Environmental Professionals
Organization of Connecticut

EPOC News
  • Tue, January 05, 2021 1:49 PM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    EPOC 2021 Environmental Scholarship Fund
    Applications now being accepted through 
    April 30, 2021.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO APPLY ONLINE, SEE:

    www.epoc.org/scholarship

    PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

  • Mon, May 11, 2020 5:24 PM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    CT DEEP has provided a copy of their presentation from our virtual meeting on 5/8/20, CLICK HERE (PDF).  

  • Fri, April 24, 2020 2:50 PM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    CT DEEP is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of ways.  Please check this page for updates on DEEP’s facilities, process changes, and response initiatives.

  • Tue, January 07, 2020 1:00 PM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    EPOC 2020 Environmental Scholarship Fund

    Application Deadline is April 30, 2020

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO APPLY ONLINE, SEE:

    www.epoc.org/scholarship

    PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

    EPOC recognizes its duty to assist in the education of individuals planning a career in the environmental industry. Consequently, the EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998. The purpose of the Scholarship Fund is to assist Connecticut residents, or an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an EPOC Member in good standing, who are attending an accredited college or university (CT colleges or out of state colleges) and have declared majors pertinent to the environmental field. Students must be enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD degree program. The scholarships are awarded annually to those entering Junior year, Senior, or Graduate level (full or part time), and are enrolled in accepted programs of study (see below) preparing the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional* in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional.

    *As defined by the CT DEP, a Technical Environmental Professional (TEP) is anyone, including a Licensed Environmental Professional, who collects soil, water,vapor, or air samples in order to investigate and remediate pollution to the state's soil or water, and who may be directly employed or retained as a consultant by a public or private employer.

    Accepted programs of study include the following: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Earth Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Soil Sciences, Water Resources, Toxicology, Wetland Science, Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Chemical, Mechanical, Agricultural), and Other Related Degreed Environmental Programs.

    We ask that you assist us in publicizing the availability of the scholarships. If you know of students who meet our criteria, or professors, department chairs or personnel in financial aid offices at the universities you have attended, please inform them of the availability of the scholarship fund and direct them to EPOC's website. Please feel free to forward this e-mail to those who may be interested.

    For further information about the EPOC Scholarship Fund, contact Seth Molofsky at (860) 537-0337 or Email: epoc@epoc.org.


  • Thu, October 31, 2019 2:33 PM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    The EPOC Environmental Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community based groups and environmental education organizations funding for local projects that benefit the environment. The applications will be judged against the environmental benefits of the project and compared to the other grant submittals. Environmental benefits can vary widely and successful applications may include projects that improve the environment, such as: property and watershed clean-ups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects and hazardous waste collection efforts. Also proposals that promote environmental education within Connecticut or monitor environmental conditions of watersheds or ecosystems are acceptable.

    Grant applications are now being accepted and are due by March 15, 2020.

    For further information and application form, please see our website at:

    www.epoc.org/grants

    PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

  • Thu, October 31, 2019 11:36 AM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist qualified applicants who are attending a college or university (in CT or out of state) and have declared majors pertinent to the environmental field. The scholarships are awarded annually to junior, senior, and graduate level students (full or part-time) enrolled in accepted programs of study leading the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional. EPOC would like to express its thanks to all the students applying for a scholarship this year. At a recent meeting of the EPOC Scholarship Fund Committee, this year’s scholarship winners were voted on and approved. Congratulations to the following:

    Brian Robinson

    Brian is a resident of East Haven and is an Environmental Engineering PhD candidate at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Brian is a part-time student, and works as an environmental engineering consultant in CT. One of Brian’s professors writes, “I have thoroughly enjoyed having Brian in class because of the insight he brings from his professional career. He recently highlighted his professional work for a class research project. It was interesting for me to see how he could apply what we were learning in the classroom, to the techniques that he was using as a practicing engineer in the field.” In his essay, Brian states, “I pursue an academic path centered on remediation and research focused on the use of advanced oxidative processes to completely mineralize contaminants to their most benign forms. I do not believe relocation or containment of contaminants is truly a solution – it is merely our best option in the absence of a feasible alternative. With the support of the EPOC, I aim to find an answer to our hazardous waste problems that is beneficial to all, not just those fortunate enough to live upwind and out of the radius of influence of dumping grounds.”

    Stephanie Wood

    Stephanie is a resident of Worcester, MA and has been an Associate Member of EPOC for many years. She is pursuing a master’s in Environmental Management from Duke University – Nicholas School of the Environment, in Durham, NC. Stefanie is currently employed as an environmental consultant overseeing petroleum remediation projects throughout MA, CT, RI, and NY. One of Stephanie’s professors writes, “I am writing with enthusiastic support for Stefanie Wood’s application for the EPOC Scholarship. I serve as the Faculty Director of the Duke Environmental Leadership (DEL) Program, which entails both teaching and advising all DEL students. I have been impressed with Stefanie from the first reading of her application and I am thrilled that she is part of our Class of 2020.” In her essay, Stephanie states, “EPOC has been a part of my professional life for so long. I have lived and breathed fuel oil, gasoline, kerosene, #4, #6 for years (literally and figuratively). This is my opportunity to see beyond that narrow lens and I am seizing it whole-heatedly. I love what I am learning, and I want to bring it back and share it with my fellow professionals in Connecticut.”

    Kaitlin Taylor

    Kaitlin is a resident of Wethersfield and is a senior at CT Central State University (CCSU), pursuing a degree in Geology. Her professor’s reference letter states, “I am glad to provide this letter in strong support of Kaitlin Taylor’s application for Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut scholarship…Kaitlin is a highly capable and very motivated individual who has a strong commitment to learning. Her extensive course work and research experience are great preparatory tools for success in environmental related fields upon graduation.” Kaitlin writes in her application essay, “This scholarship is important to me because it will allow me to focus more time on environmental geology research in the 2019-2020 academic year. Along with an internship with the Connecticut DEEP, I will also be assisting with a study on uranium contamination in Southbury, CT.”

    Isabelle Rein

    Isabelle is a resident of Winsted and is a senior at Lafayette College in Easton, PA and is pursuing a major in geology. She has been a Teaching Assistant for Geology/Environmental Geology classes and this year will add the upper level Structural Geology course. One of Isabelle’s professors writes, “I think very highly of Ms. Rein and am happy to be able to give her an extremely strong and unqualified recommendation for this scholarship. I believe that she is an extremely strong candidate - she has a significant knowledge base for an undergraduate, has a tremendous work ethic, can work independently and has the ability to easily interact with people.”. In her essay, Isabelle states, “My education is providing me with excellent educational and travel experiences to learn how geology can be applied to everything. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and instilling excitement in others about the importance of Earth Science, Geology and Environmental Studies.”

    Robin Waterman

    Robin is a full-time graduate student at Wesleyan University and is pursuing MS degree in Biology and Environmental Studies. Her Environmental Studies advisor writes, “Robin is an exceptionally bright and motivated young scientist. We are currently designing her summer experiments, to continue her training in plant evolutionary ecology and response to environmental stress. Next year and in her later work, Robin plans to bring an evolutionary and ecological perspective to agricultural systems, with the specific goal of working toward more sustainable approaches.” Robin writes in her application essay, “My biology and environmental studies undergraduate degrees are preparing me to apply relevant scientific reasoning to a range of environmental issues and evolving ecological systems. My graduate studies will focus my attention and expertise on the nexus between plants, humans, and the environment. This academic training will have many potential applications to the environmental field, including optimization of sustainable agriculture systems, bioenergy production, climate change mitigation, and phytoremediation of toxic pollution.”

    The EPOC Scholarship Fund is financed through the support of EPOC programs, proceeds from golf tournaments, and direct contributions from individuals and companies. EPOC is a non-profit organization, and as such, contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible for most firms. Unlike many other organizations, 100% of your contributions go in the EPOC Scholarship Fund. A committee of volunteers who support its goals and ideals manages the fund. For further information, please visit our website at www.epoc.org/scholarship.

  • Tue, May 28, 2019 11:16 AM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    The Environmental Professionals’ Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) is pleased to announce our environmental grant awards for 2019 as follows (total amount of all awards is $10,749):

    • Northwest Conservation District

      The Northwest Conservation District (NWCD) serves 34 towns in northwestern Connecticut by addressing drinking water and aquifer protection, watershed and wetland protection and restoration, aquatic resource protection through Low Impact Development (LID) measures, Open Space and Farmland Preservation, sustainable land care and land use, invasive plant management, agricultural resiliency and renewable energy. The Conservation Districts began nationally in the 1930s in response to concerns over agricultural erosion, floods and the sky-blackening dust storms of the Dust Bowl. In Connecticut, NWCD is one of five districts. EPOC’s grant will be used to establish a Low-Impact Design (LID) native pollinator rain garden to mediate stormwater runoff and serve as a living laboratory at Torrington High School (THS) in partnership with Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC). Students from NCCC’s General Botany course and THS’s BioClub, Honors Biology, and Introductory Biology will be involved with planning and planting of the project, based on principles from their varied courses.

    • Lake Waramaug Task Force

      The Lake Waramaug Task Force (LWTF) was founded in 1976 and is an organization of volunteers and scientists that provides leadership in restoring and maintaining the ecology and water quality of Lake Waramaug and its watershed. Lake Waramaug is bordered by the towns of Washington, Warren and Kent. LWTF’s principle services include researching and designing the most effective water quality management solutions; managing extensive in-lake restoration systems that aids in removing / isolating harmful nutrients; improving the lake’s habitat for cold water fish and beneficial zooplankton; and controlling the non-native aquatic invasive plant species in the lake. EPOC’s grant will be used to fund the stormwater sampling cost of their Catch Basin Inventory Project of Lake Waramaug. LWTF is focusing on runoff from the near-lake residents and roads via the catch basin network on the highway surrounding the lake. The Catch Basin Inventory Project of Lake Waramaug will help LWTF evaluate, rank and address near-lake stormwater runoff.

    • Audubon Connecticut

      Audubon Connecticut, an operating unit of the National Audubon Society, is one of Connecticut's premier conservation and environmental education organizations. Their mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Since 2012, and with prior support from EPOC, Audubon CT has partnered with the City of Bridgeport, the City of West Haven, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI) to coordinate the WildLife Guards program. Through this program, Audubon CT hires local high school students, or WildLife Guards, from Bridgeport and West Haven to work alongside Audubon field biologists in stewarding, monitoring, and raising public awareness about the beach-nesting birds that share our shores. These youth receive training from the partners in coastal ecology, public engagement, and general job skills, then become the official wildlife monitors at Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport and Sandy Point in West Haven, tasked with tracking the reproductive success of state-threatened bird species and sharing their knowledge with visitors.

    • Great Hollow Nature Preserve

      Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is a newly established organization in New Fairfield, CT that is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, applied ecological research, and experiential environmental education. Great Hollow also operates as a biological field station and welcomes external researchers, including both professionals and students, to use its 825-acre preserve for their work. Their staff and collaborators conduct integrative, conservation-driven studies of wildlife, plants, and ecosystems within and beyond the preserve. EPOC’s grant will be used for the cost of plants, fencing materials, interpretive signage, and tools to establish a pollinator garden at Great Hollow Nature Preserve, where it can then be viewed by the public and used in their education and outreach programs for years to come. In so doing, they will also be greatly increasing the availability of habitat for pollinators at the nature preserve, in an area that will foster visitor engagement.
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    The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community-based groups and environmental education organizations, funding for local projects that benefit the environment on an annual basis. For further information, see our Grant Program page on our website at www.epoc.org/grants.


  • Wed, October 17, 2018 10:48 AM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    The EPOC Environmental Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community based groups and environmental education organizations funding for local projects that benefit the environment. The applications will be judged against the environmental benefits of the project and compared to the other grant submittals. Environmental benefits can vary widely and successful applications may include projects that improve the environment, such as: property and watershed clean-ups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects and hazardous waste collection efforts. Also proposals that promote environmental education within Connecticut or monitor environmental conditions of watersheds or ecosystems are acceptable.

    Grant applications are now being accepted and are due by March 15, 2019.

    For further information and application form, please see our website at:

    www.epoc.org/grants

    PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!


  • Mon, July 30, 2018 2:57 PM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist qualified applicants who are attending a college or university (in CT or out of state) and have declared majors pertinent to the environmental field.  The scholarships are awarded annually to junior, senior, and graduate level students (full or part-time) enrolled in accepted programs of study leading the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional. EPOC would like to express its thanks to all the students applying for a scholarship this year. At a recent meeting of the EPOC Scholarship Fund Committee, this year’s scholarship winners were voted on and approved. Congratulations to the following:

    Isabelle Kisluk

    Isabelle is a resident of Middletown and is a senior at Central CT State University (CCSU) majoring in Geology and Biology. She is currently serving as secretary for Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the National Honor Society for Earth Sciences. One of Isabelle’s professors writes, “I believe Isabelle to be very worthy of an EPOC Environmental Scholarship because of her excellent academic record, proven ability to conduct all aspects of a research project, desire to work in the environmental field, and superb potential to excel as an Environmental Professional.” In her essay, Isabelle stated, “Developing a career in the environmental industry will aid me in my goal of protecting, restoring, and sustaining the environment, while also affording me the opportunity to continue learning throughout my life. An ideal working environment for me is one which is dynamic, fast-paced, which encourages me to meet challenges head on and find the most effective solutions available.”

    Mark Higgins

    Mark is a resident of Glastonbury and is a full-time graduate student at the University of CT (UConn) in Storrs, pursing a Ph.D. in Geosciences, focusing in Hydrogeology. Mark teaches lab sessions for geology and hydrology classes at UConn and has assisted as an instructor with a recent EPOC class on Low Flow Sampling and Hydraulic Conductivity Analysis. Dr. Gary Robbins, Mark’s graduate advisor writes, “It is clear that his fielding, communication, and management skills are exceptional, and I am thrilled to have him as my advisee where he has already made outstanding contributions to our team research efforts.”. In his essay, Mark states, “By pursuing a Ph.D., I intend to become an individual who is well researched in the most up to date remediation methods while also maintaining my hands-on knowledge and field experience.”

    Isabelle Rein

    Isabelle is a resident of Winsted and is a junior at Lafayette College in Easton, PA and is pursuing a dual major in Geology and Environmental Studies. She is active with the Geology Club, Alpha Phi Omega (national service fraternity), and The Hunger Coalition at her school. One of Isabelle’s professors writes, “She is intellectually curious, intellectually capable, responsible, completely trustworthy, friendly, and a solid citizen.”. In her essay, Isabelle states, “In the environmental profession, I would be most interested in characterizing contamination sites and applying my geologic knowledge to how the contaminant has/will travel through the subsurface. I am also exploring fields within the government sector having to do with environmental policy and environmental consulting.”

    Stephanie Wood

    Stephanie is a resident of Worcester, MA and has been an Associate Member of EPOC for many years. She is pursuing a master’s in Environmental Management from Duke University – Nicholas School of the Environment, in Durham, NC. Stefanie is currently employed as an environmental consultant overseeing petroleum remediation projects throughout MA, CT, RI, and NY. Stephanie is seeking her graduate degree “to better develop remediation strategies, liaison with regulators, direct contractors, and investigate developing remediation technologies.” A work associate of Stephanie’s submitted, “I have worked with Ms. Wood for the past 18 years on numerous scheduled and emergency environmental projects throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. The common themes that Ms. Wood has exhibited on each of the projects that we have worked together on, has always been "integrity" and "dedication to the environment.” In her essay, Stephanie states, “I believe it essential that both individuals and industry find a way to marry technological advancement and resource husbandry.  Only naivety would allow us to believe differently.  There has to be individuals to guide others and find solutions to seemingly impossible challenges.”

    Michael Narowski

    Michael is a resident of Higganum and is a senior at the University of New Haven (UNH), majoring in Environmental Science. He has been working over the summers as an intern with Yale University in their Environmental Affairs section.  One of Michael’s professors writes, “His quantitative skills are very good, and he has enrolled in several civil engineering courses as part of his program. The background that he is getting himself in engineering will equip him to work with engineers.”. In his essay, Michael states, “The more classes I take in the field, and the more I work in the field I realize that this is the right field for me. I expect that a career in the environmental field will allow me to keep doing what I love and bring challenges that will help me grow and be successful.”

    Marlee NajammyWinnick

    Marlee is a resident of Weston and is a part-time graduate student at the University of New Haven (UNH) pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Marlee has been an active member of EPOC as a leader in organizing programs for the Young Environmental Professionals (YEP) group. She is employed with a CT environmental consulting firm as an environmental scientist. One of Marlee’s graduate professors writes, “I am confident that Marlee will become a leader in the environmental field and make strong contributions to the tasks that face us as environmental assessors, practitioners and managers.” In Marlee’s essay she states, “going to graduate school is advancing my technical knowledge giving me a better foundation, increasing my writing and data analysis capabilities, teaching me how to be incorporate ecology into my current skillset, and helping my career in the long-term. I believe it is important for me to have a more technical understanding of the environment in order to better help it.”

    Shannon Spezzano

    Shannon is a resident of Wallingford and is a part-time graduate student at the University of New Haven (UNH) pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Shannon has been an active member of EPOC as a member of the study group committee for the Young Environmental Professionals (YEP) group. She is employed with a CT environmental consulting firm as an environmental scientist. One of Shannon’s graduate professors writes, “Shannon is methodical, thorough, and unafraid to ask questions. These are crucial traits for someone doing environmental work.” In Shannon’s essay she states, “This scholarship is important to me so I can continue to study what I love and integrate it into my career. The knowledge I have learned in my master’s program is directly relatable to a career as an environmental scientist, and I continue to notice this the more classes I take.”


    The EPOC Scholarship Fund is financed through the support of EPOC programs, proceeds from golf tournaments, and direct contributions from individuals and companies. EPOC is a non-profit organization, and as such, contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible for most firms. Unlike many other organizations, 100% of your contributions go in the EPOC Scholarship Fund. A committee of volunteers who support its goals and ideals manages the fund. Anyone needing additional information about the Scholarship Fund or EPOC, please contact Seth Molofsky or visit our website page at: www.epoc.org/scholarship.


  • Tue, May 08, 2018 10:49 AM | Seth Molofsky (Administrator)

    The Environmental Professionals’ Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) is pleased to announce our environmental grant awards for 2018 as follows (total amount of all awards is $11,200):

    • Solar Youth

      Solar Youth was founded in 2000 and uses place-based environmental education and exploration as an effective way to not only teach youth about their local natural resources, but as a tool for youth development. EPOC’s grant will be used for the West Rock Neighborhood Stewardship Initiative, that includes the following projects: to expand Solar Youth’s science curriculum to span over multiple seasons with a concentration on the part of the West River watershed in which they live (Lake Wintergreen - Wintergreen Brook - West River - Long Island Sound); to develop curriculum that will enhance engagement of youth in their Citycology (ages 4-8) and Steward Teams (ages 9-13) who reside in West Rock; partner with those who manage New Haven’s green spaces to offer educational programming, including the New Haven Department of Parks and Recreation and the CT DEEP; to ensure youth better understand core ecological concepts and develop a life-long commitment to environmental stewardship; and, to provide youth with critical Developmental Assets, the building blocks of positive youth development.

    • Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC)/Appalachian Mt. Club – CT

      The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation and management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.), and its rich natural and cultural resources.  EPOC’s grant will support pollinator habitat restoration efforts along the Housatonic River at Bull’s Bridge in Kent, CT. This is an ecologically sensitive area, inhabited by a diversity of rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species. The rare plants located at the site benefit from an intact and diverse early successional habitat, while the area in general will also provide resources necessary to support a multitude of other native pollinator species. This work will improve the overall biodiversity, health and resiliency of the site.

    • Connecticut River Watershed Council/Connecticut River Conservancy

      Established in 1952, the Connecticut River Conservancy is a growing organization that serves the entire four-state Connecticut River watershed is to provide meaningful and engaging opportunities for the public to protect and improve their water resources and make their communities better places to live and work. EPOC’s grant will support opportunities for existing and new volunteers to participate in the surveillance and removal of water chestnut in Connecticut. European Water Chestnut is an invasive aquatic plant found throughout the Connecticut River watershed. If left unchecked, these plants proliferate readily and exponentially. The plants produce dense mats that make recreation and navigation impossible and limit light which negatively affects native fish and plant species.
    • SoundWaters

      SoundWaters was founded in 1989 with the mission to protect Long Island Sound through education and action. SoundWaters provides internship opportunities for high school students looking to develop career skills, learn proper field research protocol, and can learn how an environmental educational organization operates. EPOC’s grant will specifically support research gear, including foul weather gear, handheld gps, LIS navigational charts, charting & plotting tools. High School students make significant contributions to Stamford’s Harbor Management Commission’s need for ongoing water quality sampling, collection and analysis, and to NOAA’s Milford Research Laboratory through their research-based data and analysis critical to NOAA’s aquaculture and habitat-related work. Also, they will begin the training and planning needed for the first plankton monitoring program with Connecticut’s Department of Aquaculture Shellfish Sanitation.

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    The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community-based groups and environmental education organizations, funding for local projects that benefit the environment on an annual basis. For further information, see our Grant Program page on our website at www.epoc.org/grants.


Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut, Inc.
P.O. Box 176, Amston, CT 06231-0176
Seth Molofsky, Executive Director
Phone: (860) 537-0337, Fax: (860) 603-2075

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