From Emissions Calculations to Dispersion Modeling: CTEH Adds Depth to Applied Public Health Team

No matter the project, our Applied Public Health (APH) experts aim for a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. For example, if enlisted to assess the potential public health impacts from facility operations, the APH team will join forces to bring a holistic “source to health outcome” point of view as air quality and exposure scientists, toxicologists, epidemiologists, and data scientists. Now, with Mike Celente, CTEH is adding yet another area of expertise to APH’s collective toolbox—air permitting and regulatory compliance.

Senior consultant Mike Celente has managed and submitted hundreds of permit applications to state and federal agencies throughout his career. He’s also developed an extensive background in compliance and environmental audits. Alongside his CTEH teammates, Mike will help our partners gain a big-picture view of their public health projects to make informed, data-driven decisions and meet their end goals. Learn more about Mike in our Q&A below:

Can you give an overview of your current practice as a senior consultant?

Within our field, organizations often operate in silos, focusing on a single industry or service line. CTEH and, more specifically, the APH team, take a different tactic, combining our various skill sets to tackle projects from a broader context and distilling the data into digestible, actionable, information. I’m excited to leverage my expertise in air dispersion modeling, emissions calculation and characterization, regulatory applicability and compliance, and permit negotiations to support our team. 

How will your expertise in managing permit applications lend itself to your new role?

The environmental permitting process is built on high-quality data, effective communication, and trust. If agencies know you provide a quality product (e.g., an application based on sound science) and are open to collaboration, you are more likely to reach a mutually beneficial result. During my career, I’ve had the opportunity to foster relationships across state and federal agencies. Over the decades, CTEH has built a strong reputation for disaster recovery and environmental response. As it focuses even more on readiness, including through departments like APH, I will utilize my experience and relationships to help clients address issues at the intersection of source permitting and public health.

You have a background in compliance auditing and environmental audits. How will you leverage this knowledge to serve CTEH’s clients?

When discussing the audit process, I often emphasize the importance of playing offense rather than defense. Tools like audits allow organizations to identify pinch points and data gaps, which inform next steps and corrective actions that ultimately serve to minimize the public health impacts of their operations. I understand how to guide clients throughout the lifecycle of an audit, including focusing on growth areas, so they ensure continuity and efficiency and avoid operating in a crunch.

What drew you to CTEH, and what are you most looking forward to here?
CTEH is known for thinking outside the box. While other industry roles can be filled with more “cookie-cutter” responsibilities, CTEH team members constantly get the chance to learn, develop, and contribute to high-profile, challenging projects. I’m looking forward to growing my practice here. 

Welcome to the team, Mike! We’re excited to have you at CTEH. For more information or to connect with Mike, click here.