Environmental
Management Systems, ISO 14000 and Environmental Auditing
Participated
on a team conducting an environmental management review at the US Coast
Guard Integrated Support Command (ISC) in Kodiak, Alaska. The team conducted
a management system level audit including identification of defects
in process, resources and other aspects of the management system that
create barriers to sustainable environmental compliance at present and
are likely to be barriers in the future; identification of desirable
performance objectives of environmental management beyond simple compliance;
evaluation of organization and manpower requirements; specification
of different ways the existing management system could be modified to
overcome the current defects; and recommendation of priorities for change.
*top
EMS
Training for Federal Facilities
For
the Federal Network of Sustainability and US EPA, providing EMS training
to federal employees regarding all aspects of their responsibilities
under various environmental statutes, regulations and Executive Order
13148. Attendees of the course include members of several federal government
agencies, such as Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. The goal of
these sessions is to provide training that results in changes in behavior
towards environmental issues and a reduction in facility violations.
Training covers environmental policy development, planning for aspects
and impacts analysis, objectives and targets development, management
programs development, and compliance. *top
Worked
with a semiconductor manufacturing company to determine their conformance
with ISO 14001. Interviewed relevant personnel and reviewed EMS documentation.
Evaluated the incorporation of activities leading to improved environmental
performance and activities that represented efforts to move beyond regulatory
compliance. Assessed and provided input on both internal and external
risk communication efforts. *top
Worked
with a municipal hydroelectric utility to determine their conformance
with ISO 14001. Evaluation was based on facility tour, interviews with
relevant personnel and review of EMS documentation. Analysis focused
on determining the parts of the facility's systems that are most relevant
to the EMS and identifying the points at which the facility makes decisions
critical to pollution prevention and improvement of overall environmental
performance. Assessed internal and external communication efforts. Provided
advice for process improvements. *top
Worked
with a semiconductor manufacturing facility to review its EMS based
on the ISO 14001 standard. Participated in on-site facility tour, interviewed
personnel and reviewed EMS documentation to determine conformance with
the standard. Reviewed risk communication efforts and provided suggestions
for improvement. Identified measurable improvements in environmental
performance. *top
Provided
compliance audits for various facilities that assessed compliance with
all major federal and state regulations. Based on auditor findings,
identified facility noncompliances and provided advice regarding activities
required to correct noncompliances. Assisted with the planning and development
of program components of a Portwide Environmental Compliance Auditing
Program. Provided advice on environmental issues related to the Port.
Developed and provided training to Port managers and staff on a variety
of environmental issues including regulations, EMSs, procedures and
compliance issues. *top
Conducted
audits of hazardous material, hazardous waste and petroleum storage
facilities for the preparation of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures
Plans and Spill Contingency Plans to comply with state, US EPA and US
Coast Guard requirements for Oregon National Guard, 17th Army Support
Group, US Army Support Services Command and Washington National Guard.
*top
Assisted
a semiconductor manufacturing company plan and implement an ISO 14001-conforming
EMS. Activities included performing a gap analysis and helping facility
management identify environmental aspects and refine objectives and
targets. Implementation and operation included determining roles and
responsibilities, developing training for all employees, creating communication
strategies, developing documentation and document control procedures
and creating standard operating procedures. Assisted the client in developing
a corrective action plan, including procedures related to monitoring
and measuring, nonconformance and corrective action, record keeping
and internal audits. Provided training for internal auditors at the
facility. Also assisted in developing management review processes and
strategic environmental management plans. The client recently had its
ISO certification audit and was recommended for certification with the
fewest number of action requests the auditors had ever experienced.
*top
Assisting
an energy company in the planning, documentation, implementation and
operation of an ISO 14001-conforming EMS for its headquarters and offsite
facilities. Planning activities include introducing the EMS concept
to employees and helping facility management identify environmental
aspects and develop objectives and targets. Additional assistance includes
training, development of procedures, and implementation of the system.
*top
Provided
guidance in the development of an ISO 14001-conforming EMS for the largest
marine transportation company on the West Coast. Worked with facility
staff to identify environmental aspects and impacts associated with
transportation in remote and harsh environments. Developed an EMS manual
for the company. Synthesized existing management structures into a single
system with full documentation in a very short timeframe. Produced a
professional manual for use at client's headquarters and offsite facilities.
Additional assistance included development of procedures, management
tools and performance evaluation systems in accordance with ISO 14001
standards. *top
City
of Seattle Compliance Assessments and EMS Development, Washington
Assisted
the City of Seattle's Executive Services Department (ESD) in performing
compliance audits and developing, implementing and maintaining an EMS
based on ISO 14001. Developed a customized compliance assessment methodology
utilizing checklists concerning federal, state and local environmental
regulations that may be applicable to ESD facilities. Coordinated the
implementation of the environmental compliance assessments. Performed
a gap analysis to review existing ESD environmental procedures and proposed
a methodology for ESD to determine significant environmental aspects
in conformance with ISO 14001. Adapted the City of Seattle's Environmental
Policy to ESD. Based on assessment findings, determined processes that
still needed to be developed and assisted in their creation. Developed
an implementation plan that met the needs and characteristics of ESD
facilities. *top
For
US EPA Region 10, EI developed a study designed to uncover key decisions
that companies make that lead to improved environmental performance.
The project determined the effectiveness of ISO 14001 in enhancing environmental
performance through systematic reviews of companies that have implemented
ISO 14001 in the Pacific Northwest. Companies participating in this
study included both private and public entities. The project required
extensive knowledge of pollution prevention and EMSs to determine level
of conformance with ISO 14001 and the effectiveness of the EMS. Examined
and evaluated the incorporation of pollution prevention activities,
measurable improvements in environmental performance and activities
representing efforts to move beyond regulatory compliance. In addition,
assessed internal and external communication efforts, provided advice
for environmental management improvements and developed facility reports.
*top
Worked
with the Kalispel tribal management to develop and implement an EMS
based on the ISO 14001 framework. Approach included identifying environmental
aspects and impacts, determining which ones are significant and identifying
tribal objectives to address the significant environmental aspects.
Developed and documented an EMS manual that describes all elements of
the system. Also developed and provided training to both management
and relevant employees regarding basic EMS requirements and specific
operating procedures. In addition, performed a baseline assessment of
"on-reservation" operations to determine compliance with environmental
laws and assess conformance with the ISO 14001 standard. Assessed compliance
with all major federal and state regulations, developed an assessment
report that documented all noncompliances and provided suggestions regarding
corrective measures. *top
Worked
with management at an aluminum smelter to identify factors having the
most significant influence on the facility's decision-making process
during ISO 14001 EMS development. Determined the effectiveness of risk
communication strategies. Assessed the current and expected performance
improvements and increased pollution prevention resulting from the implementation
of the EMS. *top
Reviewed
the EMS at an industrial coatings, stains, and clear wood finishes manufacturer.
Conducted an on-site assessment, reviewed EMS procedures and evaluated
conformance with ISO 14001 standard. Provided advice for process improvements
and potential risk communication efforts. *top
Reviewed
a ship maintenance facility's operations to determine whether EMS implementation
contributed to improving environmental performance and risk communication.
Conducted on-site review of facility operations and interviewed key
personnel. Analyzed recycling and waste minimization goals in facility's
pollution prevention plan. Performed gap analysis to determine the differences
between the facility's existing EMS and ISO 14001 standards and made
recommendations regarding changes toward ISO 14001 compliance. *top
Worked
with management at an aircraft maintenance facility to identify variables
that influence the facility's decision-making process during ISO 14001
EMS development. Assessed the current and expected performance improvements
and increased pollution prevention resulting from the implementation
of the EMS. Reviewed risk communication activities. *top
Developed
and implemented a draft corporate environmental audit program to encompass
federal, state and local regulations that apply to a Washington State
TSD facility. The scope of the audit program included RCRA, OSHA/WISHA
training requirements, TSCA, Clean Air Act and SARA Title III regulatory
programs. *top
Natural
Resource Damage Assessment
Analyzed
injury data for the natural resource damage assessment conducted in
the aftermath of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Also reviewed
information regarding restoration projects to assist federal and state
agencies including NOAA and US Fish and Wildlife Service in the restoration
planning process. *top
For
the Marine Mammal Commission, investigated the status of the eastern
Bering Sea fur seal population. Predicted future population trends under
the effects of fisheries and the seal harvest on St. Paul Island (Pribilofs).
Study involved fieldwork on the Pribilofs and the use of simulation
models developed for the project. *top
Preassessment
Screen and Damage Estimation for the Blue Ledge Mine Site, California
and Oregon
Conducted
a draft preassessment screen for a potential NRDA for the Forest Service
at the Blue Ledge Mine Site in Oregon and California. Reviewed historical
documents and conducted site visits to determine if natural resources
at the site have been injured, and identified potentially responsible
parties. Analyzed site data with respect to CERCLA criteria to identify
if injuries to natural resources had occurred, estimate the extent of
injuries and determine if there is a reasonable possibility that natural
resource damages can be recovered by Forest Service and other potential
trustees of the site. Also conducted a preliminary estimate of damages.
*top
For
the Tulalip Tribe, provided planning advice for natural resource damage
assessment negotiations based on review of remedial investigation/feasibility
study data and reports. Used data from the remedial investigation and
screening levels to provide advice on the extent and level of potential
damages without the need for collecting additional data in damage studies.
Considered approaches to value damage to cultural and natural resources.
*top
Assisted
the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Department of Justice and Washington
State resource agencies with scientific studies relating to the damage
assessment following the Tenyo Maru oil spill. Particular attention
was given to impacts to threatened and endangered species including
the common murre and marbled murrelet. *top
Pollution
Prevention and Waste Management
Provided
project management assistance on a project that provided US EPA Region
10 with information allowing them to integrate existing pollution prevention
activities, implement regional programs that complement state program
efforts in pollution prevention and prioritize pollution prevention
opportunities within the divisions. The project involved interviews
with regional and state representatives, development of an inventory
of current pollution prevention activities, determination of gaps and
overlap between the states and US EPA Region 10 and identification of
opportunities to improve pollution prevention assistance. *top
Researched,
developed and prepared an annual pollution prevention plan progress
report for a large timber company. Conducted an environmental audit
to evaluate solid waste management requirements and related permit issues.
Developed hazardous waste management plans (training, inspection and
contingency plans), emergency procedures/emergency response plans and
guidance procedures (for facility technicians and managers) designed
to implement the plans. *top
Provided
management assistance for a hazardous waste generator survey reviewing
current hazardous waste management programs. Researched, developed and
prepared a Pollution Prevention/Waste Reduction Plan that detailed opportunities
for hazardous waste generators to manage wastes properly and reduce
the amounts of hazardous substances used and generated over a specified
time period. *top
Provided
management and review assistance for a pollution prevention and waste
minimization project for an equipment manufacturer. The project resulted
in key process changes and a substantial decrease waste management costs
over a two-year period. Helped client develop a hazardous materials
management plan that reduced the quantity of hazardous materials generated.
*top
Assisted
in developing waste minimization and pollution prevention plans for
the Department of Energy’s Hanford site in Eastern Washington.
The project involved working with facility personnel to evaluate the
existing waste management practices and procedures, review the guidance
and documentation, and prepare revised manuals incorporating more effective
waste minimization and handling practices. *top
For
an energy company, updated facility hazardous waste management programs
and assisted facility personnel in preparing and shipping hazardous
wastes. Project included preparation of a summary of recycling opportunities
for facility operations and a summary of pollution prevention, hazardous
waste generator requirements. Provided a checklist of waste generator
requirements for hazardous waste managers at the facility and developed
hazardous waste management (HWM) plans each consisting of a training
program, inspection plan and contingency plan. Drafted guidance procedures
for facility technicians and managers to facilitate implementation of
the plans and trained facility personnel on the use of the HWM plans
and procedure implementation. *top
Inventoried
hazardous substances and prepared reporting documents for the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know regulations for multiple asphalt
and cement plants. *top
Conducted
a series of performance reviews to determine the adequacy of oil spill
prevention and response under Alaska law and the federal Oil Pollution
Act of 1990, culminating in a report that was used to improve government
and industry oil spill prevention and response processes in Alaska.
The project included reviews of industry policies and practices as well
as federal and state interagency coordination. Determined whether legal
requirements for the contingency planning and response processes had
been met and whether the requirements had reduced the risk of oil spills
in Alaska. Also reviewed how natural resource damage assessment relates
to the oil spill response effort. *top
Brownfields
Redevelopment
Assisting
the City of Aberdeen, the Washington State Department of Ecology and
US EPA in cleaning up a Brownfields site on the state Hazardous Sites
List. The site is contaminated from historical use as a woodwaste, dredge
spoil and garbage landfill and from truck maintenance. Analyzed recent
and historical data in the RI/FS, conducted human health and ecological
risk assessments, reviewed cleanup levels and completed a feasibility
study to identify remedial approaches to the localized soil and groundwater
contamination. Also leading a community outreach program to educate
the community about the cleanup process and to garner support for a
redevelopment project that will enhance the local economy. *top
Providing
support to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Siletz, Umatilla,
and Warm Springs to address injuries to tribal resources at the Portland
Harbor, Taylor Lumber and McCormick and Baxter National Priorities List
sites. Reviewing site investigation information at the three sites to
identify where tribal resources have been threatened or harmed. Assisting
the tribes in prioritizing cleanup actions at the Portland Harbor sites.
Evaluating proposed remediation alternatives to determine effectiveness.
Representing the tribes at key site meetings and conference calls. Reviewing
and providing comment on key documents, including site characterizations,
environmental evaluations, proposed plans, work plans, project memoranda,
remedial investigation/feasibility studies, quality assurance plans,
operation and maintenance plans, health and safety plans, contingency
plans, records of decision, remedial design documents, remedial action
plans and human health and ecological risk assessments. *top
Working
with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to address
contamination in the upper Columbia River watershed. The site has been
contaminated by historic and current discharges from mines, milling
operations, smelters and a pulp and paper mill. Several fish consumption
advisories have been issued and the bioaccumulation of toxics has impacted
tribal fisheries resources. Providing support to the Tribes for all
phases of the CERCLA process at the upland sites and contaminated sediment
sites. This effort includes reviewing preliminary assessments and site
investigation reports; helping the Tribes navigate the NPL listing process;
reviewing Sampling and Quality Assurance Plans; providing analysis of
sediment, soil and water data collected by US EPA and others; meeting
with and negotiating with regulators; recommending studies to complete
a thorough ecological and human health risk assessment; and providing
advice on the remedial investigation data collection process to set
the stage for a natural resource damage assessment. *top
Assisting
the Georgetown Community Council with the cleanup and closure of a hazardous
waste treatment and storage facility in the Georgetown neighborhood
of Seattle. Reviewing and commenting on technical analyses, sampling
plans, interim measure work plans and facility assessments. The major
contaminants of concern are volatile organic compounds in groundwater
and indoor air, including vinyl chloride and benzene. *top
Provided
review and oversight of field investigations, remedial investigation
(RI), risk assessment, treatability studies and a feasibility study
(FS) for the cleanup of a Superfund site in Northeastern Oregon. Of
particular concern were sediments in ponds dominating the mining sites.
*top
Provided
project oversight assistance from the initial investigations through
the Record of Decision. The project included field investigations and
sampling, data management, remedial investigation, risk assessment,
treatability studies, consideration of applicable or relevant and appropriate
requirements (ARARs) and the feasibility study. Also assisted in preparing
materials for and participating in public meetings regarding risks and
benefits of potential cleanup strategies. Based on the results of the
communication efforts, a strategy was developed for the required monitoring
and cleanup at the site. *top
Risk
Management and Environmental Terrorism
Provided
technical and management support for human health and ecological assessment
following the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The project involved a review
of the reports of the Oil Spill Health Task Force and the FDA's risk
assessment and advisory opinion on the safety of subsistence foods.
Project included a compilation and assessment of data on toxic residues
identified in fish and mammals. *top
An
EI scientist/risk assessor oversaw risk assessments at eight distant
early warning (DEW)-Line sites on the North Slope of Alaska for US Air
Force Center for Environmental Excellence. The project involved field
sampling and site characterization, interim remedial action, human health
and ecological risk assessment, remedial investigation and feasibility
studies. *top
Provided
oversight for several risk assessments for Superfund sites in Oregon,
Washington and Idaho. The projects involved the assessment of relevant
geologic and hydrogeologic conditions and site characterizations, including
contamination assessment and identification of chemicals of concern.
The risk assessments involved exposure assessments, toxicity assessments
and risk characterization along with a discussion of uncertainties.
*top
Provided
project management assistance on a human health risk assessment for
a United States Postal Service (USPS) facility where arsenic contamination
was discovered. Provided assistance in communicating the potential risks
to employees at the site and communicated with the Washington State
Department of Ecology regarding future management of the site. Also
developed and documented a site monitoring plan for implementation on
behalf of the USPS. *top
Assisted
the Department of Energy in developing waste minimization and pollution
prevention plans for the Department's Hanford site in Eastern Washington.
Project involved working with facility personnel to evaluate existing
waste management practices and procedures, assess pollution prevention
opportunities, review guidance and documentation, communicate potential
human health and environmental risks, and revise manuals to incorporate
more effective waste minimization and handling procedures. *top
Provided
management assistance on a number of site-specific risk assessment projects
for private clients in the United States and Canada. Projects involved
exposure assessments, toxicity assessments and risk characterization
along with discussion of uncertainties in the evaluation, and presentations
to involved stakeholders. Projects also included site-specific investigations,
determination of contaminants of concern, development of conceptual
site models, assessment of sampling plans and calculation of site-specific
cleanup requirements to satisfy regulatory and health-based requirements.
*top
Regulatory
Compliance and Policy Analysis
Litigation
Support for Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Planning,
Northwest US
Providing
litigation support for a large civil lawsuit in the US. The project
includes providing expert witness assistance on issues regarding fuel
SPCC planning and implementation at remote facilities in the Northwest.
*top
On
behalf of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, prepared
comments for submittal to the Bureau of Reclamation regarding the Tribes'
comments and concerns with a biological opinion/systems operation review
of proposed changes to operations at Grand Coulee Dam. The proposed
changes involved altering the drawdown amount and schedule for the reservoir
(Lake Roosevelt) behind the dam. Analyzed impacts on tribal fisheries
and contaminated sediments in the lake and investigated the effects
on air quality during drawdown when contaminated bank sediments are
exposed to sun and wind. Coordinated comments of various tribal members,
consultants and lawyers. *top
Mediation,
Facilitation and Community Outreach
Provided
facilitation services at workshops involving representatives from the
US Army Corps of Engineers-Portland District, NOAA, US EPA, USFWS, Oregon
and Washington state resource agencies, biology and river hydrology
consultants and members of the public. The goal of the workshops was
to reach consensus on the potential changes in salinity concentrations
and related biological communities in the Columbia River Estuary that
could result from deepening of the navigation channel. The project required
familiarity with published reports on salinity and benthic resources,
salinity intrusion and Endangered Species Act compliance. The interagency
group reached consensus on all key topic areas for the workshop including
the predicted salinity changes in the river and biological impacts resulting
from the proposed navigation channel deepening. *top
Provided
facilitation services on four multi-agency ecosystem restoration planning
efforts on the Columbia River. Participants included federal, state
and local interests including the US Army Corps of Engineers, US EPA,
USFWS, NOAA, Washington and Oregon State environmental agencies, local
port authorities and representatives of the Congressional delegation.
Facilitation was designed to evaluate ecosystem restoration needs comprehensively
and addressed the requirements to restore both aquatic and terrestrial
habitats including those of native fish populations in the Lower Columbia
River. *top
Conducted
a two-day mediation designed to reach consensus regarding navigational
difficulties experienced by Columbia River pilots in certain stretches
of the river. The mediation involved working with the Army Corps of
Engineers, local ports and river pilot associations, and included problem
clarification, exploration of alternatives to improve navigation and
identification of additional information that would form the basis of
studies to better define and resolve the problems. All parties resolved
their differences and misunderstandings and reached agreement on key
issues. *top
Provided
facilitation services to multiple federal, state and local agencies
meeting to address selection of offshore dredge disposal sites for materials
resulting from maintenance, dredging and channel-deepening activities
on the Columbia River. Facilitations included discussions about impacts
to fish populations threatened by turbidity changes associated with
dredging. *top
Provided
mediation services on a dispute regarding the Washington State Department
of Corrections' fair share of improvements in the City of Aberdeen's
secondary treatment plant associated with the hookup of a new prison.
The project involved implementation of a settlement agreement lodged
in Washington Superior Court. The written agreement allowed the parties
to avoid the cost of arbitration and to assist in global resolution
of variety of matters related to the community opposition to the prison.
*top
Designed
and facilitated a successful, in-depth public outreach, education and
decision-making process to support flood risk management planning in
Skagit County. Initially, solicited the concerns of dike districts,
agencies, tribes, local businesses, farmers, members of the public and
other diverse stakeholders. Based on their input, designed a process
that included a Working Group, composed of stakeholder representatives,
whose goal was to identify flood risk management alternatives including
a preferred alternative that should be evaluated in the EIS for the
project. During the Working Group meetings, members of the group and
the interested public learned about options for flood risk management
and discussed advantages and disadvantages of each. The group successfully
came to consensus during the time predicted. In addition, created a
web page and a video for public education and support. *top
Provided
facilitation services at a series of workshops designed to create a
strategic planning process for the Snohomish Health District (SHD).
Worked closely with the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of SHD
to develop a design for a two-day workshop. Conducted scoping interviews
and facilitated workshops attended by 20-35 participants. Helped the
group design and implement an ongoing strategic planning process involving
a commitment to bottom-up planning. Worked with the Board to develop
a draft statement of roles and responsibilities vis-à-vis SHD.
Convened a group of board members, executives, managers and staff representing
the diverse programs of the organization. Assisted the group in the
creation of directions and strategies to guide the work of SHD for 3-5
years and designed a website to assist in communicating progress on
the strategic plan throughout SHD. *top
Provided
services to design and facilitate a workshop for the purpose of promoting
collaborative interagency relationships between the Washington State
Department of Ecology and Seattle Public Utilities. Workshop design
included the transfer of advice regarding methods for continued collaboration
and techniques for facilitating multi-issue discussions. Facilitated
discussions addressed the potential for increasing productivity and
coordinating agency personnel in three key areas: regional solid waste
planning, water resource including habitat and Endangered Species Act
issues, and water quality including issues pertaining to combined sewer
overflows and the contamination of marine and freshwater sediments.
As part of this project, facilitated a subgroup addressing a ten-year-old
permit disagreement; facilitation resulted in resolution of the disagreement
and issuance of a permit. *top
Sustainable
Development
Prepared
an environmental impact statement under the Washington State Environmental
Policy Act related to the proposed demolition of a building on the National
Register of Historic Places (Finch Building). Developed a benefit-cost
analysis investigating restoration alternatives, and involved researching
supply and demand trends for office space and housing, investigating
low income housing and historic preservation tax credits/subsidy programs
and conducting independent research on historic building restoration.
Recommended the building be converted into low-income housing based
on social, environmental and economic factors. *top
Provided
services involving review and analysis of Growth Management Act (GMA)
statutes and case law, stakeholder comments and criteria utilized in
the designation of forest lands of long-term commercial significance
by seven counties in Washington State. Criteria included forest land
grades in consideration of growing capacity; productivity and soil composition;
availability of public services and facilities conducive to conversion
of forest land; proximity of the land to urban, suburban and rural settlements;
size of the parcel/size of the block; compatibility and intensity of
adjacent and nearby land uses; and settlement patterns, including issues
related to density allowances. *top
For
the City of Normandy Park, developed and produced a Best Management
Practices (BMP) pamphlet for city-wide distribution. The goal of the
pamphlet was to educate the public about the impacts of poor construction
practices on water quality and fish listed as threatened under federal
and state Endangered Species Acts. Assisted the City in evaluating management
practices for their benefits to threatened species, water quality and
human health. Interviewed city personnel and private contractors regarding
current practices. For the Planning Department, identified training
opportunities to improve the department’s ability to monitor construction
activities for impacts to water quality. *top