ACEC of VT 10th Annual Environmental Protection Technical Workshop

Thursday, November 13, 2025
11:00 AM — 4:00 PM (EST)

Vermont State University-Williston Campus, 201, Williston, VT, 05495

Welcome to the ACEC of VT 10th Annual Environmental Protection Technical Workshop

This event brings together professionals and experts in the field to discuss the latest developments and best practices in environmental protection. This year’s workshop features a series of presentations that will delve into case studies, innovative methodologies, and emerging challenges facing our industry today.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into soil and groundwater pre-characterization, PFAS emission source identification, and strategies for flood resilience, all tailored to address both local and regional concerns.

Our event will be held from 10 am to 4pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Vermont State University's Williston Campus. Attendees will receive 5 Continue Education credits.

Agenda:

10 am Presentation #1
11 am Presentation #2
12-12:30 pm Lunch/Networking
12:30-1:30 pm Presentation #3
1:30 -2:30 pm Presentation #4
2:30-2:45 pm Break (15 min)
2:45 -3:45 Presentation #5

Presentation #1: Act 181 - A New Framework for Vermont Land Use Review

Presenters: Janet Hurley- Board Chair, Land Use Review Board

Presentation Description: Act 181 of 2024 implements phased changes to Act 250's organizational structure and jurisdictional framework, including a location-based system of tiered jurisdiction. The reconstituted Land Use Review Board is tasked with rolling out these changes. This presentation will focus on the tier structure and what it will mean for existing permitted projects and future proposed projects within each of the tiers. It will also introduce the new road construction trigger and new forest block and habitat connector review criterion (Criterion 8C).

Presentation #2: Identifying and Evaluating PFAS Emission Sources to Air

Presenters: Stephen G. Zemba, PhD, PE, Sanborn Head & Associates

Presentation Description: This presentation will focus on the importance of air both as a transport medium for PFAS and an exposure source. Indoor air research suggests that people are exposed to PFAS in dust from wear of coated carpets and textiles, but volatile fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are found at higher concentrations. This presentation will dispel the myth that PFAS are not destroyed by combustion and emphasize the need for a framework to evaluate the significance of PFAS emission sources and a review of PFAS precursors.

Presentation #3: Hazard Map Updates, the Vermont Flood Safety Act, and Building for Flood Resilience with Shifting Baselines

Presenters: Rebecca Pfei?er, Kyle Medash, and Ned Swanberg, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, River Corridor and Floodplain Protection Program, CFM

Presentation Description: FEMA is currently updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps across Vermont and New England. Presenters will discuss the map studies, data collection, and current timelines of this work. Through the Vermont Flood Safety Act (2024 Act 121), VT ANR is beginning work to update the River Corridor Base Map in designated communities, and to draft River Corridor data for the Connecticut River. The Flood Safety Act will also shift responsibilities for River Corridor protection setting stronger minimum “no adverse impact” standards for municipalities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Presenters will discuss the development, and limits of best available data, as we work on projects to build thriving flood safe communities.

Presentation #4: Lead and Copper Rule Compliance: Practical Evaluation of Identification Methods

Presenter: Patrick Smart, PE, Aubrey Ferris Sta? Engineer, MSK Engineers

Presentation Description: By 2034, the USEPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require every public water system to identify all unknown service line materials. Since 2017, MSK has partnered with Vermont systems to tackle this challenge. Drawing on real-world data, this presentation compares the cost and accuracy of various methods (record reviews, basement inspections, water quality sampling, and test digs) o?ering practical insights to help systems use the most e?ective path toward compliance.

Presentation #5: Case studies in linear construction project soil and groundwater pre-characterization methodology and data management

Presenters: Zack Clark, Project Manager, VHB

Presentation Description: This presentation will focus on methods for soil and groundwater pre-characterization assessment and corresponding data management tools to summarize, visualize, and utilize the data. The presentation will consist of two parts, with the first being a brief overview of where and why pre-characterization should occur, and the second delving into sampling methodology, logistics, and data management, including recent case studies from Vermont and New York.