2020 Agenda

As growth and density increases in both busy urban environments and small rural towns throughout our region, developments continue to be challenged with preexisting environmental conditions on and off perspective project sites. Historical uses in many desirable development areas often included former gas stations, dry cleaners, and industrial activities. Legacy environmental releases from these uses can result in contaminated soil, groundwater, and soil gas. Depending on the development plans, construction activities can encounter contamination in various forms and in some cases even exacerbate the preexisting condition (i.e. a major construction dewatering event). This presentation will explore some common development scenarios in areas with preexisting environmental conditions, evaluate risk associated with a construction dewatering case-study, and present technical options to mitigate potential exposure risks and limit impacts and associated costs to the development.

Moderator:

Chris Carter, SoundEarth Strategies, Inc.

Speakers:

Thomas Cammarata, SoundEarth Strategies, Inc.
Alexandra Kleeman, Stoel Rives LLP
Terry Montoya, SoundEarth Strategies, Inc.

The cleanup and management of contaminated sediments is a challenging and continuously evolving discipline. The Washington State Department of Ecology will present their latest efforts regarding addressing PFAS in sediments; Paul Fuglevand will discuss the challenges of dredging NAPL-containing sediments; and the Port of Everett will describe their exciting plans for habitat restoration and sediment cleanup at the Bay Wood site.

Moderator:

Mike Ehlebracht, Hart Crowser, Inc.

Speakers:

Paul Fuglevand, Dalton, Olmsted & Fuglevand, Inc.
Eric Gerking, Port of Everett
Laura Gurley, Port of Everett
Priscilla Tomlinson, Washington State Department of Ecology

The COVID-19 virus has impacted everyone, including our state agencies. This panel will provide an update on how the Department of Ecology has been impacted and what you can expect as the agency continues to navigate projects through the standard and expedited Voluntary Cleanup Programs (VCP). Panelists will also provide a climate regulatory update regarding potential changes to SEPA and greenhouse gas analysis and possible implications for planned projects.

Moderator:

Jennifer Wynkoop, Landau Associates, Inc.

Speakers:

Barry Rogowski, Washington State Department of Ecology
Ankur Tohan, K&L Gates LLP
Frank Winslow, Washington State Department of Ecology

Our panel of experts will explore a vapor intrusion case study at a former dry cleaner cleanup site. Panelists will examine alternate source considerations that may be interpreted as vapor intrusion pathways as well as technical developments for sampling and site model interpretations from evaluations that are acceptable to Washington State regulators. The session will merge some of the technical approaches to VI pathway evaluation and regulatory acceptance of those approaches with respect to VI regulations in Washington State to provide a better understanding of this topic and move sites along in the cleanup process.

Moderator:

Audrey Day, The Riley Group,Inc.

Speakers:

Mark Gordon, Washington State Department of Ecology
Blayne Hartman, Hartman Environmental Geoscience

Cleaning up a contaminated site usually requires the use of energy, water, and other resources, thereby creating an environmental footprint of its own. Green Remediation is the holistic use of technologies and methods that enhance a cleanup project’s environmental, social, and economic footprint. Panelists will provide an update on the Sustainable Remediation Forum (SURF Board) progress and proposed future activities as they relate to green remediation; how social justice weaves into sustainable remediation; and examples of new green remediation practices and ideas.

Moderator:

Meg Strong Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

Speakers:

Paul Favara, Jacobs
Scott O’Dowd, Washington State Department of Ecology
Carlos Pachon, U.S. EPA