We exist to make a difference.
That is our purpose. To have a positive influence on the lives of our employees, the operations of our mining clients, and in the broader communities in which we live.
We are a Canadian-based, employee-owned consulting company dedicated to providing practical and reasonable solutions to water and related mine waste challenges in the mining industry. At HydroEQ, we understand that water is a valuable resource that requires careful management and appropriate safeguarding, and we are here to help our mining sector clients and the broader community achieve a sustainable balance between economic prosperity, environmental protection, and societal health.
Our team consists of passionate geochemists and water quality scientists who work seamlessly in collaboration with hydrologists, hydrogeologists and other experts to provide fulsome results. We are strategic and client-centric in our thinking, and we love a challenge.
Integrity, excellence, and teamwork are the cornerstones of our company culture. We approach every action, decision, and project with an open-minded mindset and embrace critical and creative thinking. This dedication to diversity of thought fosters practical innovation and cultivates inclusive work environments where every voice is valued.
Integrity
We say what we mean, and we mean what we say. We are forthright, honest, clear and transparent in our communications, and we follow-through on our commitments.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in all that we do, from technical work to financial management to internal procedures. We do our best every day.
We pull as one. We value the energy created by working as a team and recognize that what can be produced by working as a team is always greater than what can be produced by working as a bunch of individuals. When the company succeeds, we as individuals succeed.
Teamwork
Meet the Team
J.P. Bechtold, MASc, PBiol, RPBio
President and CEO
J.P. Bechtold is a water quality scientist with over 26 years of consulting experience. His technical background includes computer modelling, monitoring, watershed planning, environmental assessment, project management and project direction. He is also skilled at team development and growth, business development, and client relationship management. J.P. is always open to a new challenge, loves pushing the envelope and works to deliver practical solutions to our clients. When not at work, he can be found making a mess in his garden or running after livestock on his acreage.
Skya Fawcett, PhD, PGeo
Director, Geochemistry
Skya Fawcett is a senior geochemist with a PhD in environmental geochemistry and 20 years of consulting experience in mining, oil sands, and contaminated sites. She specializes in mine waste characterization, acid rock drainage and metal leaching assessments, and predictive water quality modelling. She loves complex technical challenges and the solutions-focused nature of consulting. When not working, Skya enjoys raising livestock on her acreage, running, and cross-country skiing.
Matt Neuner, MSc, PGeo
Senior Consultant, Geochemistry
Matt Neuner is a Senior Geochemist with an MSc in hydrogeology and 18 years of experience assessing environmental issues around mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure. His expertise is in environmental geochemistry with physical components, including reactive transport modelling, biodegradation and gas geochemistry, and instrumentation of mine waste facilities. Matt thrives on helping advance our society with responsible development, applying routine and innovative solutions. In his spare time, he loves backcountry skiing and mountain biking.
Mackenzie Bromstad, MSc, PGeo
Senior Geochemist
Mackenzie Bromstad is a senior geochemist with 16 years of experience in consulting and mining. She specializes in designing and leading acid rock drainage and metal leaching geochemical characterization assessments for mine wastes of all types. She loves getting to design and apply practical, fit-for-purpose solutions to complex environmental challenges – especially if there is mineralogy involved! Mackenzie is also a musician, artist, avid sewist, and loves spending time outside biking, climbing, hiking, and camping.
Kristina Skeries, MSc, PGeo
Senior Scientist, Water Quality
Kristina Skeries is a senior scientist with expertise in water quality and geochemistry. She has an MSc in environmental geochemistry, and 14 years of experience in mining and consulting. Kristina specializes in water quality modelling of mine sites in support of site development, operations, and closure; she also supports the development and execution of geochemical programs. Kristina loves the interdisciplinary nature of modelling and geochemistry, and the challenge of using modelling to provide insight to complex systems. Outside of work, she is a musician, volunteers on the organizing committee of a local music festival, and loves hiking, canoeing, and camping with her adventure dog.
Kate Smith, PhD, PChem
Lead Scientist, Environmental Chemistry
Kate Smith is an environmental scientist with a PhD in geochemistry and 15 years of multi-sector experience. She has expertise in analytical geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental monitoring, isotope geochemistry, inorganic chemistry, mass spectrometry, and analytical lab design, management, and operations. Kate is passionate about critical zone chemistry with interests in the chemistry of built environments and metal reclamation. Kate enjoys house plants, hiking, reading, and cooking.
Xueying Yi, MSc, GIT
Lead Scientist
Xueying Yi is a geochemist-in-training with an MSc in geosciences and 6 years of experience in mining, consulting, hydrogeology, and environmental geochemistry. She specializes in physical hydrogeology, groundwater flow modeling, reactive transport modeling, and acid rock drainage assessments. Xueying loves using advanced technical tools to investigate complex systems in the field of environmental sciences. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing.
Melissa Turcotte, MSc, GIT
Scientist, Geochemist-In-Training
Melissa Turcotte is a geochemist-in-training with an MSc in environmental geochemistry and four years of multi-sector experience, including environmental consulting and mining. Her technical background includes geochemical and mineralogical characterization of mine waste, sediments, and plants. She is passionate about the interdisciplinary, solution-based nature of environmental consulting and contributing towards safe and sustainable mining practices. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys creating functional pottery in the community studio and taking her rescue dog on walking adventures.
Katrina Bilek, BSc, GIT
Water Quality Scientist
Katrina Bilek is a Geochemist-in-Training with a BSc in Chemistry and Geology along with one year of experience in the Alberta Oil and Gas industry. Her background includes assessments to support sustainable water resource management, and she brings practical experience in water quality monitoring and hydrogeological data analysis. Katrina is passionate about promoting responsible environmental practices through science-based solutions. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler, loves to hike and has a love for baking and trying new foods!