Hieu Nguyen – Solving the Challenges of Vapor Intrusion

When it comes to dealing with the uncertainties of our planet and Mother Nature, Hieu Nguyen, Senior Research Engineer at Land Science®, knows all too well that successful vapor intrusion mitigation means being prepared for the unexpected. “Regardless of how well I assess a site’s condition,” he shares, “There are always unknown forces that can affect the outcome of the design and/or performance of a gas vapor barrier.  Despite some of these uncontrolled variables, I strive to reduce the number of uncertainties where possible to ensure our recommendations are appropriate for the site conditions.” Preserving our natural resources, is important to Hieu, and was a key reason on why he chose his profession in research engineering. “I wanted to make a direct impact on protecting the environment and improving indoor air quality, which promotes better human health.  I also enjoy working closely with the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) throughout different regions and with various state level regulators to help solve various challenges as a result of vapor intrusion.”

Armed with 10 years of professional experience, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Idaho, Hieu’s passion for protecting people from the effects of harmful vapor intrusion is evident in his efforts to provide the highest level of technical support to Land Science clients. Hieu’s core responsibilities include providing technical support to Regional/District Managers, as well as clients, and providing both technical support and oversight of product implementation at various construction and remediation sites. But where Hieu adds tremendous value is the research and testing he is conducting in the Land Science lab, to ensure the highest level of safe and effective vapor barrier product development on the market today. Using a VI permeameter apparatus, a proprietary testing device developed by Land Science and unique in the industry, Nguyen is able to test Land Science barrier solutions to ensure efficacy. In addition, he assists in the development of AutoCAD details, specifications, and proposals, and provides remediation design recommendations. When asked what he enjoys most about his work at Land Science, Hieu points to the satisfaction he receives from impacting positive change. “I enjoy the fact that I am making a difference and able to provide long term solutions that will protect our communities from vapor intrusion.  At the end of the day, I feel I’ve contributed in the effort to prevent families, or companies and their employees, from the threat of vapor intrusion.”

Hieu’s has a wide range of experience in remediation technology and engineering which includes eight years as a technical engineer for a multi-national environmental products group, supporting their vapor intrusion, remediation, and lining technologies divisions. He also spent time as a Product Technical Manager working on corrosion protection solutions. Early in his career, he served as a Field Engineer at Schlumberger, the world’s largest oilfield services company.

To stay current in his field, Hieu is an active member of the ITRC (Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council) Petroleum Vapor Intrusion workgroup.  “I attend numerous training courses and seminars on vapor intrusion, solidification/stabilization, and sediment remediation.  I am also an active member of the asphalt emulsions workgroup ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D.04 specifications and testing.”

When asked about the challenges in successful vapor mitigation, he points to the emergence of an increasing number of variables, listing spatial and temporal variability, seasonal changes in weather conditions, groundwater fluctuations, pressure gradient from wind effects, and structural building usage, as well as unknown contaminant sources, as variables that can impact vapor intrusion. Hieu shares, “Based on some of these variables, it is impossible to predict and/or model a specific site condition to fully protect it from vapor intrusion.” He goes on to say, “As a vapor barrier manufacturer, it is our responsibility to provide an effective vapor mitigation method for all of our clients based on these known variables, their needs, and their expectations.”

When asked about how working with REGENESIS and Land Science has changed his thinking about our planet, he cites increased awareness. Shares Hieu, “I understand everything takes time to improve, especially our planet.  I feel that my small contribution to protecting human health and increasing awareness of harmful chemicals in the ground is a step toward successful cleanup efforts to improve our planet.”

A resident of Orange, CA, where he lives with his wife and daughter, Hieu enjoys swimming, hiking, and doing his own research in his spare time. He also donates his time in support of Buddhist temples in Orange County, assisting with major ceremonies, events, and monthly activities.  In addition, he and his wife help sponsor the temple’s youth activities, which include continuing education and fund raising.

Hieu is proud to be working at REGENESIS and Land Science, and feels the company has gained significant credibility and acknowledgement from consulting engineers, developers, and application companies.  Shares Hieu, “We are often viewed as a solution provider and not just a product company.  Working for REGENESIS/Land Science is rewarding because it affords me the opportunity to work closely with extremely talented individuals. I absolutely believe that every employee’s voice, opinion and ideas are heard by the upper management team.”

REGENESIS is pleased to have Hieu Nguyen as Senior Research Engineer, where his experience and commitment to successful treatment in vapor intrusion helps keep REGENESIS and Land Science in a leadership position within the vapor intrusion mitigation industry.