Chris Hemann Email & Phone Number

Region 9, Pacific Southwest

Little Rock, Arkansas

Assess environmental health exposures throughout Arkansas to determine if communities are at risk of harmful chemical exposures from hazardous waste sites. Evaluates health significance of chemicals in the environment, identifies pathways of exposure to hazardous substances at contaminated sites; characterizes and communicates human health risks associated with these sites; and helps implement public health interventions to reduce harmful chemical exposures in communities. Research and prepare health consultations, public health assessments, and other technical documents for local agencies, citizens and other appropriate local government, state and federal agencies or community groups to make informed decisions on corrective actions to protect the public health. Member of the Arkansas Nuclear One Dose Assessment Team.

Conduct environmental investigations for sources of lead exposure in children with elevated blood lead levels; Conduct surveillance of patients with chemical and pesticide poisoning; Provide outreach on the risks of lead exposure, as well as, the Arkansas lead-based paint program and EPA's Renovate, Repair and Paint program; Conduct enforcement activities associated with the Arkansas lead-based paint program; Participate in preparedness training and drills associated with environmental epidemiology.

North Little Rock, Ar

Coordinate statewide non-attainment planning and re-attainment with EPAs federal National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Work with various local, regional, federal and state entities to develop and initiate studies and measures to assist in attainment with the NAAQS.

Manage a diverse staff who prepare, plan, and coordinate award-winning environmental education materials and programs, public outreach activities, public hearings and meetings; offer multimedia (Air, Land and Water) state and federal environmental regulatory compliance and permitting assistance to businesses throughout the State of Arkansas; offer Pollution Prevention advice and audits; develop and oversee Agency’s Environmental Management System; respond to news media and Freedom of Information Act requests; manage the Agency’s environmental records (including the conversion of 12 million pages of paper to an electronic format); and respond to multimedia (Air, Land and Water) environmental questions from the Agency helpline.

Manage a diverse staff that prepare, plan, and coordinate the CERCLA and Brownfields site inspection and oversight program for the State of Arkansas; conduct multiple comprehensive site assessments and investigations; monitor compliance with EPA policies, regulations and agreements. Review and analyze testing results and assessment reports; outline work plans; provide technical advice/guidance; resolve problems; review status reports; modify schedules to accomplish duties; and ensure overall program adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency.

Investigate the effects hazardous substances in the environment have on public health by performing public health assessments of waste sites and health consultations concerning specific hazardous substances under the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) cooperative agreement. Conduct information development, dissemination, education and training concerning hazardous substances. Serve as regional epidemiologist for bioterrorism programs such as the smallpox immunization program. Assist as environmental epidemiologist for the Pine Bluff Arsenals Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Plan (CSEPP) drill.

Manage the statewide Brownfields voluntary cleanup and redevelopment program. Prepare, plan, and coordinate site inspections; review multiple comprehensive site assessments and investigation reports; monitor compliance with EPA policies, regulations, and agreements. Review and analyze testing results and assessment reports; outline work plans; provide technical advice/guidance; resolve problems; review status reports; modify schedules to accomplish duties; and ensure overall program adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Manage Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) enforcement activities in the State of Arkansas. Negotiate voluntary cleanup agreements under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Arkansas Remedial Action Trust Fund Act (RATFA). Determine when enforcement action should be initiated and recommended the type of action and level of penalty. Advise Branch Manager on all matters concerning enforcement and compliance. Negotiate enforcement actions to ensure compliance with regulations, investigation of potential contamination and appropriate corrective action. Develop and implement policy and procedures for enforcement activities in coordination with state and federal laws and regulations.

Statewide organization and implementation of compliance and enforcement relating to EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act, National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and Arkansas's Public Drinking Water Rules and Regulations. Determine when enforcement action should be initiated and recommend the type of action and level of penalty. Advise Division Director on all matters concerning compliance and enforcement.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Biology

Master Of Science (M.S.)