Matt Himmelstein is a Professional Civil Engineer with over 30 years of expertise in the environmental industry, specializing in site assessment and remediation. With extensive experience in the operation, maintenance, and optimization of in-situ and ex-situ soil and groundwater remediation systems, his areas of expertise include vapor extraction, dual-phase extraction, in-situ and ex-situ oxidation, air sparging, and remediation system optimization. He has successfully managed large-scale excavation projects and coordinated remediation efforts alongside general construction activities.
Matt’s experience spans both public and private sectors, including over a decade in public sector work. He has a notable track record in the investigation and remediation of oil and gas sector sites, schools, and large multi-site programs, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District and US Navy Remedial Action Contract. With his strong expertise in negotiating with local, county, and state environmental regulatory agencies, Matt has proven himself as a skilled professional in delivering innovative and effective environmental solutions.
What do you find most rewarding about the work that you do?
I like being able to leverage my years of experience in the field to identify potential issues and problems early in the design or implementation phase. It’s clear how critical this is, as I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that arise when significant problems go unaddressed until later stages. Anticipating and resolving these early makes a huge difference in achieving successful outcomes.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently supporting several clients and project sites designing and operating soil and/or groundwater remediation systems.
How can our clients benefit from this service/particular innovation?
We have access to a wide range of tools that can theoretically get the job done, but selecting the wrong tool can create significant challenges during operation. For example, something as simple as choosing the wrong type of pneumatic pump can lead to project delays or performance issues because of nuisance odors, pressure build-up in the wells, inaccurate flow measurements, and other complications. The right tool isn’t just about functionality; it’s about ensuring smooth, efficient, and reliable operations.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I am not exactly shy when it comes to talking about myself, so I am not sure what would be ‘little known.’ That said, I’m an avid rock climber, certified scuba diver, and a skier. I’m also a pretty decent cook.
What advice do you have for recent graduates?
Work on your communication skills by writing as much as you can and getting comfortable with public speaking (Toastmasters is great for this). At the end of the day, the technical aspect of what we do is worthless if you can’t clearly communicate your ideas.
When you were 10 years old, what did you aspire to do for a career?
Back in 4th grade, I probably would’ve said doctor, lawyer, or maybe even astronaut. My parents never really pushed me toward sports or music, so dreams of being a pro athlete or rock star weren’t exactly on my radar.
