MDEQ Training: Volatilization to Indoor Air Pathway

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Remediation and Redevelopment Division is pleased to announce the Volatilization to Indoor Air Pathway (VIAP) Workshop, a NEW interactive workshop to help attendees understand how to investigate the VIAP* at sites regulated under Part 201, Environmental Remediation, and Part 213, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. This workshop is one of a series of differing workshops the DEQ will be offering to help attendees develop a solid foundation for the VIAP.

This workshop was originally provided for DEQ staff and based on attendee feedback, it is now being offered to the public in four convenient locations across the state. This training will provide a detailed understanding on how to include an investigation as part of a property transaction process to establish what activities may be necessary to meet further due care obligations. Those who have already investigated the VIAP will begin to gain an understanding of the DEQ’s investigative process. A solid foundation for the VIAP will also aid the regulated community in identifying ways to reduce time and cost effectively investigate and mitigate unacceptable human health risks. The training will also cover various sources of data that are available to aid in the design and support of a sampling program.

During the workshop, attendees will apply the process and techniques to real world case scenarios and will work alongside and with DEQ staff, including vapor intrusion points of contact in each District, through multiple interactive activities and discussions about the VIAP and will learn:

• Key concepts and fundamentals
• How and when to apply various screening levels and criteria
• The main steps associated with investigating the VIAP
• The collection and use of multiple lines of evidence
• Information on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) soil classification system
• Mitigation and mitigation strategies

In addition, the following information and demonstrations will available:

• DEQ Sampling Methodology and Supplies
• USDA Soil Classification Work Stations

Who should attend?

The workshop has been designed to ensure that each attendee can participate and be part of the process.  The workshop is intended mainly for consultants; however, environmental attorneys, environmental groups, consultants, trade associations, property owners, and anyone with questions on the investigation process or who wish to obtain a better understanding of the VIAP are also encouraged to attend. This training will help anyone directly involved with developing a scope of work or writing a workplan, to develop the skills and knowledge necessary on the investigative process and the available sampling methodologies. 

The DEQ has kept the cost of this workshop low to allow firms the opportunity to send more than one staff to benefit from this training.

Continuing Education: This workshop is eligible for 6.0 CEHs/PDHs for Professional Engineers.

*The VIAP is the pathway describing the inhalation of hazardous substance vapors volatilizing from a vapor source to indoor air.