hedinAbout Us
In 1994, Hedin Environmental was formed by Dr. Robert Hedin in order to provide science-based consulting services for a wide range of clients interested in mine drainage assessment and treatment. Dr. Hedin began researching mine drainage issues in 1988 at the US Bureau of Mines. He is one of the leading authorities on the treatment of mine drainage and the restoration of streams polluted by mine drainage.
Since our company was founded, Hedin Environmental has become a leader in the development and implementation of practical innovative passive technologies worldwide. Our headquarters are located in Mt. Lebanon, PA, near Pittsburgh. We have a full-time staff of professionals with field offices in Clarion County and Clinton County (Pennsylvania). While most of our client base is in Pennsylvania, we have worked on mine water projects throughout Appalachia and internationally in Brazil, South Africa, Tasmania, and Laos.
In 2023, our company welcomed new owners Ben Hedin and Neil Wolfe, both long-time employees of Hedin Environmental. Although Dr. Hedin will remain an active member of the staff, the new owners have taken over the day-to-day operations of the company. With a like-minded passion for both innovation and outcomes, Hedin Environmental will continue to be a leader in passive water treatment.
Passive treatment is an evolving science and Hedin Environmental is on the cutting edge of its development. Our staff has published dozens of technical papers about mine water treatment in professional journals and proceedings. We are dedicated to providing cost effective mine water treatment options. Our projects have resulted in the restoraton of fisheries in many miles of streams in the Eastern US. In addition, our company invented the concept of Resource Recovery. In the last 22 years, we have recovered 6,000 tons of iron oxide from polluted streams and sold the product to pigment and remediation companies in the US.
We welcome the opportunity to solve your mine drainage issues. Learn more about us in our corporate resume.
Our Staff
Dr. Robert S. Hedin Ph.D., President
Dr. Hedin received a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Economics from St. Lawrence University and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Rutgers University. He was employed by the US Bureau of Mines for six years. During that time he performed ground-breaking research into many aspects of AMD treatment. In 1994 he founded Hedin Environmental. Dr. Hedin is the author of numerous publications on AMD treatment and related topics. He also holds a patent for the recovery of metals from AMD treatment systems for use as pigments and other products. In 1990, he received the Secretary's Stewardship Award for Science and Technology from the US Department of the Interior. His projects have won several Three Rivers Environmental Awards.
Dr. Benjamin C. Hedin Ph.D., Environmental Scientist II
Mr. Hedin earned his B.S. in Environmental Science at Allegheny College and his Ph.D in Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh. His dissertation focused on recovering rare earth elements from mine drainage. At Hedin Environmental, Ben manages watershed sampling projects and treatment system permitting. He is familiar with GIS and geochemical modeling software, such as PHREEQC. Ben is also involved in developing innovative mine water treatment technologies.
Theodore J. Weaver, Geologist
Mr. Weaver has a B.S. from Clarion University and a M.S. in Geology from the University of Pittsburgh. Before receiving his advanced degree, he worked for a mining company where he supervised AMD treatment operations. Mr. Weaver has experience in the mining operations and the construction of chemical and passive treatment systems. His broad field experience is especially valuable for remediation projects where unexpected geologic and hydrologic conditions are regularly encountered and must be dealt with quickly and cost-effectively. At Hedin Environmental, Mr. Weaver has been involved in the development of conceptual and detailed treatment system plans and in the oversight of their construction.
Neil A. Wolfe, Geoscientist
Mr. Wolfe earned his B.S. in Geology at Lock Haven University. He has experience in all facets of mine drainage remediation. At Hedin Environmental, Mr. Wolfe serves as a project manager and assists in treatment system designs and watershed assessments. He is familiar with AutoCAD and has developed construction plans for numerous passive treatment and reclamation projects. He also was heavily involved in developing the Drainable Limestone Bed technology that Hedin Environmental is promoting worldwide.
George A. Watzlaf, P.E.
Mr. Watzlaf received a B.S. in Secondary Education (certified in Physics), a B.S. in Mining Engineering and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering all from the University of Pittsburgh. He worked for the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Department of Energy for 28 years. He has extensively researched environmental issues of mining; particularly the formation, control and treatment of acid mine drainage. In 2007, he began work at Hedin Environmental. Mr.Watzlaf is the author of numerous publications on AMD treatment and related topics. He is a Professional Engineer, licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.
Michael V. Fritz, Environmental Scientist I
Mr. Fritz earned his B.S. in Environmental Geoscience at Clarion University. He has 10 years of experience as an environmental consultant serving oil and gas, mining, and civil clientele. Mr. Fritz joined Hedin in fall 2022 where he will continue to participate in a variety of environmental tasks/studies including fieldwork, research, surveying, design, and permitting. He specializes in wetland and stream delineations and regulatory permitting. At Hedin his responsibilities include site design and layout, wetland and stream delineations, mitigation plans, stream surveys, and construction management, chapter 105 General Permits, Joint Chapter 105/Section 404 Permits, NPDES Permits along with Stormwater, and Erosion and Sediment Control Plans.
Olivia J. Weaver, Field Technician
Ms. Weaver earned her B.S. in Energy and Earth Resources at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown and is a Geologist in Training. While at Pitt Johnstown, she interned with PADEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) and conducted research on mine pool hydrology. Ms. Weaver joined Hedin Environmental in Spring 2023. At Hedin Environmental, she conducts water sampling, designs watershed sampling plans, writes reports, and oversees construction. Ms. Weaver is familiar with GIS software.
Kelly M. Long, Office Manager
Ms. Long has been with Hedin Environmental since 1995. She performs the myriad tasks required to keep Hedin Environmental functioning, from payroll to managing invoices and billing and all other aspects of record-keeping. She is also responsible for maintaining this web site.