leader in federal land/water management, delivering complex NEPA projects in Western U.S.  The combination expanded ArchTam’s NEPA practice and federal client base, bringing more than 50 professionals to our growing business.  For EMPSi, this provides new employee career opportunities, additional client capabilities, and continued growth. Both EMPSi founders have stayed with ArchTam and are playing pivotal leadership roles. ArchTam provided ongoing career paths for all employees, and net headcount has increased by 30 percent. We are positioned to continue expanding our value proposition to a broader set of clients, providing robust long-term career opportunities for employees.

California Wildlife Crossing Safeguards Animals and Motorists
Won by:  ArchTam’s client, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Award: Environmental Business Journal, Project Merit

California State Route 17 (SR 17) fragments over 30,000 acres of open space in the Santa Cruz Mountains, limiting wildlife habitat connectivity and preventing the completion of several major trail systems. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen), in cooperation with Caltrans and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, will construct a wildlife undercrossing and multi-use trail overcrossing of SR 17 near Lexington Reservoir. This project will improve wildlife passage, increase motorist safety, improve wildlife habitat connectivity, and connect over 50 miles of regional trails and public open spaces.

Midpen is also working on a potential Mitigation Credit Agreement that could generate credits for wildlife connectivity and species such as mountain lion, potentially the first of its kind in California.

Community Engagement Drives Mine Remediation Project
Won by:  ArchTam’s client, Government of Canada
Award: Environmental Business Journal Project Merit

Giant Mine is located on Chief Drygeese Territory, the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, within the Mǫwhì Gogha Dè Nı̨ı̨tłèè Nîîtåèè boundary, on the traditional homelands of the North Slave Métis Alliance in Northwest Territories, Canada.

The project is one of the most expensive federal environmental cleanups in Canada. Comprised of 2,300 acres, eight open pits, tailings ponds, derelict buildings, and contaminated primarily with arsenic, petroleum hydrocarbons, asbestos and lead.

In 2009, ArchTam and WSP embarked on extensive remediation including tailings rehabilitation, contaminated soil management, evaluation of borrow sources, mine water treatment, surface water management, underground stability, highway re-alignment, demolition/debris removal, open pit closure, and closure of mine openings. The team’s freeze design will contain the arsenic trioxide underground.

Innovative Technology Streamlining Environmental Planning and Permitting
Won by:  EarthSoft and ArchTam
Award: Environmental Business Journal, Information Technology

In 2024, EarthSoft, Inc. launched EQuIS PlanEngage and EQuIS Helios, advancing environmental and geotechnical data management software offerings to the market. These tools unify data sources and enhance project management, aiding in understanding complex data. Helios, a knowledge management portal, leverages Microsoft Azure AI for natural language search and machine learning, centralizing unstructured data and reducing costs. It features OCR, advanced search, and enhanced security for data confidentiality and integrity.

EQuIS PlanEngage, developed with ArchTam, is a storytelling platform that visualizes environmental data using dynamic GIS and interactive tools. It facilitates decision-making by regulatory agencies and promotes public health and safety. These tools empower organizations with a holistic, efficient, and secure approach to data management.

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Before moving to Germany, Andrew Rolfe was a project manager working in our Sydney office for 15 years, working on major site remediation projects including management of the remediation planning works at the Barangaroo development project in Sydney, which involved the remediation of the former Millers Point gasworks site.   

In 2020, Andrew moved to Germany. He recently used his remediation experience to conduct a PFAS groundwater treatment trial at a German military site to assess the highest-performing and most cost-effective remediation solution to mitigate the offsite migration of PFAS impacted groundwater.  Based on these studies, we subsequently prepare the remedial design for the groundwater remediation project – one of the first such projects in Germany. The groundwater extraction and treatment works will start later this year.   

The project also included a soil stabilization trial which assessed different adsorbents (including biochar) to stabilize PFAS-impacted soils. Because biochar is a waste by-product, it is a sustainable product and generates carbon credits. Andrew continues to work with the German biochar manufacturer to trial other types of biochar.

What inspired you to join the industry?

I studied geology in New Zealand and enjoyed field trips investigating the geological processes which formed the different landscapes. This background led me to enjoy the process of researching the history behind a site’s land use, collecting data to make good remediation decisions and planning the specific requirements of a remediation project. This involves creative thinking. We always try to find the most sustainable approach which sometimes can also be the most cost-effective solution. An example of this is the potential use of biochar for soil stabilisation works because it is a waste by-product and generates carbon credits (i.e. therefore making it cheaper than other carbon-based adsorbents). 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

The Barangaroo development project stands out as my favourite project I’ve worked on. The transformation of neglected land into a vibrant part of Sydney, complete with new parklands, waterfront promenades and ferry terminals, has enhanced connectivity through this part of the city. 

One of the main project challenges was related to the close proximity of the former gasworks site to Sydney Harbour. This required detailed groundwater investigations to confirm to the local authorities that the proposed remediation works would appropriately protect the environment (i.e. the Harbour). 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

I’ve leveraged my remediation expertise to support a significant major global client in a high priority project in Germany (as discussed above). Our client was under pressure from the local authorities and community to take remediation action to mitigate the offsite migration of PFAS impacted groundwater.  The start of their PFAS groundwater remediation works later this year will directly improve water quality in the local river which flows through the nearby town. 

Share a piece of career advice. 

ArchTam has global expertise across a wide range of environmental remediation technologies — make good use of it! For example, the Australia team offers world-class solutions in tackling the challenges that PFAS presents in the environment and is at the forefront of developing remediation technologies. I have drawn on this global network to help provide sustainable solutions for remediation projects. Think and act globally! 

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