From frozen tundra to shifting coastlines and expansive wetlands, Alaska’s landscapes define how and where we build. Behind every successful infrastructure project lies a foundation of science, a robust understanding of the various natural processes and how they interact with each other. This experience helps make construction possible in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
That’s where R&M’s Earth Sciences Department comes in. This department provides an innovative and responsible approach to each project based on science to address environmental challenges and resource management.
Formed in 1969 with a focus on geotechnical and geological consulting, R&M was literally built on the earth sciences. More than five decades later, that legacy continues through a team of specialists who bring more than 150 years of combined Alaska-based experience to every project.
This year’s Earth Science Week (October 12–18, 2025) theme, “Earth Science Everywhere,” is especially fitting for R&M, because Earth Sciences is truly a part of every project.
A Foundation in the Earth Sciences
Since its beginnings, R&M has expanded from a small geotechnical firm into a full-service, multi-discipline team that continues to rely on its earth science roots. Today, R&M’s Earth Sciences Department includes 11 staff with expertise spanning geotechnical engineering, geology, contaminated sites, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), hydrology and environmental permitting.
“On September 18th 1969, R&M delivered its first product, which happened to be a geotechnical report in support of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS).”
The department’s Geosciences Group consists of geologists, qualified environmental specialists and geotechnical engineers to manage geologic investigations and assessments, contaminated sites, geotechnical investigations slope stability and permafrost evaluations.
The Environmental Group consists of NEPA practitioners, permitting specialists, professional hydrologists, and cultural resource and wetland subject matter experts supporting all aspects of regulatory compliance, including NEPA documentation, stormwater management, permitting, hydrology and hydraulics (H&H) support, agency consultation and public involvement. Together these two groups help clients understand the physical and environmental realities of each site, ensuring projects start with a strong foundation.
“Our Department is involved at nearly every stage of a project — from initial field investigations, such as wetland delineations and cultural resources investigation, to NEPA compliance, to permitting and support during design to ensure environmental requirements are met. Understanding what environmental and cultural resources are present in the project area, and above and below the surface in all of Earth’s media – this knowledge allows us to help clients plan and build with confidence.” – Kristi McLean, LEED AP, CESCL, R&M’s Group Manager of Environmental Services
Why Earth Sciences Matter for Alaska
Working in Alaska means working with unique and often extreme conditions — permafrost, seismic activity, steep terrain, coastal erosion and sensitive ecosystems. Understanding those conditions isn’t optional; it’s essential to designing safe, reliable infrastructure.
Earth science expertise helps R&M’s clients make informed decisions about foundation design, material sourcing, environmental requirements and permits, resource impacts and site suitability, all while maintaining compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
“Alaska’s environment demands creativity and adaptability. By understanding the geology and environmental context, we help ensure our projects stand the test of time — and protect the landscapes we depend on.” – Christopher Fell, CPG, R&M’s Group Manager of Geosciences
Supporting Every Project, Everywhere
At R&M, Earth Sciences are more than a standalone service, they’re a collaborative foundation for nearly everything the firm does.
- Planners rely on environmental specialists to describe the baseline conditions and identify the appropriate path to project compliance and success. They also rely on geologic, hydrologic and geotechnical data to evaluate land use, transportation routes and site development feasibility.
- Engineers depend on subsurface and soil analysis to design safe, stable foundations in Alaska’s challenging terrain and need us to provide NEPA compliance, obtain construction permits and manage contaminated sites impacts to projects.
- Surveyors and GIS professionals work closely with the Earth Sciences Department to map terrain and integrate geospatial data into design.
- Construction Administration staff work with earth sciences as needed should unexpected contamination or permitting compliance issues arise.
- Environmental specialists partner with all R&M service lines to navigate permitting, NEPA compliance and resource protection needs.
- Geoscientists bridge geology, geotechnical engineering and hydrology — analyzing soils, rock and groundwater to help shape safe, resilient and sustainable project solutions.
This collaboration ensures that every R&M project, whether a major transportation corridor, airport upgrade or rural community improvement, is informed by the best possible understanding of the land it’s built on.
The People Behind the Science
R&M’s Earth Sciences team includes 11 experts dedicated to advancing Alaska’s understanding of the ground beneath our feet and the environment around us. They’ve supported projects in every region of the state, including airports, roads, ports and harbors, space ports, utilities, site development for schools, healthcare facilities, maintenance buildings and other public facilities, parks and trails, bridges and railroads.
Recently we provided support for the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Salcha. Our department conducted a geotechnical investigation, wetland delineation and well testing, and prepared geotechnical data and recommendations reports. NEPA compliance via the Environmental Assessment was a critical path item for project grant approval.
Recent work also includes characterizing PFAS contamination in groundwater beneath and around the Fairbanks International Airport to help agencies better understand the spread of emerging contaminants and inform long-term mitigation strategies.
In Haines, R&M provided geotechnical investigations and monitoring following the 2020 Beach Road landslide, helping state and local agencies assess site stability, support safe recovery operations and develop strategies to reduce future landslide risks (link to webpage).
Building Alaska’s Future
As Alaska continues to grow and adapt to environmental change, the role of earth sciences will only become more important. R&M’s commitment to integrating geotechnical, geological and environmental expertise ensures that projects are not only successful today, but sustainable for generations to come.
Because at R&M, understanding the earth system isn’t just part of the job — it’s the starting point for everything we build.
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