Christopher J. Martin leverages more than 30 years of professional excellence in the field of hydrogeology. Since 2012, he has lent his expertise to the Northwest region at the Washington State Department of Ecology, where he serves as the regional hydrogeologist for the Water Quality Program. As part of his routine responsibilities, Mr. Martin contributes to the drafting of numerous state waste discharge permits for regional industries, addresses critical wastewater management challenges, and safeguards against groundwater contamination. Recently, Mr. Martin was involved in the reorganization of his section of the Water Quality Program.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Martin served as a consultant and a contractor for approximately 25 years, during which time, he showcased his prowess in hydrogeological projects. Highly regarded in his field, he also served as a hydrogeologist at Westinghouse Idaho Nuclear and Argonne National Laboratory. In the formative stages of his career, Mr. Martin served diligently with a well drilling firm in New Jersey, contributing to the firm’s drilling of large-capacity municipal and industrial wells.
In accounting for his success, Mr. Martin credits the positive work environments in which he has participated, noting that he has felt fortunate to have had supportive supervisors who empowered him and other colleagues by allowing them the autonomy to complete tasks independently. Though he has experienced a myriad of achievements throughout his tenure, Mr. Martin is particularly proud of drafting a state waste discharge permit for a local slaughterhouse, which addressed critical wastewater management challenges.
Equipped with a goal to network with other hydrogeologists and share awareness of the importance of the field of practice, Mr. Martin emphasizes the significance of recruiting younger generations to further the enhancement of hydrogeology. Looking toward the future, he aims to eventually ease into a well-deserved retirement. However, before doing so, he is determined to further act in a consulting capacity worldwide.