Category: News

Zweig 2022 Hot Firm Award Winner

Hot FirmApex Companies, LLC is honored to receive the Zweig Group’s Hot Firm Award for the third consecutive year. The Hot Firm List recognizes the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms in the United States and Canada. Hats off to both our back-office team and operational personnel across the country whose hard work and dedication to our clients shines with this most recent accomplishment!

Apex also ranks among ENR’s Top 30 All-Environmental Firms (#16 in 2021).

See the complete list of the 2022 Hot Firm winners.

Apex Scientists Solve Real-world PFAS Problems for ODEQ

As the federal government pushes forward to regulate per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), states are doing their best to develop guidance that fits the needs of their constituents.

Lauren Meyer and Gianna Barolin, employees of Apex Companies’ Oklahoma Division and enrolled in the Professional Environmental Science Master’s Graduate Program at Oklahoma State University Tulsa, combined their course of study with their field experience to perform thesis research on PFAS sampling protocols and help the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) establish its own sampling protocols.

Erin Kane is our VP of marketing and client development and leads Apex’s internal PFAS working group. With a background in geology and site investigation and a passion for problem solving, she loves to share stories like this one! Erin had a chance to interview Lauren and Gianna on Friday December 17, 2021, to hear more about how they got involved in this recently completed project, and to learn more about their experience in developing these sampling protocols.

Apex scientists Lauren Meyer and Gianna Barolin

So tell me more about your graduate program at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa?

Lauren: This program is one of the few of its kind in the country—they actually focus on preparing students for careers in the environmental field, with more of a focus on remediation and helping industry comply with regulations.

Gianna: Yes—it’s really geared toward working professionals, and they boast a 100% employment rate for program graduates!

Both: Our professor and program advisor Dr. Ken Ede is great—he has a PhD in chemistry and sits on the Hazardous Waste Management Advisory Council and is a member of the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma. He has published a lot of essays on PFAS and is very passionate about the subject matter. And many of the professors are industry people! We had an environmental class with the lead environmental director at one of our clients in the petroleum industry, and the OSHA class was taught by the head of health and safety at another company! We both just finished the program and started with Apex this summer!

So, when did you start this PFAS project, and how did you get involved?

Both: The ODEQ actually reached out to our advisor Dr. Ede—which isn’t a surprise given that he is so involved with PFAS and has many connections in the industry—and he asked us if we would like to take the project on as our thesis in August. We were able to put sampling protocols together, which required quite a bit of research. We submitted our work to Dr. Ede on Thanksgiving morning, and after he reviewed them, he submitted them to ODEQ.

Erin: Wow, Thanksgiving morning. I bet that felt good to hit send!

Both: Yes, the project was due at the end of November due to a timeline the state had established.

And I understand you also reached out to Heather Gosack, RG, our resident PFAS subject matter expert (SME) at Apex?

Both: Yes! She was great—she went through all the documents and gave us some great feedback and suggestions.

Erin: That is awesome, I bet she enjoyed that!

Both: Well, she said she did!

So, where do you think things are headed as far as PFAS goes, based on your experience in your program and at Apex?

Lauren: PFAS is huge. There is so much work coming in the next few decades, as the science is finally bringing all of the detrimental impacts of PFAS to light.

Gianna: Only about ten or so states currently have sampling plans; since the EPA has not published anything official yet, the states are trying to figure out for themselves what works best. PFAS are in so many things—from Goretex to waterproof mascara, and a lot of manufacturers aren’t yet required to report.

Erin: Gee, I wonder if the mascara I use has PFAS in it…it’s Vegan?!?

Both: Check out PFAScentral.org—they have a list of products that don’t contain PFAS. They are updating it all the time.

So going a step further, do you think sampling programs like the one that you just helped craft for ODEQ can be applied universally? Or do you think each jurisdiction needs to take a customized approach?

Both: It’s tough—it seems like they should be, but because each state is regulating PFAS differently at this point, it’s not really feasible. For example, in Michigan the regulated levels for PFAS are much lower than in other states, so they would probably be less willing to accept any cross contamination in their samples. The EPA is in the process of developing a lot of new guidance, like the PFAS roadmap, so there may be some more consistency in the future.

Erin: Got it! So, it really comes down to each state’s policies, regulations, and overall rigor when it comes to setting and enforcing environmental regulations.

Both: Yes, exactly!

ODEQ letter of commendation to Gianna BarolinODEQ letter of commendation to Lauren Meyer

Erin: Well—thanks for taking the time today to tell me more about this really cool project! I heard you both got letters from Scott Thompson, the Executive Director at the ODEQ for your work on this? That is just awesome, what a nice way to wrap up your degree! I know that Apex is proud to have the two of you here and we look forward to hearing more on the developing PFAS narrative!

Both: Thank you! Yes, the state plans to start doing more sampling for PFAS, so it was great to contribute to something that will actually make a difference and help to improve the environment here in Oklahoma.

As a leading environmental services provider with extensive expertise on PFAS sampling and assessment, Apex looks for opportunities to support our partners as they navigate the complex PFAS landscape. To learn more about our PFAS expertise, check out our blog or reach out to us today at info@apexcos.com.

WSJ Acknowledges Apex’s Expertise and Value in GHG and Sustainability Verification

Once a hippie buzzword commonly associated with kale, recycling, and farmers’ markets, “green” is now a household term at many of the largest and most innovative companies in the world. From top Fortune 500 companies to private firms large and small, sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) are now critical components and core elements of mission statements, core values, and investment strategies.

Solar panels on top of office buildingAs organizations work to meet existing (and developing) reporting requirements, they are turning to firms who possess expertise in both building programs and verifying results. In their recent article “Companies Turn to Auditors to Verify Sustainability Data” published on June 10, 2021, the Wall Street Journal named Apex as one such expert in the field, and a partner in ESG verification for companies such as Apple, CVS Health, and Amazon. A silver verification provider accredited with CDP, Apex provides support for GHG standards including ISO14064, ISAE 3000, AA1000, GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and related programs.

Apex Sustainability Lead Auditor Chris Ostermann, who has been working and leading such audits for over 10 years commented—“We are seeing a significant uptick in the number of companies reporting publicly and having their reporting assured by third parties. This has paralleled with an increase in the metrics that are being assured. Also, in order to meet the expanding requirements of ESG verification, assurance providers need to be extremely well versed across multiple standards and reporting requirements such as GHG Protocol, GRI, SASB, and TCFD.”

Cargo ship terminal, Unloading crane of cargo ship terminal, Industrial port with containers and container ship.As the G-7 nations of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US come closer to establishing global standards for the disclosure of corporate environmental data, companies are already feeling the pressure to disclose, as Deloitte reported in their 2020 Resources Study. According to that study, over 60% of respondents surveyed felt increased pressure from stakeholders to disclose and/or address climate risk, and of those, roughly 90% had already taken steps to manage and measure those risks.

As we move closer to a more transparent society with increased pressure for public disclosure of many facets of your business, it becomes increasingly clear—greener and cleaner is the path forward. Apex is proud to be a leader in this space, and we are excited for what this means for the future—a keener eye for waste reductions pre- and post-manufacturing, reduction in energy usage, a more responsible supply chain, and products that are inherently better for the environment—produced by companies that measure what matters.

Zweig 2021 Hot Firm Award Winner

Hot FirmApex Companies, LLC is honored to receive the 2021 Zweig Group’s Hot Firm Award for the second consecutive year. The Hot Firm List honors the fastest-growing firms in the architecture, engineering, planning, environmental, and construction (AEC) industry. Firms are ranked based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and dollar growth.

Apex also ranks among ENR’s Top 30 All-Environmental Firms (#13 in 2020).

See the complete list of the 2021 Hot Firm winners.

Apex Volunteers Support the Opening of Fantastic Forest Exhibit

State Park Trail Melds Flora, Fauna with Whimsical Exhibit

This article was sourced by Tahlequah Daily Press.

Sequoyah State Park invites the public to experience the accessible and whimsical Fantastical Forest: Flora and Fauna outdoor exhibit, Earth Day through June 10.

The quarter-mile Scissortail Paved Trail and its parking lot are compliant with the American Disabilities Act to make it available to as many people as possible.

This exhibit was sponsored by the National Environmental Education Foundation 2020 COVID Restoration and Resilience Fund, “Helping our Public Lands Recover from COVID-19.”

“During the pandemic, these open public spaces—local, state and national parks and other public lands—saw astronomical increases in visitation, but were limited in programming, staff, and facilities. The idea of the grant is to create some relief from this,” said Angelina Stancampiano, senior naturalist coordinator.

Stancampiano has looked for ways to create an educational and fun experience safely, and was drawn to the idea of museums and art galleries, which she couldn’t visit in 2020.

One solution to the reduction in programming was to create a self-guided experience within the park, said Stancampiano.

“Exhibits are special and a limited-time experience. The gallery is set up in a different way at every location with fun accompanying themes and outings. How could I combine that with state parks—especially in these rural areas that don’t have access to such things? The thought is to create an experience,” said Stancampiano.

Apex Sr. Hydrogeologist, Brad Parish featured in Land Science

Brad parishIf you ask Brad Parish, P.G., Senior Hydrogeologist with Apex Companies LLC, an award-winning water environmental services firm, what he enjoys most about his work, you’ll likely hear it’s the opportunity to distill his nearly 30 years of experience in groundwater hydraulics and contaminant plume movement into simplified solutions for his clients. He begins, “The best part of my job is that I have the opportunity to assist clients with sound science. Most of our clients are focused on their day-to-day business and they don’t have time to truly understand everything we do. Therefore, we must instill trust in our clients that we have provided the most technically feasible solution to their needs at the most effective long-term cost scenario.” Providing not only tech-based, feasible solutions, but also successful outcomes has been a hallmark of Parish’s work throughout his 19 years with Apex, a valued REGENESIS® and Land Science® client. In his current role, he manages projects involving subsurface characterization, contaminant transport and occurrence, development of site conceptual models, and development of plume remedies. He continues, “Essentially, I enjoy the science of geology and its application to groundwater hydraulics and contaminant plume movement.” Hired initially as a Senior Project Manager in 2002, Parish managed large-scale technical projects, before expanding his role into other related areas. “On many projects,” he says, “I am essentially a technical resource as a Senior Hydrogeologist, and I have also acted as an office manager for Geoscience Groups.”

Prior to joining Apex, Parish held Hydrogeologist positions at several other firms, after earning his BS in Geology from Tarleton State University and Master of Science degree in Geology, from Baylor University in 1992. It was during his master’s program at Baylor that he became interested in a career in hydrogeology. He continues, “At Baylor, I became drawn to the various geomorphic processes and how those processes were affected by subsurface geologic structure and surface lithology. Advanced level courses in hydrogeology really lifted my interest in subsurface fluid dynamics. The next step involved learning geochemistry and how chemicals in groundwater affect or are affected by groundwater flow.” The selection of Baylor for his graduate studies proved invaluable, since at the time, the program provided its own drilling rig. “This afforded me the opportunity to learn well installation, soil and groundwater sampling, and logging techniques while in graduate school- an experience few other programs could match. Overall, my graduate studies really helped solidify my future career path because, in my opinion, understanding subsurface geology and developing an accurate conceptual site model are the most critical in the development of a successful remedy for any site with groundwater contamination.” To stay abreast of trends in his field and new technology, Parish spends 2-4 hours a month in continuing education. In addition, he participates in several ITRC training modules and webinars that focus on enhanced MNA topics, and studies current vapor intrusion trends and the ever-changing regulatory framework.

When it comes to working with Land Science, Parish is most impressed with the company’s involvement on product selection based on an array of project needs and budget parameters. He shares an example, “On a recent project, I asked Land Science to develop a repair sequence for a large vapor barrier and passive venting system that was fairly unique. Not only did they provide recommendations for a proper repair sequence, they actually developed the sequence for inclusion in our design for permitting by the local authority. This solution presented significant savings to our client, and we were able to receive approval for the repairs and keep the project on schedule.” In terms of Land Science product usage, Parish states that Apex mainly uses the company’s various vapor barrier products on pre-construction projects, but have also used Retro-Coat® on projects with indoor air quality issues in existing buildings. He shares, “In comparison with other vapor barrier products, Land Science’s suite of vapor barrier systems are typically a less expensive and more technically feasible product. It is also helpful that Land Science provides a list of certified installers for their products, and my experience with their installers has been very positive.”

When asked about Apex’s future goals, Parish is quick to respond by emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation and client service. “At Apex, our goal is to consistently team with clients to assist them through their environmental challenges. We also strive to provide feasible strategies and to keep safety at the forefront of our business. We have distinct future growth strategies that we believe enhance our core business offerings. My personal goal is to always listen to a client first; they will always give subtle clues as to how much they understand about what technical scenario or proposal is being provided, along with the financial reserve they have allotted for environmental issues. I always strive to ensure that they understand where their reserve is being spent and the technical reasons why. Only then can we move forward as a team and make strategic decisions that keeps the project on the right path. ”

Residing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with his wife of 30 years, Parish has developed a keen awareness and fondness for Texas, since nearly all of his project work over the years has been located within the Lone Star state. He also enjoys a variety of hobbies outside of his work responsibilities. He shares, “Fortunately for me and my wife, who is also a geologist, most of our vacations center around some geologic concept or area. We’ve spent a lot of time in the Big Bend and Hill Country areas of Texas, the coastal regions of North Carolina, and the various Rocky Mountain states. Golf is also a favorite hobby for me and my family.” As one might expect from someone who has worked in the same industry for nearly three decades, Parish has observed an array of changes, although as he points out, some aspects of his work haven’t changed much. He continues, “I believe industry services have changed based on culture. Today, there is a lot more focus on Industrial Hygiene and Safety Compliance. For me, I am still looking at grain size analysis of soil cores- just like I did back in the early 1990’s!” And the most demanding part of his job? “Juggling the amount of time available to assist all clients, regardless of the size or budget of the project.” When it comes to encouraging others to join his field of study, he suggests that one should start with the basics. He concludes, “I would challenge every college student to take a Physical Geology freshman class. I was an engineering student as a freshman and decided to take Physical Geology as a science credit…and I’ve been hooked ever since!”

This article was sourced by Land Science.

Apex Featured as Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Verifier

The COVID-19 outbreak has many office buildings sitting idly, without employees streaming in every morning and out every afternoon. While lockdowns briefly decreased global carbon emissions about 17 percent, this was mostly due to transportation, flights and commuting grinding to halt. But 36 percent of fossil-fuel carbon emissions come from buildings, and even though most are unoccupied, the lights are still on and the heating or air conditioning is still running.

These metrics show why commercial buildings have become an important focus for the World Green Building Council (WGBC). Its Advancing Net Zero buildings initiative aims to have every building produce net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. That’s every building on the planet.

Right now, there are 1 billion buildings in the world, and that footprint will double by 2060. It is difficult to know how many buildings are operating at net-zero because some buildings are operating at net-zero because of the renewable energy supplied by the grid. WGBC is working on tracking the data to show increased uptake in renewable energy.

As of August 5th, 62 businesses, 28 cities and six states have signed on to be WGBC’s leaders in this initiative by committing to make all their buildings net-zero carbon-emitting by 2030 or sooner. California has signed onto the commitment with 16 million buildings, along with businesses such as design firm Atelier Ten, healthcare real estate investment trust Assura and retail center developer Wereldhave.

Each organization pledging to support the WGBC initiative must commit to a net-zero building goal, disclose annual energy demand and carbon emissions for its portfolio, create a concrete action plan and have a third party perform a verification of the data and the strategy.

WGBC will allow any credible third party, such as LEED, to do the certification so businesses aren’t burdened with having to double up. Another available option is a verification at the portfolio level for cities and businesses. The third parties offer compliance and assurance, using established reporting protocols and standards, to make sure the data is accurate. Some signatories use JLL, a global real estate company that provides these services. Others use environmental services organizations such as Bureau Veritas or Apex Companies, which acquired the Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) Consulting Business of Bureau Veritas in the summer of 2019.

By 2030, WGBC is targeting 40 percent less embodied carbon in new buildings, infrastructure and renovations and all new buildings must be net-zero operational carbon.

Zweig Hot Firm Award 2020

Hot FirmApex Companies, LLC made Zweig Group’s 2020 list of Hot Firms. Firms were ranked by a score comprised of both dollar and percentage revenue growth rates over a three-year period (2016-2019).

Continually ranked as a Hot Firm, Apex also ranks among ENR’s Top 30 All-Environmental Firms (#12 in 2020).

Learn more about the Zweig Group 2020 Hot Firm Award.

Apex in the News: Apex Featured as COVID-19 Services Provider

HSE Consultancies Pivot to Tackle Coronavirus

This article was sourced by Environmental Analyst.

Much of the corporate communications in response to the latest COVID-19 outbreak is rightly centered on the gargantuan global health and economic challenges it poses. But some of the businesses operating in the environmental services space have the perfect opportunity to pivot towards helping the global response to the virus, using their valuable expertise to support clients and others through the challenges.

A number of consulting firms with strengths in disaster planning and preparedness; health, safety and environmental (HSE) services; and/or epidemiology and laboratory services; are well positioned to help mitigate and turn the tide on this pandemic. Already a number of businesses have stepped up their efforts in recent days/weeks.

In the US for example, Rockville, Maryland-headquartered engineering and environmental consultancy Apex Companies is making its industrial hygiene and safety professionals available for its clients. The firm is offering support for infectious disease outbreak planning; contamination protocol reviews; personal protective equipment consulting and process conformance evaluations.

A Message to Our Clients about COVID-19/Coronavirus

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2020

Apex has been closely monitoring the developments surrounding the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. We are responding to this crisis on a nationwide basis, while ensuring the health and safety of our workers, clients, and the greater public.

As we continue the performance of services for our clients, we are closely monitoring federal, state, and local developments to ensure continuity of service is achieved in accordance with all federal and local directives. Our staff are trained and well-versed in CDC directives and guidelines and we maintain rigorous OSHA health and safety training and standards with our workforce and subcontractors. Across our offices and in the field, we have instituted additional practices regarding hygiene, potential COVID-19 exposure protocol, and responsible social distancing practices.

As your partner in health and safety, we understand that the impact to employees, businesses, communities, and the economy will be significant and that the coming weeks and months will remain uncertain. Through it all we are here to support you across your company and workforce.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we recognize that in times like this, we owe it to one another to rise above the turmoil and disorder and be civil, kind, and accountable to one another. We are committed to doing our part to assist you and our communities in any way possible.

Yours in health and safety,

David Fabianski

David Fabianski
President & CEO
Apex Companies, LLC

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