This ERTP course is open to our Federal, State, Local and Tribal partners, with On-Scene Coordinators (OSC’s) and U.S. Coast Guard Staff having priority registration preference.

Superfund 101 consists of two introductory-level courses: Fundamentals of Superfund and Enforcement Process Overview. The target audience for each course is On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) and Remedial Project Managers (RPM).

Fundamentals of Superfund, a 3-day introductory training course, provides an overview of the purpose, legal framework and implementation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) for newly hired OSCs and RPMs. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Understand the evolution of the Superfund program. The course explores the origin, accomplishments and future of the Superfund program.
• Understand the statutory and regulatory basis for the authorities of OSCs and RPMs. The course provides an overview of the roles of the OSC and RPM as they are defined in laws, regulations, policy and guidance, including a comparison of authorities and liabilities.
• Learn about the three types of response activities defined under CERCLA. The course discusses the components of the removal, remedial and enforcement programs and the major responsibilities of OSCs and RPMs in their work on Superfund responses, site cleanups and enforcement activities.

Enforcement Process Overview, a 2-day course, provides an overview of the EPA’s Superfund enforcement process for OSCs and RPMs. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Learn about the goals, priorities, and actions of the Superfund enforcement program. The course provides an introduction to response actions and enforcement authorities under Superfund; illustrates the relationship between major enforcement actions and remedial and removal actions; defines Superfund enforcement goals and principles; identifies objectives of Superfund enforcement reforms; and highlights current enforcement priorities of the EPA.
• Understand the EPA’s fundamental principles and policies related to enforcement, the four types of potentially responsible parties (PRP), common defenses against liability and other enforcement policies. The course examines the four classes of PRPs, identifies PRP’s defenses and exemptions to liabilities, and identifies major enforcement discretionary policies.
• Understand the Superfund enforcement process and the roles of states, tribes, Federal agencies and communities in the enforcement process. The course examines and applies EPA’s cost recovery strategy and discretionary enforcement policies, as well as the roles of administrative and judicial law in the enforcement process.
• Develop their ability to use the tools available to encourage settlements. Participants will learn about the various types of enforcement tools, such as alternative dispute resolution, that are used in the settlement process.

Superfund 101 is recommended for new OSCs and RPMs as well as other programmatic and field support staff (i.e., enforcement personnel, HQ regional coordinators, Special Team members) as well as other federal agency, state and tribal environmental professionals involved in cleanups at Superfund sites. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES. In addition, the Superfund 101 course is a prerequisite for EPA employees who would like to attend the Removal and Remedial Process courses. 

Please note, non-EPA registrants may be asked to cancel their registration if the course reaches capacity, as priority to attend this course is given to EPA Superfund RPMs and OSCs.

Please note: For OSCs/RPMs to receive your certificate for this training, you will need to attend class until 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday. Please plan your travel accordingly.

*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

This course provides the basic information needed to meet the annual refresher requirements in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) for workers at hazardous waste sites who have already completed their initial 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training. Specifically, this course provides the refresher training for workers who perform hazardous waste site operations that are subject to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120 (a) through (p).

After completing this refresher course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection equipment and chemically protective clothing. Combined these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary, and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

This course provides the basic information needed to meet the annual refresher requirements in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) for workers at hazardous waste sites who have already completed their initial 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training. Specifically, this course provides the refresher training for workers who perform hazardous waste site operations that are subject to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120 (a) through (p).

After completing this refresher course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection equipment and chemically protective clothing. Combined these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary, and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

This course provides the basic information needed to meet the annual refresher requirements in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) for workers at hazardous waste sites who have already completed their initial 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training. Specifically, this course provides the refresher training for workers who perform hazardous waste site operations that are subject to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120 (a) through (p).

After completing this refresher course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection equipment and chemically protective clothing. Combined these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary, and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

This course provides the basic information needed to meet the annual refresher requirements in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) for workers at hazardous waste sites who have already completed their initial 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training. Specifically, this course provides the refresher training for workers who perform hazardous waste site operations that are subject to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120 (a) through (p).

After completing this refresher course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection equipment and chemically protective clothing. Combined these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary, and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

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 the site assessment process. 

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.

This series is not open to Academia, consultants, contractors or other private entities. 

The Removal Process course provides On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) and others who support the removal program with fundamental information and practical knowledge needed to plan, conduct or support removal actions effectively in response to releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants as well as discharges of oil under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The Removal Process course is structured to follow the framework of the NCP. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Learn to carry out the step-by-step process of conducting a removal action. The course follows the chain of events from site discovery to completion of the removal action, demonstrating how the enforcement process is integrated into various phases of the removal process.
• Understand the authorities and limitations of an OSC during a removal action. The course provides a comprehensive review of statutory and regulatory requirements, including an overview of response authority, requirements for public participation and regulations governing contracting services.
• Understand the Incident Command System/Unified Command (ICS/UC) and an OSC’s role during an emergency response. This course strengthens an OSC’s ability to use the ICS/UC effectively and reiterates the roles and responsibilities of an OSC during emergency responses to releases of hazardous substances. The course examines the organization of the ICS/UC and provides a thorough discussion of the planning and support functions associated with the ICS/UC.
• Use their newly developed knowledge and skills to solve real-life problems. Participants are challenged to apply the information and knowledge acquired during the course to realistic exercises and case studies and will be presented with tools and resources available to the OSC.

The Removal Process course is an intermediate 4.5 day training that is geared towards OSCs and other responders or removal program personnel (Headquarters regional coordinators, Removal Managers, enforcement personnel and Special Team members) who are responsible for or need to know about removal response activities under CERCLA as well as the Oil Pollution Act (OPA)/Clean Water Act (CWA). Other Federal Agency OSCs and State OSCs will also be permitted to attend, but priority will be given to EPA OSCs. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES. The Fundamentals of Superfund course is a prerequisite for EPA employees who would like to attend the Removal Process course.

*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

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. 

This 3-day course is designed for workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits, or regularly on a site working in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized, and where respirators and wearing elevated protection levels of PPE are not necessary. It provides the basic information needed to meet the 24-hour training requirements of the OSHA 1910.120(e)(3)(ii) and 1910.120(e)(3)(iii) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard.

NOTE: All EPA staff travel required to attend this "In-Person" course is being closely monitored/scrutinized for mandatory EPA 5170-related cost compliance tracking with the Region POC for this course.  Therefore, if you plan to submit a travel authorization to attend, please discuss beforehand with the designated Region POC and/or email ertp-h&s@epa.gov.  Generally, this travel cost monitoring requirement is not applicable to non-U.S. EPA staff or partner agencies & staff when the partner agency is responsible for travel expenses related to their employee travel.

This 5-day course is designed for personnel involved with the investigation and remediation of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and, to a lesser extent, response to an incident involving hazardous substances. It provides basic information needed to meet the 40-hour training requirements of the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (e)(3)(i) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify methods and procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous substances.
• Identify concepts, principles, and guidelines to properly protect site or response personnel.
• Discuss regulations and action levels to ensure health and safety of the workers.
• Discuss fundamentals needed to develop organizational structure and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate and comprehend respiratory program requirements and the selection and use of respiratory protection equipment and chemically protective clothing. Combined, these are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrate the use, calibration, and limitations of direct-reading air monitoring instruments.
• Participate in on-site clean-up operations conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, and clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).

Participants will be trained in hazardous waste operations, team functions, personnel health and safety procedures, and operation of field monitoring equipment.

Note: Completing this 40-hour HAZWOPER course provides the training required to access uncontrolled and fully monitored and characterized hazardous waste sites and participate in response activities to an incident involving hazardous materials, wearing elevated protection levels of PPE.  The 24-hour HAZWOPER course only provides training sufficient to access fully monitored and characterized hazardous waste sites and excludes training to wear elevated levels of PPE.

In some segments of the course, participants are required to wear PPE, including Level A encapsulating suits and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It should be noted that wearing encapsulating suits may be stressful to some individuals and wearing respirators precludes individuals from wearing eyeglasses. Participants who are severely restricted without their glasses should be aware that their participation may be limited unless they have contact lenses and/or their own respirator spectacle kit. Respirator fit-testing is not required prior to attending this course.

NOTE: In accordance with the Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134(e), a medical clearance to wear a respirator is required to attend this course. Each student must include with their registration a formal verification from their safety officer, physician, or other licensed health care professional that clearly states that a medical evaluation has been completed and that the student has been medically cleared to wear respiratory protection equipment. This must be received prior to the course start date.

The medical questionnaire to be completed and provided to their safety officer or physician is located at 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix C, OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.

Registration will not be completed, nor will confirmation be sent, until such proof is received by the HazTrain Registrar. If registration is done on-line, a copy of the respiratory document can be emailed to ERTP-H&S@epa.gov.

It is highly recommendedyou complete the FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Classes 100, 200, 700 and 800 prior to attending. This training is available for free on the FEMA website.

The 40-hour HAZWOPER course is not a substitute for the EPA employee requirement of completing the initial 24-hour Field Safety & Health Training.  EPA employee managers and supervisors should contact their local Safety Health & Environmental Manager for more information.

29 CFR 1910.120 Select Regulation Descriptions:

1910.120(e)(3)(i)  40-Hour course for General Site Worker

General site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction off the site, and a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(ii)  24-Hour course for occasional site workers

Workers on site only occasionally for a specific limited task (such as, but not limited to, ground water monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying) and who are unlikely to be exposed over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

1910.120(e)(3)(iii) 24-Hour course for regular workers on fully characterized sites

Workers regularly on site who work in areas which have been monitored and fully characterized indicating that exposures are under permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits where respirators are not necessary,and the characterization indicates that there are no health hazards or the possibility of an emergency developing, shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction off the site, and the minimum of one day actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor.

To view the complete regulation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

Superfund 101 consists of two introductory-level courses: Fundamentals of Superfund and Enforcement Process Overview. The target audience for each course is On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) and Remedial Project Managers (RPM).

Fundamentals of Superfund, a 3-day introductory training course, provides an overview of the purpose, legal framework and implementation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) for newly hired OSCs and RPMs. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Understand the evolution of the Superfund program. The course explores the origin, accomplishments and future of the Superfund program.
• Understand the statutory and regulatory basis for the authorities of OSCs and RPMs. The course provides an overview of the roles of the OSC and RPM as they are defined in laws, regulations, policy and guidance, including a comparison of authorities and liabilities.
• Learn about the three types of response activities defined under CERCLA. The course discusses the components of the removal, remedial and enforcement programs and the major responsibilities of OSCs and RPMs in their work on Superfund responses, site cleanups and enforcement activities.

Enforcement Process Overview, a 2-day course, provides an overview of the EPA’s Superfund enforcement process for OSCs and RPMs. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:

• Learn about the goals, priorities, and actions of the Superfund enforcement program. The course provides an introduction to response actions and enforcement authorities under Superfund; illustrates the relationship between major enforcement actions and remedial and removal actions; defines Superfund enforcement goals and principles; identifies objectives of Superfund enforcement reforms; and highlights current enforcement priorities of the EPA.
• Understand the EPA’s fundamental principles and policies related to enforcement, the four types of potentially responsible parties (PRP), common defenses against liability and other enforcement policies. The course examines the four classes of PRPs, identifies PRP’s defenses and exemptions to liabilities, and identifies major enforcement discretionary policies.
• Understand the Superfund enforcement process and the roles of states, tribes, Federal agencies and communities in the enforcement process. The course examines and applies EPA’s cost recovery strategy and discretionary enforcement policies, as well as the roles of administrative and judicial law in the enforcement process.
• Develop their ability to use the tools available to encourage settlements. Participants will learn about the various types of enforcement tools, such as alternative dispute resolution, that are used in the settlement process.

Superfund 101 is recommended for new OSCs and RPMs as well as other programmatic and field support staff (i.e., enforcement personnel, HQ regional coordinators, Special Team members) as well as other federal agency, state and tribal environmental professionals involved in cleanups at Superfund sites. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES. In addition, the Superfund 101 course is a prerequisite for EPA employees who would like to attend the Removal and Remedial Process courses. 

Please note, non-EPA registrants may be asked to cancel their registration if the course reaches capacity, as priority to attend this course is given to EPA Superfund RPMs and OSCs.

Please note: For OSCs/RPMs to receive your certificate for this training, you will need to attend class until 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday. Please plan your travel accordingly.

*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

Course Note

This is a HYBRID course with both in-person and virtual attendance options. Please ensure that you are choosing for the correct attendance option.  

Course Overview

This training will provide two important sets of tools to RPMs to reduce the costs and improve the resilience of CERCLA remedies. Value Engineering (VE) is a structured process that can be used to reduce the costs of CERCLA remedies without sacrificing protectiveness or other functionality. This training will provide an introduction for EPA RPMs to VE federal policies, procedures, and best practices. The training will also explain how life cycle cost analysis and risk management can be used to evaluate and improve the resilience of a remedy, or its ability to adjust and remain capable of meeting remedial action objectives, despite challenges or changes that often arise. This will include R10 case studies, interactive sessions for participants, and reference material.

Audience

Instructors

Cannon Silver, P.E. has more than 30 years of experience leading site investigations, feasibility studies, technology evaluations, remedial design, construction oversight, remedial system operations and maintenance, and optimization under CERCLA Superfund, RCRA and state programs. He has extensive experience serving in engineering and project management roles, and in interacting effectively with regulators and the public. His areas of technical expertise include innovative groundwater, sediment, and vapor treatment technologies, sustainability, and remedy resiliency. He serves as CDM Smith’s Resilience Discipline Leader for remediation projects.

Course Note

This is a HYBRID course with both in-person and virtual attendance options. Please ensure that you are choosing for the correct attendance option.  

Course Overview

This training will provide two important sets of tools to RPMs to reduce the costs and improve the resilience of CERCLA remedies. Value Engineering (VE) is a structured process that can be used to reduce the costs of CERCLA remedies without sacrificing protectiveness or other functionality. This training will provide an introduction for EPA RPMs to VE federal policies, procedures, and best practices. The training will also explain how life cycle cost analysis and risk management can be used to evaluate and improve the resilience of a remedy, or its ability to adjust and remain capable of meeting remedial action objectives, despite challenges or changes that often arise. This will include R10 case studies, interactive sessions for participants, and reference material.

Audience

Instructors

Cannon Silver, P.E. has more than 30 years of experience leading site investigations, feasibility studies, technology evaluations, remedial design, construction oversight, remedial system operations and maintenance, and optimization under CERCLA Superfund, RCRA and state programs. He has extensive experience serving in engineering and project management roles, and in interacting effectively with regulators and the public. His areas of technical expertise include innovative groundwater, sediment, and vapor treatment technologies, sustainability, and remedy resiliency. He serves as CDM Smith’s Resilience Discipline Leader for remediation projects.

The ARARs Academy is a beginner- to intermediate-level course that focuses on applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARARs) in the remedial program. The course builds on the ARAR material presented in other CEC courses, such as Fundamentals of Superfund and Remedial Process. Participants will have the opportunity to examine the topic in more detail and apply the course concepts to site-specific situations. The ARARs Academy includes a recorded webinar series (ARAR Talks) and in-class portion, both of which are required. The recorded webinar portion will provide the participants with the foundation necessary to complete the exercises that primarily make up the in-class portion of the course. By completing the ARARs Academy, participants will be better able to:

• Define important terms and apply them when evaluating ARARs
• Describe the regulatory requirements of the common federal statutes often considered ARAR for Superfund actions and explain when they may be ARAR
• Describe ARAR documentation in the ROD including how the selected remedy complies with ARARs
• Explain how state laws and regulations can be ARAR
• Describe the six ARAR waivers and how each might be used

The ARARs Academy consists of five 1-hour recorded webinars and a 2-day in-class training and is recommended for RPMs with at least six months experience and may have assisted other RPMs with Superfund sites or now are preparing to take the lead on Superfund sites. The ARARs Academy may also be a good review for more experienced RPMs. In addition, the ARARs Academy may also be valuable to EPA site attorneys, other Superfund staff, and State personnel supporting Superfund sites. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES. Superfund 101 and the Remedial Process course are prerequisites for attendees to participate in the ARARs Academy.

Please note pre-work is required for this course. Attendees will be required to complete a five-part pre-recorded webinar series called ARAR Talks, that will cover introductory materials including a review of important definitions, the ARAR identification process, ARAR waivers, and a review of the most common Federal ARARs. Access to the webinars will be sent via email to registered participants approximately one month before the in-person component of the course to keep concepts current. Each ARAR Talks webinar recording is approximately 1-hour long for a total of 5 hours to complete at your own pace. If you have any questions regarding the webinars, please feel free to contact Elizabeth Kline, ICF at elizabeth.kline@icf.com.
 

Best Practices for Site Characterization Throughout the Remediation Process is based on best management practices (BMP) implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), partnership organizations, federal and state partners, and consultants. Participants will learn how to streamline projects in a legal, technically sound, and cost-effective manner. By taking the course, participants achieve the following objectives:

• Integrate best practices into traditional project activities. This course illustrates how to use more effective sampling plan design, data collection, analysis, and management strategies at various entry points in a typical project time-line. The course highlights emerging quality assurance and quality control methods for evaluating data sufficiency and optimizing project sequencing. Case studies highlight benefits of using best practices at hazardous waste sites.
• Effectively collect and communicate critical project information. The course stresses the use of the systematic planning process to involve key stakeholders and develop the conceptual site model (CSM). The course provides examples of CSMs and describes how they are used as the basis for project and sampling plan design, and as a tool for maintaining stakeholder consensus throughout the project life cycle. Participants will be shown how comprehensive systematic planning extends beyond normal data quality models. The course examines tools for managing the uncertainties associated with sampling, social, economic, and political factors that significantly impact hazardous waste cleanup and reuse projects.
• Design dynamic work strategies. Systematic planning provides the foundation for designing effective dynamic work strategies (DWS). The course describes the components of a DWS, including (1) methods for verifying performance, (2) using collaborative data sets, (3) methods for real-time decision making, (4) managing sample and small-scale variability, (5) designing project and field decision logic, (6) implementing contingencies, and (7) creating streamlined work plans.
• Recognize and overcome the challenges presented while implementing a dynamic work strategy. Controlling a project during a DWS is challenging and involves communication and planning. Participants will learn how to manage and adjust programs in the field while maintaining the project’s integrity. The course describes methods for controlling and directing work during dynamic work efforts, which include using unitized costing, setting project ceilings, and lowering project costs. Participants will examine how more focused characterization efforts can extend project funds and maximize the data collected.
• Use BMPs to support all phases of the environmental cleanup life cycle. In addition to supporting site characterization, site characterization and remediation BMPs can directly support risk assessment, technology selection, remedial design, remedy implementation, long-term operations, and optimization efforts. The course describes specific ways practitioners can apply the BMPs to support these major project phases.

Course Outline

1. Overview of Best Practices for Site Characterization and Remediation
2. Systematic Project Planning
3. Developing Dynamic Work Strategies
4. Implementing a Dynamic Field Investigation
5. Risk Assessment and Real-Time Data
6. Best Practices for Remedy Design and Implementation

Best Practices for Site Characterization Throughout the Remediation Process is a 3-day course for EPA staff involved in site characterization at Superfund sites. EPA, federal, state and tribal environmental professionals may also find the course applicable. THE COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.