Shreeram Shrivastava

President & CEO

Larsen Engineers

Years in current role: 55

What personal or professional environmental effort are you most proud of?

I started the Environmental Engineering practice at Larsen in 1969. This was before the formation of EPA or the start of the Earth Day movement. We became involved in developing civil infrastructure work to design water and wastewater treatment plants, solid waste management landfills, and stormwater management to prevent flooding. We served many municipalities and protected Honeoye Lake with a wastewater collection and treatment system. As global climate change issues came to the forefront we also focused on renewable energy and sustainable development. A noteworthy project was the achievement of energy independence by the town of Williamson with a 1.5 MW solar system on top of their closed landfill in 2015, which won the Environmental Excellence Award from NYSDEC.

What are you most optimistic about regarding the Rochester region’s approach to environmental issues?

Monroe County and the city of Rochester are the leaders in dealing with wastewater and stormwater management. The construction of stormwater storage tunnels under the city to prevent the overflow of combined sewage into the Genesee River was a great achievement. Building regional treatment plants and interceptor sewers was a major effort that eliminated small treatment plants under the Pure Waters program. We were part of teams that designed and constructed these facilities. We were part of the team that developed the climate action plan for Monroe County that is now being implemented to reduce our carbon footprint and implement energy conservation and renewable energy generation projects. Roc the Riverway and the development of High Falls Park will transform our community.

What are you most concerned about regarding the Rochester region’s approach to environmental issues?

Rochester’s Genesee River section and waterfalls located from High Falls to the Charlotte area at Lake Ontario are great natural assets that played a key role in the past development of the city and our Greater Rochester region. Protecting the water quality of the Genesee River and Lake Ontario waterfront is critical to the economic development of the future. Our NYS Leaders must recognize the value of the river and invest in preserving its water quality. Many communities, large farms, and industrial-commercial facilities are along the river that drains stormwater into the Genesee River. Natural and manmade activities result in the discharge of nutrients and sediments from the eroded banks of the river. We must act to achieve clean water in the river to enhance people’s experiences.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to make a difference in addressing environmental issues?

Get involved and support local environmental organizations with actions and funding support. Treat our natural assets with respect and support programs that implement practical climate-smart solutions.

What is your favorite outdoor activity in the Rochester area?

It is probably golfing and recreation at our parks and trails connected to the beautiful Finger Lakes area.

This profile is part of our Power List for Environmental Leaders for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.