Bio
Mr. James Unsworth is an environmental engineer with more than 5 years of experience in cradle-to-grave solid waste management, regulatory compliance, project management, and site remediation. His expertise includes RCRA hazardous waste regulations, Washington State dangerous waste regulations, PFAS contamination, and multimedia sampling. He addresses engineering challenges through data analysis, interpretation, clear communication, and practical solutions. He is committed to safety, sustainability, integrity, and teamwork.
Relevant Experience
Waste Management
Large-Scale Construction Waste Management, Bremerton, Washington — Developed cradle-to-grave waste management specifications, plans, and templates. Characterized field sampling data per RCRA and Washington State dangerous waste regulations, including PFAS-contaminated waste material data.
Petroleum Client Waste Management, Nationwide — Led a 17-member team in nationwide cradle-to-grave waste management for petroleum clients. Characterized investigation-derived waste, created waste profiles, and authored technical reports. Developed waste shipping and reporting applications and procedures.
Various Automotive Supplier Plants, Metro Detroit, Michigan — Managed solid waste operations for five automotive manufacturing facilities. Supported EPA; Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and ISO 14001 audits and conducted internal compliance reviews. Managed the recycling or disposal of large automotive lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell components. Implemented zero-waste initiatives to boost recycling, reduce disposal, and obtain rebates for recycling. Led a team of nine waste technicians to provide 24/7 spill response and waste management.
PFAS Investigation and Remediation
Automotive Client, Lansing, Michigan — Conducted onsite PFAS remediation of underground storage tanks that formerly contained aqueous film forming foam.
Site Investigation
Site Investigations, Various Clients, Nationwide — Performed vapor intrusion assessments in residential homes. Authored health and safety plans and sampling and analysis plans (SAPs). Managed Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) scopes, budgets, and junior staff training. Coordinated with regulators and stakeholders for utility locates, drilling, multimedia sampling, and well installations or abandonments. Completed due diligence assessments on client sites.
Industrial Wastewater
Automotive Supplier, Warren, Michigan — Operated water treatment systems from electromagnetic plating lines to treat copper, chrome, and nickel effluent. Used spectrophotometry to analyze effluent metal concentrations and adjust water treatment systems to maintain regulatory compliance.
Sampling
Automotive Industry Client, Livonia, Michigan — Supported groundwater tracer studies and collected multimedia samples from remediation systems including subslab depressurization, sanitary sewer vapor extraction, and hydraulic control systems.
Health And Safety
Automotive Supplier, Wixom, Michigan — Developed integrated contingency plans, as well as safety diagrams and procedures, and administered employee training.
Technical Writing
Technical Writing for Various Clients, Nationwide — Developed and authored technical reports, including SAPs, chemical data reports, and Phase I ESAs. Drafted dewatering remediation plans, integrated contingency plans, pollution prevention plans, and quality assurance project plans.
Education & Credentials
B.S., Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, 2017
Continuing Education
OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER
RCRA Hazardous Waste Management (2017–2026)
DOT/IATA Hazmat Shipping
First Aid/CPR/AED Certified