RETTEW, an Engineering News-Record top 500 design firm providing engineering, transportation, environmental consulting, planning and surveying services, recently welcomed new hires Nicholas J. Basile and Grant T. Smith, RLA.

“Nick and Grant are experts in their respective fields who will serve our clients very well,” said Mark Lauriello, PE, president, RETTEW. “I welcome them to RETTEW.”

Nicholas J. Basile

Basile is an environmental scientist primarily responsible for coordinating wetland and other ecological studies for well pads, impoundments and pipelines for RETTEW’s natural gas clients. In his role, he educates natural gas clients about the newly proposed regulations surrounding environmentally responsible natural gas drilling and exploration in New York. Specifically, he assists clients navigate through New York State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations and those that relate to the preservation and protection of wetlands, endangered species and cultural resources.

Basile has seven years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. He is well versed in consulting that deals with both natural sciences-related issues and air quality/hazardous waste. Basile also has extensive project management experience and is knowledgeable in government regulations at all levels.

Basile has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Penn State University (PSU), and he is presently pursuing a master’s degree in biology from California State University, Fresno. He is a member of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New York State Wetlands Forum and president of New York Capital District Chapter of PSU Alumni Association. He resides in Moreau, Saratoga County, New York.

Grant T. Smith, RLA

Smith is a group manager of the land development group in RETTEW’s Lancaster office. In addition to managing project teams, he is responsible for providing site design, site planning, master planning, zoning submittals, land development submittals and cost estimating for educational, urban revitalization, residential development and recreational projects. Smith also oversees consultant coordination, budget management, public presentations and project management.

Smith has more than 30 years of experience and is a graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Association of Homebuilders. He also serves as vice chair for the Penn State University Landscape Architecture Alumni Program Group; he resides in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pa.