When REGENESIS launched its new PetroFix® Remediation Fluid, a new and revolutionary carbon-based solution, they realized the importance of having an experienced remediation technologist leading the product’s introduction and global marketplace management. Suffice to say, the executive team at REGENESIS did not have to look far in finding the ideal person for this important role. Enter Todd Herrington, REGENESIS’ new PetroFix Global Product Manager, and a 15-year veteran with the company. With a background that includes engineering design, oversight services, and research across a broad spectrum of environmental remediation applications, Herrington brings deep experience and success in low-cost in situ remediation to lead the PetroFix product management team globally. Prior to being named as PetroFix Global Product Manager, served as West Region Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and as a Remediation Consultant with the company. He shares, “As the PetroFix Global Product Manager, I anticipate working with sales, operations, and R&D primarily, and I’m truly excited about what this new product has to offer. It provides environmental practitioners with a complete solution to quickly and effectively reduce petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants on retail gas station sites. The use of a liquid carbon sorbent to hold contaminants and multiple electron acceptors to biostimulate biodegradation provides a faster, more controlled approach than most consultants have ever had.”
The Path to a Career in Groundwater Remediation
Choosing a career in environmental remediation was not Herrington’s initial direction when he started his undergrad at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, where he earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering. He continues, “I originally became interested in architecture because of my father’s background, but eventually switched to Civil Engineering because I was drawn more to the technical aspects of buildings and infrastructure. However, as an undergraduate I realized civil engineering and architecture were not my passions. Bioremediation was new and exciting to me, so I decided to apply to several graduate schools specializing in environmental engineering and research programs surrounding that field. I was accepted to the University of Cincinnati, where I was able to do my graduate research at the adjacent U.S. EPA labs in the field of oil spill bioremediation research.” His work at the U.S. EPA and obtaining his M.S. in Environmental Engineering lead to his first consulting job at Parson Corporation in Denver. “That experience really started my professional journey in this field.” Eventually, he became interested in working for a company that offered innovative solutions for solving complex environmental challenges, which in turn lead him to REGENESIS. He explains, “Joining REGENESIS allowed me to focus on the technical remedial solutions more frequently, yet also address what I considered the most exciting aspect of groundwater remediation, which was the development and implementation of solutions that work.”
An Effective Remediation Solution for Petroleum that is Easy to Use
In his new role managing the PetroFix Remediation Fluid product line, Herrington will draw from his vast reservoir of knowledge and experience to ensure this revolutionary, patented product delivers on a broad range of performance objectives. When asked about his goals in his new position and with REGENESIS, Herrington says his initial objective is to leverage the tools developed by REGENESIS that will make PetroFix one of the easiest to use, most successful product lines the company has ever launched. He shares, “Another goal is to scale PetroFix growth in a way that allows us to service the hydrocarbon remediation market that it was designed for, yet also explore other areas of use.” Although these goals will undoubtably present a challenge, it’s one Herrington is ready to take on. When asked how he’s seen the environmental remediation field change over the years, he points to two approaches that were initially met with skepticism but have since become more common. He continues, “In my career I have seen monitored natural attenuation and risk-based closure approaches begin with industry skepticism and then become the norm. I’ve also seen the growing use of advanced site characterization and diagnostic tools become more common.”
Residing in Denver, where he lives with his wife and two teenage children, Herrington finds time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, which, not surprisingly includes spending time in the majestic Rocky Mountains, where he enjoys skiing a trail in the winter or hiking in the summer. “I do like to stay fit,” he shares. “And in Colorado there is no shortage of things to do to maintain an active lifestyle. I also enjoy technology. People tend to come to me to ask questions about electronics and things. And while I haven’t pursued it as much recently, I’ve always been a big fan of high-end audio. Because this hobby can tend to be expensive, I’ve made some of my own high-end speakers over the years which can be both challenging and rewarding.” He also finds time to participate in his local church activities, and volunteers with a local non-profit called Project Worthmore, which serves refugees from around the world and helps them plan their news lives in the U.S.
Cleaning Up Sites to Make a Difference
When asked about the most satisfying aspect of his work, he points to an industry that rewards giving your best effort. He shares, “The most rewarding part of my profession is to be in a field where, when I do my best, people and the environment are served by good solutions. At the end of the day I know that cleaning up sites through the best approach possible makes a difference.” And what does he feel the future holds for environmental remediation? “One area I see continuing to grow is the use of advanced diagnostics and advanced site characterization playing a growing role in this field.” He also has advice for those who may be considering a career in environmental science, noting that it begins with selecting the right path in university studies. He concludes, “I recommend taking courses or getting a degree in a core field of study such as geology, environmental science, or environmental engineering. All these areas directly relate to what we do, and each has its own emphasis. I would also encourage those who are interested to reach out to consulting firms or even technology vendors such as REGENESIS for summer internship opportunities. While not often advertised, most companies welcome short-term special project help and are willing to extend opportunities to those passionate about the environment.”
REGENESIS is proud to have Todd Herrington, PetroFix Global Product Manager, as a valued employee, and appreciates his nearly 15 years of leadership and experience in providing successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.