Tuesday, February 28, 8:30AM—9:30AM
We will be meeting in person at the Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor). Doors will open at 8 AM for networking.
Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor)
821 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703
Agenda
- Breakfast & Networking 8:00—8:30AM
- Program 8:30—9:30AM
- Networking 9:30—10:00AM
PFAS, or Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a class of chemicals that do not break down in the environment and are commonly found in dust, air, soil, and water. Currently, they are used in everything from food packaging and cookware to upholstery, clothing, and firefighting foam. In 2022, the EPA updated adequate levels of PFAS which highlighted the need to reduce their concentration.
Join us to learn about these chemicals: where they come from, their impact on our environment and health, the ways our community is working to reduce their prevalence, and how you can get involved. The program will feature an overview of PFAS and a discussion with a panel of experts.
- Gain an understanding of the history of different chemicals used and removed from daily use
- Get your questions answered about local drinking water, fishing, and swimming safety.
- Hear about the actions that local government and other agencies are taking to address the known pollution sources.
- Learn what actions you can take to reduce contact with PFAS
Audience members will have an opportunity for Q&A. Contact us with questions: hello@sustaindane.org
Featured Speakers
Martye Griffin, Director of Ecosystem Services, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District
Martye Griffin has always been about the ‘WE’ in ‘WATER’ and how human decisions impact water quality. Martye received his graduate degree in biology from the Marine Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts, examining the impacts of excess nutrients on coastal ecosystems. He has over 20 years of experience working in the public and private sectors looking holistically at the interaction between human land use and water quality. With increasing societal and regulatory pressure to produce cleaner water than ever, it costs more to clean water after it is polluted than preventing the pollution in the first place. In his role with the District, Martye focuses on solving problems adaptively to move at the speed of trust. Working in communities focusing on pollution prevention is just the way we must do business. Martye joined the District in 2017.
Christina Remucal, Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Associate Professor Christy Remucal leads the Aquatic Chemistry group at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and is the Director of the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory. She is a faculty member in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. She holds an MS (2004) and a PhD (2009) in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BS (2003) in Environmental Engineering Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the fate of organic chemicals, including PFAS, in natural and engineered aquatic systems.
Joe Grande, Water Quality Manager, City of Madison Water Utility.
Joe is responsible for water quality monitoring & reporting of Madison’s drinking water, and the utility’s cross connection control, private well permitting, and wellhead protection programs. Over the last decade, he has led the utility’s response to emerging water quality issues including radium, chromium (VI), pharmaceuticals and personal care products, road salt, and now PFAS. Joe is currently leading Madison’s effort to add a PFAS treatment system at idled Well #15 on Madison’s east-side. He holds Masters degrees in Biological Systems Engineering and Water Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
John Hausbeck, Environmental Health Services Supervisor, Public Health Madison & Dane County
John Hausbeck is an Environmental Health Service Supervisor with Public Health Madison and Dane County. John’s current role involves management of the Private Well and Septic Program, Animal Services Program, and several smaller programs focused on human health hazards. This and past work as Environmental Epidemiologist have given John the opportunity develop knowledge and expertise in the area of risk assessment and communication related to a variety of environmental hazards. In the past few years, John has been assigned as lead for the Department’s efforts related to community engagement and response related to PFAS.
Scholarships
Complimentary tickets to all staff of member organizations. Sliding scale/scholarships also available for nonmembers. Please contact lorenza@sustaindane.org to learn more.
Access
Doors to the building open at 8 AM, enter the building through the breezeway / main entrance (it’s on the SE side). Registering here gets you on our guest list, please bring a photo ID for possible front door confirmation with security.
Parking
Paid parking is available in the South Livingston Parking Garage attached to the Arts + Literature Lab building. 111 S Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703. Free street parking is generally available nearby.
Bus Routes
The Spark Building is accessible via bus routes 6,15, and 23 at stops 1392 and 1927.
Thank you to our sponsors and supporting members
