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Featured: One (1) Hour Campfire Discussion

Stormwater Management

Clearing up the Water and Questions Surrounding Chemical Treatments

Thursday, February 27, 2025

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ET

Location: E10A

CE: 1 PDH

Level of Presentation: Intermediate

Moderator(s)

Brian M. Free, CPESC, CPSWQ, QSD, CPAg
Director of Business Development
Applied Polymer Systems
Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Panelist(s)

Billur Kazaz, PhD, PE, CPESC (she/her/hers)
Senior Staff Engineer
Geosyntec Consultants
Kennesaw, Georgia, United States
KW

Kyla J. Wood, PhD
Chief Science Officer
Applied Polymer Systems, Inc.
Marquette, Michigan, United States
T Luke Owen, RPG MS4CECI MS4GIT
President, NPDES Stormwater Training Institute
and GeoLOGIC Environmental Solutions
Suwanee, Georgia, United States
Michael A. Perez, PhD, PE, CPESC
Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Auburn University
Auburn University, Alabama, United States
Eddie Snell, BS Environmental Science, CISEC
Technical Specialist/Training Manager
Applied Polymer Systems
Woodstock, Georgia, United States

Audience Participation: HighFlocculants are common practice across the US today. Due to the increase in use and demand there are many different suppliers of flocculant products, and many may vary drastically. Information surrounding requirements, regulations, selection, use and training can be very confusing to an untrained flocculant user or those who have not had experience with chemical treatments. Federal regulations surrounding flocculants are in place, however many state and regional regulations can vary widely, adding to the questions surrounding flocculant allowance, selection and use. This fireside chat will discuss common industry questions surrounding flocculant treatments and open the floor for the audience to ask questions and share in the discussions. The goal of this chat is to open a discussion that will clear up confusion and answer questions surrounding chemical treatments as well as collaborate to find solutions to those questions that cannot immediately be answered.

Full Abstract: Complete Proposal for Your Session: There are numerous flocculants and coagulants on the market today. Despite these commercially available flocculant options, most federal and state guidelines converge on the charge, type, quality, and criteria of chemicals that are allowed for use in erosion and sediment control and stormwater management. Federal and state requirements include using high quality materials that have a NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 certification, ensuring that chemicals are thoroughly tested per EPA’s chronic and acute toxicity guidelines by certified third party laboratories, and requiring site specific performance testing to ensure effective results and proper chemical selection. Training and education on selection, guidance, use and applications are found through manufacturers, universities, at conferences and from many state trainers. Despite significant and thorough guidance found in many state permits, manuals, and other guidance documents, as well as a multitude of training opportunities, questions and concerns still commonly arise.

Questions and concerns surrounding chemical treatments are not always universally discussed across the industry. State and regional regulations, guidance and use can vary greatly. This often leads to further questions and confusion when identifying, selecting and applying flocculants. Industry discussions and collaborations can help to better understand flocculant treatments, clear up the questions surrounding chemical applications, and gain confidence in our product selections so that we are protective of our environment. Common questions will be introduced and discussed during this fireside chat. Questions will include topics such as, but are not limited to, how to select safe and effective flocculants, differences between flocculants and coagulants on the market and how to be able to identify and understand their associated toxicities and safety margins. We will also discuss regulatory requirements for flocculant use, and what is needed to effectively meet these requirements such as sampling, toxicity testing, training and applications.

Join our panelists, and let’s open the floor for a flocculant discussion to educate ourselves so that as an industry we make decisions that have positive impacts on our environment. If we work together, we can equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge about flocculants that are needed to make educated decisions!
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will:
Clarify common questions and industry concerns surrounding chemical treatments.
Gain insightful knowledge in the selection of safe and effective chemical treatments.
Identify the benefits of collaborative discussions surrounding chemical treatments and how it can help to move our industry in a positive direction.