2024 flew by while the LSPA advocated for the waste site cleanup practice and supported practitioners throughout the Commonwealth. We are always eager to review and assess our annual accomplishments and this year is no different. We can’t say “thank you” enough to LSPA members, committees, workgroup leaders, and committee chairs who make this association successful. We also applaud our annual and event sponsors who underwrite our work; we appreciate your confidence in our ability to carry out our mission. Below are some 2024 highlights.  

Advocacy on Issues Affecting Our Practice

• Commented on MassDEP BWSC’s hefty Risk Characterization Guidance, Chapters 1-5, Public Review Draftand Risk Characterization Guidance, Chapters 6-10, Public Review Draft. 
• Provided comments to MassDEP BWSC on Interim Guidance on Implementing Activity and Use Limitations 
• Advocated with MassDEP for revisions to the 2024 MCP Amendments Q&A document on the topics of Coal Tar Waste Deposits and Sampling and EPCs.  
• Alerted the MassDEP Commissioner and the Commissioner of the Division of Insurance that some insurance carriers are adding PFAS exclusions to their professional liability policies.  
• Awarded a WES Professional Practice Grant to Haley & Adrich to compile and analyze air monitoring data from asbestos-in-soil sites. The findings were discussed in light of how they may help advance clean up strategies, policies, and disposal guidance. 
• Advocated for the LSPA bill,S.2737, An Act relative to the remediation of home heating oil releases, that would mandate insurance for home heating oil spills. Even with passage by the Senate for the second session in a row, the House Committee on Ways & Means did not pass the bill.  
• Stopped several legislative bills we opposed, including S.470, An Act to improve notice requirements of hazardous waste release; read the LSPA’s letter here. 
• OpposedS.511, An Act relative to liability for release of hazardous materials; read the LSPA’s letter here.

Courses, Meetings, and Other Events

• Collaborated with MassDEP to offer BWSC training on the new MCP in three different ways: in-person, live webinar, and on-demand. Over 500 “seats” were filled.
• Held our 2nd annual Environmental Symposium for nearly 200 people.
• Held our 1st annual Fall Party
• Offered many new On-Demand Courses, resulting in 7.5 DEP Regulatory credits. 
• Coordinated a presentation by the LSP Board of Registration to LSPA membership; this informative presentation was the first in over 8 years.  
• Supported and encouraged newer professionals through Emerging Professionals Committee activities including an LSP application/exam panel, MCP Guidance to Go sessions, a laboratory tour, MCP Trivia Night, and other educational and social activities.
• Honored Liz Callahan, who retired as Acting Assistant Commissioner of MassDEP BWSC, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.  
• Participated in several activities hosted by environmental organizations working with environmental justice communities, as part of our 30for30 Grant Program.

Communication and Other LSPA Member Services

• Provided information to practitioners on the new MCP Amendments includingSampling and Exposure Point Concentrations, and Miscellaneous Topics. 
• Conducted a member survey on topics including Typical Salaries/Benefits; and Reducing Impediments to LSP Licensure. We will share key findings in early 2025. 
• Welcomed seven new LSPs, and provided Ten LSP Application Exam Tips. 
• Convened a Risk Assessment Subcommittee of the Regulations Committee to discuss MassDEP guidance and regulations, thorny practice issues, and new initiatives. 
• Surveyed membership on Artificial Intelligence (AI). We were interested to learn to what level our members are involved with AI. Read the results here.
• Amplified our LinkedIn activities; we have nearly 1,000 followers. Please follow us!