Join SCS Engineers at the 2025 National Brownfields Training Conference at McCormick Place in Chicago, August 5–8, 2025.
Brownfields 2025 brings together professionals from government, industry, and the community to explore best practices for the remediation and redevelopment of brownfield sites. As the premier event focused on transforming contaminated properties into community assets, Brownfields 2025 offers more than 180 interactive sessions, mobile workshops, and networking events. Attendees will connect with peers and decision-makers, discover new resources and technical assistance, and explore the latest innovations in brownfields cleanup and sustainable redevelopment.
Stop by and visit SCS Engineers at Booth 314 to connect with our experts, learn more about our work in brownfields remediation, and explore how we help communities turn environmental challenges into revitalization opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with SCS Engineers and the broader brownfields community in the heart of the Windy City – register now!
Look for these special presentations:
Let Me Tell You a Story – Brownfields and StoryMaps with Megan Husic, a Nevada Certified Environmental Manager and a Project Manager at SCS Engineers. Megan’s presentation explores the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ESRI StoryMaps in transforming how we engage with stakeholders and communities, particularly in the context of brownfield projects. StoryMaps is a dynamic tool that integrates maps with narrative text, images, and multimedia to create compelling and interactive stories. StoryMaps are valuable for educating the audience about Brownfields, showcasing the potential of Brownfields revitalization, providing background and current site information, and outlining plans and community benefits. Learn the essential steps and considerations for creating an effective StoryMap, including the importance of assembling a skilled team, and discover how it can revolutionize brownfield project communication and stakeholder engagement.
Transforming Brownfield Redevelopment with GIS: A Comprehensive Approach with Kayla Ouellette, GIS Manager at SCS Engineers. Kayla’s presentation explores the transformative role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in managing and communicating the complexities of brownfield projects. Kayla delves into leveraging GIS technology to enhance project planning, data management, and stakeholder engagement. Key topics include an overview of the GIS environment, access to GIS software, and practical applications, including site selection and ranking, demographic analysis, data management, and community outreach. Her presentation emphasizes the importance of starting with the end in mind, ensuring that you tailor GIS solutions to meet specific project needs and reporting requirements. By utilizing GIS, project teams can improve accuracy, efficiency, and communication, ultimately leading to more successful brownfield redevelopment efforts.
SCS Engineers proudly sponsors the 2025 CALED Annual Conference, taking place May 7–9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport in Ontario, CA. Project Director Eric William will present “Repositioning Environmentally Challenged Urban Infill Redevelopment Sites,” where he’ll share strategies to transform underutilized properties into productive community assets. The conference brings together economic development professionals from across the state to celebrate those who are “Growing Economies from the Ground Up” and provide valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate. Register now!
A third of the food raised or prepared does not make it from farm or factory to fork. Producing uneaten food squanders a whole host of resources—seeds, water, energy, land, fertilizer, hours of labor, and financial capital—generating greenhouse gases at every stage, including methane when organic matter lands in the global rubbish bin. The food we waste is responsible for roughly 8 percent of global emissions. Greg McCarron discusses how composting and anaerobic digestion turn organic waste into a beneficial product in Waste Management & Research, Volume 43, Issue 4.
The trend in the United States is towards using ASP systems to process food scrap materials. Recent examples by private companies involve the composting of food processing residuals. One company implemented a turned windrow compost project for sustainability reasons and to produce organic fertilizer to grow organic food products, which continue to grow in demand. Another company is pursuing an ASP compost project as land application regulations are changing, which are affecting America’s farms and farmers, and requiring enhanced organic management practices.
Anaerobic Digestion (AD) involves decomposing organic waste in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, producing methane-rich biogas. Historically, AD has been used to process low solids/wet organic materials, such as manure, biosolids, and liquid industrial waste. To manage food waste, three types of AD facilities are increasingly being utilized in the United States: (1) stand-alone food waste digesters, (2) on-farm digesters that co-digest food waste and manure, and (3) digesters at water resource recovery facilities that co-digest food waste and biosolids.
About the Author: As a Vice President, Greg McCarron oversees SCS Engineers’ nationwide organics management initiative, which includes edible food rescue, composting, and anaerobic digestion. Greg is SCS’s National Expert on Organics and works closely with national, regional, and local clients. His experience includes the design, planning, permitting, regulatory support, construction oversight, system start-up, economic analysis, and technology assessment projects for municipal and private clients. His turn-key projects typically involve feasibility studies, due diligence evaluations, facility siting, site investigations, environmental studies, permitting, design, and construction and operation services. Facilities include compost facilities, landfills, landfill gas control facilities, and support facilities (e.g., roadways, stormwater, utilities). Other projects include waste composition studies, compliance reports, and preparing various procurement documents. Reach out to Greg at or on LinkedIn.
Additional Composting Resources:
Join SCS Engineers and San Diego Environmental Professionals for a case study of a real PFAS investigation at a commercial airport, Santa Maria public airport. Speaker and SCS Engineers Project Manager Chuck Houser will be sharing some of the experiences, pitfalls, and takeaways from doing this investigation.
SCS Engineers is a proud sponsor of the 2025 California Rural Water Expo. Join fellow water professionals for a week of training, networking, and fun in the beautiful setting of Lake Tahoe. Attendees will get an opportunity to learn from industry experts, like SCS Engineers Project Manager Chuck Houser, and get a look at current technology and vendors. Highlights include our annual banquet, Brew fest, raffle, Mardi Gras Bead Game, and more fun! Registration is open for exhibitors and attendees. Visit the link for more information.
The Role of Environmental Engineering
As we celebrate Earth Day and honor the natural systems that sustain life—our forests, oceans, and atmosphere—it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how professionals across the environmental sector contribute to protecting our planet. Some efforts are highly visible, such as preserving endangered habitats or advancing renewable energy. Others, however, operate quietly in the background, confronting the more complex legacy of industrial development, which provides the products and services we use.
At SCS Engineers, some of our work resides in this less visible space. This work includes landfill engineering, site remediation, infrastructure development, and regulatory compliance. These aren’t the areas typically highlighted on Earth Day, but they are vital in maintaining environmental and public health—and in many ways, they represent a different kind of stewardship.
The Invisible Side of Environmental Work
To some, environmental engineering tied to waste management or development may seem counterintuitive to environmental protection. Some view landfills, brownfields, and infrastructure projects as necessary evils—problems to be managed rather than contributions to sustainability.
But that perspective overlooks our work’s critical role in restoring damaged environments, protecting communities from exposure, and shaping how to implement future development responsibly.
Our work doesn’t always look like conservation—but it is. It’s conservation through control, balance, and careful planning – sustainability.
Redemption Through Engineering
Earth Day is a time to recognize that not all environmental progress begins in pristine ecosystems. Much of it starts in places where damage has already been done—on contaminated sites, aging landfills, or underserved communities with high environmental risk.
At SCS Engineers, we work with public and private sector clients to:
It isn’t just reactive work—it’s strategic, science-driven, and essential to reducing long-term environmental risk.
A Balanced Approach to Environmental Protection
We recognize that those professionals working in the environmental sector may not always get the spotlight. It’s easy to look at a landfill and see only the waste—or at development and see only the disruption. But behind the scenes are engineers, scientists, and planners working to harmoniously ensure that our built environment coexists with our natural one.
The challenges we face today—climate change, pollution, population growth—require a wide range of solutions; some focus on protection, others on prevention, and many, like ours, on restoration and resilience.
Celebrating All Contributions the Week of Earth Day
Environmental progress is not linear. It often involves confronting the consequences of past decisions and building a path forward that prioritizes sustainability at every stage. Our work may be less visible, but it is no less critical. We are proud to be part of the team, ensuring that human advancement doesn’t come at the cost of our shared environment.
We invite you to recognize the full spectrum of environmental work this week of Earth Day. From protecting endangered species to restoring contaminated land, every contribution matters. And for those working to manage what others might overlook—we see this as our responsibility and our opportunity for impact.
If your organization is navigating complex environmental challenges or seeking ways to manage growth, waste, or remediation responsibly, we’re here to help. If you want a satisfying career where your work matters, join us!
About the Author: Rafael Aberle is an environmental professional responsible for coordinating and performing site assessment activities including soil and groundwater sampling. Rafael works closely with SCS’s clients across the Southeastern U.S. Rafael has extensive experience overseeing construction projects including methane gas management and capture systems.
The picturesque California Delta, often referred to as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, is emerging as a geological treasure trove in California’s ambitious journey toward reaching net-zero carbon emissions. Its unique geology presents a compelling case for carbon sequestration, an essential strategy in the battle against climate change. Recent developments, including a collaborative effort between SCS and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) on a Class VI permit application for Pelican Renewables, indicate the region’s growing importance in California’s carbon mitigation strategy.
Geological Foundations of Carbon Sequestration in the California Delta
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a vast inland delta formed by the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers as they meet the waters of the San Francisco Bay. Its unique geology makes it an ideal candidate for carbon sequestration:
California’s Net Zero Carbon Goal and Carbon Sequestration in the Delta
California has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, a milestone in the fight against climate change. Achieving this objective necessitates reducing emissions and actively removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon sequestration in the California Delta can be pivotal in this endeavor. The delta’s geological potential aligns seamlessly with the state’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
Collaborative Efforts: SCS and LLNL’s Class VI Permit Application
The collaboration between SCS and the prestigious Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) underscores the seriousness with which carbon sequestration is being pursued in the California Delta. The joint Class VI permit application underlines the commitment to conducting carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities with the highest safety and environmental standards. This initiative is a testament to the growing synergy between scientific research and private enterprise in addressing climate challenges.
References and Further Reading
For a deeper dive into California’s efforts to reach net zero, “Getting to Neutral” by LLNL is a valuable resource. This publication outlines the exploration of various strategies and technologies to achieve California’s ambitious carbon reduction goals, including carbon sequestration in regions like the California Delta.
In conclusion, the California Delta’s geological attributes make it an attractive destination for carbon sequestration, a critical component in California’s mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Collaborative endeavors like SCS’s ongoing partnership with LLNL highlight the commitment to responsible carbon capture and storage practices. As we continue to innovate and harness the potential of our natural surroundings, the California Delta’s role in addressing climate change becomes increasingly evident and essential.
Related Resources
Saving money, saving energy, saving water – these are all good reasons to learn more about water conservation. And, as Ben Franklin said: “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” Despite drought-like conditions during several past summers in different parts of the country, the eastern U.S. typically has enough rainfall that we do not make water conservation headlines. However, a different kind of “drought” is occurring under our feet. I’m talking about our groundwater. In many areas, especially urban areas, we use groundwater faster than we can replenish it.
Groundwater is water in the subsurface soil pores and rock crevices. Groundwater is the water source and supply for wells. What is happening now is the amount of groundwater recharging many of our country’s urban area aquifers is significantly less than the amount we are extracting. Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in many cities, which is a vital issue even if your area isn’t in an official drought.
Water conservation requires changing habits and expectations from businesses and residents for commercial, household, and outdoor water usage. Now is the time for everyone to do their part, especially with summer coming, a time of year that strains our aquifers as many people water gardens and lawns.
Because we use water in so many places, the list of ways to conserve is virtually endless and is not hard to do. They include everything from changing how you water your lawn and garden to what appliances you buy.
Mow Higher, Less Frequently
For an established lawn, refrain from watering during the summer – just let it go browner like it wants to when it is dry. It will green up when the rains return. An exception to this occurs during some summers when extended dry periods combined with unusually high temperatures cause the grass to die. However, your lawn will be fine since most summer weather conditions are milder. WaterSense has many more tips that save water and money on your outdoor water bill.
You can use collected rainwater for lawn and garden watering between rain events. Consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater (be sure to place a screen over the top or use the water fast to prevent mosquitos from breeding). Of course, you can also mulch your flower and vegetable gardens to reduce evaporation from the soil and water your garden only when needed. Thick enough mulch also cuts down on the number of weeds.
Look for Water Conservation Rebates
You can also use water-saving products in your home or business, such as low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and low-flush toilets. Some municipalities even have toilet rebate programs to promote changing out older toilets. When purchasing a dishwasher or washing machine, consider energy- and water-efficient ones, such as EnergyStar and WaterSense-certified appliances. Whether or not you purchase energy and water-efficient appliances, you can always fill dishwashers and washing machines to their capacity before running them, which reduces the amount of water used by needing to operate them less.
Thirsting for More?
Other water-saving tips include easy changes in hygiene habits. If, for example, you choose to take 5-minute showers instead of 10-minute showers, the typical person can save over 10,000 gallons of water per year. Consider taking a “military shower” by turning the water off for lathering and on again during rinsing. Also, try turning the faucet off when scrubbing your hands or brushing your teeth, and turn the water on again for rinsing.
If you decide to implement these suggestions, you will do your part to conserve our water now and for future generations. Every little bit makes a difference!
Helpful Resources:
SCSer Quinn Bernier will be at the 2025 Annual Conference Virginia Recycling Association in Charlottesville on May 12-14, 2025. This event will dive deep into the future of recycling while examining the impact of artificial intelligence in the industry. The program highlights the new technologies that are bolstering Virginia Recycling Programs.
Register today to learn more!
Join SCSer Greg McCarron, PE, at the Federation of New York Solid Waste Conference with Trade Show on May 18-21 at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing, New York. This two-and-a-half-day event hosts over 75 technical sessions covering topics on industry updates, solid waste innovation, food waste solutions, PFAS risks and regulations, and more. This conference goes above and beyond with networking opportunities through the many extracurriculars offered, like kayaking, golfing, culinary demonstrations, and other exciting activities to discover.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow solid waste professionals in New York, register now!
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