People Spotlight: Meet Eric Van Orman
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a project manager from Water business line’s industrial team in the U.S. West region and providing insights into their inspiration and work.
Eric’s lifelong passion for nature and the environment has shaped his career path. From childhood adventures like hiking and running through the woods, his appreciation for nature has only deepened. With extensive experience across various industries, including automotive, petroleum, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, steel, textiles and solid waste, Eric has integrated diverse teams spanning various engineering disciplines. As a result, he proudly calls himself a ‘Jack of all trades.’ His ability to collaborate with diverse teams and adapt to different roles makes him a versatile and invaluable asset.
Currently Eric is working on a number of landfill leachate management and treatment projects, a direct lithium extraction (DLE) front-end loading design (FEL-2) and wastewater upgrades at a nutritional supplement manufacturer. Whether working on engineering or environmental aspects of these diverse projects, Eric’s dedication to preserving the environment and his love for the outdoors continue to inspire his work and life.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry
As a child, I loved taking things apart to see how they worked and then putting them back together. Usually, I was successful, and they still worked. This interest along with my love for nature encouraged me to pursue a career in engineering, with a particular focus on water-related fields.
During my graduate studies, I conducted extensive research on Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York, which is often identified as one of the most polluted lakes in the United States. My research focused on the release of phosphorus from sediments, which leads to algal blooms among other related concerns. The excessive phosphorus and other hazardous substances (such as mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, benzene, and pesticides) present in Onondaga Lake were due to historical industrial pollution.
This experience, over 30 years ago, laid the foundation for my career during which I’ve combined my mechanical curiosity about how things work (engineering and manufacturing) with my passion for nature and environmental protection. Ultimately, I found a fulfilling career in engineering that aligns with both my technical interests and my commitment to preserving the environment.
This experience, over 30 years ago, laid the foundation for my career during which I’ve combined my mechanical curiosity about how things work (engineering and manufacturing) with my passion for nature and environmental protection.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
For the past 17-18 years at AECOM, I have been working with a nutritional supplement firm in West Michigan, primarily focusing on their wastewater facility. Increased manufacturing facility production and changing wastewater streams put stress on the wastewater treatment facility. This requires continual reevaluation, improvements and upgrades to the wastewater systems to ensure environmental compliance. The current treatment process includes equalization of high strength wastewater followed by dissolved air flotation (DAF), biological treatment, clarification, filtration and UV disinfection prior to a surface water discharge.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with many of the client’s staff, becoming a steadfast presence and a vital repository of institutional knowledge. My extensive experience has empowered me to support the current team in planning and implementing system upgrades and process improvements. By leveraging my deep understanding of the client’s wastewater treatment system and operations, I’ve helped ensure the ongoing efficiency and effectiveness of their wastewater management.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with many of the client’s staff, becoming a steadfast presence and a vital repository of institutional knowledge. My extensive experience has empowered me to support the current team in planning and implementing system upgrades and process improvements.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
One of the main products of this West Michigan-based nutritional supplement company is infant formula. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when West Michigan was largely shut down, I was responsible for an ongoing project at this facility that needed to be completed. Since the production of infant formula was deemed essential, the facility was allowed to continue operating.
I vividly remember those days, driving to the facility daily to oversee the construction of a new wastewater equalization tank. The typically very busy highways were almost empty, but our work had to continue to ensure the uninterrupted production of this essential product. This experience stands out to me as a significant effort to keep things moving and support the essential needs of people during a challenging time.
I vividly remember those days, driving to the facility daily to oversee the construction of a new wastewater equalization tank. The typically very busy highways were almost empty, but our work had to continue to ensure the uninterrupted production of this essential product.
Share a piece of career advice.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Every experience is a learning opportunity, and you never know where it might lead you or how it could shape your career.
