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About Us

Carlson Environmental, a Nova Group, GBC Company, was originally founded in 1988 by Dr. Richard J. Carlson, and later acquired by Edward Garske in 2009. Carlson obtained a strong track record of helping its clients achieve their business goals, whether it is closing a real estate deal, addressing an environmental regulatory issue, or assisting in site redevelopment. Carlson has a consistent track record of success, thinking outside the box, finding practical, cost-effective solutions for clients faced with increasingly complex regulatory systems and more challenging financial demands.

In 2021, Carlson joined forces with Nova Group, GBC, owned by Steven Cummings, CEO. Together as one, we are committed to staying loyal to our clients with the expansion of resources available to us and by building a culture of amazing people all working together with common goals to serve Our People. Our Property. Our Planet.

Our Management Team

Carlson’s Management Team has the pleasure of working with a dedicated staff of engineers, geologists and scientists, many who have been with Carlson for over 10 years.

Edward

Edward E. Garske, CHMM

President & Owner

As President, Ed sets the overall strategy for growth and development of the firm, and is responsible for the overall technical quality of Carlson's consulting practice.  His experience includes the technical assessment of Superfund sites in the Midwest for USEPA and specialty chemical research for Amoco.  Early in his career, due to his passion for water quality, he was a key member of the scientific team at the Illinois State Water Survey that set national standards of practice for the sampling and analysis of groundwater.  He is a co-holder of a patent for a Flow-Through Cell for monitoring groundwater samples.  Ed has been with Carlson Environmental since 1989.

Paul

Paul Micari

Vice President - Operations

As Vice President of Operations, Paul is responsible for organizing, facilitating and scheduling the day-to-day activities of Carlson staff.  He selects project teams, develops project scopes based on client objectives, and manages workflow.   Paul also heads up our marketing and business development efforts, manages company IT, and serves as a main "point-of-contact" for new clients.  He serves as a project manager for large-scale remediation projects under state voluntary cleanup programs.  Paul has been with Carlson Environmental since 1998.

Scott

Scott McSorley

Director - Site Investigations and Regulatory Closure

As Director of Site Investigations and Regulatory Closure, Scott is responsible for the technical quality of Carlson's subsurface investigation reports and regulatory closure documents by providing senior review.  He mentors junior technical staff and guides project scoping, interpretation of data, and remedial options based on current site specifics and eventual redevelopment plans.  Scott also serves as a project manager for complex large-scale investigation and remediation projects under Federal and state cleanup programs.  Scott joined Carlson Environmental in 2004.

Christine

Christine Kozuch

Site Assessment Manager

Christine directs Carlson’s Phase I Environmental Site Assessment team.  Her responsibilities include coordination of site visits, the review of technical and historical information, and the incorporation of ASTM standards.  She conducts Phase I site visits, and prepares proposals for Phase I services.  Christine is responsible for review of all Phase I reports prior to issuance, and she also provides support for activities including asbestos sampling/inspections, Phase II activities, and conducts mold and asbestos surveys. Christine has been with Carlson since 2008.

Gail

Gail Artrip P.E.

Engineer

Gail joined Carlson Environmental in 2006.

Richard

Richard J. Carlson, Ph.D.

Founder

Dr. Carlson founded Carlson Environmental, Inc. in May of 1988 after serving as Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the previous seven years.  He brings unique knowledge of the regulatory system to our clients, and serves as a special project resource, advising clients on regulatory compliance and policy issues, as well as representing them in negotiations with regulatory agencies.  He has been deeply involved in a variety of litigation related projects, serving as an expert witness and resource for law firms in Chicago and around the country.

“I wish to offer my highest recommendation of both Ed Garske as well as Carlson Environmental. On countless occasions both recently and over the years they have exhibited the highest standard of customer service I have experienced in virtually any industry. They are a classic case of "under...

David Kahnweiler - Chairman and CEO, Colliers Bennett & Kahnweiler

“In Banking, far too often our focus on the environmental component of a real estate relationship occurs only when there is a problem. Fortunately we have an established relationship with Carlson Environmental. Ed Garske and his entire staff are professional, responsive, knowledgeable and fair. And most important, they...

Matthew Sessa - Managing Director - CBIC Bank

"I have had the pleasure to work with Carlson Environmental on numerous environmental projects over the past 20 plus years. During that time, Carlson has always provided professional guidance, oversight and reporting no matter the size of the project. We look forward to a continued successful relationship."

James N. Alessio - President, Alessio & Sons Company

"Having worked with Carlson Environmental for almost 20 years, and on dozens of properties all I can say is “thanks”. Whether it was a straight forward acquisition, or the acquisition/development of a Superfund site, Carlson has always provided accurate guidance that helped to get the deal done. Smart,...

Sean P. Maher - Managing Director, PSP Capital Partners, LLC

“CenterPoint and Carlson formed a partnership that has lasted over 20 years. They understand CenterPoint’s risk tolerance and have successfully assisted us in assessing, mitigating and monitoring environmental risk. Carlson thinks outside of the box to provide solutions to make deals happen! They are responsive, meet deadlines, and...

Elizabeth A. Seltzer - Vice President of Risk Management, CenterPoint Properties

"Carlson Environmental has remained to be Northern Builders' trusted partner for environmental consulting and services for over twenty years. Their knowledge and expertise have helped us make the informed and confident business decisions required for the development of several million square feet and the management of our portfolio."

Matthew Grusecki - Senior Vice President, Northern Builders, Inc.

"Carlson Environmental is a no-frills, no-nonsense environmental consulting firm that does one thing very well, which is to get the job done. They have a talented, practical staff that works with authority and with a good client touch."

Philip L. Comella - Chair, Environmental Group, Seyfarth Shaw LLC

“During a routine refinancing of our property, an environmental issue was found that we were not expecting. Ed Garske guided us through the analysis of the problem, the required remediation and the process for obtaining the governmental approval of the work, as a friend more than a vendor....

James Newman - Principal, Generation Forty Five, LLC

Ed Garske and I worked on a transaction involving the due diligence and sale of 75 industrial properties. In investigating the environmental condition of the properties and identifying issues to be resolved to allow the deal to go forward, Ed was very thorough, practical, and responsive. Everything was...

Leo P. Dombrowski - Partner, Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP

“The Carlson Environmental professional staff has the technical skills and experience necessary to provide practical solutions to environmental issues. We value their expertise along with the responsiveness and collaboration they bring to our project team.”

Margaret Knowlton - Director of Environmental Risk, Opus Holding, LLC

“The Carlson team not only brings technical expertise to land based environmental problems, but also pragmatic, business oriented solutions. Their experience and skills are often keys to allowing buyers and sellers to find and implement solutions which are key to making business and real estate transactions proceed.”

Bryan E. Keyt – Partner, Bryan Cave, LLP

“Dermody Properties relies on Carlson Environmental as a critical member of its acquisition due diligence team. Ed Garske and Gail Artrip are experts at providing a pathway to a solution for brownfield redevelopment projects.”

Brian Quigley - Midwest Partner, Dermody Properties

“Carlson knows its stuff and has vast experience in the real world. I can rely on Carlson’s counsel to not only understand technical issues, but also to formulate litigation strategy and offer business advice to my clients.”

James D Brusslan - Environmental Attorney, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC

“Our company has used Carlson for over 20 years and I personally have worked with Ed and his team for the past two years. As a developer, we base a lot of our decisions on the environmental assessments Carlson provides us. Their communication, ability to make deadlines, and...

Jason Okrzesik - Director of Operations, Northern Builders, Inc.

“Carlson, Ed Garske and their people are consistently effective, insightful and responsive. They provide invaluable service and support to our investment and management efforts.”

John Horrigan - Principal, Value Industrial Partners, LLC

“I first encountered Carlson in the 1990’s on the other side of the table relating to a complex Federal facility. They were professional, responsive and importantly, really got the concept of solving the problem for the benefit of the project. Since then I have frequently retained and worked...

Michael K. Ohm - Partner, Bryan Cave LLP

“Carlson Environmental is my trusted source for environmental consulting. Whether it’s a Phase I / II or more complicated consulting, Carlson has repeatedly delivered comprehensive solutions for complicated issues. They have become an integral part of our acquisition and due diligence processes.“

Jacob P. Karamol - Director of Business Development, Development Solutions, Inc.

“For over 20 years, Carlson Environmental has exceeded our expectations of quality and performance. Carlson’s team exhibits an exceptional ability to identify, explain, and solve environmental issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.”

Thomas R. Kenrich - Chief Financial Officer, Northern Builders, Inc.
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