Conference Agenda & Scheduling

CALARP 101 M-A1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHWEST
Seating	148 of 150 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Alexa Kostrikin, Linnea Chandler
Objective	Understand the general requirements of the CalARP program, including the definition of covered process and regulated substances.
Description	The course is a comprehensive overview of the CalARP Program and includes the following: 1. Purpose and Scope 2. Definitions 3. Applicability 4. General Requirements 5. CalARP Program Management System 6. Emergency Information Access 7. Registration 8. RMP Components and Submission 9. Hazard Assessment 10. Prevention Programs 11. Emergency Response Program 12. Regulated Substances

HAZARDOUS WASTE 101 M-B1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHEAST
Seating	263 of 268 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Brennan Ko-Madden, Marcus Powell-Ford
Objective	Provide an overview of the hazardous waste standards at state and federal levels for inspectors, though it will be open for industry to attend.
Description	This course will serve to provide an overview of the hazardous waste management at an introductory level. Among topics covered, the course will cover the differences between RCRA and non-RCRA, Generator Status, Hazardous Waste container standards, etc. Information provided will include the changes brought by the Generator Improvements Rule. It will cover additional subjects such as treatment, recycling, and universal wastes at a surface level.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAMS EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO DISCUSS M-B3

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM A-D
Seating	157 of 160 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Larry Sweetser
Objective	Present how HHW programs operate and discuss compliance issues and weird wastes. HW programs are subject to many statutes, regulations, and exemptions
Description	Household hazardous waste (HHW) programs provide options for safe disposal of HHW, VSQG, solid waste load checking, and abandoned wastes, are heavily regulated with exemptions. HHW programs are sponsored by local jurisdictions with oversite from CUPAs and DTSC and are subject to conflicting mandates. Product stewardship programs depend on HHW facilities. Weird wastes acceptance requests like solar panels, cylinders, and vape pens are common.

NEW UST REGULATIONS JAN 1, 2026: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU M-C1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM SOUTH
Seating	356 of 380 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Austin Lemire-Baeten
Objective	Attendees will learn the roles and responsibilities of UST personnel under the new UST Regulations that become effective January 1, 2026.
Description	This course will provide a practical review of how the changes made to the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Regulations will impact different UST personnel when the regulations become effective January 1, 2026. Topics covered will include changes in responsibilities and processes for UST inspectors, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, designated UST operators, service technicians, UST installers, owners and operators.

DELIVERING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE M-D1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	ORANGE COUNTY BALLROOM 1/2
Seating	155 of 155 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Jim Delia
Objective	This workshop equips participants with knowledge/insights to maintain high service standards to adapt to changes, and increasing demands.
Description	This workshop will enable participants to better understand the unique aspects of public sector service, recognize customer expectations, and learn to apply best practices more effectively. Content covers: skills in handling difficult situations, how to say no constructively, and efficiently managing complaints. Additionally, participants will learn how to apply strategies for managing personal stress, and create a personal improvement plan.

HAZMAT CLEANUP FOR DUMMIES M-F1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	GOLD KEY I/II
Seating	107 of 108 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	JUSTIN LEE
Objective	Identify, approach and clean hazardous waste spills
Description	Students will learn to identify hazardous waste (using labels, generator knowledge, and laboratory analysis). They will learn how to safely approach hazardous waste (using Niosh & Wiser phone applications). How to clean hazardous waste spills, (when they can do cleanup in-house versus contracting a cleanup company). Class will also touch upon proper documentation and homeless encampment hazards.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN APSA INSPECTION: 101 M-G1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM G/H
Seating	118 of 120 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Amanda Liu, Erik Cheng, Justin Tao
Objective	This session will provide an overview of a typical APSA inspection conducted by regulators.
Description	This course will provide the history of APSA and go into the pre and post inspection process when conducting an APSA inspection. This course will cover aspects of a typical APSA facility walk-through.

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS RCRAINFO: HOW TO REGISTER AND NAVIGATE M-H1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM F
Seating	248 of 250 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Kyle McManus, Tarig HassabElkarim, Maxa Silva, Shelley Ford, Marissa Lopez
Objective	This session will show hazardous waste handlers how to register, navigate, and use the RCRAINFO portal. Registering will be mandatory in Jan.2025.
Description	This course is a comprehensive overview of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) RCRAINFO portal. The course will educate industry users on how to register, navigate and use the RCRAINFO portal. Starting January 22, 2025, the EPA is requiring large and small quantity generators (LQGs and SQGs) to register for the e-Manifest module in the RCRAInfo Industry Application to access completed copies of manifests.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES: FIRES, CHEMICALS, HEALTH, AND CLEANUP M-I1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM E
Seating	273 of 280 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Karen Riveles
Objective	This session provides information on Lithium-Ion Battery fires, chemical pollutants, their health effects & injuries, and cleanup challenges.
Description	This course will provide an overview on Lithium-Ion battery (LIB) fires. It will review laboratory and field study results on chemical emissions, health effects and cases of injuries and hospitalizations. This course will also discuss the public health impacts of large-scale storage, transportation and disposal of LIBs as hazardous waste and cleanup after disasters.

SATELLITE WASTE MANAGEMENT M-J1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM CENTER
Seating	1022 of 1023 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Regan Bottomley
Objective	This class will take a deep dive into the satellite accumulation requirements including historical interpretations and guidance from the EPA and DTSC.
Description	The satellite regulations are meant to provide flexibility to generators managing hazardous waste, and yet the rules are quite complex and often subjective. Or are they? In this class we will delve into the details of what a satellite location is, how to manage waste in the area, and historical interpretations for some of the more confusing rules. This class will also highlight the recent Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rules adopted by the DTSC in 2024 which made some significant changes to these rules.

HANDLING & DISPOSING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES M-J3

Monday 8am to 9am

Room	GOLD KEY I/II
Seating	46 of 50 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.0
Speakers	Qatarina Caringal, Jodie Gregory
Objective	This session will provide participants best practices in hazardous waste management to ensure safety, compliance, and environmental protection.
Description	This course covers best practices for managing hazardous waste in healthcare settings, focusing on regulatory compliance, waste classification, and safe disposal methods. Participants will learn strategies for proper segregation, labeling, and storage of hazardous materials like pharmaceutical and chemical waste. The course addresses common challenges and provides practical solutions to enhance safety, protect health, and meet legal requirements.

CERS NEXTGEN M-L1

Monday 8am to 10am

Room	GRANDBALLROOM K
Seating	158 of 160 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Erika Michelotti, Jim Bohon, Nick Kuka, Schumin Wong
Objective	Course attendees will hear the latest news concerning the development of the CERS NextGen reporting system.
Description	The California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) is being updated to a new system called CERS NextGen. This session will provide an overview of work completed to date and impacts from the new system on UPAs and regulated entities. This session is open to all interested parties.

OPENING CEREMONY & LEADERSHIP AWARDS M-D2

Monday 10am to 12pm

Room	PLATINUM BALLROOM
Seating	965 of 1000 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Dennis Karidis, Gary Cantwell, Jason Boetzer, Keirsten Tallion
Objective	OPENING CEREMONY: State address, Secretary and Cal CUPA Forum Leadership Awards.
Description	OPENING CEREMONY: State address, Secretary and Cal CUPA Forum Leadership Awards. Keynote Speaker Keirsten Tallion, Max Potentials.

ENSURING COMPLIANCE: BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM M-H2

Monday 10am to 11am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM F
Seating	247 of 250 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.0
Speakers	Kiel McClintock
Objective	Participants will learn elements of having a robust confined space program including hazards assessments, labeling, training, and emergency response.
Description	This course covers Californias confined space program requirements, including hazard assessments, labeling, communication and rescue plans, and essential training. Participants will learn the roles of authorized entrants, attendants, and supervisors, along with the importance of regular evaluations and continuous improvement. By following these guidelines, employers can enhance workplace safety and reduce confined space risks.

IIAR STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR AMMONIA AND CO2 REFRIGERATION M-A2

Monday 1pm to 2:30pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHWEST
Seating	148 of 150 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.5
Speakers	Eric Smith, Gerrit Kovach
Objective	Attendees will learn about required standards and non-mandatory guidelines developed and published by the IIAR, and benefits of government membership.
Description	This session will review the mission of IIAR which is largely accomplished through the development of IIAR standards and guidelines. All standards will be reviewed in general, and IIAR 2, the standard for design of ammonia refrigeration systems will be reviewed in more detail. The scope of certain IIAR guidelines will also be examined because they often serve as the basis for end users' development of refrigerant management programs

HAZARDOUS WASTE IDENTIFICATION FUNDAMENTALS (Hazardous Waste 201) M-B2

Monday 1pm to 5pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHEAST
Seating	261 of 268 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0
Speakers	Samantha Lawler, Trent Smith
Objective	Students will learn the basic steps in the hazardous waste identification process.
Description	Topics include: Hazardous waste laws and regulations, definitions, waste classification flowchart, RCRA and Non-RCRA hazardous waste, RCRA lists of hazardous wastes, Californias list of hazardous wastes, hazardous waste characteristics, acute and extremely hazardous wastes, regulatory and statutory exclusions and exemptions, mixture and derived-from rules, RCRA contained-in policy, scrap metal, and waste classification options for the generator.

UST 101 M-C2

Monday 1pm to 5pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM SOUTH
Seating	369 of 380 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0
Speakers	Nick Umemoto, Xavier Bryant, Hung Pham
Objective	This course will outline recommended steps needed to conduct an underground storage tank inspection in California.
Description	This course is tailored towards beginner UST inspectors and will outline recommended steps to conduct an Underground Storage Tank (UST) inspection. It will cover UST basics and may cover what to expect during the annual monitoring certification annual inspection. Other UST inspections may be covered as well as other basic information.

MASTERING COMMUNICATION M-D3

Monday 1pm to 3pm

Room	ORANGE COUNTY BALLROOM 1/2
Seating	151 of 155 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Jim Delia
Objective	This workshop equips participants with essential skills to improve: listening, speaking clarity, and overcome barriers for effective communication.
Description	This interactive session provides participants with practical strategies to enhance their communication skills, focusing on improving listening, speaking clarity, and overcoming common barriers to effective interaction. Participants will briefly explore the communication process, learn how to better understand others, and express themselves more clearly.

WEIRD OILS (OIL VS PETROLEUM VS NEITHER) M-G2

Monday 1pm to 3pm

Room	GRAND BALLROOM G/H
Seating	117 of 120 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Steven Lichten, Janice Witul, Mark Howard
Objective	To better understand what an APSA petroleum is, what an SPCC oil is, and when they're (likely) not.
Description	Sure, there's a specific APSA definition of 'petroleum', and a performance-oriented Federal SPCC rule definition of 'oil'. But these are often subject to interpretation and it's not always obvious. There's no actual list. We'll use examples to discuss issues like what's a (crude) 'fraction' or 'distillate', synthetics and semi-synthetics, bio-oils, will it cause a sheen. It's a...slippery slope....Bring your examples (SDSs or jugs of the stuff).

EMPLOYEE SAFETY M-J2

Monday 1pm to 5pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM CENTER
Seating	1022 of 1023 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0
Speakers	John Wilson
Objective	To become familiar with or reacquainted with safety procedures in the field related to mindset, emergencies, and safe actions in critical moments.
Description	With the help of professionals throughout California, CBLTAC combined a number of popular classes into a four hour class full of the most important and popular topics we teach involving "tactical" safety. "Employee Safety" covers on-the-job mindset, emergency operations plans (organizational and personal), accountability, safe actions while at the workplace or remote jobsites, operational honesty in communication, contact and cover techniques, preventing stress from the "information void", physiology of emergencies, personal protective equipment and everyday carry items, emergency location applications, natural emergency response, sheltering and lockdown procedures, and after-emergency topics (accountability, health, social media). "Employee Safety" is not the average "safety" class. It is an interesting, exciting look at how to be proactive at ensure you and your employees make it home safer each night.