Meet Our Geologists, Part 2: Matt Pastorcich
September 26, 2017
McFadden Engineering’s team of experienced engineers and geologists complement one another’s work to offer a holistic solution to solve even the most complex client project.
Get to know more about McFadden Engineering’s geologists in part two of this two-part blog series.
Matt Pastorcich – Staff Geologist:
McFadden Engineering’s staff geologist, Matt Pastorcich.
Matt Pastorcich joined McFadden Engineering in 2007 and will celebrate his 10th anniversary with the firm in October. He holds two bachelor degrees, one in geology and one in biology, from the University of South Alabama.
What led you to study and pursue geology?
My experience working in environmental testing got me interested in both hydrology and civil engineering. After working in the field for a major environmental laboratory, I decided to go back to college to pursue a degree that would lead to a professional certification. After studying engineering for a while, I became interested in the study of hydrogeology and contaminant hydrology. I switched my studies to geology with the goal of becoming a licensed geologist in the environmental consulting field.
What does a hydrogeologist do?
Geology is a diverse field of study. As a hydrogeologist, I interpret data from investigations of impacted groundwater sites to form an overall picture of what is going on below ground. In drawing meaningful conclusions based on the hydrogeology at a project site, we can make recommendations on the design of remediation efforts put into place at a site.
In my job, I write reports for clients that will be submitted to state regulators and make recommendations related to future actions at a project site. I also work in the field assisting with drilling, subsurface investigation, groundwater and surface water collection. Another task I am frequently engaged in is water quality investigation for wastewater treatment studies, in which I work closely with our engineers.
What is your favorite project or proudest moment that you have experienced in your role at McFadden Engineering?
My favorite project and my proudest moment took place as part of the same particular project site. The project was very challenging, involving hydrogeology, contaminant hydrology and innovative environmental engineering solutions. My proudest moment came when we completed the construction of our groundwater treatment systems at this particular site. It was the culmination of intensive investigation at the site.
What’s a common misconception about being geologist?
That you are a guy who looks like Indiana Jones who goes around the world with a pick axe cracking open rocks and studying them. That would be fun, though!
Meet Our Geologists, Part 1: Marshall Eschete
September 26, 2017
The fields of geology and environmental engineering often go hand-in-hand. What’s not so common is finding an environmental consulting firm that offers specialties in both fields under the same roof.
Get to know more about McFadden Engineering’s geologists in part one of this two-part blog series.
McFadden Engineering’s senior geologist, Marshall Eschete, P.G.
Marshall Eschete, P.G. – Senior Geologist:
Marshall Eschete just celebrated his seventh anniversary with McFadden Engineering in September. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of South Alabama and is a licensed professional geologist (P.G.) in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
What led you to study and pursue geology?
I have loved science since I was a kid and I like to work with my hands. Physics and astronomy are less hands on and I didn’t want to be a biologist. Geology was a natural fit.
How would you describe your role on the McFadden Engineering team?
As a geologist, I handle the subsurface portion of investigations. This includes soil, water or anything else we encounter. My work gives our engineers the information they need to design a remediation strategy or technology.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I spend a large portion of my time outside of the office managing and directing field crews and operations. The best part of field work is that I get to make the decisions about where and how far to dig or drill, but that doesn’t mean I can drill anywhere I want. I base my decisions on where and how deep we drill or dig with respect to budget constraints and project goals.
When I’m not in the field, I assist in writing reports that assemble the field data I’ve collected into a format that regulatory agencies and clients can understand.
What is your proudest moment at McFadden Engineering?
My proudest moment was when we closed the former Manufactured Gas Plant facility in downtown Mobile. It sat unused and locked up until we were brought into the project and through our efforts and the efforts of others, we were able to clean the property up and turn it into a beautifully landscaped public greenspace.
The property is in an area of town that badly needed a public park. It has been transformed from a fenced vacant lot to an open public area with walking trails, benches and play areas. It has transformed from an eyesore to a jewel of the community.
What is a common misconception about the field of geology?
Many people assume that all we do is drill oil wells. Geology is a very diverse field. You can study oil and gas, environmental issues, structural and engineering matters, mining, earthquakes, volcanoes and much more.