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.

 

Click to jump to your area of interest or scroll down to read about this topic.

Assessment of Complex PFAS Mixtures in Environmental Samples and Estimation of Total PFAS Risk

 

This presentation by Roger Brewer with the Hawaii Department of Health reviews Hawaii’s guidance for the assessment of complex mixtures of PFASs in environmental samples and estimation of Total PFAS Risk. The approach is then applied to data collected from a three-year-long investigation of PFASs associated with WWTPs, landfill leachate and AFFF-release sites in Hawai’i. Links to HIDOH’s Total PFAS Risk guidance and Environmental Action Levels (EALs) are noted, as are links to HIDOHs field study of PFAS sources. See below Time Tags to skip to specific topics.

PowerPoint slides can be downloaded from the link below.
Hawaii PFAS Study (RB Nov 2024)

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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FAKE DATA? SAMPLING THEORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS (July 16, 2019)

 

 

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This webinar, presented by Roger Brewer of the HEER Office to the State Risk Assessors Association, describes how “highly variable” environmental sample data are tied in part the misapplication of “discrete” sampling methods for “finite element media,” such as a group of people or cans of tuna fish, to testing of “infinite element media” such as soil, water and air. Such data can cause significant uncertainty in estimates of risk posed by contaminated media as well as uncertainty in the design and adequacy of remedial actions. The webinar introduces sampling approaches based on Gy’s sampling theory for infinite element media and uses examples for air, soil vapor, soil and sediment to demonstrate how the inherent, heterogeneous nature of contaminants in the environment can be controlled and more reliable data collected to assess risk and determine appropriate actions.

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DU-MIS OVERVIEW AND RISK-BASED SITE CHARACTERIZATION (February 20, 2019)

 

 

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This webinar by Roger Brewer of the HEER Office provides a broad-based overview of the use of DU-MIS investigation method to characterize contaminated soil and sediment. Time Tags to skip to specific sections in the webinar are provided below. Emphasis is placed on the incorporation of risk assessment as well as remediation efficiency needs in the initial design of a site investigation. Causes behind the inability of traditional, “discrete sample” data to efficiently and reliably characterize contaminated sites are discussed.

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DU-MIS FOR SEDIMENTS – ROGER BREWER (September 20, 2018)

 

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This webinar webinar was originally presented to sediment specialists in USEPA regional offices on September 20, 2018, The webinar discusses the use of “Decision Unit” and “Multi Increment Sample” (DU-MIS) investigation methods for characterization of contaminated sediment. The presentation begins with a discussion of the nature and causes of “discrete” sample data unreliability. This is followed by a general discussion of DU-MIS investigation methods and a series of case studies from Hawaiʻi that describe the use of these methods to investigate sediment under different settings. Topics discussed include the designation of Decision Units for initial site screening, ecological risk assessment and optimization of remediation as well as approaches for the collection of samples from different types of sediment and in shallow versus deep water.

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DU-MIS FOR PCBS – ROGER BREWER (August 30, 2018)

 

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This webinar was presented to US EPA PCB coordinators who work under TSCA regulations. A former Voice of America broadcasting station is used as a case study for the use of discrete vs Multi Increment sampling methods to characterize and remediate PCB-contaminated soil. The site was part of a detailed field study carried out by the HEER Office to investigate the reliability of discrete sample data. Part 1 of the webinar, held August 30, 2018, reviews the history of the site and the results of the discrete sample reliability study. The data are compared to DU-MIS data collected from the same area. The discrete date and the initial DU-MIS data were then used to design a detailed, DU-MIS based remedial action plan.

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TPH RISK CASE STUDIES – ROGER BREWER (August 2018)

 
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This two-part webinar reviews the basics of the risk-based use of TPH data to investigate, remediate and manage petroleum contaminated soil and groundwater. Detailed notes and discussions are provided in the accompanying document (last updated August 2018). The case studies in large part reflect current, HDOH guidance but were prepared with input from multiple, outside state and federal regulators as well as private consultants and experts associated with the petroleum industry. The primary authors, Roger Brewer of the HEER Office and Manivannan (Mani) Nagaiah of Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc., are also active members of the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) TPH risk work group and acknowledge important contributions to the document from many of the ITRC team members. The DOH case studies will be referenced in the ITRC TPH risk document for examples of the site-specific use of TPH data in a variety of petroleum-release scenarios (anticipated early 2019). Links to download the webinar’s PowerPoint slides and the DOH TPH risk case study report are posted below.

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UXO TRAINING WORKSHOP (July 24, 2018)

 

 

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Introduction to Military Munitions Response Program: This nine-part workshop series provides an overview of the current technology and approaches utilized to investigate and clean up munitions-contaminated sites. The workshop was conducted March 27-28, 2018 by Jeff Swanson of Westcliff Engineers.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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DISCRETE SOIL SAMPLE RELIABILITY – US EPA INCREMENTAL SAMPLING COMMITTEE (August 2017)

 

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This presentation is similar to other, recent presentations given by Roger Brewer and John Peard on this subject but more focused on the results and implications of the DOH field study of discrete sample variability, with a short comparison of discrete vs Multi Increment sampling methods at the end. As in all posted HEER Office webinars, the slides and presentations are not copyrighted and can be used as desired without permission from the authors. Links to related DU-MIS presentations hosted or otherwise recommended by the HEER Office are included elsewhere on this webpage.

Refer to the four-part, training series series posted in June 2017 for a detailed overview of DU-MIS investigation methods, including: 1) Systematic Planning of Site Investigations, 2) Designation of Decision Units, 3) Sampling theory and characterization of DUs (discrete vs MIS) and 4) DU-MIS field implementation. Refer to the Technical Guidance Manual and Fact Sheet web page as well as reports, presentations and published papers related to the DOH field study of discrete soil sample reliability (see also 2015 webinar postings below). The technical background and field implementation of DU-MIS investigation methods is discussed in Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the TGM.

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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.

Recordings of the webinars with Chinese subtitles will be posted as they are prepared.

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LARGE-VOLUME PURGE SUBSLAB VAPOR SAMPLING METHODS (June 2017)

 

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The below presentation on “Large-Volume Purge (LVP)” methods for the collection of subslab vapor samples was originally give to the Hawaiʻi Association of Environmental Professionals (HAEP) by Roger Brewer of the HEER Office on June 28, 2017. The slides and recorded presentation were subsequently modified to incorporate comments and questions received during the original presentation. A discussion of LVP sampling methods will be added to Section 7 of the HEER Office Technical Guidance Manual later this year. Comments and suggestions are welcome and should be sent to [email protected]. The field report for the LVP study carried out in 2016 by the HEER Office is available for download from the link below. The report provides detailed diagrams of the equipment and methods used to collect both passive vapor samples and LVP vapor samples at the study site. Refer also to presentations on active and passive soil vapor sampling methods posted on this web page in March 2015.

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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.

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Petroleum Vapor Intrusion Facts and Fallacies (May 2016)

 

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Roger Brewer of the HEER Office presented an overview of field studies of Petroleum Vapor Intrusion at the Battelle 10th International environmental remediation conference in Palm Springs, California, in May 2016. Audio recordings of the presentation (YouTube) and slides (PowerPoint) can be accessed at the link below. The recordings and presentations include additional notes and ideas from discussions with environmental professionals subsequent to the conference, including a proposed HEER field study of subslab vapor plume heterogeneity and characterization planned for later. For additional information, contact Roger Brewer at [email protected].

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Discrete Soil Sample Reliability (May 2016)

 

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Roger Brewer of the HEER Office presented an overview of field studies of Discrete Soil Sample Reliability at the Battelle 10th International environmental remediation conference in Palm Springs, California, in May 2016. Audio recordings of the presentation (YouTube) and slides (PowerPoint) can be accessed at the link below. The recordings and presentations include additional notes and ideas from discussions with environmental professionals subsequent to the conference. For additional information, contact Roger Brewer at [email protected].

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FIELD STUDY OF DISCRETE SOIL SAMPLE VARIABILITY AND RELIABILITY: RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS (October 2015)

 

RESULTS IMPLICATIONS
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Roger Brewer of the HEER Office reviews the objectives, design and results of a 2014 DOH field study of the variability of contaminant concentrations within individual discrete soil samples and between co-located samples and discusses initial implications for the use of discrete soil samples in environmental investigations. He then discusses how random, small-scale variability of contaminant concentrations in discrete soil samples can lead to erroneous estimations of the extent of contamination, false “hot spots” and “cold spots” on isoconcentration maps and uncertainty in the estimate of contaminant means for use in environmental risk assessments. The presentation concludes with a review of Decision Unit and Multi Increment investigation methods and the use of DU-MIS to characterize PCB-contaminated soil under TSCA.

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DISCRETE VS INCREMENTAL SAMPLES EXPLAINED USING SALAD (September 3, 2015)

 

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Review of discrete vs incremental soil sampling methodologies and the basics of sampling theory, originally presented by Roger Brewer of the HEER Office at the AGC Conference in Arlington, Virginia, on September 3, 2015. Updated September 19, 2015, to include notes on the use of Incremental Sampling for PCBs under TSCA.

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PETROLEUM VAPOR INTRUSION: FACTS, FALLACIES AND IMPLICATIONS (July 27, 2015)

 

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Roger Brewer of the HEER Office presented an update on DOH guidance for petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI), in light of recent guidance published by the US EPA and ITRC. Similarities and discrepancies in approaches to PVI were discussed, including a review the field study of the chemistry and toxicity of petroleum vapors carried out by the HEER Office in 2013.

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN GROUNDWATER BIOREMEDIATION AND VAPOR MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES (May 11, 2015)

 

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Steve Nigro of Regenesis and Kelly Smith of Land Science Technologies were in Honolulu providing a presentation on their respective remedial technologies to DOH. This presentation focused on the science behind their technologies, best uses and a case study. The technologies discussed are Regenesis’s Plumestop and Land Science’s Geo-Seal and Retro-Coat Systems.

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LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF CONTAMINATED SOIL AND GROUNDWATER – IWILEI DISTRICT, HONOLULU (April 15, 2015)

 

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The Iwilei District encompasses approximately 315 acres of land in Honolulu and includes land owned privately and by the State of Hawaiʻi. The HEER Office is overseeing remediation of potentially hazardous contaminants of concern that are present in soil, groundwater, and soil gas at various locations within the Iwilei District. Widespread, shallow petroleum contamination related to past releases from tank farms and pipelines is the primary concern, but metals and pesticides are also present in some areas. The primary focus of this webinar is outreach for the HEER Office development and implementation of a programmatic Environmental Hazard Management Plan (EHMP) for the Iwilei District. This document details remedial measures and controls that are consistent with EHMPs implemented at other sites in Hawaiʻi where contamination is present. No further investigation or remedial action is required at many of these sites, provided that long-term site management requirements in the EHMP are followed.

Presenters

Steven Mow and Jordan Nakayama (HEER Office)

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DUNGEONS, DRAGONS, PICA HOUSES AND THE NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE, VAPOR INTRUSION SCREENING TOOLS (February 18, 2015)

 

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The presentation reviews current trends in the evaluation of vapor intrusion impacts to homes and buildings that overlie VOC-contaminated soil and groundwater. Implications for vapor intrusion guidance in Hawai’i as well as on the mainland is discussed.

Presenter: Roger Brewer, HEER Office

The presenter is a coauthor of the following paper on vapor intrusion attenuation factors recently published by DOH staff: Estimation of Generic Subslab Attenuation Factors for Vapor Intrusion Investigations

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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
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This HEER-sponsored webinar reviews current trends in the evaluation of vapor intrusion impacts to homes and buildings that overlie VOC-contaminated soil and groundwater. Roger Brewer of the HEER Office gives a brief overview of a webinar on vapor intrusion held February 18th, 2015. Martin Schmidt with Cox-Colvin, Inc., then provides an overview of active soil gas sampling methods and approaches to improve data quality for evaluation of vapor intrusion hazards. This was followed by a similar presentation on passive soil gas sampling methods by Harry O’Neill of Beacon Environmental, Inc. Topics addressed include the basics of active and passive soil gas sample collection, vapor plume heterogeneity and the use of larger numbers of samples and/or larger-volume samples to provide more reliable data for decision making. Implications for vapor intrusion guidance in Hawai’i as well as on the mainland were discussed.

Presenters

Roger Brewer, HEER Office

Martin (Mort) Schmidt is currently Practice Leader for vapor intrusion for the consulting firm Cox-Colvin, & Associates in Plain City, Ohio, where he has been employed since 1997. Prior to Cox-Colvin, Mr. Schmidt served as a radon investigator for the Ohio EPA, a geologist for Geraghty and Miller (now Arcadis), and an exploration geologist for Shell International. Mort received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geology from the Ohio State University.

Harry O’Neill is the President of Beacon Environmental Services, which is an accredited laboratory and field sampling organization that specializes in the collection and analysis of soil gas and air samples. Mr. O’Neill has managed soil gas investigations for more than 20 years working on federal, state, and commercial projects throughout the United States, as well as internationally across six continents. Mr. O’Neill has been on the forefront of the acceptance of passive soil gas sampling technologies at the national and international level and has overseen the implementation of over a thousand soil gas surveys. He is a member of AWMA, ITRC, and ASTM, is the lead author of ASTM Standard D7758: Standard Practice for Passive Soil Gas Sampling, and has published and presented findings throughout the United States, as well as internationally.

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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.

 

Groundwater Basics Webinar

 

Have you ever wondered what happens to a drop of rain that seeps into the ground? Join us for a four-part webinar series on the science of groundwater, created by experts from DOH’s Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER) Office, Safe Drinking Water Branch, and Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch. Learn what an aquifer is, how water moves through rocks, challenges we face with remediation, and much more. Each 20-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with scientists from DOH.

 

All webinars will be from 11:30 AM to 12 PM HST.

·                June 6, 2025: Groundwater and Its Importance as a Resource in Hawaii

·                June 13, 2025: Basics of Groundwater Flow

·                June 20, 2025: Contaminant Transport in Groundwater

·                June 27, 2025: Contaminant Plume and Aquifer Cleanup

 To join the webinar series, please use the below link

If you’re unable to join us, webinar recordings will be posted on HEER Office’s YouTube page.

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