EPA Hazardous Waste Training
The EPA is in charge of many hazardous waste training programs, which it also offers in partnership with various other organizations. It has established a broad range of learning opportunities related to site cleanup, which are closely related to the Superfund environmental program that focuses on abandoned, uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. Some courses are open to the public, but many are intended specifically for workers of federal and state agencies.
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Opportunities
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The EPA offers various training opportunities through Trainex, a website devoted to providing access to courses offered by the EPA and other federal institutions. This website focuses primarily on training related to hazardous waste remediation, emergency response, site and incident management, as well as site cleanup. It can be used to browse courses and training schedules are available for many of them. Online registration is also included for all courses.
Internet
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Online training courses are available both through the EPA website and Trainex. The EPA provides calendars listing all upcoming training seminars, and also archives Internet seminars and podcasts. For Internet seminars, participants can use their phone line or use a Web browser, which enables them to submit questions online. Computer-based training meets some requirements for refresher training in OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. However, there must be access to a qualified trainer to answer questions and an assessment of hands-on performance.
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Classroom
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EPA's classroom-based courses are offered via Trainex. The Trainex website lists all organizations that the EPA has approved to offer Environmental Response Training Program (ERTP) courses. Each course is reviewed to ensure consistency with the identical course offered by the EPA. Students receive an EPA certificate of completion even if the course is completed with an external provider, and may be awarded certificates from the provider as well. Course topics include oil response training and radiation training, as well as classes related to the agency's Superfund program.
Independent Learning
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Independent learning modules make up a large part of the EPA's hazardous waste training. Students access training by going to the U.S. EPA ERTP Virtual University website, intended for federal, tribal, state, and local government personnel. Also offered via Trainex, the self-directed online courses also include limited choices available on CD-ROM as well as streaming video and Video by Mail. Some videos can be downloaded for free on the EPA's Contaminated Site Clean-Up Information page.
School Outreach
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The EPA offers information on Superfund and hazardous waste for students and teachers at grade levels from junior high through college. Here, there is information on health risks from contaminants at Superfund sites, classroom activities directed toward specific grade levels, and resources for pursuing different environmental careers and environmental education programs. A resource guide to help high school students see potential in such careers is included. Links to educational sites such as the EPA Student Center and other environmental education sites are also listed.
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References
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