Aegis Environmental, recently sat down with one our Professional Geologists, Mason Pritchett to find out more about his work and hobbies.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Outdoor environmental investigation
What are you currently working on?
Recently, I have been conducting environmental compliance inspections for construction projects. I look at waste management, oil and chemical storage, and stormwater management controls to ensure that the projects are conforming to regulatory requirements and not impacting the environment.
What do you like most about your job?
I like working in a field where I can improve the environment, which helps everyone, and I like working on projects where I can use my science background, but mostly I like my job because I get to spend a lot of time outdoors.
What is something you do for fun or a hobby?
I have a drone and really like flying over new places to see things from a different perspective. I have been thinking about getting a commercial drone operator certification so I can use it at work as well.
What is your biggest achievement to date - personal and/or professional?
Of course, I’m most proud of my kids, but the most difficult thing I have accomplished was finishing graduate school. It took a bit longer than planned, but I’m glad I did it because it was a good jump start into professional-level geologic investigation.
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Mason graduated in 1992 with a B.S. in Geology from JMU, and received his M.S. in Geology from Auburn University in 1998. Mason is a professional geologist, licensed in the states of Virginia and Washington. During his 18 years in private consulting and prior 3 years as a Virginia environmental regulator, Mason has conducted numerous environmental site assessments, hazardous waste and petroleum storage tank release investigations, hydrogeologic characterizations, and corrective action implementation. He has experience with inspecting environmental compliance at construction projects, and has been responsible for coordination and management of numerous groundwater, soil, and natural resource projects including groundwater and soil remediation. He frequently works with facilities on environmental management and response plans, such as Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plans, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, and Facility Response Plans. Mason is knowledgeable in groundwater hydraulics and contaminant transport. He routinely performs investigations and remedial actions under a wide variety of regulatory frameworks, including Virginia’s Petroleum, Waste, and Voluntary Remediation Programs. As Project Manager, Mason lends his technical expertise as well as management support. He ensures that project objectives, as well as Aegis standards of quality, value, and safety are met.