Michael Palazzola
Ferndale,MI
Summary
Project Geologist with successful experience as an environmental construction monitor & consultant, with a focus on Loss Prevention System (LPS) behavior-based safety. Comfortable in the field, as a team leader, as well in the office, responsible for interpreting data and preparing technical reports. Excellent reputation for resolving problems, adapting to new technology and committed to client satisfaction.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
US Environmental Monitor/Geologist
Flatiron Dragados USA
Detroit, Michigan/Windsor, Ontario, Canada
05.2021 - Current
- Mr. Palazzola is currently an Environmental Monitor/Geologist for the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction project, (contract value of $6.4 billion), one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the United States. The project consists of 4 components: the bridge, the U.S port of entry, the Canadian Port of Entry, and the Michigan I-75 Interchange, spanning 3.3 miles. The project is certified as Envision Platinum by the Institute for Sustainability Infrastructure (ISI).
- The project’s complex work on the U.S. side of the bridge involved development of over 1,000 parcels, within a historically industrialized location which had several environmental challenges. The project included 1.6 million cubic yards of excess soil that either qualified for re-use on site or required off-site disposal as hazardous waste. Michael supported the environmental team with the management and disposal of contaminated soils.
Project Responsibilities
- Soil, water, hazardous waste & materials management.
- Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasures.
- Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control (SESC) Plan Review & Design and Storm Water Management -Construction Site inspections for MDOT.
- Migratory bird, fish & wildlife management.
- Inventoried hazardous materials on-site.
- Invasive vegetation management.
- Noise & vibration monitoring.
- Tree preservation & management.
- Identify & protect archeological finds onsite.
- Air quality & dust monitoring perimeter of site.
- Assist in sustainable infrastructure implementation.
Project Geologist
Groundwater & Environmental Services Inc. (GES)
New Hudson, MI
08.2004 - 04.2021
- Phase I & II investigations at automotive dealerships. Environmental investigations & remediation in the petroleum industry, at retail gas stations, pipelines & refineries. Performed Phase ll investigations in Central America. Logged geotechnical rock core samples on a barge through Lake Sakakawea, ND. Loss Prevention Systems (LPS), behavior-based H&S trainer.
Staff Hydrogeologist
Delta Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Novi, MI
04.2002 - 08.2004
- Petroleum pipeline spill rapid response & environmental investigations. Health & safety trainer.
Environmental Scientist
Former J.A. Jones/McLaren Hart, Inc.
Novi, MI
06.1999 - 03.2003
- Remedial Environmental Investigation/Feasibility Study group.
Field Hydrogeologist
Former EnecoTech Midwest, Inc. (GES).
Farmington Hills, MI
03.1996 - 06.1999
- Environmental investigations for petroleum & automotive industries. Construction, operation & maintenance of remediation systems.
Environmental Scientist
Former Geraghty & Miller, Inc. (Arcadis)
Novi, MI
04.1993 - 02.1996
- Environmental investigations & remediation for EPA Superfund sites & automotive industry. Drilling oversight at Puerto Rico refinery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Field Hydrogeology & Environmental Studies
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI08.1992
Skills
- Environmental Investigations at petroleum retail, terminal & pipeline; automotive manufacturing & dealership; and EPA sites
- Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control (SESC) Plan Review & Design and Storm Water Management -Construction Site certified with EGLE
- Accredited MIOSHA Michigan Asbestos Building Inspector
- Loss Prevention Systems (LPS), behavior-based H & S
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, supervisor training
- Phase I & II environmental assessments
- Technical reports, bid request & work plans
- Contour maps, well/boring logs & cross-sections
- UST tank and auto hoist, removal & sampling
- Field and construction staff training & oversight
- Private utility mark-outs, GPR , surveying and GPS
- Remediation pilot tests, construction, O & M
- Use of air, water and sound monitors
- X-Ray Flourescence soil analyzer trained
- Rapid response spill cleanup team, on-call 24 hours
- Pipeline hydraulic directional drilling mud fluid sampling
- Geophysical soil lithology logging & rock cores, utilizing Rockworks
- Geoprobe, Sonic, HSA, mud & air rotary and cable tool drilling oversight
- Soil, water, vapor, asbestos, lead paint, mold & PCB sampling
- Geophysical surveys, Win-Situ aquifer slug & pump test
Timeline
US Environmental Monitor/Geologist
Flatiron Dragados USA
05.2021 - Current
Project Geologist
Groundwater & Environmental Services Inc. (GES)
08.2004 - 04.2021
Staff Hydrogeologist
Delta Environmental Consultants, Inc.
04.2002 - 08.2004
Environmental Scientist
Former J.A. Jones/McLaren Hart, Inc.
06.1999 - 03.2003
Field Hydrogeologist
Former EnecoTech Midwest, Inc. (GES).
03.1996 - 06.1999
Environmental Scientist
Former Geraghty & Miller, Inc. (Arcadis)
04.1993 - 02.1996
Bachelor of Science - Field Hydrogeology & Environmental Studies
Western Michigan University