Press Releases
May 5, 2008
Mike Ollivant Accepts Position as PNCWA Conference Committee Chair
Mike Ollivant, Parametrix Water Solutions program manager, has been selected as the 2008 Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA) Conference Committee Chair. The year’s conference is scheduled for September 21-24 in Kennewick, Washington.
The 75th Annual PNCWA conference focuses on ensuring abundant, affordable, clean water for future generations while addressing the challenges of deteriorating infrastructure, continued population growth, increasing competition for a diminishing water resource, a reduction in professional work staff, and greater public concern over unknown effects of micro pollutants.
As conference chair, Mike’s roll includes the development of the annual committee goals and budget, working with the PNCWA President to develop the conference theme, and ensuring the overall success of the conference.
Mike Ollivant, joined Parametrix in 1979 and is currently serving as the water solutions program manager. He is involved in implementing the water resources initiative of the company’s strategic plan. Mike has experience ranging from system planning to design and project management of complete water systems, complete sanitary sewer collection systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and storm drainage. He also authored the latest version of the Washington State Department of Ecology standards for alternative sewage collection specific to STEP, small diameter gravity, and grinder pump systems.
Please visit the PNCWA website for more information on the 2008 Conference at http://www.pncwa.org/Conference/AnnualConf.html
Phil Demosthenes Accepts Appointment to the Transportation Research Board
Phil Demosthenes has been appointed to the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) committee on Eminent Domain and Land Use. Phil’s appointment lasts until 2011, when his years of service have earned him Emeritus Membership.
This appointment means that Phil is recognized as an expert in his field, and as someone who can contribute a valuable perspective on current issues facing the profession.
TRB is a division of the National Research Council (NRC), a private, nonprofit institution that provides expertise in science and technology to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The NRC is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The National Academies brings together committees of experts to address critical national issues and give advice to the federal government and the public. Four organizations comprise the Academies: the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council. Established in 1920, the Transportation Research Board is supported by state transportation departments, federal agencies including the component administrations of the US Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.
Oregon 100 Best Companies 2008
Parametrix was recently named one of the top 50 large companies to work for in Oregon! This year, Parametrix ranked 41st (out of 340 companies) in the large companies category. Oregon Business Magazine, which conducted the survey, annually recognizes 50 large companies and 50 small companies in their prestigious list of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon. Oregon-based companies are judged for excellence in the categories listed below. Placement on the list was based on Portland, Corvallis, and Albany employee survey results in the following categories:
• Attraction, Retention, and Compensation
• Work Environment
• Decision Making and Trust
• Performance Management and Rewards
• Career Development and Learning
• Employee Benefits
National Ecosystem Services Council Formed to Promote Expansion of Environmental Trading Practices
An alliance of business, environmental and government leaders in Oregon are joining forces to form the Ecosystem Services Council. These organizations represent the nation’s first not-for-profit efforts to establish an ecosystem services marketplace—with the goal of organizing market-based efforts that promote clean air, clean water, land protection and habitat restoration. The work of the Council takes market initiatives beyond the frenetic energy of carbon markets to support investment in whole ecosystems.
Market-based efforts that encourage environmental restoration are growing rapidly at all levels. Globally, the World Bank estimates that $30 billion moved through carbon markets in 2006. In Oregon, an unmet demand of $30 million persists for the wetland mitigation credits necessary for future development. Locally, Clean Water Services, a public water-resources utility in Oregon, used market-based approaches to restore 35 miles of streams for $6 million instead of spending $60 million on industrial-engineering to meet water quality standards.
To unify these global, state and local initiatives, business and government leaders at last week’s Oregon Leadership Summit prioritized the formation of an ecosystem services marketplace. They viewed it as a key green-enterprise that the state should pursue. The Ecosystem Services Council is ideally-suited to follow through on their conclusion.
In the same way the U.S. Green Building Council has successfully advanced sustainable building practices through its certification program, the Ecosystem Services Council will advance the scope, pace and effectiveness of the nation’s investments in environmental restoration. The Council is focused on environmental gains, creating a marketplace that meets the business sector’s environmental compliance needs, and the needs of those seeking to voluntarily offset their own environmental impacts.
Allen Alley, Governor Ted Kulongoski’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Bill Gaffi, General Manager of Oregon’s Clean Water Services presented the Ecosystem Marketplace Initiative to the Oregon Leadership Summit on behalf of the Council. They made the case that a marketplace anchored in Oregon can increase the pace of investment in ecosystems, create jobs, and export new ideas.
Bill Gaffi, who also heads the board of the Willamette Partnership noted, “Whether you talk to local government, environmental organizations, or business, there are nodding heads saying ‘yes!’ we need an organization to make sure that these growing markets are of the highest quality, look at our environment as a whole, and operate in a way that is completely transparent. The Council is an exciting convergence of the momentum springing from lots places in Oregon’s sustainability community.”
Duncan Wyse, president of the Oregon Business Council added, “Demand for ecosystem service markets seems to be growing faster than the development of markets themselves. With support, Oregon can help build the markets necessary to meet demand. The Ecosystem Services Council is bringing those people together and leading the charge to export these concepts to like-minded efforts around the world.”
The Ecosystem Services Council will be pivotal in developing this new robust, economic market that will serve as a global model. Early leaders include:
Cascadia Region Green Building Council
City of Portland
Clean Water Services
Defenders of Wildlife
Earth Advantage, Inc.
Ecotrust
Ecosystem Economics, LLC
Institute for Natural Resources
Oregon Business Association
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
Parametrix
Portland State University
Sustainable Northwest
The Nature Conservancy
Willamette Partnership
For additional information, email info@ecosystemservicescouncil.org
Parametrix Appoints New Associate Director of Marketing and Business Development
Parametrix promoted Denise Ledingham to Associate Director of Marketing and Business Development. This new position was prompted by the opportunity to streamline operations and utilize Ledingham’s exceptional talents.
Ledingham’s new role will involve a greater emphasis on supporting firmwide business development activities and goals. She will work closely with local office marketing staff as they enhance their support of a more rigorous client steward program within their respective offices. This new role also provides Ledingham the opportunity to coach and mentor marketing coordinators to improve business development pursuits including pre-positioning, proposal, and interview strategies.
Ledingham joined Parametrix more than 7 years ago as the Bremerton office Marketing Coordinator and then served as the Public Relations Specialist and, most recently, Core Services Manager. A long time resident of Kitsap County, Ledingham also serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Kitsap.
Groundbreaking Ceremongy Begins Environmental Clean-up and Redevelopment for Tacoma's Hilltop Neighborhood
The Martin Luther King Housing Development Association (MLKHDA) is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony that marks the beginning of an environmental clean-up and redevelopment for Hilltop businesses and neighbors. The ceremony will be held at 1023 MLK Jr. Way, Tacoma, on Saturday, September 8, at 2:00 pm.
Notable attendees invited include:
- Governor Gregoire
- U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
- U.S. Congressman Norm Dicks
- State Representative Dennis Flannigan
- City Councilmember Rick Talbert on behalf of the Pierce County Health District
- City Manager Eric Anderson
- County Councilmember Tim Farrell
- County Councilmember Calvin Goings
- Mayor Bill Baarsma
The story of the clean-up starts with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) Neighborhood Brownfields Development Program. The effort began with the intent to reduce the environmental health threats in the community and spurred economic development in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The clean-up program is a joint effort with the Hilltop community, TPCHD, MLKHDA, the Environmental Protection Agency, Ecology, City of Tacoma, the State of Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), and Parametrix. The groundbreaking is the launch of an environmental remediation, demolition, and site preparation for redevelopment of three properties into a new mixed use development and were made possible by a $400,000 Loan from CTED, and the City of Tacoma
MLKHDA Martin Luther King Housing Development Association is a community based organization that provides affordable housing, emergency shelter, supportive services and promotes self-sufficiency, home ownership, neighborhood revitalization and economic development.
Parametrix Selects Dwight Miller, PE as Environmental Engineering and Science Program Manager
Parametrix is pleased to announce the promotion of Dwight Miller, PE, to program manager of the environmental engineering and science (EE&S) practice. Dwight has been with Parametrix for more than 21 years and has served as both the Bellevue office principal and regional division manager for EE&S. Dwight has also managed and provided senior support for many of the company’s solid and hazardous waste management projects, including the Duvall Wastewater Treatment Plant.
As program manager, Dwight will facilitate efforts to expand EE&S in the Boise, Denver, and Albuquerque offices, and focus on alternative energy and environmental management. He will also continue his work with local clients in Washington and Oregon. Dwight is active in APWA Washington and ACEC Washington, and currently serves as vice president on the ACEC board.
Boise Office of Parametrix Increases Staff
The Boise office of Parametrix recently hired Todd Johnson as a senior project manager and added Keiko Ray to the CADD department. In addition, Pierson Dewit obtained his Professional Engineer license.
Todd Johnson has 16 years of experience as both a civil and transportation engineer. Johnson has worked on every aspect of project delivery including concept design; corridor and environmental studies; and preliminary and final design.
Most recently, Johnson was with HDR Engineering where he worked on transportation projects throughout the northwest serving as project manager, senior design engineer, and quality control manager. At Parametrix, Johnson will be responsible for project management, business development, leading design tasks and mentoring junior staff.
Keiko Ray recently joined Parametrix from CH2M Hill where she specialized in roadway drafting for stormwater, traffic control, retaining walls and bridges. As the newest member of the Boise office, Ray will be responsible for technical and CAD support for the Boise Office Transportation, Environmental Planning and Community Building divisions. Ray has more than six years experience working on Idaho projects for clients, such as Idaho Transportation Department, Ada County Highway District, City of McCall, City of Sun Valley and St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center.
Pierson Dewit, a graduate of Boise State University, recently passed his professional engineer’s examination. Pierson has been with Parametrix for almost two years. His experience includes, civil engineering with a focus on traffic related design and studies, air quality analysis, and roadway design.
Federal Highway Administration Recognizes Innovation in Environmental Documents
WSDOT leaders recognized that a traditional Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) wouldn’t work for the highly controversial Alaskan Way Viaduct. They understood that clear communication with the public would be essential. To meet this need, WSDOT asked Parametrix, the environmental lead on the Parsons Brinckerhoff-led team with EnviroIssues and other firms, to create a more ‘reader-friendly’ EIS. The program was so well-received that the Federal Highway Administration recognized it with its 2007 Environmental Excellence Award.
“WSDOT is extremely pleased to be a recipient of the 2007 FHWA Environmental Excellence Award with our partners on the AWV project. This award recognizes the team's outstanding work on finding innovative and collaborative approaches to sound decision making and successful environmental planning. It's a real team effort!” said Kate Stenberg, WSDOT Environmental Manager.
Technical and lengthy EIS documents make it difficult to inform the public and decision-makers of project effects and benefits. With an opportunity to build public consensus, WSDOT used the Alaskan Way Viaduct and its support structure, the Alaskan Way Seawall, as an opportunity to create a Reader-Friendly environmental impact statement. The community could understand the tradeoffs and environmental considerations for a project that will take years to construct in the heart of Seattle's downtown.
“This document is the first of its kind. It uses photographs and simulations to tell a story to the reader. We now have a tool to use at the legal and local level that is easily understood by a wide range of readers,” commented WSDOT officials.
The innovation behind the document is changing the way the public and regulatory agencies view processes associated with an EIS. The Alaskan Way Viaduct EIS tells the project’s story by using clear, simple language and a question and answer format. The readers become engaged with the explanation of the problem and why they should care. The graphics used made the document visual.
“Environment review should benefit everyone by making accurate information available to the public and our decision-makers” said David Mattern, Parametrix EIS Manager for the project. “Too often we provide good information, but it’s incomprehensible except to technical experts and therefore of little use. As a community we can’t make good choices if we don’t understand the trade-offs and consequences. That’s what’s so exciting about a readable EIS.”
The project was one of 13 winners selected from among 174 national entries. The Alaskan Way Viaduct Project received recognition in environmental research and communication by educating the public in a creative and understandable manner. In addition, the project was acknowledged for advancing state-of-the-art computer simulations, and knowledge of transportation and its effects on the natural environment, neighborhoods and communities, and the benefits to society.
June 26 , 2007
Washington State Public Works Highlights Duvall Waste Water Treatment Plant
Click here to view the PDF newsletter.
May 15 , 2007
Randy Tuminello Joins Parametrix
Parametrix has hired Randy Tuminello as the director of marketing and business development. Tuminello brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, and specializes in client relations and strategic planning. Tuminello will be responsible for leading the internal development of key business lines across the firm. “Parametrix strengthened its management team with the hiring of Randy. I believe his expertise in client relations and business development training brings a new perspective to our talented team,” said Gerry Jones, CEO.
Prior to joining Parametrix, Tuminello spent 14 yeas as the founder and managing partner of TrustBuilders International, a management consulting company geared to the professional services industry. Prior to managing his own practice, Tuminello was the marketing and business development director for two nationally recognized architectural firms. In addition, he was also an instructor for the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Core Competences for Principals Program, and author of the book “What You Need to Know About Doughnuts” a practical guide for marketing success. Tuminello also authored the “Client Coach” column a bi-weekly advice editorial in the Seattle and Portland Daily Journal of Commerce.
May 1 , 2007
Parametrix Corporate Services Division Plans a Move to Auburn, Washington
Parametrix announces the move of its corporate services division from Sumner, Washington to 1002 15th Street SW in Auburn, Washington. The move includes the firm’s finance, human resources, information technology, and marketing departments. The new location will also be home to the company’s training and conference center, and will house approximately 65 employees at the outset. The office was selected as part of the 10-year growth plan in anticipation of having more than 100 employees at this site by 2017. The move is expected to occur in August 2007.
“Parametrix is a strong business partner providing consulting services to primarily public agencies in both South King and Pierce counties. Our employee-owners live, work and play in these communities and we are committed to keeping them close to home and continuing to provide services at a local level,” said Gerry Jones, CEO.
April 6 , 2007
Tom Arnold Joins the Portland Office of Parametrix
The Portland office of Parametrix has hired Tom Arnold as a senior planner. Arnold has 32 years experience in transportation planning and management. He specializes in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) related planning and permitting, as well as environmental management of design - build projects. Currently, Arnold is performing quality control of technical reports and the environmental impact statement for the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Newberg Dundee Bypass project.
Previously, Arnold spent seven years with CH2M HILL where he managed NEPA and environmental permitting for transportation projects in Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Idaho and Pennsylvania. His projects included managing the I-5 Delta Park environmental assessment for ODOT. The project had a number of controversial issues related to environmental justice impacts, including removal of homes, air quality impacts, traffic circulation and business impacts. The I-5 Delta Park environmental assessment project was named as the Portland Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar’s project of the year for 2006.
March 27, 2007
Scott Nebeker Joins the Portland Office of Parametrix
The Portland office of Parametrix has hired Scott Nebeker, PE, to serve as the Water/Wastewater Division Manager. Nebeker’s responsibilities include planning, organizing, and managing overall operations of Portland’s Water/Wastewater division. Nebeker is focused on developing projects within the Portland Parametrix service area, and is currently providing design review for the Greater Silver Valley Business Revitalization Water and Sewer Improvements in Kellogg, Idaho.
Nebeker has more than 18 years of experience in the engineering and environmental consulting industry providing project funding assistance and managing complex multi-discipline projects. Prior to joining Parametrix, Nebeker was responsible for company-wide office management, preparation of water/wastewater planning studies, and engineering designs at Anderson Perry and Associates, Inc. Nebeker specializes in local government engineering services, and has served as engineer or consultant of record for more than 35 Oregon counties and cities. He is also active in the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association, the Oregon Association of Water Utilities, and the Oregon American Council of Engineering Companies.
March 19, 2007
Theresa Smith Joins Parametrix
Parametrix has hired Theresa Smith, PE, as an engineer in the firm’s Bremerton office. Her current responsibilities include the design and review of the roadway infrastructure for the redevelopment of the Tacoma Housing Authority’s Salishan community. Smith is responsible for review of the horizontal and vertical alignment, roadway section, intersection details, channelization, and traffic signing to ensure compliance with the City of Tacoma Public Works Department Design Standards.
Smith’s prior experience includes design, project management, and construction management of transportation projects at varying scales of complexity for various municipalities including WSDOT, King County Department of Transportation, City of Seattle, Bellevue, and Issaquah. Previously with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), she worked with neighborhood groups to develop the design and project management of neighborhood improvement projects such as traffic calming devices, curb bulbs, and sidewalk improvement (curb and planting strip). She frequently represented SDOT in the public involvement process associated with project implementation and neighborhood traffic operational issues. Other responsibilities also included the review of roadway improvements within the City’s Right-of-Way related to private plan development to ensure that the City and the community’s goals were adequately addressed.
January 19, 2007
Parametrix Wins Open Space Project
The Parametrix Portland office, an engineering, planning and environmental sciences firm, won a contract to develop the Washoe County, Nevada, Natural Resource Management and Open Space Plan. The plan identifies and prioritizes natural areas in Washoe County for acquisition and preservation, including property needed to develop a county-wide trail system.
Parametrix has successfully worked with high-growth communities facing similar challenges, including Bend, Oregon and Battle Ground, Washington. Parametrix is at the forefront of developing innovative environmental management tools, and will use these tools as part of the Washoe County project. To improve plan implementation and effectiveness, Parametrix will use an ecosystem service management approach. This approach captures the real value of natural functions and includes “trading” conservation credits that are earned or developed by agencies or landowners when they provide environmental stewardship. These credits can be generated with such activities as preserving wetlands, preventing the release of carbon dioxide, protecting wildlife, and a variety of other components that protect natural resources. Eventually, these credits will be traded like commodities between producers and consumers – and already are in some regions. This approach helps communities identify opportunities for open spaces and sensitive lands, help pay for management of these lands, and even provide a return on taxpayer dollars.
“It is exciting to export skills developed in the Northwest to other communities,” said Parametrix project manager, David Siegel, AICP. “It boosts our local economy, and increases Portland’s reputation as a leader in environmental planning.” In addition to managing projects at Parametrix, Siegel serves as national president of the American Planning Association.
Washoe County encompasses Reno and Lake Tahoe, which include both concentrated development and spectacular natural areas. Over the past 50 years, the Washoe County population has grown from approximately 85,000 to nearly 400,000. This population surge puts stress upon the quality of the air and water in Southern Nevada, and threatens the scenic beauty enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
December 21 , 2006
Randall Roberts, PE Joins the Bellevue Office of Parametrix
Parametrix recently hired Randall Roberts, PE, as principal consultant and project manager in the Bellevue office. Roberts brings over 22 years of experience in project and staff management, civil engineering, quality assurance/quality control, and planning and design of highways, interchanges, and local arterials.
Prior to joining Parametrix, Roberts served as Civil Engineering Division Manager and Supervising Civil Engineer at Parsons Brinckerhoff where he was responsible for overseeing staff and pursuit management on a variety of major and minor projects for clients such as Washington State Department of Transportation, Snohomish County, and the cities of Issaquah and Sammamish. Notable project experience includes the Sunset Interchange in Issaquah, the SR 900 widening in Issaquah, and the I-5 HOV widening in Everett. His background also includes nearly 8 years experience as a roadway designer and project engineer for the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans).
At Parametrix, Roberts will manage the SR532 Camano Island to I-5 for WSDOT, currently in the scoping phase. Project services will entail Environmental Documentation, Design Documentation Package, and Preliminary and PS&E design efforts. Early scoping efforts have estimated project construction costs at $12 million.
Roberts is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Public Works Association.
December 21 , 2006
Parametrix Hires Bellevue Office Principal
Parametrix has hired Joan Lee, PE, to serve as the Principal of the firm’s Bellevue office where she will oversee day to day operations as well as be responsible for all activities of the office including business development, project delivery, client relations, and the professional and technical development of staff. In this capacity, she also joins the firm’s Strategic Planning Implementation Resource Team which is responsible for the implementation of the firm’s strategic plan.
Previously, Lee was the Division Director of the Surface Water Management program for Snohomish County Public Works Department. With Snohomish County since 1992, Lee was responsible for fund management and a variety of programs addressing public safety and environmental quality related to drainage infrastructure, salmon recovery, habitat restoration, water quality management, flood hazard management, groundwater and the nearshore. She also served on various advisory committees. Previously, Lee worked for Seattle area engineering consulting firms for over 13 years.
In addition to overseeing the Bellevue office of Parametrix, Lee will be an integral part of the strategic planning implementation of the firm’s water solutions practice.
November 22 , 2006
Parametrix Hires Chief Information Officer Adding to the Firm's Executive Leadership Team
Parametrix has hired Robin McManus to serve as Vice President and Chief Information Officer. She joined the firm in May 2006, and is presently redesigning the computing infrastructure and core applications to enhance collaboration across geographical boundaries, and support the company’s strategic growth plans. In this capacity, she joins the firm’s Executive Committee which is responsible for the overall management of the company.
Previously, McManus spent five years with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle as Vice President and Chief Information Officer. In that role she was responsible for IT strategic planning and operations, developing the IT Sarbanes-Oxley compliance program, and overseeing facilities management and other company-wide administrative services.
McManus was also with the Puget Sound Blood Center for seven years, where she served as the Director of Information Technology. In this capacity she managed the Center’s computerization of patient processing, implemented a backup data center and IT emergency response plan to ensure that computer failure would not disrupt the region’s blood supply, and directed the development of Web-based patient information systems to serve hospital clients.
September 7 , 2006
Bremerton Office of Parametrix Hires Planner
The Bremerton office of Parametrix recently hired Joseph Coppo. He has 16 years of experience specializing in park planning, environmental permitting, and land use planning. Prior to joining Parametrix, he worked at Kitsap County Parks as a park planner where he played a major role in the development of Kitsap County’s park and open space system from developing a vision for the park system to secure funding and acquiring critical land base for future needs. Coppo combines regional scale landscape design with technical analytical skill to create practical solutions for complex problems. Coppo has led numerous community processes developing workable plans that capture community desires and place them in a framework that can be implemented by local governments.
Currently at Parametrix, Coppo is working on the Sinclair Inlet Restoration project as project manager, leading planning and public involvement efforts for the Bremerton Boardwalk Project, and managing environmental permits for the Hood Canal Bridge Project.
August 24 , 2006
Boise office of Parametrix promotes Doug Camenisch to Office Principal
The Boise office of Parametrix recently promoted Doug Camenisch, PE, to Office Principal. Camenisch first joined Parametrix in October of 2004 and since that time, the Boise office has established itself as a long-term sustainable and growing operation for Parametrix. Under Camenisch’s leadership, the office continues to grow in a very strategic and measured manner and has secured a variety of new clients. The Boise office is currently working on projects with Ada County Highway District (ACHD), Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) to improve transportation corridors throughout the Treasure Valley. Parametrix is also helping Valley County and Gem County respond to rapid growth and plan for future infrastructure needs.
Camenisch represents Parametrix in several community organizations including the Boise Chamber of Commerce, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).
August 24 , 2006
Parametrix SR 520 project office hires Senior Civil Engineer
The Parametrix SR 520 project office recently hired Youwei Chang, PE, as Senior Civil Engineer.
Chang has 20 years of experience in civil engineering including practical and innovative conceptual layout and design of transportation projects based on economical, political, cultural, traffic function, constructibility and community uniqueness considerations. Notable projects include I-405 Corridor Projects, Alaskan Way Viaduct Projects and SR520 HOV Widening (All in Seattle), I-25/I-225 Reconstruction Design/Build Projects - “T-Rex” (Denver) and I-15/I-80 Reconstruction Design/Build Projects (Salt Lake City).
Currently at Parametrix, Chang will be working on the SR520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Projects as well as the I-5 Corridor Study.
July 26 , 2006
Sumner office of Parametrix hires Senior Engineer
The Sumner office of Parametrix recently hired Joe Kurrus as Senior Engineer. Kurrus brings over 28 years of experience to the firm and specializes in environmental and municipal engineering. Kurrus has managed several multidiscipline consultant teams on private and public sector projects including utilities relocation and drainage design, environmental remediation, dam safety and flood control measures, civil site development, and infrastructure and rehabilitation projects.
Prior to joining Parametrix, Kurrus was with RoseWater Engineering in Seattle where he worked as project manager on the drainage and utility design for Sound Transit’s Light Rail project.
At Parametrix, Kurrus will be working on Terminal 117 Upland Time Critical Removal Action for Port of Seattle, Terminal 4 Early Action for Port of Portland, Renton Seaplane Base, and Elliott Bay water taxi in West Seattle.
July 13 , 2006
Parametrix Bremerton Relocates to New Space on Kitsap Way
The Bremerton office of Parametrix has taken occupancy of their new location just down the street on Kitsap Way overlooking Oyster Bay. Monday, July 17, marks the first day of operations in the new location. Parametrix Bremerton has been a part of the Kitsap community since 1978. Peter Battuello, Office Principal, expressed, “We would like to recognize our clients, whose commitment to Parametrix as a community resource has allowed us to expand our services and move into our new space.” The new building is the result of several months of hard work by employees of Three Palms Development, the owner of the building, Robinson Construction, the general contractor, Rice Fergus Miller, interior design, and Parametrix staff who provided architecture review, planning, engineering, and permit support for the construction.
June 26 , 2006
Parametrix receives 2006 Project Excellence Award
Parametrix recently won the 2006 Project Excellence Award from the Project Management Institute (PMI), Portland Chapter. The award is provided each year by the Portland Chapter of PMI to "acknowledge, honor, and widely publicize project teams for superior performance and execution of exemplary project management."
Parametrix submitted the ODOT Bridge Replacement Environmental Stewardship Program for the PMI award. For that program Parametrix worked with the state to streamline the permitting process while expediting the repair or replacement of over 400 bridges in the state. The project provided huge benefits to the State of Oregon with an estimated savings of $50 million to $100 million.
June 12 , 2006
Boise office of Parametrix adds senior environmental planner
The Boise office of Parametrix recently hired Steve Linhart, AICP, to add to the firm’s environmental planning expertise. Linhart brings thirteen years of experience to the firm, specializing in the analysis of environmental impacts for highway and airport development projects. He has managed multi-disciplinary teams to prepare a variety of environmental documentation, including environmental impact statements, environmental assessments, categorical exclusions, and permit applications.
Linhart’s previous project experience includes preparing environmental documentation for the U.S. 95 Sandpoint North and South project, Sandpoint ID; proposed runway safety area improvements at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, MI; and the Airport Surveillance Radar, Model 11 (ASR-11) program for the Federal Aviation Administration.
At Parametrix, Linhart will be working on the U.S. 20/26 Corridor Preservation Study and State Highway 44 Corridor Preservation Study for the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, the Rest Area Program for the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Dewey Road Corridor Plan for Gem County, ID.
June 12 , 2006
Bremerton office of Parametrix continues to grow
The Bremerton office of Parametrix recently hired Aaron Vernik, LG, CPG, to add to the firm’s environmental and geological capabilities.
Vernik brings 16 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry and has extensive experience in managing and completing environmental assessments and remediation varying from retail petroleum sites and chemical manufacturing plants to US Navy facilities. Vernik’s areas of expertise include MTCA regulations, underground storage tanks, environmental site investigation and remediation, construction, and geologic and hydrogeologic studies. He has worked with clients from various arenas including local, state, and federal governments, large and small business owners, real estate personnel, construction companies, and native American tribes managing projects that ranged in value from $1,000 to over $500,000 and has a tremendous amount of field experience that he draws from during the management of his projects to ensure tasks identified in the planning stages are viable for field implementation. Vernik also has a construction background that allows him to work well with site management, union laborers and operators, and construction crews.
At Parametrix, Vernik will be working on Brownfields projects for Kitsap County and the Kitsap County Health District as well as assisting on EPA environmental investigation/cleanups in the Portland Harbor and Chehalis areas. Vernik will also be working on natural resource investigations for a local land development company and has provided oversight for an underground storage tank closure at the Bremerton Naval Complex.
June 12 , 2006
Bellevue office of Parametrix hires Senior Consultant
The Bellevue office of Parametrix recently hired Steve Fuller, PG, LEG, as Senior Consultant to the Environmental Engineering and Science group.
Fuller brings twenty-eight years of engineering geologic consulting experience to the firm, with work primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. His expertise includes managing multi-year, multidisciplinary, multi-million dollar regulated waste programs/projects for federal agencies and private industrial clients; including investigations, design solutions, remediation/ restoration, and operation and maintenance.
Some of Fuller’s key projects include 18 years of managing a Basic Ordering Agreement with Boeing providing ID/IQ on-call environmental engineering services to plants and holdings nationally, managing numerous USEPA Superfund projects and numerous investigation and cleanup projects under Washington State Department of Ecology rules in support of real property transfers.
At Parametrix, Fuller will be working on a USEPA regional contract and developing an impaired property redevelopment service line.
