As a hydrogeologist for Hargis + Associates, Inc., a regional engineering and hydrogeology consulting firm and valued REGENESIS client, Tyler Evans enjoys the challenge of utilizing his experience in environmental remediation in a variety of situations, especially under challenging circumstances. He shares, “I’ve been in this industry for over 10 years, and with Hargis for over five years, managing the field staff and several very complex field work and reporting schedules. The phrase, ‘when it rains it pours’ is quite applicable in my work because when complex drilling jobs and remediation work is required, especially simultaneously, the work can be quite difficult. But I enjoy the challenge of organizing the variety of field work efforts to effectively complete the projects.” In his role with Hargis + Associates, Evans manages, organizes, and conducts groundwater sampling of monitor wells and extraction wells associated with groundwater remediation systems for several Fortune 500 companies. He also oversees the installation of monitor wells using several methods of drilling. He shares, “I have managed implementation of large-scale remediation efforts, including in-situ methods and excavation methods. These duties are in addition to writing reports, cost proposals, and providing assistance in general project management. I also have the role of Health and Safety Administrator, which includes organizing company-wide Health and Safety Injury and Illness Prevention Protocol meetings, and conducting respirator fit tests.”
Prior to joining Hargis, Evans served for five years as a Hydrologic Technician at the US Geological Survey in San Diego, before joining an environmental and geotechnical engineering firm as a staff geologist, and then joining Hargis in 2014. He holds a BS in Earth Sciences from UC San Diego (UCSD) and an MS in Earth Sciences/Geochemistry from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. He initially became interested in environmental remediation while in high school. He shares, “I’ve always really enjoyed chemistry and spending time outdoors. I found that geology, specifically geochemistry, was a good marriage of some my favorite areas of interest.” In his role at Hargis, working with the various staff, he enjoys mentoring young field staff. “I enjoy training the younger team we have in the office,” he says. “Teaching them field methods and how to safely and properly complete work in the field is especially gratifying. Hargis + Associates prides itself on its service and offers excellent environmental support and expertise in all hydrogeologic related fields.” When asked what he enjoys most about working with REGENESIS, he feels their expertise and collaborative approach are noteworthy. He continues, “I recently worked with REGENESIS on a site in southern California where we injected over 50,000 pounds of S-Micro ZVI® into almost 40 different injection locations ranging from 20-80 feet in depth. We saw TCE reductions of over 99% in some of the source area groundwater monitor wells. REGENESIS was an excellent partner in this project and handled all of my and my client’s demands. Thus far we have used ZVI to remediate a TCE source, thereby avoiding increased concentrations of degradation daughter-products. Additionally, the site’s lithology required the use of a low viscosity material, which is an attractive advantage that’s offered with this technology.”
Residing in the San Diego area, where he met his wife while attending UCSD, Evans works out of Hargis’ company headquarters. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and playing soccer, along with alpine skiing. “My favorite skiing is outside of Salt Lake, at Alta Ski Resort, and Jackson Hole in Wyoming.” He grew up in Spokane, WA and is an unabashed “diehard Gonzaga Bulldogs fan.” When asked what he sees the future holds for the environmental remediation industry, he believes PFAS and groundwater management will be an area of intense focus. He continues, “PFAS is continually in the news, with new remediation orders being handed out constantly, so I see the industry definitely having its hands full with remediation of that class of contaminants. In addition to PFAS work, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, enacted in California, will demand a large portion of hydrogeologic companies’ time.” And how would he encourage others to join in his field of study? He concludes, “I would encourage anyone who enjoys science and the outdoors to look into the study of geology. It is an industry that many don’t even know exists, and yet if offers a way to help preserve our fragile environment.”
REGENESIS is proud to have Tyler Evans, hydrogeologist for Hargis + Associates, Inc., as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and appreciates his enthusiasm and dedication in providing successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.