Environmental Science Associates (ESA), a leading California environmental consulting firm, announced today that Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd., (PWA), a San Francisco-based environmental hydrology firm specializing in river and coastal restoration, has joined with ESA. The merger supports ESA’s strategy to deepen technical services in its water practice through specialized habitat restoration and water science services.

“We have teamed with PWA on several high profile projects in both the Northwest and in California over the years. I have always admired and respected PWA for their well-deserved reputation as the premier firm in environmental restoration. I’m delighted to now formalize our relationship and expand both firms’ capabilities and service offerings to our clients throughout the West Coast and in the Southeast,” said Gary Oates, President of ESA.

Philip Williams, Ph.D., P.E., Eur. Ing., President and founder of PWA stated, “By joining ESA, PWA can provide our clients with greatly expanded resources and capabilities. These interdisciplinary skills will better position us to take on the exciting challenges emerging in applied environmental science–whether in the Bay Area, Puget Sound, the Sacramento River or Coastal Louisiana.”

Dr. Williams has been a pioneer in environmental restoration on the West Coast and brings 38 years of experience to ESA. He will become a Senior Vice President and lead the strategic business integration for ESA’s water practice. Ann Borgonovo will be Director of Operations for ESA PWA, as the new Environmental Hydrology group will be known, with Jeff Haltiner in the role of Senior Director.  ESA’s Molly Adolfson will be Officer in Charge and Practice Lead for ESA PWA. PWA’s staff of more than 35 hydrologists, engineers, water specialists and scientists have been providing clients with premier environmental hydrology services for over 34 years.