James Durand Joins GZA as Senior Consultant Specializing in Energy and Facilities Environmental Services

NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA), a leading multi-disciplinary firm providing geotechnical, environmental, ecological, water, and construction management services, announced today that James “Jamie” Durand has joined GZA as a Senior Consultant specializing in environmental assessment, licensing, permitting, and compliance for the energy and facilities fields.

Before joining GZA, Mr. Durand, a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), managed complex multidisciplinary projects in the New England Region for energy, utility, and public-sector clients, including multiple electric transmission lines, pipelines, electric substations, submarine cable installations, and shore landing facilities for subsea cables for renewable energy projects. He has developed routing and siting plans and performed environmental studies for electric transmission, renewable energy and battery energy storage clients and guided them through state and federal environmental licensing and permitting.

He has substantial experience in applied construction and understands the engineering design that drives these projects. Mr. Durand has also frequently provided expert witness testimony before the state energy facility siting boards in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut and the public utilities commissions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His scientific expertise encompasses wetland ecology, soil science, and wildlife biology.

GZA President and CEO Patrick Sheehan said: “Jamie’s extensive experience and deep expertise further strengthen one of GZA’s core practice areas, advising and guiding clients through the complex challenges of designing, permitting, and constructing energy infrastructure and other facilities.”

Mr. Durand holds a B.S. in Natural Resources Science from the University of Rhode Island, is a Certified Wetland Scientist in the state of New Hampshire, a Registered Soil Scientist, and an Associate Certified Wildlife Biologist.

About GZA

GZA is a multi-disciplinary, employee-owned firm providing Geotechnical, Environmental, Ecological, Water, and Construction Management services. GZA’s more than 700 professionals are based in 32 offices across the United States. Our corporate headquarters is at 249 Vanderbilt Avenue, Norwood, Mass. 02062.