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Track Session Schedule 

as of 2/25/25
To see speaker details, build a schedule for yourself, rate presentations, and more, download Yapp using the QR code

Schedule is subject to change

WEDNESDAY, February 26th​
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WORKSHOP: LANDFILL TRACK (this event is open to any Full-conference registrant)
1:00-2:30PM : Improving Surface Emission Monitoring with Robotics (Nathan Wagle, Specialized Robotic Systems) ​
  • Specialized Robotic Solutions has developed a rugged and automated tracked rover platform capable of traversing even the most difficult of terrains and conditions. This platform maintains accuracy, safety, repeatability, and is able to accomplish all of the SEM requirements while allowing the operator to watch from a safe location.  Moderated by Chad Doverspike
2:45-4:15PM : Financing and Designing PFAS Leachate Treatment in Wisconsin (Jalen Thomas, Arie Kremen, & Purshotam Juriasingani, Tetra Tech​
  • ​​The DNR’s Clean Water Funding Program provides low interest loans and principal forgiveness, including for leachate treatment projects addressing emerging contaminants. This presentation will cover comparative costs for implementing state-of-the-industry leachate PFAS treatment systems and explore cost and funding opportunities based on case studies.  Moderated by Logan Dwyer
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​​WORKSHOP: DIVERSION TRACK (this event is open to any Full-conference registrant)

1:00-2:30PM : Design/Operation Considerations for Accepting Food Waste at Compost Facilities (Betsy Powers, SCS Engineers & Marcus Gamoke, Busy Bee Compost)
  • ​​As more and more businesses, individuals and municipalities look to divert food waste from being landfilled, the need for composting facilities that accept food waste is increasing.  We will discuss the additional design and operation considerations that come with accepting food waste, from both an engineer's and operator's perspective.  Moderated by Abbie Liedtke  ​​
2:45-4:15PM : Building Public Confidence in Recycling (Alec Cooley, Busch Systems; Amanda Haffele, Portage County SWD; Dustin Nolan, City of Waukesha; Jordan Hiller, Outagamie County; Kelly Reyer, Winnebago County)
  • Telling residents how to sort their recyclables is critical, but what if they don’t see the point? With research showing a growing percentage of the public is losing faith in recycling, it’s important for local programs to engage people with evidence and messaging that reassures it’s still worth their personal effort. This workshop will feature best practice strategies and case study examples of confidence-building public outreach along with extended time for interactive group discussion.  Moderated by Allison Birr
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THURSDAY, February 27th
KEYNOTE - 9:00 - 10:00am 
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TRACK SESSION I - 10:45 - 11:45am
  • Taking on the Lithium Battery Challenge (Jennifer Semrau & Sarah Murray, WI DNR; Julie Ketchum, Waste Management) 

    • This session will provide an overview of current and potential options for reducing the fire risk from lithium-ion batteries in the waste stream and increasing battery recycling. Topics will include current Wisconsin battery legislation and options for handling battery-containing devices, including E-Cycle Wisconsin.  Moderated by Allison Birr

  • Next Generation Landfill Emission Monitoring Techniques  (Lee Daigle & Logan Dwyer, Tetra Tech)​

    • An overview of next generation landfill emission monitoring approaches that aim to make methane monitoring more effective and accurate, including satellites, fixed-wing aircraft, drones, rovers, continuous fixed sensors, and tracer correlation. The presentation will discuss existing systems, new sensor detection methods, deployment approaches, and grants available to pursue the new technologies further.  Moderated by ​John Welch

  • The CQA Plan, CQA Documentation Report, and the Future You (Kenny Bergschultz, Weaver Consultants Group)

    • The presentation highlights the best practices for a solid and fluid CQA Plan with revisions noted, the full implementation of the CQA Plan, how the documentation report should incorporate that Plan, and how not following with proper documentation effects the viability of data mining and costs in the future.

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TRACK SESSION II - 2:30 - 3:30pm 
  • Prioritizing the Waste Hierarchy: Paint Recycling in a state without Paintcare (Kenneth Miller, Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency)

    • The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) seeks cost effective solutions which allow them to prioritize moving materials up on the waste hierarchy.  Moderated by Abby Lichtscheidl

  • Mining Landfill Microbiology for Improved Plastic Biodegradation and Renewable Natural Gas Production (Erica Majumder & Damayanti Rodriguez-Ramos, UW Madison)

    • Landfill microorganisms are key players in breaking down solid waste materials and converting it to recoverable, revenue-generating products. UW-Madison collected samples from closed and active landfill areas, comparing how the microorganisms changed with depth and surrounding materials. We gained valuable insights into stimulating natural gas production and limitations on plastic biodegradation.  Moderated by​ Ali Rathsack

  • Exchanging Ideas on Solid Waste with Cusco, Peru (John Welch, Dane County; Chris Jimieson, SCS Engineers; Victor Villacrez, Mundo Esperanza)

    • In 2024, experts from Madison, Wisconsin and Cusco, Peru, participated in an exchange focused on solid waste management. Collaboration involved site visits to Madison and Cusco, presentations, and knowledge sharing, resulting in improved waste management strategies for both cities and emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in tackling environmental issues.  Moderated by Allison Birr

 
TRACK SESSION III - 3:45 - 4:45pm 
  • Non-landfill Solid Waste Rules Feedback Session (Casey Krausensky, WI DNR)

    • The DNR’s Waste and Materials Management Program is requesting feedback on current administrative code that impacts nonlandfill solid waste facility operations to assess rule update and research needs. Topics will include transporter, transfer, processing, woodburning, and composting, facility regulations as well as open burning and clean fill exemptions.  Moderated by Jennifer Semrau

  • Onsite Leachate Treatment / PFAS Sequestration (Greg Ackerson, Jayson Naughton, & Uthra Mahalingam, Apex Water Solutions, LLC)

    • This presentation will provide an overview of the WARP onsite leachate treatment system that has been operating in Minnesota since 2021. It will include actual results and costs of the system.  Moderated by​ Ali Rathsack

  • ​Stakeholder Strategic Planning for Organics Management in Iowa (Jeff Phillips & Hannah Sperfslage, SCS Engineers)

    • The Iowa DNR and a broad spectrum of stakeholders are advancing organics management in Iowa. IDNR worked with SCS Engineers to research and recruit industry stakeholders. The stakeholder groups were engaged to develop potential strategies that reflected many perspectives. Learn about the stakeholder engagement process and outcomes.  Moderated by Ben Hintz

FRIDAY, February 28th
TRACK SESSION IV - 9:00am - 10:00am 
  • A Tale of Twin Cities: State of Residential Organics Collection in MN (Jana Suriano & Brandon Suchomel, SCS Engineers)

    • Minnesota has enacted legislation driving diversion of organics. St. Paul and Minneapolis have curbside organics collection programs, but collect using different methods. We’ll discuss how these programs have developed and progressed. We’ll also share a Minnesota county’s approach to evaluating the environmental and cost impacts of different curbside collection methods. 

  • Transforming Closed Landfills and Impoundments into Renewable Energy Assets (John Herrmann, Watershed Geo)

    • Traditional landfill solar solutions utilize vegetative covers and racking-supported photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. PowerCap is a rackless PV solar solution, designed for direct installation on ClosureTurf®, an EPA Subtitle D compliant alternate final cover system. This presentation will highlight several PowerCap case studies including Project Phoenix, a 100 MW installation.  Moderated by​ Abby Lichtscheidl

  • An Update on Landfill and Recycling Industry Fires (Jeff Phillips & Hannah Sperfslage, SCS Engineers)

    • Learn how developing a fire mitigation plan, and training that plan, can help prevent fires from occurring and keep them from escalating by identify gaps of knowledge, resources, and communication between facility managers and emergency responders.  Moderated by​ Jennifer Semrau

 
HOTEL CHECK OUT & MORNING BREAK - 10:00 am - 10:30am 
 
TRACK SESSION V - 10:30am - 11:30am ​
  • Organics are Everywhere - Why and How to recycle waste carbon (Lars Bergan, Rotochopper)

    • This talk is designed to give the audience a sense of how to recycle the different organic materials, from collection and sorting to processing into finished products. We'll cover the economic aspect of the business as well as the ecological/carbon sequestration rationale for the different types of organic recycling. We'll go over different system designs and the general types of machinery required to do this work.  Moderated by Jon Reisenbuechler

  • Bringing Environmental Justice into View (Angie Lemar & Marissa Michalkiewicz, Foth; Filsan Ibrahim, Ramsey County Public Health)

    • This presentation will be sharing a model that we developed to assist a client incorporate Environmental Justice into their funding mechanism to better distribute funds in an equitable manner. We will share this mechanism as a model to help others begin identifying opportunities to address EJ indicators within their municipalities.  Moderated by Angie Lemar

  • Maximizing the Potential of Data in Material Recovery Facilities (Steven Schilling, Gershman, Brickner, & Bratton)

    • This presentation explores the potential of data-driven decision-making in Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). By analyzing data from various internal sources, MRF operators can optimize processes, improve material recovery rates, and enhance sustainability. Advanced technologies and effective data management strategies are key to unlocking the full potential of data in MRFs.  Moderated by Jennifer Semrau

 
CLOSING  - 11:30am - Noon 
  • Closing remarks and door prizes / please return your name badge for us to reuse and to have a chance to win!
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