Civil/Environmental/Chemical/Mechanical Engineer/Scientist?

Many potential clients think that civil engineers and chemists are the main disciplines in environmental, water and sewage engineering, but this is rather out of date. The process and hydraulic design of sewage and water treatment works, and their associated pipelines, channels, sewers are far more likely to be carried out by a process /chemical engineer nowadays than a civil or mechanical engineer. Environmental scientist and chemists are very unlikely to have been involved. This page has been included mainly because we find that many clients include incorrect disciplines in their search terms when looking for someone with Sean's expertise and experience. If you are in doubt, we would be happy to have a short chat to advice on a suitable discipline for your case. We unfortunately find that not everyone who lacks sufficient knowledge knows enough to turn down an expert witness engagement they are ill-suited to.

Sean Moran is an environmental engineer, though he is not a civil engineer, he is a process (chemical) engineer with an environmental/water specialisation. He has designed, commissioned and supported the operation and maintenance of many sewage and water treatment works over more than thirty years of professional practice, and worked as an expert witness in the area for more than twenty five years.

Similarly, many clients think that they need scientific expertise, rather than engineering expertise. Though Sean does have a degree in Environmental Science, it is far more common that an engineer is what is required, rather than a scientist. Similarly, they tend to require a chemical engineer, rather than a chemist.

A less common confusion is thinking that a mechanical engineer is what is required.  Though this may be the case, it does not necessarily follow that if the case is to do with machinery, a mechanical engineer is required.