Passive Gas Sampling Technology for Environmental Applications

Date and Time: April 10, 2025, 10 AM - 12 PM
Location: Zoom Webinar

Speakers: Michael Brophy and Ray Fenstermacher P.G., Amplified Geochemical Imaging, LLC

Continuing Education Credits: 

This is the first time this course is being offered for CT LEP credits. The CT State Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals (LEP Board) has approved this course/webinar for 2.0 hours of continuing education credits (CTLEP-612). EPOC has applied for MA LSP credits for this course and will post if approved. We are also planning on applying for NY PG/PE credits.

Fees: 

• EPOC Members: $90
• Non-members: $200 (consider joining EPOC at this time to receive the member rate for this program)
• Gov't Employee/Students: $45

Course Description:

Passive gas sampling technology was developed in the mining industry in the 1940’s. The sampling technology as well as the supporting analytical chemistry has evolved significantly since the technology’s initial development. The current technology allows this method of in-situ gas sample collection to be effective in soil, water and air. The development of engineered adsorbents has expanded the range and efficiency of compounds that can effectively be collected by the passive gas sampling method. The application of this sampling technique provides accurate data for the assessment and potential mapping of contaminants for environmental site assessment work, remediation work and other applications. When applied to achieve unique project objectives, passive gas surveys can provide important information to inform remedial planning, post-remedial efficacy, environmental site assessment and environmental site monitoring.

Course Objectives:

• Gain insights into passive sampling technology and its general use in various industries. This discussion will include the advantages and limitations of passive gas surveys, the chemistry and analytical methods associated with passive gas sampling technology and the performance of the technology in various matrices.
• Discussion of specific applications, survey design, planning considerations and the data interpretation when used specifically for environmental site assessment and remediation projects.
• Presentation of a case study project involving passive gas sampling technology used for a sub-surface survey involving volatile organic compound contamination and the results of its application.
• The intent of the presentation is to provide CT environmental professionals with the understanding of the technology, the unique aspects and limitations of its use, in an interest to provide CT environmental professionals with an additional tool to be used when managing environmental site assessment and remedial work.

Course Agenda:

• Discussion of Gas Sampling Methods
• Discussion of Adsorbent Technology
• General Applications of Passive Gas Sampling Technology
• Applications for Environmental Site Assessment Work in Various Matrices including Soil Gas Sampling, Water Sampling (Surface and Groundwater) and Air Sampling
• General Considerations for All Environmental Projects Using Passive Gas Sampling Technology
• Survey Planning
• Examples of Passive Gas Surveys
• Conclusion and Q&A

Speaker Biographies:

Michael Brophy

Michael Brophy began his career as an Environmental Consultant in the late 80’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan with ENCOTEC Rollins Environmental. During this time, he managed the groundwater monitoring programs for Browning Ferris Industries landfills in southern Michigan. In addition to consulting, he has worked as an in-plant service provider for Waste Management and has been a Project Manager and business development manager for Prairie Analytical, Eurofins/Spectrum Analytical and Paradigm Environmental Services. Currently he is a Business Development Manager with Amplified Geochemical Imaging, LLC and is based in Syracuse, New York.

Ray Fenstermacher P.G.

Ray Fenstermacher began his career in Pennsylvania as a field geologist in the mid-80’s while working for Groundwater Technology doing site assessment and groundwater remediation activities. During this time, he also served as a Project Director on a Navy BRAC contract involving closure activities at several DOD bases. Currently he is a Senior Project manager with Amplified Geochemical Imaging, LLC and is based at AGI’s Newark, Delaware laboratory. He conducts R&D activities for geochemical investigations as well as Project Management services for both Environmental and Exploration clients.