Conference Agenda & Scheduling

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Filter by	03/24/2025 Monday 03/25/2025 Tuesday 03/26/2025 Wednesday 03/27/2025 Thursday 0700AM 0800AM 0900AM 1000AM 1100AM 1145AM 1200PM 0100PM 0200PM 0245PM 0300PM 0315PM 0400PM 0445PM 0500PM A: CalARP B: HazWaste C: UST D: Admin/Mgt/Leadership E: Enforcement F: Clean up G: APSA H: Industry I: Emergency Response J: Potpourri K: HAZWOPER L: Technology M: HMBP N: Demonstrations O: Meetings T: Tours Z: Lunch Recorded	Print Itinerary PDF Agenda Presentations

CALARP TAG MEETING TU-1

Tuesday 7am to 8am

Room	ELITE
Seating	41 of 75 seats available
Credits
Speakers	Alvin Lal
Objective	CALARP TAG MEETING
Description	CALARP TAG MEETING

HEALTH SPACE USER GROUP MEETING TU-2

Tuesday 8am to 10am

Room	LA JOLLA/LA
Seating	32 of 40 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Jennea Monasterio
Objective	HEALTH SPACE USER GROUP MEETING
Description	HEALTH SPACE USER GROUP MEETING

CALARP 201 TU-A1

Tuesday 8am to 10am

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHWEST
Seating	61 of 150 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Uriah Donaldson, CHAD SAN JUAN
Objective	Intermediate / Advanced review and explanation of the CalARP requirements with detailed examples of common regulated industries.
Description	The CalARP 201 class is intended for those with a basic understanding of the CalARP regulation. It will provide a brief review of applicability and program level determination and differences, with an emphasis on detailed examples of compliance related to the various program elements (PHAs, MI, SOPs etc.) for prominent industries.

UST 201/301 TU-C1

Tuesday 8am to 12pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM SOUTH
Seating	155 of 380 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0 ICC: 4.0
Speakers	Andrew Evans, Nicole Bandak
Objective	A deep dive into intermediate and advanced level topics related to the UST routine inspection
Description	Intermediate/advanced level routine inspection topics with real world examples: CERS review and inspection prep, reviewing the Veeder Root tape from an inspector's perspective, inspection of sumps/UDCs, issues with testing sensors, tampering of VPH systems, issues with spill bucket testing, issues with overfill testing, issues with SB989 testing, and DO reports. Selecting the right violation will be addressed along the way.
Presentation	UST 201/301

MANAGER'S WORKSHOP TU-D1

Tuesday 8am to 12pm

Room	ORANGE COUNTY BALLROOM 1/2
Seating	113 of 155 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0
Speakers	John Paine, Frederick Chun, Royce Long, Steven Gailey, Alvin Lal
Objective	Session to provide updates and discussion on various topics of interest for UPA managers.
Description	Session to provide updates and discussion on various topics of interest for UPA managers.

WHAT'S NEW ABOUT VAPOR INTRUSION FROM THE CALEPA WORKGROUP TU-F1

Tuesday 8am to 9:30am

Room	GOLD KEY I/II
Seating	78 of 108 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.5
Speakers	Cheryl Prowell, Ben Stanphill, Gerard (Jerry) Aarons
Objective	To understand and comprehend the current changes in vapor intrusion science and regulatory approaches.
Description	The CalEPA Vapor Intrusion Workgroup will provide an update on implementation of the Supplemental Vapor Intrusion Guidance. We will focus on lessons learned screening projects, using multiple lines of evidence to create site specific approaches, and current perspectives on cleanup strategies, mitigation, and long term monitoring. The team will also provide an update on the new J&E model and efforts to gather VI data in GeoTracker and EnviroStor.
Presentation	What's New About Vapor Intrusion from the CalEPA VI Workgroup

APSA INSPECTIONS OF COMPLEX EMERGENCY GENERATOR SYSTEMS TU-G1

Tuesday 8am to 10am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM G/H
Seating	52 of 120 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Craig Fletcher
Objective	This class provides information about inspecting complex emergency generator systems, such as data centers, hospitals, and others.
Description	Complex diesel emergency generator systems provide essential backup power for continuing critical operations in many industries where the required electrical load demands are high, such as at hospitals, data centers, and many others. This presentation includes a review of common features found at emergency generator systems at complex facilities and how these should be inspected. Key design and operational considerations are also covered.
Presentation	APSA Inspections of Complex Emergency Generator Systems

SPILL & RELEASE REPORTING-WHO YOU GONNA CALL? YOU NEED TO CALL? TU-H1

Tuesday 8am to 9:30am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM F
Seating	86 of 250 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.5
Speakers	Steven Lichten
Objective	To better understand the myriad interweaving federal & Calif. hazmat spill & release reporting requirements (& interpretations/guidance).
Description	A lot of hazmat incidents are reportable, but many are not. How do you decide? Not always obvious. Always a favorite at the Conference, this session is for industry and regulators alike & will cover the multitude of Calif. & federal spill & release reporting requirements including their interactions, any exceptions, and relevant guidance. We'll cover/discuss the reporting decision determination & recommended supporting documentation. Fun for all!
Presentation	Spill & Release Reporting - Who You Gonna Call?
	Spill & Release Reporting - Who You Gonna Call?

LITHIUM ION BATTERY INCIDENTS- CASE STUDIES AND LESSONS LEARNED TU-I1

Tuesday 8am to 12pm

Room	GRAND BALLROOM E
Seating	188 of 292 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0
Speakers	Leon Wirschem, Justin Bechara, Summer Hansen-Rooks, Christopher Myers, Gregory Jenkins, Noelle Wondergem, Robert Rezende, Brian Abeel
Objective	CUPA Emergency Responders, DTSC Emergency Response and EPA Support will talk about recent fires/incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires, first responder considerations, chemical monitoring, waste management, transportation considerations and lessons learned.
Description	Over the past couple years, and since last years CUPA Conference there have been several major incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires. Several BESS have had fires and hazmat responses, and the cleanup operations continue. The LA Wildfires brought to light the challenges of lithium-ion batteries in vehicles, home power walls and mobility devices post wildfire. Other fires involving vehicles and large mobility device storage operations have also been a challenge for first responders and hazmat responders. Recent incidents will be discussed including field tactics, monitoring considerations and waste management. If time permits, we can discuss the results of the SD/EPA/Arson study including how field-based instrumentation performed compared to EPA lab testing for batteries burning in an enclosed room and what was learned for mitigation tactics.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TU-J1

Tuesday 8am to 12pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM CENTER
Seating	324 of 400 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0
Speakers	John Wilson
Objective	This presentation will provide audience members with an understanding of how a GPT (generative pre-trained transformer) can assist them in many ways.
Description	Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here. Understanding how it works is important, even if you do not personally use it. AI can be a very powerful tool, in that it can conduct tasks that have normally taken hours in mere seconds. It can also streamline work projects and free employees to conduct other tasks. AI is also an extremely powerful and fast research tool. But all of this can come at a cost if not used properly. This class covers it all!

HAZWOPER REFRESHER TRAINING WITH UPDATED INFORMATION TU-K1

Tuesday 8am to 5pm

Room	GRANDBALLROOM K
Seating	7 of 60 seats available
Credits	REHS: 8.0
Speakers	Nick Vent
Objective	Understand how to recognize the various hazard classes during inspections, Ability to use reference materials including the 2024 ERG and NIOSH Pocket
Description	CalOSHA 5192(e)(8) requires refresher training each year. Students must attend the entire session to obtain a certificate from the instructor. The content will include using scenarios, games and interactive activities to discuss the latest Hazards encountered including: Fire Debris Heavy metal issues Outdoor and Indoor HeatStress -June 20,2024 Lithium Ion Battery safety 2024Emergency Response Guidebook usage Using the ERG to modelreleases ASKRAIL for traininformation-June 24, 2025 Kahoot will be used more than once with prizes

ENHANCING SAFETY THROUGH CONNECTED TECHNOLOGY TU-L1

Tuesday 8am to 9:45am

Room	GOLD KEY III
Seating	45 of 60 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Todd Burton, Gabe Minjarez
Objective	In this session, explore how cloud-connected safety technology helps mitigate risks faced by frontline workers, incident responders and inspectors.
Description	In our session, we will explore practical applications of lifesaving connected gas detection and lone worker technology. Well discuss risks faced by field workers and emergency teams, and how to mitigate them. Youll learn how cloud-connected devices can help protect workers and keep them safe, especially when entering confined spaces such as UST sumps or working alone during inspections. Discover these concepts through real-life case studies.
Presentation	ENHANCING SAFETY THROUGH CONNECTED TECHNOLOGY

HMBP 201 TU-M1

Tuesday 8am to 10am

Room	GRAND BALLROOM A-D
Seating	69 of 160 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Richard LeClair, Emma Rand
Objective	Understanding the exemptions and reporting mixtures for the HMBP program
Description	Intermediate topics covered include: 1. Exemptions under Health and Safety Code and Title 19 2. How mixtures and solutions are to be reported
Presentation	HMBP 201

FACILITY TOUR - ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT TU-T1

Tuesday 8am to 12pm

Room	VALET PARKING LOT
Seating	0 of 30 seats available
Credits	REHS: 4.0
Speakers	Russ Siems
Objective	Attendees will tour and be presented with the day-to-day operations of Orange County's largest waste water treatment and recycling facility.
Description	The Orange County Sanitation District is a public agency that provides wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling for approximately 2.6 million people in central and northwest Orange County. The district owns and operates 388 miles of regional sewer pipes, 15 pump stations, and two operating facilities that treat wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. This is a tour of OC San's largest treatment/recycling facility.

SYSTEM BASED CALARP INSPECTION TU-A2

Tuesday 10am to 12pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHWEST
Seating	87 of 150 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Alvin Lal
Objective	Develop a good understanding and best practices for conducting system-based CalARP inspections for a closed-loop ammonia refrigeration system.
Description	Explore 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.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERATOR IMPROVEMENTS RULE TU-B2

Tuesday 10am to 12pm

Room	MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHEAST
Seating	57 of 268 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Elizabeth Chung, Chosu Khin, Amineh Aghabali
Objective	Outline the modifications in state regulation and describe current changes as the result of Generator Improvements Rule (GIR)
Description	DTSC 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.
Presentation	Implementation of the Generator Improvements Rule

ADDRESSING PROBLEMATIC VOCS IN VI EVALUATIONS AND MITIGATION TU-F2

Tuesday 10am to 11:30am

Room	GOLD KEY I/II
Seating	87 of 108 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.5
Speakers	Gina Plantz, Bart Eklund, Catherine Regan
Objective	This session summarizes lessons learned over the last 20 years in evaluating potential VI of problematic VOCs.
Description	The 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
Seating	97 of 120 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.0
Speakers	Earl Crochet
Objective	This session explains how tanks are inspected today using drones and robots and then speculates on what inspections will be performed in the future.
Description	This 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
Seating	56 of 250 seats available
Credits	REHS: 2.0
Speakers	Gary Lucks
Objective	To apprise regulators & industry of salient environmental legislative, regulatory, judicial developments impacting environmental compliance.
Description	This 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	GOLD KEY III
Seating	28 of 60 seats available
Credits	REHS: 1.0
Speakers	Jamie McDonald, Xander Stein
Objective	Convert messy, unintelligible product data into compliant back-of-store decisions or accurate website marketing claims with only a UPC or item name.
Description	Take 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.