“Engineering sustainable solutions that honor communities, protect resources, and redefine what is possible.”
Pio Lombardo, P.E. is a nationally recognized environmental engineer, entrepreneur, and visionary whose five-decade career has reshaped how communities across the United States understand and implement wastewater and water resource management. From the earliest stages of his professional journey, he positioned himself at the intersection of science, engineering innovation, community needs, and environmental stewardship. His work has consistently demonstrated that well-designed systems—whether technical, organizational, or ecological—can elevate public health, advance sustainability, and strengthen both local and national infrastructure.
Raised with a deep fascination for the natural world and the mechanisms that sustain it, Pio pursued a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating cum laude in 1969. He then continued his academic path at the University of Washington, earning an M.S. in Environmental/Civil Engineering in 1971—a time when environmental challenges were emerging as major national priorities. His early academic exposure to interdisciplinary problem-solving would become a hallmark of his professional identity, driving his future approach to complex environmental systems.
In 1978 driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to innovate beyond the constraints of traditional practice, Pio founded Lombardo Associates, Inc. Under his leadership, the firm grew to more than 55 employees across multiple states and became one of the nation’s most respected authorities in decentralized wastewater treatment, water quality planning, and nutrient removal technologies. His firm’s projects often began as small feasibility studies but evolved into multi-million-dollar engineering endeavors due to Pio’s ability to build trust, anticipate future challenges, and deliver exceptional results.
Over the next several decades, Pio served in influential engineering roles at leading environmental and engineering firms, including Dames & Moore, Groundwater Technology, and Wheelabrator Technologies. His rise to corporate officer and Vice President positions reflected not only his technical expertise but also his leadership capacity, business insight, and ability to guide diverse teams through multifaceted engineering challenges. During these years, he developed a national reputation for his ability to modernize legacy systems, introduce emerging technologies, and translate scientific principles into tangible, cost-effective solutions for clients and communities.
Among Pio’s most celebrated achievements is the groundbreaking Mayo, Maryland wastewater project—a 900,000 gallons-per-day treatment system incorporating constructed wetlands to achieve advanced nutrient removal. This project garnered national recognition, including the prestigious American Consulting Engineer’s Council Engineering Excellence Award, and positioned Pio as a true pioneer in integrating natural systems with engineered infrastructure. His design also included 30 miles of alternative sewers and represented one of the most comprehensive decentralized wastewater solutions in U.S. history.
Pio’s influence, however, extends far beyond individual projects. He helped shape national policy and best practices through his authorship and contributions to eight U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manuals, including foundational guidance documents on onsite wastewater management, constructed wetlands, septage treatment, and small-community wastewater planning. His co-authorship of the Water Environment Federation’s Alternative Sewer Systems Manual of Practice further cemented his status as an industry thought leader whose work would guide engineers and policymakers for decades.
A relentless innovator, Pio collaborated with internationally recognized researchers at the University of Waterloo to commercialize passive nitrogen and phosphorus removal technologies. This partnership led to the advancement of permeable reactive barriers and the development of Nitrex media—solutions that are now being used across North America to achieve state-of-the-art nutrient reduction. His systems have been installed in diverse environments, from coastal communities in New England to high-strength wastewater applications in Florida and Utah, demonstrating both versatility and scientific rigor.
Throughout his career, Pio has been committed not only to technical excellence but also to community engagement. He has worked closely with municipalities, state agencies, environmental organizations, and private developers to address pressing water quality concerns, including watershed restoration, coastal resilience, and lake eutrophication. His leadership in creating long-term wastewater and water quality improvement plans for communities such as East Hampton, Southampton, Brookfield, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, Mashpee, and Wellfleet has helped local leaders protect environmental resources while supporting sustainable economic development.
Today, after more than 50 years of shaping the environmental engineering landscape, Pio continues to bring his expertise, strategic perspective, and entrepreneurial mindset to organizations seeking meaningful impact. He is known as a “people person”—a communicator with exceptional ability to build consensus, simplify complex science for the public, and guide stakeholders toward practical, forward-looking solutions. His interest in serving on corporate boards stems from a desire to apply his decades of leadership, innovation, and strategic planning experience to help companies grow, evolve, and contribute to a sustainable future.
At his core, Pio believes deeply in the power of technology, collaboration, and thoughtful design to improve human and environmental well-being. Whether advising on emerging technologies, contributing to M&A due diligence, guiding municipalities through regulatory processes, or mentoring the next generation of engineers, he remains committed to advancing solutions that are resilient, cost-effective, and rooted in scientific integrity.
Character:
Pio demonstrates unwavering integrity in every professional role he undertakes, consistently aligning his decisions with long-term community and environmental well-being. He approaches challenges with humility, recognizing that the best solutions often emerge from collaboration and diverse perspectives. His commitment to ethical leadership has earned him deep trust among clients, colleagues, and public stakeholders.
Knowledge:
With more than five decades of hands-on experience, Pio possesses one of the industry’s most comprehensive understandings of decentralized wastewater management and environmental engineering. His authorship of EPA manuals and technical guidance documents has shaped national best practices and informed emerging technologies. He continues to expand his knowledge through ongoing research partnerships and real-world project innovations.
Strategic:
Pio brings a strategic mindset rooted in systems thinking, allowing him to anticipate regulatory, environmental, and technological shifts before they arise. He excels at transforming complex challenges into actionable roadmaps that balance innovation with practicality. His leadership has guided municipalities and organizations through multiyear, multimillion-dollar environmental initiatives with clarity and foresight.
Communication:
Known for his ability to translate technical concepts into language that resonates with diverse audiences, from scientists to community members. His communication style builds trust and ensures stakeholders feel informed and empowered throughout every project phase. He brings a calm, persuasive, and collaborative voice to public meetings, boardrooms, and advisory environments.
