History
Our History
1940s — With the formation of the partnership, the firm grows a local client base, designing important water infrastructure projects throughout New England.
In 1949, the firm expanded beyond New England and wins a pollution abatement report project on the Clarion River in Pennsylvania.
1950s – Using new, innovative technology to deliver excellent results, CDM’s reputation expands beyond New England.
In 1959, we designed the first dual-media, multiple-tray water treatment plant establishing the firm as a water-treatment innovator and leader.
1960s – We win our first international contract in Colombia, taking the firm outside of the United States.
In 1965, the firm became the public health engineering consultant for East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, establishing the firm in the international arena.
1970s – In 1973, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) retained the firm to prepare the country’s first comprehensive guidelines and subsequent updates for design, construction and operation of U.S. water pollution control facilities.
Over the next few years, we made several acquisitions that expanded our footprint in New York and Florida.
1980s – The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act – commonly known as Superfund – created a trust fund through a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries and established a federal authority for the cleanup of hazardous waste sites.
In 1985, CDM Federal Programs Corporation was created to work with the EPA and other federal agencies.
1990s – We completed several acquisitions that extended our services in the west and in Germany.
In 1999, we commenced the largest single-season asbestos screening study in the U.S., helping the EPA restore a 180-square-mile community polluted with asbestos in Libby, Montana.
2000s – In 2005, the firm responded to Hurricane Katrina by assessing damage to wastewater treatment plants, collection and distribution systems, and aiding in recovery and protection against future natural disasters.
In 2009, following the devastating earthquake in Pakistan, the firm provided design-build services for 61 earthquake-resistant schools, 16 health centers and seven university improvements.
2010s – In 2011, the firm provided design-build services for a sustainable LEED-Gold facility that supports more than 2,000 Dept. of Defense personnel at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
In 2011, CDM and Wilbur Smith Associates - a successful transportation and infrastructure firm in South Carolina - joined forces to become CDM Smith, a leading global consulting, engineering, construction, and operations firm of more than 5,000 professionals delivering integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities.