As environmental regulations shift and client challenges grow more complex, so must our solutions. During a brief pause in the field, senior consultant Kyle Lawrence took the time to talk about his return to CTEH. The setting could not have been more appropriate: boots on the ground, immersed in response field work, and once again embodying what sets CTEH’s Environmental Services team apart.
Kyle’s professional journey can be viewed full circle. “I was at CTEH for almost eight years,” he recalled, “starting off doing air monitoring and then quickly transitioning to the environmental side, where I managed large-scale responses such as oil spills, chemical plant fires, and other large environmental incidents I thrived on big responses and finding creative solutions that worked for clients and regulators alike.”
After nearly a decade at CTEH, Kyle left for another consulting firm, spending close to eight years expanding his breadth of environmental expertise. Rising from a senior scientist to Senior Director of Operations, he gained invaluable exposure to areas beyond traditional emergency response, including projects such as wetland delineations, stormwater inspections, stream restoration, and dam removals. Kyle explained the value of overseeing a variety of projects, especially those outside his direct expertise: “While I wasn’t necessarily the subject matter expert on those projects, I oversaw many of them and gained a lot of knowledge about full project cycles – from pre-development through execution.”
One critical lesson Kyle brings back to CTEH is the balance between business objectives and employee well-being. He emphasizes, “I focus on making sure both employees and the business can thrive. That balance opens opportunities for consultants and ultimately strengthens our ability to solve complex client challenges.”
Since rejoining CTEH, Kyle has swiftly reestablished his presence in the field. “I’ve been out for about 80 days since early April,” he shared. His continued involvement in high-priority responses highlights CTEH’s dedication to hands-on leadership and delivering informed, real-time consulting solutions.
Kyle’s approach to environmental challenges is defined by curiosity, pragmatism, and empathy. “No two projects are the same. Even when they seem similar, they each come with unique challenges,” he said. One example he gave involved a client facing legacy contamination in a creek. Rather than barging in with a potentially destructive and costly remediation plan, Kyle and his team tested and assessed the ecological health of the creek, as indicated by fish and macroinvertebrate populations and within range of safe, established water quality standards. They were able to exhibit good stewardship both on behalf of the impacted environment and the client. Kyle shared, “That kind of creative thinking is what makes consulting exciting!”
Listening plays a key role in Kyle’s consulting style. “I start every client conversation by listening – understanding what keeps them up at night and what really moves the needle for them,” he explained. From there, he works to build solutions that are not only compliant, but meaningful and efficient.
Water is the key piece linking Kyle’s passion to his vocation. His connection to rivers and mountains runs deep, fueled by countless nights spent in the backcountry. “Anytime water is involved, whether it’s a large release or a stream running through a project site and at risk, I get really excited about being part of the solution,” he said.
Kyle’s return is more than just a familiar face rejoining the team. It reflects a renewed chapter for CTEH’s Environmental Services, shaped by his broad expertise, innovative approach, and dedication to environmental stewardship, client outcomes, and team development. His presence brings added strength to a group that continues to grow and evolve.
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