Who Should Attend:
Utility environmental professionals (new and experienced), government agency staff, vendors, and anyone who is tasked with or interested in environmental issues, regulatory compliance, or mitigation in the environmental arena of electric utilities.
Meeting Overview:
The long-standing Environmental Task Force is a group of utility professionals working in all areas of environmental compliance that meet to examine environmental issues and the impact of current and proposed environmental regulations on electric utilities. Industry professionals meet to review and discuss new and proposed regulations and issues facing each utility; and to hear from subject matter experts about key issues of the day and new technology/services. This is a solution-focused learning and networking venue that brings utility, industry, and government environmental professionals together regularly. This meeting occurs three times each year; in 2024 it will occur Jan. 9, April 8, and Sept. 24.
Meeting Agenda*:
8:30-9 a.m. General meeting welcome and group introductions
Jessica Spahr, NWPPA Environmental Task Force Chair, Senior Project Manager, Snohomish PUD
9-9:45 a.m. Bulldozers Don’t Tiptoe: Navigating Environmental Compliance During Construction
Becky Hawkins, Program Manager—Environmental Compliance, HDR; Pam McWharter, Program Manager—Permitting, HDR
9:45-10:30 a.m. Episodic Event for Managing Hazardous Waste Without Affecting Generator Status
Echo Tremaglio, Owner, Echo Environmental and Safety Solutions
10:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Mercury Transformers Update
Bill Norris, Environmental Compliance Manager, Idaho Power
11:15 a.m.-noon Battery Energy Storage Systems: Planning for the Future
Jessica Spahr, NWPPA Environmental Task Force Chair, Senior Project Manager, Snohomish PUD
Noon-1 p.m. Lunch, sponsored by HDR
1-1:45 p.m. Environmental Characteristics and Constraints Analysis
Jim Thornton, Environmental Permit Coordinator, Washington Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance
1:45-2:30 p.m. Market Update: Transformers and Equipment
Les Joel, General Manager, Transformer Technologies
2:30- 3 p.m. Break
3-4:30 p.m. Utility discussions and roundtable—utility employees only
Facilitated by Jessica Spahr, NWPPA Environmental Task Force Chair, Senior Project Manager, Snohomish PUD; Bill Norris, Environmental Compliance Manager, Idaho Power
5 p.m. Group networking reception (all welcome), sponsored by HDR
*Agenda subject to change
Meeting Location:
Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Room 315/316
1500 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
Hotel & Travel Information:
Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway St.
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 238-8000
Room rate: $179
Please book your Hotel Murano room as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, March 18, 2024, to secure the discounted group rate.
Marriott Tacoma Downtown
1538 Commerce St.
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 294-9200
Room rate: $179
Please book your Marriott Tacoma Downtown room as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, March 12, 2024, to secure the discounted group rate.
Alaska Airlines Discount:
NWPPA has partnered with Alaska Airlines to provide a 7% discount on your flight. Before you book through www.alaskaair.com, contact connie@nwppa.org to receive the exclusive code.
Meeting Fees:
Utility Member Early Bird (extended to 4/8/2024): $120
Utility Member Standard: $195
Associate Member Early Bird (extended to 4/8/2024): $180
Associate Member Standard: $255
Non-Member Early Bird (extended to 4/8/2024): $240
Non-Member Standard: $315
Cancellation Policies:
For in-person events: cancellation at least 30 days prior to the event, full refund; within 15-29 days, $100 fee; and within 1-14 days or no show, 100% of the registration fee.
When possible, please send a substitute instead of canceling; NWPPA does not charge a fee for substitutions. To request a refund, please email registration@nwppa.org or call (360) 254-0109.