Our people
Dustin Morin Market Lead, Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation
Mario Bianchin Director of Mine Water Management, Mining & Energy
RESPEC Welcomes Dustin Morin as AML Market Lead
We are pleased to announce that Dustin Morin has joined RESPEC as the new Market Lead for Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation. With more than 20 years of experience in environmental reclamation and mine land restoration, Dustin offers valuable insights and hands-on expertise that support RESPEC’s efforts to develop effective and lasting solutions.
Before joining state service, Dustin worked as a technical science consultant and project manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team where he led emergency response, assessment, and remediation efforts, including one of Alabama’s largest contamination removal projects at the former Gulf States Steel facility. His work also included responding to major environmental disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, where he played a key role in site assessment and remediation efforts. His leadership ensured compliance with federal and state environmental regulations, contributing to the safe restoration of contaminated lands.
In 2012, Dustin transitioned to state service with the Alabama AML Program, where he rose through the ranks to become the State Mine Land Reclamation Supervisor and later the Mining and Reclamation Division Director. In these roles, he managed federal AML grants, led regulatory compliance efforts, and helped shape national policy through his leadership in the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs. He also provided expert training in mine reclamation, wetland awareness, and mine gas safety.
Dustin’s dedication to environmental stewardship, regulatory excellence, and collaboration with state and federal partners makes him a perfect fit for RESPEC.
“I’m excited to join RESPEC’s AML team and leverage my experience to help restore our nation’s lands and waters impacted by legacy mining,” said Dustin.
Outside of work, Dustin and his wife, Veronica, enjoy outdoor adventures with their son, Jake, and cheering on Auburn University football. Please join us in welcoming him to RESPEC!
Mario Bianchin Joins RESPEC as Director of Mine Water Management
Mario Bianchin has joined RESPEC as the new Director of Mine Water Management. With more than 35 years of experience in environmental engineering and mine water solutions, Mario brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to innovation that will support our clients’ needs in the mining industry.
In his new role, Mario will lead our mine water management services, ensuring effective planning, design, and implementation of water solutions for mining operations. He holds degrees in chemical engineering, hydrogeology, and geochemistry and has spent his career tackling complex water challenges. Mario’s expertise covers a wide range of water management strategies, from managing wastewater treatment projects in Ontario to leading major research and reclamation efforts.
Recently, he has focused on creating flexible mine water plans, treating contaminants like oxyanions and metals, and developing reclamation strategies for coal mine sites in Canada. Mario believes the future of responsible mining relies on innovative water solutions and has worked on groundbreaking projects, such as studying groundwater flows and developing specialized tools for better water sampling and treatment. He is looking forward to working with our team to develop fresh ideas and practical solutions for water challenges in mining.
Tabetha Stirrett, Vice President of Mining and Energy, shared her excitement about Mario’s addition to the team: “With Mario’s proven track record of innovation and his passion for driving change in mine water management, we are thrilled to have him as part of our team.”