The 2023 Schedule is currently in development. Please check back for updates.
For reference, please see the 2022 Schedule below.
Wednesday 24 Aug 2022
DAY 1
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM : Breakout Session 1
1.1 Okefenokee Destiny Workshop
Room 11
The Okefenokee Destiny film explores “the Trembling Earth” - a place like no other in the world. It’s the largest intact blackwater wetland North America and is on track to be our nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee. It is also at the heart of an economically depressed region and is threatened by a proposed mine. Okefenokee Swamp scientists and managers will interact with the audience to explore how can the Okefenokee be conserved for future generations and what lessons we can learn from the Everglades to keep from repeating our past mistakes. A panel discussion and Q&A will follow the screening of the film. Panelists: Michael Lusk, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; Kim Bednarek, Okefenokee Swamp Park & Adventures; Rena Ann Peck, Georgia River Network; Rep. Ron Stephens, sponsor of Okefenokee Protection Act Bill
1.2 NEPA Is Not a Four Letter Word: Surviving the NEPA Process On Renewable Energy Projects
Room 7/8
Using recent solar projects as case studies, presenters will provide guidance on lessons learned regarding navigating (or avoiding) the NEPA process as well as other non-NEPA challenges. Moderator: Jesse Brown, Burns & McDonnell; Speakers: Robyn Susemihl, Burns & McDonnell; Jonathan Wells, KMCL Law
1.4 Engineering With Nature: A Regional Update on Resiliency and Restoration
Room 4/5
Panelists will discuss the following: Resiliency pathways involving multiple “players” to align efforts – P3s – funding accessibility and constraints – beneficial use efforts statewide including partnerships – EWN proposals (Jekyll & AIWW – Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway); An overview of resiliency work - Georgia Thin layer placement project – living shoreline state projects – EWN living shoreline project – flood literacy project; Florida’s new Resilient Florida program which standardizes coastal vulnerability assessments and provides funding for planning and project implementation, three waterfront park resiliency projects in Florida and how they got funded – Currie Park (West Palm Beach), The Bay at Sarasota (City of Sarasota), Jose Marti Park (City of Miami); New statewide efforts including FDOT planning for future water levels. Moderator: Patrick Krechowski; Speakers: Kim Garvey, Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Jan Mackinnon, Georgia DNR; Danielle Irwin, Cummins Cederberg
1.5 Challenges with Collecting Solid Waste
Room 9/10
Solid Waste collection is the sixth most dangerous job in the United States. Explore how to make it safer and how to retain and attract new employees in these challenging times. This session will include speakers from Athens-Clarke County and other Municipalities. Moderator: Suki Jannsen, Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste; Matt Dolan, Columbus Consolidated Government; TBD, City of Atlanta
1.6 EPA Air and Radiation Division Update
Room 1/2
EPA Region 4 Air and Radiation Division Update. Speaker: Terry Johnson, EPA Region 4
1.7 Environmental Due Diligence: Advanced Due Diligence and Other Considerations
Ben Porter Salon
Environmental due diligence (EDD) can often include additional components in addition to the standard Phase I Assessment to streamline the overall transaction process, be more comprehensive and therefore protective of the client’s risk/liability, and improve the client’s bottom line to ultimately help facilitate the transaction. As part of large portfolio transactions with dozens of complex facilities and potentially thousands of documents to review and sites to visit, a strategic due diligence approach can be designed and implemented to efficiently navigate the complexities of reviewing a larger portfolio in the typically narrow time window presented in today’s business climate. The EDD process can be augmented with EHSS Compliance Reviews, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Assessments. Teams equipped with the knowledge and understanding of EHS Compliance, Management Systems, and ESG matters can allow for not only the recognition of broader EHS conditions, but the ability to provide clients with early identification of risks and solutions to be deployed following acquisition. Such a team working with the client and counsel can complete an Environmental Liability Valuation (ELV) utilizing appropriate ASTM methodology 2137-17. ELV employs statistical, probabilistic modeling, and financial forecasting to identify the most likely fair market value to effectively mitigate the encountered environmental issue(s), which can then be incorporated as part of the transaction negotiation process. The panel of technical, legal, financial, and industry experts will explore these advanced environmental due diligence and liability management challenges. Moderator: John Hollar, Geosyntec; James (Jamie) Evans, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC); Brooke Dickerson, Arnall Golden Gregory; Steven Aufdenkampe, Norfolk Southern
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM : Breakout Session 2
2.1 Golf Course BMPs
Room 3
The Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America (GCSAA) created a BMP template for individual states to use in the process of creating BMPs for golf courses around the country. GCSAA has completed the State BMPs for Georgia covering 12 different focus areas for golf courses in Georgia. The goal of GCSAA is to have golf courses in Georgia not only adopt the BMPs, but possibly obtain a certification of understanding through a testing process. Our presentation will discuss the successes of these efforts. Moderator: Cliff Lewis, Georgia DNR; Speakers: Scott Griffith, UGA Golf Course; Chris Steigelman, Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association; Mark Johnson, GCSAA; Gary Hawkins, UGA
2.2 The Path to Net Zero: Sustainability and Decarbonization in the Energy Industry
Room 11
Utility representatives will share their strategies and initiatives for reaching net zero carbon goals by 2050. Moderator: Tara McCullen, Burns & McDonnell; Speakers: Greg Jones, Southern Company Gas; Wilson Mallard, Georgia Power
2.3 PFAS Litigation Panel
Room 7/8
This will be an interactive panel discussing PFAS litigation trends, the impact of upcoming EPA regulations, and the ongoing PFAS cases in Rome, Georgia, involving the carpet industry. Also, the panel will focus on the role of the consultant in evaluating PFAS data in litigation. Moderator: John Spinrad, Arnall Golden Gregory; Speakers: David Marmins, Arnall Golden Gregory; Morgan Harrison, Arnall Golden Gregory; Elizabeth Denly, TRC
2.4 Removing Barriers and Restoring Streams: Public and Private Drivers and Approaches
Room 4/5
Join experts in dam and other stream barrier removal, watershed management, and stream engineering and restoration for a discussion on the many drivers, approaches, challenges, risks, and benefits of removing obsolete structures and restoring impacted streams and rivers. This complex and highly regulated process often involves coordination between public and multiple private landowners, regulatory agencies, engineers and scientists, and various other stakeholders. The speakers will discuss and present case studies from the local government, NGO, and private sector perspectives highlighting the funding, coordination, permitting and engineering challenges of these projects. The panel will also explore the ecological benefits of these projects as well as their use in restoration for mitigating new development related impacts. Moderator: Stephen Bailey, Pond; Speakers: Heather Gacek, Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources; Sara Gottlieb, The Nature Conservancy; Will Rector, Pond
2.5 Brownfield Site Disposition Strategy Plans: A Tool to Drive Development
Ben Porter Salon
The disposition strategy funded by EPA Brownfield Grants is a planning tool designed to break the “hoarder” cycle. As an example, Harney County Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant funds are being used to establish the highest and best use of the in-town two-acre Lincoln School site. The developers RFQ will solicit interest from commercial, residential, and mixed used developers interested in revitalizing the existing historic school building, and in constructing housing that will attract professional workers. Legal aspects and key laws in Georgia related to disposition strategy plans, development authority laws and other local government limitations, and procurement will also be discussed. Additionally, Public-Private-Partnerships (P3s) and bond for title strategies will be covered as tools that may relate to disposition strategies in Georgia. Moderator: Sam Urban, Stantec; Speaker: Rebecca Davis, Seyfarth
2.6 CCR Updates/Beneficial Reuse
Room 9/10
This session will present concepts and case studies on the beneficial reuse of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR). Moderator: Brett Mitchell, Georgia Power; Speakers: Don Fuller, Stantec; Gabe Lang, AECOM; Eric Tlachac, Ramboll
2.7 Stories From the Frontline of Zero-waste Innovation and Responsible Landfilling
Room 1/2
Zero waste makes intuitive sense. But how do we get there? Join the conversation with AT&T, the world’s largest telecom, to learn how their zero-waste program and their partnerships with employees and communities are helping them reach their zero-waste goals. Hear from Shaw Industries, one of the world’s largest flooring manufacturers, about the innovations they are employing to make the circular economy a reality. And, for the wastes we can’t yet prevent, reuse, or recycle, learn from Watershed Geo about the latest engineering solutions being applied in modern landfill construction, including greenhouse gas reduction and solar energy generation, and innovative environmental closures. Moderator: Ben Chandler, Haley & Aldrich; Speakers: Michele Tharp, AT&T Global Real Estate; Candi Hampton, Shaw Industries; Rutu Joshi, Watershed Geo
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM : Breakout Session 3
3.1 Regulatory Updates for Solid and Hazardous Waste
Room 9/10
Legislative and enforcement updates from GA EPD and US EPA. Moderator: Tim Richards, WSP Golder; Speakers: William Cook, GA EPD Solid Waste Management; Holly Nelson GA EPD RCRA Program; Larry Lamberth, US EPA
3.2 Investing in a More Sustainable Power Grid
Room 1/2
This panel discussion provides an in depth look at the Georgia Power Grid Program, a multiyear effort to enhance service, reliability and sustainability of the power grid. Environmental challenges associated with this massive construction effort will be highlighted as well as a case study of structure replacement work along the tidally influenced Vernon River near Savannah. Moderator: Sara Kent, Burns & McDonnell; Warren Wagner, Georgia Power; Phillip Reagin, Burns & McDonnell; Rob Scimeme, Burns & McDonnell
3.3 Infrastructure Funding Options
Room 11
Hear about infrastructure funding options from GEFA, DCA, and USDA. Moderator: Monique Latalladi, Wood; Speakers: Amanda Carroll, GEFA; Kimberly Carter, Georgia Department of Community Affairs; Jack Stanek, USDA
3.4 USACE Update: Regional Wetlands and Waters Permitting Update
Room 4/5
Moderator: William Rutlin, USACE; Speakers: Jason O’Kane, Shaun Blocker, Sarah Wise, Justin Hammonds, USACE
3.5 Microplastics and Our Waterways
Jay PetersRoom 7/8
This panel will provide an overview on the status of microplastics as an emerging contaminant, including the science, human health impacts, regulatory updates, and testing methods, as well as case studies. Finally, the panel will review cleanup efforts already in place for microplastics. Moderator: Becky Armbruster, Aramark; Speakers: Jay Peters, Haley & Aldrich; Marc Maynor, Eastman; Bradley Ennis, Balch & Bingham
3.6 Georgia's Vapor Intrusion Guidance 101: Q&A
Ben Porter Salon
An overview of GA EPD’s Vapor Intrusion Guidance living document as well as a Q&A session with panel members from the Technical Advisory Committee. Moderator: Andrea Rimer, Troutman Pepper; Speakers: Bart Eklund, Haley & Aldrich; Jim Fineis, Total Vapor Solutions; Amy Potter, EPD
3.7 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Moving Beyond Hype to Drive Strategy
Panelists: Matthew Gernand, Norfolk Southern; Rich Glaze, Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Dawn Santoianni, Haley & AldrichRoom 3
ESG issues are frequently in the headlines as interest by investors, financial institutions, and regulators grows. But ESG is more than just another buzzword and has become a driver for business strategy. This panel will explore how companies are incorporating ESG into investment and operational decisions, changing how they engage with stakeholders, and how they view long-term resiliency. Speakers: Matthew Gernand, Norfolk Southern; Rich Glaze, Barnes & Thornburg; Dawn Santoianni, Haley & Aldrich
Thursday 25 Aug 2022
DAY 2
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM : Breakout Session 4
4.1 The Role of Environmental Protection During the Golden Ray Response
Room 4/5
This panel will cover the actions of the Environmental Unit within the Incident Command System from the perspectives of the USCG, GADNR, RP, and other responders. Topics covered will include, among others, shoreline characterization of the spill products, permitting, waste disposal, endangered species, and oiled wildlife response. Moderator: Larry Malizzi, Ramboll US Consulting; Speakers: Jason Maddox, Gallagher Marine Services; Efren Lopez, US Coast Guard; Jan Mackinnon, Georgia DNR; Christina Kunz, Ramboll US Consulting
4.2 Hydrogen: Fueling with Hydrogen
Room 1/2
What is a Hydrogen Hub and the Hydrogen Energy Earthshot? Learn more about Hydrogen fuel cell technology for transportation, emergency energy storage, the Hydrogen Hub RFP, and accelerating breakthroughs. Moderator: Tim Echols, GA Public Service Commissioner; Speakers: Frank Morris, Clean Cities Georgia; Scott McWhorter, Southeast Hydrogen Energy Alliance; Jason Hanlin, Center for Transportation and the Environment
4.3 GA EPD Air Branch Update
Room 11
Regulatory updates from GA EPD's Air Protection Branch. Speakers: Karen Hays and Jim Boylan, GA EPD
4.5 PFAS Roadmap Session
Room 7/8
The panel discussion will feature representatives from the US Environmental Protection Agency, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, who will present their perspectives on the status of PFAS regulations as well as ongoing and future action plans. Moderator: Monique Latalladi, Wood; Speakers: Aaryn Jones, US EPA; Frannie Nilson, NCDEQ; Anna Truszczynski, GA EPD
4.6 Update On the Implementation of Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems Technologies
Ben Porter Salon
This session will address the importance of understanding the VI conceptual site model, client objectives and risk tolerances, site use requirements, building constraints, and regulatory considerations for short- and long-term performance monitoring of VI mitigation systems. Anticipate multiple perspectives of the important factors to consider in facilitating a safe and effective brownfields redevelopment on vapor-impacted sites. Additionally, a variety of metro-Atlanta and Georgia-centric case studies depicting the evaluation, selection, and implementation of vapor intrusion mitigation technologies will be presented, with a discussion on how the GA Brownfield Program was leveraged to facilitate redevelopment and a healthy built environment for future occupants. Moderator: Russell Griebel, United Consulting; Speakers: Jordan Knight, Land Science; Peter Grant, EPRO; Matt Jenny, Geosyntec
4.7 Challenges For Disposal and End Use of Biosolids
Room 9/10
GEFA recently completed a study to evaluate the challenges and opportunities related to biosolids management in Georgia and to provide recommendations regarding strategies and funding for biosolids management going forward. This session will include an overview of the study and a panel discussion amongst GEFA staff, engineering consultants, and water professionals. Moderator: Amanda Carroll, GEFA; Speakers: Steve Simpson, Black & Veatch; Jonathan Heard, City of Cumming
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM : Breakout Session 5
5.1 Urban Ag: How Farming in an Urban Setting Promotes Sustainability
Room 3
Urban agriculture is continuing to grow across the US and here in Georgia. This session will explore what urban agriculture looks like in Georgia and how these farms are helping provide a need in urban areas across Georgia and the US. Speaker: Shemekia Mosley, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
5.2 How to Determine the Right Alternative for Your Fleet
Room 1/2
Assessing your fleet and determining the best alternative fuel for the duty cycle of that vehicle. Does your fleet have the characteristics that make propane, natural gas, electric or hydrogen fuel the best option? Do you fuel on property or off? Moderator: Frank Morris, Clean Cities-Georgia; Ian Skelton, Atlanta Gas Light; Steve Whaley, Propane Education & Research Council; Others TBA
5.3 Maintaining Military Readiness Through Resiliency
Room 11
Join leading practitioners as we explore the varied aspects of readiness and resiliency within the context of the military mission of the DoD. Explore how DoD defines and views resiliency and the importance of resiliency to the military mission, military installations, and defense communities. Review high-level challenges and approaches, specific programs and tools, and real-word examples including specific discussion of Kings Bay Naval Base in St. Marys, Georgia. Learn about opportunities for engagement in the process. Moderator: Glenn Martin, Pond; Speakers: Patricia Gray, US Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation; Michelle Covi, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant; Kenneth Bradley, Georgia Sentinel Landscapes
5.4 EPD Water Protection Branch Update
Room 4/5
GA EPD will provide an update on regulatory issues that the Watershed Protection Branch has been involved in since our last conference in 2019. Moderator: Jennifer Welte, Georgia EPD; Speakers: Anna Truszczynski, Georgia EPD; Jennifer Welte, Georgia EPD
5.5 PFAS Treatment Performance and Innovations
Room 7/8
PFAS treatment systems have been designed, installed, and operated at water treatment facilities and at military and industrial contaminated sites for several years. Separation-based technologies (e.g., GAC, ion exchange resin) are most common and have been applied to different scales of PFAS contamination. This session will evaluate the performance of PFAS treatment systems (effectiveness and limitations) and introduce emerging technologies to be market-available in coming years, particularly for technologies that can remove PFAS more efficiently and destroy PFAS permanently. Moderator: Monique Latalladi, Wood; Speakers: Dora Chiang, Wood; Qingguo (Jack) Huang, UGA; Marc Deshusses, 374Water
5.6 Brownfield 3.0
Ben Porter Salon
This session will feature three complex Brownfield projects that involved multiple EPD programs and presented significant technical challenges. The panel will highlight the collaborative interactions between the Brownfield applicants and EPD, and will showcase the successful developments that followed the Brownfield corrective action. Moderator: John Spinrad, Arnall Golden Gregory; Speakers: Len Diprima, United Consulting; Jeanette Hamm, Contour Engineering; Keith Rice, NOVA Engineering; Shannon Ridley, Georgia EPD
5.7 Managing Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Through COVID
Room 9/10
Industry representatives will discuss real world challenges of managing capital projects during the pandemic and beyond. Moderator: Christine Mayo, Burns & McDonnell; Speakers: Peter Cormier, McCain Foods; Robert Downer, Nestle Purina
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM : Breakout Session 6
6.1 Fire, Water, and Land ... Oh My! Ecological Best Practices for Habitat and Species Management
Room 1/2
Environmental professionals across Georgia and beyond are responding to growing interest in land management approaches that maximize ecological value while continuing to meet a wide range of expectations from stakeholders, clients, and partners. In this session, a panel of land management professionals representing private, public, and NGO perspectives, will discuss their experiences advancing habitat restoration and enhancement goals while meeting diverse land use needs. Moderator: Ben Carswell, Jekyll Island Authority; Speakers: Gabe Andrle, Georgia Audubon Society; Steve Bennett, The NDN Companies; Erick Brown, The Nature Conservancy; Jim Ozier, Georgia Power
6.2 Solar Farms in Georgia: Regenerative Energy Through Dual Land Use and Best Management Practices
Moderator: Stephen Bailey, Pond. Speakers: Nick de Vries, Silicon Ranch; Michael Baute, Silicon Ranch; Will Harris, White Oak PasturesRoom 3
Join industry leading solar energy providers and their land management partners for an exciting discussion on new and key strategies to best management and stewardship of solar farms in Georgia and nationally. Learn how Silicon Ranch is leading the industry by creating functional ecosystems and resilient range lands within and around their solar farms. The discussion will explore how agrivoltaics (co-location of agriculture and photovoltaics), nature-based management, ecology, biomimicry, and adaptive dual land use combined with sound long term stewardship provides clean energy and environmentally responsible land management for the benefit of our communities and natural systems. Moderator: Stephen Bailey, Pond; Speakers: Nick de Vries, Silicon Ranch; Michael Baute, Silicon Ranch; Will Harris, White Oak Pastures
6.3 Beyond PFAS: Pharma and Response to a Broad Spectrum Herbicide Release
Room 7/8
Response to a Broad Spectrum Herbicide Release
Beyond PFAS - Pharma and Personal Care Product Environmental Disruptors. Moderator: Tim Fitzpatrick, SGS AXYS; Speakers: Steven Aufdenkampe, Norfolk Southern; Jeffrey Paul, WSP
6.4 Water Planning Updates: Planning Perspectives and Highlights from the 2022 Updates to the Metro District and Regional Water Plans
Room 4/5
Metro District and Regional Water Council staff will provide updates on the key information and initiatives associated with the 2022 Plan updates process. Moderator: Jonathan Wells, KMCL; Speakers: Jennifer Welte, GA EPD; Danny Johnson, Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District; Steve Simpson, Black & Veatch
6.5 Looking for Clean Air
Room 11
Understanding community-level variation in air pollution is essential to improving environmental health and injustices. This presentation will provide an overview of models to work with communities to learn their local concerns. We will tell the story of one community struggling with industrial air pollution to illustrate both how this program can serve as a model for community engagement as well as what challenges and opportunities exist. Speakers: Erin Lebow-Skelley, Emory Prevention Research Center-HERCULES Exposome Research Center; Heather Hussey-Coker, Groundwork Atlanta; Camilla Warren, US EPA
6.6 EPD Land Protection Branch Update
Ben Porter Salon
Join the EPD Land Branch for a moderated session to include branch-wide program updates, recent developments in guidance and hazardous waste programs (RCRA, HSRA, VRP and Brownfields). Moderator: Beth Blalock, Gilbert Harrell Sumerford & Martin; Speakers: Chuck Mueller, Sarah Visser and Jason Metzger, GA EPD
6.7 It's All Connected: A Systems Thinking Approach to Sustainability
Room 9/10
Circular economy. Climate change. Material health. Natural resources stewardship. Social fairness. It's all interconnected and requires diverse perspectives and experiences to create the best solution. Join transportation leader Norfolk Southern, global flooring provider Shaw Industries, and environmental/geotechnical engineering firm Haley Aldrich as they share three case studies to illustrate how systems thinking can help solve sustainability challenges, spur innovation, and shape organizational culture. Speakers: Ben Chandler, Haley & Aldrich; Josh Raglin, Norfolk Southern Corporation; Candi Hampton, Shaw Industries
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM : Breakout Session 7
7.1 Defining the Role of Forestry in Improving Water Quality and Quantity
Room 3
This presentation will explore: the relationship between forest carbon and water quality in Georgia; water scarcity and longleaf: balancing ecosystem services and economics in the coastal plain; and designing watersheds for integrated development (DWID): combining hydrological and economic modeling for optimizing land use change to meet waterquality. Moderator: Gary Hawkins, UGA; Speakers: Katie Cooper, UGA; Chambers English, UGA; Puneet Dwivedi, UGA
7.2 SHEP Update
Room 1/2
Presenters will provide an update on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, including construction, environmental monitoring, and what's next for the harbor. Moderator: Phillip Reagin, Burns & McDonnell; Speakers: Robin Armetta, USACE Savannah; Spencer Davis, USACE Savannah; Lee Beckman, Georgia Ports Authority; Drew Robinson, USGS
7.3 Utility Company Perspectives on Siting and Routing Regulatory Processes in Florida and Georgia
Room 4/5
This session will include speakers from Georgia Power Company, Southern Gas Company, Georgia Transmission Corporation (Georgia Utilities), and JEA (Florida Utility). This panel will discuss siting and routing methods, and procedures they utilize to route/locate new electric transmission lines, substations, generation facilities, natural gas lines, wastewater lines, water supply lines, etc. They will also discuss the regulatory framework that drives their planning activities as well. Moderator: Brian Estes, Georgia Power Company; Speakers: Chris Smith, Georgia Transmission Corporation; Allen Jacks, Southern Company; Andrew Sears, JEA
7.4 Advancing the Science and Implementation of Georgia’s Regional Water Plans
Room 7/8
Learn about the latest updates in state surface water modeling/analysis, the Metro District’s stormwater modeling efforts, and developments in the management of agricultural groundwater use in the Flint basin. Moderator: Cliff Lewis, GA EPD; Speakers: Jennifer Welte, GA EPD; Katherine Atteberry, Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District; Mark Masters, Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center, Albany State University
7.5 Going Beyond Single-Stream Recycling
Room 11
This session will include speakers from Athens-Clarke County, the Georgia Recycling Coalition, and Live Thrive Center for hard to recycle materials (CHaRM) who will present concepts on zero-waste and sustaining a circular economy. Moderator: Denise Plemmons, Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste/Georgia Recycling Coalition; Chris Griffin, Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste; Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe, Live Thrive's CHaRM
7.6 Across the Southeast: Key initiatives in State Brownfield and Voluntary Cleanup
Ben Porter Salon
State Brownfield financial incentives are often a key component to making a Brownfield redevelopment vision a reality. This panel will discuss the existing Brownfield financial incentives for AL, FL, GA and MS. A breakdown of the incentives will be provided, along with a highlight of the number of Brownfield sites per state and the total of incentives provided. There will be an example redevelopment presented along with a breakdown of how each state’s incentive was monetized. Each state’s process is unique and different, you may find the results a bit surprising. Speakers: Russell Griebel, United Consulting; Jason Lichtstein, Akerman
7.7 Resilient Environmental Cleanup
Room 9/10
This session will introduce how climate changes can impact the fate, transport, and treatment of contaminants at contaminated sites. The climate risk, technical approach, case studies, and tools applicable for resilient site investigation and cleanup responding to climate changes will be presented. Speakers: Dora Chiang, Wood; Daniel Hunt, Norfolk Southern; Tim Goist, WSP
Friday 26 Aug 2022
DAY 3
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM : Breakout Session 8
8.1 Disposal of PFAS/EC Impacted Media With a Focus on Environmental Justice
Room 4/5
Increasing interest in and scrutiny about waste composition, as well as the subsequent disposal due to known presence of unregulated chemicals, has sharpened the need for greater understanding of overall waste management. With specific focus on per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances and environmental justice perspectives, this panel will discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies to address waste generation, disposal, treatment, and other strategic management outcomes. Moderator: Laurel Royer, DeSimone Consulting Engineers; Speakers: TBD
8.2 US Hwy 17 Coastal Corridor Round Table Take Two: Technical Assistance for Brunswick and Rural/Remote Coastal Communities with Sensitive Areas/Populations
Ben Porter Salon
EPA will moderate a Round Table which covers background and lessons learned from communities with complex Brownfields Reuse and Revitalization Goals. This is the second US Hwy 17 Coastal Corridor Roundtable which follows one held at GEC 2019. Since that time, much has happened in the downtown area of Brunswick from an Economic Development standpoint, but there are still sensitive areas which require additional consideration: What happens with sea level rise? What comes with sea level rise? Or put another way, how do we deal with a flood? First, Georgia Conservancy will describe how they have worked through the Norwich Street Corridor in Brunswick to address Brownfields, Affordable Housing and other community needs. Groundwork Atlanta and Groundwork Jacksonville will describe how this Environmental Protection Agency and National Park Service Technical Assistance has worked in other Sensitive Areas with Sensitive Populations in Urban areas with waterfront, a similarity with Brunswick. In both cases, flooding events impact both working with communities and addressing Brownfields that require a holistic approach to rethinking reuse and revitalization. Resiliency is both an inland and coastal concern, but while approaches may differ, the goal is the same – prevent and/or address flooding and plan strategies that are helpful to communities. Speakers: Katherine Moore, Georgia Conservancy; Heather Hussey-Coker, Groundwork Atlanta; Kay Ehas, Groundwork Jacksonville
8.4 PFAS Treatment Technologies, Performance and Innovations
Room 7/8
Discussion topics include: PFAS treatment technologies-GAC vs. IX, Bioremediation of PFAS, and PFAS treatment performance and innovations. Moderator: Monique Latalladi, Wood; Speakers: Martin O'Brien, Calgon Carbon; Tim Knowlton, Calgon Carbon; Chad Northington, REGENESIS
8.5 Sheetpile… On a Railroad Property and in a River… What Could Go Wrong?
Room 1/2
During installation of a hanging barrier wall to retain NAPL on site, a number of difficulties were encountered that required the property owner, the owner's Representative, the prime contractor and the subcontractor to evaluate options to overcome the problems. Boulders, debris, bridge foundations, fiber optics, and site constraints had to be overcome while maintaining the schedule, managing the costs, and making progress to achieve the project goals. Work included providing scour protection at the base of the wall in the river, installing a deadman system, abandoning former recovery trench components, and protecting the structure from future dead and live loading on the deadman system.
8.6 Legionella: Strategies for Evaluation and Risk Mitigation
Room 3
First discovered in 1976, Legionella is a bacteria commonly found in our soils and waters. Legionnaire’s Disease incidence has been on the rise in the US, leading to a greater interest in understanding and controlling potential human exposure. This session will discuss the most current methods of building assessment and analytical evaluation including an overview of the ASHRAE Standard 188 and the CDC’s guidelines. Material will be presented by two members of AIHA’s Legionella Body of Knowledge Task Force. Speakers: Robert Rottersman, Ramboll US Consulting; Kristen Hitchcock, Ramboll US Consulting; Debra Jaegar, Pathcon Laboratories
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM : Breakout Session 9
9.1 Organics Diversion in Georgia
Room 3
Composting and organics diversion is one way to combat climate change allowing ecosystems to be more resilient to rising temperatures. Join our panel of experts and discover how Georgia is expanding its organic diversion programs. Moderator: Suki Jannsen, Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste; Mason Towe, UGA Office of Sustainability, Waste, and Reduction Services; Michael Snipes, Laurens County Solid Waste; David Paull, CompostNow
9.2 Adaptive Site Characterization of Two LNAPL Sites
Room 4/5
Two Norfolk Southern LNAPL sites in Indiana are undergoing site characterization necessary for risk-based closure under the state’s Voluntary Remediation Program. While LNAPL at one site has behaved predictably, the other site has required adapting and managing change in real time to achieve onsite and offsite delineation. Laser-induced fluorescence/ ultraviolet optical screening tool (LIF/UVOST) was utilized to delineate the extent of LNAPL and dissolved-phase plumes in real time. Additional methodologies used to evaluate LNAPL mobility were petrophysical testing and baildown testing. Adaptive approach coupled with innovative investigation methods and frequent agency communications have resulted in a robust LNAPL conceptual site model capable of supporting risk-based closure. Moderator: Matt Gernand, Norfolk Southern; Speakers: Becky Finnigan and Priya Jacob, AECOM
9.3 Same Data, Different Regulations: Regional Response to PFAS in Biosolids
Ben Porter Salon
Concern about PFAS concentrations in biosolids have driven multiple states to undertake broad biosolids surveys to understand PFAS risk. The results of those surveys – in the form of regulations and data – tell distinctly different stories: some states have rapidly imposed moratoria on the land application of biosolids, while others are adopting a science-informed approach. Meanwhile, PFAS concentrations in biosolids are largely predictable by whether biosolids are impacted by industrial PFAS effluents or solely domestic effluent. The stringent regulations, however, do not necessarily reflect those industrial impacts. Rather, PFAS biosolids regulations are predictable based on geography. Moderator: Tim Fitzpatrick, AXYS SGS; Speaker: Julia Beni, Woodard & Curran
9.4 OSHA’s 2022 National Emphasis Program: Heat Stress
Room 1/2
Effective April 8, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a National Emphasis Program (NEP) focused on heat hazards. Under the NEP, OSHA will be conducting proactive inspections for heat-related hazards in work environments. This presentation will provide a general review of the NEP as well as discuss measures related to implementing appropriate safety measures to protect employees. Speaker: Michael Kaniuga, Ramboll US Consulting