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2007 Conference & Tradeshow
NWEC: Where Business Meets the Environment!
Last Update 10/30/07
DAY 1 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2007
Eb1
Thursday, Dec 6
7:15 AM - 8:25 AM
Moderator: Mike Weiby
Environmental Innovation: Case Studies (Advance Registration Required)
This early bird session will feature Environmental Innovation case studies. The speakers will highlight improvement projects from development stage to fruition as applicable and demonstrate the innovative approaches. The audience will be encouraged to ask questions at the end of the session regarding project and identify the key success factors and results.
Th1
Thursday, Dec 6
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Jason Smith
Air Quality Basics
This session will focus on the FAQ's of Air Quality regulations in Oregon and Washington. We will present a roadmap for negotiating air quality regulations including permits, new source review and performance standards, hazardous air pollutants, and enforcement. We will have two speakers from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the South Washington Clean Air Agency to show us the way. So, bring your note pad and questions.
Th2
Thursday, Dec 6
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Doug MacCourt
A Carbon Primer: Understanding the Science, Economics, and Regulatory Basics of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The first segment of this session will provide a focused explanation of greenhouse gas (GHG) and climate change science and technology, with a discussion on sources of information and data for industry and professionals, emission trends and projections, and greenhouse gas inventories. Assessment, capture and sequestration options will be discussed, including advances in technology for pre- and post-combustion capture technologies, and emerging fuel and power generation choices for industry. An overview of GHG markets and emission trading will follow, explaining how GHG reductions and transfers take place and how your industry may benefit. Finally, senior staff for Oregon Governor Kulongoski will present regulatory and policy directions for Oregon and the region, as influenced by emerging federal policy.
Th3
Thursday, Dec 6
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Leonard Farr
Engineering Controls v. Active Remediation: Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later
Engineering and institutional controls oftentimes can significantly reduce the cost of environmental remediation being conducted in conjunction with development. This session will present case studies that compare and contrast the benefits and shortcomings of engineering and institutional controls.
Th4
Thursday, Dec 6
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: John Ledger
Legislative Update
What’s happening in the legislatures? Was the last session with its major bills just a warm up for the next? Are we looking at whole new trends? Hear the gory details from some of those working right inside the sausage mill.
Th5
Thursday, Dec 6
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Beverly Pearman
Stormwater Basics
Stormwater Basics will provide an overview of the regulatory requirements for development of stormwater pollution control plans (SWPCP) as well as practical advice on implementation of SWPCPs. There will be tips on ways to draft a plan so as to comply with the revised 1200-Z permit and then the importance of documenting compliance effectively. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and design systems will also be discussed as ways to technically implement the SWPCP.
Th6
Thursday, Dec 6
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Denise Lietz
Carbon Trading Case Studies: Practical Ways to Evaluate and Make Successful Carbon Trades
Carbon trades, also known as greenhouse gas offsets, are intended to counteract greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere as part of a specific facility, project or activity. This session will discuss practical ways to evaluate and make successful carbon trades, including criteria for determining whether the trade will actually result in a true net benefit to the environment. The speakers will provide examples of carbon trades for large construction projects, energy facilities and transportation systems, among others. They will also discuss what makes an effective and trustworthy carbon offset project and practical ways to identify such projects. Finally, they will talk about the lessons of the European Union's carbon trading program. That program an example of the type of regulatory scheme that may soon be put in place in the United States.
Th7
Thursday, Dec 6
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Heather Bartlett
Vapor Intrusion: Fundamentals and Emerging Guidance
Discuss the fundamentals of vapor intrusion, including planning an investigation, techniques for collecting samples, and methods of interpreting results. Representatives from DEQ and Ecology will present the latest on forthcoming guidance from the States.
Th8
Thursday, Dec 6
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Robert Grott
Environmental Leadership: Government or Business?
Some observers claim that the environmental industry has moved into a "post-regulatory" era where companies and public agencies are acting for economic and policy reasons - rather than just because regulators say that they have to. Leaders in the environmental arena will be discussing this trend and the dynamics shaping decisions to go beyond compliance, and whether changes are needed in the traditional regulatory framework.
Lunch and AOI Award Presentation
Thursday, Dec 6
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
The AOI Environmental Excellence Award is Oregon’s most prestigious environmental business award.
The Award goes to an outstanding individual who, throughout his or her career, has demonstrated a dedication to the “Oregon Way” of protecting and enhancing this state’s wonderful way of life. The Oregon way is often described as a cooperative, innovative, and personal approach to advancing environmental progress.
Th9
Thursday, Dec 6
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Stephanie Johanesen
Breaking Down the Wastewater Permit Application Process, Understanding What Your Regulators Are Looking For, and Working With Them to Resolve Issues
A breakdown of the common elements of a wastewater permit, the process of applying for it, and understanding what it is your regulators require of you. Examples of what your regulators are looking for during inspections; and case studies of problem areas that were resolved by working in tandem with regulators.
Th10
Thursday, Dec 6
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Paul Burnet
Advanced Stormwater - New Developments in Stormwater
Stormwater issues continue to take a significant role in environmental compliance and environmental site investigation. This session will discuss recent changes, challenges and approaches for implementing and complying with stormwater regulations at both industrial and construction facilities. In addition, the expanding role of stormwater in site investigation and characterization will be explored.
Th11
Thursday, Dec 6
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Beverly Pearman
Renewable Energy Applications for Industrial Facilities
Have you wondered what you can do to reduce energy costs at the industrial facility that you manage? Have clients asked you to help them figure out what they can do to incorporate renewable energy applications into their operations? Many options are available for industrial facilities. This session will focus on case studies and the practicalities of not only identifying but also implementing the application that will help your facility lower energy costs and become more efficient.
Th12
Thursday, Dec 6
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: J.W. Ring
To Be Green or Competitive in the Global Market Place
The speakers, all a part of the global environmental and manufacturing economy, will debate and discuss the green vs. profit dilemma in a global economy not controlled by EPA. Their discussion will include the following:
- Can you be both green and competitive? Or are we Greening ourselves into a second world economy?
- Is the answer for America, exporting industrial pollution to the third world?
- Is utilizing underpaid and under-protected labor in countries that are 40 years behind with environmental requirements and enforcement the secret to our future economic success?
- Can or should Asia become the world’s foundry while the rest of us enjoy a green service and consumer life?
- Will China put us out of business by building a manufacturing economy less concerned with the quality of paint on the toys?
- Is exploitation back in style as we all strive to live green and die rich?
- Can we have our cake and eat it too?
Th13
Thursday, Dec 6
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Moderator: Lisa Domenighini
Preservation of Volatile Organic Compounds by EPA 5035 A: When, Where, How and Why
This method describes a closed-system purge-and-trap sample preparation process for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solid materials (e.g., soils, sediments, and solid waste). While the method is designed for use on samples containing low levels of volatile organic compounds, procedures are also provided for collecting and preparing solid samples containing high concentrations of VOCs and for oily wastes. This procedure is designed to minimize the losses of VOCs through the two most common mechanisms, volatilization and biodegradation. The presentations will focus on variability between results, ease of field use, field and laboratory limitations and options, and practices observed since the inception of Method 5035 and Method 5035A.
Th14
Thursday, Dec 6
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Moderator: Clayton Brown
Water Quality Credit Trading and Ecosystem Markets
As municipal and industrial NPDES dischargers continue to evaluate cost-effective permit compliance and TMDL implementation options, water quality credit trading is quickly becoming a viable choice. Clean Water Services in Hillsboro, OR has developed an innovative water quality credit trading program to address its TMDL-derived excess thermal load (temperature) wasteload allocation. The program consists of "trading" improvements made to riparian area shading and flow augmentation to offset the excess thermal load of the discharge from its wastewater treatment facilities. Clean Water Services took a market-based approach by creating incentives for farmers and other landowners to restore key functions and processes on the landscape that naturally cool water. Additionally, Clean Water Services is working in conjunction with the Willamette Partnership to develop an ecosystem services marketplace to enhance the pace, scope and effectiveness of collective investment in the restoration of the various ecosystems within the Willamette River valley. This project, funded by an EPA Targeted Watershed Initiative grant is developing a credit registry and marketplace exchange structure that would be used to buy and sell, not only water quality credits, but also wetlands, conservation, and carbon credits.
Th15
Thursday, Dec 6
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Moderator: Tanya Gray
Measuring, Reporting and Promoting Sustainability (without “green-washing”)
This session will provide attendees with information on how to ensure business practices are moving towards sustainability and how to share such efforts with customers. Compelling reasons exist for a business to adopt sustainable practices whether or not it improves sales of product or services. However, as consumer awareness of environmental impacts grows, companies stand to profit from their efforts to become more sustainable by gaining new customers. We'll hear about successful models that businesses have used to adopt sustainable practices and consider whether or not consumers were aware of these efforts and influenced by them.
Th16
Thursday, Dec 6
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Moderator: Robert Grott
Local Responses to Global Problems: Who Should Pay?
Air, rivers, and oceans don't respect political boundaries, and local levels of pollution are often impacted by distant sources. Yet environmental regulations are structured by states and countries, and local industries and other generators are often treated as if they are expected to be the solution. Whether upstream contamination, mercury from China, or global CO2, should there be a relationship between cause and responsibility, or should each community do the maximum it can?
Eb2
Friday, Dec 7
7:15 AM - 8:25 AM
Moderator: Scott Stewart
Lean and the Environment (Advance Registration Required)
Wondering how "lean manufacturing" and pollution prevention can be aligned to provide a dual benefit? This session will provide some insight into this question. A panel of environmental and lean experts will present some case study successes and lessons learned, an overview of projects that are in the works and information and guidance to assist you in your efforts to make the lean and green connection.
Fr1
Friday, Dec 7
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Stephanie Carey
RCRA Basics
A review of the hazardous waste regulatory program is a mind-numbing journey through a maze of obscurities and incongruities. The program is arguably one of the most complex areas of federal law, approaching the tax code in depths of its intricacies" - Butch Gergrandt. Yet, everyday hazardous waste is generated, stored, transported, treated, and disposed of, in accordance to word of RCRA. Two RCRA Specialists will happily take you through, and unravel the RCRA Basics.
Fr2
Friday, Dec 7
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Terry Hosaka
Good to the last drop...Water Resource Management
This session will present both sides of the water resource management story. Issues and challenges facing drinking water and waste water agencies will be presented. Included in the session will be presentations of innovative solutions used to meet increasing demand for water supply and to treat waste water.
Fr3
Friday, Dec 7
8:45 AM -10:15 AM
Moderator: Mari Chesser
Successfully Managing Vendors and Contractors
When managing projects, it can be difficult to decide whether the project should be handled in house or whether vendors and/or contractors are needed. When you choose to use a vendor and/or contractor, how do you receive the best value for their time and yours? Successfully managing vendors and contractors will be evaluated from three points of view. A facility engineer, an environmental attorney and an environmental contractor will share their experiences with you of the types of projects that vendors and contractors add value and how to manage the vendors and contractors effectively. This session will concentrate on the types of projects that best use a vendor and/or contractor resources, how to develop relationships with vendors and contractors and how to save your company both time and money.
Fr4
Friday, Dec 7
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Moderator: Dave Einolf
Broad REACH - Navigating the Complex Seas of International Chemical Regulation
Following the lead of the EU in the development of waste electronics regulation (WEEE), hazardous substances restrictions (RoHS), and the registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals (REACH), many countries are imposing more and more restrictions on manufacturers and users of hazardous materials in products and formulations. This session explores the current regulatory climate and what the assortment of existing and proposed regulations means to a number of industries. A multi-disciplinary group of panelists will explore the effects of these regulations on business in the Northwest, including proposals for local regulation and the impact on exporters.
Fr5
Friday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Doug MacCourt
Inspections, Enforcement, Compliance: A Survival Guide for Everyday and the Environmental Emergency
State and federal agencies conduct a variety of monitoring and compliance efforts which range from inspections and facility evaluations, civil and criminal investigations, record reviews and information requests. Learn the latest trends, strategies for success and compliance incentives from DEQ, the regulated community and experienced legal counsel. Tips on staying out of trouble and staying afloat when accidents happen.
Fr6
Friday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Bonnie Basden
Hot Air Topics
The session provides updates on several developing air quality topics; specifically, developments with the Boiler MACT and PCWP MACT standards, implementation of the PM2.5 standards, and upcoming regulatory developments for Greenhouse Gases (GHG).
MACT Update – In light of court decisions earlier this year vacating the Boiler MACT standard and portions of the Plywood and Composite Wood Products (PCWP) MACT standard, this update will discuss the current status of these programs, the possible applicability of MACT Hammer and Section 112(g) case-by-case MACT requirements, next steps on Boiler MACT, PCWP MACT, and how Oregon and other states are handling these issues.
PM2.5 Implementation – The session will include a discussion of timelines, issues for areas that may fall into non-attainment, and perspectives on how local areas are dealing with the implementation.
Greenhouse Gases (GHG) – this session will discuss recent regulatory developments in California (AB32) and how they may affect upcoming GHG rule development in Oregon.
Fr7
Friday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Leonard Farr
Data Management: Life Beyond Excel
This session will explore the generation, access, and use of environmental data. Speakers will present environmental laboratory, consulting, and industry perspectives, highlighting how each manages and generates environmental data. The speakers will present software tools and case studies to demonstrate how advances in technology can facilitate data management.
Fr8
Friday, Dec 7
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Mark Leece
Environmental Economics and the Global Economy
This session will explore the impacts, affects, and demands of our current day global economy and the resulting environmental issues that play out in diverse global economy. The role of the Pacific Northwest in this context, as a significant west coast import/export hub will also be examined.
Lunch and Live Wire!™ Presentation
Friday, Dec 7
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
OPB radio’s Live Wire!™ with an environmental twist! Players, specializing in “variety for the ears and vaudeville for the mind.” What is Live Wire!, you ask? It’s Ellen Degeneres meets Oregon Art Beat with just slightly less dorky dancing. It’s Fresh Air meets the Partridge Family without the bus. It’s Monty Python meets Charlie Rose, if Charlie Rose had a Klezmer band. It’s… look, it’s something you’ll just have to experience and decide for yourself!”
Fr9
Friday, Dec 7
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Iloba Odum
Handling Environmental Emergencies: From Plans to Response
When environmental emergencies occur, they require teamwork among industry, governments, local organizations and communities. This panel will approach the presentation from three different perspectives: contingency planning, response coordination and cleanup direction in emergency situations. Please join us for stimulating session.
Fr10
Friday, Dec 7
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Terry Hosaka
CSI - Environment/Environmental Forensic Tools
Step aside Dr. Quincy, ME - our fabulous speakers will present groundbreaking tools for use in environmental studies and investigations. If you did not commit the crime, these experts will help you prove it.
Fr11
Friday, Dec 7
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Moderator: Marianne Fitzgerald
Everything You Want to Know About Sustainability….But Didn’t Know Who to Ask
We've heard the debates on paper or plastic, and this is typical of questions people raise when we try to figure out what's best for the environment. Are compact fluorescent bulbs better than incandescent bulbs? Is increased use of ethanol and biofuels good for the environment? Can you recycle used CD's? Should you turn off fluorescent lights when you leave a room for a short time? Join our panel of experts for an interactive discussion about recycling, global warming, and a variety of environmental questions you've always wondered about but didn't know who to ask.
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