Verdantas Expands Midwest Remediation and Brownfield Redevelopment Capabilities with Acquisition of Environmental Protection Industries

Verdantas, a prominent player in digitally enabled technical consulting for environmental, water, and energy transition markets, has announced its acquisition of Environmental Protection Industries (EPI), a full-service environmental consulting and remediation firm based in South Holland, Illinois. The deal, finalized on July 30, 2026, enhances Verdantas' capabilities in remediation and brownfield redevelopment, particularly in the Midwest region, including key markets in Illinois and Chicago. While the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition is expected to significantly bolster Verdantas' operational footprint and service offerings.

Founded over 30 years ago, EPI has established itself as a trusted partner for both public and private sector clients throughout the Great Lakes region. The firm specializes in addressing complex, environmentally challenged sites, particularly in urban and industrial settings. EPI's integrated delivery model, which combines environmental investigation, remediation, and geotechnical engineering, has been successfully applied to more than 100 redevelopment projects. This approach not only streamlines project execution but also enhances cost certainty and reduces risk for clients navigating the complexities of regulatory environments.

The acquisition of EPI aligns with Verdantas' strategic objectives to deepen its technical capabilities and expand its geographic reach. Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas, emphasized that EPI's expertise in complex remediation and brownfield redevelopment complements Verdantas' existing services, enabling the firm to provide comprehensive support across the entire project lifecycle. The leadership team at EPI will continue to operate the business post-acquisition, collaborating closely with Verdantas to leverage their integrated redevelopment expertise in new markets.

This transaction highlights ongoing trends within the environmental consulting sector, where firms are increasingly seeking to enhance their service offerings through strategic acquisitions. The combination of Verdantas and EPI is expected to create a more robust platform capable of addressing the growing demand for environmental remediation services, particularly as urban redevelopment projects continue to rise in complexity and scale. Clients of both companies are likely to benefit from the expanded expertise and regional coverage resulting from this merger.

Looking ahead, the broader market implications of this acquisition suggest a continued consolidation trend in the environmental consulting industry. As regulatory pressures increase and the need for sustainable redevelopment solutions becomes more pronounced, firms that can integrate diverse capabilities and provide comprehensive services are likely to gain a competitive advantage. The combined strengths of Verdantas and EPI position them well to capitalize on these opportunities, ultimately fostering a more resilient and sustainable future in the environmental sector.