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Business Details
47 Years
experience
Trusted Civil Engineering & Surveying in Hanover, MA
Since 1979, Merrill Engineers & Land Surveyors has been a trusted leader in civil engineering and land surveying across Massachusetts. Founded by Robert C. Merrill, our firm now led by President Joshua M. Bows, P.E., combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver tailored solutions for complex projects. Our team of licensed engineers, surveyors, and technicians specializes in land use planning, site design, environmental permitting, and construction phase services, serving utility, commercial, residential, marine, industrial, and municipal clients.

We pride ourselves on personalized service, having guided thousands of projects from concept to completion while maintaining a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community stewardship. Our expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks ensures efficient permitting processes, while our in-house survey division guarantees precision and timeliness. Recognized for excellence across New England, we remain dedicated to transforming visions into reality through thoughtful planning and technical excellence.
Services
Land Use Planning Site Assessments Civil/Site Design Land Surveying Environmental Permitting Construction Management Utility Services Marine Engineering Residential Development Municipal Projects
Details
  • Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 45 years of experience in civil engineering and land surveying across New England.
  • Our in-house survey division ensures precision and timely project delivery.
  • We specialize in navigating complex permitting processes with state and federal agencies.
  • Our team includes licensed engineers, surveyors, and technicians with advanced technical training.
  • We maintain a legacy of community involvement and client-focused service since 1979.
What people say
Responsive and precise work Expertise and problem-solving skills High standards and ethics Seamless process Cost-effective solutions
Services
Land Surveying
Merrill's in-house land surveying division provides certified plot plans, ALTA title surveys, boundary determinations, and topographic mapping for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Utilizing GPS systems and robotic stations, we ensure precision for subdivisions, construction layout, and legal documentation. Our licensed surveyors deliver accurate data to support financing, permitting, and development decisions.
Civil/Site Design
Our civil engineers create compliant site designs for commercial and residential developments, including stormwater management, grading, and utility coordination. We specialize in navigating zoning regulations and environmental protections to optimize land use while meeting client goals. Services cover conceptual layouts through construction documentation and public hearing representation.
Environmental Permitting
Merrill manages environmental permitting for wetlands, waterways, and state/federal regulations. We prepare filings for the Massachusetts DEP, Army Corps of Engineers, and local boards, ensuring projects meet ecological standards. Our team handles wetland delineations, erosion controls, and remediation plans to streamline approvals for sustainable development.
Land Use Planning
We conduct land use studies and feasibility assessments to evaluate development potential, including zoning reviews and regulatory analysis. Our planners develop conceptual designs and presentation materials to support permitting applications, helping clients maximize property value while adhering to legal requirements for residential, industrial, and municipal projects.
Construction Phase Services
Merrill supports construction projects with layout verification, as-built documentation, and compliance monitoring. Our team provides on-site coordination, quality assurance, and regulatory oversight to ensure designs translate accurately into built environments. Services span residential subdivisions, commercial infrastructure, and municipal improvements from groundbreaking to final inspections.
People
Joshua M. Bows
President
Joshua Bows has led Merrill since 2013, managing civil engineering and surveying projects from concept to completion. A UMass Amherst graduate, he combines technical expertise with business innovation while maintaining hands-on involvement in client service and operations.
Douglas L. Aaberg
Director of Training
With 40+ years of experience, Douglas Aaberg oversees survey operations and technological advancement. A registered land surveyor in Massachusetts and Colorado, he specializes in boundary resolution, subdivisions, and construction layout for commercial and municipal clients.
Deborah W. Keller
Director of Engineering
Deborah Keller leads engineering services with 22+ years of expertise in site design and permitting. A registered engineer, she manages projects from feasibility studies through construction administration, focusing on stormwater management and environmental compliance for residential and commercial developments.
Deana Boumitri
Director of Land Survey, Plymouth
Deana Boumitri manages the Plymouth survey division with 24 years of experience. A dual-certified professional engineer and land surveyor, she integrates surveying precision with engineering design to support complex projects requiring multidisciplinary coordination and technical accuracy.
Thomas A. Pozerski
Director of Marine Division
Tom Pozerski directs marine engineering services with 31 years of military and civilian experience. A LEED-certified engineer, he specializes in coastal permitting, hydrological analysis, and federal agency coordination for marine infrastructure projects across Massachusetts.
Questions
What services does Merrill offer?
Merrill provides civil engineering, land surveying, environmental permitting, site planning, and construction management for commercial, residential, and industrial projects.
Do you handle both commercial and residential projects?
Yes, we serve commercial, residential, industrial, municipal, and marine sectors with tailored engineering and surveying solutions.
How long has Merrill been in business?
Merrill has operated since 1979, providing engineering and surveying services across Massachusetts for over 45 years.
Do you provide environmental permitting assistance?
Yes, we manage wetland delineations, state/federal filings, and regulatory compliance for environmental permitting processes.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Massachusetts, including the South Shore, Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Hanover regions.
How can I request a consultation?
Contact us at 781-826-9200 or visit our website to discuss your project with a Merrill engineering or surveying professional.