NMSHMM Programs & Special Events Committee

The Programs/Special Events Committee provides events of interest to NMSHMM members, primarily in the form of luncheon speakers for monthly meetings. To volunteer or obtain more information, contact any board member.

June 2005 News
Photographs from the NMSHMM Tour of Durango McKinley Paper Company Mill
(Please Note: to view a larger version of any image, simply click on it)

August 2003 News - NMSHMM MEMBERS TOUR LOCAL FACILITY
article and photos by Tami Wiggins, Blue Skies Consulting, LLC

Above, Stericycle’s Ray Garza
(white shirt) describes the
autoclaving process while
NMSHMM members Eric
Johnson, Byron Kesner, and
Vern Hershberger listen.

On Friday, July 18, 2003, several NMSHMM members participated in a field trip to the Albuquerque facilities of Stericycle, Inc., at 1920 First Street NW. Stericycle provides biohazard waste management, disposal, and compliance services for a variety of customers in the health-care industry such as hospitals, medical laboratories, physicians’ groups, veterinary clinics, and others over a wide geographical area of New Mexico, West Texas, and southern Colorado. Ray Garza, Facility Manager, personally conducted a tour of the facilities for Byron Kesner (NMSHMM President), Eric Johnson (President-Elect and coordinator of the field trip), Paul Karas (Treasurer), Vern Hershberger, and me. Thermal treatment with pressurized steam is controlled electronically and renders the wastes safe for disposal as a sanitary solid waste. We were able to observe the waste treatment process almost from beginning to end. Bar-coded red barrels containing bagged waste are brought from the loading dock into the facility and placed on a conveyor belt. Then these barrels of waste are emptied into large bins on another conveyor belt. Five bins at a time are rolled into the autoclave and treated at a rate of an average of 40 minutes per cycle. Ray explained the monitoring equipment during the autoclaving process, noting that the waste had to be maintained at 285° for 15 minutes. At the conclusion of one cycle, we were able to look inside one of the bins that emerged from the autoclave to see the autoclaved waste. A misting system routed throughout the plant utilizes an odor neutralizing agent. We learned that Stericycle receives 34,000 pounds of waste per day and sometimes operates from 4 AM until 8 PM to process it all!

At the conclusion of the tour, we all felt we had learned a great deal and gained a greater appreciation for this kind of waste management. Eric commented, “Stericycle maintains a very clean facility. Extra emphasis is given to constant cleaning and odor control. With a small crew, they process a large quantity of medical waste, and the operation is very efficient.” Paul remarked, “Wastes are screened for compliance with packaging and labeling requirements. Pathogenic and radioactive wastes are segregated for appropriate handling at other facilities. Quality control measures are employed to confirm that required treatment temperatures are met regardless of variations in the nature of the wastes received. Stericycle provides a much needed service in a very controlled and professional manner. To paraphrase Ray, we are all generators of medical biohazard waste.” Vern added that the field trip was a meaningful contribution toward professional development.

Thanks to Stericycle for accommodating our group! Linda Raphael spoke at NMSHMM’s February luncheon and raised interest in the company, and Ray Garza led a very professional and informative tour for us. His explanations were clear and detailed, and he patiently answered many questions from the group. We especially appreciate the amount of time he spent with us. And thanks to Eric for coordinating the tour!

Barrels of waste are brought from the
loading dock into the facility for treatment.

At the end of the tour, Stericycle’s Ray Garza is thanked
by tour participants Byron Kesner, Paul Karas, Eric
Johnson, and Vern Hershberger.

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting on July 15 featured a presentation by Vincent Metzger, a junior at Albuquerque’s Cibola High School and NMSHMM’s senior division winner at the Northwestern New Mexico Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Vince described his science fair project, titled “Polymer Possibilities Phase III: Biodegradable Cellulose for Wind Erosion Control.” He began by outlining the first two phases of his research before describing the third phase in more detail. Vince implemented controlled tests and real-world experimentation in this phase and used cellulose powder from straw ground in a coffee grinder!

Byron Kesner, NMSHMM President,
thanks Vincent Metzger for presenting
his award-winning science fair project
for NMSHMM.

Vince demonstrated through his professional and compelling presentation that the polymer film formed by the aqueous application of biodegradable plant material to soil is an effective, practical, and economical method of controlling wind erosion. His project has garnered numerous awards, including the top prizes at the regional and state science and engineering fairs and a prize at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Cleveland, OH, in May. Those who heard his luncheon presentation can see why! Watch for Vince to continue to make his mark in the scientific world.

The next NMSHMM luncheon meeting on August 19 will feature the presentation “Mold Issues and Case Studies” by Kelly Kading, a former NMSHMM President and a Principal Geologist and Environmental Group Manager for Ninyo & Moore in Phoenix, AZ. Part of his group’s practice involves assessment of claims related to mold issues, and it often surprises people to learn that the Southwest has a disproportionately large number of mold damage claims.

Join your colleagues, friends, and guests for these monthly luncheon meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at the Sirloin Stockade at 4016 Menaul Blvd. NE from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. A summary of the speakers scheduled through the rest of the year is shown at right. For more information, to volunteer to make a presentation, or to suggest a future luncheon speaker, contact any Board member or NMSHMM’s Communication Committee at .

Your Society once again contributed to two important annual science fairs: the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair (NAISEF) and the Northwestern New Mexico Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Linda McCormick, with the University of New Mexico’s (UNM’s) Safety Health and Environmental Affairs, once again ably and enthusiastically spearheaded NMSHMM’s support of and participation in these fairs. NMSHMM awarded prizes of $150 in each fair’s Senior Division and $100 in each fair’s Junior Division.

NAISEF was held March 13-15 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, and on March 14, Linda participated as NMSHMM’s judge for this event. The Senior Division winner was Kimberly Mann of Crownpoint, NM, who is a senior at Wingate High School in Fort Wingate, NM. She received a check from NMSHMM for $150 for her experiment “Crumb Rubber Asphalt vs. Conventional Asphalt.” Her experiment compared asphalt durability on roads in the Navajo Nation. The experimental criteria were water absorption and corrosion. Kimberly’s experiment won because of its good scientific technique and also because it used recycled materials (crumb rubber).

NMSHMM’s Junior Division winner at NAISEF was Candice Locklear, a sixth grader at Rex-Rennert Elementary in Shannan, NC. Candice won a $100 check from NMSHMM for her experiment “Money Down the Drain.” Her project described the quantity and value of water lost through what appeared to be only a small leak from a bathroom faucet at her school. Her experimental criteria were volume and time. Candice’s experiment was chosen because of her effective graphical projection of water losses over a year.

The Northwestern New Mexico Regional Science and Engineering Fair was held at UNM’s Johnson Center March 20-22. On Friday, March 21, Linda and I judged the Environmental Science portion of the fair. Even though that meant we evaluated only 75 of the almost 1000 projects present, judging was very difficult! Vincent Metzger once again won NMSHMM’s Senior Division award. Vince, a sophomore at Albuquerque’s Cibola High School, received a NMSHMM check for $150. Vince’s project, extrapolated from his two previous science fair projects, was “Polymer Possibilities Phase III: Biodegradable Cellulose for Wind Erosion Control.” He examined whether or not the polymer film formed by the aqueous application of biodegradable plant material to soil is an effective, practical, and economical method of controlling wind erosion. Vincent’s project was chosen in part because it addressed a variety of important parameters and because he could effectively describe the various techniques he used, the outcomes that resulted from them, and their significance. (For more information about this award-winning young man, see below.)

The Junior Division winner of the regional fair was Christopher Boyer, a sixth grader at La Merced Elementary in Los Lunas. Christopher’s project, “Tumbleweeds: Tumbling to Wood Pellets,” showed that tumbleweeds can be made into pellets that, when compared to commercial wood pellets, can produce a similar amount of energy. Christopher won because of his innovative approach, his project’s applicability, and his compelling description of his experiment.

Many thanks to Linda for consistently volunteering to assist with this event and coordinate NMSHMM’s participation. I urge all NMSHM members to consider contributing a couple of precious hours to next year’s fairs. Not only were Linda and I treated to a free lunch, we met up with many friends and colleagues who were also judges. More importantly, science fair judging is a gratifying way to participate in a NMSHMM-sponsored activity, a sure-fire learning experience, AND an easy way to encourage our future colleagues. For more information about the fairs, visit www.aises.org/events/naisef and www.unm.edu/~scifair.

Linda McCormick congratulates Vincent Metzger on his award-winning science fair project.

Linda McCormick and Christopher Boyer agree that his project is a good one!

Christopher Boyer talks about an integral part of his project: his homemade Pellet Maker.

March 2003 News
MEDICAL WASTE HIGHLIGHTED AT MEETING
NMSHMM Annual Meeting Gala is March 28

Linda Raphael, Alternate Care Representative at Stericycle, spoke at the NMSHMM luncheon meeting on February 19. Stericycle is a multi-regional, integrated service company that provides safe and cost-effective management of regulated medical waste. Linda described some of Stericycle’s services including regulated medical waste collection, transportation, treatment, disposal, and reduction. She noted that Stericycle’s New Mexico operations do not include incineration but they do include autoclaving. For more information, visit www.stericycle.com or contact Linda at (505) 247-4430 or (888) 278-7269, x3761.

In March, plan to attend NMSHMM’s annual membership meeting and dinner. The event will be held on Friday, March 28, at 6:30 PM at La Posada de Albuquerque, 125 Second Street NW. Ron Curry, the Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is scheduled to attend and speak at the dinner, and he may even bring NMED’s Assistant Secretary Derrith Watchman-Moore with him! A cash bar and a wide selection of appetizers will be followed by a dinner of Mediterranean Pasta (a vegetarian dish), Chicken Oscar, or Beef Tenderloin and Prawns. Dinner also includes a salad, wild rice, fresh seasonal vegetables, rolls and butter, coffee or tea, and chocolate mousse cake. During dinner, various announcements will be made, awards and prizes will be given, and the officers for the next fiscal year will be revealed. Cost of the dinner, which must be paid with cash or by check at the door, is $15 for each member, $20 for one guest of a member, and $30 for all other guests. To RSVP for the dinner, e-mail your attendance and dinner choice by close-of-business Monday, March 24, to Mary LeForce. Or fax your information to Mary at (505) 797-8025. Due to catering and reservation restrictions, NMSHMM must have your reservation in writing (hence the e-mailed or faxed RSVP), and if you RSVP to attend but do not, NMSHMM must bill you for your dinner. RSVP as soon as you can. You won’t want to miss out on all the fun! Note that because of the annual meeting there will be no monthly luncheon meeting or business meeting in March.

Beginning in April, the monthly luncheon meeting is moving! It will be held on the third TUESDAY of the month at the Sirloin Stockade at 4016 Menaul Blvd. NE. Join your NMSHMM colleagues and friends on Tuesday, April 15, at the Sirloin Stockade at 11:30 AM. Information about the April featured speaker will be announced in the April newsletter, via membership-wide e-mails, and on the NMSHMM Web site.

NMSHMM’s most recent luncheon meeting on January 15 featured a “return engagement” of Dr. Jane Cundy of The Business Connection. During “Dr. Jane’s” first visit to NMSHMM in May, her topic was “Violence in the Workplace.” This type of violence is the #1 reason for female deaths and the #2 reason for male deaths in America’s workplaces. During her second visit last month, Dr. Jane shared information about a pre-hire assessment tool which serves to ferret out potentially disruptive or aggressive individuals in a pre-hire process. She told the audience that 85% of the warning signs for potentially aggressive employees are clear and available ahead of time. Dr. Jane cautioned against the thinking that “It won’t happen here” or “There’s nothing I can do about it.” She explained that the Conditional Reasoning Test for Aggression (CRTA) was developed over 10 years by industrial psychologists, why its 25 questions are not considered “self-reporting,” and why the test is used by organizations such as UPS, FedEx, and Delta Airlines, and some basketball teams and police and fire departments. Jane is a Certified Business Coaches and Registered Corporate Coaches and a Certified Master Negotiator. For more information, visit www.thebusinessconnection.com or contact Jane at (505) 857-0101.

The next luncheon meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. Stericycle’s Ray Garza, Manager, and Linda Raphael, Technical Representative, will provide an overview of the regulatory side of biohazardous waste as well as a snapshot review of their business here in Albuquerque. Stericycle is the largest biomedical waste-handling company in the U.S. Stericycle Albuquerque (formerly Medical Compliance Company) received its autoclave permit from the New Mexico Environment Department last year and offers its client base the choice of autoclaving or incinerating biohazardous waste. Only autoclaving is performed in New Mexico; biohazardous material for incineration goes out of state on Stericycle trucks.

In March, plan to attend NMSHMM’s annual membership meeting and dinner on Friday, March 28. (See article for more information.) Note that because of the annual meeting there will be no monthly luncheon meeting or business meeting in March. The next regularly scheduled luncheon meeting will be Wednesday, April 16. Luncheon meetings are usually held the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster (5555 Montgomery at San Pedro). NMSHMM members, colleagues, and guests are welcome to attend.

On Friday, December 6, NMSHMM hosted its annual holiday social at O’Niell’s Uptown in Albuquerque. Nearly 40 NMSHMM members and their guests attended to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy the bountiful and tasty appetizer buffet. Thanks to Mary LeForce and Linda McCormick for coordinating with O’Niell’s to make the event happen!

Note that the regular NMSHMM luncheon meeting schedule resumes on January 15. The featured speaker is a “return engagement” of Dr. Jane Cundy of The Business Connection. Jane is one of the few Certified Business Coaches and Registered Corporate Coaches in the U.S. and one of only 56 Certified Master Negotiators worldwide. She will share information about a pre-hire assessment tool which serves to ferret out potentially disruptive or aggressive individuals in a pre-hire process. The assessment tool is being used by UPS, FedEx, Delta Airlines, and Covenant Healthcare among other organizations concerned about safeguarding against potentially disruptive new hires. This non-discriminative hiring evaluation tool, written at a 7th grade reading level, takes 25 minutes to administer and may just be the idea your organization is looking for to safeguard against hiring potentially disruptive or aggressive individuals.

Luncheon meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster (5555 Montgomery at San Pedro). NMSHMM members, colleagues, and guests are welcome to attend.

Celia Einhorn was the featured speaker at the most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting on Wednesday, November 20. Celia is on the Board of the Friends of the Albuquerque Environmental Story (AES) and is the Chair of its Public Relations, Marketing, and Education Committee. She presented “Albuquerque’s Environmental Story: Educating for a Sustainable Community.” The AES is a document that was created in 1994 to help students and others relate caringly to their local natural and human environment. The document addresses such disciplines as: air, water quality, solid and hazardous waste, energy, and historic preservation. A primary objective of the document is to foster a mindset in Albuquerque’s future citizens which can lead to a sustainable future for their community. The AES was developed collaboratively by the City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Public Schools, the Albuquerque Conservation Association, and many community volunteers. The current AES is the third edition, and it will be updated again in 2003. When Celia mentioned that she is looking for support and assistance in the updating effort, several NMSHMM members expressed an interest in reviewing and updating the section on Hazardous Waste. Catherine Baillio Werner volunteered to chair an ad hoc committee to pursue the effort. If you would like to participate on the committee, contact Catherine at (505) 765-9367. For more information about AES, visit www.cabq.gov/aes or call Celia at (505) 281-1122.\

In December, in lieu of regular business and luncheon meetings, the annual NMSHMM holiday social will be held at 5:30 PM on Friday, December 6, at O’Niell’s Uptown at 6601 Uptown Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. Your Society will provide the first round of drinks and an appetizer buffet as well as a fun time of greeting old friends and meeting new ones. Plan now to bring a guest and join your colleagues at this annual event!

The regular NMSHMM luncheon meeting schedule will resume on January 15. Luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery at San Pedro. NMSHMM members and guests are welcome.

Britton Construction’s Elizabeth Jeppesen
was featured at NMSHMM’s October luncheon.

New ACHMM Board members Catherine Baillio
Werner, Treasurer, and Kelly Kading, Director,
were honored at NMSHMM’s October luncheon.
(Thanks to David Paulson, who stood in for Kelly!)

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, October 16. Featured speaker Elizabeth Jeppesen is Strategic Planning Director for Britton Construction, Inc., and author of Construction Marketing: The Textbook. Elizabeth’s lively presentation, “Dealing with the Media During a Crisis,” included descriptions of how to be clear about your message, remain in control, and communicate with your audience. She explained the simple but critical “Six B’s” of media relations. Elizabeth also noted that “Bill Clinton should kiss Gary Condit” because Condit didn’t learn how to handle the media from Clinton’s mistakes!

After Elizabeth’s presentation, NMSHMM honored newly elected ACHMM Board members Catherine Baillio Werner, Treasurer, and Kelly Kading, Director. Catherine is a member of NMSHMM, and the Thunderbird Chapter in Phoenix, AZ, is Kelly’s home chapter. Catherine and Kelly have a long history of involvement with NMSHMM since they participated significantly in its founding in 1997. Luncheon-goers congratulated the two with a cake and a round of applause.

The next luncheon meeting is scheduled for November 20. And in December, rather than a luncheon meeting, the annual NMSHMM holiday social on Friday evening, December 6, will be held instead. Watch the newsletter and the NMSHMM Web site for details.

The regular luncheon meeting schedule will resume on January 15. Luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery at San Pedro. NMSHMM members and guests are welcome.

September’s luncheon featured
Rinchem’s Brett Cummins, who
is the Assistant Manager at Sandia
National Laboratories' Hazardous
Waste Management Facility.

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, September 18, and featured Brett Cummins, Manager/Chemist for Rinchem Company, Inc. Brett is Assistant Manager at Sandia National Laboratories' Hazardous Waste Management Facility. Brett described the various processes at the facility, such as waste classification, pick up, packaging, storage, and shipment. He noted that Sandia also recycles hazardous wastes such as batteries, precious metals from plating operations, used oil, bulbs and lamps, and computer circuit boards and monitors. Brett’s presentation included examples of amounts of wastes handled at the facility in 2000: more than 14 million pounds of non-RCRA waste, 155,000 pounds of RCRA waste, and 70,000 pounds of asbestos. He also briefly described the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Facility. He concluded his presentation by expertly fielding several questions from meeting attendees.

Upcoming luncheon meetings are scheduled for October 16 and November 20. On October 16, the featured speaker is Elizabeth Jeppesen of Britton Construction, Inc. The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery at San Pedro. NMSHMM members and guests are welcome.

Note that in December there will be no monthly luncheon meeting. Instead, plan now to attend the annual NMSHMM holiday social, tentatively scheduled for Friday evening, December 6. Watch the newsletter and the NMSHMM Web site for details.

J. Steven Glass, Technical Programs
Manager in the Albuquerque Wastewater
Utility Division, was the featured
luncheon speaker on August 21.

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, August 21. J. Steven Glass, who has been the Technical Programs Manager in the Albuquerque Wastewater Utility Division for 13 years, was the featured speaker. Steve oversees programs in environmental laboratory testing; biosolids recycling and disposal through composting and land application; constructed wetlands treatment evaluation; and solid waste management for energy production. His presentation provided an overview of activities and processes at the City of Albuquerque’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTX) and the Soil Amendment Facility (SAF). Did you know that the WWTX treats 52 millions gallons each day and that its effluent is the fifth largest tributary to the Rio Grande? And the SAF is housed inside a 4.5-acre building 50 feet high and uses 20% of the biosolids generated from the WWTX. If you didn’t attend Steve’s presentation, visit www.cabq.gov/wastewater and www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/greenwst to get an idea of what you missed.

The next luncheon meetings are scheduled for September 18 and October 16. The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). NMSHMM members, colleagues, and guests are welcome.

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, June 19. NMSHMM member Margo Maher of Rinchem presented “Anatomy of a Tire Fire.” Margo addressed the hazards associated with tire fires and focused on the huge tire fire in June 2000 in Socorro. The presentation emphasized the importance of maintaining tire piles, bundles, and bales in a safe storage manner. Margo pointed out that tire fires are a national problem. City and county fire departments are ill-equipped to fight these kinds of fires because of the specialized equipment required and the intense heat of the fires. Margo noted recent findings of research and development supporting markets for tire-derived products. Her presentation had also been featured at the New Mexico Recycle Coalition Conference in Albuquerque in June.

The next luncheon meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, and Wednesday, August 21. On July 17, Bruce Berry, the Emergency Planner for the Emergency Response Organization at Sandia National Laboratories, will present “Pentagon Disaster.” His presentation describes the efforts of the New Mexico Urban Search and Rescue Task Force at the Pentagon only five days after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Read more about Bruce and his presentation in this month's newsletter.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). NMSHMM members, colleagues, and guests are welcome.

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, April 17. NMSHMM members Lucy Archamboult with LEA Environmental and Margo Maher with Rinchem presented “Your New LEPC.” They discussed the reorganization of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), its new board for 2002-2004, and its mission, goals, and objectives. The LEPC is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides support to the Albuquerque/Bernalillo Office of Emergency Preparedness to keep the community safe from the effects of hazardous materials in order to assure effective response to hazardous materials emergencies. While anyone who is interested is invited and encouraged to participate in the LEPC, facilities that trigger SARA 312 reporting requirements for extremely hazardous substances are required to appoint a facility representative to participate. For more information about the LEPC, call (505) 833-7327 or visit www.lepcabqbernco.org.

The next luncheon meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15. Jane Cundy of The Business Connection will be speaking about “Violence in the Workplace.” Workplace violence is the #1 reason for female deaths and #2 reason for male deaths in America’s workplaces. There are 18,000 documented acts of violence in workplaces in America weekly. Ms. Cundy is a Certified Master Negotiator and one of 56 International Mediators. She will be defining “violence,” reviewing current national statistics, and offering suggestions we all can use in our workplaces. NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro).

If you are interested in sustainable/green building, then consider volunteering for the third annual GreenBuilt Tour on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19. The tour is produced by the non-profit Alliance for Green Development and showcases homes in the greater Albuquerque area that demonstrate various energy-efficient and sustainable features. Requirements for volunteers: a 2-hour training session prior to the tour, plus a 4-hour shift during the tour. Added benefit: volunteers get free admission to the tour! If you’re interested, call Meg Randall at 764-0037.

The Odors and Toxic Air Emissions 2002 Conference will be held in Albuquerque at the Hyatt Regency and the Convention Center April 28 - May 1. The Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association (RMWEA) are convening this international specialty conference to address issues related to odors and toxic air emissions that are faced by municipal, industrial, and agricultural facilities as communities grow in size and population. This event will educate practitioners, facility owners or operators, researchers, and public administrators about current issues, regulatory requirements, and methods for analyzing problems and finding solutions. During the conference’s technical sessions and tours, participants will learn about state-of-the-art techniques for the assessment and control of odors and toxic air emissions. To register, contact the WEF’s Customer Services Center at (800) 666-0206, or visit http://www.wef.org/Conferences/Odors2002/opening.jhtml

The New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) presents its 27th annual Professional Development Conference in Albuquerque on April 15 and 16 at the Holiday Inn Mountain View. This year’s conference theme is “What’s New in 2002.” This health and safety conference includes technical sessions for all occupational disciplines and is open to all interested persons regardless of professional affiliation. Presentation topics will address general safety, construction, accident investigation, public safety, and current safety issues for those responsible for safety at their work sites. For more information about the conference, contact Tina Carmignani at (505) 761-6923 or Frank Perez at (505) 277-5368. Or visit www.nm-esh.org/asse.

The annual membership meeting and dinner was held on Friday, March 22, at La Posada de Albuquerque. Those in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal, camaraderie, and an interesting presentation by Pete Maggiore, NMSHMM member and Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department. Pete spoke about the state of the state’s environment by “flying” us around from region to region. The new Board for 2002-2003 was also announced: President, Mary LeForce; President-Elect, Byron Kesner; Past-President, Linda McCormick, Secretary, Elizabeth Gordon; Treasurer, Vern Hershberger; and At-Large Directors, Paul Karas and Tami Wiggins. Outgoing Board members Larry Watson and Lucy Archamboult, who served as Past-President and At-Large Director, respectively, were thanked for their years of hard work and dedication to your Society.

Your next opportunity to attend a NMSHMM event is the luncheon meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2002. Bruce Berry and NMSHMM members Lucy Archamboult and Margo Maher will present “Your New LEPC.” They’ll talk about the reorganization of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Lucy, LEPC Chair, Bruce, LEPC Vice-Chair, and Margo, who is responsible for LEPC’s outreach, will describe the mission, goals, and objectives of the reorganized LEPC and its new board for 2002-2004.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). All NMSHMM members as well as their colleagues and guests are encouraged to attend. For information about any NMSHMM activity, contact Margo Maher, Chair of the Programs/Special Events Committee, at (505) 341-4173. Or visit the NMSHMM Web site at www.nmshmm.org.

The February NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held Wednesday, February 20, and featured representatives of the University of Phoenix. Hilary Noskin, Program Manager, and James Bandy, Business Development Specialist, described the University’s new Environmental Management Certificate Program. The six courses in this program in practical application of environmental compliance are: (1) 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations; (2) Environmental Laws and Regulations; (3) Project Management-Business Approach to Environmental Projects; (4) Science Applications to the Environment; (5) Hazardous Waste Management; and (6) Air Permitting and Modeling. Each of the courses provides hands-on experience for the student to address real-world environmental issues. The program will be offered one or two nights per week, and individual courses can be taken for those who just need a refresher or do not wish to complete the entire program. For more information, contact James at (505) 821-4800, (800) 333-8671.

Please note that there will be no luncheon meeting in March. You are encouraged to attend the annual membership meeting and dinner on Friday, March 22, instead. RSVP by Monday, March 18.

The next NMSHMM luncheon meeting will be Wednesday, April 17, 2002. Bruce Berry and NMSHMM members Lucy Archamboult and Margo Maher will present “Your New LEPC.” They’ll talk about the reorganization of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Lucy, LEPC Chair, Bruce, LEPC Vice-Chair, and Margo, who is responsible for LEPC’s outreach, will describe the mission, goals, and objectives of the reorganized LEPC and its new board for 2002-2004.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). All NMSHMM members as well as their colleagues and any guests are encouraged to attend. Suggestions for topics of interest are welcomed and should be directed to Margo Maher, Chair of the Programs/Special Events Committee, at (505) 341-4173. For information about any NMSHMM activity, contact Margo or visit the NMSHMM Web site at www.nmshmm.org.

NMSHMM’s annual holiday social was held Tuesday, December 18, at Garduño’s (in the parking lot at Winrock Mall). This event was held in lieu of a December luncheon meeting and in conjunction with a very brief business meeting. The evening strongly emphasized “social” over “business,” so if you weren’t able to attend, find out what you missed by going to page 3 or asking any of the approximately 20 members and guests in attendance!

Maureen Gannon, Director of
PNM’s Utility Environmental
Services, was the featured speaker
at the NMSHMM January meeting.

The next regular NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held Wednesday, January 16, 2002. Maureen Gannon, the Director of Public Service Company of New Mexico’s (PNM’s) Utility Environmental Services, presented “PNM’s Environmental Stewardship.” Maureen outlined PNM’s Environmental Management System (EMS) and described some of its benefits, including improved efficiency, accountability, and performance. The EMS also involves development of a GIS-based Environmental Management Information System (EMIS), which will include an environmental layer in its infrastructure.

The next NMSHMM luncheon meeting will be Wednesday, February 20, 2002. Hilary Noskin, Program Manager at the University of Phoenix, will be the featured speaker. Hilary will describe the University’s new certification program in Environmental Management.

There will be no luncheon meeting in March. You are encouraged to attend the annual membership meeting and dinner on Friday, March 22, instead.

Luncheon meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). All NMSHMM members as well as their colleagues and any guests are encouraged to attend. In coming months topics will include: hazardous material health exposures presented by a board-certified Occupational Physician; system safety as it relates to pollution prevention concepts presented by an officer from the New Mexico System Safety Society; a moderated video presentation about how semiconductors are made and what hazardous materials are used in their fabrication; a regulator-led discussion on air emissions and the Toxics Release Inventory Form (TRI); and more. Suggestions for other topics of interest are welcomed and should be directed to Margo Maher, Chair of the Programs/Special Events Committee, at (505) 341-4173. Or for information about any NMSHMM activity, contact Margo or visit the NMSHMM Web site at www.nmshmm.org/xxxx (“xxxx” is a members-only password).

The NMSHMM Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner will be held on Friday, March 22, 2002, at 6:30 PM at Eulalia’s at La Posada de Albuquerque, 125 Second St. NW, the location of last year’s meeting. Note that this is a different date than previously advertised and that there will be no monthly business meeting or monthly luncheon meeting in March in lieu of this event.

Results of the election of officers for FY 2002-2003 will be announced at the dinner. (NMSHMM members in good standing can complete the ballot enclosed with this newsletter.) Pete Maggiore, Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department, has confirmed that he plans to attend the annual meeting. Cost of the dinner, which must be paid with cash or by check at the door, is $15 for each member, $20 for one guest of a member, $15 for any guest who joins NMSHMM and pays dues on the spot, and $30 for all other guests.

The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres that include breaded artichoke hearts, seafood-stuffed mushrooms, assorted crackers and cheeses, and fruit. A cash bar will be available. Dinner will begin with a mixed-greens salad with ranch dressing or raspberry vinaigrette. Entree choices are: (1) Mixed Grill of Atlantic salmon filet with mango salsa and petit filet mignon with bearnaise; (2) Chicken Piñon, a chicken breast smothered in a honey piñon cream sauce; or (3) Pestade Poblano, a vegetarian pasta dish with sun-dried tomato, garlic, and pesto poblano sauce. Dinner also includes fresh vegetables, wild rice pilaf, rolls, and coffee or tea. Chocolate mousse cake completes the meal.

RSVP your attendance and dinner choice by close-of-business Monday, March 18, to Mary LeForce. Or you may fax your information to Mary at (505) 797-8025. Please note that due to catering and reservation restrictions, NMSHMM must have your reservation in writing (hence the e-mail or fax RSVP), and if you RSVP to attend but do not, NMSHMM must bill you for your dinner fee.

During dinner, various announcements will be made, awards and prizes will be given, and the officers for the next fiscal year will be welcomed. The evening always includes a great deal of joking, networking, and socializing, so plan now to attend this fun event.

Gene Ostmeyer, Jr., with the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, was the featured speaker at the most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting, held on Wednesday, November 21. Gene described reporting requirements as contained in new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards pertinent to the handling of hazardous materials and hazardous waste. He also discussed the new Form 300. Gene noted that OSHA will provide training on its new recordkeeping rule to employers nationwide via a satellite broadcast scheduled for Wednesday, December 12.

Mark your calendar now for NMSHMM’s annual holiday social, scheduled for Tuesday, December 18, at Garduño’s (in the parking lot at Winrock Mall) at 5:30 PM. This event will be held in lieu of a December luncheon meeting and in conjunction with a brief business meeting. The evening emphasizes “social” over “business,” so plan now to attend! Guests are welcome.

The next regular luncheon meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, 2002. NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). All NMSHMM members as well as their colleagues and any guests are encouraged to attend

For details about these and other NMSHMM activities, contact Margo Maher, Chair of the Programs/Special Events Committee, at (505) 345-3655 or visit the NMSHMM Web site at www.nmshmm.org/xxxx (“xxxx” is this month’s members-only password).

Gene Ostmeyer, Jr., with the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, spoke at the most recent luncheon.

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, October 17, and featured Laura Renner, Special Agent and Dangerous Goods Specialist for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Civil Aviation Security. Laura’s presentation, entitled “Hazardous Waste Compliance with Air Shipments,” addressed a variety of topics, including two “sides” to FAA security (baggage/screening checkpoints and cargo/hazardous materials), investigation of incidents involving hazardous materials, and the system for assessing fines and penalties.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). All NMSHMM members as well as their colleagues and any guests are encouraged to attend these no-host luncheons. The next luncheon meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, November 21, and Wednesday, January 16. At the November meeting, NMOSHA’s Gene Ostermeyer will describe reporting requirements as contained in OSHA standards pertinent to the handling of hazardous materials and hazardous waste. Gene will also be prepared to discuss the new Form 300.

Note that in December there will be no luncheon meeting. Instead, an evening holiday social is planned in conjunction with a brief business meeting at 5:30 PM on December 18 at Garduño’s (in the parking lot at Winrock Mall). Watch the NMSHMM Web site for more details about not only this event, but all other NMSHMM activities.

Laura Renner, Special Agent and Dangerous Goods Specialist for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Civil Aviation Security, was featured at the October luncheon meeting.

The most recent NMSHMM luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, September 19, and featured Max D. Johnson, HazMat Bureau Chief, Emergency Management Center, Office of Emergency Management, New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Max provided a review of the two-part emergency response drill conducted in Albuquerque in June and July as a joint venture of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the State of New Mexico, and the Federal Regional Response Team (FRRT). The drill was carried out as a tabletop exercise in two parts. The first part simulated an accident in the Big I involving uranium hexaflouride and extended to the point where local and state responders, medical facilities, and government management reached the limits of their capabilities. The second part simulated activation of the FRRT and identified the people, resources, and equipment required in the response as well as how their integration would occur. Representatives of 14 federal agencies and state and local governments sought to define roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of all involved.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). All NMSHMM members as well as their colleagues and any guests are encouraged to attend these no-host luncheons. Upcoming luncheons are scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, and Wednesday, November 21. On October 17, Laura Renner, Special Agent and Dangerous Goods Specialist for Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aviation Security, will present “Hazardous Waste Compliance with Air Shipments.”

Note that in December there will be no luncheon meeting. Instead, an evening holiday social is planned in conjunction with a brief business meeting on a date to be determined. Watch the newsletter or the NMSHMM Web site for details about not only this event, but all other NMSHMM activities.

Max D. Johnson, the HazMat Bureau Chief of the Emergency Management Center of the Office of Emergency Management for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, was the featured speaker at the September luncheon.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 am at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). The most recent meeting was held on Wednesday, August 15, and featured Pat Maloy and Penelope Riedl of Maloy Mobile Storage. Their presentation was titled “Containers and Containment: Ideas for the HazMat Manager.” Pat and Penelope described the many types of units their company has fabricated, from climate-controlled bullet-proof facilities to City of Albuquerque Air-Care Monitoring units to remote monitoring and testing units. They emphasized that the units are for storage, not transportation, purposes and are specially fabricated to comply with client-supplied regulations.

The September 19 luncheon will feature Max Johnson of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety who will review the two-part tabletop emergency response drill conducted in June and July as a joint venture of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the State of New Mexico, and Region VI of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On October 17, Laura Renner, Special Agent and Dangerous Goods Specialist for Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aviation Security, will present “Hazardous Waste Compliance with Air Shipments.”

Guests, colleagues, and all NMSHMM members are encouraged to attend these no-host luncheons.

Pat Maloy speaks at the August NMSHMM luncheon.

Pat Maloy and Penelope Reidl of Maloy Mobile Storage were the featured speakers at the August 15 NMSHMM luncheon meeting.

Penelope Reidl of Maloy Mobile Storage talks with Lucy Archamboult, NMSHMM At-Large Director, about Maloy’s fabrication and storage options.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). The most recent meeting was held on Wednesday, July 18. Rinchem’s Bill Littleton, Project Manager, and Margo Maher, Major Account Representative, presented a tour of the residential hazardous materials/radiological cleanup efforts of the remediation teams during the Cerro Grande fire in Los Alamos last May. Bill and Margo told meeting attendees that the multi-jurisdictional effort included four tasks: asbestos inspection, radiological surveys, removal of hazardous materials, and application of foam to encapsulate asbestos. They described the logistics involved in identifying, staging, documenting, and disposing of the materials found.

The next luncheon meeting is Wednesday, August 15, and features Penelope Riedl of Maloy Mobile Storage, who will present “Containers and Containment: Ideas for the HazMat Manager.” The September 19 luncheon will feature Max Johnson of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety who will review the two-part tabletop emergency response drill conducted in June and July as a joint venture of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the State of New Mexico, and Region VI of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Guests, colleagues, and all NMSHMM members are encouraged to attend these no-host luncheons. If you would like to provide a presentation or know someone who would, contact Margo Maher, Programs/Special Events Committee Chair, at (505) 345-3655.


At the July NMSHMM luncheon meeting, Rinchem’s Margo Maher and Bill Littleton presented a tour of the residential hazardous materials cleanup efforts of the remediation teams during the Cerro Grande Fire in Los Alamos.

NMSHMM's most recent luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, June 20, and featured presentations by Nathan Tooker, the Senior winner of NMSHMM's regional science fair prize, and Bryan Swain, Contract Training Coordinator for WERC.

Nathan described his project, titled "A River Runs Through It: A Study of the Riparian Ecosystem Along the Rio Grande III." Nathan became involved in the Bosque Environmental Monitoring Project (BEMP), sponsored by the University of New Mexico, in the seventh grade and has been working on projects along the river since that time. This year Nathan studied how fire in the bosque affects the distribution of the arthropod population. He found that six unique species live only in burned areas, helping revive the bosque after a fire and then migrating elsewhere when the vegetation becomes established again.

Nathan's project has won other kudos: a "Grand Award" at the New Mexico State Science and Engineering Fair, and prizes at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, CA, including a full-tuition scholarship to Drexel University worth more than $73,000 and $500 for one of the top environmental science projects in the fair. Nathan is a senior and the student body president at Los Lunas High School.

Bryan spoke to the group about WERC's feasibility study of offering a certificate program in Hazardous Materials Management and how NMSHMM may be able to participate. The certificate program would be offered year-round in short, 2- to 3-day sessions and would include topics recognized as essential by the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (ACHMM). For more information, contact Bryan at (800) 523-5996.

NMSHMM luncheon meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at Red Lobster at 5555 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro). The July 18 luncheon meeting will feature Rinchem's Bill Littleton, Project Manager, and Margo Maher, Major Account Representative, who will present a virtual tour of the residential hazardous materials/radiological cleanup efforts of the remediation teams during the Cerro Grande fire. The August 15 luncheon meeting will feature a review of the two-part tabletop emergency response drill conducted in June and July as a joint venture of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the State of New Mexico, and Region VI of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Guests, colleagues, and all NMSHMM members are encouraged to attend these no-host luncheons. If you would like to provide a presentation or know someone who would, contact Margo Maher at (505) 345-3655.

Nathan Tooker

Nathan Tooker describes his prize-winning science fair project to luncheon attendees

Bryan Swain

Society luncheon meetings are held at Uptown Sports Bar and Grill, 6601 Uptown Blvd. NE, at 11:30 on the third Wednesday of the month (except Mar. and Dec.)

Society business meetings are held at CDM's offices, 6000 Uptown NE, Suite 200, at 6:00 on the third Tuesday of the month (except Mar. and Dec.)

July 1, 11:30 am, New Mexico Chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA) monthly meeting at the Golden Corral (10415 Central Avenue NE, northeast of Eubank) in Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

July 6, NMSHMM at the Isotopes Game. Upper deck seats at Isotopes Park. All you can eat food. Seating is limited: minimum of 40 people and maximum of 50. Seats will be split between NMSHMM and the Health Physics Society. Reservations taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost for Isotopes Night is $25.00/person. RSVP to .

July 15, 5:30 pm, NMSHMM Board Meeting at CDM offices, 6000 Uptown Blvd. NE, Suite 200. All members are welcome.

July 16, 11:30 am, NMSHMM Luncheon/General Meeting at Uptown Sports Bar and Grill, 6601 Uptown Boulevard NE, Albuquerque. Stephen Connolly, NMED ER Coordinator, will give a presentation on the Clandestine Drug Lab Laboratory Program, which is the statewide regulatory approach for clandestine laboratory cleanups.

August 5, 11:30 am, New Mexico Chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA) monthly meeting at the Golden Corral (10415 Central Avenue NE, northeast of Eubank) in Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

August 19, 5:30 pm, NMSHMM Board Meeting at CDM offices, 6000 Uptown Blvd. NE, Suite 200. All members are welcome.

August 20, 11:30 am, NMSHMM Luncheon/General Meeting at Uptown Sports Bar and Grill, 6601 Uptown Boulevard NE, Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

September 2, 11:30 am, New Mexico Chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA) monthly meeting at the Golden Corral (10415 Central Avenue NE, northeast of Eubank) in Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

September 7-10, ACHMM National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. See ACHMM website at: www.achmm.org for more information.

September 16, 5:30 pm, NMSHMM Board Meeting at CDM offices, 6000 Uptown Blvd. NE, Suite 200. All members are welcome.

September 17, 11:30 am, NMSHMM Luncheon/General Meeting at Uptown Sports Bar and Grill, 6601 Uptown Boulevard NE, Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

October 7, 11:30 am, New Mexico Chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA) monthly meeting at the Golden Corral (10415 Central Avenue NE, northeast of Eubank) in Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

October 14, 5:30 pm, NMSHMM Board Meeting at CDM offices, 6000 Uptown Blvd. NE, Suite 200. All members are welcome.

October 15, 11:30 am, NMSHMM Luncheon/General Meeting at Uptown Sports Bar and Grill, 6601 Uptown Boulevard NE, Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

October 18-20, New Mexico Environmental Health Conference at the Radison Hotel in Albuquerque, on Carlisle at I-40. For more information, visit the conference web site at: www.nmehc.net.

November 4, 11:30 am, New Mexico Chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA) monthly meeting at the Golden Corral (10415 Central Avenue NE, northeast of Eubank) in Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

November 18, 5:30 pm, NMSHMM Board Meeting at CDM offices, 6000 Uptown Blvd. NE, Suite 200. All members are welcome.

November 19, 11:30 am, NMSHMM Luncheon/General Meeting at Uptown Sports Bar and Grill, 6601 Uptown Boulevard NE, Albuquerque. Speaker to be announced.

November 17-19 Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management (EHMM) Course (formerly the ACHMM National Overview Course) at the NMED District 1 office, 5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Albuquerque. Contact Paul Karas, NMSHMM Education/Professional Development Committee Chair, at 505-243-3200 or if you are interested in learning more about the EHMM, volunteering to assist with running the EHMM, or in being considered as an instructor.

Did we miss something? To get your event added to the calendar please contact Eric Johnson at .

The Red Cliffs of the Jurassic Entrada Sandstone Provide a Dramatic Backdrop for the Durango McKinley Paper Company Mill Located Near Prewitt, New Mexico.	The quality of cardboard received varies making it necessary to sort and mix grades to achieve consistency in the final product.
Baled corrugated cardboard is transferred by conveyor to the pulper where it is mixed with water and broken down to recyclable fibers. At left, non-paper contaminants including wire, tape, and staples are removed from the pulp.	Linerboard for new corrugated cardboard is produced, dried and rolled at a rate of over 25 miles per hour.

These photos show just a few of the attendees at NMSHMM’s annual holiday social on December 6: Janet Kerley and Lucy Archamboult (below left photo);Vern and Marilyn Hershberger and Lowell and Nancy White (above photo); and Mary and Frank LeForce (lower right photo, in back) and Robin Troup and Eric Johnson (lower right photo, in front).


NMSHMM members Lucy Archamboult and Margo Maher, above left, are also members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). They spoke about their organization at the April NMSHMM luncheon meeting, above right.


	At left is Pete Maggiore, NMSHMM member and Secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department, who spoke about the state of the state’s environment at the annual meeting. Also at the meeting, Lucy Archamboult, above left, and Larry Watson, above right, were thanked for their volunteer efforts on behalf of NMSHMM.