News

On April 30, 2013, the New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Women Environmental Professionals toured EnviroSolutions (ESI's) Doremus Avenue Recycling Transfer (DART) Transload Facility in Newark. 

Glen Wilkinson of ESI led an in-depth discussion and tour of the facility for approximately one dozen NJSWEP members.  Glen talked about the materials that the facility handles, which include:  municipal solid waste, construction & demolition debris, contaminated soils, filter cake/treatment sludges, drums, dredge spoils, and the list goes on.  On the tour, Glen showed us how the materials that enter the facility are baled and then transferred to railcars for recycling / disposal.  During our tour we also saw how the DART facility uses an air canon, which produces a very loud explosion to scare away birds.  Although the birds didn’t seem to flinch when the cannon fired, the explosions did manage to startle the NJSWEP members, who ducked for cover.  We all got a good laugh from it.  Everyone who attended enjoyed the site tours and was impressed with the scope and scale of the operation.   

ESI hosted a lovely reception after the site tour, with the catering from Hobby’s delicatessen (a true Newark institution) and an exquisite selection of wines and soft drinks.  The event was a huge hit with everyone that attended.  NJSWEP thanks ESI for hosting the event.

by Tali MacArthur, Chair of the Gala Planning Committee

On July 18th, 2013- a day that almost broke record high temperatures (again!)- the New Jersey chapter of SWEP hosted its 7th annual Growing Great Women in the Garden State Gala. This year’s event took place in the breathtakingly beautiful conservatory room of The Madison Hotel in Morristown, NJ. This may have been our most gorgeous venue to date. The warm sun filtered through the glass ceiling showcasing the deep greens and vibrant colors of the plants and flowers as SWEP members, guests and honorees mingled and enjoyed drinks and refreshments.

This year’s Gala drew the largest crowd yet, and the excitement and festive attitude of all attendees was evident. The highlight of the event was, as usual, the opportunity to recognize an outstanding member of our environmental community as well as the up-and-coming superstars. Ms. Amy S. Greene, President and Owner of Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants was nominated and introduced by Ms. Susan Goetz of Acutest Laboratories. Susan highlighted Amy’s knowledge and application of natural resources management theories and practices, her ability to balance the needs of her clients with sound environmental principles, and her passion for developing her employees’ talents for over the past 25 years. Amy also volunteers her time to various professional organizations focused on education and awareness. Additionally, she serves as Trustee of The Nature Conservancy, helping to advance their conservation mission. Without question, Amy sets the highest of standards for quality and excellence in environmental field and demonstrates a personal commitment to leadership and achievement we should all strive emulate.

This year, NJSWEP was able to award four scholarships to very deserving young ladies. The first place Undergraduate Award was presented to Megan Elizabeth Helsel of Montclair State University; the second place Undergraduate Award was presented to Carla Cordoves of Rutgers University; the first place Graduate Award was presented to Kelly Triece of Montclair State University; and the second place Graduate Award was presented to Kristen M. Tomasicchio of Rutgers University. A fun twist to this year’s presentation was the gigantic checks each of these remarkable women received to celebrate their success and accomplishments and to inspire them into future careers in this diverse and exciting field.

This year’s Gala was a smashing success and the NJSWEP Steering Committee and the Gala Planning committee would like to thank our sponsors for helping make it all possible. We offer of sincere appreciation to our Platinum sponsors: Alpha Analytical, AWT Environmental Services, Inc., GEI Consultants, HamptonClarke-Veritech Laboratories, SWEP of Greater Philadelphia; our Gold sponsors: Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, Geo-Cleanse International, Inc., Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Matrix New World Engineering, Inc., O’Brien & Gere; and our Silver sponsors: Roux Associates, Rutgers EcoComplex “Alternative Energy Innovation Center,” Sheppard & Sheppard, and Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association.

This event is not a time to recognize only a few select outstanding women; it is most importantly when we come together to celebrate every  SWEP member, guest, committee member, Steering Committee member, and supporter for everything you do to conserve, protect, and enhance New Jersey’s natural resources, environment, and communities and for helping to make this organization fabulous. Kudos to each and everyone one of you!

An excerpt from Amy’s acceptance speech is provided below:

I often say I’ve been in the environmental field as long as there has been an environmental field.  I sometimes wonder about what sparked my interest in the environmental field, perhaps my summers at camp, perhaps my time spent in Weequahic Park in Newark as a young girl.  Perhaps the days spend wandering in the woods near my family’s home in West Orange.  A lesson that people should have access to parks and wild places to remind them of their connection to the natural world.

I find it gratifying to ponder the role of women in the choice and development of my environmental career.My mother and even my grandmother were significant women role models for me.  Both volunteered their time in helping social causes.  My grandmother was active in the Urban League and also tirelessly raised money for a camp in NY State for special needs children and senior citizens.  My Mom was active in the League of Women Voters and several social services groups.  My Mom always did the household finances.  

When I was growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s the typical professions expected of and available to women included teacher, nurse, and homemaker.  I came of age during the emergence of the feminist movement of the 1960’s and 70’s. Science and math were my favorite subjects.  All my science teachers were male, typical of that time, although I was particularly inspired by the two women amongst my otherwise male math teachers.  

I volunteered at the recycling program at the West Orange Town dump in high school.  I celebrated the first Earth Day in April 1970.  I was inspired by the idea of protecting environmental resources while addressing human needs such as water supply, waste management, energy, transportation, and places to live and work.

I wanted to major in environmental science in college but there were no degree programs in the field so I invented my own at BU, studying biology, ecology, geology, and geography.  Again, most of my science and math professors were male, but I was particularly inspired by Lynn Margulis, a prominent professor and researcher in evolutionary theory.

Just out of college I was fortunate to get a job with the Essex County Park Commission Center for Environmental Studies in Roseland.   My coworker Lexa Johnson was an inspiring environmental professional, I assisted her while she explored all reaches of the Passaic River and wrote a short book about its treasures.  She also helped raise my awareness of the bias against women in everyday life and I followed her example in pointing them out to my colleagues and later to my children.

I soon applied for a position as environmental scientist with Pandullo Quirk Associates, a consulting firm with an environmental department, a relatively new concept at the time.  My next mentor was Christine Papageorgis, my new boss.  She was one of the first women to be admitted to Princeton University graduate school and receive a PhD in Ecology.  One of my few women professional coworkers at PQA, from whom I learned about planning, was Marilyn Lennon, who is now excelling as head of NJDEP Division of Land Use Regulation.  At PQA I also worked with Ceil Mancini.  It was significant when Ceil and I were charged with doing a week of field work among the snakes in the Florida wetlands.  I followed Christine to Princeton Aquascience which was later acquired by IT.  As I developed a reputation in the field as a wetland ecologist I springboarded from there to starting my own business in 1986.

All this while raising two children.  I deliberately tried to raise my daughter to be an independent woman.  When she was young I would tell her that Mommy was a scientist, proud that I had a non-traditional career for a woman and also of course pleased to be a scientist.  One day she asked me, Mommy, can men be scientists?  I knew then I had made my point and the world was changing for the better.  By the way, Lara graduated with a degree in Environmental Education and is a Science and Math teacher in North Carolina.

Over the past 27 years I am so pleased to have nurtured the careers of many women as well as men environmental professionals as employees of Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants, Inc.  They are of course the ones who make me look good!!  There are many to recognize.  Among them Sue Quackenbush Kerri QuagliaJen LaStella; and Sarah Bray.

Since I have such a great staff it enables me to volunteer my time to assist other environmental professionals as well as to further environmental protection by participating in organizations including the Environmental Business Council, Society of American Military Engineers, Raritan Headwaters Association, Raritan Township Environmental Commission and Open Space Committee, and The Nature Conservancy.  

My current women professional role models include Barbara Brummer, a PhD ecologist and business woman retired executive from J&J who has launched a new career as Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy New Jersey Chapter, an organization for which I am privileged to be a Trustee.  And also Valerie Montecalvo, a fellow TNC trustee who heads Bayshore Recycling, a construction waste recycling company, who is an active SWEP member.

Thank you again for this recognition as a woman environmental professional, grown in the garden state!  I will strive to continue to live up to the standards of this award.

by Susan Shelton

Energypath is the region's largest sustainable energy conference attracting over 600 industry professionals, policymakers and academia from all over the world. Energypath 2013 was held at Villanova University in Philadelphia from July 29 to August 2, 2013.  

SWEP continued its tradition of supporting Energypath and this year the joint New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Capital (Harrisburg) chapters sponsored a “learn more about SWEP” booth at the Energypath Energy Expo on Thursday and Friday (August 1st & 2nd).  

Existing and potential SWEP members visited the SWEP booth to learn more about the benefits of SWEP membership across the Delaware Valley.  Visitors to the booth had the opportunity to learn about scholarship programs, joint chapter activities, continuing education, professional development training programs, and the opportunities to mentor and network with fellow environmental professionals offered by SWEP!

Conference attendees could participate in Energypath workshops focusing upon topics including: Energy Business Modeling, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency, and overviews of Biomass and Solar Technology systems.   

At the conclusion of the conference, Energypath organizers solicited SWEPs participation in the 2014 conference with a special request to “’revitalize” the energy and success of the Mentoring and Networking program lead by SWEP at the Energypath 2011.  NJSWEP Program Committee members welcome the opportunity to follow-up on the success of the 2011 Energypath experience but, we need volunteers and event organizers to step up to the plate.  Are you ready to volunteer?! Contact Susan D. Shelton, Program Committee Chair, at SDShelton120@aol.com to learn more about how you can lend a hand in supporting the continuing success of NJSWEP programs and events.

by Beth Davidson Hyde, Roux Associates, Inc.

Dr. Ruth Patrick who laid the groundwork for modern water pollution control policy died on September 23rd  at 105 in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania.  I am proud to have met such a women pioneer and champion of environmental science.  The Society of Women Environmental Professionals (www.swepweb.com) of which I am a member and Board Emeritus gave Dr. Patrick a Touchstone Award in 2000, recognizing her many accomplishments.  Our award preceded many of the distinguished awards cited in the article below.  Upon receiving her Touchstone Pin, Dr. Patrick talked about what it was like in her era, when women could not wear pant suits or lip stick.  I wonder had she been a man if her work would have influenced Water Protection policy sooner.  Another amazing woman - Rachel Carson, whose 50th year of publishing Silent Spring we celebrated in 2012, was not taken seriously at first and criticized because she was a woman. It’s a testament to trail blazers like Dr. Patrick and Rachel Carson for their courage and determination.  Thankfully we have the opportunity today to work in a much more level playing field because of them.  Please click on the link below to better appreciate what an amazing scientist we had here in Philadelphia.  She will live on in history for her incredible work in water quality. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/24/us/ruth-patrick-a-pioneer-in-pollution-control-dies-at-105.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

April Hamblin was once an undergrad winner of the NJSWEP scholarship. She is now attending graduate school at North Carolina State University studying...you guessed it, the same as before but in much more detail...native bees! Specifically, she's studying native bees in urban areas.

Below are links to a document about April's research and some background information about her: http://ecoipm.com/research/urban-pollinators and http://ecoipm.com/people/people.

Ivanciu Receives Member Recognition Award from The American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey

Dewberry’s Ileana Ivanciu, PhD, PG, recently received the Member Recognition Award from The American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACECNJ). Each year, ACECNJ hosts its Engineering Excellence Awards Program to recognize engineering achievements that demonstrate the highest degree of skill and ingenuity among firms. The award was presented by ACECNJ Chairperson LissetteMiquel, PE.

 

As Chair of ACECNJ’s Environment Committee, Ivanciu has been involved in shaping many of the environmental and permitting regulations that govern New Jersey projects. She spearheaded ACEC’s role in crafting New Jersey’s innovative Licensed Site Remediation Professional program by working with the highest levels of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and ensuring that the consulting community’s voice was heard in the New Jersey State Legislature. She has also organized ACECNJ’s task forces to comment on proposed NJDEP freshwater wetlands, floodplain, flood hazard area regulations, and soil clean-up criteria, supporting events such as the Barnegat Bay Blitz. As part of this event, in 2012 and 2013, ACECNJ consultants joined community volunteers to clean up New Jersey’s historic Barnegat Bay while defining the needs of the Bay’s watershed.

 

Ivanciu has organized professional development workshops on topics that range from climate change adaptation to water quality to site remediation. She developed themes for annual ACECNJ conferences and led panel discussions regarding the role of the consulting community in re-energizing the region’s economic growth; and on minimizing the environmental impacts of the Marcellus shale exploration in the region.  

 

Ivanciu serves as Dewberry’s vice president of environmental services. She has extensive experience with federal, state, and local regulations and guidance associated with environmentally sensitive and contaminated site investigations, studies, designs, and remediation activities.

 

About Dewberry

Dewberry is a leading professional services firm with a proven history of providing architecture, engineering, and management and consulting services to a wide variety of public- and private-sector clients. Recognized for combining unsurpassed commitment to client service with deep subject matter expertise, Dewberry is dedicated to solving clients’ most complex challenges and transforming their communities. Established in 1956, Dewberry is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with more than 40 locations and 1,800+ professionals nationwide. To learn more, visit www.dewberry.com.

 

New York Engineering Firm Feld, Kaminetzky& Cohen (FKC) Merges with GEI Consultants

 

New York CityundefinedJuly 11, 2013undefinedGEI Consultants, Inc., P.C. (GEI) announced today that Feld, Kaminetzky& Cohen, P.C. (FKC), a Manhattan-based consulting engineering firm, has merged with GEI effective June 29, 2013. FKC and its predecessors have served New York metropolitan area architectural and engineering firms, builders, contractors, private clients and public agencies for more than 80 years.  The GEI companies are among the nation’s leading civil, geotechnical, environmental, water resources engineering and ecological services firms. FKC staff continues to service its clients as the FKC division of GEI Consultants, Inc., P.C.

 

In a joint statement, the leaders of GEI and FKC noted, “FKC’s merger with GEI demonstrates our collective commitment to expand our local presence and technical offerings in the New York metropolitan market, supported by our offices in Manhattan, Long Island and Northern New Jersey. In addition, the two companies share a very strong common culture. Since the first meeting between principals of the two firms, we have found that our expressed core values of client service, high quality work, professionalism and concern for our employees are very similar and compatible.”

 

FKC was formed in 1966 as a successor to the firm of Feld and Timoney. Dr. Jacob Feld was the original founder, beginning his engineering practice in 1926. Dr. Feld was internationally recognized for his work in the fields of structural design, soil mechanics, foundations, and structural failure analysis. GEI’s FKC division continues this long tradition of technical expertise. 

 

The FKC division’s capabilities in specialty analyses and design for existing and new structures are supported by GEI’s integrated environmental and geotechnical engineering services and geostructural design offerings.  The FKC division’s forensic evaluation and design of repairs of existing structures that have undergone distress due to settlement and deformation or aging further strengthens the combined companies’ offerings, particularly in metropolitan New York.  FKC division engineers also maintain particular expertise in the evaluation and rehabilitation of masonry, concrete structures, and building facades and envelopes of all types.

 

FKC’s core professional services include structural design, architectural design, construction administration, testing and instrumentation, evaluation and restoration of building facades, feasibility studies and reports, forensic engineering, structural failure investigation of distressed structures, and litigation support. The FKC division employs 25 staff from offices in Manhattan and Long Island.

 

GEI Consultants, Inc., P.C., a Delaware corporation, is an affiliate of GEI Consultants, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation.

 

GEI’s acquisition of FKC officially closed on June 28. Terms were not disclosed.

 

For more information, please visit www.geiconsultants.com.

 

About GEI Consultants, Inc.

 

GEI's multi-disciplined team of engineers and scientists deliver integrated civil, geotechnical, environmental, water resources and ecological solutions from 30 offices to diverse clientele nationwide. The firm has provided a broad range of consulting and engineering services on more than 35,000 projects in 50 states and 22 countries. For more information, please visit the firm’s web site at www.geiconsultants.com.

 

GEI Announces Growth of Mount Laurel, N.J. Office

 

GEI Consultants, Inc., one of the nation’s leading geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and ecological science and engineering firms, is pleased to announce the recent expansion of its Mount Laurel, N.J. office in staff, facility size, new client contracts, and expanded services. Additionally, Barry Raus, P.G. takes the helm as branch manager, while former branch manager Christopher Dailey, P.E., LSRP, LEED AP has been promoted to vice president of the firm.

 

GEI’s Mount Laurel office recently expanded from 2,700 square feet to 5,400 square feet to accommodate the doubling of its staff to 21 in the past three years. The Mount Laurel staff serves major utilities and energy, heavy and light industry, and transportation clients. The office received several multi-million dollar environmental site remediation contracts in 2012 and 2013. In addition, it has been awarded numerous contracts through the New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) Program. Launched under the New Jersey Site Remediation Reform Act, the program allows LSRPs to assume direct responsibility for the oversight and closure of numerous types of environmental cleanups in the state, often expediting the completion of the work while meeting all regulatory guidelines. The office works closely with GEI’s Montclair office on a number of these and other projects across New Jersey.

 

In addition to his role as branch manager, Raus serves as program manager for the office’s portfolio of work on former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites for gas utilities. Raus has deep experience with former MGP sites and multiple chlorinated solvent and LNAPL/DNAPL sites, and has led the office to expand its services into nearby Pennsylvania, while increasing the number of projects in New Jersey. Dailey is also credited with expanding GEI’s market presence and operations in southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania through his work in construction management and environmental consulting. That work has included projects for major utilities, and heavy and light industry clients. Dailey also leads the construction management practice for the company’s east region.

 

Other senior staff members located in the Mount Laurel office include Dennis Unites P.G., LEP, founder of the former Atlantic Environmental, which was acquired by GEI in 1997, and Sue Boyle, a national Brownfields leader. Unites is a senior vice president and one of the world's leading authorities in the field of former MGP site investigation and remediation strategies. Boyle is a senior manager and an expert in brownfields programs and project implementation, redevelopment, sustainability, liability management, and waste management. She is the former chief operating officer and executive editor of the National Brownfield Association and Brownfield News, and was the first steering committee leader for the New Jersey LSRP Association. In 2013, Boyle was named a "Woman to Watch" by South Jersey Biz Magazine.

 

Kathleen F. Stetser, P.G., LSRP, recently joined GEI in Mount Laurel. She has more than 20 years of experience in environmental program management and site remediation services for clients within the chemical, pharmaceutical, petroleum, and manufacturing business sectors. Marc Chartier, P.G., LSRP, recently joined GEI as a project manager. Chartier has since secured several new contracts with commercial and industrial clients for the Mount Laurel office. Finally, Laura A. Conradi, P.E., who joined the firm in 2012, has enhanced the office’s environmental consulting services with her specialization in site characterization and remedial construction management.

 

The next generation of leaders in the Mount Laurel office includes Jeena Sheppard, an environmental scientist recently elected to the Board of the New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Women Environmental Professionals (SWEP), which encourages the development of women in environmental fields. Brian Mannino, P.E., CHMM, was recently promoted to project manager and is focused on innovative and cost-effective solutions in the cleanup of brownfield sites. Jamey Stynchula, P.G., is well versed in the ACT-2 laws of nearby Pennsylvania and is a key contributor to the office’s expansion of MGP investigation and remediation services in that state.

 

GEI’s Mount Laurel staff can be reached at:

 

18000 Horizon Way

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

856.608.6860

SWEP members from New Jersey and Pennsylvania gathered on December 5, 2013, for NJSWEP’s Annual Holiday Networking Breakfast and Charity Drive at Mastoris’ Restaurant in Bordentown, NJ.   Donned in festive holiday attire, 30 members met to enjoy a hearty breakfast (love that cheese bread!) and wish each other a happy holiday season.   This year, charitable donations were collected for Womanspace, a not-for-profit agency that provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence and dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families.  A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our generous members, who donated nearly $800 in gift cards and cash to this very worthwhile organization.  Happy Holidays to all!!!

On July 18th, 2013- a day that almost broke record high temperatures (again!)- the New Jersey chapter of SWEP hosted its 7th annual Growing Great Women in the Garden State Gala. This year’s event took place in the breathtakingly beautiful conservatory room of The Madison Hotel in Morristown, NJ. This may have been our most gorgeous venue to date. The warm sun filtered through the glass ceiling showcasing the deep greens and vibrant colors of the plants and flowers as SWEP members, guests and honorees mingled and enjoyed drinks and refreshments.

This year’s Gala drew the largest crowd yet, and the excitement and festive attitude of all attendees was evident. The highlight of the event was, as usual, the opportunity to recognize an outstanding member of our environmental community as well as the up-and-coming superstars. Ms. Amy S. Greene, President and Owner of Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants was nominated and introduced by Ms. Susan Goetz of Acutest Laboratories. Susan highlighted Amy’s knowledge and application of natural resources management theories and practices, her ability to balance the needs of her clients with sound environmental principles, and her passion for developing her employees’ talents for over the past 25 years. Amy also volunteers her time to various professional organizations focused on education and awareness. Additionally, she serves as Trustee of The Nature Conservancy, helping to advance their conservation mission. Without question, Amy sets the highest of standards for quality and excellence in environmental field and demonstrates a personal commitment to leadership and achievement we should all strive emulate.

This year, NJSWEP was able to award four scholarships to very deserving young ladies. The first place Undergraduate Award was presented to Megan Elizabeth Helsel of Montclair State University; the second place Undergraduate Award was presented to Carla Cordoves of Rutgers University; the first place Graduate Award was presented to Kelly Triece of Montclair State University; and the second place Graduate Award was presented to Kristen M. Tomasicchio of Rutgers University. A fun twist to this year’s presentation was the gigantic checks each of these remarkable women received to celebrate their success and accomplishments and to inspire them into future careers in this diverse and exciting field.

This year’s Gala was a smashing success and the NJSWEP Steering Committee and the Gala Planning committee would like to thank our sponsors for helping make it all possible. We offer of sincere appreciation to our Platinum sponsors: Alpha Analytical, AWT Environmental Services, Inc., GEI Consultants, HamptonClarke-Veritech Laboratories, SWEP of Greater Philadelphia; our Gold sponsors: Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, Geo-Cleanse International, Inc., Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Matrix New World Engineering, Inc., O’Brien & Gere; and our Silver sponsors: Roux Associates, Rutgers EcoComplex “Alternative Energy Innovation Center,” Sheppard & Sheppard, and Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association.

This event is not a time to recognize only a few select outstanding women; it is most importantly when we come together to celebrate every  SWEP member, guest, committee member, Steering Committee member, and supporter for everything you do to conserve, protect, and enhance New Jersey’s natural resources, environment, and communities and for helping to make this organization fabulous. Kudos to each and everyone one of you!

Sincerely, Tali MacArthur, Chair of the Gala Planning Committee