Eastern States
Representative Projects
Facilitation of Stakeholder Process for Voluntary Cooperative Natural Resource Damage Assessment Program, Maryland
For NOAA, provided facilitation services for five meetings with state and federal trustees, environmental groups, industry representatives and tribes. The facilitated meetings were designed to gather useful stakeholder input in a short period of time for a new voluntary cooperative NRDA program that NOAA is developing. Project involved designing the plan, interviewing participants prior to the meetings, facilitating meetings and preparing notes and final report. *top
Review of Commuter Rail System, Pennsylvania
Provided facilitation services to coordinate development of a broad-ranging independent review of the commuter rail system in Philadelphia, PA to determine its safety and efficiency for the public. A public participation process was designed to disseminate information to the public and address community concerns about the safety and long-term efficiency of the system. *top
Environmental Management Training Course, Virginia
For the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), developed and conducted a two-day EMS implementation and evaluation training course. VDEQ created the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) that promotes the use of an EMS and pollution prevention activities as a means of achieving greater environmental quality and improved organizational performance. VEEP's EMS structure is similar to that of ISO 14001. The course provided VDEQ personnel with a clear understanding of EMSs and the process for review of an organization's EMS for acceptance into VEEP. VDEQ personnel throughout Virginia attended this course. *top
Third Party Verification and Oversight of EMS, Virginia
Provided assistance to National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) in designing and implementing a system of independent third-party verification for facilities that develop an EMS for approval by the NBP. The project required an understanding of wastewater solids and biosolids management practices as well as EMSs and their components. *top
US EPA EMS Auditor and General Awareness Training Courses, Washington, DC
Developed a two-day EMS auditor training course and a half-day course on EMS general awareness for US EPA. Presented courses across the US at EPA facilities. The goal of the auditor training was to educate US EPA staff to become EMS auditors so they can conduct effective audits and provide support on EMSs to the agency. The general awareness course provides US EPA's senior mangers and staff with an adequate understanding of EMSs and how they are relevant to US EPA's day-to-day activities. Courses included an analysis of the similarities and differences between various EMS programs and their specific requirements. Programs covered included ISO 14001, the Environmental Management and Accountability System, Performance Track, Code of Environmental Management Principles, Environmental Management Review and Compliance-focused EMS. *top
Support for US EPA Move to Electronic Reporting, Washington, DC
In support of the Cross-Media Electronic Reporting and Record-Keeping Rule (CROMERRR) conducted a systematic review of EPA information reporting and recording-keeping requirements in all of US EPA's major programs including Air, Water, Toxics, Hazardous Waste and Superfund. Within a six-week time span, reviewed and analyzed extensive documentation including all 40 CFR environmental regulations to identify provisions that affected CROMERRR. Presented a range of alternatives for consideration and analysis by US EPA regarding amendments of regulations, in all US EPA programs, to achieve electronic reporting. *top
Development of Groundwater Integration Strategy, Washington, DC
Assisted US EPA's Office of Solid Waste in developing a groundwater integration strategy. Reviewed guidance, regulations and the statutory language of the Minimum Technology Requirements, Location Guidance, Corrective Action/Groundwater Monitoring and Land Disposal Restrictions. The project was designed to ensure that the four programs worked together in an efficacious manner to protect human health and the environment. *top
Facilitation of Technical Meeting Regarding Marine Mammals, Washington, DC
Provided facilitation services at a meeting of approximately 30 scientists sponsored by the Marine Mammal Commission. Purpose was to reach consensus regarding the status of whale and seal populations, including some designated for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Facilitation also provided appropriate directions for research and resource conservation. *top
Facilitation, Public Outreach, and Workshop Coordination of Biotechnology Issues, Washington, DC
Provided facilitation and outreach services to identify emerging issues affecting the biotechnology industry and reach consensus on these issues among the diverse members of Association of Biotechnology Companies (ABC) including company executives from the agricultural, hazardous waste treatment and pharmaceutical industries. Met with senior level officials of the member entities including scientists and technical and policy staff from state agencies, drafted proposed position papers and brought the group to consensus on appropriate positions. Position papers were used to brief US Senators and Congressmen and national, state and local agency regulators on topics relating to biotechnology. An EI team member also acted as a spokesperson to brief the media, US Congress, and regulatory agencies on ABC positions. Met regularly with Senators and Congressmen, the press and regulatory officials. Presented testimony before US Senate and House Committees and federal regulatory agencies. Made numerous speeches and educational presentations. Also organized, managed and presented a major annual international conference concerning biotechnology attended by over 500 participants from all over the world. *top
US-Canadian Bilateral Research Effort on Acid Rain, Washington, DC
Provided technical assistance and coordinated research with offices within US EPA and with other federal agencies. Analyzed data to investigate the effects of acid rain on biodiversity and ecosystems and worked closely with State Department officials and scientific representatives of the Canadian government assisting in the development of federal regulations. Conducted policy analysis relating to long-range transport of air pollutants. Liaised with Congressional, agency, industry and public interest representatives. *top
Strategic Planning for Compliance and Enforcement Activities, Washington, DC
On behalf of US EPA, conducted research and analysis to develop a report on strategic targeting for enforcement and compliance assurance. Provided international guidance on how to develop effective targeting strategies in strategic environmental planning. Specifically, provided guidance on how to define the universe of pollutant sources, determine resource constraints, identify and collect relevant data, develop information management systems, establish objectives for targeting programs, develop methodologies to achieve strategic targeting objectives and implement methodologies to support targeting activities. Case studies and examples illustrating steps in strategic targeting were provided for Canada, Costa Rica, England, Indonesia, the United States and Ukraine. Also investigated environmental policies related to strategic targeting for enforcement and compliance assurance in Egypt, China, Spain, Chile and Mexico. *top
Risk Management Report and Database Creation, Washington, DC
Provided management assistance for the Industrial Chemistry Branch of US EPA's Office of Toxic Substances. The project involved researching properties and other information for a variety of chemicals to prepare risk management 1 (RM1) reports. The project also involved the preparation of a database documenting information contained in the RM1 reports. Over 370 RM1 reports were completed. *top
Underground Storage Tank Characterization, Washington, DC
Provided technical information to US EPA regarding the identification and characterization of the hazardous components of gasoline and other products stored in underground tanks. Provided advice on the potential for the tanks to leak and the toxicity of the hazardous substances. Also assisted in analyzing the fate and transport of hazardous substances in groundwater. *top
Management of Hazardous Waste from Educational Institutions, Washington, DC
On behalf of US EPA, directed an assessment of the management of hazardous waste at educational institutions. The assessment focused on universities, colleges, secondary schools and vocational schools. The resulting report contained an overview of the RCRA statute and regulations that may be applicable to educational institutions; a discussion of the schools and the types and quantities of waste they produce; a description of environmentally sound methods for treating, recycling, storing and disposing of these hazardous wastes; the major problems faced by schools in handling their hazardous wastes; and recommendations for improving current waste management practices. It formed the basis of a report to Congress. *top
Analysis of RCRA Hazardous Wastes Containing PCBs, Washington, DC
Provided project management assistance to US EPA's Office of Solid Waste on a project designed to determine the types and quantities of RCRA hazardous wastes containing PCBs being land disposed. This project involved characterization of the wastes, identification of their sources and determination of current waste management practices. *top
Financial and Economic Impacts of RCRA Regulations on Small Quantity Generators, Washington, DC
Analyzed the financial and economic impacts of RCRA regulations on small quantity generators. The analysis included characterization of waste streams produced by small quantity generators including the physical and chemical characteristics of the waste and the amounts produced. *top
Regulatory Impact Analysis for PCB Regulation, Washington, DC
Analyzed a proposed rule requiring notification and manifesting by processors and disposers of PCBs under TSCA. The project included the determination of costs and benefits to industry, the government and society associated with the proposed regulations. The analysis required an assessment of the PCB processing and disposal industry including the facilities involved and the amounts of waste generated. *top
Chemical Use Analysis for Formaldehyde in Wood Products and Textiles, Washington, DC
Conducted a chemical use analysis for formaldehyde in wood products and textiles for US EPA's Office of Toxic Substances. The project involved a marketing analysis and survey of relevant documents. *top
Analysis of Asbestos Hazard and Emergency Response Act (AHERA) for Removal of Asbestos-Containing Material, Washington, DC
Provided management assistance to the Office of Toxic Substances on a study to determine the extent to which the unavailability of liability insurance for schools and asbestos abatement professionals inhibited removal of asbestos-containing material from schools as required under AHERA. The study included interviews with representatives of different groups involved in asbestos abatement in schools including local education authorities funded under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act, asbestos abatement contractors and consultants, financial assurance providers, and state agencies. The study also included a survey of those potentially affected by AHERA. *top
Regulatory Impact Analysis for Regulation of the Release of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms, Washington, DC
Developed a regulatory impact analysis for the rule regulating the release of genetically engineered microorganisms. The project involved a survey of biotechnology companies potentially subject to TSCA and the assessment of costs and benefits to industry, the government and society associated with the proposed regulations. The project required a detailed understanding of the policies of the US EPA and other governmental agencies with regards to the regulation of biotechnology products. *top
Evaluation of Toxic Release Inventory Reporting Requirements, Washington, DC
Assisted in developing Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) rulemaking. Responsibilities included analyzing and evaluating technical comments regarding industry's reporting issues and concerns associated with TRI reporting requirements. Issues ranged from measuring chemical content in waste streams to fugitive emissions from loose valves in piping systems. Project required an understanding of waste volumes, toxicity and mobility. Synthesized both public and private sector comments on proposed changes to reporting requirements. *top
Analysis of Criteria for Listing Chemicals under SARA Section 302A, Washington, DC
Provided management assistance to US EPA on a number of projects involving decisionmaking on criteria for listing chemicals as extremely hazardous substances under SARA Section 302A. The project also involved developing threshold planning quantities for extremely hazardous substances, developing exposure guidelines for emergency response planning, listing and de-listing chemicals under various provisions of Title III and identifying information sources on toxic chemicals listed under SARA Section 313. *top
Legal and Policy Analysis on Acid Rain, Washington, DC
Contributed policy analysis services in a study requested by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The study focused on the causes of acid rain and the long-range transport of air pollutants and included potential pollution control strategies. Conducted legal and policy analyses and explained to Congressional staff the scientific evidence concerning acid rain and the associated policy/legal implications. Analyzed and drafted legislation for Congressional staff designed to protect ecosystems and biodiversity from the adverse effects of acid rain. Prepared written testimony and reports for client committees. *top
Analyses and Determination of Residue from Paper Manufacturing, Washington, DC
Provided services leading to determination of restrictions on land application of residue from paper manufacturing. Exposures to wildlife and the possible long-term effects of these activities were assessed. The project involved an assessment of the constituents of pulp and paper wastes and a literature review on dioxins in pulp and paper. *top
Guidance Document for Interpreting PCB Cleanup Levels at Superfund Sites, Washington, DC
Project involved integrating the Toxic Substances Control Act policy for cleanup of PCB spills with the Office of Research and Development's (ORD) recommended levels for PCB cleanup under Superfund. Prepared a report providing background information on two advisory levels, their differences and consistencies. The report also discussed the relationship of the TSCA policy to Superfund and provided guidance on how to interpret the ORD advisory levels for use at specific Superfund sites. *top
EEI Risk Communication Guidance, Washington, DC
Developed a report for the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) entitled "Principles and Guidelines of Effective Risk Communication." This Issues and Trends Briefing Paper was distributed to several thousand utility managers throughout the United States. *top
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