About Atoka

About ATOKA


Headquartered in Arkansas, ATOKA, Inc. is a comprehensive engineering and environmental consulting company that offers a diverse array of services to both private industry and government entities. The company is named after a significant geological formation located in the central United States. At ATOKA, our primary objective is to address the unique requirements and preferences of each client in the most optimal and proficient manner. Our team of seasoned engineers, scientists, and experts eliminate uncertainties associated with environmental compliance and deliver top-notch design and permitting services.

Environmental Litigation Support Hot Springs
Environmental Litigation Little Rock

The inspiration behind the name ATOKA stems from the rich Native American heritage of its owners, drawing from the Choctaw language to signify a "fair playing field" in the traditional game of stickball. This name embodies the company's core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity in all their endeavors. Founded in 1994, ATOKA, Inc. underwent significant growth in 1996 through the merger of businesses owned by Joe Henry, Cliff McBryde, and Jerry Overton. This strategic alliance established a powerhouse company with a wealth of experience and expertise in various engineering and environmental projects. Operating from offices in Hot Springs and Little Rock, ATOKA's corporate headquarters are situated in Hot Springs, while the Analytical Laboratory is housed in the Little Rock office.

Board of Directors

Each individual on our board of directors stands as a distinguished environmental champion, having made notable impacts on our company, clients, and community. They each bring a distinctive array of talents and knowledge to our organization.

          Cliff
      McBryde

With an impressive 23 years of expertise in providing professional industrial hygiene (PIH) and environmental professional (EP) assessment services, Mr. McBryde is a seasoned professional in the field. Specializing in a diverse array of services, his extensive background includes environmental site assessments, radon/asbestos/lead-based paint sampling, risk assessment surveys, biological hazard investigations, stormwater pollution prevention plans, hazardous waste disposal, mold & moisture indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments, OSHA IAQ compliance assessments, abatement design plans, management plans, and air monitoring services. With a deep understanding of industry standards and regulations, Mr. McBryde is dedicated to delivering high-quality services tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients.

            Joe
          Henry

Mr. Henry, C.I.E., serves as the Laboratory Director and Vice-President of ATOKA. He oversees the areas of food, industrial, and environmental microbiology at the Environmental and Food Safety Laboratory of Atoka, ensuring the provision of quality control testing, shelf-life studies, sensory evaluations, forensic investigations, and environmental and mold testing.


Additionally, Mr. Henry is a Certified Indoor Environmentalist and Level 1 Thermographer. His responsibilities include conducting indoor air quality studies, performing site surveys for water intrusion and mold contamination, and developing specification plans for remedial action. With eighteen years of experience as a senior investigator, he has led the experimental design and implementation of Bioremediation projects aimed at addressing environmental contaminants in private industry.


Mr. Henry also offers expert witness support in cases related to food safety and indoor air quality. Furthermore, he holds multiple patents associated with systems designed to control soluble contaminants like Phosphorous and Nitrates.

        Jerry
       Overton

Dr. Overton, Ph.D, P.G., is the esteemed founder of ATOKA, Inc., boasting over 40 years of expertise as a distinguished Environmental Scientist/Hydrogeologist. His extensive professional background encompasses a broad array of specialized skills, including:


- Conducting environmental site assessments and designing/installing groundwater monitoring well systems

- Evaluating hazardous/solid waste sites and facilitating permitting processes

- Managing hazardous/solid waste site searches and oil field environmental site characterizations

- Developing remediation strategies and overseeing site remediation projects


Moreover, Dr. Overton possesses profound knowledge in aquifer characterization assessments, NORM surveying, and geophysical studies both on the surface and downhole. His proficiency extends to aquifer testing, groundwater sampling QA/QC, solute transport, and groundwater modeling. With over 13 years of teaching experience at the university level, Dr. Overton is adept at providing litigation support, expert witness services, and engaging in regulatory agency negotiations.

       Timothy
           Hill

Mr. Hill, P.G., is a highly accomplished Environmental Leader with an impressive track record spanning over 38 years, during which he has held diverse professional roles in international, corporate, divisional, facility, and consulting settings. Throughout his career, Mr. Hill has demonstrated his expertise by successfully spearheading innovative and cost-effective environmental programs across a wide range of industries, including lumber and wood products, automotive, agrochemicals, chemicals, petrochemicals, mining, refining, and energy. His areas of focus have included due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, NEPA compliance, environmental permitting, prevention, and remediation. Notably, Mr. Hill has overseen the remediation and closure of numerous industrial sites, landfills, pipelines, and waste ponds under UST, CERCLA, RCRA CA, Federal and State Consent Orders, and State(s) Voluntary Clean-up Programs. Furthermore, he has played a key role in developing and implementing cutting-edge environmental compliance systems to navigate a myriad of regulations and permits, such as Title V (non-attainment), PSM, EMACT, Boiler MACT, NOX and engines, HON, MON, GHG, TRI, Tier II, LDAR, MSS, DMR, SWPPP, RMP, GRI, DOT, SPCC, OSPRA, NORM, BWON, NPDES, and PWS.

Staff

The highly skilled licensed professionals at ATOKA are renowned for consistently surpassing client expectations. With diverse expertise, our staff is equipped with the necessary skills to tackle any project.

 Aaron

 Burroughs

Mr. Burroughs, a senior engineer at Atoka, brings over 30 years of engineering and construction expertise.


His extensive background includes civil engineering and structural design, encompassing various areas such as site layout, land development, storm water management (SWPPP), solid waste design and permitting, regulatory compliance, as well as steel and steel-reinforced concrete design. Additionally, he holds valuable experience in utility design and distribution for water and wastewater projects. Mr. Burroughs also possesses a wealth of knowledge in road, bridge, and culvert design from his work in both public and private sectors.

 Vick
 Loomis

With over 33 years of extensive experience in environmental and safety matters, Mr. Loomis is a highly skilled professional who specializes in Asbestos Abatement. His expertise extends to being an OSHA-authorized safety trainer, providing comprehensive training services to a wide range of clients in both the private and public sectors. In addition to his proficiency in asbestos abatement, Mr. Loomis also conducts thorough investigations on microbial and indoor air quality, offering valuable insights and solutions. Furthermore, he is well-versed in performing Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, showcasing his diverse skill set and commitment to ensuring environmental safety and compliance.

 Walt
 MacPhee

Mr. MacPhee, a seasoned project manager, boasts a rich background spanning over two decades in various sectors such as oil and gas, dam safety, civil engineering, water development, and environmental response.


In his role as the GIS Manager at Atoka, Mr. MacPhee is highly skilled in digital mapping, showcasing his expertise in this field.


His specialization lies in water development projects, offering invaluable services for expert witness support during litigations, and conducting thorough Environmental Site Assessments.

 Wildon
 Hawkins

Mr. Hawkins, P.G., is a highly skilled project manager with a wealth of experience in the field of environmental consulting. Specializing in Mining Permit Applications, Site Assessments, and Remedial Investigations, he brings a comprehensive understanding of hazardous waste characterization and permitting processes to every project he undertakes. Mr. Hawkins is known for his adept leadership in overseeing Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments are conducted to meet regulatory requirements and provide valuable insights for clients. His dedication to excellence and commitment to delivering high-quality results make him a valuable asset to any team.

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