Conceptual Site Modeling and the Data Quality Objectives Approach

This program is sold out. To be placed on waiting list in the event of cancellations, please send Email to Seth Molofsky at sjm@epoc.org.

The Connecticut State Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals (LEP Board) has approved this course for 8.0 hours of continuing education credits (CTLEP-383). The MA LSP Board has approved this course for 8.0 Technical Credits (Course Number 1519). This is a new course and it is the first time being offered.

TIME AND LOCATION:

This seminar will be held on March 5, 2015 and runs from 8 AM - 5 PM at the Berlin Auditorium at Eversource Energy (formerly Northeast Utilities), 107 Selden Street, Berlin, CT 06037.  Please arrive by 7:30 AM for registration. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. For Google map/directions to the Berlin Auditorium, see: https://goo.gl/maps/QdcRB

FEES: 

EPOC Members: $225, Non-members: $275, Gov't Employee/Student Members: $112.50

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Connecticut’s Site Characterization Guidance Document emphasizes the conceptual site modeling (CSM) process as an integral component of site characterization efforts, and the CSM approach plays a critical role in achieving cost-effective, scientifically defensible characterization of releases to the environment. Although not addressed in that document, use of conceptual site modeling extends beyond investigation into the remediation phases of a project. Establishing appropriate data quality objectives (DQOs) for a project is an important aspect of the CSM process and understanding the use of DQOs to assess data needs and evaluate data is crucial to achieving cost-effective investigations and remedial solutions.

Building on the concepts presented in the initial Conceptual Site Modeling: A Process for Effective Site Characterization seminar in 2000 and the subsequent seminar, Effective Site Characterization Through Conceptual Site Modeling, in 2003, this seminar, Conceptual Site Modeling and the Data Quality Objectives Approach to Site Characterization, further explores the process of conceptual site modeling by emphasizing the importance of using the DQO process as a fundamental aspect of the CSM approach. Understanding that use of DQOs is critical for assessing the significance of data gaps during the CSM process, the seminar will also focus on using multiple lines of evidence to support various aspects of a conceptual site model when characterizing releases to the environment and evaluating results as a project proceeds through the various phases of investigation and remediation.

Similar to the previous Conceptual Site Modeling and Site Characterization seminars, Conceptual Site Modeling and the Data Quality Objectives Approach to Site Characterization will emphasize the use of break-out group discussions as an effective tool for clarifying the importance of various concepts being presented. Small break-out groups will explore case studies designed to illustrate various aspects of CSM process within the context of a guided discussion to ensure that specific concepts are discussed during each break-out session. Each break-out group will be facilitated by a Licensed Environmental Professional who has been given an opportunity to review the case studies prior to the seminar date and has participated in facilitator training to improve the quality of the break-out experience for participants. The break-out groups will reconvene after each session in order maximize exposure of the entire group to the range of opinions expressed during each small-group discussion and to emphasize both the diversity and similarity in the approach of environmental professionals to development and use of conceptual site modeling to enhance site characterization and evaluation of environmental data.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The seminar was designed to accomplish two primary objectives. The first objective is to review the CSM process by emphasizing the importance of using DQOs to guide data acquisition and evaluation during the development, refinement, and validation phases of that process. Since group discussions in each of the previous seminars on conceptual site modeling and site characterization effectively emphasized the thought processes involved, the range of professional opinions, and the need to support one’s opinions in a clear and scientifically defensible manner, the second objective for this seminar is to provide a forum for environmental professionals to discuss the concepts presented using case studies developed specifically to emphasize the integration of DQOs into the CSM process. The overall objective for the seminar is to reinforce the importance of using conceptual site modeling and the DQO process to accomplish cost-effective and scientifically defensible site characterization and remediation.

INSTRUCTOR:

Gail L. Batchelder, Ph.D., P.G., L.E.P

Gail Batchelder is the Technical Director - Hydrogeology at Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc. in Plainville, Connecticut. For over 25 years, her professional activities have focused on the direction and review of subsurface investigations and development of conceptual models of site-specific contaminant fate and transport for a variety of contaminants and hydrogeologic settings. She is a Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) in Connecticut and is licensed as a Professional Geologist in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire. Currently, she serves on the Board of Registration for Licensed Site Professionals (LSPs) in Massachusetts in a slot specifically designated for a non-LSP who is a hydrogeologist. Dr. Batchelder received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She holds an undergraduate degree in French from Tufts University.