ACHMM National Conference "Going Green"

ACHMM Seeks "Going Green Initiative" Logos

Online EHMM Course to be Launched Soon

CHMMs Approved for BEAC^® Certification Exemption

RABQSA Offers Discounted Certification Fees to ACHMM Members

Save the Dates: ACHMM Webinars in May

Call for "ACHMM of the Month" Nominations

NACUBO Launches Online Campus Environmental Resource Center

Food Testing Trends

DOE Weighs Plan to Privatize Yucca

States, Green Groups Back Basics of Hill E-Waste Paper

ACHMM Internet Resources

Call for "ACHMM of the Month" Nominations

Each month ACHMM recognizes the hard work, extraordinary achievements and contributions of a member or chapter. You can submit an ACHMM of the Month nomination via e-mail today. Nominees must be an ACHMM certified or affiliate member or an ACHMM local chapter.

When submitting a nomination, be sure to include the name(s), contact information and a brief description (250 words or less) of the deserving member's or chapter's accomplishments or contributions. The ACHMM Awards Committee will select an honoree to be featured in The Manager each month.

Honorees will be notified in advance and asked to provide a photo. ACHMM of the Month honorees receive a special certificate of recognition.

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NACUBO Launches Online Campus Environmental Resource Center

The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) in collaboration with several higher education associations launched an online environmental information resource center—"CampusERC"—earlier this month.

The site, www.campuserc.org, is designed as a multifaceted library of resources for college and university environmental officers to keep current on the latest news and information on environmental issues, study best practices in environmental management, view case studies and better understand what institutions must do to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental regulations.

CampusERC was developed by NACUBO in partnership with the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA), APPA, and the Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence (C2E2). EPA provided funding for CampusERC and many of the resources on the comprehensive site.

CampusERC is the 16th Web-based, compliance assistance center supported by EPA. Other centers provide environmental compliance resources for industries including agriculture, chemical manufacturing, construction, health care, transportation and others.

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Researchers have developed new tools for food-safety testing. A product called Dynabeads from Invitrogen improves upon conventional ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing.

With Dynabeads, results are obtained in under 20 minutes, says spokeswoman Revelle Anderson. The process involves coating microscopic metal beads with pathogen antibodies and mixing the beads with a sample dyed to fluoresce; if bacteria is present, the Dynabeads will glow.

A company called Affymetrix has developed a device called the GeneChip that can test several substances on a single slide using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. The process separates the DNA strands found inside bacterial cells, and dyes the strands that are then mixed with the sample DNA; fluorescence will occur if there is bonding, indicating the presence of bacteria.

Researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory have developed a system that uses fiber-optic biosensors to detect food pathogens. Each pathogen fluoresces light at a particular wavelength and frequency. The technology is currently used in Research International's Raptor brand device, which can test for up to four microorganisms within 15 minutes.

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is reportedly weighing a plan to partly or fully privatize management of its troubled nuclear waste repository program.

Under the proposal, a non-government entity (NGE) would receive shipments of spent nuclear fuel from U.S. nuclear power plants. The NGE would send the spent nuclear fuel to a "recycler," who would return reprocessed fuel to nuclear power plants, with the waste returned to the NGE for disposal. The NGE would be tasked with building and operating waste repositories and would receive funding for the effort from utilities that collect money for the purpose from customers who use nuclear energy.

Edward Sproat, head of the DOE Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, says such an arrangement would help the government avoid the bureaucracy that has been delaying the Yucca Mountain project. It would provide "funding stability, legal stability and management stability," says Sproat. DOE officials however refuse to confirm that they are mulling privatization. "We expect to apply for a license to operate [Yucca Mountain] this year, presumably by DOE," says DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman.

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State and local governments are supporting a federal electronic scrap mandate that would require manufacturers to cover the cost of collecting, hauling, and recycling e-scrap, the Product Stewardship Institute recently told Congress.

State and local governments want manufacturers to cover the costs of e-scrap management, even if the money is recovered from consumers as hidden costs, the institute says. PSI says it is crucial that consumers experience collection programs as "free" since charging them an end-of-life fee to manage their old electronics will lead to illegal dumping.

The institute strongly supports an e-scrap "concept paper" that is expected to form the basis of a congressional bill, particularly the paper's stand against the preemption of existing state laws. The paper recommends that states be allowed to set requirements that are more stringent than federal standards. Government agencies also support proposals to allow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to add products to the list of those the law would cover and to review and approve plans by manufacturers for setting and achieving collection and recycling targets and enforcing them, PSI says.

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A Message From ACHMM
W. Scott Butterfield, CHMM
ACHMM Treasurer

The Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (ACHMM) continues to be in excellent shape financially. It recently received the results of the financial review conducted by an independent accounting firm that concluded ACHMM's 2007 financial statement conforms to generally accepted U.S. accounting principles. A full report will be published and made available to members at a later date.

To summarize 2007, ACHMM received $854,975 in gross revenue and paid $641,109 in expenses with the net result of $213,866. With help from its accountant, ACHMM also prepared and submitted State of Maryland Personal Property Returns for ACHMM and the ACHMM Cyber Chapter. ACHMM is preparing its 2007 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990) for the Internal Revenue Service that is due in May.

Additionally, the ACHMM Board of Directors finalized and approved the 2008 Operations Plan in November 2007. The table below reports the financial results of the first quarter of 2008 (January through March) and comparisons to the 2008 Operations Plan.

It is important to note that the bulk of ACHMM's Annual Conference and Membership Dues income is anticipated during the last two quarters of the year. The conference occurs in the third quarter (Q3) and the 2009 dues notices are mailed in Q4. Additionally, the "Cost of Goods Sold" reflects the actual cost to ACHMM of items sold through the ACHMM Store, such as the ACHMM Desk Reference and ACHMM apparel.

Also, we would like to remind you that ACHMM is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible. We encourage your support of ACHMM today.



This table also shows the value of ACHMM's cash accounts at financial institutions. The Wachovia account is working capital to cover ACHMM's day-to-day operations. This account is interest-bearing. The Merrill Lynch account contains the ACHMM cash reserves, which are invested in money markets and certificates of deposit.

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ACHMM National Conference "Going Green"
Allison A. King, CHMM
ACHMM National Conference Committee Chair

ACHMM is launching a "Going Green Initiative" for its National Conference this coming September and is asking that you participate in this worthy initiative at the meeting.

ACHMM's 2008 National Conference—themed "Navigating the Future of EHS&S"—is scheduled for September 7 through 10 at the Hyatt Regency at Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. Environmentally friendly, paperless registration is accessible at www.achmm.org by clicking on the conference banner at the top of the homepage.

Through the "Going Green Initiative", which is part of the organization's comprehensive Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety (QEHS) policy, ACHMM has established a series of standards and processes that will minimize the environmental impact caused by the group's meetings. The plan includes a series of steps conference attendees and ACHMM can take to help protect the environment and prevent wasteful practices.

As part of this initiative ACHMM is asking its members and other conference attendees to take steps to minimize waste and negative environmental impacts while in Minneapolis. More information on ACHMM's "Going Green Initiative", which touches on every aspect of ACHMM's oversight and management of the meeting, can be acquired by clicking here.

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ACHMM Seeks "Going Green Initiative" Logos

ACHMM needs the help of your children. We want your kids to create a logo for the "Going Green Initiative" that visualizes the goals of the program. The artwork must be created by children under 18 years old whose parent is an ACHMM member. The logo should exemplify ACHMM and the "Going Green Initiative" and be easy to reproduce.

Please send your child's logo idea to Leonore Jordan at ACHMM, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814 or ljordan@achmm.org by June 6. The winning artist will receive a special award from ACHMM and the selected logo will be used to promote the "Going Green Initiative" in ACHMM conference materials.

You can start being green even before arriving in Minneapolis by registering online at www.achmm.org instead of submitting a paper registration form. Make sure to register soon because the early-bird discounted rate expires August 4. For additional information visit the "2008 National Conference" section at www.achmm.org. Contact ACHMM's Leonore Jordan, CMP at (800) 437-0137 or ljordan@achmm.org for information about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities.

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ACHMM's Online EHMM Course to be Launched Soon

The Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management (EHMM) course will be available online soon. This newest offering will empower ACHMM members to bolster their hazardous materials management knowledgebase at their own pace. The course will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the ACHMM Web site at www.achmm.org.

The EHMM online course will be an invaluable, cross-training educational tool that will provide all environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) professionals opportunities to quickly and effectively obtain knowledge as well as refresh their understanding of existing and recently updated hazardous materials management subjects. It will serve as the preparation course for the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager^® (CHMM^®) credential examination. Additionally, the EHMM online course will enable CHMM holders to earn certification maintenance points (CMPs) to maintain their credential.

ACHMM developed the EHMM online course in cooperation with OverNite Software, inc., a cutting-edge Angleton, Texas-based designer of learning management and delivery solutions for a wide range of professions, including EHS&S professionals. Overnite Software is the creator of ExxTend Learning™, an online learning-management system, as well as off-the-shelf and custom-training courseware. OverNite Software is a "Green"—or top level—sponsor of ACHMM through the association's Corporate & Community Relations Partnership Program.

The online EHMM course—typically delivered via three days of classroom instruction—will be divided into 27 ExxTend courses with audio instruction and a test. Each individual course and test is designed to be completed in one hour and automatically generates requisite records and reports.

Additionally, each course will be updated as developments, regulations, best practices, technology advances and changes are made in various aspects of the EHS&S industry. The EHMM course is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Environmental Training Office and a petition has been submitted to the Institute for Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) for approval of CMPs for CHMM and other industry designation holders who take the course.

More information about the online EHMM course, including its launch date, will be available soon at www.achmm.org or by contacting ACHMM at (800) 437-0137.

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CHMMs Approved for BEAC^® Certification Exemption

The Board of Environmental, Health & Safety Auditor Certifications (BEAC^®) approved an exemption from Part II of the BEAC Environmental Compliance examination to individuals holding a current Certified Hazardous Materials Manager^® (CHMM^®) designation.

The BEAC's Environmental Compliance CPEA certification program is a premier certification designed especially for environmental compliance auditors who are directly responsible for assessing compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Earning the Environmental Compliance CPEA is a testament to an auditor's education, environmental auditing experience, training, personal and professional skills and attributes, and adherence to the BEAC Code of Ethics.

To apply for the Environmental Compliance CPEA certification and to take advantage of the CHMM exemption, CHMMs need to:

• Submit an application for BEAC certification in Environmental Compliance;
• Provide evidence of their current CHMM status; and
• Meet all other qualification criteria.

More information about the BEAC's Environmental Compliance CPEA certification program and qualification criteria can be found on the BEAC Web site at www.beac.org.

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RABQSA Offers Discounted Certification Fees to ACHMM Members

ACHMM members now have a unique opportunity to become an RABQSA Certified EMS and/or OHS management systems auditor at a special discounted rate—50 percent off the application and certification fees.

Earlier this year, ACHMM and RABQSA International, Inc. signed a Letter of Agreement designed to help ACHMM members and other environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) professionals obtain additional professional development opportunities, specifically in the area of hazardous materials management systems.

RABQSA is an accredited international personnel and training certification body. Its overall mission is to improve the performance of organizations by providing recognition to individuals who have demonstrated competence to RABQSA-approved personnel certification schemes.

RABQSA is extending this special discount offer to ACHMM members who hold the CHMM designation. By taking advantage of this special ACHMM member offer, RABQSA will:

• Recognize ACHMM members' current membership and good standing with the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) as meeting the work experience and education requirements for both qualification-based and competency-based EMS and/or OHS personnel certification schemes. ACHMM members will receive a 50 percent discount off their first-year application and certification fees. A copy of the member's ACHMM membership card and IHMM-issued CHMM identification card must be submitted with the manual certification application or uploaded with the online certification application.
• Waive the requirement of ACHMM members having to complete the continued professional development log for ongoing certification.

Also, auditors who are currently certified in the RABQSA EMS and/or OHS qualification-based schemes and are current paid members with ACHMM and in good standing with IHMM, will not be required to complete the continued professional development (CPD) form upon recertification. Instead, a copy of your ACHMM membership card and CHMM ID card will be accepted as evidence of meeting the CPD requirements.

To apply online, click here. Be sure to provide proof of your current ACHMM membership and CHMM certification status. The $100 application fee will be reduced to just $50 for ACHMM members. For detailed information on the certification requirements, visit the RABQSA Web site at www.rabqsa.com.

ACHMM is continuously seeking ways to enhance its member benefit offerings through partnerships, such as the RABQSA International, Inc. affiliation agreement, and encourages its members to take advantage of this offer to further advance their careers.

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Save the Dates: Weekly ACHMM Webinars in May

ACHMM is hosting four new Webinars in May that will enhance your knowledgebase while reducing the time and expense of being out of the office. These Webinars also provide opportunities to earn valuable Certification Maintenance Points (CMPs) for recertification.

Save the following dates:

May 9, 1 to 2 p.m. EST: DHS—Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
This Webinar will provide an overview of the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Interim Final Rule, the applicability of CFATS to your facility and the requirements imposed on facilities subject to the rule. Click here to learn more and to register.

May 15, 1 to 2 p.m. EST: Part I—Communicating Risk and Dealing with Crisis Communications
This first of a two-part session will focus on a number of important concepts including common theoretical foundations and definitions; evaluation of the risk to the organization in a variety of scenarios; goals for the process; development of a written Risk/Crisis Communication Plan; and common problems and pitfalls. Click here to learn more and to register.

May 29, 1 to 2 p.m. EST: Part II—Communicating Risk and Dealing with Crisis Communications
This second of a two-part session will focus on a number of important concepts including common theoretical foundations and definitions; evaluation of the risk to the organization in a variety of scenarios; goals for the process; development of a written Risk/Crisis Communication Plan; and common problems and pitfalls. Click here to learn more and to register.

If you have ideas for future Webinar topics please e-mail them to academy@achmm.org with "Webinar Topics" in the subject line. ACHMM strives to provide you the professional development you demand and deserve as an ACHMM member.

For more information about the ACHMM Webinar Series contact Cedric Calhoun at ccalhoun@achmm.org or at (800) 437-0137.

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