Agricultural and Conservation Engineering Services

We provide practical engineering solutions for agriculture, conservation, and rural development. From agricultural facility design and permitting to stormwater management, stream restoration, and water resource projects, Material Matters brings together engineering and environmental expertise to move projects from concept to implementation.

Agricultural and Conservation Engineering Services

At Material Matters, our priority is to understand your operational goals to develop streamlined solutions. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience applying USDA-NRCS-based conservation practice standards and will apply this expertise to evaluate and support your land-use needs. Our conservation toolbox ranges from design and implementation of agricultural-based engineering practices, to stream crossing design focused on aquatic organism passage.

Our approach includes an initial site visit to evaluate your specific needs. We will identify site constraints, and the recommended pathways to achieve your goals. Our team will actively work with you throughout each phase of the project, ensuring your project is designed to meet regulatory and program design standards.

How We Help

Material Matters has assisted our clients with conservation projects and offer a wide range of services. We are eager to support you with a variety of conservation engineering services including but not limited to:

Agricultural Stormwater and Best Management Practice (BMP) Design
Conservation Practice Design
Manure and Waste Storage and Cover Design
Heavy Use Area Protection
Chapter 102 NPDES Permitting
Stream Crossings and Culvert Replacement
Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Roads Design
Streambank Restoration and Aquatic Habitat Improvement
Grant Writing/Administration and Regulatory Compliance

Chad Harrison, PE

President, Chief Executive Officer

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Chad Harrison, PE

President, Chief Executive Officer

Chad Harrison is an accomplished leader and engineer with 30 years of experience in driving business growth, managing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering innovative solutions. Chad holds a B.S. in Geo-Environmental Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and West Virginia. Throughout his career, Chad has held senior leadership positions in the engineering and consulting industry, overseeing large teams, managing complex projects, and implementing strategies that deliver consistent growth and operational efficiency. His expertise spans technical oversight, business development, and organizational management, with a focus on creating value for clients and stakeholders. As President and CEO of Material Matters, Inc., Chad leverages his extensive experience and leadership skills to guide the company into its next phase of growth and innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to advancing the company’s mission and fostering excellence across all operations.

Lisa Challenger

Chief Operating Officer

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Trudy Johnston

Technical Director, Certified Operator

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Robin C. Brandt, Ph.D., PE

Technical Director

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Rachel Fogle, Ph.D.

Senior Project Scientist – Land Application

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Joseph Tetreault

Senior Wastewater Scientist

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Yinka Adedeji, Ph.D., PE

Senior Engineer

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Yinka Adedeji, Ph.D., PE

Senior Engineer

Yinka Adedeji, PhD, PE is a Senior Engineer with Material Matters, Inc., specializing in wastewater and biosolids projects with a focus on process optimization, advanced treatment technologies, and regulatory compliance. He supports clients in developing practical, data-driven solutions that enhance system performance, improve treatment efficiency, and enable successful project delivery. Dr. Adedeji brings specialized expertise in bioenergy and waste-to-energy systems, including pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and emerging hydrothermal processes such as liquefaction (HTL) and carbonization (HTC). His work emphasizes the integration of resource recovery strategies into wastewater and biosolids management. He applies advanced analytical approaches, including life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental impact evaluation, and net energy ratio analysis—to assess system sustainability and optimize design and operational performance. Dr. Adedeji also brings valuable regulatory insight from his experience with the PADEP, helping clients navigate permitting, compliance, and funding processes.

Phuc H. Vu, PE

Senior Engineer

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Todd Guerdat

Senior Engineer

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Tim Lois

Environmental Scientist III

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Tim Lois

Environmental Scientist III

Tim Lois is an Environmental Scientist III with over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting, specializing in regulatory compliance, biosolids management, emerging contaminants, site assessment, and remediation for industrial, municipal, and public sector clients. Since joining Material Matters, Tim has focused on biosolids beneficial use, permitting strategy, residuals management, and evaluation of emerging treatment technologies and compliance approaches. He brings deep knowledge of environmental regulations, including PADEP Act 2, RCRA, CERCLA, Pennsylvania biosolids permitting programs, and evolving state and federal biosolids requirements, including support for General Permit and Individual Permit compliance strategies. Throughout his career, Tim has managed complex environmental projects from investigation through regulatory closure while coordinating closely with clients, regulators, contractors, and project teams. Tim’s field and leadership experience provides a well-rounded perspective on project execution, including hands-on sampling and operations oversight, permitting support, stakeholder communication, and regulatory navigation. His experience includes large-scale sampling programs, environmental compliance management, corrective action planning, and technical support for biosolids and emerging contaminant initiatives. Tim is recognized for delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining strong client relationships and regulatory compliance.