A Call our Environmental Team Will Never Forget
In environmental permitting and infrastructure planning, unexpected challenges come with the job. But for Tyler Spear, a call he received on a cold December morning in 2024 was unlike anything he had experienced before.
Tyler had been with Hope Gas for two years at the time and brought prior experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance to the role. Throughout his career, he had worked on complex projects, navigated environmental requirements, and managed unexpected issues in the field. Yet what happened in Montgomery, West Virginia, was something entirely different.
"I've never encountered anything like this before,” Tyler recalled.
The call came from Project Manager Andre Layfield, who informed Tyler that a construction crew working on a Hope Gas project had uncovered what appeared to be human remains.
What happened next would become a powerful example of teamwork, stewardship, and doing the right thing, ultimately earning the Hope Gas team national recognition and the 2026 American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) Industry Award Private Sector.
A Clear Response
For Tyler, the next steps were immediate and clear.
“I always tell crews that if you find something unusual, stop working immediately and call me,” he said.
That guidance exists for a reason. Whether it’s an environmental concern, an archaeological resource, or something entirely unexpected, awareness and training are critical to ensuring projects are completed safely, responsibly, and in compliance with applicable regulations.
As soon as the discovery was reported, work stopped. The team's focus then shifted from keeping the project moving, to ensuring the proper process was followed.
The project team then notified the WV State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), local authorities, and archaeological experts from GAI Consultants, Inc. What initially appeared to be a potentially serious situation required careful investigation and coordination before any work could continue.
As experts investigated the site, it became clear that the remains were not associated with a recent incident or criminal activity. Instead, the discovery revealed something far more significant: an ancient Native American burial site.
The finding was both unexpected and sobering.
The Montgomery project was located within a well-established neighborhood surrounded by existing homes, roads, utility infrastructure, and decades of development.
For Tyler and the Hope Gas team, the path forward was about doing what was right. "It was always about doing the right thing," says Tyler.
Protecting cultural resources is an important responsibility for infrastructure development. While utility projects are designed to serve communities and support growth, they must also respect the history, heritage, and people who came before us.
The discovery required patience, collaboration, and a willingness to listen and learn.
Building Relationships and Seeking Guidance
As the significance of the site became clear, Hope Gas worked closely with native tribal representatives to determine the most respectful path forward.
The effort eventually took Tyler and Andre to Miami, Oklahoma, where they met with representatives from several tribal nations to discuss the discovery and identify the next steps together.
For Tyler and the Hope Gas team, the experience to Oklahoma was one of the most meaningful parts of the process.
Rather than approaching the situation solely through a regulatory and infrastructure lens, the meetings provided an opportunity for all parties to better understand the cultural and historical significance of the discovery.
The conversations were thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative.
“We had great meetings with the tribes,” Tyler said. “There was a lot of mutual respect and we learned so much.”
The experience also provided valuable learning opportunities for the Hope Gas team. Through honest dialogue and open communication, relationships were established that continue to inform how the company approaches cultural resources management and inadvertent discoveries today.
"Hope Gas requested an in-person meeting in which they traveled to our tribal office in Oklahoma. It is not very often that we encounter a company that willingly works with tribes and Hope Gas never hesitated to include us on this project," said Tonya Tipton, Tribal Historical Preservation Office, Shawnee Tribe.
A Collaborative Effort
One of the reasons the project ultimately succeeded is because no single individual or organization tried to solve the challenge alone.
This was a collaborative effort focused on stewardship, respect, and responsibility from start to finish.
Hope Gas worked alongside GAI Consultants, Inc., WV SHPO, tribal nations, local authorities, and other stakeholders throughout the entire process.
Additional tools and expertise were brought in to support the investigation, including cadaver dog teams and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys. These efforts helped better understand the site and guide decisions regarding how to proceed safely and respectfully.
Every decision was made with care and consideration for both the cultural significance of the discovery and the responsibilities associated with the project.
The experience reinforced an important lesson: successful infrastructure development depends not only on engineering and construction expertise, but also on effective partnerships and a commitment to listening to all involved.
Ultimately, the tribal leaders helped guide decisions regarding the proper handling and final resting place of the remains.
Following consultation and coordination with tribal representatives, the remains were respectfully relocated to a permanent resting place within the Monongahela National Forest, where they would not be disturbed again.
The decision reflected a shared commitment to preservation, dignity, and respect.
For everyone involved, the goal remained the same from the beginning: ensure that those who came before us were treated with the care and consideration they deserve.
While the discovery temporarily changed the course of the project, it also created an opportunity to demonstrate values that extend beyond construction work.
Recognition on a National Scale
In recognition of his leadership throughout the process, Hope Gas was selected to receive the 2026 ACRA Industry Award – Private Sector.
The award recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the responsible stewardship of cultural resources while navigating complex development projects.
For Tyler, the recognition is appreciated, but he is quick to emphasize that the award reflects the efforts of many people and is ultimately a team effort.
From field crews who immediately reported the discovery, to project leaders, regulators, archaeologists, tribal representatives, and support teams, the outcome was the result of countless individuals working together toward a common goal.
The recognition also reflects Hope Gas’ commitment to conducting business the right way, even when doing so requires additional time, coordination, and resources.
"This recognition reflects Hope's unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, serving our customers, and upholding the high standards we set for ourselves every day," says Lynne Rhode, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Hope Gas. "I am incredibly proud of Tyler, Joe, and others' leadership and dedication, and this award is a testament not only to my team's contributions, but to the culture of accountability, integrity, and excellence that drives Hope forward."
Looking Ahead
The lessons learned from the Montgomery discovery continue to shape how Hope Gas approaches future projects.
The experience reinforced the value of clear communication, stakeholder engagement, employee training, and comprehensive inadvertent discovery planning. It also strengthened relationships, built new ones, and improved processes that will help guide future responses should similar situations ever arise.
For Tyler, the experience was never about receiving an award. It was about ensuring his team did what was right. The discovery tested the team's processes, judgement, and commitment to its values. By approaching the situation with respect, transparency, and care, they demonstrated what it means to live out Hope's values of Faith, Family, and Integrity, and to always do the next right thing.
In the end, the recognition serves as a reminder that success is not measured only by projects completed or miles of pipeline installed. Sometimes, it is measured by how you respond when the unexpected happens and by your willingness to stop, listen, learn, and always do the right thing.