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  • 01 Feb 2016 8:00 AM | Kelly McCormick

    Click here for the 2016 NJSWEP Scholarship Application. Scholarship money will be granted  to two female students, one graduate and one undergraduate, who are pursuing environmentally-related studies with an intended commitment to pursue a career in the environmental field. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2016. 

  • 06 Aug 2015 4:05 PM | Deleted user

              On July 23, NJSWEP took to Central Jersey for its latest networking opportunity: a reception at Verve in Downtown Somerville, a short walk from the train station. The location brought out new faces who joined old friends and colleagues for drinks and hors d'oeuvres underneath disco balls and string lights in the restaurant's swanky upstairs lounge. With over 20 people in attendance, NJSWEP will see what other opportunities Central Jersey may hold for get-togethers!
     

              MetroNet caters to NJSWEP members and supporters alike in the North Jersey/New York Metro Area by providing networking, social, and educational opportunities in the Northeast portion of New Jersey and in New York City. If you have an idea for a future MetroNet event, or if your company is interested in sponsoring a future event, please contact Cristin Mustillo at cmustillo@scclegal.com or Ilkay Cam-Spanos at icam@langan.com.

  • 04 Aug 2015 12:48 PM | Kelly McCormick

    The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has released their draft vapor intrusion guidance document for public comment. It is available from their eComment webpage, and the comment period ends 9/23/15.


    http://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/




  • 15 Jul 2015 10:56 AM | Deleted user

         On May 2, NJSWEP's MetroNet hosted a hike and picnic lunch at the South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, NJ.  Approximately 30 NJSWEP members, family, and friends came out to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather. Led by Dave Hogenauer of the South Mountain Conservancy, the hike included information regarding the park's flora and fauna as well as historically significant sites, including a bridge and dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. With such a positive response to MetroNet's first weekend, outdoor event, NJSWEP is excited to plan more for the future!

         MetroNet caters to NJSWEP members and supporters alike in the North Jersey/New York Metro Area by providing networking, social, and educational opportunities in the Northeast portion of New Jersey and in New York City. If you have an idea for a future MetroNet event, or if your company is interested in sponsoring a future event, please contact Cristin Mustillo at cmustillo@scclegal.com or Ilkay Cam-Spanos at icam@langan.com.

  • 13 Apr 2015 12:21 PM | Kelly McCormick

    Please save the date for the 9th Annual New Jersey Society of Women Environmental Professionals Gala on June 24th, 2015, at 6:00 pm.


    This year's event, honoring Great Women in the Garden State, will be held at the Wine Room of Cherry Hill, located 1 Esterbrook Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. 

     

    We look forward to seeing you! More details coming soon!


  • 01 Apr 2015 2:43 PM | Kelly McCormick
    Please see notice below that may be of interest to NJSWEP members.

    ___________________________________________________________________________

     THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MILITARY ENGINEERS

    New Jersey Post, in collaboration with

    PASSAIC RIVER INSTITUTE


    The Perfect Storm

    Challenges Facing 21st Century Sediment Management in the NY/NJ Harbor Watershed

     

    Please join S.A.M.E NJ Post, in collaboration with  Passaic River Institute, at  Montclair State University on Earth Day – Wednesday, April 22nd to learn and engage about integrated environmental/sediment management applications in the New Jersey / New York regions!

     

    CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH US!

     

    Breakfast Program Overview:   Presentations with follow-up discussions will include speakers and experts on NJ/NY environmental sediment management and restoration programs and projects that are case specific for our complex urban sediment management environment.  Eric Stern, Research Associate  of Montclair State University, will present an overview of the "The Contaminated Sediment Perfect Storm," focusing on the unprecedented intersection of several mega-site Superfund sediment clean-ups all within the NJ/NY watershed and how that fits into a Regional Sediment Management framework.

     

    Date:                     Wednesday, April 22, 2015

    Location:            The Conference Center at Montclair State University

                    Driving and Parking Directions and Train Access

                    1 Normal Avenue Montclair, NJ 07043

     

    Agenda:               7:30am –8:00am               Registration

                                  8:00am – 10:00am            Program Speakers

                                  10:00am – 11:00am         Networking

    A Breakfast buffet and beverages will be provided during the Program

                                                   

    Introductory      Robert S. Prezant, Ph.D., Dean, MSU College of Science and Mathematics

    Welcome:           Meiyin Wu, PhD., Director, Passaic River Institute

     

    Speakers:            Eric. A. Stern, Research Associate, MSU College of Science and Mathematics

         New York District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

                                 John Schaffer, Tetra Tech

     

    Cost:               $35.00 S.A.M.E. NJ Member/Non-Members

    $20.00 Government / Student / Young S.A.M.E. NJ Member

                           

    Event

    Sponsorship:     $200 Per Company – Sponsors logo will be added to website and program signage. 

     

    Register online at http://www.samenj.com


  • 19 Feb 2015 12:30 PM | Kelly McCormick

    NJSWEP & BCONE

    FEBRUARY 4, 2015

    NJDEP REGULATORY UPDATE SEMINAR SUMMARY

     

     

    After a long hiatus, on February 4, 2015, NJSWEP and BCONE co-hosted the ever-popular NJDEP Regulatory Update in NJDEP’s Public Hearing Room in Trenton, NJ.   The list of distinguished speakers included the NJDEP Chief of Staff, as well as many of the NJDEP Assistant Commissioners.  In this one-day workshop, we heard about NJDEP’s priorities and plans, as well as the status of existing programs, updates, and proposed legislative changes that are key to NJDEP programs.  The event was a notable success with well over 100 people present.  

     

    This post includes a brief summary of the speakers and their main talking-points below.  For those of you that were in attendance, we hope you found the program as informative as we did, and we welcome your feedback.  For those of you who were not able to attend, we hope to see you at one of our many upcoming events.

     

    So many people made this event a success, including:  Stephanie Turkot (GeoCleanse), Riche Outlaw (NJDEP), and Colleen Kokas (NJDEP).  We are looking forward to bringing this event back to our members as an annual event.  

     

    Summary provided by Rick Shoyer, LSRP, Advanced GeoServices

     

    Chief of Staff Magdalena Padilla:

    Ms. Padilla welcomed everyone and was appreciative of the opportunity for NJDEP staff members to have a forum to speak to the public regarding NJDEP Regulatory updates and related matters.  She spoke about the Commissioner’s priorities toward DEP Communication.  This is being accomplished through:

    • Externally of NJDEP through “out of the box thinking.”  This is demonstrated through the NJDEP’s desire for more stakeholder input in the regulatory process and a better emphasis toward service to the community.
    • Internally, NJDEP has adopted a monitoring program within the NJDEP’s senior staff (mentors) and junior staff (environmental trainees).  They have instituted a program for hiring veterans, as well as reaching out to other education disciplines other than the typical sciences and engineering to promote “out of the box thinking” within NJDEP. 

    Jane Herndon, Asst. Commissioner- Environmental Management

    Ms. Herndon discussed two key items; the electronic waste (e-waste) and ground level ozone (O3).

     

    The Electronic Waste Management Act covers a varied of recyclable products. However, the focal point of the presentation was on the challenges with recycling TVs.  The cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in the older TVs contain lead.  The last manufacturer using materials for CRTs closed operations, which resulted in a “negative value” for the recycling and disposal of CRTs.  The e-waste law requires manufacturers of TVs to recycle them at no cost to the consumer.  In December 2014, NJDEP issued letters to manufactures and recycler facilities of the manufactures reminding them of this obligation.  The NJDEP incurs a significant expense administering compliance with the e-waste regulations.

     

    Bad “ozone” (O3), which is ozone found on hot summer days at ground level, is caused by a photochemical reaction of the sun rays with air pollutants -- primarily volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide (NOx).  NOx pollution is emitted by automobiles, power plants, industrial boilers, cement kilns and turbines, and diesel generators.   The (O3) air health standard is 85 parts per billion (ppb), but the EPA is looking to lower the standard to 65-75 ppb.  O3 was the only air pollutant NJ did not meet last year.  However, in determining the NJ air standard compliance, we are lumped in with PA, NY, and CT.  PA is upgradient of NJ (prevailing wind direction) and PA allows their coal power plants to periodically shut off/by-pass their air pollution controls. It is during these times of high electrical demand that the NOx emissions climb and NJ cannot meet the O3 health standard of 85 ppb.  PA NOx emissions have risen 23% over the past several years, whereas NJ’s NOx emissions have declined.  Similarly in NY, companies with larger diesel generators (mobile sources) are paid by the utility suppliers to operate their diesel generators to put power into the grid at high peak demand periods, creating a sudden increase in NOx emissions.   In summary, NJ has made strides to reduce NOx emissions and therefore reduce the natural photochemical production of O3 during hot humid summer days; however, we cannot reach 100% compliance with the EPA O3 health standard (current or the proposed lower EPA standards) without cooperation from our upwind neighboring states.

     

    Dan Kennedy, Asst. Commissioner Water Resource Management

    The Water Resource Management priorities as outlined by Mr. Kennedy are:

    • Water Supply Plan;
    • Barnegat Comprehensive Plan/Assessment;
    •  Raritan TMDL Implementation;
    • On-going Sandy Recovery;
    • New RFP for 2015 319(h) non-point source pollution; and
    • Stormwater overhauls for combined sewer overflows (CSO’s) and stormwater MS4 permits.  The goal is to eliminate CSO outfall within the next 10 years; and/or to provide backup treatment to them.

    Water Resource Management Rules being modified include:

    • Water Quality management Plan/ TWA Cap;
    • Water supply allocation; and
    • Well Construction/water supply loan.

    Bob Marshall, Asst. Commissioner Sustainability and Green Energy

    Mr. Marshall provided some interesting facts about NJ’s energy system:

    • ·         50% of NJ’s power comes from nuclear, but the Oyster creek plant is scheduled to close in 2019.
    • ·         NJ is ranked 46th lowest in CO2 emissions;
    • ·         Hospitals using combined heat and power are three times more efficient with respect to carbon;
    • ·         NJ is third in solar energy development promoting “net meter” (behind/ after the meter);
    • ·         Solar, wind, and other green energy technologies have some advantages, but provide an unstable energy supply (e.g. no wind, cloudy days, etc.); and
    • ·         For power stability, NJ needs a significant base of dependable energy power supply like nuclear and natural gas generating plants.

    65% of NJ residences lost power during super storm Sandy.  As a result, the following items are being worked on:

    • Mapping of petroleum supply chains;
    • Push for wastewater plants to be taken off the “grid”; and
    • Need for additional combined cycle natural gas plants that provide 60%-75% less emissions than traditional coal plants.

    Ginger Kopkash, Asst. Commissioner Land Use Management

    Ms. Kopkash spoke on the many changes to land use management regulations and permitting (Emergency Flood Hazard and Coastal Rulemaking) process as a result of repairs needed from super storm Sandy.  Emergency amendments were enacted 4/16/2013 for marinas, shellfish industry, rebuilding/maintaining engineered dunes/berms, creation of “living shorelines” even if that meant filling in partial water ways for their creation.

    Ms. Kopkash showed photographs of houses that survived Katrina and Sandy where the neighboring ones did not.  A study of the surviving homes concluded the following:

    • Built 1 foot above residential flood zone map elevations, and/or 2 feet above fluvial area flood map elevations; and
    • Open foundations on first floor.

    As a result new regulations for elevations for reconstruction, dry flood proofing and wet flood proofing construction specifications were enacted.


    Ms. Janine MacGregor and Karen Hershey, Site Remediation Program

    Mr. Mark Pedersen Asst. Commissioner provided a brief introduction for Ms. MacGregor and Ms. Hersey.  Ms. MacGregor and Ms. Hershey provided updates on the success of the LSRP program and the priorities of the Department to identify and address immediate environmental concerns (IECs).  Overall the number of new cases coming in is for the first time lower than the number of cases being closed by LSRPs.  The number of IECs identified has been climbing, which is interpreted as more sites are being identified and addressed properly through the LSRP program.

    On the regulatory side the following items were noted:

    • Proposed LSRP Board Rules issued 12/14, public meeting 2/17/15 at NJDEP’s Trenton office, comment period closes 3/6/15;
    • Proposed UHOT Rules to be issued ~ 4/15;
    • ARRCS Rules Chapter 26C amendments ~ 4/15;
    • Remediation Standards 7:26D to be readopted without change in 5/15, but proposed changes to then be issued ~ 12/15; and
    • Twenty Technical Guidance Documents submitted with seven more in preparation.

    Ms. Hershey provided an update of the LSRP Licensing board:

    • Regulation required 13 board members but currently only 11 have been selected;
    • There are seven active subcommittees (Audit, Rules, Outreach, Continuing Education, Licensure, Professional Conduct and Finance); and
    • 27 complaints have been issued to the Board, and 17 have been resolved.

    Mr. Richard Boornazian, Asst. Commissioner Natural and Historic Resources

    Mr. Boornazian discussed how he works on the “green” side of the NJDEP and how he balances the interests of the State’s conservationists, recreationalists, hunters, farmers and forestry industry.  Mr. Boornazian touched on the following topics:

    • Forestry stewardship rules;
    • Passive recreation;
    • 1.4 million “green acres” are secured in NJ;
    • Farmland preservation;
    • The need for more marine biologists; and
    • The “Blue Acres Program”, which is mostly a federally funded program.

    Ms. Richelle Wormley, Asst. Commissioner Compliance and Enforcement

    This department does much more than just “enforcement”.  They spend a significant effort on the compliance aspect of the NJDEP.  The department addresses compliance assistance programs in the areas of UST, air, hazardous waste, solid waste,  pesticides, land use and water quality.  One example is the $10,000 grant for dry cleaners with the older “PERC” equipment to upgrade to the newer “wet” or “VOC” machines.  The grant application period has been extended to 12/15.  Other examples include public training the department provides throughout the State for various topics.

    Ms. Wormley discussed two pieces of field equipment the NJDEP has been able to purchase that assist with compliance and enforcement inspections: the Jerome meter which is used to monitor H2S emissions in the air; and the FLIR infrared camera where the NJDEP can determine if vapors are being emitted and or if an out-of-service above ground storage tank is actually empty without physically inspecting the tank.

    Regulatory emphasis for this coming year is the compliance monitoring for used oil heaters, degreasers and GP5A permits.

     

    Linda Taylor, Manager, Alternative Dispute Resolution

    Ms. Taylor explained the program is purely voluntary, and is specific toward resolving issues between a person and/or Company and the NJDEP, such as permits, compliance, NOV’s and fines.  It does not address issues among 3rd parties.

    All issues are confidential and the program’s approach to dispute resolution is flexible.  The program attempts to help the parties reach a resolution; it cannot bind a party that does not agree with the proposed resolution.  The average time frame for resolution is between 6 to 9 months. The program has a 75% success rate of resolving disputes.





     


















  • 07 Jan 2015 5:18 PM | Kelly McCormick

    The New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Women Environmental Professionals ("NJSWEP") is pleased to announce the continuation of the Scholarship Program in 2015. The purpose of the Scholarship Program is to encourage women to pursue careers in an environmental field; to mentor undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in environmental and related subjects and to provide students with opportunities to connect with SWEP members for future internships/careers in the environmental industry.

     

    In 2015, we hope to grant scholarship money to two women, one undergraduate student and one graduate student, who are pursuing studies related to the environment with an intended commitment to pursue a career in an environmental field. NJSWEP will determine the amount of the scholarships based on fundraising activities; our goal is to award two $2,000 scholarships. The scholarships will be given directly to the students in one lump sum. Also included with the award is a free one-year membership to NJSWEP.

     

    Both scholarship recipients must be female and a United States citizen or hold permanent resident status. The undergraduate student must be entering her junior or senior year in the Fall of 2015 or have completed 60 credit hours as of August 2015. The graduate student must either start or continue graduate or law study in the Fall of 2015. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (scale of 4.0) or its equivalent and a declared major in a field related to the environment is also required.

     

    Applications must be received by March 31, 2015.  The NJSWEP Scholarship Committee plans to announce the scholarship awards in May 2015, and present the awards at the Gala to be held in June/July 2015. Immediate family members of SWEP Board of Directors and/or SWEP Scholarship Selection Committee are not eligible to apply. 

     

    Application is provided in the link here. For questions or additional information contact NJSWEP by email at info@njswep.org  (please include "NJSWEP Scholarship" in the subject line of email) or you may contact Kavitha Subramaniam (Scholarship Chair) at ksubramaniam@langan.com.

     


  • 12 Dec 2014 12:00 PM | Kelly McCormick

    Opportunities at Amec Foster Wheeler

    Position: Project Level Geologist / Environmental Engineer

    Division: Environment & Infrastructure

    Job Location: Hamilton, NJ

    Job Reference#: 21915BR

     

    Amec Foster Wheeler (www.amecfw.com) designs, delivers and maintains strategic and complex assets for its customers across the global energy and related sectors.

    With pro-forma 2013 annualized scope revenues of £5.5 billion and over 40,000 employees in more than 50 countries, the company operates across the whole of the oil and gas industry – from production through to refining, processing and distribution of derivative products – and in the mining, clean energy, power generation, pharma, environment and infrastructure markets.

    Amec Foster Wheeler shares are publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Both trade under the ticker AMFW.

    We offer competitive salaries along with a complete benefits package including: medical, vision, & dental coverage, 401K Matching, Educational Reimbursement, and a variety of Training and Development Programs to help you develop the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career path. Additional information can be obtained from our website at www.amecfw.com.

     

     

    Role Overview

    Amec Foster Wheeler’s Environment & Infrastructure business is seeking a Geologist/Environmental Engineer for our Technical Services Group in Hamilton, New Jersey. This position includes work in both the office and the field on project sites, depending upon the specific assignment. This individual will work under the supervision of a principal-level or associate-level professional.

     

    Key Responsibilities

    ·         Field activities may include soil borings, test pit excavations, groundwater monitoring well installations and collecting soil, groundwater, soil gas, surface water and sediment samples, as well as documenting field activities.

    ·         Field activities may also include oversight of remediation subcontractors during remediation activities including pilot studies and remediation system installation.

    ·         Compile, organize, and evaluate field and laboratory data for incorporation into technical reports.

    ·         Summarize field sampling activities and data evaluation for incorporation into technical reports.

    ·         Coordinate subcontractor activities for field assignments.

    ·         Perform standard engineering or scientific calculations.

    ·         Prepare field reports, internal correspondence, and technical reports.

    ·         Follow company safety standards, site safety standards, and provides all required permitting.

    ·         Willingness to travel to project sites in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area. Approximately 10% overnight travel. Company vehicles are provided for field work. 

     

    Role Requirements

    ·         BS or MS in Geology, Environmental Engineering or related technical field.

    ·         4 to 8 years + environmental experience.

    ·         Must be a self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

    ·         Strong computer skills for database work and proficiency in MS Office.

    ·         Flexible to work outside normal business hours as required.

    ·         Must pass drug test, physical, background check and must have a valid driver license and satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Company's driving (Motor Vehicle Safety) policy.

    ·         OSHA 40 hour certification preferred

    ·         Knowledge of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections regulations preferred.

    ·         Field activities may require working in unfavorable weather conditions.

    ·         Field activities may require working in specialized protective equipment supplied by employer. Candidate must be physically capable of performing tasks in such equipment.

    ·         Ability to lift equipment and carry laboratory samples up to 50 pounds.

     

    How to Apply: Apply online by copy and pasting the following link into your web browser

    https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=25283&siteid=5191&AReq=21915BR

    Or email resume to Kelly.Crook@amecfw.com

     

    We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability and/or protected veteran status in accordance with governing laws.

    By submitting your resume, you consent to AMEC Americas Limited sharing this information within its divisions in order to identify other employment opportunities that you may be suitable for  

     



  • 12 Nov 2014 10:28 AM | Deleted user

    On October 28, 2014, NJSWEP’s MetroNet co-hosted a networking event with the New York City Brownfield Partnership (NYCBP) at Gigino at Wagner Park in New York City. About 60 attendees enjoyed drinks and hor d’oeuvres on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, while watching the sun set over the Statute of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Jersey City. There were new as well as familiar faces from both New York and New Jersey, with the event attended by lawyers, consultants, labs, regulators, brownfield scholarship award winners, and students, among others. Gold Sponsors for the event were Aquifer Drilling and Testing, Inc., Clean Earth, GEI Consultants, and  Langan Engineering & Environmental Services. Silver Sponsors were Alpha Analytical, Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, PA and LECE Corporation/Nova Environmental Services. A wonderful time was had by all!

     

    MetroNet caters to NJSWEP members and supporters alike in the North Jersey/New York Metro Area by providing networking, social, and educational opportunities in the Northeast portion of New Jersey and in New York City. If you have an idea for a future MetroNet event, or if your company is interested in sponsoring a future event, please contact Cristin Mustillo at cmustillo@scclegal.com or Ilkay Cam-Spanos at icam@langan.com.




















































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