HEER Webinars
The HEER Office Webinar Series was launched in 2015 to provide training to State, County, and Federal agencies, along with the environmental consulting community, to develop a shared understanding of the latest scientific, technical, and policy development affecting cleanups in Hawaiʻi.
Watch our complete set of webinars below – clicking on the playlist icon on the top right corner to browse through our collection. Alternatively, visit the HEER Webinar Series on YouTube.
If you would like to go to a specific topic, please browse our list of webinars below.
Click on the Play icon and then on “YouTube” to watch on YouTube and use Time Tags to skip to specific topics within each webinar (under “Show More”).
If you would like to be included in future webinar and HEER Office guidance update notifications, contact Roger Brewer of the HEER Office ([email protected]). We keep emails at a minimum and will not pass your address on to outside parties.
- Use of Risk-Based Sampling Methods and “Total PFAS Risk” to Expidite Assessment and Remediation of PFAS-Contaminated Sites (RBrewer, September 30, 2024)
- JP-5 Exposure Assessment Report Presentation (June 28, 2023)
- Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances – MCLs, MCLGs and Updates to “Hawaii’s” PFAS Guidance” (RBrewer, April 16, 2024)
- Hawaii’s experience and technical guidance in the use of Decision Unit and Multi Increment Sample investigation (DU-MIS) Methods (RBrewer, October, 2023)
- HEER Office’s Technical Guidance Manual July 2023 Updates to Site Investigation Design and Implementation (RBrewer, July, 2023)
- Hawaii Wastewater Treatment Plant PFASs Study Review (RBrewer, November 3,2022)
- Fake Data? The Need for Theory of Sampling Concepts in Environmental Research and Investigations (RBrewer, 2022)
- Fake Data, Collateral Damage and the Need for Reform in the Vapor Intrusion Industry (RBrewer, October 11, 2022)
- Field Study of Perfluoralkyl (PFASs) in Influent, Effluent and Biosolids-Preliminary Data from Hawaii (RBrewer Apr 1, 2022)
- TPH and the Assessment of Petroleum Risk (RBrewer, Felton Sept 22, 2022)
- DU-MIS for Surface Water and Groundwater (RBrewer Nov 17, 2021)
- Contaminant Awareness (Lynn Bailey)
- Critique of 2020 ITRC ISM Update (Roger Brewer, April 21, 2021)
- Untangling the PFASs Web (Roger Brewer, October 20, 2020)
- Fake Data? Sampling Theory and Environmental Investigations (RBrewer; July 16, 2019)
- DU-MIS Overview and Risk-based Site Characterization (RBrewer; February 20, 2019)
- DU-MIS for Sediments (RBrewer; September 20, 2018)
- DU-MIS for PCBs (RBrewer; August 30, 2018)
- TPH Risk Case Studies (RBrewer; August 2018)
- UXO Training Workshop-Introduction to the Military Munitions Response Program (JSwanson March 2018)
- Use of ESLs and DU-MIS to Expedite Site Investigation and Remediation (RBrewer; December 2017)
- EHE Webinar (RBrewer; November 21, 2017)
- TPH Forensics Workshop (IRhodes November 13, 2017)
- Multi-Increment Samples – Laboratory Processing (DAnderson, November 15, 2017)
- LNAPL Conceptual Site Models (GBeckett; October 2017)
- Tapwater Screening Levels for TPH-Related Metabolites (RBrewer; September 2017)
- Discrete Soil Sample Reliability (RBrewer; August 2017)
- HEER DU-MIS and EHE Training Webinar Series (JPeard, RBrewer and DAnderson; 2017)
- Large Volume Purge Subslab Vapor Sampling Methods (RBrewer; June 2017)
- Role of Heterogeneity in Vapor Intrusion (RBrewer; August 2016)
- Petroleum Vapor Intrusion Facts and Fallacies (RBrewer; May 2016)
- Discrete Soil Sample Reliability (RBrewer; May 2016)
- Field Study of Discrete Soil Sample Variability and Reliability (RBrewer; October 2015)
- Part 1: Results
- Part 2: Implications
- Discrete vs. Incremental Samples Explained Using Salad (RBrewer; September 3, 2015)
- Petroleum Vapor Intrusion: Facts, Fallacies, and Implications (RBrewer; July 27, 2015)
- Recent Developments in Groundwater Bioremediation and Vapor Mitigation Technologies (SNiegro, KSmith; May 11, 2015)
- Long-Term Management of Contaminated Soil and Groundwater: Iwilei District, Honolulu (RBrewer; SMow, JNakayama; April 15, 2015)
- Dungeons, Dragons, Pica Houses, and the Need for Alternative, Vapor Intrusion Screening Tools (RBrewer; February 18, 2015)
- Use of Active and Passive Soil Gas Samples to Support Vapor Intrusion Investigations (RBrewer; March 11, 2015)
- Behavior of LNAPL and Subsurface Oil Plumes (PHughs; April 2013)
Use of Risk-Based Sampling Methods and “Total PFAS Risk” to Expidite Assessment and Remediation of PFAS-Contaminated Sites (RBrewer, September 30, 2024)
This presentation on Total PFAS Risk was given to the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) on September 30, 2024, by Roger Brewer of the HDOH HEER Office. The presentation provides an abbreviated overview of an approach to estimate “Total PFAS Risk” posed by complex mixtures of PFASs, based on data obtained from wastewater treatment plants, landfills and AFFF-release sites in Hawaii. A more detailed overview of the Hawaii field study is anticipated for later in the year.
PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the link below.
The updated PFAS guidance and associated information can be accessed and downloaded from the Environmental Action Levels webpage https://health.hawaii.gov/heer/guidance/ehe-and-eals#ehe6
JP-5 Exposure Assessment Report Presentation (June 28, 2023)
The link to a June 2023 recorded presentation on the JP-5 Exposure Assessment report is provided, in addition to a link to download PowerPoint slides used in the presentation.
Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances – MCLs, MCLGs and Updates to “Hawaii’s” PFAS Guidance” (RBrewer, April 16, 2024)
This presentation on updates to Hawaii’s Environmental Action Level for PFASs and methods to assess “Total PFAS Risk” was given by Roger Brewer to the State risk Assessors Association on April 16, 2024. The presentation reviews the basic chemistry, toxicity and fate and transport of PFASs and describes the challenges of quantifying cumulative health risk posed by complex mixtures of PFAS compounds. Potential methods for quantification of risk using a combination of “Pre-TOPs,” “Post-TOPs” and “Total Organic Fluorine” data recently incorporated into Hawaii’s PFAS guidance are presented.
PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the link below.
The updated PFAS guidance and associated information can be accessed and downloaded from the Environmental Action Levels webpage https://health.hawaii.gov/heer/guidance/ehe-and-eals#ehe6
Hawaii’s Experience and Technical Guidance in the Use of Decision Unit and Multi Increment Sample investigation Methods (RBrewer, October, 2023)
This is a recording of a presentation given by Roger Brewer of the Hawai’i Department of Health to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on October 26, 2023. The presentation reviews Hawaii’s experience and technical guidance in the use of Decision Unit and Multi Increment Sample investigation (DU-MIS) methods for characterization of contaminated soil, sediment and other media. Time Tags are provided on the YouTube link to skip to specific sections of the presentation.
PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the link below.
HEER Office’s Technical Guidance Manual July 2023 Updates to Site Investigation Design and Implementation (RBrewer, July, 2023)
This presentation by Roger Brewer of the Hawai’i Department of Health reviews July 2023 updates to Site Investigation Design and Implementation in the HEER Office’s Technical Guidance Manual. The update focused on sections pertaining to the use of Decision Unit and Multi Increment Sample investigation methods for soil and sediment but are applicable to other media as well.
PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the links below.
Hawaii Wastewater Treatment Plant PFASs Study Review (RBrewer, November 3, 2022)
This presentation reviews HIDOH Environmental Action Levels for PFASs and compares the action levels to data for influent, effluent and biosolids samples collected at three wastewater treatment plants in Hawaii. The original presentation was given by Roger Brewer of the Hawaii Department of Health to the South Carolina DHEC PFAS Affinity Group on November 3, 2022. The presentation is similar to a presentation given to the USEPA FSTRAC group in September 2022 with some additional thoughts and notes on PFAS leaching risk, biosolids management and future field research projects. Use the Time Tags below to jump to specific parts of the presentation.
PowerPoint slides and the paper can be downloaded from the links below.
Fake Data? The Need for Theory of Sampling Concepts in Environmental Research and Investigations (RBrewer, 2022)
This presentation by Roger Brewer of the Hawaii Department of Health compares sampling methods utilized by the commodities vs environmental industries and discusses the need to incorporate Theory of Sampling concepts to improve the reliability of data generated by the latter. The presentation was originally given by Dr. Brewer at the Tenth World Conference on Sampling and Blending conference held in Kristiansand, Norway, in June 2022. PowerPoint slides and a peer-reviewed paper published as part of the conference is available for download from the HIDOH HEER Office DU-MIS webpage.
PowerPoint slides and the paper can be downloaded from the links below.
- Fake Data? The Need for Theory of Sampling Concepts in Environmental Research and Investigations – PPT slides
- Fake Data? The Need for Theory of Sampling Concepts in Environmental Research and Investigations – Paper
Fake Data, Collateral Damage and the Need for Reform in the Vapor Intrusion Industry (RBrewer, October 11, 2022)
Roger Brewer of the HIDOH HEER Office gave a presentation entitled “Fake Data, Collateral Damage and the Need for Reform in the Vapor Intrusion Industry” at the Association of Vapor Intrusion Professionals conference in Nashville, TN, on October 11, 2022. Links to download the PowerPoint slides and the abstract are provided below. The presentation discusses lessons learned over the past 20+ years and ideas to improve the reliability and efficiency of vapor intrusion investigations. Topics discussed include the need to rapidly clear anticipated Low-Risk Vapor Intrusion Cases from regulatory oversight, Petroleum Vapor Intrusion, Risk-Based Screening Levels, Large Volume Purge subslab vapor samples and the scientific validity of the USEPA Vapor Intrusion Empirical Database. Time tags are included in the description of the YouTube recording to allow skipping to specific topics.
PowerPoint slides and abstract can be downloaded from the links below.
- Fake Data, Collateral Damage and the Need for Reform in the Vapor Intrusion Industry – PPT slides
- Fake Data, Collateral Damage and the Need for Reform in the Vapor Intrusion Industry – Abstract
Field Study of Perfluoralkyl (PFASs) in Influent, Effluent and Biosolids-Preliminary Data from Hawaii (RBrewer, Felton Sept 22, 2022)
This presentation reviews initial data for the makeup and concentration of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the influent, effluent and biosolids of wastewater treatment plants in Hawaii. The original presentation was given by Roger Brewer of the Hawaii Department of Health to the USEPA’s Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee on September 22, 2022. Additional sampling of WWTPs in Hawaii are anticipated for later 2022.
PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the link below.
TPH and the Assessment of Petroleum Risk (RBrewer Apr 1, 2022)
This presentation discusses methods to assess the weighted toxicity of petroleum mixtures in air, soil and water in terms of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and mixtures of degraded compounds. Time Tags are provided to skip to specific topics. The presentation was originally given to the University of Hawaii by Roger Brewer of the Hawaii Department of Health in response to the release of jet fuel from the Navy’s Red Hill tank farm into the Pearl Harbor Navy Base drinking water system.
PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the link below.
DU-MIS for Surface Water and Groundwater (RBrewer Nov 17, 2021)
This presentation discusses the application of Systematic Planning and the Theory of Sampling to investigations of contaminated surface water and groundwater, and draft updates to Section 6 of the HIDOH HEER Office Technical Guidance Manual. To use Time Tags to skip to specific sections of the presentation, click on “Watch on YouTube” and open “Show More”. The original presentation was given by Roger Brewer, of the HEER Office, to the USEPA Engineering Forum IS Subcommittee on November 17, 2021. This followup recording includes additional notes on questions that came up during the presentation. Included are concepts of:
• “Investigation Questions” for the investigation of contaminated surface water and groundwater,
• designation of risk- or remediation-based “Decision Units” for characterization,
• collection of more risk-based, Multi Increment-type samples of surface water (easy enough) and groundwater (probably not at the moment),
• potential sources of hidden error associated with reliance on “discrete” groundwater samples from single points/wells, and possible ways to help control the magnitude of this error.
Comments and ideas are always welcome.
PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the link below.
Contaminanat Awareness (Lynn Bailey, September 26, 2013)
This one‐hour, Contaminant Awareness training course is designed to teach construction workers how to identify contamination at or adjacent to the job site and protect themselves, the public and the environment as they work. Anyone who could encounter contaminated soil and/or groundwater during excavation work, but is not a trained environmental professional can benefit from the training. The training will also help regulators, project managers, safety officers or environmental personnel who could encounter contamination at job sites that is outside of their realm of training and expertise.
The presentation was originally given to the USEPA ISM Sampling Committee on April 21, 2021. PowerPoint slides and a copy of the critique can be downloaded from below links.
- Contaminanat Awareness – PPT slides
- Contaminanat Awareness Training Flyer (September 2013) – PDF document
Critique of 2020 ITRC ISM Update (Roger Brewer, April 21, 2021)
This presentation summarizes a Hawai´i Department of Health (HIDOH) critique of the 2020 ITRC Incremental Sampling Method (ISM) document. The ITRC document introduces the use of Gy’s Theory of Sampling for the collection of environmental data for contaminated soil and sediment. Overall, the reviewers found the introduction and field and laboratory implementation sections of the document to be well done. Sections that discuss statistical concepts and risk assessment contain significant lapses and errors, however, and withdrawal of the document for revision is recommended. A comparison of sampling methods and data needs between the mining industry, where Gy’s Theory of Sampling was developed, and the environmental industry is used to illustrate the necessary edits.
The presentation was originally given to the USEPA ISM Sampling Committee on April 21, 2021. PowerPoint slides and a copy of the critique can be downloaded from below links.
- Critique of 2020 ITRC ISM Update – PPT slides
- Critique of 2020 ITRC ISM Update (November 2020) – PDF document
Untangling the PFASs Web (Roger Brewer, October 20, 2020)
This presentation by Roger Brewer of the HEER Office discusses the development of draft (July 2020) environmental action levels for PFAS-contaminated soil and groundwater and lessons learned for pending updates to the guidance (anticipated November 2020).
FAKE DATA? SAMPLING THEORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS (July 16, 2019)
DU-MIS OVERVIEW AND RISK-BASED SITE CHARACTERIZATION (February 20, 2019)
DU-MIS FOR SEDIMENTS – ROGER BREWER (September 20, 2018)
DU-MIS FOR PCBS – ROGER BREWER (August 30, 2018)
TPH RISK CASE STUDIES – ROGER BREWER (August 2018)
USE OF ESLS AND DU-MIS TO EXPEDITE SITE INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION – ROGER BREWER (December 2017)
This presentation discusses the combined use of Environmental Screening Levels and Decision Unit/Multi Increment Sample methods to expedite the investigation and remediation of contaminated properties. The webinar was held for US EPA Region 9 staff and visiting delegates from the China Ministry of Environment. Chinese translation included on slides.
EHE WEBINAR – ROGER BREWER (November 21, 2017)
PowerPoint slides and link to recorded presentation for Roger Brewer’s webinar on Environmental Hazard Evaluation (EALs/ESLs) are posted below.
TPH FORENSICS WORKSHOP – ILEANA RHODES (November 13, 2017)
PowerPoint slides for Ileana Rhodes’ seminar on TPH Forensics are posted below. Ileana Rhodes gave an introduction to forensic analysis of petroleum related contamination. Discussions included how to read and understand TPH chromatograms and how to distinguish petrogenic from pyrogenic PAHs. Site examples complemented the discussion. Ileana explained the Texas Method of analyzing TPH and included an example. The HEER Office is considering a recommendation for use of the Texas laboratory method for TPH in Hawaiʻi.
MULTI INCREMENT SAMPLES – LABORATORY PROCESSING – DIANE ANDERSON (November 15, 2017)
This webinar presents an overview of laboratory processing of Multi Increment soil and sediment samples. The webinar was presented on November 15th, 2017, by Diane Anderson of APPL Laboratories.
LNAPL CONCEPTUAL SITE MODELS – GARY BECKETT (October 2017)
LNAPL scientist and industry expert G. D. Beckett, of Aqui‐Ver, Inc., held a half-day workshop on LNAPL (Light‐Non‐Aqueous Phase Liquid) Conceptual Site Models (LCSMs) at the HEER Office on October 11, 2017. A pdf copy of the workshop presentations is posted below.
LCSMs are the foundation for site assessment and site remediation decisions; therefore, a useful and detailed LCSM using easily available standard data or more advanced data collection for complex sites is key. Topics discussed included LNAPL distribution in the subsurface, factors that drive LNAPL distribution, and guidance on characterization and remediation. The workshop included theoretical aspects of LNAPL fate and transport in the subsurface as well as numerous field examples and practical guidance for implementation.
TAPWATER SCREENING LEVELS FOR TPH-RELATED METABOLITES – ROGER BREWER (September 2017)
PowerPoint slides for presentation given to ITRC TPH risk work group on the potential calculation of toxicity-based, metabolite suite-weighted screening levels for TPH-related degradation compounds in drinking water. Refer to Attachment 5 in the DOH document “Collection and Use of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Data for the Risk-Based Evaluation of Petroleum Releases – Example Case Studies (August 2018)” for details.
DISCRETE SOIL SAMPLE RELIABILITY – US EPA INCREMENTAL SAMPLING COMMITTEE (August 2017)
HEER DU-MIS AND EHE TRAINING WEBINAR SERIES (2017)
#1 SYSTEMATIC PLANNING | #2 DU DESIGNATION |
#3 DU CHARACTERIZATION | #4 FIELD IMPLEMENTATION |
#5 LABORATORY PROCESSING OF MI SAMPLE SLIDES | #6 EHE-EAL (ESL) OVERVIEW |
Time tags are included for the audio recordings – click on “More” on the YouTube description.
- Part 1. Systematic Planning Slides (John Peard, DOH, June 26, 2017)
- Part 2. DU Designation Slides (Roger Brewer, DOH, June 27, 2017)
- Part 3. DU Characterization Slides (Roger Brewer, DOH, June 28, 2017)
- Part 4. DU-MIS Field Implementation Slides Part A / Part B (John Peard, DOH, June 29, 2017)
- Part 5. Laboratory Processing of MI Samples Slides (Diane Anderson, APPL Labs, Nov 15, 2017)
- Part 6. EHE-EAL (ESL) Overview Slides (Roger Brewer, DOH, Nov 21, 2017)
- Webinar Outlines
Recordings of the webinars with Chinese subtitles will be posted as they are prepared.
LARGE-VOLUME PURGE SUBSLAB VAPOR SAMPLING METHODS (June 2017)
ROLE OF HETEROGENEITY IN VAPOR INTRUSION – CALIFORNIA EPA (August 2016)
Recording of a presentation by Roger Brewer of the HEER Office to California EPA that discusses flaws in the US EPA “Empirical Vapor Intrusion Database” and the use of more robust studies of building leakage to estimate vapor intrusion attenuation factors in different climate settings.
Petroleum Vapor Intrusion Facts and Fallacies (May 2016)
Discrete Soil Sample Reliability (May 2016)
FIELD STUDY OF DISCRETE SOIL SAMPLE VARIABILITY AND RELIABILITY: RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS (October 2015)
RESULTS | IMPLICATIONS |
DISCRETE VS INCREMENTAL SAMPLES EXPLAINED USING SALAD (September 3, 2015)
PETROLEUM VAPOR INTRUSION: FACTS, FALLACIES AND IMPLICATIONS (July 27, 2015)
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN GROUNDWATER BIOREMEDIATION AND VAPOR MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES (May 11, 2015)
LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF CONTAMINATED SOIL AND GROUNDWATER – IWILEI DISTRICT, HONOLULU (April 15, 2015)
DUNGEONS, DRAGONS, PICA HOUSES AND THE NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE, VAPOR INTRUSION SCREENING TOOLS (February 18, 2015)
USE OF ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SOIL GAS SAMPLES TO SUPPORT VAPOR INTRUSION INVESTIGATIONS (March 11, 2015)
OVERVIEW OF VAPOR INTRUSION WEBINAR |
ACTIVE SOIL GAS SAMPLING | PASSIVE SOIL GAS SAMPLING |
BEHAVIOR OF LNAPL AND SUBSURFACE OIL PLUMES (April 2013)
Pat Hughes, former head of the Hawaiʻi Chevron environmental office gave a presentation in April 2013 on LNAPL mobility and related topics. This presentation was based in part on studies that were carried out in the IDPP, Honolulu Harbor area in coordination with the HEER Office. The presentation is now available through the above link.