A Better, Faster Alternative for Determining Fecal Contamination

Presented By: Diane Miskowski, MPH                                                              Aquatic Microbiology and Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Industrial Hygienists and environmental health professionals are frequently asked to determine if fecal contamination exists after sewage overflows, and after flooding from storm events. Many have used the traditional fecal indicator bacteria tests (FIB) that culture total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, or Enterococci for these applications. Even though it is widely recognized that these tests are neither specific nor sensitive enough to be considered good indicators of fecal contamination, they were the only tests available until recently. With the commercialization of Polymerase Chain Reaction (specifically quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction or qPCR), genomic testing and additional research on using other fecal indicator organisms, we now have more sensitive and specific tests for determining the presence of fecal or sewage contamination.

Diane has her Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University-Cook College in Environmental Science with a focus on Environmental Microbiology and a Master of Public Health degree in Environmental Health from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health.  She has more than 35 years experience in the areas of Microbiology, Laboratory Management, and Industrial Hygiene with a focus on aerobiology and exposure to pathogens.  Diane has worked as an Industrial Hygienist with OSHA, Temple University, and several consulting firms focusing on workplace exposure to bacterial pathogens and fungi.  Currently she is on the Monitoring Committee for the Centers of Disease Control Model Aquatic Health Code Steering Committee to develop guidelines for water park safety. She has also presented and published on such topics as Legionella, Environmental Mycology, Sampling strategies for Microbiological Assessments, and Sewage Contamination.

Sewer Backflows Happen: Mistakes, Testing & Remediation

Presented By: Patrick Moffett                                                                                     Senior Industrial Hygienist at Environmental Management & Engineering, Inc.

A sewage backflow event is always traumatic for the building occupants. It can be turned into a total nightmare and the restoration costs can be dramatically increased when common mistakes are made during the inspection and restorative clean-up efforts. The lecture will focus on the professional approach and the suggested procedures to remediate category 3 water losses, following the standard of care of the IICRC S500 & IICRC S520.  Further exploration will be the avoidance of the easily overlooked additional hazards, such as asbestos and lead, encountered during demolition of building materials and/or the application of biocides. Odor complaints and poor indoor air quality, as well as severe illnesses, can result from unprofessional and incomplete remediation of category 3 water losses and the wrong application of disinfectants and biocides. Restoration professionals, industrial hygienists, building managers and insurance adjusters will benefit from the insights of this lecture.

For more than 25 years, Patrick has been a senior environmental/industrial hygienist, general contractor, technical writer, lecturer and instructor specializing in the assessment and oversight of property  damage remediation and the environmental clearance of property losses. His loss experience includes small but complicated losses; large losses involving schools, hospitals, shopping centers and high-rise buildings; industrial commercial properties and factory losses; catastrophic losses related to whole communities and cities; coordinating the cleanup of losses with government agencies including police, fire, hazmat, DOH, OSHA, EPA, and fish and game.

The IAQA Chapter will host a catered continental breakfast and a networking lunch during the workshop's break. The event will consist of approximatly 4 hours of presentation time, question and answer sessions and plenty of opportunities to network!

Approved for Continuous Education Credits by:

ACAC for 4 Credits

IICRC for 0.5 Credits