CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – BBJ Group, a leading environmental consulting and engineering firm, is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Barbara Coughlin, PhD, to its team as a Senior Managing Consultant. Dr. Coughlin brings more than 30 years of extensive expertise in environmental consulting, with a distinguished career encompassing regulatory compliance, litigation support, site investigation, and remediation. 

Dr. Coughlin has earned a reputation as a thought leader in environmental science, with a practice that spans key areas such as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) compliance, Superfund risk assessment, contaminant fate and transport modeling, and due diligence. She has guided numerous clients through complex soil and groundwater investigations, the development of remedial plans, and achieving regulatory closure through innovative approaches tailored to site-specific conditions. 

 “Barbara’s depth of experience and exceptional technical expertise are invaluable assets to BBJ Group as we continue to provide innovative solutions to our clients’ environmental challenges,” said Justin Button-Hutchens, PE, Chicago Branch Manager, at BBJ Group. “Her leadership in environmental compliance and remediation aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver sustainable and practical outcomes.” 

A graduate of The Johns Hopkins University with a PhD in Environmental Engineering, Dr. Coughlin also holds advanced degrees in Oceanography from the University of Washington and Chemistry from The University of Chicago. Over the years, she has contributed to high-profile projects such as: 

Delivering compliance audits and training programs for facilities across various industries. 

• Assisting in facilities with regulatory compliance requirements, including response to notices of violations and permitting requirements. 

• Providing litigation support for over 30 cases involving environmental contamination and regulatory compliance.  

• Managing site investigation and remediation projects under various mandatory and voluntary cleanup programs, including the Illinois’ Site Remediation and Leaking Underground Storage Tank programs. 

• Leading efforts at Superfund sites in Indiana, including groundwater and soil treatment systems. 

Dr. Coughlin’s industry contributions extend beyond her consulting work, with published research in esteemed journals and presentations at global environmental conferences. Her expertise in integrating technical solutions with regulatory frameworks has made her a sought-after advisor for environmental issues across federal and state levels. 

 “I am excited to join BBJ Group and collaborate with such a dynamic and forward-thinking team,” said Dr. Coughlin. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to support BBJ’s clients and contribute to impactful environmental solutions.” 

BBJ Group is confident that Dr. Coughlin’s exceptional qualifications and client-focused approach will strengthen its ability to meet the evolving environmental needs of industries nationwide.