More INNOVATION

Mapping the Future: LRC Brings Cutting-Edge Scanning to Loureiro

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Enhancing design accuracy with powerful 3D scanning and mapping tools

With LRC Group joining forces with Loureiro, our teams gain access to advanced scanning, surveying, and SUE capabilities that are transforming how complex infrastructure projects are planned and executed. From high-definition 3D laser scanning to detailed subsurface mapping, LRC’s expertise gives engineers a clearer understanding of existing conditions, reducing risk and improving design accuracy from day one. Their experience and cutting-edge technology strengthen our growing geospatial services and position Loureiro to deliver even more precise, efficient, and innovative solutions.

When a highway project in western New York faced the challenge of connecting new infrastructure to existing bridges and tunnels, traditional surveying methods would have meant costly surprises during construction. Instead, the DOT turned to 3D laser scanning, saving $35 million in cost overruns while finishing ahead of schedule.

When LRC Group joined the Loureiro team on October 31, we gained access to the experience and technology that make outcomes like this possible. With offices in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and New Hampshire, LRC brings decades of surveying, scanning, and SUE expertise that are reshaping how complex infrastructure projects are designed and delivered.

Seeing in Three Dimensions

LRC began in 1999 as a civil engineering and surveying firm and has gradually expanded its services to include landscape architecture, master planning, and advanced geospatial capabilities. Over the past decade, the team has built a strong niche in high-definition 3D laser scanning and subsurface utility engineering — services that now support major energy, infrastructure, and municipal clients across the region.

Principal John Wagenblatt, LS, has been in the surveying field for 42 years and has seen the profession evolve from transits to GPS to today’s high-speed scanners. “A crew can spend a week locating all the piping on a gas compressor site,” he says. “We can scan it with survey control and be out of there in a day.”

LRC’s workhorse scanners, manufactured by Riegl in Austria, collect roughly 3 million points per second to produce a detailed “point cloud” — a 3D representation of existing conditions for everything from substations and sewer treatment plants to airport facilities and historic buildings.

“We’re able to reproduce exactly what’s out there with a high degree of certainty,” Wagenblatt explains. “That allows design engineers to know exactly what they’re working with.”

From Energy Infrastructure to Underground Utilities

Much of LRC’s scanning and surveying work supports major players in the energy sector, including Eversource and Enbridge. For these clients, the team documents everything from long transmission corridors scheduled for upgrades to complex gas compressor stations where miles of above-ground pipe run through only a few acres.

For electrical substations, LRC often takes scanning a step further by building full 3D models that capture equipment, structures, and precise wire heights. This level of detail helps engineers plan new installations without taking physical measurements in challenging or hazardous environments.

LRC has also developed strong expertise in subsurface utility engineering (SUE), particularly in dense urban areas where underground space is limited. “In Boston, there’s no room left underground,” Wagenblatt explains. “We’re able to identify what’s there, and designers are squeezing conduit in places I wouldn’t think possible.”

Strengthening Our Services

For Wagenblatt and his team, joining Loureiro opens the door to expanded opportunities and support for services they’ve spent decades refining. “I’ve always believed in staying current with new technology,” he says. “We might not have been the first to buy scanning equipment, but we bought the best, and it’s paid dividends.”

For Loureiro, LRC’s expertise strengthens an already growing suite of geospatial and field services. Their experience in high-definition scanning, modeling, and SUE gives our engineers and clients a clearer picture of existing conditions — reducing risk, improving design accuracy, and supporting better decisions from the very beginning of a project. As part of Loureiro, LRC’s capabilities will help us deliver even more precise, efficient, and innovative solutions across the infrastructure and energy sectors.

Shaping Solutions: Exploring Loureiro’s Use of Printed Parts

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Bringing innovation to the jobsite with custom, on-demand solutions through 3D printing

Loureiro’s EHS team is turning to 3D printing as a faster, cleaner, and more flexible way to create custom machine guards and problem-solving components in the field. By combining quick prototyping with durable materials, printed parts have already improved safety, reduced waste, and delivered innovative solutions across manufacturing, wastewater, and construction projects. This growing capability reflects Loureiro’s culture of Passionate Ingenuity and opens the door to new applications that meet client needs with speed and precision.

Every machine safeguarding project comes with its own specific requirements. No two shop floors look alike, and no two machines present hazards in quite the same way. Loureiro’s EHS team is often called in to design custom guards that reduce risk without slowing down production. Traditionally, that has meant cutting and bending materials on site — effective, but messy, time-consuming, and difficult to adjust if conditions changed.

When one client asked if there was a faster, cleaner way to achieve the same outcome, the team saw an opportunity. Could additive manufacturing provide the precision and flexibility that conventional fabrication lacked? That question set Loureiro on a path to bring 3D printing into the field, turning an emerging technology into a practical tool for solving everyday problems.

Innovation in Practice

Superintendent Jay Varney was quick to see how 3D printing could strengthen Loureiro’s approach. The team invested in a compact FDM printer from Prusa Research, known for its portability and versatility, and began experimenting with machine guarding.

“We wanted a way to test ideas quickly without all the dust and waste that comes from cutting on site,” Jay explains. “With a 3D printer, you can produce a prototype in minutes, check the fit, and refine the design until it’s exactly what you need.”

What started as an experiment in prototyping soon became more. In certain cases, the printed parts were durable enough to remain in service as the finished guard, giving Loureiro a new way to deliver safety solutions directly in the field.

The Details

The workflow blends field ingenuity with digital tools. Crews often begin with a quick cardboard template to visualize a guard and get operator feedback. From there, dimensions are measured with calipers and translated into CAD software such as SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360. The model is exported as an STL file, then processed through slicing software that determines thickness, strength, and infill.

From template to finished print, the turnaround can be measured in hours rather than days. Simple profiles can be printed right on site for immediate testing, while larger runs can be left to build overnight. This speed and adaptability allow Loureiro to deliver safer, better-fitting solutions without disrupting operations.

In the Field

The benefits of printed parts have already shown up across applications.

On a roller line where in-running nip points posed a serious hazard, the team designed a rotating “flipper” guard that connects to a safety-rated shaft switch. If contacted, the paddle rotates just a few degrees, shutting down the machine and signaling a fault. By printing the guard in modular sections, Loureiro created a flexible design that can be stacked to match any machine width, providing one solution that serves many different applications.

In wastewater operations, printed parts helped solve a different problem. Engineers calibrating long, heavy pH probes were struggling with clearance issues that left fragile sensor tips vulnerable to damage. Loureiro printed small baffles that protected the probe, allowed water to flow across the membrane, and doubled as a stand during calibration. Two simple parts reduced operator strain and prevented damage to probes that can cost hundreds of dollars each.

Even in construction, printed parts have proven their worth. Instead of cutting steel brackets from sheet metal to test hole spacing, the team now prints templates to check fit and alignment. Once verified, the CAD model is sent for fabrication in steel or aluminum, saving time and avoiding wasted material.

These examples also highlight the flexibility of material choice. PETG filament, known for its durability and resistance to oils and coolants, has become a reliable standard for machine guarding. For higher-load applications, carbon-fiber-filled filaments add strength. And in healthcare or clean environments, specialty antimicrobial materials can be deployed. Each part is tailored to its setting, reinforcing Loureiro’s ability to deliver the right solution for the job.

Looking Ahead

Printed parts have already moved from experimental prototypes to functional safety guards and problem-solving components. Their role within Loureiro’s toolbox is expanding as new applications surface across service lines.

“It’s nice to be able to stand on your own two feet with solutions that don’t exist anywhere else,” Jay says.

Additive manufacturing has become another tool that supports Loureiro’s culture of Passionate Ingenuity. It combines technical skill with practical creativity to meet client needs in smarter ways. Colleagues who see potential uses for printed parts in their own work are encouraged to connect with the EHS team and explore how this capability can support their projects.

From Concept to Patent: Loureiro’s In Situ Solution for PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water Aquifers

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Meet the Inventor: Mike Marley

With nearly five decades of experience in environmental remediation, Mike Marley has built a reputation on blending cutting-edge science with practical engineering implementation. A civil engineer and founder of XDD (acquired by Loureiro in 2021), Mike has advised on contaminated site cleanups across the U.S. and internationally.

“I’ve always believed in combining state of the art science with good engineering,” he says. “You need real-world solutions that work — and that clients can afford.”

His involvement with PFAS goes back to 2007, well before the issue entered mainstream headlines. Since then, he’s worked on early treatability studies, developed cleanup strategies, and, most recently, helped engineer a patent-pending system that may change how we think about PFAS remediation in drinking water aquifers.

What Are PFAS — and Why Are They So Hard to Treat?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals found in everything from nonstick pans to firefighting foam. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily under natural conditions and can be found in water, soils, and even rainfall around the world.

The EPA has proposed strict new limits on a few PFAS in drinking water, but addressing the problem is anything but straightforward.

The conventional approach is to install an above-ground treatment system (like granular activated carbon or ion exchange), pump water out of the aquifer, treat it, and then distribute it. But this approach comes with serious drawbacks:

Capital costs can exceed $10M–$20M for small to mid-size towns
Ongoing maintenance can cost $250K–$500K/year
New regulations and evolving PFAS science create long-term uncertainty for remedy selection

As Mike puts it: “The client has a problem—how do we solve it without charging an arm and a leg?”

A Smarter Approach: In Situ Filtration

Instead of treating water at the surface, why not treat it underground before it enters the well?

That’s the core idea behind Loureiro’s in situ PFAS filtration system. The system works by injecting an adsorbent, commonly ultra-fine activated carbon into targeted zones of high PFAS flux in the aquifer. This creates a permeable subsurface filter wall that intercepts and captures contaminants as groundwater flows toward the production well.

The beauty of the design is its flexibility:

It can be used as a temporary solution (5–10+ years) while towns plan long-term investments
It can also act as a permanent barrier when PFAS is tied to a specific source or plume
It costs less than 20% of traditional systems
And best of all—there’s no O&M cost

Real World Examples

In Southington, CT, Mike — alongside President Dave Fiereck, Director Dave Payne, and members of the Loureiro team—confronted a familiar challenge: several municipal wells exceeded PFAS limits, and the conventional solution carried a $20M price tag.

Using aquifer profiling tools, the team mapped PFAS concentrations to identify the “slice of the pie” responsible for the exceedances. By targeting just that segment with a subsurface carbon filter wall, the solution minimized cost, reduced treatment footprint, and delivered meaningful results — without treating the entire aquifer.

In Massachusetts, a smaller town is implementing a similar strategy. One of three drinking wells had to be shut down due to elevated PFAS levels, leaving the community in a vulnerable position. Early data suggests the PFAS plume may stem from a State public works yard, opening the door for a responsible-party remediation strategy using Loureiro’s in situ method.

Patent Pending, Decision Expected This Summer

CEO Brian Cutler recognized the potential benefit to Loureiro and asked Mike to pursue the patent in 2024. Because of his track record and the technology’s potential, the application was submitted through a fast-track process. Loureiro expects to hear back from the U.S. Patent Office by July or August 2025.

“This is one of those rare cases,” Mike says, “where the simpler answer is also the smarter one.”

Innovation That Moves Us Forward

This innovation isn’t just a technical milestone — it’s a reflection of who we are as a firm. It represents the best of Passionate Ingenuity: solving complex problems with practical creativity, deep technical insight, and an unwavering commitment to client success. It’s a solution born from real project needs, developed in close collaboration with municipalities, and designed to work within the constraints our clients face every day.

As we continue to grow our role in design-build delivery, pursue government and DOD contracts, and expand our environmental service offerings, this patent-pending system is a prime example of the kind of integrated, forward-thinking approach that sets Loureiro apart.

Beyond Compliance: How Toolbox Talks Are Shaping a Safety-First Culture

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Each Monday, team members at Loureiro receive a Toolbox Talk in their inbox—a short, focused lesson on safety that goes beyond compliance checklists.

These weekly messages, developed by Rob Belding, Loureiro’s Corporate Health and Safety Manager, have become more than just reminders about PPE or hazard reports. They are transforming how people think about safety.

"It’s not just about following the rules,” Rob explains. “We want people to do things because they WANT to be safe, not just because they have to.”

What began as construction-specific safety briefings has expanded to include behavioral safety, mental health awareness, and even driving tips—helping employees and now clients develop a true safety-first mindset.

Shifting from “What We Know” to “What We Need to Think About”

Early Toolbox Talks covered foundational topics—the basics that everyone in construction "knows": fall prevention, material handling, and PPE use. But recognizing that simply repeating common-sense safety measures isn’t enough, the program is evolving to address broader concepts that impact everyone at Loureiro—not just teams in the field.

A few standout topics include:

Fatigue at Work – Examining the real dangers of sleep deprivation, including research comparing sleep loss to driving under the influence.

Taking Shortcuts – Identifying unconscious habits that lead to unnecessary risks.
“Line of Fire” Hazards – Helping workers visualize invisible dangers, such as energy releases or being in the path of moving equipment.

It Was a Matter of Time – A sobering look at how unaddressed hazards can lead to preventable accidents.

These discussions go beyond avoiding citations—they cultivate a mindset where safety becomes second nature.

Clients Are Taking Notice

Originally an internal initiative, Toolbox Talks quickly proved valuable beyond the company. As discussions evolved, it became clear that some clients also needed proactive, ongoing safety engagement.

Recognizing this opportunity, Jared Shapiro, Senior Project Manager, introduced Toolbox Talks as part of select clients' Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) contracts. These weren’t just any clients; they were organizations that view safety as integral to their operations and workforce well-being—not just a compliance requirement.

Otis Elevator and Uyemura International became the first to integrate weekly Toolbox Talks into their existing safety programs. Otis’ EHS Manager, Dave Butterfield, shared that the talks have been a welcome addition, streamlining the safety briefings he previously developed on his own. Having them delivered weekly saves him time while ensuring a steady flow of relevant topics.

This shift is more than just an added service—it reflects a new way of thinking about safety. For companies that prioritize a safety-first mindset, Toolbox Talks are strategic investments. By fostering engagement, reducing incidents, and promoting accountability, these weekly discussions are becoming a fundamental part of how work gets done—safely and efficiently.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening the Impact of Toolbox Talks

With Toolbox Talks now reaching both internal teams and select clients, the next phase focuses on refining and expanding their impact to encourage deeper safety engagement.

Key Next Steps:

Engaging clients in shaping future topics – With early feedback from Otis highlighting the value of pre-prepared safety briefings, there is an opportunity to actively involve clients in suggesting new topics to ensure continued relevance.
Expanding participation – Increasing visibility across more departments to reinforce safety as a shared responsibility throughout the company.
Enhancing content delivery – Exploring alternative formats and tools to improve accessibility and effectiveness.

At the core, Toolbox Talks are about more than compliance—they represent a cultural shift toward safety as a mindset, not a mandate. By focusing on awareness, psychology, and behavioral change, these discussions go beyond policies and procedures. They empower employees to make safety instinctive, ensuring that it’s not just followed but fully embraced.

This is what makes Toolbox Talks more than just another checklist item—they are a catalyst for a deeper, lasting commitment to workplace safety.

Innovative Collaboration: Leadership Team Boosts Information-Sharing and Engagement

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

It started as an important ask to the Loureiro leadership team (LT): develop a meeting format that includes:

Ability to review the critical numbers that tell us how we are progressing toward achieving success
A forum for sharing ideas that will support our success
Time to focus efforts on identifying and knocking down the barriers precluding us from achieving our goals

Fortunately, the group had plenty of ideas, and more importantly, a willingness to test them out.

We recently sat down with Brian to discuss his thoughts on the meeting strategies – how they’re working, what’s next, and why these continuous improvement efforts matter to both the LT and all Loureiro employees.

What sparked the need for change in how the LT prepares for and runs their meetings?

The LT had been meeting once a quarter for three hours. On the one hand, it felt too long for general updates and a review of critical numbers, and on the other hand, it was too short to cover all the updates and “hot” topics – let alone have the in-depth and meaningful discussions needed to align on key issues and develop solutions to matters that would support achieving our objectives. And even if we had more time, with 14 people in the room, live discussions can get unwieldy.

We opened the door for input on how we could improve our engagement and meeting efficiency because two things were very clear: first, leaders needed more information than they were receiving, and second, we needed fresh ideas to encourage collaboration without taking up more meeting time.

What are the changes the LT has implemented?

We decided to meet monthly – with one longer session once per quarter. This gives us the best of both worlds: more frequent, shorter touchpoints and a quarterly opportunity for comprehensive exploration.

We also built a new slide deck template that would serve as “prep” for the meeting. Every business and functional leader adds in their updates in a “snackable” format – including their plan, progress against that plan, and key wins and challenges. That presentation is live in Teams and is completed one week in advance of the meeting for team review.

Even better, the LT can ask (and answer) questions and share comments right in the deck. This way, when we come together in the meeting, the LT has had time to digest the information, and most of our top questions are answered.

How is it going so far?

We implemented these changes for our recent meeting at the beginning of March. As is 100% expected, we learned a lot in this first round and have ideas for improvements moving forward. I want to spotlight the fact that even at the LT level, nothing is perfect, and we’re always looking for ways to do things better.

I also want to highlight how great ideas came from (and continue to come from) everyone on the team. A big shout out to Kristen Dera for her suggestion to use the comment feature in PowerPoint in Teams so that LT members could have dialogue right in the document.

And a shout out to all the leaders for jumping right into this new process. I really appreciated that right away, people perceived the questions and comments on their slides as opportunities for engagement.

That openness and agility is, in turn, boosting transparency and collaboration – which enhances just about everything we do.

Are there opportunities to translate these new information-sharing and collaboration approaches through the company?

Absolutely! We’re already thinking about how we can use the LT “prep” deck for our Company Informational Meetings. In addition, leaders have committed to sharing a summary of what we discuss in the monthly meetings with their functions / businesses in their regular team meetings.

We’re also exploring ideas to regularly solicit input from team members on these updates and discussions. As an example, we may ask others to participate in the development of monthly updates.

What have been the biggest learnings so far?

Execution is one of the most challenging aspects of our work because it relies on so many other things going right: clarity and alignment on strategy, accountability, adaptability, communication, and effective leadership.

It’s not enough to know what we need to focus on; we must define actions that we believe will help move the needle – and then take those actions and measure the results.

We’re doing exactly that with our LT meetings and engagement – which is going to help us with better execution on all fronts – and that’s very exciting!