Ask an Expert: What is the ITRC?

In this month’s feature, we sat down with BC expert Dr. Tamara Sorell to learn more about the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC).

Q: What is the ITRC?

A: ITRC is a state environmental agency-led coalition with over 1,200 members from the public and private sector, including regulatory bodies, tribes, academia, and branches of the Department of Defense. ITRC members develop guidance and training for state regulators, foster integration of new technical developments within existing regulations, and form a network of technical experts. The training materials and documents that ITRC teams produce have become widely cited guidance for the whole environmental industry.

Q: How did you first become involved?

A: Because BC is an industry affiliate, our staff has the opportunity to sit on a variety of teams within ITRC. I joined the ITRC Sediments Team in 2008 and have been involved ever since!

Q: As a team member, what kind of activities do you participate in?

A: ITRC’s teams typically focus on a particular topic with a lifecycle of two to four years to perform research, produce guidance documents, develop and provide training, and perform outreach. There are many different roles you can play throughout that span depending on your interests.

Q: What has your involvement looked like over the years?

A: I have enjoyed a variety of roles during my time with ITRC. I served as an author and trainer for previous sediment teams (Sediment Bioavailability and Sediment Remediation). Most recently, I was able to contribute to the Soil Background and Risk Assessment Web-Based Guidance Document and Incremental Sampling Methodology Update.

Q: What do you get out of your involvement with ITRC?

A: While it is a time commitment, it is an investment in growth and development not only in myself, but for the discipline as a whole. I have made so many wonderful contacts over the years. While what the ITRC produces are guidance documents, oftentimes they become a “go to” reference in our fields. It is exciting to be a part of that process.

Q: Are you the only BC staff participating in ITRC?

A: No, there are quite a few of us that are involved. In fact, our Site Investigation and Remediation/Solid Waste Service Line has a long-standing involvement with ITRC.

Q: Does this involvement with ITRC benefit BC’s clients?

A: Absolutely! Through our involvement with ITRC, we are able to stay up to date with and have unique insight into technology innovations and regulation. We are also able to network with a broad range of stakeholders from state and federal environmental regulatory agencies, private sector clients, vendors, consultants, and academia. Often, these relationships allow BC to act as a liaison with regulatory agencies to expedite agreement and solutions for our clients.