EPOC has submitted comments on the Connecticut State Water Plan Final Draft Report (Draft State Water Plan). The State Water Plan documents and information page can be found at:

http://www.ct.gov/water/cwp/view.asp?a=4801&Q=586878&PM=1

EPOC’s comments to the plan can be directly viewed HERE (PDF file).

EPOC noted that the Draft Report is a valuable repository and unifying platform for scientific information and data, and provides guiding principles and a roadmap for future decision-making and planning. The Draft Report comprehensively summarizes information on the natural water cycle as projected to be impacted by climate change, current water allocations (e.g., total runoff versus demands) for Connecticut’s major and regional drainage basins, drainage basins where need/demands are not being met (or are at risk of not being met), water system infrastructure, and the panoply of laws, regulations, plans and stakeholder groups involved in decision making.

Please see our letter for more detailed comments on the report.

The EPOC Board has been following the recent petition for Declaratory Ruling, the Ruling issued by the CT DEEP, and the subsequent appeal of the Ruling. The petition and DEEP’s ruling are posted on the DEEP website at: 

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2704&Q=327800&deepNav_GID=1511 - see June 27, 2017 listing.

The EPOC Board has sent a letter to the Commissioner which summarizes our concerns with the implications of this ruling. This letter is posted on our website at:

https://www.epoc.org/resources/Documents/EPOC-DEEP%20Letter%20-%20Antea%20Declaratory%20Ruling.pdf

We will keep the EPOC membership apprised on developments in this important matter.

The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist Connecticut residents, or an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an EPOC Member in good standing, 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:

Luke Whitehouse

Luke is a resident of Middletown and is a part-time graduate student at the University of New Haven pursuing a M.S. degree in Environmental Science. Luke is currently employed at a CT environmental consulting firm, and in that capacity, has been involved with a variety environmental projects working directly with municipalities, private entrepreneurs and large corporations. A work reference of Luke’s states, “He works well with our staff, from senior project managers to our newest environmental field technicians and helps train new field and scientist staff in their various job functions… I recommend wholeheartedly that EPOC extend a scholarship to Luke Whitehouse for the coming college year.” Luke is most grateful for this award as it will allow him to advance his environmental studies with the goal of becoming a Licensed Environmental Professional in CT.

Scott McWhirter

Scott is a resident of North Granby and is a senior at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, majoring in Environmental Engineering. This term his course work includes Water Chemistry, Sampling and Analysis, and Green Building Design. Scott has been working with a CT environmental consulting firm for the past two summers gaining experience in sampling techniques at various industrial sites and at an in-situ injection remediation project. A former UNH professor writes, “Scott gained proficiency with introductory GIS techniques through his willingness to learn new material and his diligent work ethic.” Scott is looking forward to a great senior year and to seeking work in the environmental field in Connecticut beginning in late 2018.

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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.

2016 Scholarship Awards

The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist Connecticut residents, or an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an EPOC Member in good standing, 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. The total amount of awards for this year was $10,000. Congratulations to the following:

Julia Scott

Julia is a resident of Mystic and is a senior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, majoring in Environmental Engineering. Julia’s senior project at WPI involves stormwater management on a highway in MA and creating solutions for better capture, filtration and overall higher quality of the surrounding bodies of water. Julia states in her application, “Becoming an Environmental Engineer has transformed my view on the way decisions should be made and that whatever the issue or the project, an environmental and sustainable perspective should always be considered.” One of Julia’s professors states, “She has a unique combination of intellectual gifts, interpersonal skills, and work ethic that allows her to excel and make impactful contributions to environmental engineering. The quality of her deliverables is outstanding and she is a vibrant participant in the classroom.”

Maxwell Meadows

Maxwell is a resident of Hebron and a senior at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in Earth Science. While at CCSU, Maxwell has worked on a project researching various land use areas in Lebanon, CT with the overall goal to provide an assessment of the impact of human activities on arsenic and other trace element concentrations. In his application, Maxwell states, “This scholarship will give me the ability to fully dedicate my time to complete this research project in an efficient manner, as well as maintain my academic and career goals. It is my mission to do everything I can to protect, restore, and sustain the environment.” Maxwell’s Hydrogeology professor states: “He proved to be very capable in field geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, and laboratory analysis… I have no doubt in my mind; Maxwell will certainly be an asset to his future employer.”

Kristina Landry

Kristina is a resident of Ellington and is entering her senior year at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in Geological Sciences. During her time at CCSU, Kristina conducted several geological research/field projects and presented results of her studies at a recent meeting of the Geological Society of America (NE section). In her application she states, “I look forward to utilizing the knowledge and skills I gained in school to learn even more from the seniors in my work field.” Kristina’s professor and chair of CCSU’s geological department states, “…as an undergraduate, within one year, Kristina has had experience with back country field work, meticulous sample preparation, stable isotope analysis, fluid inclusion microthermometry, structural analysis, and a presentation at a professional meeting. As she has demonstrated, Kristina is a dedicated, hardworking student. I give my highest recommendation for Kristina Landry for the Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut Scholarship.”

Gunnar Norback

Gunnar is a resident of Cheshire and is a senior at Unity College in Maine majoring in Earth and Environmental Science. Gunnar currently serves as the Student Body President and has worked as a summer intern at a CT consulting firm.  In his application he states, “As president I sit as a voting member to the Board of trustees, exposing me to the inner workings of an environmentally focused organization and connecting me with professionals in the environmental field.” One of Gunnar’s professors states, “Gunnar’s commitment and level of engagement are commendable and he always maintains a positive work ethic and rallies his peers. Considering Gunnar’s growing success in academics, passion for learning, and burgeoning research interests, I believe he exemplifies the qualities you are seeking for a recipient of this scholarship.”

Marlee NajamyWinnick

Marlee is a resident of Weston and is a part-time graduate student at the University of New Haven seeking her master’s degree in Environmental Science. Marlee is currently employed as an environmental scientist with a CT based consulting firm. Marlee states in her application, “…going to graduate school will advance my technical knowledge giving me a better foundation, further mold my skills in this field, increase my writing capabilities, and help 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.” One of her former professors states, “Marlee’s academic abilities, willingness to work hard, strength in managing and participating in groups, and sticking with the details until she gets them right makes her an ideal candidate for a graduate program.”

Shannon Spezzano

Shannon is a resident of Trumbull and is a part-time graduate student at the University of New Haven seeking her master’s degree in Environmental Science. Shannon is currently employed as an environmental scientist with a CT based consulting firm. In her application Shannon states, “By obtaining my master’s degree in environmental science, I hope to learn more about environmental science in general, but mainly focus on hydrogeology and groundwater modeling. By focusing my studies, I will be able to specialize in an area that can further my career.”  One of Shannon’s professors writes, “Shannon is a hard worker who strives for perfection. She is not afraid to ask questions and wants to be sure that she really understand things before proceeding… I also appreciated her contributions to class discussion taken from her consulting work. This really helped to fill the gap the sometimes exists between academia and the real world." 

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

EPOC is pleased to introduce our updated Job Center posting site.  The EPOC Job Center is a "niche" job board for those interested in posting or seeking jobs in the area of investigation and cleanup of environmentally impacted sites in CT and adjacent states in New England. The site was created by the Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) and is directly linked to EPOC's home page at www.epoc.org (jobs links are posted on EPOC's home page).

To view the new EPOC Job Center, go to the full job viewing and posting site at:

https://jobs.epoc.org/

We welcome your feedback and suggestions regarding the updated EPOC Job Center and encourage you to post some jobs! Best of luck to all employers and job seekers.

EPOC Environmental Grant Awards for 2016

The Environmental Professionals’ Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) is pleased to announce our environmental grant awards for 2016 as follows (total amount of all awards is $9,000):

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. This grant will provide job training, mentoring, and seven weeks of summer employment in the field of conservation biology for 10 Bridgeport high school students as “WildLife Guards”.

Housatonic Valley Association

The Housatonic Valley Association is dedicated to protecting the Housatonic River and its entire 2,000 square-mile watershed stretching from western Massachusetts through western Connecticut and part of eastern New York State. EPOC’s grant is for staff time to manage a stewardship program for 70 students (ages 14-21) in Danbury area to work alongside conservation practitioners on stream and wetland restoration projects.

Harbor Watch (a program of Earthplace, Inc.)

The mission of Earthplace is to build a passion in our community for nature and the environment through education, experience, and action. Earthplace has been based in Westport, Connecticut since 1958, and has grown to include many mission-related resources including a state-licensed preschool, a natural history museum, and Harbor Watch, their renowned water quality research program. The EPOC grant will be used to measure water quality and track down pollution sources in the Norwalk River (bacteria and nutrient pollution from sewage & stormwater runoff).

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 at www.epoc.org/grants.

EPOC has been actively involved in reviewing and commenting on the recently updated CT DEEP Groundwater Monitoring Fact Sheet (November 1, 2014, Rev. October 1, 2015). This document can be found on DEEP’s website at:

http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/site_clean_up/remediation_regulations/groundwater_compliance_monitoring_factsheet.pdf.

The EPOC Board of Directors, and our newly formed Technical Support Committee, have submitted comments to CT DEEP on the November 1, 2014 version of the GW Monitoring Fact sheet, which led to the revisions issued by the Department on October 1, 2015.  Our submittals are available in the links below:

• EPOC Comments on Groundwater Compliance Monitoring Requirements – Fact Sheet dated November 1, 2014

• Summary of EPOC Technical Support Committee Comments (In addition to those of the EPOC board) on the DEEP Environmental Program Fact Sheet – Groundwater Compliance Monitoring Requirements – Remediation Standard Regulations (November 1, 2014) - Comments Prepared 17 June 2015

In addition to the above submittals, members of our Technical Support Committee met with CT DEEP staff on September 3, 2015 and had productive discussions resulting in the latest version of the Groundwater Monitoring Fact Sheet (October 1, 2015). The committee will continue discussions with DEEP on other issues as warranted.

For further information about EPOC’s Technical Support Committee, please contact Evan Glass at: evan@altaenv.com.

2015 Scholarship Awards

The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist Connecticut residents, or an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an EPOC Member in good standing, 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. The total amount of awards for this year was $8,000. Congratulations to the following:

Mara Scallon

Mara is a resident of Sandy Hook and is a senior at Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in Environmental Science. During her time at Northeastern, she served as the Executive Director of Husky Environmental Action Team and worked at co-ops involving remediation of contaminated properties, solar panel installations and air quality issues. In her application, Mara states, “Ultimately, I intend to work in the field of environmental remediation, specifically cleaning up chemical spills and deliberate discharges.” Mara’s faculty advisor states, “Mara is a very well-grounded and dynamic person, with all of the values that you would hope that a EPOC Scholarship awardee would have, to represent your institution for the next year and thereafter.”

Carly Cavanaugh

Carly is a resident of Middletown and a junior at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in Environmental Earth Science. Carly is currently conducting research with her professor to test the lead levels of the soil at a gun range in Simsbury, and has served as Secretary of the Geology & Planetary Science Club at CCSU. In her application regarding her future career in the environmental field, Carly states, “I can effectively contribute my knowledge of the importance of remediation, the proper use of resources, and the correct management of land to aid in solving environmental problems.” Her Hydrogeology professor writes, “Carley is stellar in the field, and proved to be very capable in field geology…Her dedication to her work and the quality of the work she has done so far is outstanding.”

Kristin Salimeno

Kristin is a resident of Berlin and is entering her senior year at the University of Tampa, majoring in Environmental Science. Kristin has interned during the past two summers at an environmental consulting firm involved in remediation studies. One of her professors of Biology states, “She is notable as a scholar, as a professional, and as a grounded, thoughtful, and mature person. I am very confident that you will be proud to have her as one of your scholarship recipients. “

Austin Granchelli

Austin is a resident of South Windsor and is a senior at Goodwin College in East Hartford, CT majoring in Environmental Studies. Austin became interested in an environmental career after taking an environmental monitoring course that included sampling and analyzing water quality parameters of the Connecticut River.  The Director of Environmental Studies at Goodwin College states, “Because of his drive to succeed, proven abilities, and impressive academic record, I recommend Austin as a worthy candidate for the scholarship.”

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.

For the latest information about YEP, click here.

EPOC has formed YEP (the Young Environmental Professionals group, see description below) and we are now formalizing our member list. If you are interested in receiving updates and invitations to YEP events, please take a moment today to join YEP officially by logging into your EPOC account and then click on your name (top right on each page) to view your profile and then “Edit profile". You will now be able to join YEP by checking box under “Group participation” and then click “Save” at the bottom of the page. YEP is open to all EPOC members and is included with your membership dues.

ABOUT YEP 

Young Environmental Professionals (YEP) is a group open to EPOC members interested in our programs and social activities that will include:

- Informational events for those “on-track” to become CT LEPs;

- Online forum/discussion board to share news, ideas, and questions;

- LEP exam Study Groups;

- Socializing and networking events (e.g. bowling, hiking, happy hours); and

- Other activities per member input

By joining YEP you will receive invitations to all our activities and access to all our discussion forums.

For questions about YEP and how you can become involved, please contact us at YEP@epoc.org.