Business Details
50 Years
experience
Geotechnical Engineering Services in Burlington, MA
Founded in 1976, McPhail Associates has established itself as a trusted leader in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, geothermal energy solutions, and contractor support services. Our team of licensed professionals brings decades of combined experience to every project, delivering innovative, client-focused solutions for architects, owners, contractors, and developers. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and technical excellence, we maintain the vision of our founder, Robert E. McPhail, by prioritizing client needs and project success. Our familial company culture fosters knowledge sharing and continuous learning, ensuring our staff remains at the forefront of industry advancements. As a licensed Site Professional (LSP) firm, we demonstrate deep expertise in regulatory compliance and environmental remediation. Through rigorous quality assurance practices and cutting-edge technology, we provide comprehensive subsurface exploration, foundation design, and construction monitoring services.Our leadership team, comprising four managing principals and experienced associate principals, oversees operations while maintaining direct client engagement. With a proven track record of successful projects across Boston and surrounding communities, we combine technical proficiency with practical problem-solving to address complex engineering challenges. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our long-standing client relationships and the transformative impact of our work on the built environment. By integrating geotechnical analysis, environmental stewardship, and innovative design, we deliver sustainable, cost-effective solutions that align with our clients' visions.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Geoenvironmental Assessment
Geothermal Energy Systems
Contractor Support
Foundation Design
Environmental Remediation
Subsurface Exploration
Construction Monitoring
Regulatory Compliance
Slope Stability Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
- Our leadership team includes four licensed principals with industry expertise.
- We maintain a familial culture that fosters technical knowledge sharing.
- We offer comprehensive services from foundation design to environmental remediation.
- We provide MassDEP-compliant solutions for underground injection control systems.
Associations and certifications
- Licensed Site Professional (LSP)
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
We provide comprehensive geotechnical engineering services including subsurface exploration programs, foundation recommendations, and geotechnical analysis. Our team conducts detailed soil testing and slope stability assessments to ensure structural integrity. With decades of experience, we deliver tailored solutions for both new construction and existing foundation evaluations.
Geoenvironmental Engineering
Our geoenvironmental services include property due diligence, environmental site assessments, and remediation design. We specialize in soil and groundwater analysis, regulatory compliance, and air quality monitoring. Our licensed professionals ensure projects meet state and federal environmental standards while maintaining cost-effective solutions for contaminated sites.
Geothermal Energy
We offer geothermal energy solutions including preliminary system evaluations, test well installation, and thermal conductivity testing. Our team designs efficient well fields for commercial applications while ensuring compliance with underground injection control regulations. We provide complete QA/QC monitoring throughout the installation process.
Contractor Support
Our contractor support services include excavation system design, dewatering solutions, and pile load test reaction systems. We provide temporary and permanent support design for complex construction projects, including underpinning and slope stabilization. Our engineers offer on-site monitoring and vibration analysis during construction phases.
Environmental Remediation
We specialize in environmental remediation services including soil disposal pre-characterization and regulatory compliance management. Our team handles AST/UST closures, radon mitigation design, and remediation QA/QC observation. We work closely with clients to develop cost-effective cleanup strategies that meet all state and federal requirements.
People
Amy D. Apfelbaum
Principal
Amy D. Apfelbaum is a licensed professional engineer with extensive experience in geotechnical engineering and project management. She oversees business operations and provides executive-level management for complex engineering projects across New England.
Peter J. DeChaves
Principal
Peter J. DeChaves is a Licensed Site Professional with deep expertise in environmental engineering. He specializes in regulatory compliance and remediation projects, providing technical leadership for environmental site assessments and contaminated land cleanup initiatives.
Thomas J. Fennick
Principal
Thomas J. Fennick combines geotechnical and environmental engineering expertise as both a Professional Engineer and Licensed Site Professional. He manages complex projects requiring integrated geotechnical and environmental solutions for commercial and institutional clients.
Jonathan W. Patch
Principal
Jonathan W. Patch leads engineering projects with a focus on innovative geotechnical solutions. His expertise includes foundation design, excavation support systems, and construction monitoring for large-scale developments throughout the Northeast region.
Chris M. Erikson
Principal
Chris M. Erikson specializes in geotechnical and geothermal engineering solutions. He provides technical oversight for subsurface exploration programs and renewable energy system designs, ensuring practical implementation of sustainable engineering practices.
Questions
What engineering services does McPhail Associates offer?
We provide geotechnical engineering, geoenvironmental engineering, geothermal energy systems, and contractor support services for construction projects.
How long has McPhail Associates been in business?
We've been serving clients since 1976, providing over 45 years of engineering expertise to the construction industry.
Do you offer environmental remediation services?
Yes, we provide environmental site assessments, remediation design, and regulatory compliance management for contaminated properties.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Boston and surrounding communities, with project experience throughout Massachusetts and New England.
Are your engineers licensed professionals?
Yes, our team includes licensed professional engineers and Licensed Site Professionals with extensive industry experience.
Can you assist with construction phase support?
We offer comprehensive contractor support including excavation design, dewatering systems, and on-site construction monitoring services.
