Course Descriptions
|
|
| Sort by Flag | | | Sort by Title | | | Show all details | | | Hide all details |
![]() |
10-Hour OSHA Construction Standard Class
10-Hour OSHA Construction Standard Class: This 2-hour Internet seminar and 8-hour in-classroom course focuses on the most common safety and health hazards that may exist at construction sites. This awareness-level course is not specifically focused on EPA site and response work but rather on construction; still, the course is relevant to EPA site work. Additionally, this course also meets one of the specific requirements to be qualified as an EPA Incident Command System (ICS) Safety Officer. Participants will learn the following:
Participants who complete both the Internet seminar and all the classroom modules will receive an OSHA 10-hour Construction Standard class card sent to them after the training conference. Course Prerequisite: Participants must take the 2-hour Internet seminar before attending the class at OSC Readiness Training. Participants registered for the course will be contacted by e-mail with the dates and times of the 2-hour Internet seminar. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Access and Other Legal Issues - Protecting EPA's Interests and Avoiding Personal Liability
Access and Other Legal Issues – Protecting EPA’s Interests and Avoiding Personal Liability is a half-day comprehensive training course designed to instruct OSCs on entry to private property to implement the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation Liability Act (CERCLA) response actions. Issues to be covered include sources and limitations on entry authority under the U.S. Constitution (due process, takings, and free speech), CERCLA, and the NCP; preparing to seek consent to enter from property owners; tools used to document consent; and the consequences of failing to enter property properly. An OSC’s failure to address the legal issues surrounding entry to private property may lead to significant adverse consequences for the government and, in certain instances, the OSC. These consequences may include the loss of opportunities for cost recovery, claims against the government, and personal lawsuits against the OSC. The information presented in this course will instruct OSCs on the proper procedures for obtaining access under a wide range of circumstances, and how to prepare for the possibility should the OSC be sued as a result of entry and what to expect from the lawsuit. By taking the course, participants will:
The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture, case studies, and group exercises. The target audience for this course is OSCs with all levels of experience, including both new and senior OSCs. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
Accessing and Using the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
Accessing and Using the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF), this newly expanded 8-hour course, will provide an OSC with a “soup-to-nuts” instruction on how to access and use the OSLTF in responding to oil spills and conducting oil spill removal actions. This course will guide the OSC through a decision-making process by providing instruction on the practical aspects of accessing and using the OSLTF. The course will provide a better understanding of the broader funding aspects under the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) within EPA and the relationship to the National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC) by highlighting some of the legal and policy considerations that factor into decisions made by OSCs. Course concepts will be illustrated through various scenarios and case studies. Highlights will include:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Advanced Hazard Identification and Categorization
Advanced Hazard Identification and Categorization, an 8-hour advanced course, focuses on specific techniques that OSCs can use when they respond to incidents that involve abandoned containers or other materials of unknown composition. Course participants achieve the following objectives:
The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture, case studies, and hands-on group exercises. Course Prerequisite: Participants are expected to be proficient at field chemical identification techniques before they enroll in this course. Participation is not recommended for individuals with chemical sensitivities because numerous materials are tested in this course. |
Alert: Course full | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Asbestos Site Assessment Training
Asbestos Site Assessment Training, a 3.5-hour intermediate course, focuses on EPA’s ongoing efforts to assess vermiculite sites that are potentially contaminated with asbestos-contaminated ore from Libby, Montana. The course introduces a framework for generally assessing asbestos at Superfund sites and provides an overview of the technical and regulatory issues that OSCs must know when assessing exposure at asbestos sites. By taking the course, participants achieve the following objectives:
The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture and case studies. The anticipated break out is: 1 hour for the asbestos framework PowerPoint presentation and approximately 2.5 hours of case studies to include significant discussion periods. The target audience for this course is any OSC who may be called on to evaluate asbestos and vermiculite sites. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Basic Oil Spills Course
Basic Oil Spills, an 8-hour basic course, introduces oil spill collection and recovery techniques to OSCs, state responders, and local response organizations. By taking this course, the responders gain the basic knowledge of how to respond to an oil spill in a surface or subsurface environment. After the course has been completed, participants will have knowledge of:
The course includes a mix of PowerPoint presentations, case histories, and tabletop exercises. The target audience for the course is responders who will be involved in the operational aspects of an oil spill. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Be Prepared: Know What to Say and How to Say It
Be Prepared: Know What to Say and How to Say It, an 8-hour course, is a media and spokesperson training workshop for EPA OSCs. What you say and how you say it are critical to getting information out to the news media, community groups, the public, and other organizations. The course is designed to give participants the confidence they need to explain their work and talk about tough issues. Participants learn the following:
This highly interactive course features customized scenarios relevant to each participant’s programs or projects; one-on-one videotaped sessions with professional interviewers; a group training exercise; and case studies that demonstrate how to succeed during interviews. Each participant receives a media and spokesperson training manual at the conclusion of the course. Each course is limited to 12 participants who must commit to attend the workshop at the 2009 OSC Readiness Training; therefore, EPA OSCs receive priority during the registration process. Participants need to forward information about their jobs and projects to the trainer three weeks before the workshop. (A reminder e-mail will be sent to each registered participant). |
Alert: Course full | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Case Studies Part I
Case Studies Part One describes sites where OSCs have worked. Presentations are fast-paced and incorporate audience interaction. This course is of great value to new OSCs and those with substantial experience. For 2010, this session features the following case studies:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Case Studies Part II
Case Studies Part Two describes sites where OSCs have worked. Presentations are fast-paced and incorporate audience interaction. This course is of great value to new OSCs and those with substantial experience. For 2010, this session features the following case studies:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Characterization and Remediation of Chlorinated Solvents Sites
Characterization and Cleanup of Chlorinated Solvent Sites, a half-day course, provides OSCs with an overview of the latest investigation and cleanup tools from experienced OSCs who have successfully implemented them in the field. The properties and recalcitrant nature of chlorinated solvent sites (contaminated by chlorinated volatile organic compounds [CVOCs]) often results in widespread contamination that can be difficult to find and remediate. We often hear questions such as: “I spent a million dollars on my investigation and found nothing;” “Why has ‘pump and treat’ failed to be a successful and timely treatment method?;” “Why didn’t my in situ chemical oxidation program work?;” and “Can I use in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) in the unsaturated zone?” The first part of the course reviews site characterization methods that help to identify the source and migration pathways quickly and inexpensively. Strategies for using soil gas and ground water monitoring, soil sampling, and geophysical methods, such as ground-penetrating radar, seismic refraction, and other innovative geophysical tools and methods are presented for locating all of the source areas and developing a site conceptual model that provides the best chance to successfully clean up a site. The second part of the course reviews recent advances in cleanup technologies that provide more options for OSCs. Technologies such as excavation, soil vapor extraction, ISCO, bioremediation, and zero valence iron have all been used successfully at CVOC sites. We will present case studies from around the country, including Fisherville Mills, Massachusetts; Lawrence Aviation, New York; Billings, Minnesota; and Vestal, New York, that walk through practical real-world examples and the strategies that made them successful. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Data Management: The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly
Data Management: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, an 8-hour course for all levels, focuses on how information management can augment and enhance —or hinder or downright obstruct site-level response and removal activities. This course presents not only key data management concepts, tools, and procedures, but also provides case studies and examples to illustrate real-world successes and struggles with information management. By taking the course, participants will be able to:
The course includes lecture and group exercises. The target audience is OSCs at all levels of experience, since much of this software is new or improved. All course participants receive a “tech toy” after they fulfill the course requirements. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Debris Management Issues During a Natural Disaster
Debris Management during a Natural Disaster, a half-day course, provides information and lessons learned from natural disasters. Topics that will be included::
There is no requirement for experience level for this course; OSCs with any level of experience are encouraged to attend. The course methodology includes a combination of lecture and case studies. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Detection, Evaluation, and Suppression of Waste Fires in Landfills
Detection, Evaluation, and Suppression of Waste Fires in Landfills, a half-day course, presents emergency response considerations involved in assessment, monitoring, and mitigating surface and underground fires at waste facilities. Tactics and lessons learned from numerous waste fire responses at scrap tire, construction and demolition, and automotive recycling facilities are provided. By taking this course, the participants will understand the following:
This course is discussion-oriented, with a combination of lecture and case studies. The target audience proposed for this course includes OSCs who may need to respond to waste fires at landfills or recycling facilities. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Effective Community Involvement: It's Easier than You Think!
Effective Community Involvement: It’s Easier than You Think! ...EPA tests for dangerous vapor inside homes...Mercury spill contaminates school and kids...EPA tests buried drums near local playground...Excavation begins in residential yards... Any of these headlines sound familiar? When you are on site and news reporters and the public are demanding answers, what will you tell them? How will you say it? What information will you share? Whether you are a seasoned OSC or just learning the ropes, one of the most important parts of your job is communicating your work to the press and public in a way they can understand. It is possible to engage community successfully so that your project goes more smoothly! Perception is reality….so let’s change the perception. This dynamic and interactive workshop focuses on explaining why the public becomes upset when you are “just trying to do your job.” Participants learn to talk with reporters during a mock press conference and learn to manage “difficult” public meeting situations. Using principles of risk communication, community involvement tools and techniques, and good planning, an OSC will be ready to engage the public fearlessly! At the end of this workshop you will be able to:
Time allowing, there will be an “advice session” to share ideas and offer solutions to real life community involvement challenges. |
Alert: Course full | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Emerging Issues About Bio-Fuels Under EPA's Emergency Response Program
Emerging Issues about Biofuels under EPA’s Emergency Response Program, an 8-hour course, provides an overview of several issues OSCs may face when planning for and responding to biofuel incidents, particularly incidents that involve biodiesel or fuel ethanol blends. Congress recently enacted legislation mandating increased usage of transportation-related biofuels. These mandates, coupled with recent fluctuations in petroleum prices, have prompted a phenomenal growth in biofuel refining and distribution facilities. Growth in development of biofuels, and particularly biodiesel and ethanol, is raising a number of questions about biofuel spill prevention, preparedness, and response. The refining and distribution infrastructure used for biofuels has both similarities in and differences from those used for conventional petroleum fuels. Consequently, expansion of the biofuel sector requires new response capabilities. Although the attention has so far been focused primarily on some of the environmental benefits of expanding use of biofuels, there also needs to be greater clarity on how existing spill response capabilities apply to these fuels. This course summarizes how recent energy legislation is driving biofuel production and distribution. It also discusses the relationship between biofuels and conventional fuels, focusing specifically on the issues important to OSCs, such as emergency response strategies for biofuel incidents. An overview of two response guides that contain information specific to biofuel manufacturing facilities provide an overall understanding of the ethanol and biodiesel manufacturing processes, including the potential substances involved in biofuel manufacturing, response measures for these substances, and federal regulations that apply to these facilities. Finally, the course discusses case studies on real-world response situations that involve biofuel releases. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
EPA regions 8, 9, and 10 Regional Back Up Meeting
Abstract is not available. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
ESF-10 - From No Mission to Mission
Emergency Support Function (ESF) -10—From No Mission to Mission is a half-day course designed for OSCs who are not experienced in working under the Stafford Act process (and for those who still have questions about it). The Road to Mission Assignments is paved with good intentions, however, an “OSC cannot spend what an OSC does not have.” Never has this statement been truer than when addressing disasters, Stafford Act funding, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operations. By taking the course, participants gain insights into the following:
Through presentations and question and answer sessions, OSCs and other participants should gain additional knowledge to assist in their work during a disaster. EPA learned that OSCs who responded to hurricanes Katrina and Rita were better prepared to do perform job functions when they understood the basics of the funding process. In addition, the ESF-10 lead at the Joint Field Office will appreciate that an OSC is familiar with this process. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Federal Partners 101
Federal Partners 101, a half-day course, focuses on the special team assets that are available to an OSC under the National Response System. The presentation includes modifications the Special Teams made to address large-scale responses as a result of lessons learned during 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. An overview of the function of the National Response Team (NRT) and Regional Response Teams (RRT), including their involvement in area planning, are provided. By taking the course, participants achieve the following objectives:
The instructional methodology for this course includes lectures and case studies. The target audience for this course is OSCs with less than 5 years of experience. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
From the Site to the Courtroom: Preparing for Trial
Abstract is not available. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
Getting the Job Done: A Workshop on Acquisition and Emergency Response Contract Management
Getting the Job Done: a Workshop on Acquisition and Emergency Response Contract Management, a half-day intermediate-level course, focuses on procurement issues relevant to OSCs and others working in the emergency response community. By attending this course, participants learn the importance of contract management in emergency responses and removals. Topics covered are from the OSC Tool Box, and the instructors incorporate examples and scenarios to illustrate uses of these techniques. In addition, instructors engage participants in interactive discussion of new tools and resources used in EPA’s Regional offices. Warranted OSCs receive 4-hours of training toward the continuing contracting education requirements of the Clinger-Cohen Act (the Maloney Bill requirement). |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Greening Response Actions II
Greening Response Actions II, a half-day course, introduces OSCs to the key technical, policy, and application aspects of incorporating sustainable strategies into a response action. Since the first course was first offered in 2009, there have been significant developments in policy, know-how, and experiences that are synthesized in this course. The course provides the OSC with a better understanding of their role in defining and minimizing the environmental footprint at their projects. Participants in the course achieve the following objectives:
This course includes lecture and case studies that show real-world examples of OSCs using sustainable cleanup practices. The target audience for this course is all OSCs who would like to learn how to integrate green technologies and best management approaches into response actions. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
HazMat IQ
HazMat IQ, an 8-hour training course, teaches participants how to use the HazMat IQ system. The HazMat IQsystem was developed by a group of firefighting professionals with more than 50 years of experience in hazardous materials management. The instructors are the developers of the HazMat IQ system, and their presentation style is extremely engaging and lively. This course is recommended for response OSCs of all levels of experience—especially those who desire a unique field chemistry refresher and an in-depth review of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guide. HazMat IQis a response tool that incorporates a series of easy-to-understand job aids called “Smart Charts.” These charts enable responders to quickly assess risk and decide how best to mitigate an incident, based primarily on chemical names and associated chemical properties. This system coaches responders through the process that virtually eliminates information overload. HazMat IQ has the session on using the Four Step System. The system incorporates the following:
Course participants review the HazMat IQ system in conjunction with the periodic table and the NIOSH guide. Participants receive laminated copies of the “Smart Charts” for field use. Course size is limited; therefore, EPA OSCs receive priority during the registration process. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
How to Be Nice and Play Well With Others in the Contracts Environment
How to Be Nice and Play Well with Others in the Contracts Environment, a half-day course, is an analogical, role-playing course focused on contract and site management. During the course, participants play various roles on teams to fulfill individual and team goals. The roles correlate to those at a typical site, such as OSCs, the Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) members, the Emergency and Rapid Response Service (ERRS) response managers, and others. Although some good-natured competition among the teams is likely, the objective of the exercise is to reach the goal within the time frame of the course. The participants work through the process of gaining approval (the Action Memorandum), tasking the contractor, providing oversight and approving work, documenting costs, addressing applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARAR), and more — with all these steps assessed from the perspectives of different roles and goals. Participants in this course who are warranted OSCs and contracting officer’s technical representatives (COTR) will receive 4 hours of training toward the contract training requirements of the Clinger-Cohen Act (Maloney Bill). |
Alert: Course full | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Introduction to Alternative Countermeasures for Oil Spills
Introduction to Alternative Countermeasures (ACM) for Oil Spills, an 8-hour session, focuses on the new proposed National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) Subpart J regulations. Topics covered in the course include regional area planning, concentrating on Regional Response Team (RRT) efforts; bioremediation research; and updates on the NCP Subpart J rulemaking on in situ burning (ISB). In addition, an expanded discussion of EPA’s relationship with local, state, and tribal responders is included. Please come to the course prepared to participate in this discussion. OSCs play a vital role in planning and authorizing ACM use with RRT participation, and as responders to inland spills. RRT representatives may be called on to concur with ISB, chemical, and biological countermeasures for marine and inland spills more often. ISB, dispersants, surface washing agents (SWA), chemical sorbents, and other technologies have sparked controversy and confusion in all regions and areas. Many research efforts have helped resolve issues about toxicity, efficacy, and proper use of these tools; however, conflicts and questions still arise. Participants will learn the following:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Introduction to CERCLA 103, EPCRA, and CAA 112(r)
Introduction to CERCLA 103, EPCRA, and CAA 112(r), a half-day basic course, focuses on regulatory and legislative requirements related to emergency notification for hazardous chemical releases, community emergency planning, and chemical accident prevention. The course provides an overview in the requirements of section 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liabilities Act (CERCLA), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), and section 112(r) (the EPA Risk Management Program and Clean Air Act General Duty Clause) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). By taking the course, participants achieve the following objectives:
This course includes lecture and a class exercise. The target audiences for this course are OSCs who participate in enforcement of CERCLA section 103, EPCRA, or CAA section 112(r), and OSCs who may become involved in federal, regional, state, or local chemical emergency prevention, planning, or response activities. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Knowing and Using the National Contingency Plan
Knowing and Using the National Contingency Plan, a half-day course, designed to help OSCs understand their authorities under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) during removal actions, and especially during emergency response actions. This course informs OSCs on how to conduct themselves within state and local incident command structures. The course focuses on legal duties and responsibilities of OSCs through presentations, question and answers, discussions, and case studies. Topics include the National Response System (NRS), operational implementation of the NCP, and legal questions related to directions provided by OSCs during a response action. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
Knowing and Working Within the REOC
Knowing and Working within the REOC, a “just revised” half-day course, focuses on how and when members of the Response Support Corps (RSC) provide support outside of the “hot zone” during a Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC) activation. The target audience for this course is RSCs. OSCs with more than 1 year of experience are not well suited to this course. After taking this course, participants will be able to:
The instructional methodology for this course engages the participants through classroom exercises, discussions, and demonstrations. Course Prerequisite: There is a 2-hour REOC Internet Seminar pre-requisite for this course. The pre-requisite can be accessed during the live delivery of the material on December 2, 2009, or downloaded as an archive presentation after December 2, 2009 (go to www.clu-in.org to register for the live (original) delivery or to download the archived presentation). This pre-requisite REOC Internet Seminar provides basic information necessary to fully understand and participate in this Knowing and Working within the REOC course. E-mail reminders to participate in the REOC Internet Seminar will be sent to everyone who registers for Knowing and Working within the REOC. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Leadership: Attitude, Function, and Style (Leadership Development for OSCs)
Leadership: Attitude, Function, and Style (Leadership Development for OSCs, an 8-hour training course, helps participants discover how personal preferences and “habits of the mind” influence their leadership style. The course provides approaches to help participants effectively assess themselves as leaders and identify blind spots. It also examines how behavior changes under stress. The course combines fast-paced interactive discussions, small group activities, practical application exercises, and self-assessment tools (Meyers-Brigg Type Indicator [MBTI]) to clarify participant’s strengths and indicate areas for further professional development. The course also addresses the ways that personality (or psychological type) affects decision-making. A final exercise allows participants to consolidate their insights from the workshop by applying them to a case study based on real emergency response situation. After they take this course, participants will be able to:
Participants are required to complete two questionnaires approximately 3 weeks before the course. The questionnaires will be objectively and confidentially scored. The target audience for this course is all OSCs. The course is limited to 35 participants. |
Alert: Course full | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Mercury Response - With a Twist
Mercury Response – with a twist!, a half-day course, provides insight into addressing issues related to sites contaminated with mercury: regulations, response, monitoring, health concerns, toxicology, and cleanup. The course focuses primarily on complex residential contamination sites. Participants receive a detailed guidebook and checklist to assist them through all phases of a cleanup at a residential site contaminated with mercury, from initial notification through final restoration. In particular, OSCs for many of the residential mercury spills have in the past had to fumble their way through addressing “contaminated” pets. This year, a veterinarian presents information on how to address this issue. The course presents case studies from a local first responder’s perspective and also multi-media demonstrations that document the complexities of issues associated with mercury cleanups, and the difficulties OSCs have encountered and successes they have achieved. Additionally, the course offers guidance and examples of mercury outreach and education materials that have been prepared over the years to better educate responders, health professionals, and the public. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
NARFCOM and OSC Radio and Communications Equipment -- How to Operate
NARFCOM and OSC Radio and Communications Equipment -- How to Operate, ½-day course primarily for EPA OSCs and Response Support Corps (RSC) personnel, provides a brief overview of what the National Approach to Response Field Communications (NARFCOM) has accomplished to support field communications for responding OSCs. A majority of the course is spent using the equipment that has been purchased for the OSCs. Students will complete the following tasks:
These objectives will be accomplished by using four different outdoor scenario areas that will report back to a Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC) which will be represented by multiple Regional Mobile Command Posts. Instructors can arrange times to be available in the Tech Zone before the course on Friday to work with individuals from each region to assist with questions and acquire additional experience with the equipment. By attending this course, OSCs or RSC members will become capable or refresh their capabilities for using communications tools other than cell phones, be able to deploy and operate both equipment standards to all regions and National Asset equipment, which would be deployed during major responses. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
Navigating the ICP Using the IAP as a Roadmap
Navigating the Incident Command Post (ICP) Using the IAP as a Roadmap: Much of the Incident Management Team’s (IMT) time is spent planning and preparing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) for the next operational period. For some, planning is the primary function; others provide support to the planning process and to preparation of the plan. The success of the response is directly related to the quality and thoroughness of the Incident Action Plan (IAP). This guided tour takes participants through the various components that make up the IAP; discussing the significance of each and the primary unit responsible for its development. During the discussion, detours are taken to explore key working relationships and the collaboration that takes place between the IMT in support of Operations to facilitate the planning process and prepare a final IAP. Upon completion of this course, the participant will have:
The method of instruction includes lecture, presentations, and group exercises and activities. Participants experience and learn by doing group exercises that guide them through the process of developing an IAP. They may not, however, be allowed to function in the capacity of their routine IMT position. This course is directed toward Response Support Corps (RSC) members and OSCs with 1 year or less experience and for beginner- to intermediate-level OSCs. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Number Crunching for OSCs
Number Crunching for OSCs, a half-day introductory course, is targeted at OSCs who would like to apply practical math and analysis into site decision-making. The course demystifies and simplifies some useful analytical tools and thought processes using hands-on, individual problem-solving. The course is intended to be thought-provoking and challenge some old assumptions. Areas covered include:
The course employs individual participant exercises, lecture, and discussion. Exercises are drawn from real-life examples and case studies. The target audience for this course is for all OSCs of varying experience. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Oil Spill Response Drills and Exercises under the Facility Response Plan Regulation
Oil Spill Response Drills and Exercises under the Facility Response Plan (FRP) Regulation: The FRP regulation (40 CFR Part 112, Subpart D) applies to facilities that have the potential to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging oil to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines; facilities are required to prepare plans to respond to a worst-case discharge of oil. There currently are about 4,280 FRP plan holders nationwide, representing a wide range of facility types, including petroleum storage terminals, refineries, electric utility plants, manufacturing plants, and oil production facilities. FRP planholders must ensure that resources are available, either by contract or other means, to respond to a small, medium, and worst-case discharge of oil. They also must implement a program of facility response training and a drill and exercise program following the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) guidelines or an equivalent program. EPA verifies preparedness through government-initiated unannounced exercises (GIUE). This half-day course covers:
This course is targeted to OSCs who may lead GIUEs at FRP facilities or, more generally, are interested in evaluating and improving facility oil spill planning and preparedness. Although FRP rule requirements are briefly summarized, participants should be familiar with the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation at 40 CFR Part 112 before they enroll in this course. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Oilfield Removal Actions
Oilfield Removal Actions, a half-day course, is geared toward personnel of all levels of experience and emphasizes complex topics and issues relevant to senior OSCs. Participants learn about federal removal response activities at abandoned oil production facilities and by taking this course achieve the following objectives:
The course is taught by senior OSCs with a great deal of experience in oilfield removal actions. The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture and case studies. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
Operations for the Non-Ops
Operations for the Non-Ops, a half-day course, developed specifically for Response Support Corps (RSC) members whose primary function during a response is in Incident Command positions other than the Operations Section. By taking the course, participants achieve the following objectives:
This course includes lecture, case studies, group activities, and demonstrations. The target audience for this course is RSC members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Radiological Dose Assessment and Risk Assessment
Radiological Dose Assessment and Risk Assessment is a half-day advanced radiation training course for OSCs who want to know more about the way radiation dose and risk assessments are conducted at EPA. Radiation dose assessment and radiation risk assessment are fundamental to the establishment of final cleanup values at radiologically contaminated sites. OSCs desiring a better understanding of the radiation dose and risk assessment process and the differences between radiation risk assessment and chemical risk assessment will benefit from this course. By taking the course, participants will achieve the following objectives:
The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture, class discussions, and group exercises. The course will include a very brief review of fundamental radiation terminology and concepts relevant to radiation dose and risk assessment. Prerequisite: Basic radiation safety training. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
RCRA for OSCs
RCRA for OSCs, a half-day course, explains the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements that apply or are relevant and appropriate to most cleanups under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The course focuses on specific technical and regulatory issues that OSCs address in treating, transporting, and disposing of waste. The workshop is designed for participants with a limited understanding of RCRA, and for OSCs with a good knowledge of RCRA who want a refresher course or additional instruction in specific RCRA topics. By attending the workshop, participants will achieve the following objectives:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Readiness Training Board Hot Wash (RTB members only)
Abstract is not available. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
Resource Ordering and Tracking Process in an ICS Structure
Resource Ordering and Tracking Process in an ICS Structure, a half-day course, provides information on new EPA processes and flowcharts that all Incident Management Team (IMT) members use to order resources. It also covers the tracking process. By taking the course, participants achieve the following objectives:
The course includes lecture, case studies, and individual and group exercises. The target audience for this course is OSCs and Response Support Corps (RSC) members who have been assigned to a regional IMT in any position. It is applicable to those assigned to Logistics, Finance, and Resources. Participants in this course who are warranted OSCs and contracting officer’s technical representatives (COTR) will receive 4 hours of training toward the contract training requirements of the Clinger-Cohen Act (Maloney Bill). Course Prerequisite: Incident Command Systems (ICS) 100, 200, and 300 are required pre-requisites for this course. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Response Contracts Basics
Response Contracts Basics Workshop is a half-day course intended for members of the Response Support Corps (RSC) and new OSCs who may be mobilized to support the response to a major incident but have not yet received other contracts training. The objective of the course is to provide participants with basic information about various response contracts. The course covers the following topics:
After participants have completed this course, they can interact more effectively with EPA’s response contractors when mobilized to a major incident. This course is recommended for RSC staff. OSCs with more than 1 year of experience or with less than 1 year of experience and who have taken other contracts training, such as the CERCLA Education Center’s OSC Warrant Authority, should not take this course. Participants in this course who are warranted OSCs and contracting officer’s technical representatives (COTR) will receive 4 hours of training toward the contract training requirements of the Clinger-Cohen Act (Maloney Bill). |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
RSC Case Studies
RSC Case Studies is a half-day course designed for Response Support Corps (RSC) members. RSC members serve as course instructors and discuss their own regional and national emergency response and exercise event deployments in a case study type format. The course engages the audience in discussions of the presented case studies. Case study presentations include:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
RSC Coordinator Meeting
Abstract is not available. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Simple Ways to Better Presentations - It's Not that Hard!
Simple Ways to Better Presentations — It’s Not that Hard!, a half-day course, teaches participants how to make better presentations to the public, their peers, or management. This course is designed for OSCs, Response Support Corps (RSC) members, or others who speak on emergency responses, removal site updates, regulatory improvements, and other important topics, in front of varying audiences. Objectives for the course include:
During the course, participants learn seven steps to better presentations, including:
The course includes lecture, case studies, and group exercises. After making over 500 presentations and sitting through a few hundred, it is clear that anyone expected to make a presentation can always use a few pointers on how to make their presentations better. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Systematic Method for Identifying Gases
Systematic Method for Identifying Gases, a half-day, teaches a methodology for identifying unknown gases. The course provides information about common equipment used on a hazardous materials response, including photoionization detectors (PID), flame ionization detectors (FID), oxygen (O2) meters, and colormetric tubes. Using the right equipment and a logical decision tree, responders should be able to determine the gas or the category of gas. EPA often receives reports about a smell at a mall or office building that is making people sick. Other situations might involve abandoned cylinders on the side of a road. It is all too common for a Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) contractor or EPA OSC to use Draeger tubes without a systematic approach and never identify the gas. A better, systematic method begins broadly and eliminates categories of gases, then attempts to define the class and eventually the gas itself. Participants using the approach taught in this course can reduce time, eliminate unneeded tests, and improve their chances of identifying the gas. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Tailored and Streamlined... the 2009 SPCC Rule Amendments
Tailored and Streamlined … the 2009 SPCC Rule Amendments is a half-day course geared to personnel involved in Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule inspections or who provide outreach related to the SPCC rule. The SPCC rule (Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 112) has been a controversial regulation, the focus of significant public comment, and the subject of extensions to the compliance date and several regulatory amendments. In 2008, EPA published revisions to the SPCC rule and then delayed the effective date to open it up for public comment (following guidance from the White House). EPA plans to publish a final rule in November 2009 that addresses the comments submitted and that ultimately may result in changes to the 2008 final rule. These SPCC rule amendments are designed to increase clarity, tailor requirements to particular industry sectors, and streamline certain other requirements. The regulatory changes will alter both the type and content of SPCC plans and what OSCs will see in the field during SPCC inspections. By taking this course, participants will achieve the following objectives:
The course is taught by technical staff from EPA’s Office of Emergency Management who drafted the final rule. The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture and case scenarios for group analysis. The target audience for this course is OSCs, SPCC inspectors, and other staff who need to understand the 2009 SPCC rule amendments and how they relate to implementation. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Toxicology for OSCs: Getting More Into the Weeds
Toxicology for OSCs: Getting More into the Weeds: This course was developed 3 years ago as “Toxicology for OSCs: When You Want to Know More Than ‘Just Give Me a Number!’” It was prepared recognizing that few, if any, courses offered at OSC Readiness had addressed chemical health criteria, screening and action levels, and similar health-focused issues as stand-alone topics—yet many OSC removal action decisions routinely rely heavily on the expertise of toxicological support personnel for evaluating the health threat factors found in Section 300.415 of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The course is recommended for OSCs and others who want to learn how toxicologists and risk assessors evaluate site sampling data and toxicological data in an effort to support your need to make risk management decisions. Through case studies and additional materials presented by an EPA OSC or representatives from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the course is instructed in a practical manner, with emphasis on real-life situations and interactions to support discussions on toxicological principles and health criteria development. We hope to have at least one EPA regional risk assessor or toxicologist present to add to the discussion. For the final year of this course, based on past audience comments, toxicological principles relevant to action level or cleanup level development are discussed in greater depth (the new course title, emphasizing “getting into the weeds”). The course covers the following topics:
Note: Participants should be aware that there are regional differences in how OSCs coordinate with ATSDR and EPA toxicologists and how these two groups interact. This course primarily focus es on approaches in EPA regions 3 and 5. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Vapor Intrusion Site Issues
Vapor Intrusion Issues and Sites, a half-day course, teaches techniques for addressing sites that have vapor intrusion issues originating from contaminated ground water or soils. The migration and accumulation of chemical vapors in an indoor environment may pose a significant risk to human health. The course will include the following topics:
The course includes lectures, case studies, and question and answer sessions. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
You Mean There is More than Superfund ... ? Basics of Environmental Statutes
You Mean There is More than Superfund…? Basics of Environmental Statutes, a half-day course, provides a basic history and describes the major provisions of EPA statutes, such as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Students learn how statutes and regulations are developed. The course provides an overview of U.S. environmental regulations that have been created to control, manage, or modify our activities and the effects of these regulations on the health of human beings and the natural environment. Additionally, the course covers the history of environmental laws, the origins of EPA, and the history of the removal program. This course is of great value to all OSCs who need to understand how environmental statutes, regulations, and policies are formulated and implemented. |




