Bio
Ms. Olivia Hargrave is a professional engineer with 7 years of experience in the investigation and remediation of environmental systems, specializing in sediment, soil, groundwater. She has performed remedial design, alternatives analysis, and cost estimation for a range of sites regulated under federal and state programs. Her responsibilities have included writing feasibility studies, leading permitting procurement, and supporting litigation and allocation. She designs and manages environmental sampling programs from planning stages and stakeholder communication to data analysis and reporting. Ms. Hargrave also has experience in natural resource damage assessment and restoration planning.
Relevant Experience
Remedial Design
Confidential Site, Western United States — Supported development of design drawings, specifications, and ancillary engineering documents for removal and capping of PCB-impacted sediment in waterbodies, pipes, and tunnels. Site challenges included scattered artesian conditions throughout the site and soft sediments as well as logistical challenges regarding flow diversion. Responsibilities included reviewing site documents, performing engineering calculations, analyzing site data, preparing a bid package and waste management plan, and supporting associated permitting.
Lower Passaic River Superfund Site, Newark, New Jersey — Supported an engineering feasibility study for sediment remediation in the Lower Passaic River Superfund site. Developed a robust and comprehensive cost estimate, screened remedial technologies, and supported the detailed evaluation and comparative analysis of remedial options. Other technical support included an evaluation of sediment processing and water treatment options and the development of an interactive costing tool.
Former Tronox Facility Superfund Site, Springfield, Missouri — Supported an alternatives evaluation for a sewer line replacement and water treatment system installation for the removal of naphthalene and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. Responsibilities included cost estimation, pipe-material compatibility research, and analysis of water treatment alternatives.
Remediation and Restoration Alternatives Evaluation at a Site on the Lower Duwamish Waterway, Washington — Prepared an alternatives evaluation to assess the feasibility of a potential remediation and restoration project under the framework of the Elliot Bay Natural Resource Trustee Council’s natural resource damage assessment and CERCLA Superfund site. Also prepared cost estimates and a sampling and analysis plan to support associated design data collection along the Lower Duwamish Waterway.
Wastewater Treatment System Design, Tumwater, Washington — Prepared an engineering report and design plans and specifications for a focused wastewater filtration system design.
Blackwell Zinc Site, Blackwell, Oklahoma — Prepared remedial design drawings and specifications for the extension of a groundwater extraction system targeting cadmium and zinc released from a former zinc smelter. Unique project features included a thin, shallow groundwater aquifer and the implementation of horizontal wells to improve groundwater capture. Provided field and office engineering support during construction, including contractor oversight, reviews of contactor submittals, preparation of RCRA facility investigation responses, and project documentation. Project challenges included design implications of climate change on the regional groundwater system.
Litigation Support
Litigation Support, Confidential Site, Ohio — Supported technical review of cost estimates and technology evaluations as part of a litigation support team for a site with soil and groundwater contamination from metals and dioxin.
Allocation Support at a Site on the Lower Duwamish Waterway, Washington — Provided consulting support for an industrial client during the allocation process of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site. Responsibilities included GIS modeling and figure development, evaluations of cost allocation models, cost-causation analyses, chemical fate and transport evaluations, and advocacy paper support. Also supported natural resource damage assessment with quantitative and qualitative evaluations.
Superfund Allocation Support, Industrial Site, Portland, Oregon — Authored expert reports to describe the industrial history, contamination sources, and transportation pathways relevant to various properties along Portland Harbor. Also prepared a cost estimate evaluation and researched dredging history.
Stormwater Litigation, Tacoma, Washington — Supported expert and rebuttal reports for an industrial port client using knowledge of Washington State stormwater policies. Responsibilities included reviewing documents, creating event timeline, and assisting in report writing.
Data Analysis
San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site Phase I Predesign Investigation, Channelview, Texas — Performed fieldwork associated with a predesign investigation at a dioxin/furan sediment Superfund site. Served as the chemistry field lead in impounded waste areas. Work included collecting and processing soil core samples, coordinating with field staff, and writing a completion report.
Kerr-McGee Superfund Site, Columbus, Mississippi — Performed multi-increment sampling and subsurface composite sampling in residential yards surrounding a former wood treatment facility. To support remedial actions, conducted sampling as part of an investigation into the extent of offsite dioxins and furans in surface soil.
Site Investigation
Duwamish Yacht Club, Seattle, Washington — Served as project manager and technical lead characterizing the suitability of 40,000 cubic yards of sediment in a yacht club moorage basin for maintenance dredging and disposal. Prepared a project sampling and analysis plan and coordinated with the Dredged Material Management Office and multiple subcontractors to execute a sampling program. Prepared a data report and environmental information management data set to support suitability determination. Worked with federal, state, and local regulators and prepared permit applications and supporting documents. Supported design evaluations. Managed a combination of sediment suitable for in-water disposal and sediment disposed of at an upland facility.
City of Seattle Site, Seattle, Washington — Prepared a soil sampling and analysis plan to evaluate regulatory compliance for a future use of a vacant property. Responsibilities included managing multiple subcontractors.
Former Harbour Pointe Dry Cleaners Site, Mukilteo, Washington — Collected indoor, outdoor, and subslab air samples for a former dry cleaner. Prepared a data report for a chlorinated solvent plume monitoring event in accordance with the site’s environmental covenant. Conducted annual site visits and prepared annual reports.
Education & Credentials
M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 2022
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 2017
Professional Engineer, Washington (License No. 22030795)
Continuing Education
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response 40-Hour Certification, 2018 (with annual updates)
Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certified, 2023
Professional Affiliations
American Society of Civil Engineers
Women in Environment
Insights & News
Dredged Material Management Sampling: Considerations for Maintenance Dredging at a Yacht Club on the Lower Duwamish Waterway
The Benthic Zone (January 2024 Edition): Integral's Sediment Newsletter