Environmental Echo with PWGC's Paul K. Boyce

What happens when public opposition to a development project begins before the facts are even presented? Could concerns over how a project looks derail its approval before construction begins? On Episode 80 of Environmental Echo, host Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of PWGC, welcomes Matthew Allen, RLA, Principal at Saratoga Associates, to explore why visual impacts can become one of the biggest obstacles in the regulatory approval process. From renewable energy developments and telecommunications towers to offshore wind farms and large-scale infrastructure projects, Matt explains how early visual assessments, photo simulations and GIS-based analysis can help developers address community concerns about aesthetic resources and community character, build public trust and strengthen regulatory applications. Discover why waiting for grassroots opposition to emerge can cost developers valuable time and money, and how a proactive approach to visual impact assessment can make the difference between a project moving forward or facing costly delays. Learn more about Environmental Echo and explore past episodes at pwgrosser.com/podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York’s freshwater wetlands regulations changed dramatically in 2025, and then a court threw them out. If you’re planning a project in New York, here’s what you need to know before you build. In Episode 79 of Environmental Echo, host Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of P.W. Grosser Consulting, sits down with Michael Gaul, Senior Project Manager and certified Professional Wetland Scientist at PWGC, and Alita Guida, Partner at Couch White LLP and Chair of the Environmental Practice Group, to break down one of the most significant shifts in New York environmental law in recent years. They unpack why New York overhauled its wetlands program, how the new jurisdictional process worked, what the court’s decision means going forward, and why wetland due diligence needs to happen early, before a potential constraint becomes a project problem. A wetland does not have to stop a project. But discovering one too late can reshape permitting, design, schedules, and development plans entirely. If you are planning a project in New York, this episode is essential listening. Visit pwgrosser.com/podcast to listen and learn more about wastewater management and sewer infrastructure on Long Island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Paul Boyce, President and CEO of PW Grocer, sits down with Maxine Montello of the New York Marine Rescue Center to explore marine wildlife conservation along Long Island’s coastline. Topics include sea turtle and seal rehabilitation, tracking technology used to study migration patterns, and the impact of water quality on marine ecosystem health. The conversation also covers key environmental stressors such as pollution, vessel strikes, entanglement, and habitat disruption. Clean water remains essential to supporting marine populations and sustaining coastal ecosystem recovery. Join the New York Marine Rescue Center to celebrate 30 years of marine conservation at the 2026 Oceans of Hope Gala, held May 15th, 2026 from 6:30–9:30pm at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, NY. Listen at https://www.pwgrosser.com/podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore what it’s like to build a career as a woman in environmental engineering and consulting as Environmental Echo's host Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of PW Grosser Consulting, sits down with Jenny Heflich, PE, Danielle Dulligan, and Regina Bykov, PG. From fieldwork to project management, they discuss the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, the lessons they’ve learned, and the strategies that have helped them succeed. This episode offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and inspiration for anyone interested in pursuing a career in environmental consulting, engineering, or sustainability. Visit https://pwgrosser.com/podcast to listen and learn more about environmental engineering, consulting, and sustainability careers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of PW Grosser, is joined by Gerry Rosen, PE, Chief Engineer/Vice President, and Derek Ersbak, PG, Vice President, for Part 2 of The Environmental Echo series on Long Island’s sewer systems. The discussion explores innovative alternatives to traditional sewers, including residential and commercial IA treatment systems, low-pressure sewers, and nitrogen-reducing technologies. Gerry and Derek cover installation, maintenance, and costs, highlighting how these modern systems protect groundwater, reduce nutrient pollution, and support public health, offering an expert look at sustainable wastewater solutions for Long Island. Visit pwgrosser.com/podcast to listen and learn more about modern wastewater solutions and how they help protect Long Island’s water and communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of PW Grosser, is joined by Gerry Rosen, PE, Chief Engineer/Vice President, and Derek Ersbak, PG, Vice President, for the first 2026 episode of The Environmental Echo. They discuss Long Island’s sewer systems, focusing on low-pressure sewer technology, infrastructure improvements, and the environmental benefits of reducing nitrogen and protecting groundwater. Gerry and Derek explain the challenges of high groundwater areas, the operational and maintenance considerations of modern systems, and the positive impacts on communities and public health. This episode offers a clear, expert-led look at how innovative sewer solutions are improving water quality and quality of life across the region. Visit pwgrosser.com/podcast to listen and learn more about wastewater management and sewer infrastructure on Long Island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of PW Grosser, is joined by Chris Wenczel, PG, Senior Project Manager and PFAS SME, for part two of their PFAS discussion focused on the liabilities, operational challenges, and regulatory pressures now facing facilities. Chris explains how changing state and federal designations, legacy product use, wastewater pathways, and sampling decisions create new considerations for schools, hospitals, commercial properties, and water suppliers. The conversation highlights the discovery stage the industry is still navigating, the significance of awareness and communication planning, and the technologies and policy shifts shaping what comes next. This episode offers a clear, grounded look at how organizations can evaluate past use, understand potential impacts, and prepare for a rapidly evolving PFAS landscape. Visit pwgrosser.com/podcast to listen and learn more about PFAS in your surroundings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of P.W. Grosser, speaks with Chris Wenczel, PG, Senior Project Manager, about the long history and quiet spread of forever chemicals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), across modern products and infrastructure. In Episode 73 Part 1, they trace how firefighting foams, floor finishes, and cleaning practices helped move PFAS from industrial sites into everyday settings. The discussion highlights early gaps in health research, including the reality that serious study did not begin until roughly 2015, and contrasts the current federal drinking water level of 4 parts per trillion with wastewater concentrations reported as high as 229,000 parts per trillion. As Chris notes, “we do not find out that something is harmful until we are down the road and it is already in the environment,” a pattern that shapes how regulators and communities now respond. Visit pwgrosser.com/podcast to listen, learn more about PFAS in your surroundings, and be ready for Part 2 of this two part series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of P.W. Grosser, is joined by Kris Almskog, PG, SVP of Business Development, and Derek Ersbak, PG, Vice President and Director of Engineering, to explain how PWGC’s reorganization as a Design Professional Corporation (DCP) positions the firm for the future. They discuss how the Employee Stock Ownership Program ensures every team member has a vested interest in client success, why the new corporate structure strengthens governance, and how the organization is aligned across compliance, environmental, and engineering groups. Listeners will hear how these changes enhance responsiveness, streamline project delivery, and reinforce PWGC’s role as a trusted partner for industries ranging from healthcare and higher education to mining, marine permitting, energy, and infrastructure. Learn how PWGC is structured to deliver stronger solutions for clients while securing long-term growth for the firm and its people. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and stay informed on the latest industry trends! Visit our website for more details or to suggest future topics: https://pwgrosser.com/podcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Boyce, President and CEO of PWGC, returns with Jeff Szabo, CEO of the Suffolk County Water Authority, for Part 2 of their conversation. This episode covers the proposed 8.5-mile water main extension to Southold, the environmental review process, and how SCWA is managing public concerns and local engagement. Szabo explains the challenges of saltwater intrusion, the limits of groundwater capacity, and why moving water from west to east is essential. The discussion also touches on SCWA’s updated strategic plan, conservation rebate programs, and upgrades to the Oakdale campus. The new MyWaterQuality app, helps residents monitor water conditions near their homes. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and stay informed on the latest industry trends! Visit our website for more details or to suggest future topics: https://pwgrosser.com/podcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.