GPro Talks

Past Talks

• Jan 9

  Re-Intro to GeoEnviroProTalkskeyboard_arrow_down

  We're excited to welcome 2019 weekly webinar series GeoEnviroPro Talks (GPro Talks) with a Introduction to the upcoming series and our partners.

  GeoEnviroPro Partners

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• Dec 12

  An Interactive Training System for Reduction in Cost and Complexity of Remediation and Long-Term Management of Contaminated Siteskeyboard_arrow_down

  Site investigation, monitoring and management programs for complex sites are often cumbersome, over- or under-designed, and often contain unknown levels of uncertainty.  In addition, the transition from active remediation to long term monitoring is a process of rationalizing and balancing cost, protection of human and ecological health, envelopes of uncertainty, and (often conflicting) stakeholder inputs.  This ESTCP project was proposed as a follow-on to the SERDP-funded DIVER project (Data Information Value to Evaluate Remediation – ER-2313) which is developing technical guidance on the value of information for site investigation, remediation and monitoring programs to reduce life cycle costs for complex sites.  Building upon DIVER, this ESTCP project developed a web-based interactive training tool for environmental monitoring and performance optimization (TEMPO – Training for Environmental Monitoring Performance Optimization) that incorporates training on the design and review of monitoring systems for performance assessment, site investigation approaches to optimize existing remedial systems, and monitoring programs for long term compliance.TEMPO is a web-based application with a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows end users to undertake training on:  a) the Site Investigation Training Module for improving site investigation skills; and/or, b) the Long-Term Monitoring Training Module for improving design of cost effective long-term monitoring strategies and programs.   Seven (7) different virtual site datasets (VSDs) of varying complexity in geology and contaminant distribution are available in TEMPO.  TEMPO allows for real-time querying of large and detailed VSD databases to output reports of simulated data at any location in the VSD.  For example, as part of the site investigation module, users can “investigate” the selected virtual site by deploying an array of soil and groundwater investigation tools (i.e., boreholes, monitoring wells, MIP, analytical samples, etc.) and immediately view realistic outputs from these tools.  Users can then “evaluate” their site understanding by interactively answering questions about the nature and extent of source and dissolved contaminant plumes etc. in comparison to the true, known values from the VSD simulations.  Users are then able to view the results of their evaluation with a series of scoring metrics. The tool provides an interactive, realistic learning experience that supports skill development to current site management personnel as well as the next generation of contaminated site specialists (i.e., students).  This training instrument is expected to have a direct positive impact on the cost to complete for complex sites. Dr. David Reynolds is an Ontario-based Senior Principal with Geosyntec Consultants and manages the company’s Australian operations.  Dave’s practice has a focus on research and development, particularly in the areas of site investigation and remediation.  Dave has over 20 years of consulting and academic experience, ranging from fundamental bench-scale studies, to phenomena and field-scale modeling, to full-scale remediation of LNAPL and DNAPL sites.

  Dr. David Reynolds, Ph.D., P.Eng.; Senior Principal with Geosyntec Consultants

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• Dec 5

  Needs for Successful Nano/Micron-Scale Zero-Valent Iron (n/m ZVI) Remedy Implementationkeyboard_arrow_down

  Well-developed conceptual site model, deliverability of ZVI slurry in the subsurface, reactivity of ZVI materials, and treatment longevity are the main elements needed for a successful n/m ZVI remedy. The presentation details these requirements. Florin is an Experienced Principal with a demonstrated history of working in the environmental industry. Skilled in Site Investigation, Feasibility Studies, Contaminant Hydrogeology, Environmental Consulting, and Water Resource Management. Strong education professional with a M.Sc. focused in Geology/Geophysics from University of Bucharest.

  Florin Gheorghiu, Principal at Applied Testing and Geosciences, LLC

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• Nov 28

  Let’s talk about Contaminated Soil Samplingkeyboard_arrow_down

  This talk covers key aspects that should be considered before going in the field. There is more to it than just grabbing samples if you want reliable and representative data. The TALK covers investigation scope, strategy, design and methods, and highlights defensible approaches and pitfalls through examples.

  Reidar Zapf-Gilje

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• Nov 21

  Bioavailability 101 for Site Investigatorskeyboard_arrow_down

  With an increasing number of sites going to risk assessment, it is important that site investigators understand how a risk assessor will bridge off their data to understand and describe risks. Most regulatory standards assume that the total amount (i.e., 100%) of a contaminant measurable in environmental media is “bioavailable”. Broadly speaking, the term “bioavailability” is used to describe the fraction or percentage of a contaminant that is taken up by an organism that is actually absorbed and in systemic circulation. The extent to which a contaminant can be taken up by an organism is related to the adverse response, or risk. This talk will discuss how people and critters “see” those concentrations that you measure in various environmental media. For both humans and ecological receptors, the common measures of bioavailability will be reviewed for various environmental media. Some measures that contribute to understanding bioavailability are simple (e.g., measuring pH and alkalinity) whereas others are contaminant- and situation-specific (e.g., physiologically based extraction technique, biotic ligand model).  Participants will be encouraged to talk to risk assessors early in the process, so that measures of bioavailability can be selected and made at the appropriate time to streamline the risk management process. Beth Power, a Partner in Azimuth, has been an environmental consultant for over 27 years – her practice falls into three main areas: ecological risk assessment, contaminated sediments and science policy/risk communication. Beth tends to work at the interface between owners, developers, the regulatory community, engineers, lawyers and other professions. She is trained in design and facilitation of group processes (e.g., meetings, workshops). Beth has developed and applied ecological risk assessment frameworks in a variety of settings, such as watersheds, mines, oil and gas, ports and harbours, brownfields, and for risk ranking. Beth thrives on supporting clients to address complex, multi-party problems. Beth is appointed to the “Roster of Approved Professionals” (Contaminated Sites Approved Professional, as a Risk-based Standards Approved Professional). She is currently on the CSAP Board of Directors and Chair of the Technical Review Committee. Beth has led risk assessment work that has resulted in a number of Certificates of Compliance under BC’s Contaminated Sites Regulation, as well as making successful submissions as an Approved Professional. She is a member of the Science Advisory Board for Contaminated Sites in BC.

  Beth Power MSc, RPBio, CSAP (Risk); Azimuth Consulting Group Partnership

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