Conference Agenda & Scheduling

Search found 27 results
Session
OPENING CEREMONY & LEADERSHIP AWARDS    M-D2
Monday     10am to 12pm
Room PLATINUM BALLROOM
Seating881 of 1000 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersDennis Karidis, Gary Cantwell, Jason Boetzer, Keirsten Tallion
ObjectiveOPENING CEREMONY: State address, Secretary and Cal CUPA Forum Leadership Awards.
DescriptionOPENING CEREMONY: State address, Secretary and Cal CUPA Forum Leadership Awards. Keynote Speaker Keirsten Tallion, Max Potentials.
SYSTEM BASED CALARP INSPECTION    TU-A2
Tuesday     10am to 12pm
Room MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHWEST
Seating139 of 150 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersAlvin Lal
ObjectiveDevelop a good understanding and best practices for conducting system-based CalARP inspections for a closed-loop ammonia refrigeration system.
DescriptionExplore the unique hazards associated with ammonia refrigeration systems. Apply RAGAGEP principles to assess the risks associated with ammonia refrigeration systems. Learn effective inspection techniques for ammonia systems, such as visual inspections, leak detection testing, and documentation of system components. By addressing these key areas, participants will gain the expertise necessary to conduct thorough and effective CalARP inspections.
GENERATOR IMPROVEMENTS RULE    TU-B2
Tuesday     10am to 12pm
Room MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHEAST
Seating248 of 268 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersElizabeth Chung, Chosu Khin, Amineh Aghabali
ObjectiveOutline the modifications in state regulation and describe current changes as the result of Generator Improvements Rule (GIR)
DescriptionDTSC adopted the US EPA's Generator Improvements Rule (GIR) mandatory provisions which became effective in California starting July 1, 2024. The GIR added new requirements for hazardous waste generators, reorganized and consolidated hazardous waste generator regulations, addressed regulatory gaps, and clarified the overall generator program. The presentation will provide details of the GIR mandatory provisions, resources and compliance.
ADDRESSING PROBLEMATIC VOCS IN VI EVALUATIONS AND MITIGATION    TU-F2
Tuesday     10am to 11:30am
Room GOLD KEY I/II
Seating104 of 108 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.5  
SpeakersGina Plantz, Bart Eklund, Catherine Regan
ObjectiveThis session summarizes lessons learned over the last 20 years in evaluating potential VI of problematic VOCs.
DescriptionThe primary risk drivers in vapor intrusion (VI) studies almost always are tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, or some fraction of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). Nonetheless, decisions about further testing or mitigation may be driven by exceedances of screening levels of numerous other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VI guidance in California includes screening levels for over 150 compounds. These extended lists of screening levels include various compounds that have proven to be problematic in past VI investigations due to their detection in shallow soil vapor and/or indoor air at sites where they are not undergoing vapor intrusion. Some compounds of particular interest are: 1,3-butadiene, acrolein, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and vinyl chloride. This session summarizes lessons learned over the last 20 years in evaluating potential VI of these problematic compounds. The fate & transport of these compounds has been investigated and they (almost) always have been found to not pose a VI risk at a given site. The lessons learned vary from compound to compound. Some compounds (e.g., 1,3-butadiene) have a very short half-life and therefore would not be expected to survive in soil gas long enough to pose a VI risk. Some compounds (e.g., acrolein) have been demonstrated to be false positives in evacuated, stainless-steel canisters. Carbon tetrachloride is found in outdoor air at or above screening levels, and infiltration of outdoor air into buildings results in potential exceedances indoors. Chloroform is a trihalomethane and typically is introduced into buildings via chlorinated municipal water supplies. 1,4-dichlorobenzene is a carcinogen found at concentrations above conservative screening levels in industrial and public buildings due to its use in cleaning products such as urinal cakes. Vinyl chloride is readily biodegraded in the presence of oxygen, so while it may be present at depth at a given site, it generally is absent in shallow soil gas. . Additionally, this session will present considerations for developing VI mitigation system operation, maintenance and monitoring programs. The same problematic VOCs summarized above can be challenges in evaluating the effectiveness of VI mitigation systems. The VI mitigation system should be operated with your site conceptual model in mind, not only when it is chosen, designed and installed but also when it is operated over the short and long term. For example, soil vapor probes may be kept in place and sampled if decreased concentrations of the vapor plume may trigger an evaluation to shut down the system. This session will also discuss other data to evaluate system performance like vacuum, flow and differential pressure may be collected on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis depending on site specific objectives.
ROBOTS AND DRONES IN TANK INSPECTION: AN OWNER'S PERSPECTIVE    TU-G2
Tuesday     10am to 11am
Room GRAND BALLROOM G/H
Seating117 of 120 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.0  
SpeakersEarl Crochet
ObjectiveThis session explains how tanks are inspected today using drones and robots and then speculates on what inspections will be performed in the future.
DescriptionThis course will discuss how drones and robots are being used today to perform the various inspections needed on aboveground storage tanks. It will list the advantages and disadvantages of the existing technologies. Then it will cover how the industry might be using robots and drones within the next 5 to 10 years, based on current trends in the industry and advances in technologies.
NEW CA/FED ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS: TRENDS, DIRECTIONS & DEVELOPMENTS    TU-H2
Tuesday     10am to 12pm
Room GRAND BALLROOM F
Seating241 of 250 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersGary Lucks, Andrea Sumits
ObjectiveTo apprise regulators & industry of salient environmental legislative, regulatory, judicial developments impacting environmental compliance.
DescriptionThis session will describe recent legislative and regulatory developments at the federal, California, and regional levels including key court opinions. These new requirements will include an analysis and implications with respect to California businesses and government that are regulated by the Unified Program.
ENHANCING COMPLIANCE, SUSTAINABILITY & YOUR BOTTOM LINE WITH AI    TU-L2
Tuesday     10am to 11am
Room GRANDBALLROOM K
Seating47 of 50 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.0  
SpeakersJamie McDonald
ObjectiveConvert messy, unintelligible product data into compliant back-of-store decisions or accurate website marketing claims with only a UPC or item name.
DescriptionTake an in-depth look into how AI-powered technology brings clarity and scale to your product catalog. Simplify adherence to complex federal & state regulations, verify marketing claims, and speed up time to shelf for new products. Paired with a leading environmental solutions provider, this powerful tool streamlines back-of-store operations while saving retailers time and money across multiple departments.
IMPLEMENTING AB 2059: STRATEGIES AND AGENCY APPLICATIONS    TU-M2
Tuesday     10am to 12pm
Room GRAND BALLROOM A-D
Seating154 of 160 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersSteven Hamilton, Darwin Cheng
ObjectiveTo discuss the implementation and impact of Assembly Bill 2059.
DescriptionThis session will provide an overview and discuss the impact of Assembly Bill 2059 on the new retail requirements and the disclosure requirements for the sale or provision of hazardous materials from suppliers. Los Angeles City Fire CUPA will discuss the impact of how their agency has utilized the information of sales of hazardous materials from suppliers. Orange County CUPA will share their experience from an emergency response incident with und
CERS SLEUTHS & CALARP CLUES: SEARCHING FOR HIDDEN CALARP SITES    W-A2
Wednesday     10am to 12pm
Room MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHWEST
Seating139 of 150 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersAlvin Dong, Minh Le
ObjectiveThis session will focus on how to extract CalARP chemicals from your CERS HMBP inventory to filter out possible CalARP regulated facilities.
DescriptionThis course will provide the participants with general instruction on how to extract data of CalARP regulated chemicals from the HMBP inventory via CERS and filter out possible CalARP regulated facilities. The course will aim to provide the participant with a general knowledge of HMBP data structure and the ability to identify and analyze the relevant data. Two small sets of CUPAs inventory data will be utilized as case studies.
AA, BB & CC RCRA AIR REGULATIONS TRAINING    W-B2
Wednesday     10am to 12pm
Room MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHEAST
Seating263 of 268 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersDaniel Fernandez
ObjectiveThis presentation is to provide an overview of the Volatile Organic Hazardous Waste Air Emission regulations, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
DescriptionWe will explore the critical issues surrounding VO waste management, including waste characterization, identification of regulated equipment, proper handling of the waste and regulatory compliance. Emphasizing the importance of implementing a robust waste management and compliance program. Ultimately promoting responsible chemical waste management to safeguard human health and the environment.
PREPARING FOR 2026 - THE UST LEAK PREVENTION PROGRAM UPDATE    W-C2
Wednesday     10am to 12pm
Room MARQUIS BALLROOM SOUTH
Seating333 of 380 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  ICC: 2.0
SpeakersThomas Henderson
ObjectiveCover details on the closure single-walled UST removal and prepare for the intricacies of the Chapter 16 rewrite.
DescriptionA casual, open question and answer format with Tom on the current state of the UST program. Tom will discuss the current UST statistics, the expectations regarding the single-walled UST permanent closure, and what the proposed Chapter 16 rewrite really means to CUPAs, UST owners and operators, installers and service technicians. Coffee and slippers required. Cardigan and pipe optional.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES    W-D2
Wednesday     10am to 11am
Room ORANGE COUNTY BALLROOM 1/2
Seating144 of 155 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.0  
SpeakersRachel Mireles
ObjectiveThis session will provide participants with effective communication strategies related to environmental compliance, regulations, and site visits.
DescriptionEffective communication strategies include: -Understanding the site -Active listening -Compliance obligations -Collaborative actions Effective communication leads to effective action. Facilities, regulators, and consultant all aim to achieve environmental compliance in an efficient manner; effective communication is part of that process.
HOW MIGHT A CLEANUP PAY FOR ITSELF & WHAT IS A BACKSTOP LIKE?    W-F2
Wednesday     10am to 11:30am
Room GOLD KEY I/II
Seating101 of 108 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.5  
SpeakersDavid Von Aspern
ObjectiveENCOURAGEMENT OF REGULATORS IN A POST-LTCP ENVIRONMENT IN ASSISTING REDEVELOPMENT PROPONENTS; AND DESCRIBE COLLEGIAL EFFORTS AMONG COMPETING PARTIES
Description1 of 2: A 32-acre redevelopment project within an otherwise built-out area minutes from Sacramentos downtown core had a 90-year continuous industrial use as a lumber sawmill, storage, and drying facility, and wooden box and interior moldings plant. All these historical uses remained in the same family ownership the whole time! In-depth site history interviews were crucial to developing a sound conceptual site model (CSM). The large overall land area was divided into five Option Parcels. Over the approximate 90 years the facility operated, its footprint expanded southward from prominent downtown Sacramento thoroughfare, Broadway. The oldest portions of the former facility had frontage along Broadway; the newest and least utilized portion of the original property was at its southern end. Thus, redevelopment commenced at the southernmost property extent, where the least potential existed for hazardous materials impairment. The CSM included an overall soil and groundwater assessment and human health-based risk assessment under an unrestricted future land use. Then, each Option Parcel was further studied and mitigated as warranted. As each Option Parcel was deemed suitable for redevelopment, it was sold and the proceeds of the first sale helped pay for the remediation of the next Option Parcel. The resulting overall project was built-out as The Mill at Broadway. In an era of on-going housing demand, every residential product sold like hot cakes. 2 of 2: David will share some insights into what a post-LTCP redevelopment "backstop" looks like by presenting color photos collected in recent years from actual projects. As shared during quarterly Roundtable meetings hosted by SWRCB, David observed a number of regulatory agencies perhaps feeling a little anxiety over cost recovery, clear line of authority in a post-closure setting and potentially working with a new entity which was not party to escrow when the redevelopment site was previously studied and its case-closed.
APSA EXCLUSIONS VS EXEMPTIONS    W-G2
Wednesday     10am to 12pm
Room GRAND BALLROOM G/H
Seating106 of 120 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersJeremy Gates
ObjectiveThis session will provide participants with information regarding the various APSA and SPCC exclusions and exemptions.
DescriptionThis course will provide an overview of the various APSA and SPCC exclusions and exemptions, information regarding the differences between the two categories, reporting requirements, and inspection obligations.
COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION - WORKING TOWARD A COMMON GOAL    W-H2
Wednesday     10am to 11:30am
Room GRAND BALLROOM F
Seating247 of 250 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.5  
SpeakersGeorge Gigounas, Mike McCann
ObjectiveThis session will provide insights from opposing counsel on how to obtain a mutually beneficial resolution to litigation or administrative violations.
DescriptionThis course will consist of a presentation and dialogue between a Deputy District Attorney and a defense lawyer from a multinational law firm representing Fortune 500 companies on how to work together toward a resolution which prosecutors, regulators, and corporations find acceptable.
LIB FIRES & THE "STATIC" CLEANUP PHASE    W-I2
Wednesday     10am to 12pm
Room GRAND BALLROOM E
Seating281 of 290 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersErnie Hernandez
ObjectiveThis course will provide participants with the information needed to safely manage the cleanup phase associated with lithium-ion battery fires.
DescriptionThis course will recap several high-energy lithium-ion battery incidents in Los Angeles County and describe the corresponding efforts with de-energization, DOT packaging, and disposal. This course will also provide an overview of air monitoring techniques, safety procedures and fire response agency coordination.
CUPA PROGRAMS AND INSPECTIONS AT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS    W-J4
Wednesday     10am to 11:30am
Room GOLD KEY III
Seating46 of 50 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.5  
SpeakersSean Anderson
ObjectiveIdentify various CUPA programs and issues at international airports; learn safety & security protocols; and understand airport operations and trends.
DescriptionInspecting international airports are challenging. They have complex operations. There are numerous establishments requiring permits and inspections. This presentation will discuss the various CUPA programs and inspection methods. In addition, this presentation will discuss the benefits of coordinating with the airport's administrative organization while conducting inspections.
CERS ASSISTANCE BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP    W-L2
Wednesday     10am to 12pm
Room GRANDBALLROOM K
Seating160 of 160 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersErika Michelotti, Nicholas Antilla, Jessie Perez
ObjectiveCERS users will receive system and other assistance from CalEPA CERS staff in navigating the current reporting system.
DescriptionThe California Environmental Reporting System is required to be used by facilities regulated under the Unified Program. This session will provide 1 on 1 support to users who need assistance with the completion of required submittals. Note that staff will not be providing legal advice or opinions but rather provide technical assistance with the completion of required submittal elements. Please bring your own laptop and your credentials to login.
SPILL RELEASE REPORTING & NOTIFICATIONS    W-M2
Wednesday     10am to 11:30am
Room GRAND BALLROOM A-D
Seating150 of 160 seats available
CreditsREHS: 1.5  
SpeakersBrian Mancebo, Mark Bare
ObjectiveUnderstanding the California Office of Emergency Services spill reporting regulations and how to utilize the Hazardous Materials Spill Report.
DescriptionThe class will provide an overview of the spill reporting requirements. We will walk students through the spill reporting notification process to understand how reports are received and then disseminated. Review the hazardous materials spill reports and provide ways you can apply the information to make the data applicable to your organization.
NAVIGATING COMPLIANCE: BEST PRACTICES AND AUDITING TECHNIQUES    TH-A2
Thursday     10am to 12pm
Room MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHWEST
Seating145 of 150 seats available
CreditsREHS: 2.0  
SpeakersJeanna Emmons, Jennifer Hall
ObjectiveIdentify Key Components of an Effective Audit: Learn the essential elements that contribute to a thorough and effective compliance audit process.
DescriptionA compliance audit is a detailed review that ensures an organization adheres to regulatory standards and internal policies. Audits help identify gaps in compliance, assess the effectiveness of current controls, and recommend improvements. They typically involve reviewing of policies and procedures, interviews and observations, evaluation, and reporting findings. Think of it as a health check-up for your organizations practices.
Since we will be using our calcupa.org "My Itinerary" process for the 2025 Conference for Attendees to Earn CEUs, please create your Itinerary by going to the online agenda and clicking on the "+Add" button on the right of the page to Add Sessions you plan to attend to your "My Itinerary".  To View/Edit your Itinerary for Session Attendance, visit your My Itinerary.  We will provide further information on how to 'check in/out' of a Session to verify your attendance. If you have any questions, please email registration@calcupa.org.