Environmental Experts Radio

Environmental Experts Radio has reached our 50th episode! In this milestone episode, which is also the third installment in our miniseries on PFAS compounds as emerging contaminants, host Dave Coyne welcomes Cathy Swanson, chemical engineer and Development Manager with Purolite in southern California.  Dave and Cathy discuss the challenges of isolating and capturing PFAS compounds once released to the environment, as well as the current state of technologies for the removal and destruction of PFAS through both conventional and advanced treatment methods.     

In this episode, we continue our discussion of PFAS compounds as an emerging contaminant and focus on answering questions related to the fate and transport of this class of chemicals.  We'll explore how the unique molecular properties of PFAS compounds can govern their behavior once released into the environment - including how they interact with our natural systems, and what mechanisms account for their near-ubiquitous transport across the globe. 

If you haven't yet heard of PFAS compounds, you probably should. This class of man-made compounds was created decades ago to serve an important role in materials science, but through their widespread use in industry and everyday consumer products, PFAS have been found in air, soil and water across the planet are estimated to be in the blood of 99% of humans.  In this episode, we'll look at the origins and chemical characteristics of this fascinating - and troubling - class of emerging contaminants.

Episode 47 is an introduction to Environmental Experts Radio's special-topic series on Emerging Contaminants.  In this multi-part special series, we'll focus on three classes of contaminants that have been increasingly drawing attention over the past several years: PFAS compounds, pharmaceutical residues, and microplastics.  We'll look at how they originated, how they behave once released to the environment, how they can affect human health, and the ways in which environmental scientists are learning to isolate and remove these materials to minimize their impact.

In the second part of our two-episode discussion with retired Pennsylvania DEP Geologist Manager Walter Payne, we explore Walter's personal perspectives on what it takes to be an effective environmental regulator, and what challenges lie ahead for public policymakers that aim to protect the environment while encouraging economic growth and innovation.

In this first of an engaging two-part episode, we welcome  Walter Payne, retired Geologist Manager with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  Walter shares his reflections, both professional and personal, on his years of work rebuilding communities through environmental cleanup programs. 

For the latest episode of Environmental Experts Radio, we're honored to be joined by Dr. Jennifer Wilcox, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management at the US Department of Energy.  Dr. Wilcox 'wrote the book' on Carbon Capture technologies and shares her insights on how the DOE plans to develop and promote industrial-source carbon capture systems over the next several years.        

In the second half of our two-part discussion with Brian Teles, PE of Gannett Fleming, we explore how massive engineering projects like bridges are approached and executed, and we also discuss the idea of resiliency - specifically, how we are building now for the technical and environmental challenges facing our communities over the next 100 years.

In this first of a two-part episode, we welcome Brian Teles, PE of Gannett Fleming to discuss the importance of resilient transportation structures.  Brian describes his early days as an engineer with Bethlehem Steel, and how these experiences forged his commitment to the sustainable, technologically-adaptable infrastructure which he's helping to create today.

In Episode 41 of Environmental Experts Radio, we take a breath and consider our air.  No, it's not a mediation session - it's a conversation with one of the nation's top air quality experts, Bill Jones of Blue Sky Modeling.    Bill shares his background, his approach to the very technical practice of air modeling, and his insights on what lies over the horizon for air quality regulations in the US as well as the international community.

We've reached the 40th episode of Environmental Experts Radio! For this landmark episode, Host Dave Coyne is joined by Joanne Rodriguez, one of Forbes Magazine's 'Next 1000' technology innovators for 2021. Joanne is the Founder of Mycocycle, a Chicago-based firm that is pioneering a promising toxic contaminant reduction technology that harnesses the surprisingly potent biochemical power of mushrooms.

In Episode 39 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne is joined by Jim Kurtz of RER Energy Group.  Jim shares how he built his international solar design and development company, and provides his perspectives on the future of solar and other renewable energy sources as more US businesses commit to sustainability goals.  

In the second of our two-part series on sustainable infrastructure, we continue our discussion about the future of environmental-minded civil design and development with PSPE 2021 Engineer Of The Year Len Bradley, P.E. of RGS Associates. 

Do we really understand what the term 'infrastructure' really means, and how we must plan and build for a more sustainable future?  In Part 1 of a two-part episode, we explore this topic with 2021 PSPE Engineer Of The Year Len Bradley, P.E. of RGS Associates.

In Episode 36 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne welcomes Dr. Silas Chamberlin of the York County Economic Alliance to share his background, his expertise, and his outlook on community building - and specifically, the importance of tying communities with their natural resources toward a stronger and more sustainable future.

In the second of a two-part episode series, EER Host Dave Coyne continues his discussion with Jared Dubrowsky, Vice President of the Environmental Practice at NFP.  Jared and Dave examine the various ways that an insurance product can supplement a set of environmental investigation or cleanup data to help complete the risk mitigation needs of a development project or real estate transaction.

In the first of a two-part episode series, EER Host Dave Coyne sits down virtually with Jared Dubrowsky, Vice President of the Environmental Practice at NFP.  Jared and Dave discuss the idea of risk as it pertains to environmental conditions, and the growing role of insurance products to help reduce the those risks. Jared also describes his prior work as a private-sector consultant and with the New York City Department of Planning, and how those experiences shaped his approach to finding the best solutions for his clients.

The second half of an interview with Scot Case of the National Retail Federation, one of the nation's foremost experts on green retailing. Scot and Dave discuss the innovative ways that manufacturers and retailers strive to connect their products and their marketing campaigns with the sought-after values of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 

In this special two-part series, Host Dave Coyne welcomes Scot Case of the National Retail Federation, one of the nation's foremost experts on green retailing.  Scot and Dave discuss the innovative ways that manufacturers and retailers strive to connect their products, and their marketing campaigns, with the sought-after values of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

In the second episode of this two-part series, developer Alan Shuman of Shuman Development visits Dave Coyne in the EER Studio to discuss how he leverages funding sources through education and innovation to redevelop properties in one of America's great industrial towns.

In this two-part series, developer Alan Shuman visits Dave Coyne in the EER Studio to discuss how he is using informed environmental management, innovative funding strategies, and his passion for history to rebuild communities in one of America's great industrial towns.

Shannon Crooker of the Sustainable Energy Fund joins Host Dave Coyne for a discussion on how the goals of energy efficiency, diversity and sustainability are finally being made real for businesses by the Fund's innovative financing tools and support programs.  Shannon shares her background and passion for environmental stewardship, and describes the groundbreaking C-PACE funding program, which has opened up opportunities for businesses of all types across the US to promote energy sustainability in their operations – and save money at the same time.

In the second installment of a two-part series, Dave Coyne and his guest Scott Dismukes, Esq. continue their discussion on the current state and future of environmental law.  We explore the most relevant issues facing the environmental fields in the coming decade, including the state of natural gas development, environmental issues in the energy sector, greenhouse gases and sustainability concepts, and air toxics.   

In this first installment of a two-part series, Dave Coyne is joined by Scott Dismukes, Esq., co-chair of the Energy Group and member of the Environmental Group at the law firm of Eckert Seamans. Scott and Dave discuss the regulatory foundations supporting the field of environmental law, and Scott’s personal journey from professional cyclist to agency counsel to private-sector attorney.  Dave and Scott also share their perspectives on how the role of environmental consultants and attorneys has evolved over the past 30 years.

Host Dave Coyne gains a construction industry experts’ perspective on environmental management from Bill Sutton, Vice President at RS Mowery.  Dave and Bill discuss the ways in which leading site development and design-build firms like Mowery have integrated environmental data into their projects over the past decade.  We explore how this environmental information has evolved from an early-phase checklist item to a key component of a constructors’ practices, and an important component of their overall vision for smart development.  

On Episode 25 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne is joined by Chris Sunday of Utility Services Group, to discuss the ways in which unsuitable subsurface soil or geologic conditions are addressed using innovative and environmentally-friendly stabilization methods.  We explore problems ranging from common sinkhole-prone areas to more unique applications, and we learn from Chris how their advanced methods are being applied to support – pun intended! – a safer, more stable built environment.

Host Dave Coyne is joined by Teresa Amitrone, one of the most respected wetlands biologists in the Mid-Atlantic United States.  We discuss the importance of threatened and endangered species protection in modern-day environmental management, and the unlikely champion of the 1970s-era legislation which gave rise to these statutory protections. 

In this episode of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne and Board-Certified Environmental Engineer Jim Cinelli take an in-depth look at the issue of spill prevention.  They discuss the laws which govern how chemicals and petroleum are stored and managed on industrial properties, and the ways that engineers like Jim implement measures to ensure that the environment  - and accordingly, the well-being of our communities – are protected. 

Episode 22 of Environmental Experts Radio features a discussion between Host Dave Coyne and Liberty Principal Gavin Biebuyck, an nationally-recognized air quality expert. Gavin discusses the current state of air regulations in the US, the recent challenges to the Clean Air Act, and the Act’s evolving role in addressing the environmental challenges facing the US and the world in the next 10 years.

In Episode 21 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne is joined by Liberty Environmental Project Manager and resident ‘environmental historian’ Jon Wickstrom to discuss the tragic Donora Inversion of October 1948.  We explore how this incident – and others like it – led to the creation of the Clean Air Act and spurred the public’s growing awareness of clean air as a critically important resource.       

In Episode 20 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne has an in-depth discussion with Marc Karell of Climate Change & Environmental Services, LLC (www.ccesworld.com) about the role of energy efficiency as part of the growing need for environmental sustainability in businesses.   Topics include the economic and regulatory drivers of increased energy efficiency, Marc’s methods in performing energy audits for owners and operators of industrial and commercial facilities, and the multiple positive effects of improved energy efficiency.    

In Episode 19 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne sits down with Deb Heffner, an expert in the management of industrial real estate, for a discussion about how environmental professional services are meeting the needs of our real estate clients throughout its current ‘quantum leap’, driven by the new dominance of e-commerce and other factors.  

A look at how the integration of environmental planning and engineering design has become the "new normal" in land development. With a a focus on intermix of site cleanup in land planning and construction-phase permitting procedures, this episode will be particularly valuable for developers, civil engineers, landscape architects, land planners, and land development professionals working on redevelopment projects.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, spills from leaking underground storage tanks are the largest single threat to groundwater quality in the United States. In this episode guest Zach Weaver, Professional Geologist at Liberty Environmental, talks about the rules for operators of regulated storage tanks, particularly as it relates to temporary tank closure.

No US city has embraced the concept of environmental impact assessment, environmental cleanup, and redevelopment as proactively as New York, NY.  In this episode, we explore the Voluntary Cleanup and E-designation programs with guests Joes Almanzar, an environmental attorney with Beveridge & Diamond, and James Cinelli, PE, PG, Managing Principal of Liberty Environmental's NYC office. 

For Episode 15 of Environmental Experts Radio we’re joined by Ty Wheeler, a Liberty Compliance Specialist and former EH&S Manager for a major US battery manufacturer. Ty shares his perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of this unique position and gives some practical advice for his industry colleagues on how to effectively retain and work with an environmental consultant.

On Episode 14 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne and his guest Katie Cirone dive headlong - figuratively, not literally - into hazardous waste. As a Professional Engineer and consultant to industrial manufacturers across the US, Ms. Cirone provides us with a broad overview into the history and organization of RCRA, and offers her expert insights about how to effectively navigate what is often perceived as the industry’s most complex and confusing set of regulations.

In this episode of Environmental Experts Radio, we explore the successful and growing movement of state-supported Licensed Site Professional programs for environmental cleanup projects. Our guest Zach Weaver P.G., a Project Manager at Liberty Environmental Inc. and a Licensed Site Remediation Professional in New Jersey, offers his insights into the complexities and trends that are influencing this transformative way of providing professional environmental services to clients.

In this episode of Environmental Experts Radio, we explore the successful and growing movement of state-supported Licensed Site Professional programs for environmental cleanup projects. Our guest Zach Weaver P.G., a Project Manager at Liberty Environmental Inc. and a Licensed Site Remediation Professional in New Jersey, offers his insights into the complexities and trends that are influencing this transformative way of providing professional environmental services to clients.

In Episode 12 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne is joined by Jim Cinelli, P.E., BCEE to discuss the management of stormwater as an environmental resource. We discuss the ways that industrial facilities can lower the risk of pollutant runoff through permitting programs and monitoring. We also look at stormwater from the perspective of environmental engineering, and talk about the best stormwater management designs during - and after - land development activities.

In Episode 12 of Environmental Experts Radio, Host Dave Coyne is joined by Jim Cinelli, P.E., BCEE to discuss the management of stormwater as an environmental resource. We discuss the ways that industrial facilities can lower the risk of pollutant runoff through permitting programs and monitoring. We also look at stormwater from the perspective of environmental engineering, and talk about the best stormwater management designs during - and after - land development activities.

In the environmental industry, we like to deal in the known - but must occasionally face the unknown. In this episode of Environmental Experts Radio, Host David Coyne welcomes Dr. Karl Markiewicz of the ATSDR to discuss how a set of synthetic chemicals called PFAS has emerged as a pervasive contaminant that is creating unique new challenges to scientists and engineers. We discuss how experts are studying this new concern and are developing treatment solutions to protect both our environment and the public health.