Future Environment Designs Training Center specializes in asbestos, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety training programs. We offer New York State asbestos and mold certification courses. We design, develop, and maintain the various indoor air quality, asbestos, and safety programs that are Keeping Your Employees Safe.
Well, the annual salmon fishing trip was a success, again! We had a great time and enjoyed the time on the lake. We took the 8th Annual journey to Point Breeze to participate in the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (#PACNY) Salmon Fishing Pro-Am Derby. This year 18 boats participated in the derby. We left Orchard Creek to fish the Great Lake of Ontario at 6 AM. Future Environment Designs (#FEDTC) was represented by Ms. Sheryl Exposito, Ms. Veronica Hansen-Garcia, Mr. Matt Dech, and Mr. Angelo Garcia, III, and we were in the same boat as last year's "Catchin Hell" piloted by Captain Tom. This year we hoped to defend the trophy we won last year.
Sunrise from our Hotel Room in Warwick
As always, a great big "THANK YOU" to Darren Yehl of Cornerstone Training (CTI) and PACNY for organizing this event. This event allows us to catch up with many of the PACNY members and see how the year is doing. Here was this year's line-up of PACNY members and boats:
Cornerstone - Sunrise II
Cornerstone - Legacy
Expert Environmental - get Hooked
Expert Environmental - Richmond 4
Expert Environmental - Lucas
AAC Contracting - Bite Me
Future Environment Designs - Catchin’ Hell
US Ecology - Shotgun
US Ecology - Bait Master
Abscope Environmental - Reel Excitement
Metro Environmental - Rusty Lure
Paradigm Environmental - Trolling Tails
Lozier - Screem
Sessler Environmental Services - Intimidator
First On-site - Creeper
Aramsco - Mister
Aramsco- Lake Runner
United Rentals - Tomahawk
It was a beautiful day, the Lake was a little rough and because of it, we bounced around a bit on the way out and during the fishing. Captain Tom did a great job handing us the poles and giving us encouragement as we reeled in our catches. We stayed on the lake until about noon and then came ashore to weigh our catches and see who won the derby. After the weigh-in, a catered buffet lunch was provided by the Black North Inn, and the trophies/prizes were awarded. This year's winners were:
Expert 1/Get Hooked won Big Fish & Aramsco/Mister won Big Box
We had a great time, we caught 1 King Salmon and 3 Rainbow Trout. We are looking forward to some good eating over the year as we usually bring all the fish home to have some over the next few days and then freeze the rest to have until next year's catch. Thank you to Darren Yehl for adding to what we brought home. This year we were a little disappointed in that we didn't bring home more King Salmon or maintain our title from last year, however, we have been very fortunate in the past and we are very grateful for attending the event every year. Looking forward to next year on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, save the date!
Future Environment Designs will be attending the fishing derby and defending the trophy we won last year! Our fishing team will consist of Ms. Sheryl Esposito, Mr. Matthew Desch, Ms. Veronica Hansen Garcia, and Mr. Angelo Garcia, III, like last year. We will have the same Captain and the same boat as last year, Captain Tom Murray of the Catch 'N' Hell boat.
Future Environment Designs and the Catch 'N' Hell Team
We are looking forward to defending the Trophy. A great big THANK YOU to Darren Yehl for organizing this Tournament! Look forward to seeing you soon on the water and afterward at the buffet!
The second day of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 23rd Annual Environmental Conference at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, started in the Vendor Exhibit Hall with the realization that there were quite a few new vendors on display. To be exact 5 additional vendors added to the usual 23 vendors the conference usually has. To provide access to the presentations PACNY has loaded most of the presentations from the three-day conference at their website, click here.
Video of the Vendor Exhibit Hall at Turning Stone Casino
Opening remarks & conference welcome were done by Chairman Deb Sanscrainte of Aramsco, and PACNY President Joseph Cantone, of Colden Corporation. The first presenter for the second day was Sue Rossi, CHMM the Sr. Industrial Account Manager of Waste Management, her topic was "Asbestos and other special wastes". Her presentation informed us that New York State in 1988 had 227 landfills and now there are only 26 active landfills, many closed due to tougher environmental regulations. Her presentation also informed us that NYS requires landfills to treat non-friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that are placed into an asbestos labeled waste bag (class 9 bags) as friable. Even if they are put into class 9 bags that were turned inside out. If the bag rips open at the landfill, the landfill will back charge the contractor for the additional fee for disposal as a friable instead of the nonfriable charge. Ms. Rossi also discussed that Waste Management's High Acres Landfill can accept polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) bulk product (e.g., caulk, paint, mastics, sealants) waste. The approval checklist and backup information for the handling of PCB bulk product wastes and a copy of her presentation can be found here.
Sue Rossi, CHMM of Waste Management speaking about Friable ACM waste
Our next presenter was Timothy W. Pullis, ARM, Construction Practice Leader of Brown & Brown of NY, Inc., discussing "Workers' Compensation EMR Fundamentals". Mr. Pullis discussed a drugfree workplace credit of 5% (worth 5 points); experience mod was explained as a formula that calculates the ratio of "expected" losses compared to "actual" losses, the experience mod is a statistical comparison of risks using the same job class codes and similar payroll, and the result adjusts the annual workers compensation premium based on the prior loss experience by "modifying" the manual premium; and EMRs over one (1) could exempt people from certain contracts. Our presenter before coffee break was Adam Schrader, President of Ecospect and George Schambach, President of NYS American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologist (AARST) Professional Home Inspection Service discussing "Current Radon Legislation in NYS, and current national American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/AARST Standards for testing and mitigation in all building types". Mr. Schambach discussed pending NYS legislation Assembly Bill #A8605 and Senate Bill #S6851 to amend the real property law, in relation to radon service professional licensing. Radon service professionals would include - radon measurement professional defined as radon service professional who deploys and retrieves radon detectors and provides a report of the associated measurement results that are generated by a radon analytical laboratory and radon mitigation professional defined as a radon service professional who interprets radon test results and determines the most effective way to manage radon concentrations within buildings.
Corey Briggs of Colden Corporation - Freeze Framed!
After taking our break in the Vendor Exhibit Hall, Kevin Canaan, of AAC Contracting, started the presentations by awarding Joseph D. Lane, President of Environmental Protection Services, PACNY's Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of service above and beyond normal PACNY duties. Corey W. Briggs, MSPH, CIH, CET, FAIHA, Senior Consultant of Colden Corporation, led a presentation titled "Freeze Frame - Focus on H&S" that was entertaining for the many pictures of unsafe acts. Next up was Brian Sampson, of the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, discussing "Trends and Issues of Concern for the Construction Community". His discussion touched on the legalization of recreational marijuana and the extension of prevailing wage to private work.
Mike Rubin of Goldberg Segalla - Proactively Establish Your Defenses
After lunch and the Vendor Exhibit Hall Mike Rubin Esq., Partner at Goldberg Segalla, discussed "Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Top Ten Tips - Minimize and Eliminate Exposure". Mr. Rubin's presentation touched on the employer's rights during an OSHA inspection, creating an OSHA response plan, asserting your rights during an inspection, and points necessary for a proactive defense. After another visit to the Vendor Exhibit Hall, Mike Waller, PhD, of Rochester Regional Health, spoke on "Sustainability/Solutions and How to Balance". Dr. Waller started his presentation with "how do you define sustainability." His definition was thought-provoking "development that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations" or in other words "Solving today's challenges without creating future problems". The presentations ended with Rob DeMalo, Member of the Board of Directors of the Environmental Information Association (EIA) and Senior Vice President of EMSL Analytical, Inc, presentation on "Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Regulatory Update". Discussing the Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Vendor Reception - Food and an Open Bar
After the presentations, the Vendor Reception was held in Vendor Exhibit Hall including food and an open bar. The vendor reception included the usual suspects Aramsco, DiVal, Frederico Demolition,Healthy Indoors, and Future Environment Designs, click here for a full list of Sponsors/Vendors. One of the interesting new vendors was Sundstrom displaying new respirators for asbestos and silica and Red Roof Inn with a special discount for conference attendees. The second day is called Professional Day and all the presentations definitely met the definition of professional with a lot of valuable information provided and may takeaways. Stay tuned for the final day Regulatory Day!
This year's Proficiency Day of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 23rd Annual Environmental Conference was approved to award three (3) professional development hours (PDH) for architects and engineers. This was the first time the first day of the conference was recognized for this purpose. The first day is typically short with two or three presenters allowing us to get the presentations to the Practicing Institute of Engineers for their review. Attendees had to sign the attendance sheet and attend the presentations to receive the 3 PDHs. Ms. Lisa Brown, Executive Secretary of PACNY sent out the certificates to those that attended the presentations.
Karen Cummings, MPH presenting on the Asbestos Safety Training Program
Starting the conference and the proficiency day was Ms. Karen Cummings, MPH presenting on the Asbestos Safety Training Program "Overview and Updates". Her presentation gave us insights into the asbestos training industry. For a copy of her presentation visit our Dropbox folder on the Resources page of our website. Ms. Cummings has been the Director of the New York State Department of Health's Asbestos Safety Training Program for just over a year and has been getting to know the program. Her presentation gave asbestos training providers, an important opportunity to meet with her and her staff (Ms. Jessica Pierce, reviewer of training submittals, and Ms. Ida Berry, many of us have met her when she has audited our training courses, were both in attendance). Her department in 2018 regulated 62 training providers that provided 26,251 training certificates. Her presentation included several graphics providing us with a glimpse of the NYS asbestos training industry. The high water mark for training was 2000 when approximately 3,838 training classes (refreshers and initials total) were held (in 2018, 3,401 training classes were held). Ms. Cummings also informed us that the high water mark for training certificates was 2013 with 29,130 certificates issued. We learned that the busy season for training providers runs from January to April with over a third of all classes being held in that time period. Some other interesting points from Ms. Cumming's presentation: 15% of providers (training providers holding 100+ classes per year) taught over half the classes and issued two-thirds of the certificates; average exam scores by discipline were typically higher for refresher classes than initial classes (not surprising) except for the air sample technician discipline (surprising).
Angelo Garcia, III, CIEC, CEOP, presenting on Asbestos Inspections & NYCDEP Changes
The next presentation was a "Review of Asbestos Inspection Requirements" presented by Mr. Angelo Garcia, III, CIEC, CEOP, of Future Environment Designs with significant assistance from Mr. Peter Delucia and Mr. Greg Mance, both from AAC Contracting. Mr. Delucia worked on the content and did the polling of the audience, while Mr. Mance assisted with the content and questions to the audience. Our group effort paid off with a well-received presentation that provided the audience with interactivity and information on the various requirements for performing asbestos inspections. This presentation can also be found in the Dropbox folder.
The final presentation was "New York City Title 15 Amendments" also presented by Mr. Angelo Garcia, III, CIEC, CEOP, and again this presentation can be found in the Dropbox folder. This presentation was on the recent changes to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's (NYC DEP's) Title 15 Asbestos Regulation (formerly known as Local Law 76). These changes were made because of the arrest of 17 NYC asbestos investigators (see the above video on the press conference on the arrests) and the recommendations of the New York City Department of Investigations (NYC DOI). These changes included additional requirements for NYC Asbestos Investigators and some changes to other parts of the asbestos regulations. See our previous blog post on these new requirements.
Overall it was a good start to the three-day conference. Of course, what is a PACNY conference without snow? It was snowing by the end of the presentations. Though it did not seem to deter people from attending the President's Reception that evening or prevent us from getting the Gotham at the TS Steakhouse. Stay tuned for Days Two & Three!
It's that time again! If you haven't registered to attend the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 23rd Annual Environmental Conference, its time to do so (It is only 21 days away, from this posting). The Conference will be held on February 27, 28, and March 1, 2019, at the Turning Stone Casino & Resort in Verona, NY. This three-day conference, as usual, will include the Wednesday Proficiency Day with the PACNY President's Reception, the Thursday Technical Sessions with the Vendor Hall, and the Vendor Cocktail Party, and completing Friday with the Regulatory Session including a panel from New York State Department of Labor and lunch. Registration and sponsorship information can be found here.
It all begins on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at 12:30 PM with a presentation from Ms. Karen Cummings, M.P.H., New York State Department of Health's (NYSDOH's) Director of the Asbestos Safety Training Program. Her presentation will update us on the status of asbestos training in NYS. Along with some failings of training providers. It will continue with presentations from Pete Delucia & Gregg Mance, both of AAC Contracting and myself, Angelo Garcia, III, of Future Environment Designs (#FEDTC), discussing asbestos inspection requirements, and polling of the audience to make this presentation interactive. Finishing the session will be a presentation of the amendments to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYDEP's) Title 15 Asbestos Regulations (NYCDEP has been invited to present by teleconference). We have also submitted the information regarding this day of the conference to the Practicing Institute of Engineering (PIE) for the purpose of being able to award three (3) Professional Development Hours (PDH) to the attendees. The President's Reception is later that evening.
The second day will include presentations by Ms. Sue Rossi, of Waste Management, discussing "Waste Management NY Landfills with acceptance of waste streams"; Adam Schrader of Ecospect with George Schanbach, of NYS AARST, discussing Radon and DOH Regulations Update"; Brian Sampson, of Unshackle Upstate, discussing Albany 2019 What You Need to Know and How it Will Impact Your Business"; Mike Rubin Esq., Partner at Goldberg Segalla, discussing "Best Practices for Abatement Contractors"; Mike Waller, of Rochester Regional Health, discussing "Sustainability?solutions and How to Balance"; and a representative of EIA discussing the "TSCA Update". The vendor reception/networking will follow the presentations on Thursday.
NYSDOL Panel 2018
The final day will be Friday morning with a Lead (Pb) panel discussion followed by the NYSDOL panel discussion. Friday ends with lunch and few stragglers discussing the week in review.
Sheryl Esposito Will Be Back at the FEDTC booth this year!
#FEDTC will have a booth, again, this year and Ms. Sheryl Esposito will be womaning the booth. We will also have the book I wrote "Do As I Say, Not As I Did! What I've Learned After 30-Years of Being in Business." available at the booth. You can follow the conference on Twitter, Facebook, & Linked-In by searching for the #FEDTCPACNY. We are looking forward to teaming with Peter and Greg to do our presentation on Wednesday and hope all of you will join us!
As we posted in our last blog post, this summer was going to be busy. Well, the annual salmon fishing trip was a success, again! We took the 5th Annual journey to Point Breeze to participate in the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (#PACNY) Salmon Fishing Pro-Am Derby. This year 14 boats participated in the derby. We left from Orchard Creek to fish the Great Lake of Ontario at 6 AM. As the same as last year, Future Environment Design's (#FEDTC) had the same boat as last year "Catchin Hell" piloted by Captain Tom and First Mate Mike.
Sunrise on Lake Ontario
As always, a great big "THANK YOU" to Darren Yehl of Cornerstone Training (CTI) and PACNY for organizing this event. This event allows us to catch up with many of the PACNY members and see how the year is doing. Here was this year's line-up of PACNY members and boats:
It was a beautiful day, the Lake was a little rough and because of it, we bounced around a bit on the way out to our fishing spot. Captain Tom & First Mate Mike did a great job handing us the poles and giving us encouragement as we reeled in our catches. We stayed on the lake until about noon and then came ashore to weigh our catches and see who won the derby. After the weigh-in, a catered buffet lunch was provided by the Black North Inn and awarding the trophies/prizes. This year's winners were:
Dival/Reel Excitement for the Big Fish and the Box
We had a great time, we caught 3 King Salmon and 3 Steelhead Trout. We are looking forward to some good eating over the year as we usually bring all the fish home to have some over next few days and then freeze the rest to have until next year's catch. Thank you to Darren Yehl for adding to what we brought home. We did our special recipe of brown sugar, kosher salt, and scotch whiskey on the fish to have our version of lox and it is delicious! See below for links to our fishing stories, see you next year!
On the final day of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 22nd Annual Environmental Conference, we awoke in the middle of Winter Storm Riley which turned into a Nor'easter and hit Turning Stone Casino between Thursday night & Friday Morning, March 1-2, 2018 with about 7 inches of snow. Some attendees left before the storm hit putting a further dampener on attendance. Because of the storm, there was some concern that New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) would not be able to attend. Because of a good Samaritan who helped NYSDOL representatives who were in the area get to the conference and the technological genius of Bob Krell, of Healthy Indoors Magazine, and Kevin Hutton, of Cornerstone Training, Dr. Eileen Franko was also present.
Peter Delucia, of AAC Contracting, discussing Crystalline Respirable Silica
The last day of the conference started with Peter Delucia, AAC Contracting, discussing "Managing the Many Facets of the Silica in Construction Standard." Mr. Delucia did a great job presenting on topic and provided some excellent references related to preventing exposures, sampling, and complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) silica standard 1926.1153. Mr. Delucia's presentation helped us develop our training courses for silica and our blog post "OSHA's Silica Standard - What's All the Fuss About?, Part Two".
NYSDOL's Presentation with Dr. Franco on Screen
The final presentation of the conference was the managers from NYSDOL, the Director Dr. Eileen Franko, present by video conference; Program Manager of Asbestos Control Bureau, Mr. James Meachum PE; Program Manager of Licensing & Certification Unit, Mr. Kirk Fisher; and Program Manager of Engineering Services Unit, Mr. Ed Smith, PE. Some of the major points included:
Mr. Smith, announcing that they are looking into releasing some Fast Track Variances that would speed up the process of filing for a variance. These variances could be used as they are written with no changes and those could be approved faster.
Mr. Smith gave us an update on the changes to Industrial Code Rule 56, including a Senate Bill (S06492) and Assembly Bill (A08254) that would remove the 1974 date from regulation for demolitions. Mr. Smith also discussed some of the changes to New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) asbestos regulation Title 15.
Mr. Fisher announced a change in filing for a mold license for assessment and remediation companies that will require separate applications for a company license and an individual license for owners.
After being questioned when the removal of social security numbers from asbestos application process would happen. Mr.Fisher informed us that would not happen in the foreseeable future. The system they have is antiquated and there is no funding for updating it. The system uses social security numbers to identify the holders of the various certificates.
Mr. Meachum discussed full-time asbestos project monitoring and the responsibilities of the project monitors being added to asbestos variances.
Mr. Meachum discussed the mold fact sheets that NYSDOL developed and they strongly recommend the fact sheets be provided to mold assessment/remediation clients. In addition, Mr. Meachum announced that the first violations were sent out under Article 32, the Mold Licensing Law. The violations were for not having a license and performing work and/or advertising as a mold professional.
Steve Winograd & me at the PACNY Conference
Attendance on the last day was down but it was still an excellent conference with lots of useful information. We cannot say this enough about the excellent and hard work that Ms. Deborah Sanscrainte, of Aramsco, the conference chairperson and Ms. Lisa Brown, of Summit Environmental, Administrator put in to make the conference as good as it is. Congratulations to the PACNY Board, as they continue to show why they are leaders for the abatement industry in New York State.
The first presenter of the day was the keynote speaker Ms. Linda Reinstein, of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the Global Ban Asbestos Network (GBAN), discussing "Mitigating Asbestos Exposure in the 21st Century." It was a rousing presentation and very inspirational. In addition, Ms. Reinstein announced the launch of her new kNOwAsbestos website. A one-stop resource guide for you to learn about asbestos and what to do about it. Our next speaker was Mr. Michael Misenhimer, of the Northeastern Subcontractors Association (NESCA). His presentation was on "The Fight to Get Paid - Practical Strategies for Subcontractors" and included a valuable 11 point hand-out that he was kind of enough to allow us to add to our dropbox folder (under conference presentations) on Future Environment Designs website's resource page. Mr. Misenhimer's presentation was on the 11 point hand-out that recommended that subcontractors investigate the General Contractor (i.e., credit evaluation); condition your bid on your payment terms, establish entitlement to prompt payment; clarify retainage provisions; use your payment bond rights and other important information on making sure you get paid-in-full. His hand-out included example letters to use for each of the 11 points. The end of his presentation brought us to the first break and time in the Vendor/Exhibit Hall.
Mr. Michael Misenhimer & his 11 Point Hand-out
We returned from the break to Mr. Richard Clarkson of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) discussing "Part 360 Revisions and Solid Waste Regulations". Mr. Clarkson's presentation discussed the definition of friable asbestos; when fill must be tested to be reused; what fill must be tested for to be reused; waste transporter registration; and waste reporting & recordkeeping. Our next speaker was Mr. Adam Schrader, of Ecospect, discussing "Healthy Basement, Healthy Home". Mr. Schrader's presentation discussed the multitude of contaminants that exists in the home and the workplace and wicking/capillary action a source of moisture for floors & walls. After Mr. Schrader's presentation, we broke for a fantastic lunch and more networking opportunities.
Ms. Sheryl Esposito at the FEDTC Booth in Vendor/Exhibit Hall
Adam Andrews Discussing ACAC's Council-certified Indoor Environmental Supervisor
That ended day two of the conference. After the last presentation, we went to the Vendor's Reception in the Exhibit Hall. Continued networking in the exhibit hall, spent time with Dr. David Dulford, of CanAm Environmental Safety, Dival Safety Equipment Suppliers; Grayling Industries; Frederico Demolition; Aramsco; Duke Company; and our good friend and no longer competitor Mr. Steve Winograd, of EMSL. We also had a great time at Dival's after party! Day two's presentations provided valuable information that will plan on using in the various courses we offer at Future Environment Designs. Stay tuned for Day Three as the storm hit Turning Stone that night.
This year was the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 22nd Annual Environmental Conference. This year's conference was overshadowed by Winter Storm Riley which turned into a Nor'easter and hit Turning Stone Casino between Thursday night & Friday Morning, March 1-2, 2018 with about 7 inches of snow. Which put a dampener on attendance with only a few Long Islanders making the conference this year. However, the Vendor Display/Exhibit Hall seemed to have the usual amount of vendors, maybe we even had more than the usual. This year's schedule was a little different from past years in that presenters were given a little more time for their presentations and more time was given between presentations to spend in the Vendor Display/Exhibit Hall. As usual the PACNY Board did an excellent job of putting everything together, which special accolades to Ms. Deborah Sanscrainte of Aramsco, the conference chairperson and Ms. Lisa Brown of Summit Environmental, Administrator.
Mr. Meacham discussing the Enforcement Process
The first day, known as Proficiency Workshop day consisted of two presentations the first was Mr. James Meacham, PE, program manager for New York State Department of Labor' (NYSDOL)'s Asbestos Control Bureau (ACB), discussing "Solving the Mysteries of the Asbestos Control Bureau". Mr. Meacham's presentation went through the process of an inspection, the issuance of a Notice of Violation (NOV), and then continued with the process of resolving the NOV. His presentation did an excellent job of bringing transparency to the enforcement process. A key point of Mr. Meacham's presentation, was the response from the contractor (violator) issued the NOV. Contractors have two opportunities to address a violation, onsite during the inspection and the second time, is when responding to the written violation. Onsite, if their is no dispute contractors should stop work, fix the discrepancy(ies) and document the actions in the logbook. If there is a discrepancy, contractors should work towards complying with what can be done, document your position on the deficiency, and document your corrective actions in the logbook. When a violator receives a violation, the contractor should review the project with their staff, gather the compliance documentation, and submit a response to the NOV. This is important part of the process and could go a long way in mitigating violations.
Mr. Meacham discussing the Violation Review Process
The second presenter was Mr. Kevin Hutton, of Cornerstone Training Institute, discussing "Complexities of NYSDOL, OSHA, and EPA". Mr. Hutton provided a handout called a "Guide to NYS CR56-11.1 In-Plant Operations", this guide provided basic information regarding how Industrial Code Rule 56 handles the requirements for in-plant operations and what Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1926.1101 work practices would apply under in-plant operations. In addition, Mr. Hutton's presentation, discussed NYSDOL Engineering Service Unit's addition of full-time project monitoring to many variance applications. The additions have included wording of what the responsibilities of the project monitor are for these variances (since Industrial Code Rule 56, itself, does not provide much information regarding that). Which brings up the question whether project monitors realize the scope of their responsibilities on such projects. We suspect not, since we've already seen some project monitors being issued violations for not following the variance requirements.
Mr. Hutton discussing full-time Project Monitoring added to Variances
That ended the first day of presentations, with later that evening the PACNY President's (Joseph Cantone, of Colden Corporation) reception was held, where many of us gathered and discussed concerns regarding the pending storm. Stay tuned for Part Two the Technical Sessions and the Vendor Reception!
Our waitress serving "The Gotham" at the TS Steakhouse
Here we are again! The Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 22nd Annual Environmental Conference is 13 days away. As usual, we are excited for the conference and looking forward to going to Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York to hear some presentations, gamble a bit, and enjoy some great networking. We are sponsoring the conference, again. So come visit Future Environment Design's (FEDTC) at booth 18! Ms. Sheryl Esposito will be womaning the booth! As we have done in the past, we will be tweeting the conference live at twitter.com/angelogarcia3 with the hastag #FEDTCPACNY on Twitter. There are some exciting presentations we look forward to hearing, this year!
Long Island is Usually Represented by Some Entertaining Characters!
Linda Reinstein, President & Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Global Ban Asbestos Network, presentation on Thursday, March 1, 2018, is the keynote speaker. She is inspiring and we are looking forward to hearing an update about the ban of asbestos under the current administration. Mr. James Meacham, of the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), presentation on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, "Solving the Mystery of the ACB" sounds intriguing. Considering all the problems we have experienced on Long Island (Clemente Park & Dix Hills) with the dumping of asbestos and other hazardous materials, Richard Clarkson, of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), presentation on Thursday, March 1, 2018, on "Part 360 Revisions and Solid Waste Regulations" should be very interesting! On the same day, Mr. Adam Andrews, of the American Council of Accredited Certifications (ACAC), presentation on "The Advantages of Certification for Indoor Air Quality" will give us a different perspective. Mr. Bob Krell of IAQ Technologies and Healthy Indoors Magazine, presentation "Avoiding Potential Pitfalls of Mold Investigations and Remediation Projects" will close out Thursday. Leading us into the cocktail reception in the exhibitor hall.
Cocktail Reception in the Exhibitor Hall
The final day of the conference typically starts with a presentation before NYSDOL's panel and round table discussion. This year, we are looking forward to hearing AAC's Peter DeLucia's presentation on "Managing the Many Facets of the Silica in the Construction Standard". It will be interesting to hear how a contractor is dealing with this new standard that went into effect in September 2017. The conference will close out with the Panel from the NYSDOL featuring Dr, Eileen Franco, Director; Mr. James Meacham, PE, Program Manager; Ed Smith, PE, Engineering Services Unit; & Mr. Kirk Fisher, Licensing & Certification Unit. They will be giving us an update on what they are doing and an opportunity to ask questions. If you wish to attend you can register for the conference at PACNY's website. We look forward to seeing you there. It always a good time!
