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Sandar Bregg Clarkson University
(808) 469 – 7562 [email protected]
Strong work ethic, discipline, and safety mindset from the
U.S. Marine Corps
Environmental Health and Safety education from Clarkson University
Research and industry experience from Yale
University working at Alcoa Massena Operations
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Sandar Bregg 17 Maple Street
Canton, NY 13617 (808) 469-7562 – [email protected]
SUMMARY • Objective: Obtain a challenging job in the field of Environmental Health Science or Industrial Hygiene to further my
career by learning from employees that have most experience and respect amongst his or her peers.
• Projects & Instrumentation: Chlorine Risk Assessment, In-Ear Noise Exposure Assessments, and Shoulder Noise Exposure Assessment at Alcoa in Massena, NY, VOC and CO monitoring at residential and work environments, Ozone sampling using Midget Impingers, Respirable dust sampling using SKC Cyclone’s, Air sampling with Direct Reading Instruments, Determining unknown chemical concentrations using Gas Chromatography, Created 40 hour HAZWOPER review for course instructor, Lead sampling and analysis of Clarkson University’s Army ROTC indoor firing range, Toxicology and Epidemiology report on burn pit emissions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and the adverse health effects associated with toxic inhalable, thoracic, and respirable particulates, and Residential mold assessment using cassettes and steel canisters.
• Conferences and Awards: Clarkson University Summer 2015 Research Conference Participant and Winner of best poster in Environmental Sciences. Clarkson University Chemical Society Research Seminar Participant 2012, SUNY Potsdam Research Fair Participant 2012, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award); Iraq Campaign Medal, Iraq: Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal; Certificate of Appreciation; Rifle Sharpshooter Badge
EXPERIENCE Various Sites Dec 2014 - Present Research Assistant - NYSERDA Funded Study Focused on the Off-Gassing From Bulk Stored Wood Pellets • Manage air quality measurements data from six sites focusing on CO emissions from bulk wood pellets in storage • Fieldwork including repairing broken sensors as well as constructing sensor packages in sealed compartments. • Experience with the program Team Viewer, Data acquisition (DAQ), and statistical analysis from large sets of data. • Managed a Post Doctorate’s research while she went on maternity leave as an undergraduate student. • Listed as an author for 1 publication and 1 pending publication in the peer reviewed journal, Energy & Fuels. Yale University, CDC/NIOSH Funded Hearing Conservation Study May 2014 - Present Research Study Coordinator II at Alcoa Aluminum Smelting Plant • Work independently as a contractor at Alcoa Operations in Massena, NY. • Ensure personal in ear-dosimeters, capable of measuring every sound reaching the eardrum, are working properly. • Manage data for over 60 human subjects following Yale University’s IRB protocol. • Successfully boosted enrollment within first few months of employment and fixed issues resulting in more raw data. • Daily experience in a hazardous manufacture setting; hazards include molten aluminum, noise, chemicals, and movement
within plant. • Experience training new interns that focused on safety and working independently of immediate supervisors. Various Sites Mar 2014 – Aug 2015 Research Assistant - Volatile Organic Compounds From Wood Pellets and Mold (unpaid) • Responsible for field sampling and analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. • Research on off gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from wood pellets in storage. • Experience using personal sampling instruments, cassettes, and air meters. • Experience handling large amounts of raw data from multiple sources. • Experience training new student researchers in laboratory and field techniques. SUNY Potsdam Jun 2012 - Aug 2012 Research Assistant - Microbiology (Internship) • Responsible for maintaining study on a Day-to-Day Basis requiring strict adherence to protocol. • Became proficient in PCR and following laboratory protocols such as serial dilutions and proper labeling.
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• Independently ran research experiment when professor left town. • Successfully transferred over 50 colonies of Escherichia coli onto fresh nutrient agar every 48 hours over an 8 week period
without contamination; this enabled to the researcher efficiently study the effects on population bottlenecks and transposable element proliferation in certain environmental conditions.
• Experience in scanning electron microscope (SEM) and sample preparation. United States Marine Corps, Hawaii/Iraq 2006 - 2010 Infantry Team Leader (E-4,), 2 Deployments in Iraq, U.S. Government Secret Clearance • Trained in Chemical, Biological, Radiation risks and appropriate controls. • Certified to use PPE for a variety of Chemical and Biological threats. • Good Conduct Medal for completing 3 consecutive years of honorable and faithful service. • HAZMAT driver with experience transporting explosive ordinances. • Trained to use ear pro similar to Yale’s hearing research at Alcoa Massena. • Education: Basic Infantryman Course, 2006: Rifleman Course 2006. EDUCATION Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY Aug 2012 - Present • Pursuing Major: Environmental Health Science, Concentration Environment and Security; expected Fall 2015. • GPA 3.1, Deans List (Spring 2013). • Transferred to Clarkson University after three semesters at SUNY Potsdam to challenge myself and pursue a difficult
internship to gain experience in the field Environmental Health and Science. • Maintain an organized electronic library of familiar academic journal articles cited in lab reports and scientific papers;
enables more efficient research that leads to more time running experiments, quicker, and repeatable and knowledgeable in scientific literature in the field of Environmental Health.
• Treasurer for Clarkson University’s American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Student Chapter SUNY Potsdam, Potsdam, NY Jan 2011 - May 2012 • Pursued Biology Degree. GPA 3.5 and Presidents List (Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012). • Member of SALUTE National Honor Society for Military Veterans. • Member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society for maintaining a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
and placing in the upper 20th percentile as a freshman. • Worked with Biology lab instructor to help update and add more basic laboratory protocols for freshman biology labs that
included testing for bacteria Enterobacteriaceae using BBL Enterotubes II. Relevant Courses: • Safety Analysis, Risk Analysis, Geographic Information System, Environmental Health, Introduction to Homeland
Security, Introduction to Industrial Hygiene, Methods and Analysis of NIOSH Methods, Environmental Toxicology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Conservation Biology, Calculus, Statistics, Ventilation, Industrial Hygiene Controls, Physics I, Physics II, Biogeochemical Cycles, Medical Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Human Origins.
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Competencies and Level of Experience
• Information Gathering • Data Analysis and Interpretation • Reporting, Documentation, and Record Keeping • Organizational Knowledge and Behavior
• Communication with Colleagues • Problem Solving • Project Management
• Public Speaking • Collaboration With Other Agencies • Economic and Political Issues • Evaluation of Procedures or Programs
Most Experience
Least Experience
In order to anticipate, recognize, and respond to environmental health challenges Health and Safety Professionals must be competent in core areas of their field. Due to my multiple research positions, information gathering, data analysis, and reporting are areas I have the most experience in. Collaboration, economic and political issues, and the evaluation of procedures of programs are areas that I have the least experience in.
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Information Gathering
Information gathering is a time consuming task during the initial phases of planning projects or sampling protocols. In order to save valuable time, I have compiled an electronic PDF library of Environmental Health and Safety references using the software Mendeley Desktop.
Kohn: Industrial Hygiene Evaluation
Methods
NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical
Hazards
Plog: Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
Mentors that I am in regular contact with:
• Asbestos and Industrial Hygiene o Hugh Palmer (Alcoa, Massena Operations)
• Indoor Air Quality
o Dr. Alan Rossner (Clarkson University) o Dr. Lydia Soto-garcia (Clarkson University)
• Noise and Hearing Conservation
o Dr. Kevin Michaels (Michael and Associates) o Dr. Richard Neitzel (University of Michigan
• Project Management
o Michael McTague (MPH, Former Quietdose Project Coordinator for Yale University)
• Technical and IT Related Guidance o Steve Hinnman (Alcoa, Massena Operations)
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Instrumentation and Software
• Whole Air Sampling Using Steel Canisters • City Tech CO (electrochemical), O2 (electrochemical), CO, RH • Entech 3100a Canister Cleaner • FLUKE 975 Air Meter • Trace ULTRA GC/FID with Pre- Concentrator and Liquid Nitrogen • HP GC/FID 5890 Series II • Quietdose in ear dosimeters
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) • Autoclave • Dynamic Dilution System • pDR for Particulate Matter (PM) • 3M Shoulder Dosimeters • Cyclone, Cassettes and Air Pump • Combustible Gas Detector • ESB USB-CO Monitor
Most Experience
Less Experience
• Tracer DAQ Pro, InstaCal for data-acquisition of City Tech Sensors
• IHSTAT • Microsoft Office • TeamViewer • Google Calendar and Sheets • Quietdose Interface • Smart Lab II • 3000/3001 Run Control for Canister
Cleaning
• AIHA’s IH Calculator App (on phone) • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 • IBM SPSS Version 21
• Oracle Chrystal Ball for Risk Analysis and Monte Carlo Simulation
• DAQami for data-acquisition • Microsoft VPN AnyConnect
Experiment with Dr. Rossner’s capillary flow controller
Quietdose V6 in-ear dosimeter at Alcoa
Massena Operations
Troubleshooting CO sensor at Malone, NY
Middle School
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Instrumentation and Software: NYSERDA Funded Study on the Off Gassing During the Storage of Wood Pellets
TracerDaq Pro interface for acquiring CO, CO2, Temp., RH
CO voltage measurement
Remote desktop connection using
TeamViewer
City Tech air sensors that I mounted, rewired, and
installed
City Tech sensor package installed at The W!ld Center
in Tupper Lake, NY
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Instrumentation and Software: Whole Air Sampling Research
Whole air sampling inside The W!ld Center wood pellet storage pin
Preparing canisters for field sampling by
recording pressure
Laboratory used to analyze VOC samples
10-ton wood pellet fabric storage bag in
Massena, NY
Over 200 VOC samples analyzed!
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"If you get a scratch on your nose, in a week that'll be gone," Ulrich said. "When you scratch your hearing or damage your hearing, it doesn't come back. I try to point out to younger kids ... once your hearing is gone, it's gone, and there's no real remedy.“ - Lars Ulrich (Drummer for Metallica)
Dose: percentage of acceptable exposure to noise for a work shift Leq: average exposure to noise over a work shift
50% 100%
90dBA 85dBA
Dose
Leq
Not Acceptable
Stay below 50%!
Quiet Dose User Reference Contact Right Away if You Are Having Any Issues Downloading
Easiest methods email, text or leave a message
Acceptable
Tips to stay below 50% • Wear ear plugs at all times while working • Do not remove ear plugs in order to communicate better • Ensure ear plugs properly fit • Compare your daily dose to your daily work habits
Higher risk of hearing loss
Lower risk of hearing loss
Trouble shooting quiet dose unit 1. Change batteries, turn back on and try to
download 2. Restart computer and check internet
cables 3. Contact Sandar or Nate 4. Change batteries around once a week!
Sandar Bregg: [email protected] or 808-469-7562 Nate Huizinga: [email protected] or 607-220-3364
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"If you get a scratch on your nose, in a week that'll be gone," Ulrich said. "When you scratch your hearing or damage your hearing, it doesn't come back. I try to point out to younger kids ... once your hearing is gone, it's gone, and there's no real remedy.“ - Lars Ulrich (Drummer for Metallica)
Dose: percentage of acceptable exposure to noise for a work shift Leq: average exposure to noise over a work shift
50% 100%
90dBA 85dBA
Dose
Leq
Not Acceptable
Stay below 50%!
Quiet Dose User Reference Contact Right Away if You Are Having Any Issues Downloading
Easiest methods email, text or leave a message
Acceptable
Tips to stay below 50% • Wear ear plugs at all times while working • Do not remove ear plugs in order to communicate better • Ensure ear plugs properly fit • Compare your daily dose to your daily work habits
Higher risk of hearing loss
Lower risk of hearing loss
Trouble shooting quiet dose unit 1. Change batteries, turn back on and try to
download 2. Restart computer and check internet
cables 3. Contact Sandar or Nate 4. Change batteries around once a week!
Sandar Bregg: [email protected] or 808-469-7562 Nate Huizinga: [email protected] or 607-220-3364
Problem Solving:
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Contract 32973 Dynamics of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Concentrations in Solid Biofuel Pellet Storage Bins
Monthly Progress Report Period Ending Feb 28, 2015
Project Objectives The goal of this work is to determine whether CO is produced in storage bins containing wood pellets made from materials harvested in the Northeastern United States. This work addresses the following objectives:
1. Continuous seasonal monitoring of CO, carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), relative humidity (RH), and temperature (T) for five (5) wood pellet storage bins with bulk capacity ranging from 1-ton to 100-ton.
2. Daily monitoring of CO, CO2, O2, RH, T, and methane (CH4) in laboratory based study of pellet storage for soft wood, hard wood, and blended (hard and soft) pellets over a month-long period.
Current Progress
Table 1. Location and monitors deployed to monitor wood pellet emissions Location Monitors Status
Clarkson’s Walker Center CO, CO2, O2, RH, & T Active, O2 sensor may be down Clarkson’s Energy Cabin CO, CO2, O2, RH, & T Active Tupper Lake Wild Center CO, CO2, O2, RH, & T Active Malone Middle School Pellet Bin CO Active Malone Hallway CO Not active Malone Boiler Room CO Not active Saranac Elementary School CO Active SUNY ESF Pellet Bin CO Working, Not active SUNY ESF Boiler Room CO Working, Not active
SUNY ESF SUNY ESF and Clarkson are not able to communicate to each other through VPN. The VPN connection lost its IP address for reasons unknown. Additionally, DAQami still cannot be uninstalled from the computer for the purpose of a clean reinstall. The sensors are also showing poor signals and need to be checked in person. A site visit during the 1st week of March will address the loss of VPN connection, DAQami, and the poor signals being reported. Massena Residence We are generally collecting data with some gaps resulting from various issues such as computer issues. The computer was replaced Feb 23, 2015 due to it losing connection, but the data was still being collected. In Figure 1, an updated time series of measurements made in the Massena basement show values of CO in excess of the recommended ASHRAE concentration of 9 ppm (red line). The spike in CO concentrations was due to a delivery of fresh pellets, ~8 to 10 tons, on Feb 10th 2015. From January 1 – January 5 the data calculated reported dates for the year 2000.
0"
2"
4"
6"
8"
10"
12"
14"
16"
5/6" 8/14" 11/22" 3/2" 6/10" 9/18" 12/27" 4/6"
CO#(p
pm)#
Date#
Massena#Residence#CO#
15"min"(average)"
1hr"(average)"
8hr"(average)"
Figure'1
Contract 32973 Dynamics of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Concentrations in Solid Biofuel Pellet Storage Bins
Monthly Progress Report Period Ending Feb 28, 2015
Project Objectives The goal of this work is to determine whether CO is produced in storage bins containing wood pellets made from materials harvested in the Northeastern United States. This work addresses the following objectives:
1. Continuous seasonal monitoring of CO, carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), relative humidity (RH), and temperature (T) for five (5) wood pellet storage bins with bulk capacity ranging from 1-ton to 100-ton.
2. Daily monitoring of CO, CO2, O2, RH, T, and methane (CH4) in laboratory based study of pellet storage for soft wood, hard wood, and blended (hard and soft) pellets over a month-long period.
Current Progress
Table 1. Location and monitors deployed to monitor wood pellet emissions Location Monitors Status
Clarkson’s Walker Center CO, CO2, O2, RH, & T Active, O2 sensor may be down Clarkson’s Energy Cabin CO, CO2, O2, RH, & T Active Tupper Lake Wild Center CO, CO2, O2, RH, & T Active Malone Middle School Pellet Bin CO Active Malone Hallway CO Not active Malone Boiler Room CO Not active Saranac Elementary School CO Active SUNY ESF Pellet Bin CO Working, Not active SUNY ESF Boiler Room CO Working, Not active
SUNY ESF SUNY ESF and Clarkson are not able to communicate to each other through VPN. The VPN connection lost its IP address for reasons unknown. Additionally, DAQami still cannot be uninstalled from the computer for the purpose of a clean reinstall. The sensors are also showing poor signals and need to be checked in person. A site visit during the 1st week of March will address the loss of VPN connection, DAQami, and the poor signals being reported. Massena Residence We are generally collecting data with some gaps resulting from various issues such as computer issues. The computer was replaced Feb 23, 2015 due to it losing connection, but the data was still being collected. In Figure 1, an updated time series of measurements made in the Massena basement show values of CO in excess of the recommended ASHRAE concentration of 9 ppm (red line). The spike in CO concentrations was due to a delivery of fresh pellets, ~8 to 10 tons, on Feb 10th 2015. From January 1 – January 5 the data calculated reported dates for the year 2000.
0"
2"
4"
6"
8"
10"
12"
14"
16"
5/6" 8/14" 11/22" 3/2" 6/10" 9/18" 12/27" 4/6"
CO#(p
pm)#
Date#
Massena#Residence#CO#
15"min"(average)"
1hr"(average)"
8hr"(average)"
Figure'1
Reporting and Documentation: Monthly Progress Report
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Technical Writing
An Assessment of VOC Emissions From Wood Pellets in Storage in Northern, NY
Sandar Bregg
1Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University
Biomass fuels are a cost efficient alternative to fuel oil and other more expensive methods of heating in New York State. Wood pellets, a popular biomass fuel, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and other potentially hazardous compounds into indoor air. Initial laboratory studies quantified VOC emissions from softwood, hardwood, and blended mixtures containing soft and hardwood pellets manufactured in Northern, NY. The primary compounds (methanol, pentane, pentanal, & hexanal) were identified and characterized using GC-FID and GC-MS. The aim of this study is to verify the presence of the specified compounds in residential and occupational environments using whole air sampling methods. The concentrations of methanol, pentane, pentanal, and hexanal were measured at 2 residential and 4 occupational sites storing wood pellets. A total of 69 whole air grab samples were taken from the 6 sites using 400ml, 1L, and 6L evacuated steel canisters lined with fused silonite (Entech Inc., Simi Valley, CA). The concentration of all VOCs measured at homes and work places from November 2014 to 2015 did not exceed the recommended values (ACGIH-TLV). It is recommended that pellet consumers utilize caution and ensure adequate ventilation exists prior to installing pellet storage systems in areas with limited ventilation such as basements.
Acknowledgements: The research was funded by New York State Energy Research Authority (NYSERDA)
Mentor: Dr. Philip Hopke1, Dr. Alan Rossner1, Dr. Lydia Soto-garcia1
An Assessment of VOC Emissions From Wood Pellets in Storage in Northern NY Author: Sandar Bregg, 2015
Contributing Authors: Dr. Alan Rossner, Dr. Lydia Soto-García, Dr. Phillip Hopke, Drew Wallier
Introduction
Biomass fuels are a sustainable cost efficient alternative to fuel oil and other more expensive methods of heating in New York State. Wood pellets, a popular biomass fuel, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and other potentially hazardous compounds into indoor air. Initial laboratory studies quantified VOC emissions from softwood, hardwood, and blended mixtures containing soft and hardwood pellets manufactured in Northern, NY. The primary compounds (methanol, pentane, pentanal, & hexanal) were identified and characterized using GC-FID and GC-MS. The aim of this study is to verify the presence of the specified compounds in residential and occupational environments using whole air sampling methods. The concentrations of methanol, pentane, pentanal, and hexanal were measured at 2 residential and 4 occupational sites storing wood pellets. A total of 69 whole air grab samples were taken from the 6 sites using 400mL, 1L, and 6L evacuated steel canisters lined with fused silonite (Entech Inc., Simi Valley, CA). The concentration of all VOCs measured at homes and work places from November 2014 to 2015 did not exceed the recommended values (ACGIH-TLV). It is recommended that pellet consumers utilize caution and ensure adequate ventilation exists prior to installing pellet storage systems in areas with limited ventilation such as basements. Figure 1. Example of a typical pellet storage bag in a residential home.
Design for the Environment
Conclusions
The concentrations of VOCs measured in residential and work environments never exceeded current ACGIH-TLV. However, in one case the measurement of hexanal exceeded the odor threshold that also caused the occupants to increase ventilation in the storage area. VOC concentrations generally increased following a delivery of fresh pellets and decreased after 2-3 weeks after delivery (Figure 4).
A series of initial lab experiments were conducted in steel barrels filled 50% with wood pellets in temperature controlled conditions. The data displayed below shows the concentrations of a typical VOC emission from hard wood. Softwood pellets were found to emit more CO and VOCs than hardwood pellets and typically in higher concentrations (Soto-Garcia et al, 2015). Figure 3a. Example of a steel container and headspace design used in lab experiments. Figure 3b. Plot of hexanal emissions from hardwood, softwood, and mixed pellets during lab experiments. Emissions of hexanal from softwood were observed at higher concentrations than hardwood.
• Newly delivered wood pellets increase the concentration of VOCs compared to old pellets that have degraded for a longer duration.
• VOC emissions from wood pellets in storage bins located in areas with limited ventilation have the potential to accumulate to higher concentrations compared to adequately ventilated areas. • VOC emissions from wood pellets in storage have the potential to cause irritating chemical odors that are a nuisance to building occupants.
• Further research is needed to determine residential basement air exchange rates in buildings with large quantities of wood pellets as well as the risk of exposure to occupants.
Influential parameters and sources on the formation of CO and VOCs: • Age (time in storage)
• Quantity of pellets
• Wood species
• Temperature and humidity
• Manufacture process
• Oxidation reactions of unsaturated fatty acids
Figure 2. Formation of hexanal by oxidation of linoleic acid
Results & Discussion
Selected References: Forest, R. (2005). Emission of volatile organic compounds from softwood pellets during storage. Forest Products Journal, 55(12), 132–135. Svedberg U, Högberg H-E, Högberg J and Galle B. Emission of hexanal and carbon monoxide from storage of wood pellets, a potential occupational and domestic health hazard. Am Occup Hyg 48:4 (2004)
Figure 6a.
Wood pellets are an environmental friendly alternative to other sources of heating fuel. Pellet stoves are designed for the environment by having high combustion and heat transfer efficiencies. Complete combustion of pellets releases moisture and CO2 eliminating the release of potentially hazardous particulate matter from incomplete combustion. The environmental benefits of pellets are summarized below: • Small carbon footprint • Low smoke emissions • Carbon neutral • Can use recycled products
Table 1. Heating appliance efficiency Appliance Efficiency Pellet stove 75% - 85%
Oil fired furnace 65% - 85% Wood furnace 50% - 70%
Concrete fireplace 35% - 40% Free standing fireplace 0% - 20%
Sampling sites: Wild Center Museum in Tupper Lake, NY (30 ton capacity), Residence & Chamber of Commerce in Massena, NY (both 10 ton capacity), Energy Cabin at Clarkson University (1 ton capacity), and Walker Arena in Potsdam, NY (30 ton capacity) Monitoring Systems: • Fluke 975 AirMeter • 400mL, 1L, & 6L silonite coated steel canisters • 3100A canister cleaner
Sample analysis: • Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector • 7100a pre-concentrator with liquid nitrogen • VOCs targeted were methanol, pentanal, pentane, and hexanal
Methods Figure 4 (above). Table of each sampling location and VOC measurements comparing environments with new and old pellets. Figure 5 (below). The time series measurement of CO shows the concentration increasing 2-3 days after delivery and decreasing 2-3 weeks after delivery.
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Other Activities and Community Service
I enjoy learning audio engineering as a hobby; this has made working on noise research more relatable and interesting
I have organized multiple concerts with local and out of state bands since 2011. In 2014, I was fortunate enough to host a benefit show and donate the proceeds to a charity raising funds for a local teenager killed in a dirt biking accident.
Honolulu ½ Marathon 3rd Place Open Division, running has always been a positive stress reliever and way to clear my mind
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References
Dr. Alan Rossner, Clarkson University (315) 268 – 6470
Dr. Richard Neitzal, University of Michigan [email protected]
Dr. Michelle Crimi, Clarkson University (315) 268 - 4174
Dr. Peter Robinowitz, Yale University / University of Washington [email protected]
