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NWEC: Where Business Meets the Environment!
DAY 1 — MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2008
Monday, December 8 - 7:15 am
EB1
Early Bird Technical Session: Developing Your Carbon Footprint - Case Studies
Description: This session will review Carbon Footprint techniques and challenges through case study examples. Presenters will provide an overview of the process and highlight specific challenges and solutions in the carbon footprint process.
Moderator: Mike Weiby
M1
Stormwater Basics
Description: Stormwater Basics will provide an introduction to stormwater regulations in both Oregon and Washington. This session will review the permit requirements for industrial (1200-Z) and construction (1200-C) permits and highlight the key elements for successfully managing these permits. There will be a review of Stormwater Pollution Control Plan (SWPCP) requirements and advice on how to prepare and implement a good Plan. Specific examples also will be given for both structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) along with a discussion on how to select and maintain them at your facility.
Moderator: Kristin Preston
M2
Energy Efficiency
Description: This session will provide a solid understanding of energy efficiency and what you can do to meet your efficiency goals. Our first speaker will discus government programs and market trends here in the northwest. Our second speaker will focus in on what services are available to you as a tenet, owner, or occupant and what steps you can take to meet your company’s energy efficiency objectives. Our final speaker will round out the session by presenting case studies of energy efficiency measures, looking closely at what was effective and what wasn’t.
Moderator: Pat Heins
M3
Case Studies in Sustainability: Going for Green
Description: Sustainability is increasingly moving beyond an environmental strategy, and is becoming more of a business imperative. More and more, environmental professionals are asked, "What is Sustainability, and how do we do it?"
This session will present case studies from two vital Pacific Northwest industries that can potentially have significant environmental impacts; wood products and the wine industry. We are pleased to present The Collins Companies and Sokol Blosser Winery, as both are leaders in their respective industries in driving toward Sustainability and implementing The Natural Step principles. From solar panels, biodiesel, water reuse, LEED buildings, to sustainable forestry and more, come and hear the why's and how's from two Sustainability success stories.
Moderator: Jason Smith
M4
Market Driven Solutions for a Bad Market: How Well Will Green Survive?
Description: How well can “green” weather an economy awash in red ink? This hot topic session brings experts in technology, law, policy and finance together to explore what efforts, incentives and projects are still moving forward, the outlook for funding resources, and what companies can do to keep being green in difficult economic times. David Ashton with the Port of Portland will kick off the session with an overview of efforts to increase efficiency, reduce carbon impacts, and work with Port customers to increase sustainable practices. Ken Shump of CH2Mhill will describe efforts to reduce carbon in planning and executing remediation of contaminated sites. Jason Eisdorfer will discuss Bonneville Power Administration’s efforts to plan for a carbon-constrained future and what that future may mean for commercial and industrial electricity customers in the Pacific Northwest. Wally Glausi of Ater Wynne will “follow the money” and illustrate what is being funded, what projects are at risk and where to keep looking for help.
Moderator: Doug MacCourt
M5
RCRA Basics
Description: Presented by hazardous waste managers from local industry, this session will cover the basics of hazardous waste regulation and what it means to you as a generator of hazardous waste. The first half of the session will cover some of the nuts and bolts of hazardous waste management. We will briefly look at the RCRA statute and its structure and quickly move on to more practical aspects, e.g.; LQG, SQG, CEG status; accumulation, labeling and emergency preparedness requirements. The second half of the session will be dedicated to waste identification and helping you answer the sometimes difficult question "is this stuff a hazardous waste?"
Moderator: Ken Skinner
M6
Stormwater Management - Regulatory Updates
Description: Stormwater regulations seem to be continuously changing, with many of the recent changes occurring in Washington. And, while Oregon's underground injection control (UIC) program is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, these UICs are often used to manage stormwater. Nathan Graves will give an update on stormwater issues and litigation cases for Washington stormwater rules. Andrew Swanson will discuss Oregon's UIC program and what it means for those facilities that use them.
Moderator: Deonne Knill
M7
Climate Change Policy Initiatives in the Northwest: The Carbon-Constrained Future is Now
Description: Against a backdrop of heightened public concern, progress on the regulation of greenhouse gases in the United States has been erratic. Local, state and regional solutions are developing, rather than a uniform federal policy. Oregon and Washington are at the forefront of regulatory developments and are moving forward with the Western Climate Initiative. This session will examine the Northwest's climate change initiatives in the context of experience gained in Europe through the operation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. We will also consider the implications of amendments to the EU scheme which will significantly alter the scheme's structure, and we will discuss UK initiatives which go beyond the requirements of the EU scheme. We will address how the Western Climate Initiative's regional cap and trade system will impact businesses in the West and provide insights about the direction of future climate change initiatives in the Northwest and beyond. We will also examine possible conflicts and synergies between current regional initiatives and the growing support for federal greenhouse gas legislation. If federal legislation is enacted, will the regional programs prevail, will they coexist with future federal requirements, or will they have served their purpose and head off into the sunset?
Moderator: Denise Lietz
M8
Environmental Leadership: Rethinking our Models for Environmental Protection
Description: Environmental permitting and protection for a project or a site often involves multiple agencies, each with their own narrowly defined and prescriptive regulations. Navigating these regulations is not only technically challenging, but the process can also be extremely time consuming and expensive. Is there another way? One that focuses on outcomes and includes flexibility and discretion? How can multiple federal, state, and local agencies align their interests? What is the role of market-based solutions? Panelists will explore the challenge of protecting the environment and the public interest, while delivering effective and efficient outcomes - in an era of doing more with less.
Moderator: Robert Grott
The Business Implications of Climate Policy
Featured Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mark Trexler, Managing Director, EcoSecurities Consulting, Portland, OR
A look ahead to the business ramifications of greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandates on economics and competitiveness, who will win and lose, and how companies can best position themselves in the midst of uncertainty and risk.
FT1
Field Trip: Marine Park Water Resources Area, Vancouver, WA
Description: The Marine Park Water Reclamation Facility is an attractive complex of buildings which signals a pleasant invitation to this public waterfront area. The public's destination is not the Reclamation Facility but rather the expanded Park, the wide Riverfront Trail, the Wetlands Overlook, or the Water Resources Education Center where one may enjoy interactive exhibits, the water sciences laboratory, or an educational movie. The Water Resources Education Center also hosts numerous public meetings, conferences, and other events throughout the year. The entire waterfront area was created by the City of Vancouver through its utility system. This previously industrial area held key access to the Columbia River and its wetlands area. When the City needed to expand the existing treatment facility, several public hearings were held. Although the public initially wanted the facility moved, it was found that community enhancements and valuable waterfront assets could be built to satisfy public concerns and that the construction would cost less than it would cost to move the treatment works. The Vancouver City Council approved the recommendations for improvements and created the Marine Park Water Resources Area.
Moderator: Douglas Wise
M9
Air Quality Basics
Description: This session will show us how to navigate air quality regulations in Oregon and Washington. Panelists Rebecca Hillwig of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Paul Mairose of the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency and Tom Wood of Stoel Rives LLP will show us the way. They will offer perspectives on a variety of topics including negotiating and obtaining air quality permits, new source review and performance standards, hazardous air pollutants, and enforcement. Look forward to a lively and informative discussion!
Moderator: Geoffrey Tichenor
M10
Stormwater Management - Beyond BMPs
Description: Examining a two-pronged approach for managing urban and industrial storm water quality: Low-impact Development, and Pollution Prevention.
- Presentation of research, guidelines and solutions for implementing low-impact development options for storm water management, including case studies; evaluating retrofit options for low-impact storm water management at existing sites.
- Review Pollution Prevention options and opportunities, with possible case studies.
Reference material will include Stormwater Solutions - Turning Oregon's Rain Back Into a Resource, available on-line at www.oeconline.org.
Moderator: Clayton Brown
M11
Climate Change - Getting Started
Description: Our first presenter will be Mr. George Davis of Oregon DEQ. Mr. Davis is a member of the implementation team working on the DEQ-approved protocols for the new Oregon Greenhouse Gas Mandatory Reporting Rule. Mr. Davis will discuss the new Rule with special attention addressing "How to comply with the New Greenhouse Gas Mandatory Reporting Rule". As a part of the new rule, DEQ will be using the Climate Registry database as a repository for the data. Mr. Tymon Lodder, Regional Director of the Climate Registry, will discuss the voluntary reporting protocols and the role of the Climate Registry. Mr. Ed Norrena our third speaker has engaged in climate change partnerships and projects around the world. Mr. Norrena will present the fundamentals of developing a climate change strategy and techniques focusing on "Getting Started with Your Climate Change Strategy".
Moderator: Heather Bartlett
M12
The Word on the 2009 Legislative Sessions
Description: The upcoming sessions promise to be the most productive, stalemated, bipartisan, deeply divided, independent, rubber stamp, reforming, and reactionary we’ve seen in years. Come and heard definitive “no holds barred” pundifying at its best. All predictions guaranteed.
Moderator: John Ledger
M13
Risk Assessment Basics
Description: This session will provide a general introduction to conducting risk assessments in both Oregon and Washington. The scientific approach to risk assessment will be discussed for a variety of media, along with each state's rules, regulations and guidance related to risk assessment.
Moderator: Laura Maffei
M14
Water Resources – Innovations in Water Supply and Reuse
Description: Climate change, population growth and increasing regulatory requirements are putting a squeeze on water resources in Oregon and Washington. Learn what both states are doing to assure a sufficient and sustainable water supply. And hear from the City of Albany's Public Works Director about an innovative waste water projects.
Moderator: Terry Hosaka
M15
Green Development: Thinking Outside of the Box
Description: Buildings are large boxes. They store people, machinery, materials and vehicles. The best of these are designed not only for their users or their contents but with their surroundings in mind. Initiatives such as LEED, Architecture 2030, BREEAM and others are making the environment, both exterior and interior, the first consideration in the development world today.
From the moment of conception, LEED designs are collaborative, thoughtful and appropriate. Systems, while harkening back to centuries-old technologies such as the idea of opening a window to cool the air, are tuned-up, elaborately planned and commissioned. Strict control measures are put in place during the construction phase that exceed most local environmental requirements. Specified materials are weighted by their recycled content, whether they were manufactured and extracted regionally, and what their VOC level is.
Considering that a typical building in the United States consumes almost 40% of our energy and about 63% of the electricity produced, buildings are one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation. This level of consumption produces an enormous amount of CO2 emissions and brings to mind some other wastes related to development: water, materials, and space. This session will focus on how we can make the "box" better.
Moderator: Myrrh Caplan
M16
Columbia River Crossing
Description: Construction of a new bridge span over the Columbia River could be one of the most controversial and environmentally challenging projects ever undertaken in the Northwest region. Not only will this affect hundreds of thousands of commuters in the I-5 corridor but it will greatly impact the habitats of species, terrestrial and aquatic, for many years to come.
Please join us for this roundtable discussion with speakers from both sides of the river on what this means for our shared environment.
Moderator: John Ledger
Tuesday, December 9 - 7:15 am
EB2
Early Bird Technical Session: Corporate Social Responsibility and the Environmental Professional
Description: Environmental, Health and Safety performance play an ever greater role in the ability of a company to compete in the market place. Customers, suppliers, investors, the local community and society at large expect ethical behavior, transparency and a positive presence far beyond just compliance. Businesses must have a long term vision contributing to broad quality of life and protection of the environment. Learn the approaches taken by these companies, how the programs are embedded in business practices and what roles are played by Environmental Professionals.
Moderator: Scott Stewart
T1
Environmental Management Systems
Description: A crash course designed to help you decide if you should implement a management system; how to sell an EMS to top management; how to develop and implement the system; and finally how to present the impact of your new EMS to management. The session will include an overview of typical management systems models; issues associated with registration, development and implementation teams (in-house vs. consultant); and how to best make use of existing management elements as well as taking advantage of readily available resources. This session will be presented as a case study that will demonstrate typical challenges and opportunities in implementing an Environmental Management System.
Moderator: Stephanie Johanesen
T2
Ecosystem Services Markets: A New Tool for Environmental Protection
Description: "Ecosystem services" are services provided by nature, such as clean and cool water, fish and wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and recreational opportunities. Unlike goods such as timber or farm produce, these critical services are generally taken for granted and not assigned any monetary value. A growing number of people feel that assigning a value to these services, and then paying landowners to create and preserve them, will create a powerful new mechanism for protecting ecosystems. Formal market mechanisms can assist in fostering ecosystem transactions and ultimately allow for a trading scheme analogous to carbon markets. This panel will discuss the ecosystem markets concept, the requirements and challenges for an effective marketplace, and how the Northwest is leading the way.
Moderator: Robert Grott
T3
Toxics in Water
Description: Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and other water toxics have been identified in surface waters. This session reviews studies performed to evaluate PPCPs with a focus on the Columbia River, models to estimate concentrations, preventative measures to reduce PPCPs, and the assessment of human health risk associated with these emerging contaminants.
Moderator: Ann Bernhardt
T4
Balancing Environmental Priorities; Reducing our Carbon Footprint without Stepping on Any Toes
Description: As we strive to reduce our carbon footprint in the Pacific Northwest we increasingly rely on hydro and wind power to fuel our economy. While clearly more desirable than combustion-based technologies in terms of carbon emissions, renewable energy installations are not without potentially adverse environmental impacts. Chief among these are habitat impacts to fish & wildlife and the availability of land and water resources for other human uses. Balancing these priorities to the satisfaction of a broad spectrum of constituencies while making real progress towards mitigating climate change is, and will continue to be, a critical issue that drives decision-making for industries, regulators and the public at large. In this session we will address these challenges and explore the prospects for reducing our carbon footprint while enhancing our regional environment.
Moderator: Douglas Wise
Tuesday, December 9 - 10:45 am
T5
Environmental Emergency Response
Description: Environmental emergencies present serious and unique liability when it occurs. It requires team work among industry, governments, local organizations and communities. Being prepared before hand can be valuable to responding quickly and effectively to the issues that can arise. This panel will approach the presentation from three different perspectives. The speakers will address the legal issues that arise out of environmental emergencies, Marine security from a regulated community stand point, and Contingency planning related to chemical release. Please join us for a stimulating session.
Moderator: Iloba Odum
Tuesday, December 9 - 10:45 am
T6
EMS Innovations: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Description: Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) can range in complexity from simple reminders of regulatory deadlines at a single facility to an elaborate, Internet-based, enterprise-wide performance management system that tracks regulatory requirements, assigns tasks, controls documentation and records, provides training, and shares information across multiple operations and facilities around the world. Although most businesses typically have many elements of an EMS already in place, a sophisticated EMS helps provide a systematic way to integrate those efforts into operations, to not only ensure compliance but also to facilitate the adoption of sustainable business practices. The significant range and variations of EMSs can be attributed to the differences among organizations in size, activities, impacts, regulatory requirements, corporate culture and policy commitments. Today companies recognize that exceptional environmental performance not only is the right thing to do, but also makes good business sense. This session examines the advanced use of environmental management systems and how these programs are helping businesses to manage their operations, and find creative solutions to improve their triple bottom line. You will also hear from representatives from two very different organizations who will share their experiences, including the challenges and rewards they have achieved by implementing unique and effective EMSs.
Moderator: David Livengood
Tuesday, December 9 - 10:45 am
T7
Practical Approaches to Toxics in Air
Description: This session provides practical approach for modeling toxics in air and will provide updates on the Boiler MACT, 112(j) MACT HAMMER, and the Plywood and Composite Wood Products (PCWP) MACT along with updates on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reporting requirements. We will review the models available for modeling toxic releases and considerations for model selection. We will also present methods for simplifying modeling of air toxics. This includes using screening modeling, screening meteorology, and calculations for handling multiple pollutants.
Moderator: Bonnie Basden
Tuesday, December 9 - 10:45 am
T8
Our Energy Future: Challenges to Siting Energy Infrastructure Projects in the Northwest
Description: Meeting the region's future energy needs while achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions will likely require development of additional energy infrastructure. This roundtable discussion brings together a diverse array of professionals engaged in developing our region's energy infrastructure to examine the challenges to siting projects in the region. The discussion will focus on the barriers facing the development of the resources and technologies that currently factor prominently in the region's energy debate--including renewable (primarily wind), liquefied natural gas, advanced coal technologies, and transmission lines. Such barriers include environmental and aesthetic concerns, as well as regulatory, land use, financial and political hang-ups. The panelists will draw upon real-world examples of the difficulties in siting infrastructure projects to provide their perspectives on the circumstances necessary to enable the siting of projects in the region in a manner that satisfies all stakeholders.
Moderators: Denise Lietz, Geoffrey Tichenor
Tuesday, December 9 - 12:15 pm
Lunch on the Lighter Side
Keynote Speaker: Dave Anderson
Following an annual tradition, the steering committee always hits a home run selecting a speaker for this luncheon. After two days of intense learning, they look for someone who brings humor to our table. This year, they don’t disappoint. Oregon’s own Dave Anderson, comedian extraordinaire, will be sure to leave you laughing.
FT2
Field Trip: Columbia Blvd POTW: Cogen v.s. Fuel Cells - What Works & What Doesn't
Description: This session will entail a visit to the City of Portland’s Columbia Boulevard waste water treatment plant were we will look at the operation of the plant and talk about it’s strategies of harvesting the power capacities of various waste streams. We will look at the plant’s experience implementing various power production processes such as fuel cells and cogeneration to capture energy from its waste streams. We will talk about what worked and what didn’t as we inspect the power plant in operation.
Moderator: Pat Heins
T9
Field Sampling: Is it more than just dirt in a jar?
Description: Links between sampling objectives, sampling methods and their use in risk base criteria
MI sample collection has been promoted as the most efficient means to achieve the goal of obtaining a mean concentration for a specified area by reducing sampling errors. Potential advantages of MI sampling include:
- Reduction of overall sampling error; final results are more closely representative of the arithmetic mean concentration of the analyte(s) of interest on the site.
Fewer samples are sent to the analytical laboratory for analysis, therefore there is a potential reduction in analytical costs.
The method can be useful as an initial screen for sites with little to no information on the historic use.
MI sampling can be very effective for the determination of the arithmetic mean of constituents that exhibit a high degree of distributional heterogeneity.
The error associated with sampling is believed to contribute 70% of more of the overall measurement uncertainty, yet quality assurance protocols and certification programs focus almost exclusively upon the error due to instrumental analysis.
Moderator: Lisa Domenighini
T10
Green Remediation: Minimizing the Carbon Footprint and Maximizing the Sustainability of Site Remediation
Description: Green remediation restores contaminated sites to productive use, while reducing associated costs and promoting environmental stewardship. This session will describe the core elements of green remediation, explore engineering and institutional controls in the context of green remediation, and present green remediation case studies.
Moderator: Leonard Farr
T11
Emerging Trends in Product Stewardship
Description: Products and their packaging make up an increasing percentage of our wastes. Many products, such as paints, pharmaceuticals, compact fluorescent lights, electronics, batteries, and more, are difficult to manage as wastes. They are bulky, costly, contain toxics and multiple materials, and are difficult to recycle or safely dispose in traditional ways. Oregon and Washington agencies and their partners are turning to product stewardship approaches to properly manage these materials. This session will explain what product stewardship is and how that approach is being used to increase recovery and reduce costs to local governments and rate payers. If you have an interest in the new Electronics Recycling Programs rolling out in both states on January 1, 2009 and proposed product stewardship initiatives and legislation for the 2009 legislation, this session is for you!
Moderator: David Livengood
T12
Energy, Where are we now?
Description: This roundtable discussion will focus on renewable energy sources - the viability of new options for supplying electricity to consumers. Speakers from local suppliers and an energy consulting firm will discuss the availability of renewable energy sources, the strategic planning of energy suppliers for increasing their use of these sources and the programs they are offering to consumers to purchase alternative energy supplies to power their homes and businesses.
Moderator: Judi Younce
T13
Like a Thief in the Night… Corporate Audits and Agency Inspection
Description: Whether it is a corporate audit or an agency inspection, the pressure of perfect compliance is a challenge for most facility EHS professionals. This session explores audits and inspections, especially as concerns preparing for announced inspections and addressing unannounced visits. In particular, our speakers will address specific hot spots (OSHA's top 10 citations, and EPA's most common violations). The panel will share useful tips for preparing for inspections, and thoughts and practices for maintaining a state of constant readiness for agency inspections at your site.
Moderator: Luverna Menghini
T14
Vapor Intrusion: Update on Standards & Case Study from Washington
Description: This session will provide an update on the evolving standards for vapor intrusion, including Washington regulations, Oregon regulations, and the new ASTM standard, E 2600-08. This session will also provide a case study involving a residential neighborhood in Vancouver, Washington and potential impacts from a chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater plume located beneath the neighborhood.
Moderator: Laura Maffei
T15
The Toxics - RoHS and REACH Chemical Management Programs
Description: RoHS is the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. Its intent is to eliminate certain hazardous substances from electronic products and includes self-declaration with post market surveillance. REACH is the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restrictions of Chemicals. Though similar to other chemical regulatory programs it requires tight supply chain integration and shifts the responsibility of chemical safety from Government to Industry. With origins in the EU, phased implementation schedules and significant complexity, learn what you'll need to do as these programs take effect.
Moderator: Scott Stewart
Tuesday, December 9 - 3:15 pm
T16
The Eternal Batle: Free Market vs. Regulation
Description: To be Announced
Moderator: John Ledger and Doug MacCourt
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