Freese and Nichols Adds Viraj deSilva, Internationally Experienced Treatment Process Leader

Freese and Nichols, Inc., has added Viraj deSilva, PhD, PE, BCEE, an internationally experienced engineer, to our rapidly growing Florida team as a senior treatment process leader.

With broad-ranging expertise developed over three decades, Viraj can assist cities, counties and other entities with water and wastewater solutions, from biosolids management to PFAS treatment. In addition to project leadership roles, he has worked with vendors to improve technology and equipment, leading to more efficient processes.

His experience, developed on projects across a dozen countries, includes:

  • Wastewater treatment process design (municipal, industrial and landfill leachate)
  • Biosolids management, including anaerobic digestion and biogas enhancement
  • Water treatment process design
  • PFAS treatment and PFAS waste management
  • Environmental investigations and remediation
  • Capacity building and technology transfer for international communities

“We’re excited that Viraj can bring a special combination of practical experience and knowledge as a researcher to serving our clients as a trusted adviser,” said Trooper Smith, Freese and Nichols’ Southeast U.S. Division Manager.

“He has insights from working all over the world that can benefit our clients in the Southeast U.S. and also across all the regions we serve. His expertise on PFAS will be especially valuable as new federal regulations develop to make sure utilities are providing safe drinking water.”

Viraj is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Florida and Ohio and is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer. He has served on multiple committees of the Water Environment Federation and is Vice Director of the Landfill Management Technical Division of the Solid Waste Association of North America. He’s also a member of the American Water Works Association, American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists and Society of American Military Engineers.

He received his PhD from Northwestern University and earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Japan and Ukraine.