Providing Environmental Consulting, Investigation, Permitting, and Remediation Services for the Legal Profession and Owners of Commercial and Industrial Sites

Our Services

REMEDIATION

We design and implement custom strategies to remove or neutralize contaminants in soil, groundwater, and surface water—restoring site safety, value, and compliance.

PERMITTING

Our team navigates complex regulatory frameworks to secure the environmental permits you need—streamlining approvals for construction, industrial operations, and site redevelopment.

DUE DILIGENCE

We conduct thorough Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to identify environmental risks, ensuring informed real estate and business decisions.

MODELING

Using advanced groundwater and contaminant transport models, we simulate environmental conditions to support site assessments, remediation design, and regulatory reporting.

Site Investigation

Environmental data for contaminated site assessments—using industry-standard sampling and analysis techniques for soil, vapor, and water media.

REMEDIATION SYSTEM OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (O&M)

We manage and maintain remediation systems—ensuring optimal performance, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective long-term site management.

How we solved problems for clients

Gas Station Site Closure

Steve Swenson, Principal Geologist with Swenson – Marzec & Associates, Inc. developed a robust conceptual site model which demonstrated residual free product associated with a former gasoline station and situated within the shallow bedrock did not pose a threat to human health or the environment. Through the working relationship between the Illinois EPA, the Principal Geologist, the Client, and the City of Belvidere, a Tier 3 request for closure was submitted to the Illinois EPA and subsequently, a No Further Remediation Letter issued.

Industrial Solvent Remediation Success

Steve Swenson, Principal Geologist with Swenson – Marzec & Associates, Inc. achieved closure from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for a release of chlorinated solvents at an industrial site in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Steve Swenson successfully demonstrated to the WDNR that: 1) remediation of the chlorinated solvents, exceeding saturation limits, were economically feasible; 2) the presence of the chlorinated solvents did not pose a threat to the employees; and 3) numerical modeling demonstrated the chlorinated solvents would naturally attenuate prior to reaching a receptor. Based on the work completed by Steve Swenson, the Site achieved closure in 2022.

Water Well Protection & Closure

At the direction of legal counsel, Steve Swenson, a Principal Geologist at Swenson – Marzec & Associates, Inc. was retained by the owner of a regional gasoline station for a release of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel. The project was unique as the previous station owner did not obtain a variance from the Illinois Pollution Control Board to install the underground storage tanks within the setback of a municipal water well. By demonstrating the gasoline storage tanks do not pose a threat to the municipal water well, a variance was granted allowing the service station to continue to operate. Subsequently, air sparging was selected as the remedial method to promote bioremediation of the residual gasoline and diesel. Remediation of the Site lasted approximately 18 months at which time closure from the Illinois EPA was granted.

What clients are saying

I’ve worked with Steve Swenson during his tenure at St. John – Mittelhauser & Associates, Inc., Terracon, and now Swenson – Marzec & Associates, Inc. During this time, he has assisted our firm’s clients with environmental issues ranging from due diligence and permitting to complex petroleum and chlorinated solvent remediation and EPA closure. Each project was handled in a timely and professional manner.
- Richard Porter
Capital Partner, Practice Group Leader, and Energy & Environmental Industry Gorup Leader, Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP.
I had the opportunity to work closely with Steven Swenson on multiple projects during my tenure as Director of Economic Development for the Greater Rockford Airport. These initiatives focused on due diligence and the removal and closure of underground storage tanks. Steve’s pragmatic approach and skillful coordination between the airport, legal counsel, and the EPA were instrumental in ensuring that each project was completed efficiently and in alignment with the airport’s ongoing expansion and modernization efforts.
- Jeff Polsean
Former Director of Economic Development, Greater Rockford Airport.