Community Environmental Service

Susan M. Parten, P.E., is a civil/environmental engineer dedicated to providing sustainable civil and environmental site planning and design services. Founded in 1992, her company, CES, specializes in the design and management of decentralized and small community wastewater treatment systems. Her passion lies in creating innovative solutions that harmonize with the environment while ensuring reliable water quality.

Ms. Parten boasts over twenty-five years of experience in wastewater system planning, design, and research, encompassing both large and small-scale projects. Her professional journey began with a focus on municipal-scale wastewater and sludge treatment facilities, expanding her expertise to encompass water resources and other related engineering consulting services.

Prior to establishing her own firm, Ms. Parten's dedication to advancing the field led her back to the University of Texas at Austin, where she worked as a research engineer in the Department of Civil Engineering. There, she dedicated herself to conducting numerous research projects on various decentralized wastewater topics. These projects encompassed a wide range of activities, from extensive literature reviews and database development to designing and monitoring treatment processes.

This hands-on research experience has been invaluable to CES, providing clients with access to cutting-edge data and recommendations tailored to specific environmental conditions. Ms. Parten is licensed as a civil engineer in both Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands, underscoring her commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional practice.

Our Services

CES offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of our diverse clientele. Our core expertise lies in the realm of decentralized and small community wastewater treatment systems, but our approach extends beyond simply addressing wastewater challenges. We strive to create sustainable solutions that integrate seamlessly with the natural environment and promote responsible resource management.

Site Evaluation, Planning & Design

At the heart of our process lies a thorough understanding of each site's unique characteristics. We meticulously evaluate soil conditions, topography, water table depths, and existing infrastructure to develop a customized plan that maximizes efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. This detailed analysis ensures that the chosen system is not only effective but also environmentally sound and cost-efficient.

Management of Decentralized Systems

CES doesn't just design systems; we ensure they operate at their optimal level. Our team provides ongoing support, including system monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance guidance. We work closely with our clients to ensure their systems function seamlessly and reliably over time, reducing the risk of costly repairs and mitigating environmental disruptions.

Sustainability Focus

We are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of our work. This commitment drives us to explore innovative solutions that minimize energy consumption, reduce water usage, and minimize environmental impact.

Our approach embraces beneficial reuse practices such as composting and treated water reuse, turning wastewater into valuable resources rather than simply a disposal concern.

We believe that sustainable wastewater systems are not only environmentally responsible but also economically sound. We strive to create long-lasting solutions that conserve resources, protect water quality, and contribute to the health and well-being of our communities.

Our Clients

From resorts and hotels to small communities, public parks, and residential developments, CES serves a diverse clientele with a shared commitment to sustainable solutions. Our experience spans a wide range of projects, allowing us to provide tailored expertise to meet the unique needs of each client. We work tirelessly to build lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and a shared vision for a healthier environment.