Annual Convention

NYAAEL/PaAAEL 2011 Annual Convention and Exposition

1999 - Bill Telliard, retired from the US EPA Washington, Ken Jackson, retired NYS ELAP Director, and Richard Sheibley, retired PA DEP Director of Laboratory Certification.

1999 - Bill Telliard, retired from the US EPA Washington, Ken Jackson, retired NYS ELAP Director, and Richard Sheibley, retired PA DEP Director of Laboratory Certification.

July 24-26, 2011 in Canandaigua, New York

Registration Information
Trade Show Announcement

The NY Association of Environmental Laboratories (NYAAEL) and the PA Association of Environmental Laboratories (PaAAEL) are pleased to announce the agenda for the 2011 Annual Convention and Exposition at The Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua, NY.

This year’s theme is Laboratory Methodology & Data Quality. Since late fall 2010, EPA has issued updates about the possible addition of methods for several new contaminates that will effect a variety of environmental testing. At this year’s convention we will include information about several of these methods that could potentially increase laboratory testing. Our Laboratory Quality Track will include data integrity issues and related topics. We will also have a full track on seminars provided by TNI. Don’t miss it!!!

Sunday, July 24

3:00 – 6:00 pm6:00 – 8:00 pm Conference Registration  Dinner - New York Barbeque – BBQ Chicken and NY Strip Steak (Reservations are required.)

Monday, July 25 – Morning

Session I
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Traceability in the LaboratoryMarlene Moore, President, Advanced Systems, Inc.The objective of this course is to present the requirements for traceability for standards, reagents,samples, equipment and software used in the lab. The TNI Standard requires the traceability of these items to ensure compliance with the laboratory accreditation and certification programs. This course reviews techniques for traceability and the elements needed for documentation as required by the TNI Standard, State program requirements and recommendations to provide efficient operation.
OR
Session II
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Changes to Proficiency Testing RegulationsShawn Kassner, ERAMany changes will be taking affect in the near future that will affect the accreditation of environmental labs. The 2009 TNI Standard has been approved and is being implemented this year.Additionally, the TNI Proficiency Testing Executive Committee has approved revisions to the Fields of Proficiency Testing tables that will take affect in 2011. Both of these changes will have significant impacts on the PT requirements for both NELAC and non-NELAC accredited labs. We will discussthe details of these changes, how they will affect labs, and what should be done to prepare for them.Understanding the Basics of Quality ControlPat Chany, C2 Chany ConsultantsEver feel like everyone tells you what to do, but not how to implement it? This seminar will out line easy ways to handle the day-to-day quality control requirements of the environmental lab.
OR
Session III
9:00 – 12:00 pm
Quality Manual Template WorkshopIlona Taunton, TNIThe NELAC Institute (TNI) has just released a new Quality Manual Template designed for labsto help prepare a Quality Manual compliant to the 2009 TNI Standard. Labs can create their own Quality Manual by:

  • using our example text
  • creating their own text
  • modifying our example text to reflect theirparticular situation, or
  • deleting or labeling sections that do not apply or are not applicable.

Each attendee who chooses to purchase it, will receive a copy of the TNI Quality Manual Template a week before the training. Class time will include an overview on the use of the templateand the on-line example library, a question and answer session and actual preparation of a section.Example pages from the template can be viewed on the TNI website-click on Products & Templates.

Monday, July 25 – Afternoon

Lunch
12:00 – 1:45 pm
Keynote Speaker: Dealing with Difficult PeopleEA Sears, Workplace CommunicationsThis presentation will discuss the following:

  • Gain an understanding of difficult people to help you communicate in a manner which meets your needs and their needs as well.
  • Learn why the different generations see the world differently
  • Identify the intents that drive all behavior
  • Learn communication skills which will help you to deal with your difficult person
2:00 – 5:30 pm Exposition, Mixer, & Educational SessionsHexavalent Chromium and other New Methods
BPA and Phthalates in Consumer Products
Improvements in Sample Introduction Systems & Reduction of Operating Costs using ICPOES for Environmental Samples
Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Air
Lachat Instruments SPEX CertiPrep
PerkinElmer EST Analytical
Dinner
6:00-8:00 pm
Dinner & Entertainment – The Great American Magic Show (Reservations required)

Tuesday, July 26

Session I
9:00 – 10:00 am
Hexavalent Chromium and Perchlorate Analysis – Myths and Mysteries Resolved - Jay Gandhi, Metrohm USA
Have you seen the movie “Erin Brockovich”? More importantly, are you up on the most recent news regarding hexavalent chromium in drinking water? Chromium in its +3 oxidation state is an essential micronutrient required by living cells to convert fat into energy; however, in its +6 oxidation state it causes health risks (for living cells, especially in humans.) In this hour we will present—and debunk—common myths surrounding hexavalent chromium in drinking water, ground water and wastewater. Also garnering attention and headlines lately, we’ll also give a brief history on Perchlorate analysis and share insider tips and tricks for the best results.
10:00- 11:00 am A Novel Integrated Solution to Nutrient MonitoringWilliam Telliard, EPA RetiredNutrient monitoring for assessment of water quality threats in our streams, rivers, & estuaries is a laborious and overall costly process. Current water quality monitoring practices include grab and composite samples analyzed in a lab & multiparameter sondes placed in-situ & serviced frequently.To overcome data gaps as a result of infrequent grab and composite sample analyses, the frequent servicing of sondes, and the inability to process results in a continuous real-time mode, a novel sidestream approach was developed that integrates highly accurate probes and analyzers with real-time event monitoring and data processing. A case study will be presented with live visual monitoring of a stream and watershed network.
11:00 – 12:00 pm Mercury Collection & Analysis in Ambient Waters & Effluents: An Historical PerspectiveWilliam Telliard, EPA RetiredMethod 1631 employs purging & gold amalgamation to remove mercury from the sample, & cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS) for the determinative step. Compared to traditional cold-vapor atomic absorption methods such as Method 245.1, Method 1631 allows dischargers, EPA,States, and Tribes to obtain far more precise information on low levels of mercury in discharges and ambient water. When combined with appropriate sample collection procedures, the method is capable of analyzing mercury in water at levels addressing the various Water Quality Criteria, and well below the levels that can be achieved by earlier methods from EPA and other organizations.
1:00 – 2:30 pm Changes in New York State’s Asbestos RegulationsRepresentatives from the NYS Department of Health and the NYS Department of LaborThe New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor (DOL) will present details regarding the new asbestos laboratory testing policies implemented by ELAP on April 1, 2011 and upcoming changes proposed to Code Rule 56 by the DOL. Topics to be covered include the following: laboratory testing changes related to PLM (friable/NOB) and PCM analysis,review and discussion of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) released jointly by both Departmentsdated April 8, 2011, and proposed fire/life safety revisions to Industrial Code Rule 56. A question and answer session will conclude the presentation.
OR
Session II
9:00 – 10:00 am
Water Monitoring and Protection Near Gas Well DrillingTimothy Eriksen, Moodyand AssociatesMarcellus gas drilling activity has generated numerous questions and concerns about impacts on water resources of Pennsylvania. Unlike traditional gas well drilling in Pennsylvania, Marcellus drilling uses much larger amounts of freshwater and produces greater quantities of waste fluids. Proper drilling methods are especially important to protect the one million private water wells and springs that provide drinking water for over three million residents of the state. The location of drilling is also important to protect surface streams and groundwater, especially during high flow periods.
10:00 – 11:00 am Overview of the 2011 Method Update RuleWilliam Lipps, OI AnalyticalThe proposed rule, published in the August 23, 2010, Federal Register, includes new methods and new versions of previously approved methods. The rule includes alternative test procedures, clarifies some already approved methods, and revises sample containers, sampling requirements, and holding times of some methods (or analytes).This presentation will highlight some of the key aspects of the proposed rule, in particular the changes, or modifications, to Table 1B and how these changes may affect you.
11:00-12:00 pm Examining the Business Case for a LIMS in an Environmental LaboratoryDr. Christine Paszko, Accelerated Technology LaboratoriesMany growing businesses find that their current LIMS are becoming less effective due to many issues. Advances in computer technology, have, however, leveled the playing field in that even small to mid-sized labs can afford sophisticated LIMS. These enterprise systems can accelerate turnaround times, assist client service personnel in real-time sample tracking, automated sample scheduling, and streamline reporting/invoicing & allowing client access to secure web-based result reporting.These systems not only assist them in meeting regulatory requirements but also significantly contribute to the reduction in many tasks that were previously performed manually, expedited turnaround times, enterprise integration and increased profitability. This presentation will cover some examples of cost savings realized following deployment of a new or replacement LIMS.
1:00 – 2:30 pm Ethics and Data Integrity Training - Becky Roztocil, Paradigm EnvironmentalEthics is a sensitive topic garnering increased attention in today’s business arena. Laboratories are getting the spotlight, and management is well advised to approach ethics training and oversight with exaggerated attention to detail. This presentation will cover the requisite basics of laboratory ethics training and also encourage group discussion and involvement. Anyone with the responsibility for providing training to their employees will find valuable information to take back to their companies. Employees in need of ethics training will be able to get a certificate for their training records.
OR
Session III
9:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Internal Audits, Management Reviews, & Corrective ActionsProduced &Coordinated by Ilona Taunton, TNIThis course is oriented towards laboratory QA managers. This course will provide detailed guidance for laboratory QA managers employed by laboratories currently accredited to the TNI standards or seeking accreditation. This course is one of a series of courses on implementing a laboratory quality system.

Attendees will receive a notebook OR flashdrive (bring paper for notes) unless you pay an additional $25 for both.
The Quality Manual Template for Mon., Session III can be purchased for an additional $95. Those purchasing the template will receive it by email a week before the convention. It also includes access to an online example library.

Exhibitor Listing

(as of 5/15/11)

Accelerated Technology Labs
CETAC
Environmental Express
ERA
EST Analytical
Horizon Technology
Lachat Instruments
Macherey-Nagel, Inc.
ManSci, Inc.
Metrohm USA
NSI Solutions
PerkinElmer
Promium
SPEX CertiPrep
Supelco/Sigma Aldrich
Thomas Cain, Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
VHG Labs
Wibby Environmental

Corporate Sponsors and other vendors, please see the Trade Show Application page to be a part of this year’s Exposition.

The Inn on the Lake Area Attractions

Roseland Waterpark
Family recreation in Canandaigua. Attractions include tube rides, body slides, and wave pools with heated water. The park is a five minute drive from the hotel. http://www.roselandwaterpark.com

Canandaigua Sailboarding
Windsurfing, Kayaks, Scuba Diving, and Hydro Bikes. Easy walk from the Inn on the Lake. Call: (585) 394-8150

New York Wine & Culinary Center
The Center will excite, inspire and engage visitors in a celebration, understanding and appreciating New York wine and food through educational programing and partnerships. Easy walk from the Inn on the Lake.
Hands on Kitchen Class: Tapas & Sangria – The New York Way!
Tapas are small bite-sized hors d’oeuvres that are simple yet very flavorful. They are great as appetizers or as a light meal and perfect to serve when entertaining. Our menu will be paired with a refreshing glass of sangria for the perfect finish. July 24th 1pm – 3pm ($55 per ticket)
Wine, Bear & Spirit Tastings: Open 10am – 9pm, the NYWCC tasting bar provides tastings of wine, beer, and spirits from all over NY State.
Call: (585) 394-7070

Downtown Canandaigua
Over 100 unique shops, restaurants and galleries www.downtowncanandaiguaa.com

Wineries & Breweries
Naked Dove Brewing Company: Beer Tastings www.nakeddovebrewing.com

Arbor Hill Winery www.thegrapery.com

Inspire Moore Winery www.inspiremoorewinery.com

For more complete travel assistance, contact the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection(585) 394-3915 or visit the website

Registration Process

There are two steps to registering online.

  1. Go to the Registration Information page for prices and and to fill out the information form. Please fill out the form for each registrant.
  2. Go to the Purchase Services page to pay for your registration(s). You may pay with credit card, purchase order, or check.