Kieran J. Purcell, P.E.
Director, Environmental Practice
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
Site remediation projects can drag on for years — what are the most common factors that cause cleanup timelines and costs to spiral beyond initial estimates?
Cleanup of contaminated sites can be extremely complex since the contaminates are typically not visible and subject to the geology beneath the site. As a result, it is not unusual for cleanup of a contaminated property to exceed multiple decades. The most common factors that stretch out these cleanups are the regulatory process, chemical(s) of concern, impacted media (i.e. soil and groundwater) and insufficient investigation.
What’s the most challenging type of the environmental industry case you encounter, and what makes it so difficult to resolve?
The most challenging cases I encounter involve chemical / biological / particulate exposures. In many cases these matters involve a multi-disciplined approach involving engineers, industrial hygienists, and toxicologist. Additionally, there is typically relatable human element that may draw on emotions which can complicate matters. Regardless, relying on proven science and the facts is the basis for a successful resolution.
What’s one thing about environmental contamination that the general public consistently underestimates?
The public perception of contamination is that cleanup is rather complicated, which generally it is. However, what the public does not generally understand is that nature provides its own mechanism to address this contamination, which includes microorganisms and vegetation. In fact, consultants regularly use natural processes in their remedial approach, which plays a significant role in the overall cleanup process.
Background
Mr. Kieran Purcell is an environmental engineer with extensive experience in the environmental industry. Upon graduating, Mr. Purcell went to work as an engineering assistant and was involved in the remediation of marine oil spills. While with Rimkus, Mr. Purcell has evaluated hundreds of contaminated properties, including manufactured gas plants, refineries, superfund sites, and commercial/industrial spill sites (i.e., service stations, pipeline releases, rail yards, dry cleaners, landfills, etc.).
Mr. Purcell has conducted sampling investigations and laboratory testing, delineated the extent of affected media, specified and designed remedial systems, and evaluated the feasibility of performing alternative remedial strategies, including long-term economic evaluations. He has also provided consulting services to determine cause and origin of property contamination to identify potentially responsible parties (PRPs), to determine pollutant timing (soil and groundwater), and to evaluate Natural Resource Damages (NRD).
In addition to Mr. Purcell’s technical experience, he is knowledgeable in federal and state regulations and is proficient with various software packages including spreadsheets, databases, and groundwater plume modeling. More recently, Mr. Purcell has been involved in the development of an allocation cost model for complex environmental sites.
Education and Certifications
- Environmental Engineering, B.S.: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University (1993)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Texas #87025
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED® AP): USGBC
- NCEES Council Record (multiple jurisdictions): NCEES #24583
- OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (Hazwoper) Certified
- LPST Project Manager: License #PM0000499
- Memberships: Texas Society of Professional Engineers; National Society of Professional Engineers; National Association of Environmental Professionals; National Ground Water Association.