Introducing Beverly Lowery, Environmental Technician
February 28, 2019
Beverly Lowery is a native of Biloxi, MS who fell in love with Mobile while obtaining her undergraduate degree in geology at The University of South Alabama. After graduating with her master’s degree in environmental science from The University of West Florida in August of 2018, she moved back to make Mobile her new home. She worked briefly at Energy Technical Services as an environmental lab technician before coming to work at McFadden Engineering. Before going back to school for her geology and environmental science degrees, she worked as an accountant for five years in Biloxi, Mississippi.
What led you to go back to school to study geology?
I had always wanted to be a geologist since I was a little girl. I started working when I was 14 and just naturally fell into the management and accounting field, but after getting my associates degree and working in the field for five years, I felt unsatisfied. I still longed to live out my dream of becoming a geologist, so I made the decision to go back and get my geology degree. I crave knowledge and enjoy learning, so going back to school to study what I love was an honor that I gave to myself. While obtaining my undergraduate degree, I became fascinated with researching natural ways to remediate polluted water. This led to me attending The University of West Florida where I got to research and create a water filter made out of biosolids biochar, while working at the university as an instructor and obtaining my graduate degree.
What attracted you to McFadden Engineering?
I first heard of McFadden Engineering when I attended a Partners for Environmental Progress breakfast that they sponsored. During this breakfast, McFadden Vice President Brad Newton got up to give a brief speech before the main guest went on. He talked about the company and their invention of the OxyShark® Water Reclamation System and when he went to sit down, I remember thinking “no wait, keep talking.”
Later a professor from UWF emailed me about an opening at the company and I knew I had to apply. I loved working at an analytical lab and testing water for various analytes, but I wanted to be part of the solution for improving water quality and eliminating excesses in these analytes that can be harmful to the environment. I felt that working for McFadden Engineering would allow me to use my skills and knowledge to better insure a safe and healthy environment.
What do you like most about being part of McFadden Engineering?
Honestly, everything, but mainly the people I work with. Being part of a great team that works together to solve environmental issues where everybody’s ideas and work comes together to form this wonderful solution, is incredible. I’m also learning a lot from everyone here and growing as an environmental geologist.
Beverly’s research in the field of wastewater treatment systems has been published in the journal Environmental Earth Sciences (2018) and been presented to the Geological Society of America about stormwater runoff (2015) and groundwater discharge (2016).
McFadden Engineering named as the 2018 Innovator of the Year
December 5, 2018
Frank and Hope McFadden along with Brad Newton
The Mobile Area Chamber named McFadden Engineering as the 2018 Innovator of the Year. OxyShark, a cost-effective wastewater treatment system has taken McFadden Engineering to the next level. “We wanted to develop a system that treated everything from domestic sewage to industrial strength wastewater in an efficient, reliable manner that was low in operation and maintenance costs,” said Frank McFadden, president and founder. Visit the Mobile Area Chamber’s latest issue Mobile Area Chamber Dec 2018- Jan2019.
Mobile Chamber of Commerce- Small Business of the Month
August 31, 2018
McFadden Engineering SPOTLIGHT
Thank you to the Mobile Chamber for featuring McFadden Engineering as the Small Business of the Month for September.
Water Reclamation in Alabama
March 1, 2018
Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) recently asked Frank McFadden, P.E. to speak at a monthly lunch and learn event.
McFadden Engineering, INC is proud to be a PEP member and support their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Mr. McFadden spoke on the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s (ADEM) expanding permit options for the discharge of treated wastewater. PEP members are embracing water reuse expansions in the state of Alabama. Click on the link to read about the PEP Lunch and Learn: Water Reclamation in Alabama.
Four Benefits of In-House Laboratory Equipment
October 27, 2017
Developing innovative water quality models and analyzing modeling results for private clients, municipalities and regulatory agencies are two of McFadden Engineering’s specialties. A leader in environmental water quality testing requires state-of-the-art in-house laboratory equipment.
There are many benefits to working with McFadden Engineering for water quality analysis. Here are four of them directly related to their in-house laboratory equipment.
- Faster Results
Access to in-house laboratory equipment means results are available in a matter of hours, rather than days or longer. This capability allows McFadden Engineering to make recommendations on adjustments to wastewater treatment processes to maximize treatment efficiency and assist clients with compliance. Shorter wait times means faster analyses of issues related to treatment processes that enable McFadden Engineering to meet and exceed project deadlines.
- Lower Cost
Outsourcing laboratory results mean additional line items in a project’s budget. Let McFadden Engineering help streamline your project’s laboratory needs.
- Field Sampling Capabilities
McFadden Engineering utilizes one of the industry’s lightest and most compact portable spectrophotometers that can perform a variety of water quality analyses using approved EPA methodology and verifiable accuracy using quality control standards.
- Versatility and Customization
With McFadden Engineering’s equipment, clients gain access to a wide variety of analytical capabilities. From tests for metals, nutrients and other water quality parameters, the flexibility to customize testing requirements works to everyone’s advantage.
Partner with McFadden Engineering on your next project to gain access to industry-leading in-house technology that achieves results.
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.
Environmental Permitting Process Made Easy
August 23, 2017
Navigating the legal and regulatory environment can be a challenge for even the most seasoned company. As the laws governing Environmental Permitting and environmental standards are constantly evolving, it could be difficult for businesses to keep up with them. Also, requirements between local, state, and federal agencies do not always align. Deciding how much time 
and capital to invest in the environmental permitting process can be an uphill battle.
The team at McFadden Engineering can help. McFadden Engineering has excellent established relationships with local, state and federal regulatory agencies and navigates the regulatory environmental permitting process on our clients’ behalf.
Frank McFadden, founder and president of McFadden Engineering, has been actively engaged with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Southeast Region and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for nearly three decades. His collaborative efforts with these agencies helped to develop a permitting and modeling protocol for difficult and unique water treatment situations. When it comes to permitting in the Southeast, the McFadden Engineering team’s vast experience lead is second to none.
The team’s permitting experience for private-sector and public-sector clients includes:
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharging treated wastewater and treated stormwater to surface water;
- Construction general permits for land disturbance activities;
- Industrial general NPDES permits for specific activities and discharges;
- Underground Injection Control (UIC) permits for discharging treated wastewater and stormwater into the subsurface;
- Water withdrawal permits for drinking water systems and industrial process water;
- Corps of Engineers permitting for activities conducted in waterways.
Get in touch today to find out how McFadden Engineering can help solve your permitting needs.
Helpful Tips to Celebrate Water Quality Month
August 15, 2017
The month of August is National Water Quality Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn more about how to protect water quality in your local community and beyond. Pollution in the water supply – whether groundwater or surface water – is an ever-growing problem, 
but there are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect sources of fresh water.
Drinktap.org, a valuable resource from the American Water Works Association, offers some simple tips to aid the water quality improvement effort this Water Quality Month:
- Use a commercial carwash to clean your vehicle. Washing your car at home can potentially flush harmful chemicals down the storm drain, which leads directly to lakes and rivers.
- Always pick up after your pets.
- Make sure to properly dispose of used motor oil. One quart of motor oil can contaminate more than 250,000 gallons of water!
- Sweep your driveway rather than spraying it down with your hose.
- Be mindful of pesticide and fertilizer use in your home garden as these can permeate the soil and contaminate ground water, or be swept away in runoff, affecting surface water.
- Do not flush prescription medications down the toilet. All too often, these medications end up in the wastewater system and are introduced out into the environment. Check with your local health department for information on proper disposal in your community.
- Help pick up litter on the streets and join in a beach, stream or wetlands clean-up project.
Incorporating small changes such as these into your daily routine have a big impact on the quality of water in your community and in our public spaces
Discussing Solutions to Alabama’s Deteriorating Wastewater Infrastructure
July 21, 2017
Frank McFadden, founder of McFadden Engineering, presented solutions for alleviating stress on deteriorating wastewater infrastructure in Alabama at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Alabama Section annual summer conference on July 19 in Orange Beach, Ala. An expert in innovative water and wastewater engineering, Mr. McFadden advocated for the use of sustainable, decentralized treatment methods as an alternative to centralized wastewater treatment.
In March 2017, the ASCE graded the United States’ overall wastewater treatment infrastructure as D+, and Alabama earned a grade of C- in the same category. About 65 percent of wastewater collection system infrastructure in Alabama has reached the end of its useful life, which has resulted in broken, cracked, clogged and disjointed pipes.
The health of wastewater infrastructure is important to maintaining the Alabama’s water quality, and the existing infrastructure no longer keeps up with demand. Aging wastewater treatment infrastructure and the sheer abundance of wastewater produced in the United States have created an urgent need for alternative treatment methods outside of centralized public and private wastewater treatment systems.
Learn more about McFadden Engineering’s wastewater treatment expertise.