Annual Regional Award 2009 Nominations

The Eastern Washington Chapter of the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers will continue with the local awards program. The performance period ends October 1. After that time, there will be time to prepare nominations. The actual awards will be presented in December. Whenever we call for awards, it takes people awhile to stop and consider what they and coworkers have achieved over the past year.

Hanford projects tend to be large and involve extensive teams. Many people have characterized Hanford as a very dangerous place requiring ongoing reductions in risk. We tend to be so focused on day-to-day tasks that we are not fully aware of what has been accomplished.

There is a wide array of activities in the region that are protective of safety, health and the environment. Many people are working to protect the public and environment from illegal drug production, control of transportation fuels and lubricants, exposures to agricultural chemicals, and all sorts of water and air protection activities. Most of this receives limited attention unless something goes wrong and exposures and releases occur. One of the functions of the Eastern Washington ACHMM award program is to celebrate and acknowledge the many successes that we hear little about. It is important to recognize what has gone well and the protections that have been provided. We are surrounded by people making huge investments of time and money in protection and risk reduction activities.

Following are available awards:

- Excellence in Hazardous Materials Management Award

- Hazardous Materials Manager of the Year Award

- Membership Award

- Meritorious Achievement to the EWCACHMM Award

- Outstanding Service Award

- Hazardous Materials Identification and Control Research Award

- Young CHMM of the Year Award

The Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management (EHMM), formerly known as the National Overview Course, is a key Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP), educational program. It is designed as a preparation for the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager® (CHMM®) examination. The EHMM is designed as a broad introduction to the industry and provides instruction about laws and regulations as well as technologies and practices. It highlights topics and information hazardous materials managers need to know to better perform their jobs. The EHMM course in Richland is hosted by the Eastern Washington Chapter (EWC). The EHMM is endorsed by the United States Department of Energy's National Environmental Training Office.

The course is a cross-training tool that helps environmental, health, safety and security professionals quickly and effectively obtain knowledge in new areas as well as areas that have been added to their job responsibilities. It also helps those new to the profession gain a foundation and prepare for the CHMM® designation examination.

Additionally, those who already have earned the CHMM® designation can take Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management (EHMM) to obtain annual Credential Maintenance Points (CMPs).

To register for the course, contact Mike Schmoldt at 373-5116 or at Michael_J_Schmoldt@rl.gov

EWC Wins CHMMUnity(R) Grant Funds

The Eastern Washington Chapter (EWC) has been notified that they have been approved to receive funds from a CHMMunity Grant Application. These funds will be used to help the EWC provide awards for the Mid-Columbia Regional Science Fair. Scot Adams and Robbie Tidwell submitted the grant application for the EWC. Raja Ranade shepherded the application through the Alliance for quick resolution.

This event will recognize student achievement with special awards. The awards will be chosen by established EWC criteria and presented at an award ceremony. Last year’s fair was successful with 243 students from the Mid-Columbia region participating. Over 100 awards were given out to deserving students.

This year's fair will be held March 12th - 14th at the Columbia Center Mall. Judging will be completed on Thursday March 12th. The awards ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14th at Chief Joseph Middle School Auditorium in Richland, Washington.

The CHMMunity(R) Outreach Program is a national community service initiative established to encourage Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMMs) to promote proactive environmental, health and safety management of hazardous materials in their communities. The CHMMunity® Outreach Program aims to provide expertise to a deserving cause or locality. It serves to create meaningful connections and activities for CHMMs, chapter members, and the public. Additionally, the goal is to educate the public about environmental, health and safety concerns as well as hazardous materials issues.