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How can municipalities address emerging contaminant concerns in biosolids?
Meet Drew Mearns. With decades of experience across every stage of the biosolids lifecycle, Drew supports operators and clients in managing waste and gasification technologies. His knowledge drives sustainable reuse and smarter operations.
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With over three decades in environmental services and a singular focus on biosolids management, Drew has become a trusted leader in one of the most challenging areas of the wastewater industry. As a biosolids specialist for Jacobs’ wastewater operations portfolio, he combines technical know-how, strategic insight and practical solutions to guide an industry that continues to evolve and struggles with increasing disposal costs and emerging contaminant concerns.
Get to know Drew
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30
years of experience in residuals management
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20
years as youth coach for an under 15 elite travel lacrosse team
A career built on residuals and results
Drew’s decades-long journey in the biosolids field includes leadership roles at some of the nation’s largest residual management firms specializing in biosolids and industrial sludge. This history and knowledge connect him to a unique group of people who have a specialized skill set for solving biosolids challenges.
With this diverse experience — from dewatering and disposal to beneficial reuse and Class A marketing — Drew has established himself in every facet of the biosolids lifecycle. His philosophy is straightforward: apply best practices while driving efficiency. Whether it’s optimizing field surveys for pre-operational planning or developing creative reuse strategies for dredge materials, Drew’s approach is always rooted in measurable, real-world results.
Business acumen meets environmental expertise
With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Delaware, Drew translates complex processes into strategic opportunities. His background enables him to clearly communicate the value of biosolids programs to various stakeholders — from municipal clients to consulting engineers. Combining practical field knowledge with strong analytical skills, he has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in residuals management operations.
Looking ahead
As Jacobs continues to expand its biosolids capabilities, Drew is playing a central role in shaping the future, from implementing best practices in daily operations to planning biosolids thermal treatment processes. His vision emphasizes smarter operations, sustainable reuse and building relationships that strengthen the industry as a whole.
“Across North America, wastewater plants face mounting pressure to do more with less. What I bring is a boots-on-the-ground understanding of biosolids operations, paired with a strategic lens that helps facilities turn challenges into opportunities, or at least deliver the most cost-effective practical solution.”
Drew Mearns
