The Tennessee Environmental Network Steering Committee is pleased to present the TEN 2022 topical program as listed below. Click into the box for the topic description and speakers. Please make note of of your topics of interest by “starring” them for future reference.
Wednesday May 13 2020
DAY 1
1:15 pm - 2:30 pm : Breakout Session 1
1.1 An Overall Look at Sustainability in the Recycling Industry
Lisa Hughey
This session will include a discussion of the following topics: Combating Contamination A Mill's Perspective; Why so low and when will aluminum return to its cash cow status?; Case Study: Single Stream, dual stream, and source separated; Common Suite of Materials; Consistency is the key to clean materials (or to reduce contamination).
Moderator: Larry Christley, TDEC DSWM
Speakers: Will Sagar, SERDC; April Carlock, Caraustar; Cameron Chapel, WestRock
1.2 Mobilizing for Climate Change Solutions: Societal and Local Responses
Dodd Galbreath
Discussion of current efforts to mobilize action for climate change responses leading up to the 2020 elections in the business, faith, environmental and energy communities.
Moderator: Dodd Galbreath, Lipscomb University
Speakers: Gary Garfield, Bridgestone Americas; Mike Glenn, Brentwood Baptist; James W. Frierson, Compass Innovation; Matt Kisber, Silicon Ranch Corporation
1.3 The Future of Beneficial Reuse in Tennessee
Stephanie Durman
The presenters will discuss the status of beneficial reuse of treated wastewater in Tennessee, including nonpotable reuse, future potable reuse, and piloting potable reuse. The panel will also address emerging technology for monitoring new contaminants of concern as part of reuse.
Speakers: George Garden, Katie Bell, Darren Gore
1.4 Brownfield Regulatory Update
Russ Griebel
TDEC has been busy! This session will provide an overview of recent changes within the Brownfield Voluntary Cleanup Oversight and Assistance Program, including items such as Consent Orders, Notice of LURs, and BVAs.
Speakers: Evan Spann, Ashley Pulley, and Ellery Richardson, TDEC
1.5 A Roadmap for Electric Vehicles
Kelly Love
State, local, and utility perspectives on electric vehicle adoption, infrastructure, innovation, and related issues.
Speakers: Drew Fry, Tennessee Valley Authority; Molly Cripps, TDEC; Brian Blackmon, City of Knoxville
1.6 Solid Waste Management and Local Government
Pat Flood
How to ensure safety at solid waste management facilities, including the most dangerous and most consistent safety violations, safety at the landfill, and general safety in the industry.
Moderator: William Anderson
Speakers: Morgan Thomas, Municipal Equipment Inc.; Charlie Gilliam, WMI; Henry Plain, TOSHA
1.7 Annual Reporting Changes and Common Mistakes
Lisa Hughey
Discussion of the changes that generators, transporters, and TSDs will see in annual reporting due to the new HWGI Rule. A review of the common mistakes made by the generators, transporters, and TSDs in their annual reports will also be provided in this presentation.
Moderator: Tara Jones LeGros, TDEC DSWM
Speakers: Stephanie Day and Nina Vo, TDEC DSWM HW
Legal TBD
Jarod Word
TBD
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm : Breakout Session 2
2.1 Diversity in the Environmental and Conservation Profession
Greer Tidwell
This topic explores the challenges of recruiting, hiring, and developing diverse environmental professionals, and shares challenges and tactics for recruiting a diverse workforce of the future into the environmental profession. This includes collaboration with academic institutions, agencies, and communities to provide successful methods for engaging with colleges for project support and problem-solving.
2.2 Air Quality Updates
Lauren Pulley
EPA Air Quality Update – EPA Region 4 Staff
Tennessee Air Quality Update – TDEC DAPC Staff TBD
Speakers: EPA Region 4 Staff, TDEC DAPC Staff TBD
2.3 PFAS Panel: Understanding the Latest Legal and Toxicological efforts to Addressing these "Forever Chemicals"
Tim Fitzpatrick
Panel discussing the current regulatory efforts and challenges and the latest toxicological data associated with PFAS/PFOA and similar emerging contaminants.
Speakers: Charlie Denton, Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Dr. Laurel Royer, Exponent; Shanna Alexander, Earthcon
2.4 Brownfields: The Strategy of Redevelopment
Bertisabel Custer
Panel: Repurposing with a Purpose
Moderator: Bertisabel Custer, Wood E&IS
Speakers: TBD, General Electric; TBD, CSX Transportation; TBD, Wood E&IS
2.5 EWS Site Closure Status of Financial Assurance Update Effort Solid Waste Permitting: Review of Process and Roundtable
Pat Flood
This session includes: a discussion of the design and construction performed after the EWS landfill filed for bankruptcy; a brief update on the continuing effort to evaluate the financial assurance at solid waste facilities; and a review of the permitting process with a roundtable discussion on the process elements.
Moderator: Jason Repsher
Speakers: Chris Murry, CEC; Nick Lytle or Craig Almanza, TDEC; Panel TBD
2.6 Solid Waste Management and Local Government
Pat Flood
This session focuses on solid waste planning in local governments that should include developing five-year and 10-year plans, learning how to evolve in today's recycling marketplace, and integrated solid waste systems.
Moderator: William Anderson
Speakers: Becky Caldwell, GNRC; Abby Goldsmith, Goldsmith Resources; Amber Greene, Chester Count SW
2.7 Regulatory Update
Lisa Hughey
TDEC and EPA R4 staff provide an overview of new regulations in the pipeline.
Moderator: Mark Jordan, TDEC DSWM
Speakers: Tara Jones LeGros, TDEC DSWM; Alan Newman, EPA Region 4
2.8 Water Regulations Panel
Stephanie Durman
TBD
Speakers: Amanda Garcia, SELC; John Dawson, Bass, Berry & Sims; Stephanie Durman, TDEC Office of General Counsel
4:30 pm - 5:45 pm : Breakout Session 3
3.1 Recovered Materials
Lisa Hughey
A discussion of how to maximize recovered material loads for best cost and schedule for success combined with size matters in successful and cost effective strategies. This topic will focus on how economies of scale will save you money. Moderator: TBD Speakers: Hal Rischer, West Rock; Stephanie Baker, KW Plastics; Doug Giles, Marshall County; Danny Benard, Chester County
3.2 Resource Conservation TBD1
Jeff Barrie
TBD
3.3 Managing Your Stormwater: The Tennessee Multisector General Permit
Stephanie Durman
The presenters will discuss practical applications of the Tennessee Multisector General Permit (TMSP) including applicability to municipal landfills, the no-exposure certification, and good and bad examples.
Speakers: Crystal Warren (TDEC DWR, Memphis EFO), Katherine Barnes (TDEC OGC), add a solid waste industry representative (Waste Management, Clean Harbors, Waste Industries) or a consultant (BB will check with Lisa for a recommendation)
3.4 TN Brownfield Association (WE can do it!)
Russ Griebel
Have you ever wanted to be a person that precipitates an event? Attend this session and you will be part of the catalyst that will result in the formation of the Tennessee Brownfield Association.
Speakers: Russ Griebel; United Consulting; Jason Lichstein, Ackerman; John Spinrad, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP
3.5 Electric Farming
Kelly Love
TBD
Moderator: Steve Halcomb, Tennessee Valley Authority Speakers: Frank Sharp, Electric Power Research; Dr. Carl Sams, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture; Jason Snyder, Tennessee Valley Authority
3.6 Solid Waste Management and Non-Governmental Organizations-Part 1
Pat Flood
The role of the NGO community in improving/expanding recycling in Tennessee.
Moderator: Jeff Barrie
Speakers: Representatives of KKB, TEC, UGL
3.7 Accessing Information through TDEC and EPA
Lisa Hughey
Review of the various TDEC databases as well as EPA databases that are available online to the regulated community and consultants (DORway, WasteBin, SmogLog, etc). A review of the GIS features of the databases will also be presented.
Moderator: Tara Jones LeGros, TDEC DSWM
Speakers: Jeremy Hooper, Ben Almassi, Alan Newman, Ashley Pulley, Vojin Janjic, TDEC
3.8 Federal Legislative Updates
Ashley Ball
TBD
Speakers: J. Wayne Cropp, Baker Donelson; TBD
Thursday May 14 2020
DAY 2
9:30 am - 10:45 am : Breakout Session 4
4.1 Product Stewardship
Lisa Hughey
Extended Producer Responsibility and Product Stewardship: Should they be on the table for Tennessee?
4.2 DOD Roundtable/Panel Discussion
Dave Blalock
Clean Air Act Regulatory Update for DoD Bases
Speakers: Joh Hoertz, USAF; EPA R4; TDEC
4.3 PFAS Remediation Update
Tim Fitzpatrick
Dr. Chang will present on Groundwater remediation and treatment options associated with PFAS/PFOA and similar emerging contaminants including Current Status and Challenges of Characterizing and Treating PFAS in Landfill Leachate. Mr. Northington will discuss the implementation of an in-situ barrier of colloidal activated carbon to increase the natural retardation factor for PFAS, providing passive plume management and a risk-based approach that removes PFAS from the mobile phase while eliminating the route of exposure to downgradient receptors.
Moderator: Tim Fitzpatrick, SGS Axys
Speakers: Chad Northington, REGENESIS; Dora Chiang, CDM Smith
4.4 Brownfields to Greenbacks
Russ Griebel
Developers and investors have historically steered away from redeveloping Brownfield properties. This panel discussion will focus on revealing various financial and other incentives redeveloping Brownfields properties.
Speakers: Evan Spann, TDEC; Bart Kempf, Bradley; TBD
4.5 Solid Waste Management and Non-Governmental Organizations-Part 2
Pat Flood
The NGO perspective on top issues regarding solid waste in Tennessee.
Moderator: Jeff Barrie
Speakers: TBD
4.6 Lead Waste in Tennessee
Bertisabel Custer
TBD
4.7 Interface between HW, Air, Water, SW, and DOR
Lisa Hughey
Review of the overlap between the various regulatory programs and how in may impact businesses, both small and large.
Moderator: Mark Jordan, TDEC DSWM
Speakers: David Jackson, BDY Consultants; Ed Callaway, Waller Law
4.8 OSHA Safety and Health Law
Ashley Ball
TBD
Speakers: Michael Mallen, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.; TBD
11:00 am - 12:15 pm : Breakout Session 5
5.1 Circular Economy
Tony Melson
Topic will look center around a new chemical recycling technology breaking down plastics at the molecular level and putting into reuse with perspectives provided by the recycler (Eastman) and an upstream and downstream provider. Moderator: TBD Speakers: TBD, Eastman; TBD, Coca-Cola; TBD downstream purchaser
5.2 Regional Haze
Lauren Pulley
TBD
Speakers: John Homback, VISTAS
5.3 TNH2O: Where Do We Go From Here?
Stephanie Durman
Panel discussion of implementation of TNH2O, including an update of what has been done so far and future directions. This session will focus on the roll out of TN H2O as a movement rather than an initiative. That movement will be launched with a set of agreed upon tenets or principles under which many efforts – within TDEC and other partner entities – will be or have been launched. One of the core principles will be educating people on the value of water and natural resources. Another is focused on addressing current and impending infrastructure needs. Much of that work is being addressed through TDEC’s SRF efforts.
Speakers: Elaine Boyd, TDEC; Grant Ruh. TDEC OGC; Bob Freudenthal, Tennessee Association of Utility Districts
5.4 Brownfields Technologies and Challenges
Bertisabel Custer
Topics to include High resolutions site characterization with 3D conceptual site model, Brownfield clean up with green technologies, and the history of a successful brownfied site.
Moderator:Bertisabel Custer, Wood E&IS
Speakers: J. Todd McFarland, Wood; Roger Donovan and Evan Spann, TDEC; Tom McComb, Barge Solutions
5.5 NSPS Landfill Updates
Pat Flood
New source performance standards updates and impacts to municipal solid waste landfills.
Moderator: Lisa Hughey, TDEC
Speakers: David Thorley, WMI; Craig Almanza, TDEC; Matt Stutz, Weaver Consulting
5.6 Strategy and Management of PCB Projects
Bertisabel Custer
TBD
5.7 HWGI Rule
Lisa Hughey
Discussion of the new HWGI rule and changes to the HW rules that generators should be aware of prior to final adoption date.
Moderator: Jared Lynn, Nissan North America
Speakers: Tara Jones LeGros and Wayne Gregory, TDEC DSWM; TBD, EPA Region 4; TBD, Industry rep
5.8 Legal Ethics Part 1
Laura Chastain
This presentation will cover ethical topics relating to the representation of individuals and companies pursuing or defending environmental legal claims. The presentation will include conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and candor before a tribunal.
Speakers: Steven Christopher, Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm : Breakout Session 6
6.1 Resiliency in TN
Scott Anderson
Tennessee is covered by FEMA Region 4 which consists of the eight southeastern states and has natural risks including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, droughts, ice storms, earthquakes, wildfires, and tropical storms. In the last 10 years Tennessee has had over 19 FEMA Disaster Declarations. Hear the latest on how the State of Tennessee and federal agencies are working together on disaster resilience and recovery. Moderator: TBD Speakers: Pam Swingle, US EPA; TBD, FEMA; TBD, TDEC
6.2 40 CFR Part 82 – Protection of Stratospheric Ozone
Scott Anderson
The U.S. EPA published final rule, "Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Update to the Refrigerant Management Requirements under the Clean Air Act” went into effect at the end of 2016. This update represents a major overhaul of the provisions of 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F including extending the requirements to cover substitute refrigerants that do not contain ozone depleting substances (ODS), lowering the leak rate thresholds that trigger repair requirements, adding leak inspection or monitoring requirements, and many others. This panel discussion will review the changes in the federal register and look at the impacts the new rule has had now that it is a few years in enforcement.
Speakers: Jason Davis, HRP; Southeastern Grocers (TBD), TDEC or EPA (TBD)
6.3 Four-Letter Words in the News: Lead, PFAS, HABs, DBPs
Stephanie Durman
State drinking water officials will discuss hot topics in drinking water: lead, PFOS, disinfection byproducts and hazardous algal blooms.
Speakers: George Garden, TDEC-DWR; David Money, TDEC Drinking Water Fellow); academic from TTU or Gary Emmert (U. Memphis) , Mike Bernard (SSR)
6.4 TDEC DoR Vapor Intrusion Risk Criteria
Travis Johnson
In 2016, TDEC DoR developed a Risked-Base Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Matrix for New Construction. TDEC DoR has revised the matrix to include existing buildings, post installation system performance monitoring, and O&M inspection reporting requirements.
Moderator: Travis Johnson, Pace National
Speakers: Merrie Salyers, TDEC
6.5 Regulatory & CWD Updates
Pat Flood
TDEC regulatory updates and management of Chronic Waste Disease impacted deer carcasses.
Moderator: Lisa Hughey, TDEC
Speakers: Craig Almanza, Nick Lytle, Jeremy Hooper, TDEC; Chuck Yost, TWRA
6.6 Resource Conservation TBD2
Jeff Barrie
TBD
6.7 Pharmaceutical Rule
Lisa Hughey
Update on the Pharmaceutical Rule and how it will impact generators; discussion of who will now be covered by this rule and how to prepare for when adoption is final.
Speakers: Tara Jones LeGros and Wayne Gregory, TDEC DSWM; TBD, EPA Region 4
6.8 Legal Ethics Part 2
Alex Long
TBD
Speakers: Jim Wright, Butler, Vines & Babb
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm : Breakout Session 7
7.1 Resource Conservation TBD3
Jeff Barrie
TBD
7.2 Emerging Contaminants in Source Air
Tim Fitzpatrick
Ethylene oxide: Bill Walsh will discuss sampling and analytical challenges of EtO as well as understanding its current use and challenges faced with replacement compounds. PFAS: Due to the unique chemical and physical properties of PFAS compounds and the complex nature of stationary source emissions, developing a method for the collection and analysis of these compounds presents a unique challenge. Courtney Adkins wll cover method development, data trends, and explore the relationship between the sampler and the laboratory.
Speakers: Bill Walsh, SGS Galson Laboratories; Courtney Adkins, Eurofins TestAmerica
7.3 Municipal Stormwater and Good Housekeeping
Stephanie Durman
The presenters will discuss new developments and best practices in municipal stormwater management in Tennessee. Subjects will include good housekeeping for municipal facilities, updates to postconstruction stormwater management, and related topics.
Speakers: Dr. Karina Bynum. TDEC-DWR; Dr. Mounir Minkara, City of Chattanooga; Cindy Poppelwell
7.4 Land Revitalization and Lessons Learned
Scott Anderson
Taking a brownfield site from assessment to complete redevelopment requires big picture thinking. This session will cover how to take a holistic approach to sites, working collaboratively with the state, other agencies, and stakeholders, and communicating with communities to make redevelopment happen. Speakers will also detail successful redevelopment projects and the tools and resources used throughout the process.
Moderator: Scott Anderson, HRP Associates
Speakers: Amanda LeFevre and Elizabeth McNulty, KDEP; Sherry Weedman, Tetra Tech
7.5 Low Level Nuclear Waste Disposal at the Oak Ridge Reservation
Pat Flood
Siting, regulatory challenges, design, and expected long-term performance at the Proposed EMDF facility on the Oak Ridge Reservation.
Moderator: Karl Chance
Speakers: David Adler, DOE; Robin Manning, UCOR; Dr. Stephen Kenworthy, Strata-G
7.6 Asbestos
Bertisabel Custer
TBD
7.7 E Manifest System
Lisa Hughey
Review of how the e manifest system is working for generators, transporters, and TSDs. An update from EPA and TDEC DSWM on their perspectives on how the system is working will be provided.
Moderator: Jared Lynn, Nissan North America
Speakers: Tita LaGrimas, Rebecca McClellan and Timothy Denhoff; Tradebe; TBD, EPA Region 4; Stephanie Day and Nina Vo, TDEC DSWM
7.8 Legal Ethics Part 3
Jim Wright
TBD
Speakers: Jim Wright, Butler, Vines & Babb
Friday May 15 2020
DAY 3
9:30 am - 10:45 am : Breakout Session 8
8.1 DOT Hazardous Materials Refresher Training
Kelly Love
The DOT Hazardous Materials Refresher Training covers recent developments in the hazardous materials transportation regulations and reviews the key basics of shipping hazardous materials. It will address the use of e-manifests and what paperwork is still required by DOT to be with the hazardous materials transporter.
Speakers: Linda Lawhorn, Edgewater Technical Associates
8.2 Air Dispersion Modeling 101
Lauren Pulley
TBD
Speakers: Timothy Desselles, SLR
8.3 Resource Conservation TBD4
Jeff Barrie
TBD
8.4 We have a Grant for THAT!
Olga Perry
Panel discussion regarding various funding sources to support Brownfields redevelopment in TN. Panelists will provide their experiences for leveraging funding, and their lessons learned.
Moderator: Olga Perry, US EPA
Speakers: Sam Saied, Southeast TN Development District; John Hargraves, PM Environmental; Dawn Michelle Foster, City of Knoxville; Rebecca Shoffeitt, TDEC
8.5 Composting at Henry Horton SP and Industrial Waste Reuse/Recycling
Pat Flood
Session discusses composting at Henry Horton SP and industrial waste reuse/recycling.
Moderator: Stacey Cothran
Speakers: Ryan Jenkins, Henry Horton SP; TBD, Master Melt
8.6 CCR Pond Closures & Beneficial Use of CCR
Pat Flood
Session covers the technical aspects of closing Coal Combustion Residual ash ponds and beneficial use of Coal Combustion Residuals.
Moderator: Karl Chance, AECOM
Speakers: Gabriel Lang and Mark Rokoff, AECOM
8.7 Supplemental Environmental Projects and Consent orders
Lisa Hughey
Options that are available to the regulated community when they may have a HW order in process.
Moderator: Tara Jones LeGros, TDEC DSWM
Speakers: Joe Sanders, TDEC OGC; Bill Penny, Burr & Forman LLP; Drew Goddard, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC; Ed Callaway, Waller Law
8.8 PFAS Legal Landscape From Around the Country
Katherine Barnes
This presentation will center on how the federal government and states have been dealing with PFAS in the regulatory, policy, and litigations arenas. Discussion will focus on current approaches, questions, challenges, and the evolving landscape of addressing PFAS from a legal perspective.
Speakers: David Higney, Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C.; Kendra Abkowitz, TDEC; Nate Watson, SELC
11:00 am - 12:15 pm : Breakout Session 9
9.1 PFAS Regional and Federal Updates
Rich Glaze
Panel discussion featuring Federal and state representatives discussing their perspectives on PFAS regulations and current and future action plans.
Speakers: Julie Woosley, NC DEQ; Bruce Freeman, ADEM; Aaryn Jones, EPA Region 4
9.2 Resource Conservation TBD5
Jeff Barrie
TBD
9.3 Operation Clean Sweep
Tony Melson
Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) is a voluntary stewardship program for facilities that handle plastic materials. In its 25th year of existence, the program is designed to keep plastics (pellets, flake, powder) out of our waterways due to production losses. While recycling/cleanup efforts address the plastics issue “post-consumer” OCS addresses water quality “pre-consumer”.
Speakers: 2 panelists (Eastman)
9.5 Recycling in a Changing Market
Pat Flood
A presentation on challenges of the current recycling market and ways to overcome them.
Moderator: Stacey Cothran
Speakers: Lincoln Young, Rockwood Recycling; Jerrod Lynn, Nissan; Troy Vaughn, Recycle America
9.6 Landfill Design Developments
Pat Flood
Landfill gas system design, construction, and maintenance
Bioreactors and the Williamson County Bioreactor Landfill
Leachate management system design, construction, and operation
Moderator: Jason Repsher
Speakers: Brian Gant, SCS Engineers; Kevin Wolfe, Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc.; John Gardner, Smith+Gardner Inc.
9.8 State Legislative Updates
Emily Urban
TBD
Speakers: Blair Beaty and Horace Tipton, TDEC Office of General Counsel