Join SCS Engineers at the 2024 Connecticut DEEP State Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Meeting on June 25th from 9:30 to 11:30 am at DEEP Headquarters. For those who cannot attend in person, you can join via Zoom by registering
SCS Engineer Greg McCarron will be presenting at this event. The SWAC plays a vital role in the successful implementation of Connecticut’s solid waste management plan. The committee’s responsibilities include assisting the Department in executing the plan, identifying emerging issues and proposing solutions, and participating in necessary revisions to the plan. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and contribute to the future of waste management in Connecticut!
Join SCS Engineers at the 2024 SWANA FL Summer Conference, the premier solid waste conference and tradeshow in the Southeast, from July 14-16 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, FL. This event offers a unique opportunity to network with top professionals in the solid waste industry, earn continuing education hours, and experience the vibrancy of International Drive.
The conference agenda will feature engaging sessions and speakers who will discuss the latest advancements in solid waste management. Industry suppliers and service providers will have the chance to showcase their products and services. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, learn, and grow in your profession. Mark your calendars and register today to join us at Synergy 2024: Uniting to Advance Florida Resource Management!
Several of our professionals are presenting, including:
Laila Al-Khalaf & Stephen Townsend
Surface and Subsurface Landfills Fires
Tuesday, July 16, 1:00 -3:00 pm, Location: Ballroom B
Kayla Ouellette
GIS Technology for Landfills
Tuesday, July 16, 3:30-5:00 pm, Location: Ballroom B
Join SCS Engineers at the Sustainability Delivery Summit from June 24 to June 26 at the Hyatt Regency Boston! This premier event, organized by Environment Analyst, brings together a global community of sustainability leaders with a unified mission: to translate sustainability goals into actionable steps.
Engage with sustainability and business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the infrastructure and built environment sectors, along with technical solution providers in environmental consultancy, software, and engineering. This summit will empower you to focus on the delivery of climate commitments, develop collaborative strategies for a sustainable future, find partners to accelerate your sustainability journey, and reinforce the business case for ESG. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation and drive impactful change.
Join SCS Engineers at WASTECON 2024 from October 21st – October 24th at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center! This premier event is the ultimate platform for leaders and engineers to come together, collaborate, and innovate towards a more sustainable future. At WASTECON 2024, you’ll have the chance to connect with SCS Engineers at booth 701. Meet our team of experts and leaders who are at the forefront of advancing sustainable practices in waste management.
Ketan Shah will be presenting Enhancing Landfill Gas (LFG) Modeling Through Emerging Technologies and Data Integration for Emission Reductions and Sustainable Energy on October 22nd from 8:30 – 9:15 am. The presentation will identify emerging technologies for improved LFG modeling, explain the benefits of enhanced LFG modeling for decision-making, and analyze the importance of data collection and integration for effective LFG modeling.
You’ll want to attend David Hostetter’s presentation, Smart Landfills: Transforming Waste Management with Remote Monitoring. Dave will explain how landfill owners and operators are using technology to create more efficient landfill operations.
Jeff Phillips will be presenting Facility Fires: 2AM Isn’t the Time to Make a Plan on October 22nd from 3:15-4:00 pm. This presentation provides an update on fires within the industry and present real-world case studies of fires so that we can learn from other events (the good and bad).
Stacey Dolden will be presenting Navigating Workforce Trends: Understanding and Adapting to Personnel Challenges Across All Job Functions on October 24th from 11am-12:15 pm. The discussion will explore what is happening in the industry and share strategies for effective recruitment and retention for a range of position types and levels.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to bridge the gap between leadership and technology, accelerate transformative change, and gain valuable insights to better serve your stakeholders. Improve your organization and operations while enriching your career and those of your team members. Register today and be a part of the future of sustainability with SCS Engineers at WASTECON 2024. See you at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center!
Open dumpsites have a devastating impact on the environment and public health. Waste Management World spoke to James Law, Chair of the ISWA Landfill Working Group and the Task Force on Closing Dumpsites Initiative, about the key steps and economics of closing dumpsites, the climate benefits, and the pros and cons of biomining.
James Law explains that since the operation of a dumpsite does not include the application of daily cover or waste compaction and also it does not have a bottom liner or gas and leachate collection system, the most common risks are groundwater contamination, fire hazards that could generate black carbon fume and toxic gases to impact the air quality and thus affect the public health in the immediate area or areas miles away in downwind direction.
The gas emissions from open dumpsites have a direct impact on climate change. Then there are odor issues, either from the decomposed waste mass itself or from the leachate seep outbreaks located on the side slopes of a dumpsite. The leachate seeps will impact the surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes nearby in the downstream direction as well as the groundwater below the dumpsite. Most dumpsites have people or informal waste pickers on them. Therefore they have a direct impact on their health and safety point of view.
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New Regulations Impact Environmental Assessments
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently classified perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the “Superfund” law. This new regulation will significantly affect real estate transactions, introducing stringent reporting requirements and complicating liability and insurance matters related to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
Previously, Phase I property investigations did not have to consider evidence of releases of PFOA and PFOS. However, some did as a business risk similar to asbestos shingles or lead paint on woodwork. Now, environmental professionals must identify and report any releases or likely releases of these hazardous substances, which, in some cases, lead to more Phase II environmental sampling and remediation if significant contamination is confirmed.
Undertaking all appropriate inquiries—a Phase I site assessment—is one of several requirements for real estate purchasers to qualify for Superfund landowner liability protections. Others include complying with any reporting obligations and taking reasonable steps with respect to known contamination. Experienced consultants can help address the technical aspects of these requirements, typically working with experienced attorneys to address the legal aspects.
PFOA and PFOS, widely used in various industries due to their heat, water, and oil resistance, can contaminate commercial or industrial properties from various sources, including firefighting foams and PFAS manufacturing plants. During Phase I environmental assessments, evaluating the property’s historical and current use and nearby properties is crucial to identify potential PFAS sources. This analysis guides further investigations, such as Phase II assessments, where specific sampling and analysis can verify PFAS presence and concentration.
The primary mechanisms and pathways through which PFAS are released at industrial facilities typically include discharges of wastewater and stormwater; disposal of solid wastes on and off the site; accidental occurrences like leaks and spills; and stack and fugitive air emissions. Emissions from stacks can lead to the aerial dispersion of PFAS, depositing these substances onto soil and surface water. In some circumstances, PFAS can leach or otherwise contaminate groundwater and potentially migrate offsite.
Facilities Using PFAS in Processes
Secondary manufacturing facilities often utilize fluoropolymers and PFAS-based materials, which are produced at primary manufacturing sites, as part of their industrial processes. This includes applying coatings to finished products.
Chrome Plating: Facilities use PFAS as mist suppressants to minimize chromium emissions into the air, enhancing air quality and worker safety. Facilities employ PFAS as mist suppressants to reduce chromium emissions into the air, thereby improving air quality and enhancing worker safety. According to the USEPA (2021), half of the 1,339 chromium electroplating facilities in the United States continue to use PFAS-based mist and fume suppressants. Chrome electroplating is identified as the primary industrial process where PFAS is significantly used. In this method, PFAS function as surfactants, lowering the surface tension of the electrolyte solution.
Textiles and Leather Production: Manufacturers of performance fabrics for outdoor gear and military uniforms often use PFAS to provide water, stain, and fire resistance. Similarly, PFAS are applied in the leather tanning process to improve the water and stain resistance of products like furniture and clothing.
Electronics Manufacturing: PFAS are utilized for their heat- and chemical-resistant properties when producing circuit boards and semiconductors, ensuring the longevity and reliability of these components.
Maintenance and Mechanical Areas
Lubricants and Greases: Industries such as automotive and machinery maintenance use PFAS-enhanced lubricants and greases for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and reduce wear and friction, which are crucial for protecting machinery under harsh conditions.
High-Temperature Applications: PFAS compounds are included in formulations used in industrial ovens, automotive wheel bearings, and several types of valves and pumps to maintain performance under extreme heat.
Commercial and Research Uses
Commercial Properties: Facilities such as kitchens, laundries, and workshops might have used PFAS-containing products like sealants and adhesives, leading to potential soil or groundwater contamination from spills or improper disposal.
Aerospace and Defense: Beyond firefighting foams, these sectors may use PFAS in applications like coated fabrics and specialty hydraulic fluids.
Research Facilities: These may experience contamination from PFAS due to spills or disposal practices during experimental or development phases.
Special Applications and Adjacent Properties
Hydraulic Fluids and Special Equipment: PFAS are crucial in applications requiring non-reactivity and thermal stability, such as in hydraulic systems of aircraft and high-temperature industrial settings, or in vacuum pumps.
Adjacent Contamination: Properties neighboring PFAS-utilizing facilities can also become contaminated through runoff or subsurface water flow, highlighting the need for comprehensive environmental assessments.
Paints, Varnishes, and Inks: PFOS-related chemicals are utilized in several ways within paints and varnishes. They serve as wetting, leveling, and dispersing agents and are also used to enhance gloss and antistatic properties. Furthermore, these chemicals are employed as additives in both dyes and inks.
Architectural Fabrics: PFAS, including fluoropolymers such as PTFE, are used in the manufacture of architectural fabrics, such as those used in the construction of roof domes, including large stadiums and transportation facilities.
Enforcement Discretion
EPA is aware that many public institutions, such as municipal landfills and wastewater treatment plants, do not have a choice when they receive household waste containing PFAS. EPA’s PFAS Discretion Memo lists several factors the EPA will consider when determining not to pursue an entity for PFAS response actions or costs under CERCLA. PFAS Discretion Memo
The widespread use and environmental persistence of PFAS underscore the importance of thorough environmental assessments to identify potential contamination sources. Understanding the extensive applications and potential pathways of PFAS contamination is crucial for effective management and remediation strategies in environmental assessments.
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Authorized under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment.
Manufacturers, including food and beverage, electric utilities, and mining facilities, may need extra time this year to comply with recent rule changes related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
TRI reporting is a two-step process, and covered facilities with at least ten full-time equivalent employees must complete the first step to evaluate whether a report is required each year. For each chemical that exceeds a reporting threshold, EPA requires the facility to calculate releases to the air, wastewater, and stormwater and the amount of the chemical recycled or treated on-site or sent off-site for treatment during the previous calendar year.
TRI Reporting Unscrambled and No-Strings Attached
SCS Engineers presents an on-demand educational video with complimentary articles and additional resources to get you started. Cheryl Moran, a senior project manager with decades of experience in regulatory compliance, sustainable practices, and chemical management, covers what you need to know to get started and what has changed that may require your facility or business to start reporting:
Additional TRI Resources
The 32nd Fall Conference, October 23-25 is an opportunity to hear from leading practitioners and to learn about the challenges and opportunities shaping environment, energy, and resources law. During the conference, you will be able to leverage professional development opportunities, connect with industry experts such as SCS Engineers, and stay informed about the latest trends.
The conference features engaging discussions with leaders in environmental, energy, and resources law, including state and federal regulators, leading scholars, and in-house counsel. Each day will kick off with a plenary session, such as exploring the emergence of AI and its implications for environment, energy, and resources law, and the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions.
The conference agenda is diverse, providing updates on the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. A hypothetical industrial accident will focus on managing key roles in responding to the accident. Attendees will gain an understanding from energy practitioners as they delve into environmental justice considerations and the permitting process for energy and environmental projects and the strategic siting of renewable energy projects. Climate change remains a pressing concern, and panel discussions will explore recent climate litigation and the ramifications of climate change on water availability. Hear from panelists as they address Tribal considerations in the areas of treaty rights and co-management of state and federal lands and natural resources. Additional topics to be examined include dam removal developments, contaminated waterways cleanups, the impacts of regulatory requirements on supply chain logistics, the emergence of contaminants such as microplastics and 6PPD, and the evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and climate disclosure practices.
Experience firsthand this enriching event, where you’ll gain insights from top practitioners, build valuable connections, and be inspired by peers in the environmental, energy, and resources law community. We’ll see you in Seattle!
SCS Engineers’ professional staff, located according to their knowledge of regional and local geography, regulatory policies, and industrial or scientific specialty, are available nationwide. SCS professionals are technical experts and have been admitted as expert witnesses and supported legal counsel in a variety of environmental and regulatory litigation matters. We are always available to discuss:
WISCONSIN’S PRINTING INDUSTRY CHARTER MEMBERS Present
Join us on June 26, 2024, from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm (Central Time) at the Waukesha County Technical College
Registration fee is $35
Program Agenda (Central Time)
9:30 a.m. – SGP and Green Tier Program introduction
10:00 a.m. – How to Identify Hazardous Waste in the Printing Industry
10:45 a.m. – How Sustainability Is Shaping the Printing Industry
11:30 a.m. – Update on Ozone Nonattainment Emission Reduction Credits and PM 2.5
12:15 p.m. – Lunch (provided)
1:00 p.m. – Overview of Environmental Compliance including Partial Tour of Printer Portal with Cheryl Moran
1:45 p.m. – Small Business Resources Available from the DNR
2:15 p.m. – Advances In Flexible Packaging Recycling (STRAP Process)
3:00 p.m. – Adjourn
Speaker Highlight: Cheryl Moran is a member and leader of the Wisconsin Printing Council and a member of the Great Lakes Graphics Association. She is presenting the 1 p.m. discussion on compliance issues and the printer portal; the regulatory portion of the changing regulatory and sustainability landscape for printers. Many changes to state and federal compliance can impact the printing industry. For example, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) impacts industrial facilities and the public. Annual reporting is due from printing and production facilities meeting a growing number of criteria – in short – more industrial and government facilities will be required to file mandatory reports in 2024 and 2025.
The emergency planning includes annual notification of hazardous chemicals present at your site to your state and local emergency planning and response organizations, and with your fire department. That information is used to help them prepare for emergencies such as chemical releases or fires and is made available to the public.
This information is disclosed through the toxics release inventory (TRI). TRI covers a variety of industries based on their NAICS code, which employs 10 full-time equivalent employees or more and stores or uses specific chemicals, including 189 PFAS.
This report is often referred to by a variety of names, including Toxics Release Inventory, TRI, SARA 313 report, Form R, or Form A. Do not be fooled by the nomenclature; these all refer to the same reporting requirement.
Join SCS Engineers at the 34th Annual Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania Recycling & Organics Conference at the Wind Creek Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) is a leading association that unites community stakeholders, haulers, vendors, and recycling and organics professionals. They focus on sustaining successful recycling programs.
Conference attendees and exhibitors will enjoy networking, sessions, plenaries, and certification classes for grant writing, composting, program design, and more. Pre-conference certification classes will be on Tuesday, July 23rd. The agenda includes the annual PROP picnic, banquet and awards ceremony, and members meeting.
SCS is proud to exhibit at this event, which brings together leaders and organizations from the recycling and organics industries.
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