Groundbreakers, Caretakers, and Newsmakers

Go behind the scenes with SynTerra people and projects

This is where you’ll find stories about SynTerra people making a difference professionally, in their communities, and across habitats. This is also where you’ll periodically find a deeper dive into a featured SynTerra project.

Platform supports efficient, informed decision making

Luke Foreman, GIS professional, describes the use of SynTerra geospatial services in a project for a conservation land management firm.

SynTerra welcomes a new president after nationwide search

Travis Waters brings leadership experience and an entrepreneurial spirit. He has developed business verticals with revenue exceeding $900 million.

Explaining the CCR Rule and related projects

Get an overview of the federal CCR Rule, state regulations, and SynTerra work at current and former coal-fired power plants.

Stay safe in this season of challenges

While the colder months can bring wonderful moments, such as cozy fires or maybe some snow days, it also can pose dangers.

Successful strategy provides taste and odor control

Algaecide application, hydrological study, and a refined strategy yield taste and odor control while protecting Lake Hartwell aquatic resources.

Environmentally friendly groundwater treatment

In phytoremediation, a natural technology, trees are planted to draw toxic constituents out of the groundwater and associated soil.

Get your turkey day on, but feast wisely

There is a fine line between celebrating and overindulging. We’ve put together a guide that will help you make smart choices.

SynTerra HR generalist wins book award

Maris Lawyer has won the S.C. Novel Prize. Lawyer began shaping her story, The Blue Line Down, as an Anderson University student.

Essential framework for assessing alternative fuels

Regulatory agencies and companies seek replacements for leaded aviation fuel. Learn about environmental toxicology work related to engine exhaust emissions.

SynTerra raises awareness about noise hazards

During National Protect Your Hearing Month, get the lowdown on avoiding the dangers of excessive or long-term noise exposure.

August is Eye Health and Protection Month

We highlight awareness about potential hazards, protective eyewear at work and home, and the importance of regular eye exams.

Got worms? Put them to work around your home.

A worm farm project provides a simple way to compost kitchen scraps and enrich your garden. It also can be fun for the whole family.

Addressing the perils of plastic convenience

Single-use plastic is a growing concern. Learn how the forest products industry is creating biodegradable and more recyclable products.

A geologist walks into a roomful of engineers

Jerry Wylie was one of only two hydrogeologists presenting at the Engineers Without Borders conference, but his story captivated listeners.

Group brings goodwill and safe water to village

We showed up with a big, loud drill rig — and we started drilling through volcanic ash and rocks. We hit water … lots of water!

Kathy Webb, P.G.

Senior Market Leader | Principal

Kathy, a founder of SynTerra (previously The Fletcher Group) in 1992, has completed remedial investigations and regulatory compliance projects associated with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities, state and federal Superfund sites, solid waste landfills, brownfield redevelopment, utility coal combustion residual (CCR) management units, and regulated industrial facilities. She has supported litigation as an expert witness related to chlorinated solvents, metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Kathy is known for her practical assessment strategy with the perspective of the client’s business objectives. She routinely evaluates groundwater corrective action systems for effectiveness and progress toward achieving compliance objectives. She has also co-authored a trade journal paper with case studies of low-impact remedial strategies. Kathy is a licensed Professional Geologist in North and South Carolina.

Mark Taylor, P.G.

Principal

Mark has worked more than 40 years in natural-resource based industries. His expertise includes mine geology and mine engineering, hydrogeologic and geotechnical investigations, solid and hazardous waste management, and regulatory negotiations. He has published peer-reviewed papers about coal geology, ore geochemistry, mineralogy, and solid waste management. He is a leading expert in mining and environmental permitting for litigation support.

Mark is licensed as a Professional Geologist in South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Washington. He serves on the boards of the Upstate Red Cross and Upstate Forever. He served on the South Carolina Board of Registration for Geologists for six years. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Geological Sciences from The University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Science from Harvard University.

Andrea Kehn, P.E.

Vice President of Engineering | Principal

Andrea, leader of our Civil & Environmental Engineering Business Unit, has 28 years of experience in chemical manufacturing and environmental consulting. She leads and supervises staff professionals on multidisciplinary projects for a variety of industrial clients. Andrea’s vast experience and expertise includes: air quality construction and operating permitting; air quality modeling; air permit record-keeping and reporting; Oil Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP); NPDES Permitting; water quality modeling; process safety management; risk management compliance and auditing; and RCRA compliance.

Andrea is registered as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Ruth Albright, P.E.

Vice President | Principal

Ruth has led projects for major industrial facilities throughout the Southeast and beyond. She built her knowledge of environmental regulations and their application to manufacturing operations while working for the second largest chemical manufacturing company in the United States. At SynTerra, she has expanded both her knowledge and reputation working for chemical manufacturing operations of all sizes. She has also worked extensively with other manufacturing operations, including pulp and paper, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, food, and automotive parts and assembly. Her experience includes air and wastewater permit compliance, solid and hazardous waste management, solid waste construction permitting, hazardous materials transportation, wastewater treatment systems, air pollution control equipment operations and maintenance, and ambient air monitoring systems.

Ruth is a professional engineer registered in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Michigan, Arkansas, and Kentucky. She is an active member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Environmental Technical Committee and serves as the chair of the water subcommittee. She has previously served as the program and committee chair for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs committee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University.