2006 Conference

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

NWEC: Where Business Meets the Environment!

Last Update 11/13/06

DAY 1 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2006

EB1
Thursday, Dec 7
7:00 AM - 8:25 AM
Moderator: Mike Weiby
Environmental Regulations: Lessons Learned

This session will provide attendees an opportunity to learn from others in the field with a key emphasis on the regulatory framework, compliance, and success stories. Whether you are new to the field or experienced, this early bird technical session will provide a holistic approach to regulatory compliance and offer insight to optimize environmental performance. Presenters will offer their experience from industry and agency perspectives.

Th1
Thursday, Dec 7
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Becky Sims
RCRA Basics

This session provides instruction and guidance on the fundamentals of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). When you consider your RCRA program, do you feel like you're a safecracker without the code? Don't let RCRA remain a mystery! In this session, you'll hear from a consultant, an attorney, and an industry representative as they demystify RCRA basics. Our panel will cover waste determinations, labeling, reporting, effective internal site inspections, and recent updates to RCRA, including the new Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest.

Th2
Thursday, Dec 7
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Peter L. Serrurier
All Appropriate Inquiry: THE "USER"

The new AAI and ASTM protocols for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments place new and expanded responsibilities on the “user.” This session presents a panel of “users” that will discuss their likes and dislikes regarding the new AAI and ASTM standards. More importantly, they will discuss how they approach satisfying their new responsibilities under the rules and how the new standards have changed their approach and relationship with consultants conducting the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.

Th3
Thursday, Dec 7
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Phil Bender
Stricter Water Quality Standards and New TMDLs: Minor Tweaks or Major Changes?

Throughout the Pacific Northwest, new water quality standards and TMDLs have either just been issued or are on the immediate horizon. The panel will help us evaluate how these changes will effect regulated entities throughout the region, including municipalities and industry. In Washington state, the state and tribes have issued updated water quality standards that could alter the nature and consequences of discharging effluent into the state's waterways. In Oregon, a new TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River is in the works. As in Washington state, this regulatory change could alter the way we analyze discharges to the river. The panel will update us on the status of these changes, discuss the potential consequences, and outline possible strategies for those who must with these consequences.

Th4
Thursday, Dec 7
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Penny Machinski
Tax Credits and Grants: Carrot or Candy?

Most environmental tax credit and grant programs are intended to provide an incentive for municipalities, industry and agriculture to reduce their impact on the environment. But do they actually work? Are they providing an incentive for exemplary behavior or supplying handout for projects that have to be done anyway? Which ones are the most effective? Which ones are in the greatest need of revision? And, perhaps more selfishly, where can I come up with some money for MY project?

Th5
Thursday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Heather Bartlett
Air Quality Basics - Presentation in 3-D (glasses provided)

Day-to-day compliance with a facility air operating permit, whether Title V or not, can be a complex issue. Monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting, not to mention deciphering the permit in the first place, can be daunting. This session will discuss these issues and offer ideas on simplifying life with your air permit. This session will include a process, that if followed, will help to ensure all permit requirements are met and data showing compliance are maintained.

Th6
Thursday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: David Allaway
Thinking Green Upstream: Product Design & Manufacturing

This session will explore the process and results of making design and manufacturing changes that result in a less toxic, more environmentally friendly product and business. Compelling new evidence exists to support a needed change in the way we think about resources used to make our everyday products. We'll share research results that will inspire manufacturers to take a keen look at how they might prevent waste in their processes and reduce the amount of toxic materials used to create their products. Two businesses from the forest products industry will share their experiences with developing lower-impact products.

Th7
Thursday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Charles Esler
Forensic Chemistry - A Valuable Investigative Tool

A multitude of forensic chemistry techniques are available to environmental professionals for age dating and source identification of a wide range of contaminants. The selection and use of these techniques must be thoroughly understood and appropriately applied to be effective. When introduced as scientific evidence, the governing assumptions and quality of the data are critically evaluated and frequently successfully challenged. This session will present an
overview of commonly used forensic chemistry techniques and their possible applications so that a user can decide which technique or combination of methods is most appropriate for their case. Following this overview, the presenters will discuss a hypothetical case to illustrate the principles and decisions points that may need to be made when developing and implementing a forensic chemistry program.

Th8
Thursday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: John Ledger
Environmental Leadership

Who do you consider our environmental leaders? Is that good or bad? Who should they be? Agencies? Environmental groups? Politicians? Or is there no real leader other than the market place? Come and hear a spectrum of viewpoints and let us know your thoughts on this important topic.

Th9
Thursday, Dec 7
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Janet Gillaspie
Water Quality Permits: Federal, State and Local

Discharge water used in an industrial process to a river, ditch, or city sewer line? This session will focus on the issues associated with federal, state, and local wastewater permits. Since the majority of Northwest businesses discharge to city sewers through the industrial pretreatment program requirements, the session will focus on the industrial pretreatment program, why discharge requirements are different in different cities, what types of requirements are common to pretreatment permits, and tips for handling pretreatment inspections.

Th10
Thursday, Dec 7
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Mari Chesser
Complying with Oregon's New Stormwater Permits

In August 2006 Oregon DEQ finalized the new stormwater permits for industrial facilities. A lawsuit settlement agreement between DEQ and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center resulted in several new requirements in these permits. Industrial facilities that discharge stormwater to surface water will be subject to the new permit conditions including public notice and water quality monitoring requirements. Both large and small businesses will be required to comply with all permit requirements. These changes will be discussed along with strategies for complying with the new permits. Stormwater Pollution Control Plans, water quality standards, benchmarks and best management practices will be reviewed. Please come to hear about these changes and bring your questions.

Th11
Thursday, Dec 7
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Kevin Considine
Alternative Fuel Case Studies

The popularity of biofuels - especially biodiesel - has never been such a hot topic as it is right now. These case studies will reveal: Who are these biodiesel users, why was the commitment made, how does this decision fit with other sustainability goals within the organization and what are the economic and operational benefits that have been realized as a result of the use of these renewable fuels? This session will showcase a business, a farm operation and a city fleet to talk about the benefits of this change.

Th12
Thursday, Dec 7
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Hong Huynh
Impact of the National Scenic Area Act on the Columbia River Gorge

After 20 years of the enactment of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act, how is the Gorge? This panel will answer this question by exploring diverging views and perspectives of whether the Act has helped or hurt the people, the economy, and the environment of the Gorge.

Th13
Thursday, Dec 7
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Moderator: Brian Cone
Lab Sampling & Analysis: Satisfying Regulators Requirements

So, it is time to fill out and sign your name on your Discharge Monitoring Report. Do you have everything in place? Were the samples collected and tested properly? Do the results and test methods meet your discharge permit and quality control requirements? This session will cover how to meet sampling, analysis, and reporting requirements for your wastewater discharge permit. The discussion will include common pitfalls and problems and how to avoid them.

EB2
Friday, Dec 8
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Moderator: Mike Glowack
Voluntary Initiatives - Beyond Compliance

This session will provide case studies of companies that have chosen to expand their environmental management systems beyond just compliance. Listen as these companies describe their experience, the philosophy behind their decision to pursue a voluntary initiative, the challenges they encountered and the benefits they have realized.

Fr1
Friday, Dec 8
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Paul Hausmann
Audits and Inspections

Effective auditing of environmental, health and safety programs and systems provides organizations with insights into performance improvements and confirms regulatory compliance. This session will review effective auditing techniques, will discuss common audit "oversights," and will discuss the differences between internal audits and regulatory inspections. The session will provide tips to prepare for scheduled agency inspections and corporate audit programs.

Our speakers will address the practical and legal aspects of conducting audits of your operations, including the legal issues associated with audits and the discovery of noncompliances during audit activities. The discussion will include a review of focused audit activities, the development and use of audit tools and checklists, and the differences between internal and external audit activities.

Fr2
Friday, Dec 8
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Hong Huynh & Suzanne Lacampagne
Insurance to Help Finance Historical and Future Cleanup of Contamination

The cost of addressing environmental contamination can be daunting. As a result, proceeds from insurance policies have emerged as a useful source of funding for these efforts. Seeking coverage from insurers, however, can be a challenging task if you are unprepared and are unaware of key terms and issues. This session will help you understand the differences between historic and new policies. It will provide practical guidance on how to locate and interpret older policies to help you recover successfully from the insurers. The session will also discuss how newer insurance products can help facilitate the next transaction you may where contaminated properties are involved.

Fr3
Friday, Dec 8
8:45 AM -10:15 AM
Moderator: Leonard Farr
Risk Assessment - An Invaluable Tool in Avoiding Costly Cleanup

In 1995, the State of Oregon repealed provisions requiring cleanup to "background or lowest feasible concentration" levels, and established a risk-based cleanup law. Under the current cleanup law, cleanup need only occur if a hazardous material release threatens the health of human or ecological receptors. Thus, risk assessment can be utilized to demonstrate that a hazardous material release does not require cleanup. Risk assessment can also be utilized to develop site-specific cleanup levels that take into consideration current and reasonably likely future land and water uses. These site-specific cleanup levels would reduce cleanup cost as compared to using conservative generic risk-based cleanup levels.

This session will provide a brief overview of risk assessment and risk-based corrective action principles, followed by the presentation of two case studies.

Fr4
Friday, Dec 8
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: John Ledger
Previewing the 2007 Legislative Session

The game has changed for 2007. The legislatures will be different places. Who wins? Who loses? What does it mean for you? Punditry at its best.

Fr5
Friday, Dec 8
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Heather Bartlett
Introduction to Stormwater Regulations

This session will provide an introduction to the stormwater regulations and the key elements of managing your permit. This session is designed to provide a basic understanding of three key areas:

• How stormwater is regulated.
• What permit is applicable to you- construction, industrial or municipal.
• Living with your permit in Oregon and Washington.

Fr6
Friday, Dec 8
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Krista Koehl
Us vs. Them – Bridging the Gap

From mixing zones, to water rights, to timber management, to Superfund Sites, to facility siting: Environmental issues become polarized into an Us vs. Them battlefield. Although individual battles can be won and lost, at this rate no side will ever be able to claim victory for the war. Meanwhile both the economy and the environment suffer collateral damage. But what if you were Them? What if they were Us? What if the two sides agreed to lay down their arms and work together on collaborative solutions for these complex issues? Could we both win? Come listen to the panel discuss their experiences and how we may work together to redefine Us and Them.

Fr7
Friday, Dec 8
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Sherry Uchytil
Contaminated Site Remediation - Trusting Mother Nature to Help Get the Job Done

After initial skepticism and then tentative application in the 1980s and early 1990s, bioremediation comes into the 21st century as a refined player in the remedial tool bag. Whether used as a primary remedial technology or a polishing step, bioremediation techniques have matured dramatically over the past ten years. The applications of bioremediation range today from the use of monitored natural attenuation as a remedial tool in risk based site closure decisions, to containment and removal systems for plumes, and to more aggressive efforts to treat source areas directly. This session will introduce you to the universe of bioremedial applications, provide an in-depth case study of at least one bioremedial approach, and familiarize you with the regulatory considerations that control use of bioremediation.

Fr8
Friday, Dec 8
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: David Wilson
Transportation Options: Effects on Commerce & the Environment

The greater Portland/Vancouver area is experiencing rapidly increasing pressure on its transportation infrastructure. This pressure has dire consequences on both commerce and the environment. (e.g. moving goods and services through and throughout the region, getting to and from work, customers getting to businesses and idling cars wasting fuel while increasing pollution) This session will, from different perspectives, frame the problems and identify some of the solutions under consideration, while discussing the effects of both on commerce and the environment.

Lunch / Plenary Session
Friday, Dec 8
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Juggling Environmental Issues

Fr9
Friday, Dec 8
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Moderator: Jason Smith
Emergency Response Teams

Why does my company need an emergency response program? Does my company need a full-blown, trained, equipped, onsite emergency response team? Or would it be better for my company to use outside contractors or agencies in conjunction with a few trained employees serving as emergency coordinators? Or maybe my company needs a mix of the two?

This session will address the regulatory requirements for Emergency Response and will give you a look at two different models for responding to emergencies and spills. The session will begin with a regulatory back-drop, then move into case studies from two local companies with different approaches to emergency response.

Fr10
Friday, Dec 8
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Moderator: Peter L. Serrurier
Citizen Suits: The Clash of Titans

Citizen suits continue to be a significant enforcement tool under environmental laws. Citizen suits have recently made headlines in a variety of different areas: storm water run off from forest roads, DEQ’s general storm water permits, NPDES and Title V permits, timber sales and development proposals. Expect this session to be a lively exchange as Chris and Mark, experienced advocates and frequent opponents, discuss the latest in citizen suit case law, enforcement strategies, litigation dynamics and settlement tactics.

Fr11
Friday, Dec 8
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Moderator: Brian King
Advanced Stormwater Management Techniques

This session will explore innovative, creative and cost-effective ways of managing municipal and industrial stormwater. Our speakers will discuss various stormwater reduction, reuse and treatment options that have been successfully used here in the Pacific Northwest and around the country. You also will learn about the "on the ground" performance of the various options and what approach is best suited for your particular situation. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about stormwater management from two of the region's leading experts.

Fr12
Friday, Dec 8
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Moderator: Judi Younce
Climate Impacts on Water Supplies

Climate change could induce shifts in mean values for weather variables such as air temperature and precipitation and/or cause new patterns in climate variability, both of which could cause impacts on water demands, supplies, and source water quality. The presentation will discuss how climate model projections could affect water supplies and quality in general, with examples applicable to the Pacific Northwest.

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