Industry Influence
Farallon has a history of active involvement in the development of guidance documents and regulations affecting the environmental industry, our clients, and the services we offer. Examples of participation with industry decision-makers include Farallon’s partnership with Ecology developing natural attenuation evaluation guidance documents, evaluating Ecology’s draft guidance documents for vapor intrusion assessments, and membership in ASTM International (ASTM), all desscribed below.
Natural Attenuation Technical Support
Farallon’s Senior Project Manager Jeffrey Kaspar has been applying natural attenuation remedies for sites with releases of petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents since the 1990s. Jeff provided technical support to Ecology in the development of the guidance and supporting spreadsheet-based models used as an essential component of the natural attenuation evaluation process. Ecology asked Jeff to participate in the educational workshops designed to provide the public with comprehensive training on how to correctly understand, evaluate, select, and implement natural attenuation as a cleanup action remedy. Following successful completion of workshops in Spokane and Seattle, Jeff was invited to conduct a training workshop for Ecology Project Managers at Ecology headquarters in Olympia. Jeff subsequently created a natural attenuation training seminar for the Northwest Environmental Training Center and has served as an instructor for this course.
Vapor Intrusion Guidance Documents
The Ecology Toxics Cleanup Program recently prepared a draft technical guidance document to assist responsible parties, environmental professionals, and Ecology site managers in assessing vapor intrusion potential at Washington cleanup sites. In preparing the Guidance for Evaluating Soil Vapor Intrusion in Washington State: Investigation and Remedial Action, Ecology selected Farallon to provide comment as one of the initial reviewers of the document. Comments received are being taken into consideration as Ecology finalizes the guidance document, scheduled for publication in 2010.
Farallon recognizes that environmental regulatory changes can significantly impact our clientele and their business decision-making. Therefore, we proactively seek opportunities to work cooperatively with governmental agencies to help shape the regulatory framework overseeing the industry. View additional information on vapor intrusion and Farallon’s services in this field here.
ASTM Membership
ASTM is one of the largest voluntary standards-development organizations in the world, establishing and refining technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Farallon’s Associate Regulatory Specialist Tina Huff is an ASTM member serving on Committee E50 overseeing Environmental Assessment, Risk Management, and Corrective Action. As a regular participant in the Environmental Site Assessment and Vapor Intrusion Assessment Task Groups, Tina is well versed in the issues under discussion and has the opportunity to influence final decisions that will impact Farallon clients.