"This conference came out
of a research project that was funded by the DEP back in
the early eighties to address petroleum contamination.
Since then I come up just about every year, and every year
I learn something. I think what's unique about this
conference is the mixture of theoretical, academic,
practical and regulator's perspectives which you don't get
in a lot of conferences. I come hear for those two or
three things that make me say Ah-ha! I'm really glad I
came this year, because I really didn't have good insight
into those two or three things until now."
John Fitzgerald, Regional Engineer in the Northeast
Regional Office of the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection
We are a risk assessment firm and the conference has
been a great forum for providing risk assessment and
eco-assessment concepts and for sharing ideas with people.
The area I'm specifically interested in is forensic
chemistry. Forensic chemistry means using scientific tools
to allow investigators to determine who may be responsible
for contamination. It's a burgeoning field right now
because of the liability issues associated with cleaning
up contaminated sites, and this conference has a long
history of producing high quality papers and experts who
can expound on some of the emergency theories and
practices in that area.
Dallas Wait, Gradient Corporation, Cambridge, MA
Some of the best fun, and some of the more interesting
exchanges take place on the eleventh floor! We've always
found it a very relaxing place to go. A lot of my
colleagues will say, 'See you on the eleventh floor
tonight!' It doesn't matter if the TV's on and somebody's
watching a ball game; other people are talking about what
went on all day. You bring up a session that you may have
listened to and you start discussing it with someone else,
and yet it doesn't feel like work."
Frank Peduto, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation
"Being a state government employee…it's hard to
keep abreast of all the research that's going on…This
conference affords a great opportunity for us to stay
informed."
Linda Blalock, North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management
"I made some great contacts and was able to
address some… work issues that people would otherwise
not have solved."
Hope Oatman, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
"The variety of discussion topics are all relevant
to environmental scientists, engineers, and regulators
working with environmental investigations and cleanups.
The environment and structure with this conference is
conducive for networking opportunities."
Sandra Miller-Moren, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
"I learned a lot form the presenters, especially
the session on RBCA."
Hans Kruger, Pocifin Limited, South Africa
"The technical content was presented at a level
that makes it relevant and useful right away… The broad
spectrum of academics, private companies and regulators is
rarely seen at other such conferences."
Stephen Exposito, Jacques, Whitford & Associates
"Relevant/current information without all the
salesmanship."
Mark Barnes, LANTDIV Naval Facilities Engineering
Command
"The wonderful mix of research, case studies and
analysis along with a mix of scientists, regulators and
managers provide a great opportunity of interaction and
learning.
Eugene Rutz, University of Cincinnati
"The workshops are excellent. They are the high
point of the conference for me. Excellent topics and
presenters. Current information. Good high quality
handouts."
Berne Gagnon, Alaska District, US Army Corp of
Engineers
"The University of Massachusetts provides a great
learning environment."
Mike Pochop, State of South Dakota
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