LSPA Scholarship Fund Applications Due May 2, 2016 

March 25, 2016
The LSP Association (LSPA) Scholarship Fund is pleased to announce that it will be accepting applications for educational scholarships for the 2016 - 2017 academic year. The purpose of the scholarship program is to support continued education within environmental fields of study at colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts and New England. Application information is available here.

Happy New Year, and A Look Back at 2015 

With the support and participation of over 800 members, and generous corporate and event sponsors, the LSPA was able to accomplish a great deal in 2015. Some highlights include. 

LSPA Comments on MassDEP's Second Public Review Draft LNAPL Guidance 

The LSPA submitted comments on December 18, 2015 to MassDEP on its Second Public Review Draft of Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPL) and the MCP: Guidance for Site Assessment and Closure, Policy #WSC‐14‐450. Read our cover letter and comments. 

MassDEP Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup Updates 

The second public review draft of the Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) Guidance is posted under “Draft Policies & Guidance” here.  This document has been updated to reflect public comments received on the first (July 2014) draft.  BWSC will be holding a meeting on the revised draft on Thursday November 12, 2015 at 10:00 am at MassDEP’s Boston Office, One Winter Street 2nd floor conference rooms A & B.  Please submit any written comments on the second public hearing draft by Friday December 18, 2015 to [email protected]

LSPA 22nd Annual Dinner Meeting Held 

The LSPA held its 22nd annual dinner meeting on October 8, 2015, at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center in Lowell, MA.  Over 280 guests were in attendance to schmooze, nosh, bid on an appealing array of silent auction items, applaud their colleagues receiving awards, and listen to guest speaker Stephen Puleo, historian and author of Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. 

LSPA Files Amicus Brief with MA Supreme Judicial Court  

On September 30, 2015, the LSPA filed an Amicus Curiae (“Friend of the Court”) brief with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in the case of Peterborough Oil Company, LLC v. Department of Environmental Protection.  The case is on appeal from Worcester County Superior Court.   

MassDEP Finalizes Policy on the Re-Use of Soil for Large Reclamation Projects

MassDEP’s Interim Policy on the Re-Use of Soil for Large Reclamation Projects (#COMM-15-01) is final and may be found here.   

LSPA Comments on MassDEP's Draft Interim Policy on Reclamation Soils 

The LSPA submitted comments to MassDEP on its Draft Interim Policy on Reclamation Soil. Read our letter.  

LSPA Board of Directors Elected 

The LSPA membership has elected Susan O'Brien, LSP of Amec Foster Wheeler, for a first term on the LSPA Board.  Two current Board members were re-elected for second terms:  Mike Billa, LSP of Tetra Tech, and Mike Penzo, LSP, Consulting Hydrogeologist.  They were each elected for three year terms and will take office on July 1, 2015.  

MassDEP Publishes Draft Interim Policy on Reclamation Soils

MassDEP has prepared a DRAFT Interim Policy on the Re-Use of Soil for Large Reclamation Projects; the draft policy is now available on MassDEP’s Reclamation Soil blog (https://reclamationsoil.wordpress.com/).  Comments are due to MassDEP by June 17, 2015.  
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Massachusetts Geological Society is Formed

The LSPA has learned about the recent formation of the Massachusetts Geological Society. http://MassGeoSociety.org

Governor Baker Issues Executive Order to Reduce Unnecessary Regulatory Burden

On March 31, 2015, Governor Baker issued Executive Order No. 562 requiring all state agencies to review regulations based on a variety of criteria found in the document.  Read some reactions here. 

What a difference a few weeks can make.   As we write, the sun is shining and the once looming snow banks are quickly turning to puddles.  Just a few weeks ago it was a much different picture.  

Scholarship Fund is Now Accepting Applications for Educational Scholarships

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Call for Golfers: May 26, 2015 LSPA Scholarship Fund 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

Sign up here to become a sponsor and to play.

LSPA Seeks Comments from Members on MassDEP's Draft Vapor Intrusion Guidance

MassDEP's draft guidance document on vapor intrusion has been published here. 

LSPA Submits Comments to MassDEP on Public Review Draft, Vapor Intrusion Guidance 

The LSPA sent a cover letter and matrix of comments to MassDEP on its October 2014 Public Review Draft of Vapor Intrusion Guidance, Policy #WSC-14-435.

LSPA Submits Comments to MassDEP on Public Review Draft, Vapor Intrusion Guidance 

The LSPA sent a cover letter and matrix of comments to MassDEP on its October 2014 Public Review Draft of Vapor Intrusion Guidance, Policy #WSC-14-435.

Overview of 2014 MCP 2014 Regulatory Changes: Characterizing and Closing Out NAPL Sites 

The LSPA has prepared an overview as part of a series of topic discussions and resourc  MCP 2014 Regulatory Changes es pertaining to the 2014 MCP changes; this first in the series provides a discussion of key aspects of  the investigation and closure of NAPL sites. Read more.

MassDEP Publishes Guidance on Best Management Practices ("BMPs") for Non-Commercial Gardening at Disposal Sites, WSC # 14-910.

December 2014