Welcome Ky

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kynoch real-munroe

Environmental Scientist

Horsley Witten Group is thrilled to share that Kynoch Reale-Munroe (Ky) has joined our water resources team in St. Croix, USVI! Prior to joining HW, Ky administered research projects related to monitoring terrestrial erosion and its impacts on water quality, coral reefs, and bioluminescent bays; potable drinking water quality in cisterns and city water; and  invasive marine species.

Ky earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Idaho State University and her Master of Science Degree in Natural Resources with a concentration in water quality, water resources, and aquatic ecology from the University of Connecticut. Raised in Idaho, Ky learned early on that water can be scarce and later on contributed to a water research project at her parents’ home in Manchester, CT when they learned their private well contained contaminants.

She is currently working on a USVI bird habitat restoration project and reducing land-based sources of pollution in the east end watersheds of St. Croix. Ky has experience leading research groups, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects, administering grants, and teaching as a university adjunct research professor. She co-founded the non-profit Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation (CORE) and is Chair of the Board of Directors for the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA). Her main focus will be working on HW’s Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico projects as well as other projects that require a knowledge of natural resources and monitoring/statistical data analysis support.    

Whether teaching and mentoring emerging Caribbean scientists at the University of the Virgin Islands, leading diving research projects about lionfish over population in the reefs, co-founding a non-profit to teach locals about lionfish fishing (Yes, she had the record fish back in 2011 at 13”!), or protecting precious mangroves, Ky has the knowledge and passion to help solve tough issues that affect our environment.

When Ky is not working, she can be found at her computer researching her family genealogy that includes a background originating in Scotland and Italy. She also enjoys playing tennis, making jewelry, hiking, and snorkeling. We look forward to learning more about Ky and our staff, clients, and partners will truly benefit from her experience.

 

Welcome Michael

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michael easler, rla

Senior landscape architect

Horsley Witten Group is excited to announce that Michael Easler has joined our design team in Sandwich, MA as a Senior Landscape Architect. Michael has a wealth of industry experience with design, planning, and project management in the Northeast primarily focused on public park, playgrounds, and universally accessible trail design. Michael looks forward to collaborating with our engineers and designers on ecological restoration, planning, and park design projects.  

Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design with a minor in Sustainability Studies from the University of Minnesota, and his Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Whether researching aqueous sedimentation processes in Utah, planting native prairie and wetland habitats for the Nature Conservancy, researching Olmsted-designed landscape for the NPS, or teaching an introductory digital visualization course at Northeastern University, Michael is always learning and applying his knowledge with an emphasis on environmental priorities to his work.  

Raised in the Midwest, Michael spent his early years camping with family and the boy scouts, hiking, building electric cars, skiing, and enjoying the outdoors. When Michael is not working, he enjoys spending time outside appreciating nature with his wife and young son, exploring the coast, the mountains, and urban landscapes of New England, sometimes all within the same day. A sunrise in Chatham and a sunset on Mount Greylock makes for a fantastic day! Welcome to HW!

 

 

Welcome Jamie

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Jamie McCarthy

Environmental Scientist

We are excited to share that Jamie McCarthy has joined our team in Exeter, NH. Jamie earned her B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of South Florida in Tampa and her M.S. in Environmental Geoscience from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. A Massachusetts native, she grew up spending a great deal of time outdoors and developed a love for nature at an early age. Early aspirations led her to seek out becoming a veterinarian.  Jamie is eager to engage in site remediation projects, peer reviews, and the many nature-based design projects ongoing in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

“I am excited to get started with projects. I look forward to being outdoors and getting involved at all levels” – Jamie

Jamie’s recent consulting experiences will help her assist our scientists focused on natural resource surveys and wetland delineations. Prior to beginning her career in environmental consulting, Jamie led initiatives to implement resource management planning with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. She coordinated ecological restoration projects for staff and volunteer groups and created exhibits for visitors to enjoy, which involved several carpentry projects. Jamie currently serves as Board Secretary for the New England Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) and volunteers on education, training, and outreach committees for both SWS and the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC).

 

When Jamie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew, taking in standup comedy shows, visiting museums and galleries, and watching nature and true crime documentaries. Welcome to HW Jamie!

 

 

Welcome Casey

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Casey Chatelain

Environmental Scientist

We are excited to announce that Casey Chatelain, formerly of the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition in Osterville, has joined our project team in Sandwich. Her work at the BCWC allowed her the opportunity to collaborate with many partners from EPA, TNC, USGS and the Town of Barnstable and this experience will be an asset to our clients. She worked with the Barnstable Land Trust and has served on the Town of Barnstable’s Water Resources Advisory Committee. Working hand and hand with these various organizations, Casey contributed to important, innovative, alternative, septic system projects. She looks forward to working with our project teams on a variety of ecological restoration and water resources projects.

I hope to make towns like Brewster, MA a better place for all with my knowledge and experience”  – Casey

Casey earned her B.A. in environmental studies from the College of the Holy Cross and her M.O. in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. A New York native, she grew up spending summers sailing in Cotuit and loves spending time on Cape Cod. She currently serves on two boards for the Town of Brewster: The Conservation Commission and the Board of Health.  When Casey is not working, she enjoys all that Brewster has to offer, exploring the outdoors while walking, gardening, bee keeping, and spending time with her husband and their eleven-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever Elly.

 

Green Infrastructure Training with X-Cel

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a day well spent

Washington Irving Middle School
Roslindale, MA

Recently Gabby Queenan, Jonas Procton, Ellen Biegert, Steve Stanish and others participated in a Green Infrastructure training exercise with students from X-Cel Education, Conservation Corps. Gabby’s professional area of expertise as an environmental planner is water focused, mainly evaluating GI opportunities, and collaborating with community leaders to explore options for GI projects, as well as outreach and community engagement.

HW: Why is this training opportunity important?

GQ: Volunteer opportunities like this one, put our work in a different context. It is definitely an added  bonus to revisit a project and learn from it. I think there are some direct benefits to leaving our consulting bubble for the day and talking to young people about the benefits of GI. We are prompted with new questions and perspectives that make us think creatively about how these solutions can address challenges within communities.

HW: What did you take away from the experience?

GQ: My favorite part was the one-on-one conversations with the students. They are preparing for their wastewater treatment operator’s exam, and I enjoyed hearing their first impressions. Their big picture questions were appreciated by all.

The biggest thing I thought about was what happens to our project sites after our work is done. Is there something else we could be doing to make maintenance easier for the client?

 

If I had to choose one word to summarize the day, it would be “fulfilling!” – Gabby

HW: What is your advice to others who might be considering this volunteer opportunity?

GQ: I would tell staff and associates that it is a pretty unique opportunity and a chance to really see our projects in a different light. Programs like this can help reinforce with the next generation that GI works, and it is worthwhile to learn about how to keep these solutions operating successfully for the long term. Also, a day outside away from my desk was very much appreciated! It was a fun day, and the students were interested in learning from our experiences.

HW: How can we bring in some of our planning work into these trainings?

GQ: We could provide some background perhaps in a different session on how communities are making decisions about whether to include GI. Planning paves the way for these projects. This could take place pre-tour, by having a conversation about why this project became a priority and what were the challenges encountered. Conversations like this might be a good primer before an on-site visit.

HW: Concluding thoughts about the day?

GQ: People really enjoyed the training. The students were curious and asked tough questions. Questions included: How effective is GI as a strategy? What kind of nutrients will this remove? During the landscaping of the bioretention areas, they wanted to know about weeds, invasive plants, and why planting native plants matters. I was a little nervous about fitting in the time for this opportunity, but if I had to choose one word to describe the day it would be “fulfilling.” I am glad that I made time and I feel good about our project work at the school and look forward to hearing about the students’ next steps. It is important to be available to volunteer as you always take something good away.

To learn more visit: X-Cel Education

 

Wastewater and Stormwater Training with X-Cel

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Gemma Kite, P.E. is a talented engineer and water industry professional who has nurtured a relationship with a Boston based non-profit, X-Cel Education (X-Cel). Through networking with the Charles River Watershed Association, she met Aaron Dale, Program Manager of X-Cel Education’s Conservation Corps. Once they talked, she realized HW’s staff expertise and skills might match the training priorities for the program, and she launched a volunteer program. Many of these students are considering career options that do not require a four-year degree, like wastewater and drinking water treatment system operations. Currently X-Cel is graduating 30 students per year.

 

“X-Cel’s goal is to provide training and exposure for young people in the environmental and conservation areas. X-Cel Education improves economic opportunity in underserved Greater Boston neighborhoods through accessible, individualized, and free high school equivalency education, post-secondary preparation, and career readiness development.”

X-Cel Education

 

Wastewater Training  &  Stormwater management

 

The wastewater sector may not sound appealing to many, but truth be told, it is a growing field that is not going away anytime soon. X-Cel’s program offers classwork combined with hands-on field training with professionals, like the engineers and scientists at HW, to learn and hone the skills they will need as treatment facility operators. The trainings help to increase the students’ awareness of environmental career paths and other opportunities. Students learn how to take samples and witness wastewater operations  during tours of nearby treatment facilities. Through HW, participants have also learned about stormwater management  practices by helping with site maintenance and meeting our engineers.

 

Partnerships

 

HW and fellow engineering firm Woodard & Curran are corporate partners to X-Cel Education. We have teamed together to offer training at client sites including The Pinehill’s LLC. wastewater treatment plant. After two successful trainings held last year, six trainings are planned for 2022. Our favorite part of the training is sharing our career choices and milestones one-on-one with the students! We look forward to participating in future training events where we can meet new people. 

 

Future opportunity

 

We hope that by reading this blog post and learning about X-Cel Education we can bring much needed attention to the program and the participants. Currently Gemma is considering co-authoring a presentation at a water focused conference that will also help spread the word. X-Cel has only a handful of partners and is looking for more connections that can expand on the training opportunities . Woodard & Curran have found that it is a great avenue to find young wastewater operators. You can read about their experience at their site.

 

Next Steps

 

Learn more about X-Cel Education.

What other training opportunities are a good match for this program?

Reach out to Gemma Kite to start a discussion.

 

 

EPA Award Announcement

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Horsley Witten awarded EPA small business award

 

The EPA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization has recognized Horsley Witten Group for outstanding small business accomplishments. The announcement was made during the Annual Small Business Program Awards Ceremony on May 5, 2022. These awards recognize program activities, individuals, businesses, and state and local entities for their outstanding contributions during Fiscal Year 2021.

HW was one of two small business contractors acknowledged for Outstanding Accomplishments by a Small Business Contractor.

“Thank you, Horsley Witten Group, for your exemplary customer support and technical adaptiveness, acquisition specific managerial, and responsiveness during COVID-19. Thank you for your outstanding commitment.” -EPA award annoucement

For more information, please view the Administrator’s 32nd Annual Small Business Program Awards Ceremony press release and awards ceremony recording.

 

“The Horsley Witten Group is honored to have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its work in supporting the Agency and its mission. Our firm addresses environmental and social challenges with sustainable solutions and it is gratifying to work with a federal agency that thinks the same way.”

– Tom Noble, HW Principal

 

 

Welcome Quinn

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Quinn McWatters

Environmental Planner

We are happy to announce that Quinn McWatters has joined our planning group in Sandwich as an Environmental Planner. She will be supporting, and leading project work related to water security training. Quinn earned her B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on Ecological Restoration, and a B.A. in International Studies with a focus on Globalization from Humboldt State University in California and will receive an MBA in Environmental Sustainability from Wilmington University in Delaware in 2022.

Prior to joining HW, Quinn worked at a non-profit in Falmouth as the Research Coordinator for a marine research organization. She has four years’ experience working for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control as an inspector and attained a wastewater operator certification in 2018 from Delaware Community College. She also earned GIS Professional Certification from the University of California, San Diego. In addition, Quinn has vast project management experience having worked for three consulting firms prior to working for the State. When she is not working, Quinn enjoys exploring her new home in the Northeast while camping and hiking with her husband and her pup, Roscoe.

 

Welcome Jimmy

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James Cady

Environmental Scientist

We are thrilled to share that Jimmy Cady has joined HW as an Environmental Scientist. He will be working on the firm’s water sector cybersecurity training projects. Jim earned his B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland and an Associate of Arts, General Studies degree from the American Military University, in Charles Town, West Virginia. Jimmy has 13 years of experience working for the U.S. Government.

Growing up in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, the southernmost part of the Outer Banks he dreamed of moving away to discover new people and places. After high school he postponed his degree and joined the United States Navy which sent him to Nevada and after that Maryland where he worked as a Counter Intelligent Analyst with the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C.  He previously held positions in the U.S. Navy as an Industrial Security Analyst and Intelligence Specialist. We know his military experience will be helpful to our water utility clients who are working on cybersecurity assessments and plans.  

When not working he enjoys time with his Fiancée, his cat Milktea, and his dog Egg Roll who is a Corgi. Jimmy has always enjoyed hiking and hopes to rediscover this activity in New England.

 

Macomber Stadium Wins Awards

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NARRAGANSETT BAY COMMISSION
Macomber Stadium

The Narragansett Bay Commission is implementing final phases to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) in Pawtucket and Central Falls. One part of this large endeavor is the award-winning green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) project at the Macomber Stadium located in Central Falls.

 

“A combined sewer system (CSS) collects rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater into one pipe. Under normal conditions, it transports all the wastewater it collects to a sewage treatment plant for treatment, then discharges to a water body.” 

– U.S. EPA

In 2020 and 2021 this project received awards from two vastly different organizations. First, a “Stormy Award” from the New England Stormwater Collaborative recognized the project as the “Best Stormwater Idea” at the annual New England Stormy Awards. Second, more recently,  the American Sports Builder’s Association named Macomber Stadium “Outstanding Single Field Facility of the Year,” which is a national award. Awards aside, we are proud to have worked with NBC and collaborated on this GSI project with Pare Corp., and Stantec.

The new state-of-the-art synthetic turf athletic field includes a subsurface infiltration system and sand filter with enough capacity to treat and infiltrate a 25-year design storm. The system captures runoff from over six acres of surrounding impervious surfaces. Other GSI features include a permeable paver mezzanine and stormwater bio swales. New landscaping also provides streetscape appearance and overall curb appeal.  The project also restored a contaminated site to its highest potential. Over 10,000 tons of contaminated soils were removed while other soils were encapsulated under an engineered cap that doubles as the final site surface.

Learn More:

Video by Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank
RIIB Project Funding = New Community Sport Fields!!

New England Stormwater Collaborative

American Sports Builder’s Association