Moderated by Ronald Poltak, NEIWPCC

Properly assessing sites is one of the most critical steps in minimizing risk, keeping down costs, and moving sites quickly from assessment to closure. In this session four speakers will discuss assessment of different media at LUST sites. Speakers will discuss issues from understanding the mass of the plume and how to remediate it, to understanding and predicting diving plumes, to characterization and management of sites that have petroleum contamination in bedrock. Come to this session and learn more about assessing LUST sites.

Moderated by Richard Spiese, VT DEC

What every inspector should know, common errors and what to look out for. Specifically, common mistakes made by contractors when testing cathodic protection (cp) systems. Inspectors need to be able to recognize both "good" and "bad" testing when reviewing records. Experience has taught us that improper or inadequate cp testing is all too common; and understand how fiberglass is installed and repaired and common techniques to ensure that it is done correctly. Knowing what to look for when a contractor is working at a site is an important part of the inspection process. what designates an out of service UST, what requirements must be met to remain out of service, and why these requirements are necessary. The presentation will highlight key compliance criteria to evaluate when conducting an out of service UST inspection, as well as procedures to verify property ownership.

Moderated by Tracie Donaldson, EPA Region 6

As EPA releases its Fund Soundness Guidance, the intensity of discussions about Fund soundness/solvency will grow. To prepare fund managers for upcoming talks with EPA regions and state management, John Wade will describe a method to evaluate a fund’s cash flow by using an interactive cash flow model incorporating sometimes overlooked parameters. Chris Doll will chronicle a recognized funding shortfall in South Carolina’s fund and the cooperative process used to craft a solution. To provide an idea of what fund solvency evaluation may look like in the future, Bill Foskett will reveal preliminary results of the five-state pilot test of the fund soundness “toolkit,” including a new data form, new indicators, and a new snapshot report.

Moderated by David Chambers, NE DEQ

Join us for a non-traditional hands-on session of Online Operator Training and Database Tools from states and vendors who have made external sites that are public access. Spend a few minutes listening to a brief demonstration from each state, then wander around to see exactly how each one works and try them out for yourself.

Moderated by Leslie Carr, KY EEC

Addressing Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids(LNAPLs) problems at complex sites is a difficult and expensive proposition. This session will start off with a presentation discussing the need to develop an accurate conceptual model of LNAPL distribution. The first speaker will illustrate common LNAPL distribution assumptions and mistakes using data obtained from years of detailed Laser Induced Fluoresence LNAPL characterization studies. The rest of the session will be devoted to a case study of a highly complex site. The speakers will use the case study to illustrate how ASTM and ITRC guidance can be applied to a site during the development of a site’s LNAPL Conceptual Model, LNAPL stability analysis and LNAPL recoverability evaluation. The speakers will highlight the perspective of both the consulting and regulatory decision makers at the site and how information on LNAPL stability and recoverability was used to develop a realistic and effective approach to the site.

Moderated by Gary Lynn, NH DES

Moderated by Shri Parikh, EPA Region 1

Moderated by Russ Brauksieck, NY DEC

Moderated by Randy Bettelyoun, Oglala Sioux Tribe
Roland Chester, ITCA

Petroleum Vapor Intrusion – Consolidating Assessment Guidances / Refining Conceptual Modeling / Field Assessment Techniques. Session includes the following PVI assessment presentations: 1) A comparison of vapor intrusion guidance across the New England States which represents Phase 1 of a larger US analysis. 2) Significance of Biodegradation at Petroleum Hydrocarbon Release Sites – Implications for Vapor Intrusion Guidance 3) Obtaining Representative Field Information for Vapor Intrusion Assessments: What Do You Need to Know?

Moderated by Tom Walker, EPA OUST

Abandoned USTs have been a challenge that UST programs have had to deal with since the beginning of the program. With no viable owner (or with an owner unable or unwilling to act), these tanks often remain in the ground without the site having been assessed for many years. There are issues with safety, the potential of release, and lack of viable financial responsibility if a release has occurred. With the recent economic difficulties the nation has experienced, many states have noticed an increase in this population of tanks. This session will look at some of the challenges posed by abandoned tanks and present what a few states have done to overcome those challenges.

Moderated by Therron Blatter, UT DEQ

Ricky Cathey and Beth Pendergrass from Tennessee will present "How Safe is your Fund?: A "New" Tool in the Detection of Fraud in Reimbursement Claims",this has two purposes, to raise awareness of a potential partner to assist the UST Fund Program's efforts to decrease fraud and to introduce a "new" tool to UST Fund Programs with automated databases. Kim Sellards from the California State Water Board's Office of Enforcement will discuss the detection, investigation, prosecution, and dterrence of fraud against state trust funds.

Moderated by Marge Wilhoite, KY EEC

Moderated by Bill Lienesch, EPA OUST
Robert Largent, ITEC, Cherokee Nation

Science from the field and lab demonstrates that ethanol can extend the length of dissolved petroleum plumes containing benzene and other constituents. Biodegradation products of ethanol such as acetate and dissolved molecular hydrogen may significantly inhibit the natural anaerobic biodegradation of benzene, causing plumes of benzene and BTEX to be larger than plumes that do not contain ethanol. Therefore, releases from ethanol blended fuels pose unique characterization challenges for site managers. Recent biodegradation research results will be presented by Dr. John Wilson and Cherri Adair of the USEPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) R.S. Kerr Center. Jim Weaver, USEPA ORD R.S. Kerr Center, will present the basics of a practical model for predicting the impacts from ethanol blends such as E10 and E15. The model was developed from a two part conceptualization that first transports ethanol away from a source and then stimulates transport of BTEX, demonstrating the inhibition of BTEX degradation and possible cosolvency effects. This presentation will engage the audience in an interactive model use exercise.

Moderated by Jeff Kuhn, MT DEQ

Come hear what's new in the world of UST system standards, and more importantly, participate in a group discussion on what SHOULD be changed!

Moderated by Lorri Grainawi, STI

Moderated by Perry Theriot

Providing alternate water supplies for owners of wells impacted by leaking USTs is frequently part of corrective action. Join this interactive discussion of policy issues and questions that can arise as we implement this part of the program. Audience participation is important as we share experience and ideas on such topics as replacement wells vs. public water, obtaining easements, developing community water systems,impacted public water supply wells, and who pays for what.

Moderated by Betty Lamp, VA DEQ, SRR

In these times of ever-shrinking resources, it is important now more than ever to stay current with the latest technologies. This session will showcase innovative technology, a creative drilling technique as a cost effective solution to difficult site assessment conditions free EPA software tool for simulating the effects of source and plume remediation at hydrocarbon contaminated sites. These presentations should spark creative solutions to complex site problems and aid project managers in communicating with interested parties during community engagement opportunities.

Moderated by Stephen Reuter, NM ED

Got Operator Training? Come and hear as three presenters with unique perspectives on UST Operator Training debate on this Energy Policy Act of 2005 requirement. This will be one of the last sessions on UST Operator Training before the August 8, 2012, national deadline, so you won't want to miss this one. Learn what's good, what's not so good, and what can be avoided. Kris Shiffer will discuss the lessons Pennsylvania learned rolling out the program and what they'll expect by the deadline. Jessica Price will reflect on what went right and what could be improved after the South Carolina deadline passed on August 8, 2011. Ben Thomas, a national training vendor, will offer a frontline perspective on the triumphs and pitfalls of UST Operator Training throughout the United States. The debate will conclude with an open microphone session during which audience members ask questions and share UST Operator Training experiences with the presenters.

Moderated by Michael Pomes, EPA Region 7

The world of private tank insurance often appears shrouded in mystery to tank regulators and tank owners alike. This session will provide information to unlock those mysteries. Khan Adams, an UST claims adjuster, will share the framework used when reviewing UST insurance claims. Heather Rehm-Stelter, an UST insurance underwriter, will unlock the mysteries of insurance policy underwriting. The session will begin with a presentation of claims adjustment mechanics and a review of recent court cases and their outcomes. A discussion of how insurance carriers, state regulators, EPA, and tank owners can collaborate to increase the effectiveness of insurance as an FR mechanism will follow. The ASTSWMO State Funds/Financial Responsibility Task Force has recently published a guidance document to assist in education regarding tank insurance. http://astswmo.org/Files/Policies_and_Publications/Tanks

Moderated by Jill Hall, DE DNREC

We hear a lot about "partnerships" and "stakeholders" and "community engagement"... But effective collaboration is difficult and time-consuming. Come hear a diverse set of speakers share their personal experiences and take away practical ideas on how you might improve your working relationships. A Missouri regulator will share how the program built a successful working relationship with the regulated community and how that improved inspections and compliance. A tank owner will explain how partnerships can be effective -- or not! And a Virginia LUST regulator will share an intriguing case study involving a difficult and controversial cleanup, where his work was one part technical and three parts diplomat.

Moderated by Carol Eighmey, MO PSTIF

Moderated by Dania Rodriguez, ASTSWMO

Over time it can be difficult to distinguish one release from another when petroleum compounds are involved. And still, doing so is critically important to a case. Two of our presenters will cover the tools they’ve used to see just who is responsible for what at a site. Our third speaker takes a close look at a how a petroleum spill weathers by using simple forensic lab work. A focus on forensics can be a lens on the evidence we just may need.

Moderated by Dan Manweiler, VA DEQ

High throughput facilities offer a number of challenges to UST system owners and operators in complying with the release detection requirement. UST implementing agencies also find it difficult to address concerns associated with ensuring owners and operators are in compliance with release detection requirements. This session will present information from the perspectives of UST implementing agencies, the regulated community, and a national release detection vendor. The session will provide an ideal forum where all concerned stakeholders can exchange information and ideas in order to probe where the tanks program is and where it could go regarding release detection at high throughput facilities. U.S. EPA will discuss efforts underway to develop an information manual to identify challenges in complying with release detection requirements. You will hear about a state UST program’s experience and how the program is addressing these facilities by regulation. An owner/operator of multiple high throughput facilities will share her perspective on complying with the release detection requirement. Finally, a release detection vendor involved with high-throughput Travel Center companies across the United States for over ten years will summarize initiatives that have been undertaken by these facilities to address their challenges.

Moderated by Tim Smith, EPA OUST

This will be an interactive session where the moderators will stimulate discussions on both successfull and not so succseeful tools states have used help to control state fund reimbursement costs. It is hoped that session attendees will come away with some cost control ideas to bring back to their state.

Moderated by Chuck Schwer, VT DEC

How can we do more with less? The current state of the economy has many employers, including government agencies, looking for ways to continue operating in an efficient, productive manner with fewer staff and less resources. This session is designed for State, Federal and Tribal attendees (compliance, remediation and fund staff) to evaluate processes and identify non-value added efforts, which can be eliminated. Ron Brand will kick off the "brainstorming" session, offering insight on the opportunities for process improvement within petroleum storage tank programs; the rest is up to us. We will work in small breakout groups. Participants should come prepared to discuss possible process inefficiencies and work toward solutions.

Moderated by Jennifer Steffes, CO DLE

Two state programs (MO and AZ) will present the results of successful LUST backlog reduction initiatives including use of contractors and rule changes to support closure. The third state (VA) will describe an analysis of what has worked well in corrective action and why.

Moderated by Sue Burnell, EPA OUST

Growing attention in the biofuels retail market has led to an increased focus on the suitability of using legacy UST system equipment with new fuels. Lack of experience with intermediate ethanol blends has made the compatibility and functionality of these fuels with UST system materials the greatest unknown to date. In this session, presenters will discuss results of recent testing on material compatibility with intermediate ethanol blends, performance of ATGs in ethanol-blended fuels, and accelerated corrosion in sumps.

Moderated by Andrea Barbery, EPA OUST

See what other state programs are doing with computer systems in an interactive, small group environment. After rotating through a series of short presentations, go back to the ones that interest you for one on one interaction with the presenter. This session focuses on a variety of internal systems including databases, GIS, and document management.

Moderated by Betty Lamp, VA DEQ, SRR

Moderated by Carol Eighmey, MO PSTIF

Moderated by Charles Reyes, ASTSWMO
Mark Barolo, EPA OUST

Implementation of the 2005 Energy Act, requiring that State UST programs inspect all federally regulated sites at least once/3 years has proven to be extremely difficult in some States and virtually impossible in others. While faced with reduced resources and funding, it is critical that States look at ways of stream-lining processes by reducing wasteful/non-value-added steps of the UST inspection. This presentation illustrates how CT used LEAN initiatives to revamp their UST inspection process; which resulted in a 300% increase of inspections performed without additional staff or compromising the quality of the inspection. CT is on target to complete the operational/structural compliance inspection of all federally regulated UST sites an entire year early. This session demonstrates how implementation of LEAN initiatives made it possible. CT and other State UST programs have been using mobile electronic inspection tools to gain significant time savings, paperless operations, standardized enforcement, greatly improved data quality and ultimately an increased number of better documented inspections. In this session, these benefits will be shown through the demonstration of features like field data synchronization, compliance engine utilization, site diagramming, electronic signing, on-site printing, site management plan generation, operator testing, GPS coordinate capture, and electronic document generation.

Moderated by Ken Koon, MO DNR

Petroleum Vapor Intrusion from States’ perspective – examples of real world challenges; real world success. Session includes the following presentations representing various geographic regions of the US: 1) Evaluation of Vapor Intrusion in Arizona – Conditions and Longevity of Vadose Soil Petroleum VOCs, 2) Residential Indoor Air Quality [in Virginia]: An Update on a Long Standing Dissolved Phase Gasoline Plume and the Changes to the Corrective Action Strategy, 3) How Missouri overcame the challenges of the collection of bad data in evaluating the Vapor Intrusion Pathway at petroleum storage tank sites.

Moderated by Tom Walker, EPA OUST

Moderated by Shri Parikh, EPA Region 1

How UST Revitalization & Community Development Efforts Coincide This session will provide an overview of the efforts underway across the country to integrate UST sites into the community development arena. The first presenter will describe experiences encountered helping people grasp a better understanding of how to can integrate petroleum brownfields into their community revitalization plans. The second presenter will describe a strategy to enhance community economic development by focusing on the re-use of abandoned and under-utilized UST sites and ways that local planning officials are exploring to change policies in an effort to promote development along urban corridors. The third presenter will describe the “Backlog of Petroleum-Contaminated Sites--Closure and Property Reuse Study.” This study will provide rigorous statistical analysis to better understand the variables that link leaking USTs sites as a potential Brownfield site and help clarify and expand opportunities for advancing their cleanup and reuse.

Moderated by Steve McNeely

This session will discuss environmental impacts and coping with natural disasters, with a special focus on underground storage tank system impacts. Speakers will share their advice and experiences with recent New England floods, Louisiana's hurricanes and the Joplin F5 tornado.

Moderated by Heather Peters, MO DNR