Bill Coughlin, the heart and soul of our company, was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. His values were shaped by family, history, analysis, laughter, and respect. As a grandson of Irish immigrants in a steel town, he learned the value of a strong work ethic and seeing a job to completion.
Throughout his life, Bill has built on these principles with every adventure he has embarked on. He has found purpose in working with nature, rather than against it.
Today, Bill resides in Ridgway, CO with his wife Kristine and their two sons, Liam and Keegan. He cherishes spending as much time as possible in nature with his family.
From the spirit of the mountains and mesas to the stories between the Great Lakes and Plains, and from quiet local creeks to the mightiest curves on the Colorado, Bill believes that there is always more to learn and understand. He invites you to connect with him and embark on this journey together.
WSW began in 1999 as Bill’s vision to apply his knowledge and experience to solving real-world issues.
Bill grew up close to the Love Canal catastrophe, which gave him his career objective. Subsequently, Bill worked on contaminant studies in the Great Lakes, analysis of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and hydrologic analysis of the effects of global warming in the Arctic.
Bill's passion has since been to work at resolving negative, man-made alterations to our environment into positive, functional solutions. He sees WSW’s niche as an all-encompassing restoration company that seeks always to replicate nature in restoring balance.
Copyright © 2026 Western Stream Works - All Rights Reserved.
Stream Restoration & Mine Reclamation - Project Design & Permit Procurement - Hydrologic Monitoring & Analysis
Certifications:
Stream Restoration Specialist: WSW awarded Federal recognition, based on experience and quantity of successful stream projects, which was required to be selected to oversee the largest Consent Decree Stream Project in Guam, which was challenged by hurricanes within coral substrate in remote Oceana. WSW applies fluvial geomorphology within stream channel designs and completes successful construction design-building improvements during project completion.
US Army Corps of Engineers: Stream Restoration Consultant, WSW uniquely qualified to Design, Procure Nationwide Permits, to build by actively manage and operate required equipment within permit compliance, to vegetate and to monitor project success within Army Corps Standards under the Clean Water Act.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Wetland Delineator and designated Wetland Scientist, uniquely qualified to design and build required wetland mitigation or wetland creation projects.
MSHA: Underground and Surface, Mining Safety and Health Administration Certification, required for performing services as a Hydrologist underground within active mine locations.
HAZWOPER Hazardous Material and OSHA related Certification
State of Colorado, Certified Industrial Wastewater Operator
State of Colorado, Certified Potable and Distribution Operator
State of Colorado, Certified Professional Erosion Control Specialist and Inspector
State of Colorado, Certification to write SWMP: Stormwater Management Plans
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.