CE Conference Features Keynote Speaker Kelly Scanlon
Kelly Scanlon, Director of Environment Health and Safety Policy and Research at IPC, will headline the TURA Continuing Education Conference on April 14 in South Hadley. Before joining the IPC electronics industry association, Kelly worked at the Department of Defense w here she helped identify policy and technology solutions for improved chemical management.

Her talk, "Drivers for Creating More Sustainable Industry," will delve into external regulatory and policy drivers and provide examples of how electronics manufacturers are moving to safer alternatives and the roadblocks that challenge them on their journey. She'll discuss ESG (environment, social and corporate governance) as an internal motivator and framework for both IPC’s activities as a trade association and for their members.
Demo on Eliminating TCE Use
Morgan Advanced Materials Demonstration
March 25, 10 a.m. to Noon
225 Theodore Rice Boulevard
New Bedford, MA 02745
2 Continuing Education Credits

Join us for a demonstration of how Morgan Advanced Materials eliminated the use of trichloroethylene ( TCE).

Morgan manufactures ceramic-to-metal brazed assemblies for use in aerospace, medical imaging and medical implant applications. The company was awarded a TURI grant to aid them in eliminating the use of TCE in a vapor degreaser. 

With the assistance of TURI, the performance of a safer cleaning alternative was verified and new equipment was purchased with grant funds. Morgan will share their success story with companies and planners in order to help others set and achieve their own TUR goals. 
New Federal Requirements for PFAS
The recently passed federal National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes new provisions adding 172 longer chain per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and GenX chemicals to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Under the NDAA, the reporting threshold on these substances will be 100 pounds, effective reporting year 2020 (Form Rs are due July 1, 2021).

Under the NDAA, within five years the EPA needs to revisit this threshold, and in two years consider the addition of other substances that are shorter chain as well as other ethers. Learn more about the TRI additions .

Additionally, these TRI additions will be covered in the PFAS Chemicals session at the April Continuing Education Conference, along with the recent work the Science Advisory Board (SAB) has done on PFAS. The work the SAB has done will also be covered at the Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS noted below.
Reminder: Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS
Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1
Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center

The Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) has organized a regional science conference on per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to ensure that local, state and federal action to address PFAS contamination is informed by the most current and reliable science.

The two-day conference will also facilitate networking and information-sharing among key stakeholders on PFAS topics and identify gaps in the science and policy to inform future research. TURI, the Office of Technical Assistance and MassDEP staff members are presenting on topics such as toxicology, TUR and P2 opportunities, and environmental health.
PFAS Chemicals in Artificial Turf Fact Sheet
To help communities understand recent research that has detected the presence of PFAS in artificial turf carpet, TURI developed a fact sheet. The function of PFAS in turf is not fully understood, but may serve as an extrusion agent during the production of the plastic grass blades.

The fact sheet provides basic background information on PFAS and on recent testing methods used to detect these chemicals in artificial turf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Turf
TURI staff receives many questions about chemicals found in artificial turf infill, in particular about infill made with tire crumb. We've developed reports, videos, and case studies, and now we have another resource that will help communities make informed decisions - Frequently Asked Questions.
Job Opening at the Office of Technical Assistance
The Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) is seeking an Environmental Analyst II-Communications Coordinator. Working with the Director of OTA and office staff, while coordinating with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Communications Department, the coordinator will produce written and social media materials and develop communications strategies to heighten the understanding of and the appreciation for OTA services by internal and external audiences.  Learn more and apply.
Videos Feature Company Successes
Siemens Healthineers Finds a Safer Surfactant
Siemens Healthineers collaborated with UMass Lowell researchers to find a safer surfactant for diagnostic devices. TURI awarded a grant to UMass Lowell researchers to partner with Siemens on the project.
Lytron Reduces TCE Emissions by 6,000 Pounds
Alan Smith of Lytron describes how he used TURI's laboratory testing services to evaluate the effectiveness of non-TCE solutions that worked in a vacuum degreaser to remove lubricating oils from aluminum flat and fin parts.
Massachusetts Companies & Communities Reduce Toxics
Companies and communities describe how they've reduced toxic chemical use with the help of TURI's services.