Michael T. Kulka, P.E., founder and CEO of PM Environmental, Peter Dollander, senior environmental risk officer and vice president at BB&T Bank, and Tim Post, PG, CHG, Supervising Engineering Geologist in the California Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund, will speak at the 2016 Environmental Bankers Association (EBA) Winter Conference on Monday, January 18th in Long Beach, Calif. 

Their 30-minute presentation, “Current State of Dry Cleaner Programs”, will discuss how to mitigate risks associated with dry cleaners, what states do and do not currently have active dry cleaning programs and associated trust funds as well as what other regulatory programs are currently in place to address contamination and funding mechanisms.

“Underwriting environmental risks can be challenging, but in today’s competitive business climate we need to find smarter and more creative ways to mitigate those risks,” said Dollander. “By having a better understanding of the available State dry cleaner programs, lenders and consultant can put themselves in positions to reduce liability and lessen the financial burden on their clients.” 

Special attention will be given to California’s recent extension of Senate Bill 445’s Site Cleanup Subaccount Program (SCAP), which can include dry cleaning sites. 

The three-day conference is one of the largest events sponsored by EBA. Over 200 engineers, environmental consultants, and bankers will be in attendance this year. The event features education sessions that discuss the ever-changing banking industry with regards to environmental risk management and sustainable development lending. 

“It is such an honor to be asked to present at this conference,” said Kulka. “It will be great to showcase our expertise and highlight some of PM’s services as well as discuss important issues and litigation pertaining to state dry cleaner funds and remediation programs.”