Hazardous Sites Research Intern

Internship Site:  Sites Management Section, Waste Management and Prevention Division, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Montpelier, VT – intern will work in Montpelier 1 day/week and work remaining hours remotely.  UVM students are able to ride the CCTA Regional Bus to Montpelier for free with valid student ID.

https://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/index.htm; https://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/dec.htm

Description:  Work jointly with Site Management Staff and the Vermont Department of Health to identify potential sources of environmental contamination from historic dry cleaning facilities.  The chemicals used in dry cleaning if released into the ground, pose significant human health risks due to vapor intrusion into indoor air contamination as well as contamination to groundwater. Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) and Trichloroethylene (TCE) are identified human carcinogens and are listed hazardous materials. Both these chemicals have been used in dry cleaning process.  Both compounds have extremely low health based standards which means even a small release can lead to public health concerns.

Currently, there are 31 state listed hazardous sites that have been identified where the release of dry cleaning waste has created serious health and environmental risks.  A study completed in 2010 discovered 160 dry cleaner properties that were in business at some point in Vermont’s history; this study did not even include all Vermont Communities.

Specific Duties of this position:

– Work closely with staff in the Sites Management Section to identify properties statewide where dry cleaning facilities have historically operated.  Specific job duties include researching historic files, sanborn maps and town records. Position will also be required to confirm facility locations through site visits.

– The goal at the end of the position is to have a more complete and validated list of historic and current dry cleaning facilities statewide and to identify the ones that pose the greatest potential risk to public health.

 

Desired qualifications/skills/coursework:

Knowledge of environmental programs or environmental policy; use of Microsoft Word, Power Point and/or Publisher to develop outreach materials is highly beneficial.

Upper level students encouraged to apply.

 

Supervision: 

This position will be supervised by a member of the Sites Management Section and will work with staff from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Waste Management and Prevention Division and the Vermont Department of Health.

 

Start and End Dates:  September 2015-November/December 2015

 

Total Hours: The position would work approximately 12-15 hours/week – with a minimum of 150 hours.  This can be adjusted if the internship is for credit (if a student needs to work more hours).

 

Compensation:  $1500/stipend for the semester.

 

How to apply:  Submit resume and cover letter by September 4th to Chuck Schwer –Chuck.Schwer@state.vt.us