Acquisition of Separation Processes, Inc. by Brown and Caldwell to Enhance Membrane Technology Services

Introduction

On June 30, 2025, Brown and Caldwell, a leading engineering consulting firm specializing in water and environmental solutions across North America and the Pacific, announced the acquisition of Separation Processes, Inc. (SPI). This strategic move aims to expand and enhance Brown and Caldwell’s membrane technology expertise for water and wastewater clients, aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).

About Separation Processes, Inc. (SPI)

• Founded in 1980, SPI is an internationally recognized consulting engineering firm.
• Specializes in membrane technology and advanced processes for drinking water and wastewater purification.
• Provides comprehensive services covering project lifecycle stages: planning, pilot testing, design, construction, and full-scale operations support.

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition

Rich D’Amato, CEO of Brown and Caldwell, emphasized that the acquisition unites the exceptional talents of both firms, enhancing the holistic management of the water cycle. This collaboration supports SDG 6 by promoting sustainable water management practices and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened industry partnerships.

Advancing Membrane Technology and Sustainable Water Infrastructure

• Wendy Broley, CTO of Brown and Caldwell, highlighted membrane technology as a critical component for advancing water cycle solutions, including drinking water, reuse, wastewater, and industrial water treatment.
• The acquisition enables Brown and Caldwell to provide enhanced planning, design, construction, and operations and maintenance support for advanced membrane technologies.
• This supports SDG 9 by fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure for sustainable water services.

Integration and Expertise

SPI’s technology-focused approach integrates design and operations services, facilitating continuous improvement and operational excellence in membrane systems. SPI employees will join Brown and Caldwell’s existing water and wastewater practice areas, further strengthening capabilities in membrane technology applications.

Leadership and Future Collaboration

• James Vickers, P.E., SPI President/Owner, will serve as Membrane National Specialty Leader for Brown and Caldwell.
• He emphasized shared core values of integrity, curiosity, and empathy, which underpin the firms’ collaborative efforts to deliver advanced water treatment solutions.
• This collaboration is expected to drive innovation and practical implementation of membrane technologies, benefiting clients and communities, thereby contributing to SDG 6 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

About Brown and Caldwell

Brown and Caldwell is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, with 50 offices and over 2,400 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For more than 75 years, the firm has provided creative environmental engineering and construction services, helping municipalities, private industry, and government agencies address complex water and environmental challenges.

• Employee-owned company committed to exceeding client expectations.
• Focuses on making a positive impact on employees, communities, and the environment.
• Supports multiple SDGs through sustainable water and environmental solutions.

For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on water and wastewater treatment, membrane technology for drinking water purification, and sustainable water infrastructure, directly relating to SDG 6.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The emphasis on advanced membrane technology and engineering consulting services highlights innovation and infrastructure development.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions supporting communities with safe, sustainable water infrastructure, linking to sustainable urban development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Advanced purification and reuse of wastewater contribute to sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impact.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.1 Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • 6.3 Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and increasing recycling and safe reuse.
   • 6.4 Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals.
   • 6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.4 Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.6 Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
4. SDG 12 Targets
   • 12.5 Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 6
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (Indicator 6.1.1) – implied through focus on advanced membrane technology for drinking water.
   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated (Indicator 6.3.1) – implied by the emphasis on advanced purification and wastewater treatment.
   • Water-use efficiency (Indicator 6.4.1) – suggested by the focus on sustainable water infrastructure and reuse.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 9
   • CO2 emission per unit of value added (Indicator 9.4.1) – indirectly implied by adoption of clean technologies in water treatment infrastructure.
   • Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added (Indicator 9.5.1) – linked to membrane technology innovation.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 11
   • Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (Indicator 11.6.2) – indirectly related through improved water and waste management.
4. Indicators Related to SDG 12
   • National recycling rate, tons of material recycled (Indicator 12.5.1) – implied through wastewater reuse and reduction in waste generation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: watertechonline.com