NORWOOD, MA…ISSUED MAY 24, 2011…GZA GeoEnvironmental , Inc., has been recently retained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct assessment reports on the dam integrity of 17 nationwide coal ash impoundment facilities.  GZA is one of several firms under contract with the EPA that are experts in the field of dam integrity to conduct on-site structural assessments of the coal ash impoundments and ponds at electric utilities; the evaluations are in response to concerns regarding the structural integrity of impoundments where coal ash waste is stored.  The reports to be released by the EPA are based on a visual assessment of sites, interviews with site personnel and the review of geotechnical evaluations and studies related to the design, construction and operation of the impoundments.  "We are proud of our key role in this significant EPA project," said William R. Beloff, President and CEO of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.  "The assessment reports we will conduct for the EPA will reflect the best professional judgment of our specialists and supply the necessary input to assess the structural safety of coal ash waste facilities."