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Ohio EPA Updates

Jennifer Kurko, Assistant District Chief of OEPA’s Northeast District Office and one of NEOCHMM’s favorite presenters, came to our March 2019 meeting to provide us with updates on the Ohio EPA’s priorities and focus under the new Governor and Agency Director. The main environmental priority is protecting water quality. To accomplish this, the H2Ohio Water Quality Initiative will provide a $900M fund to protect water quality for the next 10 years by investing in long-term solutions, addressing challenges such as algae blooms and nutrient pollution, and prevention and management programs that will include science, research, and measurement. Another priority is to improve customer service from the State Government by improving project turnaround times, providing simple, clear, and prompt communication with a focus on the customer.

Jennifer provided follow-up information on the OEPA’s Internal Training Initiative which she spoke about at our November 2016 meeting. Over 500 OEPA compliance staff completed the training in 2017. There are six four-hour training modules for the staff to complete. Some of the topics include understanding inspection authority, preparing for an inspection, what to do after the inspection, and effective communication. In 2019 the training course will be open to air pollution inspectors from contracted agencies and in 2020 it may expand to include solid waste inspectors form the local health departments.

Jennifer also touched upon the topics of the emerging contaminants per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the new hazardous waste pharmaceutical rules for healthcare and reverse distributors, beneficial use rules, construction and demolition debris, and the 50th anniversary of the fire on the Cuyahoga River and improvements made to water quality in the past 50 years.

NEOCHMM thanks Jennifer for an interesting presentation and her continuing support of our Chapter through these educational sessions.

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Written by Kenneth Doyle, MBA, CHSP, CHEP

Created: 22 March 2019

Last Updated: 22 March 2019

IHMM Spring 2019 Update

As a member of the IHMM Board of Directors, I periodically update Certificants and NEOCHMM Chapter Members of developments at IHMM.

After 34 years at the same location, IHMM recently completed its move to a new office.

The office is located at 9210 Corporate Park Drive in Rockville, MD.   The office is located right off the I-270, at the Shady Grove Road intersection, in northwest Rockville. It is not too far from the old office, but has the facilities and amenities needed to help move the Institute forward for the next five years and beyond. If you are in the area and would like to take a tour of the office, call ahead and the staff will try and accommodate you.

The IHMM Board recently started the process of updating the Institute’s strategic plan. The plan was last updated in 2013. With new members being elected to the Board and new challenges in the next 5 years, it was time for the Plan to be revised and updated. As this process is completed, we will advise all Certificates of our plans.

One item that will never change is for Certificants to recruit new persons to the hazardous materials field and towards certification. Please take the time to identify and mentor a young professional. Then have them apply for certification. This is a process, not a onetime event. You and the profession will be better for your efforts.

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Written by Mark Baumgardner, CHMM

Created: 05 March 2019

Last Updated: 05 March 2019

2019 EH&S Networking Social

The 16th Annual Networking Social was held once again at the Flat Iron Café in Cleveland’s Flats on Thursday February 21, 2019. Environmental Health and Safety professionals and others who were in attendance had the opportunity to meet with others in a casual setting to discuss industry practices, current events, and personal happenings. As usual, a variety of complimentary food and a cash bar were available for the attendees. Thank you to all those who attended and especially to the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Hazardous Materials, Northern Ohio Chapter–American Society of Safety Professionals, and Northern Ohio Chapter–Air & Waste Management Association, who sponsored the event. The Networking Social will return in February 2020 so plan on attending next year.

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Written by Kenneth Doyle, MBA, CHSP, CHEP

Created: 28 February 2019

Last Updated: 28 February 2019