The Engineering Forum (EF), established in the late 1980s, is a group of engineers and scientists that supports the Superfund and RCRA programs in each of the ten EPA Regional Offices. As one of the EPA Technical Support Project’s (TSP) three technical forums, the EF is a medium for exchanging technical information regarding innovative site cleanup and characterization technologies. Monthly technical talks focus on site-specific engineering problems encountered, alternatives and solutions, and lessons learned. After each presentation, information regarding upcoming events and training are discussed and time for an Open Mic discussion is provided. If you are a Superfund, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Brownfields, state or federal environmental professional who is interested in solving technical issues, register for any technical talks listed below that interest you and join the discussion!

Presentations are specifically designed for EPA staff including RPMs, OSCs, Corrective Action Managers, Superfund and Technology Liaisons, Chemists, Biologists, Physical Scientists, and Engineers from within EPA regions, program offices, laboratory system, and headquarters personnel as well as environmental professionals from state agencies, tribes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Dept. of Energy, and other federal agencies of all experience levels. THIS TRAINING IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS OR OTHER PRIVATE ENTITIES.

We will try to meet any special accommodations necessary for our participants as possible if given a minimum of two weeks notice. You will be prompted to indicate if you need any special accommodations upon registering for these events.

*This training is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend. One CLP will be issued for each session attended when you register and log on with the registration link provided to enable your attendance to be confirmed.*
 

Incremental Sampling is a two-day course that provides an overview of incremental sampling concepts to address soil heterogeneity and obtain soil samples that are representative of the site. The course also includes an introduction to using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in conjunction with incremental sampling to support real-time decision making for characterization and cleanup. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Understand how soil heterogeneity affects data variability and how incremental sampling controls heterogeneity.
• Calculate common statistical parameters used to support quality control and analysis of incremental sampling.
• Build the introductory skills needed to plan, design, collect, and analyze incremental soil samples with robust data quality considerations.
• Understand the theory and operation of XRF and how it is used in the field to collect high-quality metal concentration data.
• Receive hands-on training for designing an incremental sampling approach, collecting incremental samples, calculating statistical parameters, and taking XRF measurements on prepared soil samples.

The training course uses a combination of lectures and interactive scenarios for participants to practice and discuss sampling design based on a site’s conceptual site model, present case studies and lessons learned for a variety of applications and contaminant scenarios and provide an opportunity for hands-on demonstration of incremental sampling and subsampling tools and approaches. 

The Superfund Essentials webinar series presents essential information for environmental staff with little Superfund experience. The webinar introduces the Superfund program and gives an overview of the statutory and regulatory requirements. The removal and remedial process modules describe the assessment and response process followed by OSCs and RPMs as they address their sites. The webinar closes out by explaining the community involvement program and its role in Superfund and a discussion on enforcement and liability. 

Objectives: After taking the webinar series, the participants will be able to (1) explain the provisions and requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), (2) follow the assessment and response process for conducting removal and remedial actions, (3) describe the community involvement program and their part in cleanup actions, and (4) explain the importance of several special topics to the Superfund program.