The Whitman Companies, Inc

Whitman is a full-service environmental, engineering and renewable energy consulting firm that was founded in July 1985 by Ira L. Whitman, Ph.D., P.E. and his wife Audrey.  Since our founding, we have remained committed to providing exceptional service to our clients by clearly defining our project goals and delivering completed work on time and at a fair cost to our clients.

In 2003, there was an internal ownership transition in which the majority interest in the firm was acquired by its current CEO Barry Skoultchi, P.E. and President Todd Gerber, LSRP.  Both Mr. Skoultchi and Mr. Gerber have been with Whitman for more than 20 years.  This acquisition maintained the continuity of our senior management and allowed for a seamless transition.  Following the internal ownership transition, Whitman proceeded to build a management team of both long term and new senior employees to set the stage for the growth and vision of the firm.

In 2007, Whitman acquired Brownworth Engineering expanding its capabilities to include mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering services.  Brownworth has a forty plus year history of cutting-edge design work, consistently furnishing clients with ideas and solutions that bring creative and practical insight to complex engineering problems.  The acquisition has created one of the most capable full-service firms in the Northeast, providing expertise in a multitude of environmental and engineering services as well as project management.  It is our goal to provide exceptional service in all areas of our expertise, truly offering a one-stop solution for site planning and development.

In 2009, Whitman acquired an ownership interest in Pro-Tech Energy Solutions, a self-funded, turnkey energy services company offering a wide range of energy solutions and services for residential and commercial properties.  From simple lighting upgrades to utility scale solar installations, Pro-Tech's team of seasoned experts design and implement customized solutions so that clients can achieve cost effective, long-term savings.  This partnership allows our firms to deliver turnkey energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions to the Mid-Atlantic region.  The collaboration allows Whitman to assist Pro-Tech by providing practical solutions to the many complex engineering challenges that arise before and during the installation of a renewable energy or energy efficiency system.

Also in 2009, Whitman formed Tobar Construction, Inc. (formerly LJS Construction), a full-service environmental remediation company with extensive experience working with residential, commercial, industrial and government clients.  Tobar Construction, in teaming with our in-house staff engineers, can provide the structural and remedial design for the implementation of soil excavation, dewatering, soil vapor extraction, air sparging, in-situ injections, and sub-slab depressurization remedial actions.  The addition of Tobar Construction to Whitman's existing team of established professionals enables us to assist our clients through every phase of remediation, and has increased the size, number and complexity of sites that are currently being remediated.

Whitman is built on a foundation of accomplished scholars who round out their professional training with real-world experience.  Our roster of engineers, geologists, and scientists has the experience and dedication to provide practical solutions to many complex problems – whether that be remediating a former industrial site contaminated by years of chemical discharges, performing structural assessments and preparing site plans, or designing an energy efficient lighting, HVAC and electrical system for a local high school.

From municipal buildings to hotels, new development to remodeling, we strive to be a valued member of your business, legal and development team.  We believe that our excellence doesn't go unnoticed – much of our new business comes from the referrals of other satisfied clients.

Since our beginning in 1985, we have successfully completed thousands of projects in New Jersey and surrounding states.  Our ability to identify and secure state and federal funding to help off-set a project's costs is unmatched in the industry.

Whitman consistently produces bottom line results for our clients.  Let us put the power of the Whitman brand to work for you.  We are Whitman - - - 'Environmental and Engineering Excellence, from Concept to Completion.'

LSRP

The process for the remediation of contaminated properties has significantly changed in New Jersey with the passage of the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA) and associated regulations. SRRA requires that the remediation of sites be conducted under the oversight of a New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP).

Whitman LSRPs have been involved with the legislative process creating the LSRP program as well as in current NJDEP stakeholder groups and committees responsible for shaping the program.

Whitman, through its involvement with the creation of the LSRP program in addition to its years of experience in site remediation, is well positioned to assist clients in meeting the requirements for remediation under SRRA.

LSRP Questions & Answers

What is an LSRP?

The 2009 New Jersey Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA) provided significant changes to the way in which sites are remediated in New Jersey. One significant change is the creation of the Licensed Site Remediation Professional or LSRP. The LSRP is a professional who has been provided with the authority under SRRA to oversee the remediation of contaminated sites in most instances. An LSRP replaces the oversight of remediation by NJDEP and issues the case closure document, Response Action Outcome or RAO. The RAO replaces the No Further Action letter issued by NJDEP. SRRA requires that the LSRP must comply with all remediation statutes and rules and consider guidance when making remediation decisions. The LSRP is required to also uphold ethical standards in his or her practice.

What are the advantages of using an LSRP?

One of the key advantages to using an LSRP is the reduction in the time it will take to reach the point of case closure. Under the prior NJDEP system, significant time delays were encountered in moving projects forward due to waiting for NJDEP review and approval. Under the LSRP program, remediation projects can now move forward without delays previously associated with NJDEP oversight. In addition, there is more flexibility in the approach to site remediation. The LSRP can use his or her professional judgment in concert with NJDEP regulatory and guidance documents when making remediation decisions. For site specific technical issues, the LSRP and remediating party can use the NJDEP's Technical Consulting process to obtain its guidance when needed.

Certain site remediation cases, particularly under the Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA) require the posting of financial assurance as a guarantee of meeting regulatory compliance. Under the prior NJDEP system, the reduction or release of funding sources was at the NJDEP's discretion and was not often timely. Under the LSRP program, an LSRP can approve the dispersal of remediation funding sources and financial assurance.

When do I need an LSRP?

Under the SRRA, there was a three year phase in period for requiring the use of an LSRP. Effective May 7, 2012, all site remediation program cases are required to enter the LSRP program with few exceptions.

Why are Whitman LSRPs 'the best'?

Whitman currently has six LSRPs on staff, all with a minimum of 15 years of experience in site remediation. Whitman's LSRPs have diverse experience in different areas of remediation and regulatory compliance and as a whole can assist clients in meeting their remediation responsibilities in New Jersey.

Whitman's LSRPs are active in the committees and groups that are shaping the LSRP program and are on the cutting edge of current and upcoming requirements under the NJDEP's site remediation requirements. A Whitman LSRP has been appointed by the Governor to the LSRP Licensing Board and is actively involved in the creation of the Board's regulations and procedures for assuring the ethics and licensing of LSRPs.

Photovoltaic Solar

Solar powered energy systems have been in use for more than 25 years. They have, however, only been considered for widespread use for the past few years. Today, solar powered energy systems are installed to supplement or off-set a building's electricity demand or in the case of larger utility scale projects, add power directly to the grid.

Whitman has fast become the industry leader in providing turnkey engineering design of solar powered energy systems. In 2010, Whitman surpassed the design of more than 100 megawatts (MW) solar energy systems. We have designed both ground and roof mounted systems located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington DC, Michigan, Maryland and New York.

The design of solar powered energy systems typically requires firms to have professional staff with multiple engineering disciplines. At Whitman, we have all of the necessary engineering staff in-house and at one (1) location. Whether the project requires civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, geotechnical or environmental, Whitman has professional engineers on staff with experience in designing and obtaining the required municipal and state approvals.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is the branch of engineering that is concerned with the design, construction, optimization and operation of the production facilities and machinery used in industrial processes by applying chemistry, engineering and technology to the practical application of science for commerce or industry.

Whitman specializes in providing applied chemical engineering in conjunction with other applied disciplines to deliver paramount process designs, installation oversight, and process safety services including flammability and combustibility consulting to a wide variety of manufacturing and process industries. Our workforce is experienced, motivated, customer service oriented engineers and technical professionals with track records of distinguished achievement in the chemical and process arenas. We tailor our services to the specific requirements of each individual client and can range from a simple phone consult to a full plant & process design through startup, optimization, retrofit, upgrade and decommissioning.  Whether it be a simple contamination investigation, process audit, efficiency improvement, energy audit, or safety & PHA Review, Whitman has the skill set to work with you.

As chemical engineers, we pride ourselves on being technically relevant with industry standards and trends and applying new technology and developments in ways which may positively affect your business.  Our size and philosophy ensures that you and your project receive the personal attention they deserve. Our solutions will be practical and uniquely tailored to your individual requirements. As a highly effective and nimble firm, Whitman is uniquely suited to handle your custom requirements in an expeditious, cost effective manner. Our approach of Total Customer Satisfaction and continuous improvement allows us to work closely as a true solution partner to establish ongoing and long lasting relationships with our business partners.

Energy Audits

Navigating the broad scope of available energy auditing services can be a daunting task for owners; Whitman energy audit engineers (EAE) focus on simplifying and clarifying that task throughout the entire project. The Whitman EAE process begins with the most important first step; listening to the owners' articulation of the project goals in an initial consultation. Whitman EAE then documents the elements of that consultation, along with an outline of the initial EAE project approach, in writing, to the owner. This focus on clarity is intended to demonstrate that the EAE team truly 'heard' what was said, instilling confidence in a successful outcome at the earliest stages of the project.

At the same time, Whitman EAE will establish an 'EA Project Team' by identifying, in the outline project approach, the need to solicit information from, and include participation in the project development of:

• Operating and Maintenance Staff
• Off-Site Service Contractors
• ATC/BMS Vendors
• Major Equipment OEM Representatives
• Facility Users

The Whitman EAE project approach includes an outline of anticipated field-survey and data-gathering activities. If warranted by the scope of the project, Whitman EAE can sub-contract with qualified testing and balancing agents, subject to owners' approval, to obtain the field in-situ data commensurate with the agreed-upon level of EA services. Whitman EAE has found that, at even the most elementary EA level, a written narrative of existing operating conditions and procedures is a mission-critical element of EA services.

As early as practicable, Whitman EAE will outline such critical elements as

• Modeling from simplified manual calculation methods to rigorous computer-based analyses
• Tax incentives
• Utility Rebates including potential available rebates for energy audit services, if available
• State-funded Incentives

We provide three levels of audit

Level One – Preliminary Audit
Level Two – Targeted or Scoping Assessment
Level Three – Investment Grade Audit