Agenda: 2009 Training and Technical Course Series

Registration

State Minimum Standards

Historical overview of state minimum standard requirements in the first hour, followed by discussion of selected standards including vectors, litter, maintenance and other topics. This session is intended for those who did not attend the May/June 2009 classes.

Speakers

• Mark de Bie, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)
• Mary Ellen Oetzel, Environmental Management Department (Sacramento County)
• Lori Braunesreither, Health Services Department (Contra Costa County)
• Dianne Ohiosumua, Patrick Snider and Dennis Corcoran, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)

Financial Assurances Regulations

Overview of the evolution of the Long-Term Postclosure Maintenance, Corrective Action and Financial Assurances rulemaking, and an update of the status of the proposed regulations which are intended to mitigate the financial exposure to the State and local governments associated with corrective actions and long-term postclosure maintenance at solid waste landfills. Session also includes a discussion regarding how the proposed regulations might impact all plan submittals, financial assurance demonstrations, and permit requirements.

Speakers

• Garth Adams and Richard Castle, Financial Assurances (CIWMB)

New LEA/Grantee Orientation

Are you new to the world of solid waste or waste tire enforcement? Or maybe you are an experienced LEA or grantee that needs a refresher? Review the history, the players (CIWMB, LEA, California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health, Enforcement Advisory Council, Cal/EPA, Solid Waste Information Group, Solid Waste Association of North America), the acronyms, the tools (statute, regulations, guidance, toolboxes, websites), the expectations, the process and where you can get help when you need it. Learn from real world case studies and lessons learned.

Speakers

• Mark de Bie, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)
• Gerri Stryker, Waste Tire Facilities--South (CIWMB)

Technical Training Series Orientation (Lunch)

LEA/CIWMB Partnership

Collaboration and communication between LEA and Board staff are a must to effectively manage solid waste in California. The Partnership is the cornerstone to accomplishing our mutual program and policy objectives. During the first part of the session, participants will identify what is working, what can be improved, and where there are roadblocks and then brainstorm possible solutions. The rest of the session will be spent in small breakout groups to identify, discuss and propose next steps to enhance the Partnership and working relationships between LEA and Board staff.

Conducting Effective Interviews (Tires)

Waste tire inspectors are always conducting interviews in some form. Learn how to make the most of an interview as experts role-play various scenarios. A mock interview will let you see what can go wrong or go right in an interview. Participants will gain perspective on best questions to use and timing to end the interview process.

Speakers

• John Fentis, California District Attorney's Association Environmental Project Director and former City Prosecutor
• John Pedersen, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office

Registration

Postclosure Land Use: San Diego Case Study

Learn from the San Diego experience about public and private sector collaboration on how postclosure land use can meet multiple local goals. Staff spent almost 15 years planning for the remediation of the landfill as part of the Airport Master Plan. This case study demonstrates how a solution to the local transportation needs, land use restrictions, and preservation of delicate biological species can provide the foundation for a strong regional economic plan.

Speakers

• Richard Gilb, Environmental Affairs, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
• Jacquie Adams, Developmental Service Department (City of San Diego)

Emerging Technologies: Is There An Eco-Fuel Edge?

Examine the science behind bio-mass conversion and gasification and how these energy technology facilities actually work. Discussions will include feedstock, environmental impacts, the difference between conversion and transformation, and plasma gasification.

Speakers

• Amanda Martinez, President, Bull Moose Energy
• Donald H. Bunts, Director of Engineering, Bull Moose Energy
• Jeff Surma, President, S4 Energy Solutions

Moderator

• Fernando Berton, Branch Manager, Research and Applied Technology (CIWMB)

Waste Tire Enforcement Surveillance: Technique and Documentation

Gain the best return from surveillance. Learn practical methods and best documentation practices that can lead to prosecution and reduction of repeat offenses.

Speaker

• Stephen Dolan and Bill Motmans, Waste Tire Enforcement (CIWMB)

Break

Recycling Facilities: Three-Part Test

Gain insight into how other states and countries are successfully distinguishing between recycling and solid waste handling and how other regulatory models might impact California’s approach. These insights are from preliminary results of a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo analysis funded by the Board. Closer to home, learn from three case studies on how California jurisdictions are grappling with the “three=part test”.

Speakers

• Christine Sosko, Department of Health Services (Sonoma County)
• David Thompson, Environmental Affairs Department (City of Los Angeles)
• Pamela Raptis, Department of Environmental Health (San Diego County)
• Watson Gin, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)

Penalties: Two Case Studies

Gain an understanding of the benefits, drawbacks and successes of penalty assessment methods from two different jurisdictions. Discussion during the session will provide input on the development of a penalty guideline chart that will help jurisdictions sort through the options.

Speakers

• Michael Bledsoe, Staff Counsel (CIWMB)
• Lisa Todd, Environmental Management Department (Sacramento County)
• Kathryn Cross, Environmental Health Division (Orange County)

Waste Tire Enforcement Criminal Cases: Lessons Learned

Learn from the Henry Hilliard Tire Site case and subsequent tire clean-up about how state and local collaboration can meet multiple goals. This difficult case had a 10-year history, but it was successfully resolved by working together.

Speakers

• Stacey E. Thomas, Senior District Attorney Investigator (Fresno County)
• Edward T. Browne, Deputy District Attorney, (Fresno County)
• Wendy Breckon, Staff Counsel (CIWMB)
• Wes Mindermann, Integrated Waste Management Engineer (CIWMB)

LEAs, Operators, and Tire Enforcement Program Highlights (shown during lunch)

Get some good ideas from videos and PowerPoints showcasing local enforcement programs.

Dive Deep into the World of Grants

Learn the best way to successfully apply for, implement, and manage Board grants as well as how to survive an audit. Session features case studies from various Board grant programs including Waste Tire Enforcement; Waste Tire Clean-up and Amnesty Event; Farm and Ranch; and Household Hazardous Waste. Grantees will describe their experience in grant preparation, time recording methods, and example reports used for grants. State grant managers will explain reporting requirements and highlight common pitfalls and successes they see when reviewing reports.

Speakers

• Lars Seifert, Environmental Health Services (Imperial County)
• Beverly McCullough, Recycling Program Coordinator (City of Modesto)
• Jeffery Smedberg, Recycling Program (Santa Cruz County)
• Ron Rowe, Environmental Health Division (Merced County)
• Corky Mau, Grant and Loan Resources (CIWMB)
• Barbara Strough, Waste Tire Enforcement Grant Program (CIWMB)
• Carla Repucci, Farm and Ranch Grant Program (CIWMB)
• Nancy Fallan, Sustainability Grant Program (CIWMB)
• Burke Lucy, Household Hazardous Waste (CIWMB)

Moderator

• Bonnie Cornwall, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)

Designing a Landfill Gas Collection and Monitoring System

Learn how to determine if a monitoring system was completed consistent with the gas monitoring plans, including “as builts.” Interpret gas readings properly and evaluate different options an operator has to reduce the gas levels in perimeter monitoring wells with 5 percent or more CH₄. By the end of the session, LEAs will evaluate if operators’ proposals to comply with regulations are capable and reasonable.

Speaker

• Patrick Sullivan, SCS Engineers
• Mark Beizer, SCS Engineers
• James D. Moore, SCS Field Services

Illegal Dumping Clean-Ups: Let’s Get It Done Safely

Local agency staff and volunteers working on clean-up projects are involved in activities that can pose a danger to their health and safety. This session will review measures that can and should be implemented to protect them. In addition, presenters will discuss LEA involvement coordinating local illegal dumping programs. A brief overview of current illegal dumping program activities at the Board, the illegal dumping website, and related pending legislation will conclude the session.

Speakers

• Larry Sweetser, Sweetser and Associates
• Ted Terrasas, Division of Environmental Health (Monterey County)
• Skip Amerine, Cleanup, Closure and Financial Assurances (CIWMB)

Food Waste Diversion Programs: “High Hanging Fruit”

The diversion of food waste in California has become a significant activity as many jurisdictions try to meet and exceed diversion mandates. Hear an overview of the statutes, regulations, terminology, and permitting requirements for handling food waste. Case studies will showcase different collection programs and processing strategies, including in-vessel composting.

Speakers

• Sophia Skoda, East Bay Municipal Utility District
• Mark Grover, Grover Soil Solutions
• Andrew Lehman, Recology
• Diana Rivera, Research and Applied Technology (CIWMB)
• Ken Decio, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)

Moderator

• Kevin Taylor, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)

Debris Management: A Lead Agency Perspective (Angora Fire)

Presenters will share the details of the structural debris removal and cleanup operations after the Angora Fire; how it compares to recovery operations in other California disasters involving local, state, and federal agencies; hurdles encountered and lessons learned that can be applied to future emergencies.

Speakers

• Melinda Stehr, Debris Specialist, California Emergency Management Agency
• Todd Thalhamer, Cleanup Programs ( CIWMB)

Implementing the New Landfill Gas Monitoring Regulations in Unusual or Unique Settings: Lessons Learned

Experts from industry and local government will present and review case studies advanced our understanding of landfill gas monitoring program design, especially in cases with unusual or unique geological and hydrological constraints.

Speakers

• Robert Krause and Paul Stoppelmann, Senior Engineering Geologists, Los Angeles County Sanitation District
• Scott Walker, Cleanup (CIWMB)
• Gino Yekta, Closure and Technical Support (CIWMB)

What You Wanted to Know About the Waste Tire Management System (WTMS), But Were Afraid to Ask

Join program staff for an overview of the most important aspects of the WTMS program, the grantee portal, and recent improvements to the program. Participate in the discussion to suggest possible future improvements.

Speakers

• Catherine Blair, Tire Hauler Compliance (CIWMB)
• Gerri Stryker, Waste Tire Facilities-South (CIWMB)
• Roger Evans, Information Management (CIWMB)

Break

Landfilling of Large Animal Carcasses

This session will highlight a case study on the process of handling large animal carcasses from gaining regulatory approval to final burial. The second part of the session will discuss pathogen reduction and environmental impacts associated with the composting of bovine mortalities. The information discussed in this segment is based on research conducted at the University of California's Veterinary Medicine Training and Research Center in Tulare, California.

Speakers

• Michael Franck, Operations Manager, Fink Road Landfill (Stanislaus County)
• Carol Collar, Farm Advisor, UC Davis Cooperative Extension

Landfill Gas Monitoring Equipment

Learn about the four different types of landfill gas sensors; the problems, errors and reliability of the sensors; and how to select the “best” landfill gas monitoring instruments for a given situation. Join the afternoon hands-on workshop to test the RKI Eagle which is one of the instruments reviewed.

Speaker

• Marc Arico, Health and Safety Services (CIWMB)

Planning for Your Waste Tire Inspection

This interactive session will prepare participants for the mock inspection and follow-up classroom session in the afternoon. Inspectors will participate in the pre-inspection research and information gathering so they’re ready for the mock inspection.

Moderator

• Gerri Stryker, Tire Facilities South (CIWMB)

Lunch

Ralph Hunter Award

Tour and Hands-On Workshop Options

In this four hour segment, participants select from a tour/training based on the facility type--tire or solid waste.

• Tire: Facility tour and mock inspections combined.
• Solid waste: Anaerobic digester tour plus two hands-on workshop options or three hands-on workshops only.

Tire Tour and Mock Inspection

Participants in this four hour tour will travel off-site by bus to Morgan Tire in Woodland. Included is a site tour of this retreader and conducting simulated inspections including the opportunity to estimate tire pile sizes and tire numbers. This inspection forms the basis for the mock hearing on Friday morning.

Solid Waste Tour: Select 1st or 2nd time slot

Participants can select from two separate two hour tours to Onsite Power Systems, an anaerobic phased solid digester located on the UC Davis campus. The digester uses naturally occurring bacteria to break down solid and liquid waste in an oxygen free environment to produce biohydrogen and biomethane that can be burned as fuels.

Solid Waste Hands-On Training: Select two or three workshops

Each of the three workshop sessions will be repeated four times, at hourly intervals, so participants can choose the order that works best for them. Choose two if you’re going on the tour or attend all three if the tour of an anaerobic digester isn’t for you!

Workshop 1: Permit Writing 101 (for those with little or no experience)

Attendees will work their way through the permit process. How does a permit go from a thought to a real document? What items should be included in a permit application and package? What are the LEA and Board deadlines for the permit process? What happens at the Board to process permits? How to find more information on CEQA and tonnage requirements?

Workshop 2: Landfill Gas Monitoring Equipment

Attendees will learn how to use the RKI Eagle monitoring device and test calibrated samples of gases to detect methane and other constituents of landfill gas. After attending this session, attendees will be able to “check-out” this equipment from the LEA Equipment Loan Program.

Workshop 3: Mock Inspections

Attendees will conduct simulated inspections of various solid waste facilities by viewing posters, photos, video clips and printed material. Experienced LEAs and Board staff will facilitate the descriptions of the hypothetical situations and discussion of the groups’ inspection reports.

Coordination with Other Agencies: From Agriculture to Water and Everything in Between

Four current examples of inter-agency collaboration will be discussed--odor incidents and air issues (Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District); water issues with compost facilities (State Water Board); animal carcass emergency impacts on solid waste facilities (California Department of Food and Agriculture); and air issues related to volatile organic compounds being emitted by compost piles (San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District).

Lessons from the case studies include odor response protocol, measurement of dust from construction and demolition (C&D) debris fines, compliance approach for compost facilities to meet water quality statutory requirements, short term emergency solutions for surges in animal deaths or disease emergencies, and collaborative research to determine whether operational changes by composters can provide meaningful air emissions reductions.

Speakers

• Rick Moss, State Water Resources Control Board
• Ricardo Serrano, Department of Resource Management (Solano County)
• Robert Holmes, Closure and Financial Assurances (CIWMB)
• Robert Horowitz, Research and Applied Technology (CIWMB)

Moderator

• Doreen Pusateri, City of Los Angeles

Adding Diversion Activities to an Existing Permitted Facility

Diversion goals have required many waste facilities to expand their operations to include multiple activities. Learn how jurisdictions have handled such questions as “how can one add diversion activities to an existing permitted facility?” and “should they be stand alone or combined with an existing facility?” Regulatory and operational options will be presented, including CEQA and other factors that will dictate the requirements of a permit.

Speakers

• Kathryn Cross, Environmental Health Division (Orange County)
• Paula Harold, Division of Environmental Health Services (San Bernadino County)
• Joy Isaacson, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)
• Sue O’Leary, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)

Moderator

• Kevin Taylor, Permitting and LEA Support (CIWMB)

Waste Tire Enforcement Mock Hearing

Now that you have done the initial inspection, follow-up inspection, and referred the case to the Board… now what happens? Join us in a mock hearing for the case that was developed Wednesday afternoon.

Moderator

• Gerri Stryker, Tire Facilities South (CIWMB)

Tactical Communication: Dealing with Difficult People

Learn "verbal judo" techniques to defuse hostile situations you may encounter in your work environment.

Speaker

• James L. Baker, Assistant Sheriff (Alameda County)

Wrap-up and Lunch

Report on next steps from Monday’s workshops