Phillip L. Fitzwater

Principal

pfitzwater@irisenv.com

(510) 834-4747 ext. 11

Mr. Fitzwater has an extensive experience base including hydrogeologic characterization, site remediation, Brownfield redevelopment, environmental compliance, and representation before regulatory agencies. He has over 20 years of experience in technical consulting related to the redevelopment of industrial properties and inner city parcels, environmental regulatory compliance for high tech, mining and heavy industries, due diligence auditing, cost allocation, hydrogeology, and hazardous waste management. Mr. Fitzwater has solved environmental problems throughout the western U.S. and Gulf Coast regions. He has managed projects from the very small to the very large, involving management of individuals and large multidisciplinary groups working from numerous offices throughout the U.S. and has provided expert witness testimony in deposition and at trial on an array of environmental issues.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECT EXPERIENCE:

Conducted numerous environmental due diligence audits associated with worldwide mergers, acquisitions, ISO 14001 registrations, leasing, and property development. These due diligence tasks including acquisitions as large as $500 million and industries such as metal plating; mining; semiconductor, computer, and automobile manufacturing, internet software development, biotech and life sciences, and various other high technology endeavors. Provided expert counsel on expected remedial costs and appropriate environmental set-asides for purchase agreements. Represented finding to financial partners and insurance markets around the world.

Senior technical strategist for restoration of a former heavy manufacturing facility closure (Brownfields) project, including sump cleaning and removals, above and below ground tank removals, decommissioning water production wells, and excavation, disposal and replacement of contaminated soils. Negotiated soil and ground water cleanup levels with multiple regulatory agencies. Chemicals of concern included fuels, solvents, thinners, and metals. Risk based evaluations were completed and approved by all agencies and the facility was successfully closed and redeveloped.

Ongoing lead technical consultant for a heavy industry manufacturing facility in northern California. Multiple projects were undertaken to assure regulatory compliance in a wide range of regulatory forums and issues. Representative tasks include hydrocarbon remediation, environmental considerations during multiple plant expansions, environmental management systems, dewatering considerations, waste disposal, sump evaluations, and air emissions. Represented the automobile manufacturer before state and local regulatory agencies.

Provided senior technical and project management on three multiple source federal Superfund sites in Northern California. The projects included characterization and remediation of chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons released from source areas distributed over a regional area. Used cone penetrometer testing, soil sampling, well installation, and aquifer testing to define the hydrostratigraphic system. Engineering feasibility studies that were completed to support selection and construction of the remedial systems involved the assessment and pilot testing of the latest technologies for remediating a wide range of chemical constituents. Managed construction of remediation systems for ecological restoration.

Provided technical support to the defense team representing an owner of a 130-acre asbestos mine in central California (an NPL Superfund site). Directed the development of a reclamation plan for the mine; critiqued and formally commented on USEPA's investigations and findings; and served as technical liaison between regulatory agency personnel and other responsible parties.

Directed the design and cost development of dewatering and depressurization well fields for a 125,000-acre Gulf Coast lignite mine. Additionally, directed full regional hydrogeological site characterization at a lignite mine in Texas. Study included characterization of geology, aquifer properties, water quality, and regional flow patterns. Hydrogeological characterizations were accomplished using data from surface and borehole geophysics, soil test borings, and monitoring wells.

EDUCATION:

M.S., Hydrology (Ground Water), University of Arizona. 1981.

B.S. with Distinction, Watershed Science (Surface Water Hydrology), Colorado State University. 1978.
 

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