CEHA 2024: Full Schedule

The CEHA 2024 AEC schedule can be found below.

NOTICE: The pre-conference CFPM class has been cancelled.

As of 9/11/2024, the schedule is complete and current. Door signs can be found within the pre-function space. If there are any questions, please come to the registration desk to ask a committee member.

HAVE A GREAT CONFERENCE!!

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6:30am MDT

Rabies Ramble 5k

Thursday September 12, 2024 6:30am - 7:30am MDT

Great Wolf Lodge Lobby

Route to be announced.

Thursday September 12, 2024 6:30am - 7:30am MDT
Great Wolf Lodge Lobby

Activity

8:30am MDT

AmeriCorps Members in Enviornmental Health, How to Leverage Funding and Partnership to Advance the Enviornmental Health Workforce

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT

Northwest Territory A

Colorado Public Health Works is a groundbreaking AmeriCorps Apprenticeship program providing career entry into the field of public health from local communities throughout Colorado. In 2022, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment became the first local public health agency in the nation to combine a dual community health worker apprenticeship program with an AmeriCorps service - providing competitive pay, benefits, and career tailored career trajectories for young professionals. This is a new program that has not gained a great deal of momentum from environmental health agencies and other Colorado partners. This talk will aid interested environmental health leaders the how to of partnering with statewide and regional partners to secure dollars for AmeriCorps members and highlight the current environmental health work being conducted by Denver AmeriCorps members.

Speakers

Mark McMillan, M.S

Air and Water Quality Manager, DDPHE

Mark McMillan is currently the Air and Water Manager of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality. He brings over 25 years of air quality and environmental protection experience. Before joining the City in August 2022, Mark spent... Read More →

Emily Evans

AmeriCorps Member / Student, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment

Emily is a current Master of Environmental and Occupational Health Public Health student at the Colorado School of Public Health and a second year AmeriCorps Apprentice working full time with a split position working for both the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT
Northwest Territory A

General EH

8:30am MDT

Feedforward: a refreshing alternative to feedback

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT

Fallen Timbers B

Back by popular demand, this highly interactive session give participants the opportunity to experience firsthand the simple yet powerful Feedfoward approach. Giving feedback is commonly considered an essential skill for leaders. Traditionally, feedback is provided from leaders to direct reports, and in some cases, it may be provided toward procedures and processes, “upward” to one’s leaders, or in multiple directions, as in a 360-degree format. In all these types of feedback, the information shared typically focuses on the past, which may be limited and static. Observing this phenomenon, Marshall Goldsmith created Feedforward, an alternative, refreshing and fun approach to addressing personal and professional development goals that focuses on identifying a wide array of strategies and options, free from the past, that can be applied in the future. Participants in this session will take away not only a personal set of practical strategies and possibilities for impacting an area they want to strengthen or improve, but also the ability to easily apply the Feedfoward approach in the future.

Speakers

Leanne Jeffers, MPH, PCC

Director of Training and Coaching Services, Regional Institute for Health & Environmental Leadership

Leanne has been with the Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership (RIHEL) since 2003 and is currently the Director of Training and Coaching Services. She is also a core faculty member for RIHEL’s comprehensive leadership programs and a lead trainer. Leanne manages... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Leadership

8:30am MDT

Points, Pervasiveness, and Placement...OH MY!

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT

Fallen Timbers A

This training will be a participant led dive into pervasiveness considerations in retail food facilities. This is intended for inspectors that inspect retail food facility and partake in the CDPHE Inspection Ratings program. This training is ideal for inspectors of all skill levels.

Speakers

Josh Skeggs

EHS III, Arapahoe County Public Health

Josh Skeggs has been an EH professional since 2016 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from University of Colorado Denver. He currently works at Arapahoe County Public Health in the Consumer Protection program inspecting retail food establishments.

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT
Fallen Timbers A

Retail Food

8:30am MDT

Stormwater SRT | What are they? How do they work? Why do we do them?

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT

Northwest Territory B

In the face of the ever-changing regulatory and scientific landscape, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is developing its next per and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) action plan to continue work as a leader among states addressing widespread PFAS contamination. In this effort CDPHE will strive to use a data driven approach toward decision-making and public health protection via three primary objectives: 1) identify and minimize Coloradan’s exposure to PFAS; 2) assess and provide information on PFAS health risks; and 3) prevent PFAS releases and address known releases. CDPHE will present on this next iteration of the state’s PFAS action plan, which is expected to be finalized by January 2024. Presenters will seek feedback from the audience on the proposed plan.

Speakers

Brian Tietze

Environmental Health Investigator II, Denver Public Health and Environment

Brian Tietze has worked for Denver Public Health and Environment, Environmental Quality division for 6 years. Working on a large array of water quality projects. Some include; river and lake sampling, macroinvertebrate sampling, green infrastructure monitoring, and electro fish surveying... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:10am MDT
Northwest Territory B

Water

8:30am MDT

Exhibitors Open

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 6:30pm MDT

Pre-Function

Thursday September 12, 2024 8:30am - 6:30pm MDT
Pre-Function

Activity

9:15am MDT

Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Awareness

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT

Northwest Territory A

The widespread abuse of Methamphetamine (Meth) and Fentanyl has grown exponentially in the last decade to worsen the current Opioid Epidemic. The number of drug-related deaths has also grown exponentially, mainly driven by Fentanyl, with devastating impacts to countless families and businesses. This awareness-level presentation covers basic information for these two drugs to include: definitions, an Epidemic overview, methods of abuse and overdose effects, signs of meth usage/manufacturing, and some precautions to follow with best practices to help protect yourself from risk of exposure.

Speakers

Kevin Storms, CHMM, ASP

Consultant, Self-employed

Kevin Storms received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and started his career as a Chemical Officer in the U.S. Army. He has worked over 30 years at highly regulated industrial and manufacturing facilities to include oil refining, hazardous waste... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT
Northwest Territory A

General EH

9:15am MDT

You’re adding what??: Food Additives at Retail

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT

Fallen Timbers B

Have you come across items with interesting ingredients? Smoothie bars trying to add supplements to drinks? How do you know what is legal to add or where to cite it if it’s not? This presentation will walk you through the differences between food additives, GRAS ingredients, and supplements, cover some of the popular items we’re seeing at retail, and outline how to determine if a substance is legal to use in food.

Speakers

Alisha Johnson, MPH, MBA, RS, REHS

Retail Food Specialist, FDA

Alisha Johnson is a Retail Food Specialist with the Food and Drug Administration based out of the Denver District, covering the states of Colorado and Wyoming. She has 15 years of regulatory experience,including over a decade with a local health department in Montana, as well as five... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Retail Food

9:15am MDT

Partnering with El Paso County Hazmat for Preparedness and Response in Schools

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT

Fallen Timbers A

Schools in El Paso County have benefited from many years of partnership between El Paso County Public Health’s Environmental Health (EH) division and the El Paso County Hazardous Materials Response Team (EPCHM). Through joint routine inspections, EH and EPCHM have partnered to educate school personnel, prepare themselves for potential events, and respond to incidents. While explaining the unique history between EH and EPCHM, including a recent response to Carbon Monoxide and Ethylene Oxide complaints in an elementary school, lessons learned and recommendations for other jurisdictions will be presented.

Speakers

Meredith Lockwood

Division Manager, El Paso County Public Health

Melissa Rogerson and Meredith Lockwood are the Program Manager and Division Manager of the school program at El Paso County Public for 3.5 years. In addition to the school program, they oversee the child care, waste tire, body art, and vector programs in El Paso County. Before... Read More →

Melissa Rogerson

Program Manager, El Paso County Public Health

Melissa Rogerson and Meredith Lockwood are the Program Manager and Lead EHS of the school program at El Paso County Public for 3.5 years. In addition to the school program, they oversee the child care, waste tire, body art, and vector programs in El Paso County. Before becoming... Read More →

Scott Stephens

Hazmat Coordinator, El Paso County Hazardous Materials Response Team

Scott Stephens is one of the Hazmat Coordinators with El Paso County Hazardous Materials Response Team. Scott joined the team in 2009 as an ancillary duty and became a full time Coordinator in 2017. Scott is a Hazmat Technician with specialty in highway and rail car and technical... Read More →

Jim Rebitski

Hazmat Coordinator, El Paso County Hazardous Materials Response Team

Jim Rebitski is one of the Hazmat Coordinators with the El Paso County Hazardous Materials Response Team. Jim joined the team as a Volunteer and became a full-time coordinator in 2023 after retiring from the Fire Service. Jim is a Hazmat Technician and highway specialist and has... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT
Fallen Timbers A

Schools/Childcare

9:15am MDT

Garage Gone Aquatic: A Dive into an Unexpected Pool Complaint

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT

Northwest Territory B

What do you do when your local code enforcement says there is a complaint of a pool in a residential home's garage, and they are providing swimming lessons to the community? We will explore the many different twists and turns of the pool in a private home that was opened for lessons, how the county complaint response was conducted, and how it all ended.

Speakers

Marty Easter

Field Supervisor- Water Program, Arapahoe County Health Department

Marty graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor's in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Health. Marty worked at Tri-County Health department as a generalist from 2008 to 2015. He then moved back near his hometown in Oregon where he worked for the Department of Environmental... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:15am - 9:55am MDT
Northwest Territory B

Water

9:55am MDT

Break

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:55am - 10:05am MDT

Pre-Function

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:55am - 10:05am MDT
Pre-Function

Break

10:05am MDT

Safety First: Protecting Public Health Employees in the Field

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT

Northwest Territory A

Whether conducting a death investigation, inspecting a restaurant, trying to catch a stray dog, following up on a chemical spill, or taking stream samples, working in the field is essential to maintaining public health—but it also presents unique risks to the employees carrying out these tasks. This presentation focuses on practical strategies for keeping public health workers safe during their daily operations. Attendees will learn about job hazard analyses, different types of hazards, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), situational awareness, and best practices for working in diverse environments. Whether you're navigating hazardous sites, interacting with the public, or conducting investigations in high-risk areas, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to stay safe and secure while fulfilling your vital role.

Speakers

Devin Clark

Workplace Safety Administrator, City and County of Denver: Risk Management

I worked as a Public Health Investigator in the Residential Housing division for 4.5 years. I went out to many cases by myself to a variety of locations including people's homes and apartments. Situational awareness and de-escalation tools were critical to my personal safety when... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT
Northwest Territory A

Air & Waste

10:05am MDT

Retail Food FY2024 Data Review

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT

Fallen Timbers B

This presentation will provide a review of a state-wide data analysis conducted using retail food inspection data from fiscal year 2024.

Speakers

Cody Sprague

Environmental Protection Specialist II, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Andrew Lemmons, CP-FS

Environmental Protection Specialist II, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Andrew has been with CDPHE for almost four years with previous experience working with Park and Teller Counties as an inspector for the retail food, child care, and schools programs. Andrew also has experience analyzing data at the local level and at the State level, including CDPHE's... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Retail Food

10:05am MDT

A Dive into Four Student's Experiences with NEHA NEPHIP

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT

Fallen Timbers A

NEHA’s National Environmental Health Internship Program (NEPHIP) is a 400-hour paid internship opportunity that links students from accredited environmental health programs with state, tribal, local and territorial public health agencies, with funding coming from the CDC. Four Colorado State University students will describe their recent NEPHIP internship experiences at Boulder, Garfield, Jefferson and Weld counties.

Alexandra Holmes and Bailey Reeves will be sharing their experiences as interns in the National Environmental Health Association Internship Program (NEPHIP). Alexandra was paired with Boulder County Public Health and worked on a project that focused on providing resources to prospective food vendor for events. Bailey was paired with Garfield County Public Health where she completed a project based on private wells and regulation adoptions. Their presentation will provide more information on their independent projects and their NEPHIP experiences.

Speakers

Yasmin Chouaf

Student, CSU-Fort Collins

Alexandra Holmes

Student, CSU- Fort Collins

Alexandra Holmes is a senior at Colorado State University, where she is majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Public Health, and has two minors, Chemistry and Food Science/Safety. She completed the Spring 2024 National Environmental Health Association... Read More →

Mackenzie Moritz

Student, CSU- Fort Collins

Bailey Reeves

Student, CSU - Fort Collins

Originally from Western Colorado, I am completing my studies at Colorado State University in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Public Health. I have currently taken classes that cover water quality, radiation biology, epidemiology, food safety, and basic knowledge... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT
Fallen Timbers A

Student(s)

10:05am MDT

ADUs and extra people, what to do? Explore expansion of the onsite wastewater infrastructure to meet the demands of homes with accessory dwelling units

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT

Northwest Territory B

Accessory dwelling units are increasing in popularity and local governments are adding rules regarding ADUs to their building codes. Colorado’s legislature just passed a bill to increase the number of ADUs in the state. Arapahoe County recently adopted new regulations in the land development code for Unincorporated Arapahoe County. In this session, we will explore OWTS designs accounting for the increased wastewater flows from ADU additions. We will also hear from other counties on their challenges and lessons learned from OWTS permitting for ADUs. Join us as we discuss design and regulation considerations for the ADU craze.

Speakers

Kat McGarvy, MS- Biology

Water Quality Program Manager, El Paso County Public Health

Over 10 years of experience in Environmental Health. Beginning as a specialist working in public swimming pools and vector programs in Pueblo; eventually, transitioning into a microbiologist position within the drinking water laboratory performing total coliform analysis, rabies... Read More →

Mitch Brown

JCPH Supervisor, Jefferson County Public Health

Mitch works for Jefferson County Public Health as an Environmental Health Services Supervisor. He currently manages the Water Quality Program, which includes the onsite wastewater treatment system and pool programs. He has about 18 years of experience working in the environmental... Read More →

Rachel Gamache

Environmental Health Specialist, Arapahoe County Public Health

As a member of Arapahoe County Public Health, Rachel works on the Water Quality Team and conducts swimming pool and onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) inspections, reviews designs and issues permits. She earned her Master in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:05am - 10:45am MDT
Northwest Territory B

Wastewater

10:50am MDT

Spatial, Temporal, and Speciation Patterns of Volatile Organic Compounds in Colorado Workplaces: Insights from Field Measurements

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT

Northwest Territory A

In collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Colorado State University (CSU) conducted a comprehensive set of on-site assessments to evaluate indoor air quality and ventilation in Colorado workplaces. This program aimed to understand the distribution and concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) across different non-residential environments, with the ultimate goal of improving indoor air quality. Our team deployed summa canisters to collect week-long air samples at eighteen of the fifty workplace sites selected for the program from October 2022 to May 2024. These air samples were analyzed at CSU to identify and quantify >50 unique VOC species. Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) sensors were co-located with summa canisters. These dual measurements provided a robust dataset, enabling us to identify prevalent compounds and evaluate their potential associations with specific workplace activities. Our initial findings reveal significant variability in VOC profiles and concentrations across different facility types, regions, and seasons. Specific VOCs will be presented based on their abundance and potential health hazard. Our presentation will summarize all analytes and their concentrations, alongside comparative analyses of indoor to outdoor VOC ratios. Additionally, we will discuss sites with unique VOC types and levels, as well as those with uniform profiles, presenting possible hypotheses for these observations. By integrating our data with existing literature, we aim to highlight normal VOC ranges, potential sources, and associated health risks in non-residential settings. This work improves understanding VOC dynamics in diverse work environments and provides insights into improving indoor air quality. Our findings contribute to filling knowledge gaps and inform regulatory strategies for VOC management in workplaces, emphasizing the relevance of hazard ratios for health risk assessment. The presentation will conclude with recommendations for future research directions and practical applications of our findings to enhance workplace health and safety standards.

Speakers

Will Clagett, MPH

Research Associate, Colorado State University

Will Clagett is a Research Associate III at Colorado State University in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He has a master’s in public health from Indiana University with a concentration in environmental and occupational health. Prior to joining CSU, Will was... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT
Northwest Territory A

Air & Waste

10:50am MDT

Emotional Intelligence

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT

Fallen Timbers B

Leaders with a high emotional intelligence (EQ) inspire trust and motivate their teams. Because they understand their emotions and the emotions of others, they foster a positive work environment and build greater team satisfaction.

Things to keep in mind about EQ:
1. EQ is more reliable than IQ in determining workplace success.
2. 95% of people believe they are self-aware; approximately 15% actually are.
3. Empathetic leaders score higher in employee engagement, decision-making, and coaching.
4. EQ influences job performance.
5. High EQ is found in 90% of top performing employees.
6. EQ can be improved.

In this workshop, participants will understand the importance of EQ in the workplace, and learn the four key pillars of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Participants will also complete a self-assessment to identify their weakest EQ area, then explore ways that they can improve.

Speakers

Tracey Sherman, CWDP

Career Services Advisor | Facilitation Team Lead, Arapahoe/Douglas Works

Tracey Sherman is a Career Services Advisor and Facilitator with Arapahoe/Douglas Works where she helps job seekers on their employment journey. Prior to her current role, she enjoyed a career in education working with middle and high school students. The books that have helped shaped... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Leadership

10:50am MDT

A Dive into Four Student's Experiences with NEHA NEPHIP

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT

Fallen Timbers A

Speakers

Yasmin Chouaf

Student, CSU-Fort Collins

Alexandra Holmes

Student, CSU- Fort Collins

Mackenzie Moritz

Student, CSU- Fort Collins

Bailey Reeves

Student, CSU - Fort Collins

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT
Fallen Timbers A

Student(s)

10:50am MDT

Regulation 43 Update

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT

Northwest Territory B

At this point in time, I plan on providing an update on the status of the proposed revisions to Regulation 43 (OWTS Regulations). However, as things progress and other hot topics arise, it may be more appropriate to determine the exact presentation content more towards the end of the summer.

Speakers

Chuck Cousino, REHS

OWTS Coordinator, Engineering Section, Water Quality Control Division, CDPHE

Chuck is the Onsite Wastewater Coordinator at CDPHE. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health from Ferris State University and has worked in the onsite wastewater industry his entire career; including over 20 years in the private sector, and over 20 years in the public... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 10:50am - 11:30am MDT
Northwest Territory B

Wastewater

11:30am MDT

Break - Lunch on Own

Thursday September 12, 2024 11:30am - 1:30pm MDT

Pre-Function

Thursday September 12, 2024 11:30am - 1:30pm MDT
Pre-Function

Break

1:30pm MDT

Air Toxics, Ozone, and Precursor Trends in Colorado over 30 years

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT

Northwest Territory A

Gregg started his career focused on air toxics monitoring and modeling in the Denver Metro region. Over that time, Gregg has explored and analyzed numerous air toxics and ozone precursor datasets. Trends for most air toxics and ozone precursors that have been monitored are down significantly over that time. For ozone, we have seen maximum measured 1-hr concentrations decrease over time but the 8-hour average metric for ozone compliance has been uneven and stubborn. Wildfire smoke, especially during hot and dry summers in western North America appears to have some impact on ozone during bad fire years, but the relationship is still very unclear.

With new air toxics monitoring in place or on the way across Colorado, Gregg will offer insights to be on the lookout for as monitoring programs expand.

Speakers

Gregg Thomas

Environmental Quality Division Director, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment

Since 2015, Gregg Thomas has been the Environmental Quality Division Director in the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). This division of 43 scientists and engineers is responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water, minimizing the city’s environmental... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT
Northwest Territory A

Air & Waste

1:30pm MDT

How Refrigeration Units Are Tested and Why It Matters

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT

Fallen Timbers B

This presentation is designed to help environmental health specialists and plan reviewers understand the construction and performance testing requirements of NSF/ANSI 7 - the American National Standard for Commercial Refrigeration. With this knowledge, the labels placed inside certified refrigeration units such as, “for the storage and display of packaged products only”, can be better understood. Limitations on refrigeration and understanding its intended use can have implications for plan reviewed facilities and existing food establishments alike. As part of this presentation, the process of national consensus standard development, the value of standards and certification, and how regulators play a role will also be discussed.

The presentation includes:
1) Brief overview of who NSF is and how we work with health depts.
2) Brief explanation of what standards are, their development, and how they are used
3) Discussion on some of the design and safe material requirements for food equipment under the refrigeration unit standard (NSF/ANSI 7)
4) Discussion of the performance testing requirements for certified refrigeration
5) Explain the limitations placed on refrigeration (i.e. the interior labels) and their implications

Speakers

Derek DeLand, MPH, REHS/RS

Environmental Health Programs Manager, Government Affairs Division, Government Affairs - NSF

Derek DeLand is the Environmental Health Programs Manager in NSF’s Government Affairs Division. In this role he serves as a point of contact for local and state regulatory agencies and provides support with respect to NSF standards, certifications, and services. Derek came to NSF... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Retail Food

1:30pm MDT

From Pandemic Response to Public Health Monitoring: Advancements in Colorado's Wastewater Surveillance Program

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT

Northwest Territory B

The Colorado Wastewater Surveillance Program was established in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor COVID-19 levels across the state. Since its inception, the Wastewater Surveillance Program has expanded to cover approximately 65% of the state’s population in its monitoring, and it was designated as a National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) Center of Excellence by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This program has evolved into a dynamic initiative with a vision for the future that prioritizes optimization of resources and partnerships between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, local public health agencies, wastewater utilities, and academic partners.
The program is focused on sustainability and the incorporation of new targets to the surveillance schema. This includes the addition of enterovirus-D68 during the 2023 season. Additionally, a pilot project was conducted during the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season, focusing on influenza A and B, as well as RSV A and B. Moving forward, the program is considering the addition of antimicrobial-resistant gene and fungal targets, arboviruses, and bacterial targets.
Pertaining to the goal of program sustainability and following an evaluation, we are transitioning to a sentinel surveillance site model for wastewater surveillance. This system will enable us to incorporate new pathogen targets and implement long-term wastewater surveillance in Colorado. Complementary to this program, we have established the Emergency Wastewater Surveillance System. This framework encompasses a network of wastewater utilities, each serving more than 3,000 Coloradans. In the event of emerging pathogens necessitating rapid public health responses, these utilities will immediately provide wastewater samples to CDPHE for analysis. This system ensures swift monitoring of pathogen spread across the state, enabling effective and efficient public health interventions. As it continues to advance and foster collaborative partnerships, the Colorado Wastewater Surveillance Program stands poised to maintain its crucial role in safeguarding public health and informing proactive measures for pathogen detection and response in the state.

Speakers

Abby Wharton, MPH

Statewide Wastewater Surveillance Coordinator, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Abby Wharton, MPH: Abby holds her Master of Public Health in epidemiology from Ohio State University. She joined CDPHE's Wastewater Surveillance Unit as the Statewide Wastewater Surveillance Coordinator in August 2023. Abby is interested in taking her passion for rural community engagement... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT
Northwest Territory B

Wastewater

1:30pm MDT

Empowering Communities: Colorado’s PFAS Testing and Assistance Program (TAP) for Private Well Users

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT

Fallen Timbers A

In response to initial sampling results, public interest, and a desire to gather more groundwater information in a densely-welled Park County community, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Park County launched the Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) Testing and Assistance Program (TAP) pilot project in February 2024. This one-year pilot project provides private well users in Bailey free testing for PFAS using a reduced-cost water testing method. As a part of the pilot project, eligible households can also receive a pitcher filter that meets National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards to remove PFAS and other common contaminants from their drinking water. To date, the pilot program received over 600 applications for free PFAS testing and 23 applications for filtration support. Given the success of the pilot effort and funding available through Senate Bill 20-218, PFAS TAP plans to expand beyond the pilot area to provide testing and filtration support for private well users in other areas of Colorado. This presentation will share results from the PFAS TAP pilot project as well as detail plans for program expansion and opportunities for partnership between CDPHE and local public health agencies.

Speakers

Kelsey Barton

Toxicologist, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Kelsey Barton works as a per and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) toxicologist in the Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). She completed her doctoral degree in environmental health at the Colorado School... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:30pm - 2:10pm MDT
Fallen Timbers A

Water

2:15pm MDT

Love My Air – Colorado Local Entity Air Network Program Overview

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT

Northwest Territory A

Love My Air – Colorado Local Entity Air Network (LMA – CLEAN) is a proven regional approach to local community air monitoring, community engagement, and policy systems and environmental change to reduce air pollution and promote air quality awareness. This presentation provides a high-level overview of the project, current progress, and future directions. LMA – CLEAN presentation opens an opportunity for further discussion on community air monitoring work as part of public health purpose on improving and protecting the health of people and communities.

Speakers

Renata Trisilawati

Community Air Network Coordinator, Adams County Health Department

Renata Trisilawati serves as a Community Air Network Coordinator at Adams County, organizing the Colorado Local Entity Air Network cohort partners to improve air quality and empower the community. She is an active member of her community, volunteering on the Commerce City Environmental... Read More →

Brian Hlavacek

Environmental Health Division Director, Adams County Health Department

Brian Hlavacek serves as the Environmental Health Division Director for the Adams County Health Department. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health from Colorado State University and a Master of Applied Science degree in Environmental Policy and Management from... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT
Northwest Territory A

Air & Waste

2:15pm MDT

The Conference for Food Protection: What the heck is this?

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT

Fallen Timbers B

This presentation will discuss what the conference is (the rulemaking process for the Food Code), how it works, and how to get involved in the conference in 2025 when the conference is in Denver.

Speakers

Matt Brandt

Environmental Protection Specialist, CDPHE

Matt has been a retail food inspector for the last 16 years, 10 of which at CDPHE. His hobbies include running, hiking, reading, and spending time with family.

Sally Born

Program Manager, Mesa County Public Health

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Retail Food

2:15pm MDT

NSF/ANSI 40 Standards in OWTS

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT

Northwest Territory B

This presentation aims to increase attendees’ knowledge of NSF/ANSI 40 (onsite treatment), NSF/ANSI 245 (nitrogen reduction) and NSF/ANSI 350 (water reuse). The standards and certification process will be discussed, including performance testing details such as influent and effluent characteristics, dosing volume, and stress loading. Additionally, a significant update to NSF/ANSI 350 for commercial and multi-family systems that utilizes a risk-based approach incorporating pathogen log-reduction targets (LRTs) will be introduced.

Speakers

Derek DeLand, MPH, REHS/RS

Environmental Health Programs Manager, Government Affairs Division, Government Affairs - NSF

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT
Northwest Territory B

Wastewater

2:15pm MDT

What you should know about new PFAS regulations and CDPHE's 2024 PFAS Action Plan

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT

Fallen Timbers A

This presentation covers what local public health agencies should know about EPA's final PFAS drinking water regulations and designation of certain PFAS as hazardous substances to allow for Superfund cleanup. We will also discuss how ongoing and upcoming state efforts to address PFAS through the 2024 PFAS Action Plan impact local public health agencies and where there are opportunities for partnerships.

Speakers

David Dani

Emerging Contaminants Coordinator, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

David Dani is the Emerging Contaminants Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Previously, he oversaw training for Colorado’s Safe Drinking Water Program, was lab manager at CU's drinking water optimization lab, and led projects in Peru and Nepal... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:15pm - 2:55pm MDT
Fallen Timbers A

Water

2:55pm MDT

Break

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:55pm - 3:20pm MDT

Pre-Function

Thursday September 12, 2024 2:55pm - 3:20pm MDT
Pre-Function

Break

3:20pm MDT

Sources of Lead Exposure Found During Lead Poisoning Investigations

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:00pm MDT

Northwest Territory A

Currently, only four public health agencies in the State of Colorado have an inspection program to respond to cases of children with elevated blood lead levels, or lead poisoning. As other counties are beginning to consider or develop lead inspection programs, please join this timely presentation to look at some of the common, and not so common sources, that contribute to lead poisoning in children. This presentation will dig into real-world examples of lead hazards identified during investigations, including housing, occupations or hobbies, and cultural items such as folk medicines and cookware.

Speakers

Cassie Theisen

Environmental Health Specialist, Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment

Cassie Theisen is an Environmental Health Specialist with the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. She is a certified lead inspector and risk assessor and works in the childhood lead poisoning program at the county level, in addition to conducting retail food inspections... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:00pm MDT
Northwest Territory A

General EH

3:20pm MDT

Food Industry and Health Regulators - Partnerships and Pitfalls

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:00pm MDT

Fallen Timbers B

A panel discussion with Retail Food Industry leaders to discuss how health departments and the food industry can better work together. This panel will be focused on the industry perception of health inspections and what we can do to make positive change for food safety compliance. Food industry leaders will tell their story on why they are in the food industry and their experiences/relationships with Health inspectors over the years. They will offer their wisdom, share advice and answer questions.

Speakers

Michael Roy, CP-FS

EHS III, Arapahoe County Public Health

Michael Roy and Conner Gerken are Environmental Health Specialist III's at Arapahoe County Public Health. Michael has a primary focus on retail food, mobile, and plan review. Conner has a primary focus on retail food, mobile, body art and plan review. Between the two, they have a... Read More →

J Allen Adams

Director of Operations DIA, Tastes on the Fly at DIA

Tastes on the Fly operate about 16 full service and quick service restaurants at DIA and many more nationwide. J Allen is a leader in the Retail Food Industry and has worked in the Colorado Retail Food Market for over 30 Years.

Jason Horn, M.B.A, CP-FS

Food Safety Quality Assurance Department Head, In-N-Out Burger

Jason Horn began working at In-N-Out Burger in 1995 and is currently Department Head of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, where he oversees food safety and quality efforts for the company, including In-N-Out's nearly 400 restaurants across seven states, seven distribution centers... Read More →

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:00pm MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Retail Food

3:20pm MDT

Challenges to Compliance: A Case Study of Navigating the OW Enforcement Process

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:00pm MDT

Fallen Timbers A

Highlighting a malfunction case in Jefferson County and the journey navigating the enforcement process.

Speakers

Mitch Brown

JCPH Supervisor, Jefferson County Public Health

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:00pm MDT
Fallen Timbers A

Wastewater

3:20pm MDT

Principles and Practices of EH Leadership

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:05pm MDT

Northwest Territory B

While principles of environmental health leadership seem to remain steadfast, their practice has not. Challenges such as our response to COVID, workforce and budget shortages, the lack of visibility of our profession, and other matters have complicated our efforts. As such, our preparation and successful execution of leadership principles and practices are paramount. During this presentation, Mark will discuss his experiences over the last 25 years and how we are evolving to meet the challenges and to seize on our opportunities.

Speakers

Mark McMillan, M.S

Air and Water Quality Manager, DDPHE

Thursday September 12, 2024 3:20pm - 4:05pm MDT
Northwest Territory B

Leadership

4:05pm MDT

Public Accommodation Challenges and Collaborative Outcomes

Thursday September 12, 2024 4:05pm - 4:45pm MDT

Northwest Territory A

A case study presentation of two challenging public accommodations that included a collaborative effort between public health, regional building, fire department, and sheriff SWAT...resulting in license revocation, immediate closure, and extensive capital improvements. This will include some programmatic barriers, positive outcomes, and substantive next steps!

Speakers

Lee LaJeunesse

Environmental Health Specialist Lead, Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment

Lee LaJeunesse is an Environmental Health Specialist Lead and has been in the retail food program at PDPHE since 2018. He has over 20 years of experience in food management and a degree in restaurant resort management from Colorado State University – Fort Collins.

Aaron Doussett

Environmental Health Specialist, Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment

Aaron Doussett is an Environmental Health Specialist at PDPHE, with over 18 years of experience in the field of Public Health. His EH experience includes Retail Food, OWTS, Pools, and Zoonoses...to name a few.

Thursday September 12, 2024 4:05pm - 4:45pm MDT
Northwest Territory A

General EH

4:05pm MDT

Power Up Your Goals & Gain Results: Two simple strategies to boost your success

Thursday September 12, 2024 4:05pm - 4:45pm MDT

Northwest Territory B

How many times have you seen good intention and ambition go the way of an unkept New Year’s resolution? Have you ever wondered what it takes to sustain motivation and reliably get goals across the finish line? Whether you are looking to experience more success with your own challenging goals, or you want to strengthen your ability to support others with their goal creation and results, this interactive session will give you two simple strategies that boost inspiration and provide a solid structure for success. Through a brief presentation, an exercise, personal reflection, and small group discussion, you will come away from this session with hands-on experience developing your own powered up goals, and a simple tool that will help you continue to plan goals that set a path for increased productivity and satisfaction with accomplishments.

Speakers

Leanne Jeffers, MPH, PCC

Director of Training and Coaching Services, Regional Institute for Health & Environmental Leadership

Thursday September 12, 2024 4:05pm - 4:45pm MDT
Northwest Territory B

Leadership

4:05pm MDT

Food Industry and Health Regulators - Partnerships and Pitfalls

Thursday September 12, 2024 4:05pm - 4:45pm MDT

Fallen Timbers B

Speakers

Jason Horn, M.B.A, CP-FS

Food Safety Quality Assurance Department Head, In-N-Out Burger

J Allen Adams

Director of Operations DIA, Tastes on the Fly at DIA

Thursday September 12, 2024 4:05pm - 4:45pm MDT
Fallen Timbers B

Retail Food

4:05pm MDT

OWTS Operations & Maintenance

Thursday September 12, 2024 4:05pm - 4:45pm MDT

Fallen Timbers A

The operation and maintenance (O&M) of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) is critical to ensure optimal performance, functionality, and system longevity. Having a service contract with a licensed professional trained in the O&M of onsite wastewater treatment technologies is a sound approach to achieving sustained care and utility of an OWTS as well as protect homeowners’ significant financial investments.

OWTS O&M service visits often result in the early detection of a problem that could lead to a system malfunction. The proactive nature of regular O&M inspections makes it possible to take corrective action before a system becomes a public health hazard, detriment to the environment, or a liability for the homeowner—making O&M visits the most effective risk mitigation tool to public health. As our communities continue to expand and experience movement toward rural living, the utilization of OWTS for wastewater disposal will persist for the foreseeable future. As such, the need for OWTS Professionals and Regulators to develop an oversight program has emerged.

Development of an O&M oversight program is no small feat and poses a variety of challenges: cost, data management, regulatory authority, licensure and certifications, amongst others. Despite the challenges, effective wastewater management is critical to protect public health, environmental health, and property value. An O&M oversight program is essential to ensure OWTS within a respective jurisdiction are receiving the proper care and attention to protect our groundwater resources.

Speakers