3 minute read
Diverse Supplier Spotlight: Brownfield Science & Technology Inc.
BY COLIN HEFFINGER
Sometimes, Delaware’s natural ecosystems are threatened by man-made hazards. In these moments, it’s essential to collaborate with a trusted earth sciences company that puts forth the commitment to sound science and client service. That’s where Brownfield Science & Technology Inc. (BSTI) steps in—an environmental consultant that has led assessment and remediation projects across the First State and surrounding region, including cleaning up the largest inland oil spill in Delaware’s history.
Since 1999, BSTI has grown to help commercial clients, legal counselors, real estate developers, engineering firms, state governments, and financial institutions navigate the environmental challenges faced across their properties. BSTI services span assessment and remediation of industrial contaminants, natural resource assessments, contaminated site redevelopment, risk assessments, and a variety of other in-field capabilities.
Debbie and John Kollmeier, CFO and CEO, founded BSTI with a shared interest in meeting the needs of clients struggling against environmental challenges. Leadership roles were strategically split to best highlight both of their strengths. “We agreed that I could run the day-to-day operations and John could lead the technical work,” explains Debbie. “From there, our brand was hyper-focused on fighting normal hierarchies and building a truly collaborative atmosphere for our staff.”
Debbie’s direct team, which she’s humbly titled the “Mission Control Team,” focuses specifically on tackling risks, contracting, insurance, client negotiations, and daily financial needs. Though Debbie typically works behind the scenes, she deeply appreciates opportunities to see her field experts make a real difference for the local environment.
“The most fascinating part of my work is when we discover an issue from a site assessment,” states Debbie. “Watching the team work together across many different disciplines and track these solutions is incredible. There’s a shared commitment and ownership in the company across all our employees, and we work hard to recognize different passions as opportunities to explore new avenues for our brand.”
Between 2000 and 2020, BSTI successfully removed nearly 385,000 gallons of diesel fuel from subsurface soil and the local groundwater at an industrial facility in southern Delaware. In total, her team has removed over four million pounds of industrial contaminants throughout the region. By employing geologists, environmental scientists, biologists, chemists, and engineers, BSTI develops powerful strategies that tackle all facets of local environmental challenges.
In 2016, Debbie acquired a womanowned business certification for BSTI. “It’s harder for women in the business world, especially in the sciences,” Debbie explains. “We spent our first 17 years building our company to its best before getting certified. Now, it’s helped us collaborate with other diverse businesses as well as meet the requirements of our clients and governmental agencies.”
As they celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, Debbie reflects on serving Delawareans and its connection to her brand and vision. “We have deep roots in Delaware,” Debbie states. “Five of our staff are University of Delaware graduates and two other employees spent most of their careers developing regulations that still benefit Delawareans today. We’ve brought on these prior regulators and are looking to get more involved in brownfields and other projects along the Christina River to revitalize to its prior state. Our team is determined as ever to continue environmental remediation throughout the First State.”
For 25 years, BSTI has been dedicated to helping the Delaware business community solve their complex environmental problems. Visit www.bstiweb.com to learn more.
