EREF Blog

EREF Report Documents the Threat Potential from a Closed MSW Landfill using the EPCC Process

Regulations specify that owner/operators of closed landfills are responsible for maintenance, monitoring and condition of the site for 30 years (Subpart F of Subtitle D). This period could change depending on the time required for a site to no longer pose a threat to human health and the environment (HHE). Current regulations provide no guidance or specific criteria to release a landfill from post-closure care (PCC). To provide guidance on ending PCC, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) funded the development of a performance-based Evaluation of Post-Closure Care (EPCC) methodology in 2006. This methodology provides a modular approach for evaluating the four primary PCC elements, leachate management, landfill gas management, groundwater monitoring and cover maintenance. The EPCC methodology defines the end of PCC in terms of “functional stability.” Functional stability is achieved when a closed landfill no longer presents an unacceptable threat to HHE in the absence of active care.

Since this time, EREF has funded additional grants to further evaluate the methodology and is pleased to announce the availability of a final report from a recent effort aimed to illustrate how EPCC methodology can be applied to demonstrate step-wise reductions in PCC activity from active controls to fully passive measures. To do this, a series of retroactive data evaluations at a case study landfill were conducted over a 20 year PCC period. The landfill evaluated is a 29-acre municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill on an 80-acre property located near Frankfort, New York that operated between the early 1970s and 1991 and was closed in 1993.

Click here for more information (PDF)

2016 EREF Fall Classic & Networking Event

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The 2nd Annual EREF Fall Classic & Networking Event will take place Thursday, November 17, 2016 at The Golf Trails of the Woodlands in The Woodlands, TX. We will be playing 2 courses this year, so plan now for the best networking event of the year!

EREF is thrilled to bring back the EREF Fall Classic Poker Tournament – which was a huge hit last year. The Grand Prize, besides bragging rights, is a player’s seat at the 2017 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas! More details to come – but you don’t want to miss this!

You do not need to participate in the EREF Fall Classic to participate in the Poker Tournament.

Golf: The Golf Trails of The Woodlands
Poker: The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center

Registration for both Golf and Poker will open July 12, 2016 at erefdn.orgPlayer spots will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. EREF is not able to reserve player spots ahead of time.

For more information, click here.

EREF Appoints Two New Staff Members

Raleigh, NC (April 19, 2016) – The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) is pleased to announce the addition of two new staff members to the EREF team.

Dr. Stephanie C. Bolyard joined EREF in April as the Research and Scholarships Program Manager.

Catherine Ardoin joined EREF in February as Communications Coordinator.

Click here for more information (PDF)

Celebrate Earth Day with 20% Off ALL EREF Online Courses!

EREF’s Continuing Education program is designed to inform policymakers, practitioners and others about cutting edge research and solid waste management practices via meetings and online continuing education. Continuing education credit is provided via a downloadable Certificate of Completion, which can be obtained by successfully passing a quiz after taking the course.

Celebrate Earth Day with EREF! All online courses are 20% off now through May 23. Enter the coupon code EREFEARTH16 at Checkout. Click here to view the full catalog of the 30+ courses available.

Ice River Springs Funds EREF Master’s Scholarship for Sustainability

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is pleased to announce that Ice River Springs Water Co., Inc. has funded a named scholarship for the EREF scholarship program.

Fully integrated from water source to the manufacturing of bottles, Ice River Springs is an Ontario-based company that makes bottles, caps and packages, and packages spring water, purified water and distilled water. The company strives to constantly innovate finding new ways to recycle, reduce energy consumption and minimize waste. Ice River Springs is the only beverage company in North America to operate a closed-loop system that reclaims plastic from used containers and produces 100% recycled bottles along with filling and distribution.

Click here for more information (PDF)

Create Your EREF Website Account

Part of the improved functionality of the new site is that we automatically created a account for you!
 
Please note – you are required to “reset” your password.

Click on the link below and enter the e-mail address that this e-mail was sent to. You will then receive a link via e-mail to create a new password.

Set Your Password

If you wish to login using a different e-mail address, click here to create a new account.
Questions? Feedback?
Click here for detailed instructions on how to set your password.
Or you can contact EREF at news@erefdn.org or 919.861.6876 ext.109.

Introducing the Redesigned EREF Website!

The Environmental Research and Education Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned website. This new site comes at a time of growth for EREF, whose new and expanded strategic direction for the next five years includes substantially increasing the amount it gives in grants, scholarships and internships.

The website features easier navigation thanks to a more in-depth menu featuring drop-down sub-menus and bolder colors which highlight the organization’s 4 core programs (research grants & projects, continuing education, waste data & reports and scholarship program).

EREF’s extensive collection of resources, such as Continuing Education courses and the Internal Research Program, are more easily accessible through the new website to provide users with one location to meet their needs. Once a user creates an account, they need only log in to download content and register for events.

The new blog will feature updates on EREF happenings and industry news. Users are encouraged to interact and offer feedback using the social media buttons which will now appear at both the top and bottom of each web page.

EREF Charitable Auction to Feature Online Components

The Environmental Research and Education Foundation’s (EREF) Annual Charitable Auction continues to be one of the highlights of WasteExpo, held June 7 – 9, 2016 in Las Vegas. Having raised more than $16 million since its inception in 1994, the Auction features generous donations from members of the waste industry and provides opportunities for exhibitors to increase their visibility at WasteExpo.

The EREF Auction consists of 3 events: the Silent Auction, Live Auction and Raffle. This year, EREF will introduce mobile bidding in the Silent Auction and online bidding in the Live Auction.

Click here for more information (PDF)

 

EREF Receives Scholarship Funding from the Garbageman’s Invitational

The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) is pleased to announce the creation of a scholarship for Master’s students, which will be funded by donations from the Garbageman’s Invitational, an industry golf tournament and social event.

EREF Scholarships recognize graduate students pursuing excellence in solid waste management research and education. Recipients are chosen based on credentials and potential contributions to the solid waste industry and its scientific community.

More information on EREF’s scholarships, as well as a link to the scholarship application, can be found at https://erefdn.org. The deadline for the 2016-17 academic year is May 4, 2016 at 5:00 pm (eastern).

Click Here for more Information (PDF)

Graduate Scholarships in Solid Waste Research Available for the 2016-2017 Academic Year

The Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) is one of the largest sources of solid waste research funding in the U.S., allocating approximately $1 million annually in research grants and graduate level scholarships. Thus far, over 50 students have been EREF scholars, many of whom are now in key academic and professional positions across the U.S. EREF is pleased to announce that scholarship applications for the 2016-2017 academic year are now available. The application deadline is May 4, 2016 at 5:00 pm (eastern).

All qualified candidates will be considered for scholarships without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, or disability. Applications from students outside the United States or studying abroad will receive equal consideration. Award decisions by the Environmental Research and Education Foundation and its directors are final and not subject to appeal.

More information on EREF’s scholarships, as well as a link to the scholarship application, can be found at https://erefdn.org/index.php/scholarships/index. The deadline is May 4, 2016 at 5:00 pm (eastern). Please send an e-mail to scholarships@erefdn.org or call 919.861.6876 with any questions.

Click Here for more Information (PDF)