About Mark Romulus, Senior Environmental Scientist, PWS, SE, GTAA, SWM Inspector

Mark S. Romulus, P.W.S., brings over 25 years of experience in environmental science, specializing in wetland and stream science, permitting, and planning. His extensive background includes managing major environmental projects involving coordination with municipal, state, and federal regulatory bodies, and performing comprehensive environmental investigations and field studies. Certified by the Army Corps of Engineers as a professional wetland delineator, Mark has also been trained in stream restoration planning and engineering design, adding a robust layer of expertise to his professional portfolio.


Throughout his career, Mark has played a pivotal role in over 50 environmental impact statements, assessments, and exclusions, particularly for projects associated with state and federal transportation agencies, sensitive aquatic environments, military installations, and aviation expansions. His management skills shine in overseeing technical project aspects, including wetland mitigation site design, restoration, and construction management. These projects often require intricate document preparation and rigorous compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), where Mark has demonstrated proficiency in preparing complex compliance studies for public capital improvement projects.


Mark's recent professional engagements highlight his capability as a senior environmental lead. For instance, he directed all environmental decisions for the WSSC Consent Decree SR 3 Project in Laurel, MD, aiming to enhance wastewater system assets and improve water quality. His leadership in the DC Clean Rivers Project and the Bellbend Nuclear Power Plant NEPA Documentation reflects his expertise in managing significant environmental documentation and ensuring compliance with federal mandates. These experiences underscore his ability to handle complex environmental challenges and contribute effectively to large-scale infrastructure projects.


What Is An Environmental Scientist?


The professional discipline of environmental science is defined as the application of various scientific principles derived in order to improve and maintain nature's beneficial ecosystems. Specific emphasis in this discipline is placed on identifying and preserving valuable unique natural resources leading to improvement in the overall quality of human life. An environmental scientist professional applies knowledge of both physical (i.e. hydrology, geology, chemistry, etc.) and natural sciences (i.e. botany, zoology, ecology, biology, etc.) to evaluate the potential impacts from human activity on these existing systems, and in developing the means for protecting them. 


Environmental scientists have many important duties that they must perform to excel at their job. An environmental scientist’s primary duties include: 1) conducting specifically targeted environmental research projects; 2) collecting and analyzing the results of site-specific soil, air, water, and other natural resources data obtained in the natural environment; 3) from this data, identifying, reporting, and presenting their findings on potential environmental impacts potentially leading to either short and/or long-term environmental issues; 4) developing strategies, plans, recommendations, and solutions for maintaining balanced sustainable ecological strategies, 5) sharing potential environmental impact concerns by advising governmental organizations, businesses and the public on potential environmental hazards and health risks and in working with these stakeholders in reaching consensus on future sustainable goals and 5) educating organizations and the public on potential environmental health hazards.


Seasoned environmental scientists learn to develop and draw logical conclusions from site specific knowledge obtained and experience gained through extensive on the job training. As they season, their findings are based upon sound observation and careful evaluation of information obtained through historical data research, field observation and assessments, laboratory experimentation and analysis, collaboration with other professionals, and interaction with environmental regulatory personnel.


There are five (5) major fields of environmental science; each one made up of multiple smaller disciplines. These five fields are: 1) atmospheric sciences, 2) ecology, 3) environmental chemistry, 4) geosciences, and 5) social sciences. 


  • Atmospheric Sciences mostly deal with global warming and its effect. Scientists can create special computer models that depict how the atmosphere circulates, how chemicals react within it, and how animals contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.


  • Ecology includes various subsciences such as: wetland science, aquatic science, zoology, botany, ornithology, herpetology, tec. Ecology brings all of these sub disciplines under one roof hand how humans influence the natural environment and its various specific aspects.


  • Environmental Chemistry is a very prevalent sub discipline in today’s environmental sciences. Monitoring and in-situ sampling play a significant role in obtaining critical detail on how human activity directly impacts the environment. This sub discipline often explores topics like chemical effects on plants, potential degradation of the environment, and processes and results stemming from ways chemicals are transported through the environment.


  • Geosciences can also be considered a branch of planetary sciences. In terms of environmental sciences in general, disciplines such as geology and hydrogeology have a significant role in modern day environmental sciences and engineering planning practices. During land and water resource development, these subdisciplines often explore the chemical and physical constitution of our water and land resources. Geoscience professionals play a critical role in advising planners and builders on necessary details needed to successfully achieve proper sustainable balance.


  • Social Sciences although not often considered functionally environment science, plays a role in future project planning. Human behavior is evaluated to determine trends and outcomes of human-related actions particularly as related to social justice. 
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