Analyzed Regional Compliance with Regional Mercury NPDES Permit Metric

Developed a methodology to access POTW compliance with a regional permit that read that the permittees must satisfy two separate metrics

1.   The percent of amalgam-using dental practitioners that participate with their local mercury source control program should exceed 85% by March 1, 2013.

2.   The amount by which these source control programs reduce mercury discharges from dental offices is to be estimated (with a description of the estimation methodology).

Stephanie collaborated with Thomas Barron (now retired) to develop standard definitions for these metrics, facilitate discussions with the Regional Board, and conduct a set of two surveys to all Bay Area POTWs. Indeed we were able to conclude that the POTWs were in compliance with the permit requirements.

NPDES Permit Renewals

Over the years, during employment at Palo Alto and RMC, and as a sole proprietor, Stephanie developed professional relationships with Region 2 and Region 1 NPDES and Pollution Prevention staff. This has assisted in NPDES permit renewal discussions as well as discussions of pretreatment, source control, and pollution prevention alternatives.

• Working with RMC Water & Environment, Stephanie assisted with the SFPUC permit renewals for their Southeast facility and their Oceanside facility for the permits (for permits obtained in 2009). As part of this, Stephanie worked with SFPUC staff and consultant Fred Krieger to develop negotiating positions for specific pollutants.
• While at RMC, Stephanie led the ROWD Submittal and the NPDES permit renewal for the town of Windsor in Region 1.

 

Collection System Salinity Evaluation

For the City of Palo Alto, I reviewed the salinity in the upstream source water and calculated the sources of excess salinity for each of the partner jurisdictions. I used Sankey diagrams (such as the one below) to graphically represent the results. This work helped in the identification of compromised sewer lines in an area of brackish groundwater that is believed to be a major source of salinity introduction into the sewer system. The excess salinity can be a problem when the treated wastewater is used as irrigation water, because some plant species have known sensitivities to salinity.

 

 

Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Food Waste Disposal Alternatives

For the City of Palo Alto, I evaluated the CO2-equivalents for four food waste disposal alternatives:

1. Continued residential and commercial use of garbage disposals (garbage grinders)
2. Landfill (out of town)
3. Dry anaerobic digester (out of town)
4. Industrial compost (out of town)

 

 

 

 

Researcher and Author of Outreach Materials

Most recently, I was the primary researcher and author of “Ready for Demolition? For Safety’s Sake, Take out Hazardous Wastes First” thereby consolidating information about the proper identification and management of hazardous waste at a demolition site into a single brochure and website. Topics include asbestos, mercury, lead, old light ballasts, and chemically treated wood.  Client: City of Palo Alto and the BAPPG. Project schedule: Began in 2011 and completed in Summer 2013.

I have also developed the following documents for BAPPG:

• Copper Pipe Installation Brochure for building inspectors, contractors, and DIYers
• Dental Staff Training Brochure regarding proper amalgam disposal

 

 

Spokesperson for the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group

Serve as outreach spokesperson for the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group (BAPPG), conducting source control education for professional associations and training programs for hospice staff, dental assistants, plumbers, contractors, and building inspectors. I typically provide up to 16 presentations each fiscal year. In addition, I obtain state accreditations, when available Client: BAPPG. Project Schedule: 2008 through present.

 

 

Trainer for Agency Staff

I am available to provide trainings for agency staff regarding specific pollution prevention messages. For instance, I have a workshop for understanding amalgam separators and how to best inspect dental offices which I have presented to the City of Hayward, City of San Mateo, and Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District. I have also met with building inspectors to discuss issues such as water quality issues related to building demolition and/or the issue of copper corrosion from plumbing. Just contact me to discuss your agency goals and objectives, and we can develop an interactive engaging training for your staff.

 

 

 

Sewer Science - a Hands On High School Lab

Based on teacher-identified need, Stephanie created “Sewer Science,” a hands-on high school lab modeling wastewater treatment. While at Palo Alto, Stephanie collaborated with San Jose State and Water Environment Foundation to expand program throughout Bay Area, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Washington DC and Chicago. The Sewer Science program has won awards from the California Water Environment Association, the Water Environment Federation, and the Association of Metropolitan Sewer Agencies. For more information, click here.