NEMA Environmental Training upcoming events

Chemistry Refresher for Environmental Professionals Training Course - Live Online Training (September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

September 24, 2026, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. CDT (1 Day)

Central Time Zone
(7 A.M. to 4 P.M. Mountain or 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Eastern)

Live Interactive Online Training

Course Reviews (4.6/5):

Overview: This course provides a practical review of key chemistry principles essential for understanding contaminant behavior in soil, air, and water. The course begins with a review of atomic structure and the environmental applications of the periodic chart. The course then progresses through topics such as chemical bonds, chemical reactions, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. Environmental professionals managing or regulating contaminated soil and groundwater sites, stormwater, surface water, landfills, or hazardous waste will benefit from attending.

This course is followed by the Principles of Contaminant Transport and Fate in Soil and Groundwater training, October 6 - 7, 2026, which is recommended for those working on contaminated soil and groundwater sites.

Course Topics:

Physical and Chemical Properties of Contaminants (S, Kd, Koc, Kow, Kh, Tb, Tm)

Environmental Applications of the Periodic Table

Oxidizers, Reducers, and Oxidation States

Mass-Based and Molar-Based Concentrations

Covalent versus Ionic Bonding

Empirical, Chemical, and Structural Formulas

Lewis Dot Notation

Predicting Molecular Geometry

Solubility Rules, Precipitation, and Sedimentation

Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics

Stoichiometry

Chemical Equilibrium and Limiting Reactants

Redox Potential and pH

Microbes and Terminal Electron Acceptors

Polyatomic Oxoanions (nitrate, phosphate, perchlorate, etc.)

Organic Molecules and IUPAC Nomenclature

Common Soil and Water Quality Monitoring Parameters

Predicting Contaminant Behavior

Intended Audience: Environmental engineers, geologists, hydrogeologist, agency staff, and other environmental professionals seeking an improved understanding of environmental chemistry. This course is especially helpful for those working with chemical data who have not had a chemistry refresher in over ten years.

Learning Objectives and Methods: Course participants will gain a fundamental understanding of chemistry and how it applies to managing and improving environmental quality. Key concepts will be emphasized through a combination of lecture, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Those seeking course credit must fully participate in the course and will be required to complete a written test to ensure they have gained an adequate understanding of topics covered.

Education Level: Introductory/refresher to intermediate.

Course Materials: 2026 updated course proceedings (124 color pages - PDF).

Credit: 7.5 PDHs or 0.75 CEUs for completing 7.5 hours of instruction.

Registration: $295, $225 per person for small groups of 2 to 9 people, $150 per person when registering a large group of 10 or more on the same registration. Each registrant will receive their own link to join the training and may participate from any location with internet access. Register online or by calling us at (800) 385-0783.

Location: Your home or office - anywhere you can get comfortable and online.

About the Instructor: Erick McWayne has over thirty years of professional experience in environmental quality management and teaching related courses. As a consultant, he managed contaminated surface water, soil, and groundwater projects for the Department of Defense and other clients. He currently provides consulting support to environmental projects and teaches courses in chemistry, site characterization, transport and fate, geochemistry, hydrogeology, remediation, and water quality management with the University of California Davis and the National Environmental Management Academy (NEMA).

Principles of Contaminant Transport and Fate in Soil and Groundwater Training Course: A Focus on the Behavior of Petroleum, Chlorinated Solvents, and Metals - Live Online Training (October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

October 6 - 7, 2026, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. CDT (2 Days)

Central Time Zone

(7 A.M. to 4 P.M. Mountain or 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Eastern)
Live Interactive Online Training

Course Reviews (4.8/5):

Overview: This course provides a practical overview of contaminant behavior in soil and groundwater with an emphasis on petroleum, chlorinated solvents, and metals. The material is intended for consultants and regulators managing contaminated sites. Course content is constantly updated, and includes new research and approaches for characterizing contaminant distribution and hydrogeology in the subsurface.

This course is preceded by the Chemistry Refresher for Environmental Professionals, September 24, 2026, which is recommended for anyone who has not had a chemistry refresher training in the last ten years and those seeking a review of environmental chemistry.

Course Topics:

Transport and Fate Overview

Potential Fates of Contaminants
Advective Transport
Mechanical Dispersion
Chemical Dispersion
Matrix Storage
Back Diffusion
Effective Solubility and Raoult's Law
High Resolution Site Characterization

3- and 4-Phase Equilibrium Partitioning

3- and 4-Phase Mass Distribution
Le Chatelier's Principle
Applications of Kd, Koc, foc, Kow, and KH
NAPL and the One Percent Rule
Metal Sorption and pH
Desorption Rates

Subsurface Transport

Soil Properties
Contaminant Infiltration
Hydrogeology Overview
Three Point Problem
Retardation Factors
Contaminant Velocity
Diving Plumes
Permeability vs. Gradient

Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) Transport

LNAPL Transport and Distribution Scenarios
Saturation and Recoverability
Specific Retention (Sr)
Concentration of Saturation (Csat)
DNAPL Transport and Mass Distribution
14-Compartment Model

Vapor Transport

Henry's Law and Vapor Pressure
Contaminant Vapor Transport Processes
Petroleum Vapor Attenuation
Chlorinated Vapor Attenuation
Preferential Pathways
Barometric Pumping

Natural Attenuation

Natural Attenuation Processes
Lines of Evidence
Decay Rates
Degradation Rate Tools
Estimating Restoration Time Frame

Focus on Hydrocarbon Contamination

Gasoline and Diesel Chemistry
Properties of BTEX, Oxygenates, and Additives
Soil Retention
Ethanol Cosolvation and Plume Elongation
Natural Attenuation Processes
Geochemical Indicators
Plume Behavior and Redox Zones
BTEX Plume Lengths
Monitoring Parameters

Focus on Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Contamination

Chlorinated Solvent Chemistry and Sources
Plume Behavior Classification
Degradation Pathways
Dehalogenating Microbes
Role of Hydrogen Gas
Geochemical Indicators
Biotransformation Rates
Zero-Valent Iron (ZVI)
Monitoring Parameters

Focus on Metal Contaminants

Forms of Metal Contamination
Complexation and Speciation
Methylation and Demethylation
Redox and Microbial Effects
Cation/Anion Exchange
Sorption to Iron Oxides
Variably Charged Soils
Sulfide Precipitation
Dissolved Solids vs. Metal Mobility
Facilitated Transport
Metal Fixation and Aging
Scenarios Approach to Metal Attenuation

Intended Audience: Environmental engineers, geologists, hydrogeologist, agency staff, and other environmental professionals seeking an improved understanding of transport and fate principles, and the behavior of petroleum, chlorinated solvent, and metals in soil and groundwater. This course is ideal for seasoned professionals, as well as, new hires who would benefit from a "crash course" in modern contaminant transport and fate.

Learning Objectives and Methods: Course participants will gain a fundamental understanding of the behavior of contaminants in soil and groundwater, how to improve interpretation of site characterization data, and how to predict contaminant behavior in soil and groundwater. Key concepts will be emphasized through a combination of lecture, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Those seeking course credit must fully participate in the course and will be required to complete a written test to ensure they have gained an adequate understanding of topics covered.

Education Level: Intermediate and advanced topics will be covered. A review of transport and fate principles will also be presented to ensure all levels benefit from attending.

Course Materials: 2026 updated course proceedings and resources (246 color pages - PDF).

Credit: 15 PDHs or 1.5 CEUs for completing 15 hours of instruction.

Registration: $395, $295 per person for 2 to 9 people, $250 per person for 10 or more people on the same registration. Each registrant will receive their own link to join the training and may participate from any location with internet access. You may register online or by calling us at (800) 385-0783.

Location: Anywhere you can get comfortable and online.

PFAS Transport, Fate, and Remediation in Soil, Surface Water, and Groundwater: Understanding and Managing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Including PFOA and PFOS Course - Live Online Training (April 27, 2027)

Tue, 27 Apr 2027 13:00:00 GMT

April 27 - 28, 2027, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. CDT (2 Days)

Central Time Zone
(7 A.M. to 4 P.M. Mountain or 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Eastern)

Live Interactive Online Training

Course Reviews (4.8/5):

This 2026 updated course provides a comprehensive overview of PFAS site management including the transport, fate, and remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil, surface water, and groundwater. PFAS have been in use since the 1940s, are highly toxic, resist degradation, and are becoming increasingly regulated. This training begins with a review of PFAS sources, toxicity, and common forms detected in the environment including the ionized perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) such as perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), PFAA precursors, and newer PFAS including perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS), fluorotelomer substances, F-53B, ADONA, and GenX related chemicals such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). The course then focuses on more advanced topics including PFAS transport, fate, site characterization, analytical methods, and effective remediation strategies for soil, surface water, and groundwater. Federal drinking water standards and drinking water treatment technologies are also covered.

Course Topics

PFAS 101 - The Basics

• What Are PFAS?

• Precursors and Degradates

• Acronyms and Naming Conventions

• Production History and Usage Trends

• Replacement Chemistry

• Sources and Modes of Release

• Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)
• Detections in the Environment
• Toxicity and Health Effects

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Physical Properties of PFAS

• Fluorine Characteristics
• Carbon-Fluorine Bonds

• Acidic, Anionic, and Cationic Forms

• Acid Disassociation Constants

• Thermal and Chemical Stabilities

• Solubilities

• Organic Carbon Partitioning

• Vapor Pressures

• Henry's Law Partitioning

• Octanol-Water Partitioning

• Bioconcentration Factors

PFAS Transport and Fate in Air, Soil, Surface Water, and Groundwater

• 4-Phase and Interface Partitioning
• Advection, Dispersion, and Diffusion

• Atmospheric Deposition

• Leaching

• Micelle Formation

• Abiotic Transformation

• Biotransformation

• PFAS Degradates

• Bioaccumulation

Site Characterization for PFAS

• Investigation Strategies

• Source Identification

• Sampling Approaches and Precautions

• Selecting PFAS Analytes

• Analytical Methods

• Air, Soil, and Water Framework

• Data Evaluation

• Qualitative Analysis

• Exposure Pathways & Risk Assessment

• Conceptual Site Model Development

Soil Remediation Technologies

• Soil Washing

• Excavation and Off-Site Destruction

• Stabilization/Solidification
• Thermal Desorption

• Incineration

Water Remediation Technologies

• Reverse Osmosis

• Nanofiltration

• Granular Activated Carbon and Biochar
• Modified Anion Exchange

• Surface Active Foam Fractionation

• Ozofractionation

• Electrochemical Oxidation

• Argon Plasma Treatment

• Sonochemical Treatment

• Alkaline Hydrothermal Liquefaction

PFAS Regulation and Guidance

• Federal Drinking Water Standards (MCLs)

• National Regulatory Status
• International Regulatory Approaches

• Guidance and Resources

Intended Audience: Environmental engineers, geologist, hydrogeologists, agency staff, and others seeking an improved understanding of PFAS transport, fate, and remediation in soil, surface water, and groundwater. This course is ideal for seasoned professionals, as well as, new hires who would benefit from a PFAS "crash course".

Learning Objectives and Methods: Course participants will gain a fundamental understanding of PFAS chemistry, sources, toxicology, transport and fate, effective treatment technologies. Key concepts will be emphasized through a combination of lecture, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Those seeking course credit must fully participate in the course and will be required to complete a written test to ensure they have gained an adequate understanding of topics covered.

Education Level: Introductory to advanced. General principles, current research, and advanced topics are presented to ensure all levels benefit from attending. Familiarity with general chemistry and transport and fate principles is recommended.

Course Materials: 2027 updated course proceedings and references (302 color pages - PDF).

Credit: 15 PDHs or 1.5 CEUs for completing 15 hours of instruction.

Registration: $395, $295 per person for groups of 2 - 9 people, $250 per person for large groups of 10 or more on the same registration. Each registrant will receive their own link to join the training and may participate from any location with internet access. You may register online or by calling us at (800) 385-0783.

Location: Your home or office - anywhere you can get comfortable and online.

About the Instructor: Erick McWayne has over thirty years of professional experience in environmental quality management and teaching related courses. As a consultant, he managed contaminated surface water, soil, and groundwater projects for the Department of Defense and other clients. He currently provides consulting support to environmental projects and teaches courses in contaminant chemistry, transport and fate, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and remediation with the University of California Davis and the National Environmental Management Academy (NEMA).

PFAS Treatment in Drinking Water: Best Available Technologies, Strategies, and Alternatives for Removing PFAS from Public Water Supplies Course - Live Online Training (June 08, 2027)

Tue, 08 Jun 2027 13:00:00 GMT

June 8 - 9, 2027, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. CDT (2 Days)

Central Time Zone
(9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Eastern or 7 A.M. to 4 P.M. Mountain)

Live Interactive Online Training

Course Reviews (4.8/5):

This course provides a comprehensive overview of PFAS science, sources, water quality monitoring, effective treatment technologies, and management strategies for complying with PFAS drinking water standards. Drinking water regulations, analytical methods, technology selection, and alternative PFAS treatment and destruction technologies will also be discussed. Many topics covered are also applicable to treatment of municipal, industrial, and remediation derived wastewater containing PFAS.

Course Topics

PFAS Overview

• What Are PFAS?

• Environmental Challenges

• Polymers vs. Non-Polymers

Drinking Water Regulations

• Federal MCLs for PFAS

• Hazard Index Calculation
• MCL Significant Figures

• Rounding Requirements

PFAS Regulation History

• Phaseout of PFOA, PFOS, & Related Precursors

• EPA's Lifetime Health Advisory Timeline
• Recent Federal PFAS Regulations

PFAS Sources

• Production History

• Common Source Types
• Usage by Industry

PFAS Detections in Drinking Water

• National PFAS Detections

• UCMR 5 Results

PFAS Terminology

• Classes & Subclasses

• Perfluorinated vs. Polyfluorinated
• Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs)

• GenX

• Precursors

• Linear vs. Branched

• Short-Chain vs. Long-Chain

PFAS Health Effects

• Animals

• Humans

Common PFAS Sources

• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

• Landfills
• Wastewater Treatment Plants

• Industrial Facilities

PFAS Chemical Properties

• Anionic Regulated PFAS

• Hydrophilic Head & Hydrophobic Tail

• Anion Exchange Capacity (AEC)

• Partitioning

PFAS Movement in the Environment

• PFAS in Soil & Groundwater

• Groundwater Plume Lengths

• PFAS in Air & Rainwater

• Precursor Transformation

Drinking Water Sampling

• Sampling Locations & Procedures

• Initial PFAS Monitoring

• Compliance Monitoring

Analytical Methods

• Methods 533 vs. 537.1

• Suspended Sediment Issues

• Isotope Dilution

• Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay

Interpreting Lab Results

• Quality Assurance & Quality Control

• Field Blanks

• Lab Terminology

General Drinking Water Treatment

• Terminology

• Competitive Sorption & Overshoot

• Pretreatment

• Disinfection Issues

• Performance Monitoring

• Media Reactivation and Disposal

• Non-Treatment Options

Best Available Technologies (BATs)

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

• Anion Ion Exchange (AIX)

• Reverse Osmosis (RO)

• Nanofiltration (NF)

Technology Selection & Pilot Testing

GAC vs. AIX Case Studies

BAT Drinking Water Treatment Costs

Point of Use & Point of Entry Systems

Other PFAS Treatment Technologies

• Alternative Sorbents

• Surface Active Foam Fractionation

• Ozofractionation

• Chemical Oxidation/Reduction

• Supercritical Water Oxidation

• Electrochemical Oxidation

• Plasma Treatment

• Sonochemical Treatment

• Hydrothermal Liquefaction

Review of Key Concepts

Intended Audience: Drinking water treatment plant operators, plant managers, engineers, scientists, agency staff, and others seeking an improved understanding of effective technologies and strategies for removing PFAS from public water supplies.

Learning Objectives and Methods: Course participants will gain a fundamental understanding of PFAS chemistry, sources, effective treatment technologies, system design, costs, and potential for non-treatment alternatives. Key concepts will be emphasized through a combination of lecture, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Those seeking course credit must fully participate in the course and will be required to complete a written test to ensure they have gained an adequate understanding of topics covered.

Course Materials: 2027 updated course proceedings and references (306 color pages - PDF).

Credit: 15 PDHs or 1.5 CEUs for completing 15 hours of instruction.

Location: Your office or home - anywhere you can get comfortable and online.

About the Instructor: Erick McWayne has over thirty years of professional experience in environmental quality management and teaching related courses. As a consultant, he managed contaminated surface water, soil, and groundwater projects for the Department of Defense and other clients. He currently provides consulting support to environmental projects and teaches courses in contaminant chemistry, transport and fate, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and remediation with the University of California Davis and the National Environmental Management Academy (NEMA).