Sep. 16, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

BOSTON, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- GEI Consultants, Inc., one of the nation's leading geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and ecological science and engineering firms, announced today that it has been selected as an AREVA Certified Supplier by AREVA Inc., a global and U.S. nuclear power vendor and a key player in the electricity transmission and distribution sector. GEI provides geotechnical and environmental consulting services to AREVA for the infrastructure, foundations, and site work of nuclear power facilities construction.

GEI recently served as a sub-contractor to AREVA Nuclear Power (NP) for the geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations of a UniStar Nuclear Energy proposed new nuclear reactor site. Located adjacent to Constellation Energy's Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station near Oswego, New York, GEI was responsible for the geotechnical and geological characterization of the site, which included subsurface investigations for potential onshore and offshore facilities. GEI also prepared relevant portions of the Combined Operating License Application for the proposed plant.

AREVA has identified a number of U.S. and Canadian manufacturers and service providers as companies that are critical to achieve its mission in North America. Understanding that its partners are essential to the success of its projects, AREVA established the Certified Supplier initiative to support and foster strong corporate relations with a network of key firms.

To become an AREVA Certified Supplier, companies must meet a range of demanding criteria based on quality, sustainable development values and competitiveness. Other decision criteria include investment in innovation, attention to nuclear and occupational safety, and protection of the environment.

"As a leader in the nuclear power industry, AREVA is making significant contributions to our country's effort to create more clean, safe and renewable energy alternatives and to improve our energy independence well into our future," said Frank Leathers, president and chairman of the board for GEI Consultants, Inc. "We are honored to have been recognized by AREVA as a Certified Supplier and value our strategic partnership with them."

About AREVA Inc.

As the leading U.S. nuclear vendor and a key player in the electricity transmission and distribution sector, AREVA Inc.'s 6,000 U.S. energy employees are committed to serving the nation and paving the way for the future of the electricity market. With 45 locations across the nation and nearly $2 billion in energy revenues in 2008, AREVA Inc. combines U.S. leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. In the U.S. and in more than 100 countries around the world, AREVA is engaged in the 21st century's greatest challenges: making energy available to all, protecting the planet, and acting responsibly toward future generations. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

About GEI Consultants, Inc.

GEI's multi-disciplined team of engineers and scientists deliver geotechnical, environmental, integrated water resources and ecological solutions to diverse clientele nationwide. The firm has provided a broad range of consulting and engineering services on over 25,000 projects in 50 states and 22 countries. For more information, please visit the firm's web site at www.geiconsultants.com.

SOURCE GEI Consultants, Inc.