Hazardous Materials Management Episodes

Host Sean Grady talks with Kevin Lavezzo of CHEMTREC about the side of the chemical world most people never see, but responders rely on when accurate information matters. They unpack what CHEMTREC actually does, including how its Emergency Operations Center triages calls, uses tools like the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), and connects callers with product experts. Lavezzo explains a common misconception: first responders can call CHEMTREC for help without paying a fee, and the team will sti...

In this final episode of our 8 part series, Sean Grady welcomes back Skip Elliott, a veteran business manager with over 40 years of experience in high-risk industries. Skip discusses his extensive career, including his tenure as the Administrator of the U.S. Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and as the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The conversation centers around the inaugural Rail Hazmat Thought Leader Summit held in Dallas, Texas. Sean and...

Join host Sean Grady in conversations with industry experts at the Rail Hazmat Summit, featuring insights from Brian Kokkila, Assistant Chief of Operations for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. Explore the challenges and collaborations in emergency response activities, focusing on rail incidents and stakeholder engagement. Learn some of the take aways Brian plans to focus on when he returns to his post as a result of this Rail Thought Leaders Summit. Thanks to our sponsors: Enthalpy Analytica...

In this episode, join host Sean Grady as he delves into the world of 911 emergency response operations with April Heinze, the Chief of 911 Operations at the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). Get ready to explore the crucial role of 911 operators, the setting of standards, training procedures, and the challenges faced by the emergency response community. Tune in for valuable insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives from a key player in the realm of emergency response. Thanks to ...

In this episode, host Sean Grady interviews John Walsh, the director of hazmat programs for the Short Line Safety Institute, discussing the crucial role of hazmat training for first responders in the rail industry. Walsh shares insights on the challenges and importance of safety training for short line and regional railroads, emphasizing the need for collaboration and leveraging digital technologies for effective training delivery. The interview highlights key takeaways from the Rail Hazmat Thou...

Welcome to the Environmental Transformation Podcast with host Sean Grady. In this episode, Sean interviews Anthony Mangeri, a renowned expert in Emergency and Disaster Management. Anthony shares insights into his role as a professor at Rowan University and the American Military University, as well as his experience as the regional president of the International Association of Emergency Managers. Discover how Anthony helps communities navigate natural and technological hazards, mitigate risks, an...

Welcome to the Environmental Transformation Podcast, where industry leaders discuss pivotal topics shaping the future. In this episode, host Sean Grady engages in an enlightening conversation with Kari Gonzales, the President and CEO of MXV Rail. Discover how MXV Rail, the world's premier rail research advisory, is revolutionizing the industry through cutting-edge research and training programs. From enhancing safety to promoting resilience, MXV Rail is at the forefront of innovation. Explore th...

Welcome to the Environmental Transformation Podcast. In this episode, host Sean Grady interviews Bill Schoonover, the Associate Administrator of Hazardous Materials Safety for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Bill shares insights on organizing the inaugural RAIL Thought Leaders Summit in Addison, Texas, and discusses the outcomes and future objectives of bringing thought leaders together to enhance hazmat safety and preparedness. Join us for a deep dive into the comple...

Hazardous Material Management challenges with former PHMSA Administrator, Skip Elliott. In this episode Skip Elliott shares with us his journey to becoming the Administrator of PHMSA and the interim Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation. We had an in-depth discussion about the challenges and gaps of Hazmat Training for Emergency Response professionals supporting the Railroad industry. Class I Railroads have a huge responsibility to train their staff and response perso...