Dealing With NEPA Cumulative Impact Challenges? Get Time-Saving Insights Writing the ‘Perfect’ NEPA Cumulative Impact Analysis April 6, 1:30-3 p.m. The single most difficult challenge for those who prepare or review environmental documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) may well be the so-called “cumulative impact.” With a background of 32 years with USDA in Oregon and Washington, online seminar presenter Owen Schmidt will talk through and demonstrate a six-part model cumulative impact analysis that accounts for “all that science can tell us, all that the law requires, and the rules for when to cut it off safely… both the necessary, and that which can be left out to get to perfect.” Major themes include actions that must be included in the analysis, actions that may safely be left out, sorting out the connected-cumulative-similar actions problem, sorting out the direct-indirect-cumulative impacts problem, plus all of the legally recognized reasons an environmental consequence might not be reasonably foreseeable. This online seminar is a must for anyone who writes or reviews NEPA documents, or works on federal and federally funded projects that are subject to NEPA documentation. For details and to register, click here.

Find Out How Floodplain Risk MAP Changes Impact A/E Firms Floodplain Risk Mapping—Nationwide Changes Since Katrina April 7, 1:30-3 p.m. Hurricane Katrina was a catalyst for change to the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP). This online seminar examines in detail the NFIP program itself, and the effects of those changes in floodplain Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP). Josh Smith, FEMA, and Michael E. Buckley, Dewberry, will discuss floodplain mapping since Katrina, and the impact of changes for A/Es, including: Floodplain mapping effects on A/Es through EO11988, LOMCs, NAI, post-disaster grants How did Katrina affect it? An inside look at high-level issues, including an overview of Risk MAP What might be next with Risk MAP? This online seminar provides a unique and important update on NFIP for mid-level engineers and project managers. For details and to register, click here.

Add Expert Witness Services to Portfolio With Courtroom Know-how Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness June 10-11, Denver, CO Adding new services that capitalize on your firm’s existing expertise is a solid business strategy, and though your key staff may well be qualified, only the court-savvy engineer should take on potentially lucrative assignments as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness, ACEC’s unique 1½-day course, will be presented June 10-11 in Denver, CO, to prepare participants for legal service with recognition and a certificate of course completion. The course is designed for professional engineers, architects and surveyors interested in earning credentials for legal service engagements professionally or as an added client service. Discussion will include deposition behavior, permissible out-of-court statements, ethics, pre-courtroom testimony preparation, courtroom demeanor, how to maintain credibility, the differences between a fact witness and an expert witness, plus the agreement and compensation for taking on an assignment. Attendees completing this course who wish to further enhance their professional credentials will have taken important first steps towards applying for the professional designation of Engineer Expert Witness (EXWSM). For details and to register, click here.

A/E/C Contracts: Recognize, Negotiate Current 'Red-Flag' Provisions Closing the Deal With A/E/C Contracts: Recognize Pitfalls, Negotiate Winners May 20-21, San Francisco Identify and demystify "red-flag contract provisions," acquire the skills and principles of toe-to-toe negotiating to maintain professional standards and protect your business. Learn the differences between custom contracts and model contracts, the pitfalls, and how to negotiate win-win agreements. Closing the Deal With A/E/C Contracts: Recognize Pitfalls, Negotiate Winners is an in-depth course designed to meet the contract needs of engineers, architects, contractors, project managers, contracting officers, specifiers, and those responsible for procuring construction or design services. Presented by a faculty of experts with years of industry experience, the course will update attendees' knowledge in critical contract areas, including: Controversial contract provisions, from every angle The elements of good negotiating and errors to avoid The latest revisions to the most-used contracts Recent court rulings involving construction contracts Protecting the bottom-line: how profits can be won or lost in negotiations To view the course brochure, faculty bios and agenda, click here. For details and to register, click here.

Provide Services for 10,000 Facilities Under Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Greenhouse Gas Reporting: How to Ensure Compliance with New EPA Rule April 15, 1:30-3 p.m. In September 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency issued its final rule on the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gases (GHG) affecting approximately 10,000 facilities in the U.S. These largest emitters are required to have collected data since January 2010, for final reporting to EPA by March 31, 2011. Failure to report—or incorrect reporting—could potentially incur criminal penalties, injunctions, and thousands of dollars in civil and administrative penalties per day, per violation. Mark vanSoestbergen, founder of the International Carbon Bank and Exchange, and recognized expert on GHG, conducts an online seminar to provide the information firms need to be in compliance with the new EPA Rule, including: Businesses covered by the new rule How to comply with the reporting standard The types of GHGs, and their sources Tips for formulating a strategic GHG reduction plan Best practices for reducing GHGs Timelines for reporting GHGs What you need to know about downstream and upstream sources, and how to report them How to file reports electronically and gain EPA verification of emissions data Ways the mandatory reporting rule overlaps with state and local reporting obligations This unique online seminar is an opportunity to inform and update clients and potential clients whose facilities may be included in the EPA reporting requirements. For details and to register, click here.

The American Council of Engineering Companies 1015 15th St., NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-2605 Phone: 202-347-7474 - Fax: 202-898-0068 www.acec.org - E-mail:acec@acec.org Alan D. Crockett, Director, PR Gerry Donohue, Editor/Designer