Independent Expert Review
Disclaimer: Oko Environmental, LLC operates independently and is not affiliated with the applicant, Springfield Township, or any other parties involved in the review process. The information presented here is provided solely for educational and public awareness purposes.
Springfield Township has engaged independent environmental experts to provide technical review and consultation on the BMC/Levy mining application. These professionals bring decades of experience in geology, hydrogeology, environmental risk management, and Michigan’s mining regulatory framework to ensure that all aspects of the proposal are evaluated with scientific accuracy and objectivity.
Brian O’Mara – Agate Harbor Advisors LLC
Brian O’Mara’s firm, Agate Harbor Advisors LLC, founded in 2020, provides expert environmental consulting and litigation support focused on managing geo-environmental risks related to contaminated soil, rock, groundwater, sediments, vapor intrusion, and large-scale industrial or infrastructure projects.
With over 35 years of experience in heavy civil construction, geological engineering, hydrogeology, and environmental consulting, O’Mara specializes in soil and groundwater investigations, remediation, due diligence, risk assessment, and the management of environmental liabilities across thousands of industrial and commercial properties. His firm advises owners, attorneys, investors, regulators, governments, and environmental organizations on environmental risks and impacts, helping clients make informed decisions and develop effective risk-management strategies.
Brian O’Mara is an exceptional fit for Springfield Township’s review process because he brings the precise technical expertise needed to evaluate complex mining and groundwater interactions. His experience in both field investigation and litigation support ensures a thorough understanding of the scientific, regulatory, and legal dimensions of environmental review. With a balanced approach that integrates technical rigor, regulatory knowledge, and real-world project experience, Mr. O’Mara provides the Township with a credible, independent perspective to ensure that environmental and hydrogeologic risks associated with the proposed mining project are thoroughly and objectively assessed.
For more information, visit Agate Harbor’s website: https://agateharbor.com/
Mike Wilczynski – Pangea Environmental LLC
Mike Wilczynski, Professional Geologist and founder of Pangea Environmental LLC, brings decades of experience in geology, hydrogeology, and environmental assessment across Michigan. A former senior geologist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now EGLE), Mike has dedicated his career to understanding how mining, groundwater, and land use intersect. His work focuses on responsible mining practices, emphasizing the need for strong local oversight and community involvement in permitting and environmental review. Mike has written and spoken extensively on the “Very Serious Consequences” standard in Michigan’s zoning law and how aggregate mining can affect groundwater, wetlands, and nearby residents. His expertise spans soil and groundwater contamination, site investigations, and the geological processes that shape Michigan’s landscape. Through Pangea Environmental, Mike provides clear, science-based insight to help communities, local governments, and decision-makers evaluate mining proposals, protect natural resources, and balance development with long-term environmental sustainability.
Mike Wilczynski is an excellent fit for Springfield Township because he combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of Michigan’s unique geology and mining laws. As a Certified Professional Geologist and former state geologist with EGLE, Mike has firsthand experience evaluating how sand and gravel operations interact with groundwater, wetlands, and surface ecosystems. His knowledge of the Very Serious Consequences standard—the legal test used in Michigan to determine whether a mine poses unacceptable harm—makes him uniquely qualified to guide the township through both the scientific and regulatory complexities of the review process. Mike’s work emphasizes responsible mining and community engagement, ensuring that environmental data, hydrologic systems, and public concerns are all considered in decision-making. With his balanced, science-driven approach, Mike provides Springfield Township with a credible and independent perspective to protect its natural resources while supporting informed, transparent governance.
Below is a small collection of Mike Wilczynski’s published articles, interviews, and speaking engagements. This list is not all-inclusive but highlights a range of his contributions to public education, professional dialogue, and policy discussions surrounding geology, hydrogeology, and responsible mining in Michigan. These resources reflect his ongoing commitment to helping communities and decision-makers better understand the environmental, scientific, and regulatory dimensions of aggregate mining and land-use planning.
- “Permitting Aggregate Mines under Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act” (January 24, 2022)
- “Permitting Aggregate Mines in Michigan Poses Very Serious Consequences” (March 30, 2022)
- “A retired state geologist on helping communities review…” (January 16, 2023)
- “Concerned local citizens hold gravel mining forum in Charlevoix” (October 27, 2023)
- “Local control threat: The implications of mining fight” (September 27, 2022)
- “MLSA attends Gravel Mining Educational Session in Southeast Michigan”
- “The Driller Newscast: Responsible Mining and Land Use: A Geologist’s Perspective” (July 24, 2023)
••• Facts Over Influence: The Power of Independent Research •••
Independent research means gathering and analyzing information without outside influence, pressure, or bias. It relies on verified data, sound scientific methods, and professional judgment to reach conclusions based on evidence rather than opinion. In this process, it is important that science leads the investigation—not individuals or organizations who may be subject to bias or external interests. By allowing objective science to guide decision-making, communities can ensure that findings are accurate, transparent, and focused on protecting both the environment and the public’s well-being.