ECA holds first Environmental Advisory Council meeting

The Environmental Contractors Association (ECA) held the first meeting of the Environmental Advisory Council, which took place at the offices of STV. At the meeting Douglas Glorie, PE, senior project manager at STV, was appointed chairman of the council. The council is a group of environmental remediation professionals working toward advancing the remediation industry by creating an open dialogue for best practices and advanced methods. The council's mission is to identify environmental issues and mitigation plans through best practices that promote environmental wellness. Glorie stated, "Thank you for granting me the opportunity to act as chairman of the council. I look forward to working with such a talented group of experienced professionals to strengthen the NYC environmental industry." At the meeting the council addressed the role of environmental remediation in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, particularly in regards to the proliferation of storm-related mold. Objectives included the development of a mold certification training program, mold licensing procedure, an emergency response plan for small businesses, as well as the creation of an Environmental Advisory Council website that will serve as a detailed resource for business owners, government agencies, building owners and homeowners. Previously, the ECA, an affiliate of the council, defined its role in Hurricane Sandy's aftermath as a contributing partner of equipment and materials. The association contributed $100,000 to the Rapid Repair Program, which greatly benefitted hard-hit areas of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. The council aims to build upon the ECA's goal of providing a sustainable future for New York City and the surrounding region by serving as a reliable resource that is knowledgeable about issues relating to environmental disasters. The second Environmental Advisory Council meeting will be held in May 2013. For more information about the Environmental Advisory Council, please contact Joyce Nastasi, Executive Director of the Environmental Contractors Association at (212) 682-0062 or via e-mail at [email protected]. About the Environmental Contractors Association (ECA) The Environmental Contractors Association (ECA) is New York's premier trade association of environmental contractors. The ECA has grown from just a handful of contractors in 1996 to over fifty member firms today that specialize in hazardous materials removal, emergency response, asbestos removal, and infectious detection and clean-up among other environmental services. The ECA works with a wide range of clients and has built a strong reputation through partnerships with public agencies that shape environmental policy. For more information about the ECA and its services, visit www.ecanyc.org or contact Joyce Nastasi at (212) 682-0062 or via e-mail at [email protected]. ###