June 2, 2025
8:30AM - 9:30AM

Opening General Session

How to Build Trust & Expertise With After Action Reviews (AARs)

Jake Mazulewicz, JMA Human Reliability Strategies

Opening General Session - Leadership

Join us for this exciting opening general session! 

After Action Reviews (AARs) help save lives, build trust, and share priceless, unwritten expertise. Research shows they can increase team effectiveness by up to 25%.   Safety-focused teams in the military, emergency fire & rescue services, and other high-hazard industries have used these non-punitive, semi-structured, post job debriefs for over 40 years.  In this fast-paced presentation, you’ll learn how to lead AARs for your team. Best of all, you’ll actually DO a brief real-world After Action Review during the presentation!

*This session will be recorded by the speaker for future promotional purposes.  

This session is sponsored by:  

June 2, 2025
11:00AM - 12:00PM

Leadership Track

The Leadership Edge – Mastering Effective Communication

Tommy Nipp, HASC

In today’s fast-paced business world, leaders are expected to navigate complex conversations with confidence, clarity, and influence. Whether addressing team challenges, delivering critical feedback, or inspiring action, the ability to communicate effectively can make or break leadership success.

This engaging session will equip leaders with practical tools to enhance communication skills, build trust, and foster meaningful dialogue. Attendees will learn how to decode verbal and non-verbal cues, manage difficult conversations with emotional intelligence, and tailor messages for maximum impact. Through real-world insights and interactive strategies, this session will empower leaders to turn communication into their most powerful leadership asset.

June 2, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Leadership Track

The 7 Natural Principles of Performance Improvement

Tim Autrey, PPI

In this session, we will discuss: 

• An understanding of Natural Laws → Natural Principles
• An introduction to First Principles thinking and doing
• Transformation vs incremental change
• An overview of each Natural Principle, presented within the Transformation Framework:

o            THINK Different

• Trust
• Respect
• Justice

o            FEEL Different

• Belonging
• Appreciation

o            DO Different

• Power
• Progress

June 2, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

The Future of Process Safety Track

Using PowerBI for PSM Reporting

Meg Reese, OxyChem

This presentation aims to demonstrate how Power BI can streamline PSM reporting by integrating data from multiple sources into a single, user-friendly dashboard. Power BI is a powerful tool in pulling data and information from various databases and platforms into a single report that can be easily sorted, filtered, and sliced to generate insights and trends. PSM compliance metrics are often stored in various databases, spreadsheets, and programs. Accessing these sources individually to generate management and performance reports is time-consuming and can’t easily identify trends among the various sources. In this presentation, Power BI will be demonstrated as a powerful tool in pulling together data from these various databases, platforms, and spreadsheets into a single dashboard that can be easily accessed and customized to provide insight into overall compliance performance.

The Future of Process Safety Track is sponsored by:

June 2, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

The Future of Process Safety Track

Process Safety Enforcement Trends

Emily Mott and Greg Dillard, BakerHostetler

This presentation will provide an overview of new and developing enforcement trends relating to process safety from agencies such as EPA and OSHA. We will also highlight continuing agency areas of interest and the expected impact of the new Trump administration.

The Future of Process Safety Track is sponsored by:

June 2, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Sustainability Track

The Role of Life Cycle Assessments in Understanding Systems-Level Sustainability

Rachel Meidl, LP.D., MEPM, M.Ed, CHMM, Rice University

Sustainability is a life cycle balancing act across the three vectors of environment, society, and economy. Achieving sustainability requires a systems-level approach that considers a broad array of factors across these vectors, which spans into global supply chains, and assesses how they interact. To more precisely understand the sustainability profiles of energy technologies or advanced materials, for example, and to uncover potential risks, uncertainties, and unintended consequences, it is vital that life cycle assessments are consistently employed.  

The Sustainability Track is sponsored by: 

June 2, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Sustainability Track

The People Plan: A Sustainable Solution to Water Bottle Recycling

Richard Bass, Kuraray and Monica Beynaerts, Coastal Ice

In today's world, sustainability is not just a goal, but a necessity. The People Plan, a collaborative initiative between Coastal Ice & Water and Kuraray, offers an innovative approach to water bottle recycling with a clear focus on environmental responsibility and workforce development. This program integrates safety and hydration with a sustainability framework that emphasizes the circular economy. By collecting, consolidating, and weighing used water bottles, the plan ensures the efficient shipment and tracking of materials to repurpose mills, where they are transformed into new bottles.


The Sustainability Track is sponsored by: 

June 2, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Foundations of Safety Track

The Bystander Effect

Jordan Burklow, LyondellBasell

Back by popular demand, this was one of our most popular 2024 education sessions! 

After the tragic events that occurred in New York City related to the murder of Kitty Genovese, a new study in the field of Psychology was opened which gave light to what is known as "The Bystander Effect" which found that as work group sizes grow, our likelihood of intervening in an emergency situation goes down. By understanding the key components of what leads to the Bystander Effect, and the ways in which we can collectively combat this phenomenon, we can equip our workers with the tools needed to ensure they intervene when presented with at-risk or emergency situations.

June 2, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Foundations of Safety Track

Effective Decision-Making by Merging Technologies with Critical Reasoning

Jonathan Klane & Shaine Babineaux, Draeger

We’re exposed to a lot of data and new technology: Over 50% of safety professionals use new health and safety software/apps (per the Nation Safety Council). And instrumentation often provides a stream of numbers to assess.   But what does it mean and not mean?   How much confidence should you have in the data? And your decision-making based on it?    There are two parts: the technological side and the human side. On the tech side we can have air monitoring data. Many aspects affect it including a point in time vs. average, max/min values, interferences, zeroing and calibration, poisoned sensor, inert atmosphere, limit of detection, etc.

With our human side we have heuristics, cognitive biases, fast thinking/intuition, distractions, habits, our affective/experiential risk system, threat to value, work pressures, group think, psychological safety, etc.  In this session, we’ll describe and decipher these concepts and how they work using examples and “case stories” to engage learners.

June 3, 2025
8:00AM - 9:00AM

Opening General Session

The Speed of Trust: Accelerating Safety Leadership in EHS

John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting

Opening General Session - Leadership

June 3, 2025
9:15AM - 10:15AM

Safety Excellence: Award-Winning Best Practices Track

Hazard & Risk Management through the Engineering Whiteboard Review

Doug Wright and Austin Hill, Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Barnhart Crane & Rigging has established a strong national reputation for solving complex lifting, heavy rigging, and hauling challenges across various industries in North America. Our commitment to continuous improvement and safety is exemplified in our innovative approach to risk management, known as Risk Based Safety. This paradigm shift empowers employees to actively engage in safety practices, focusing on risk assessment, mitigation, and communication rather than mere compliance with rules.

Recognizing the critical role of project pre-planning in ensuring safety, Barnhart addresses common challenges such as incomplete risk assessments, tight timelines, and communication breakdowns. To tackle these issues, we employ the Barnhart Engineering Whiteboard Review, a collaborative approach that fosters open discussions between engineers and clients to identify potential hazards early in the planning phase. This proactive engagement allows for the integration of robust safety measures tailored to each project.

Through meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive emergency response planning, our Engineering Whiteboard Review ensures that safety is not an afterthought but a foundational element of project execution. By integrating diverse perspectives and leveraging past experiences, we guide our projects toward the safest and most effective outcomes.

June 3, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Safety Excellence: Award Winning Best Practices Track

Comprehensive Workforce Screening Solutions

Margaret Gilbert and Don Owens, Health and Safety Council

B - Safety Excellence Award Winners' Best Practices Track

In an industry where safety is paramount, standardization in drug testing and background protocols across refineries not only save costs but also significantly improve safety by identifying possible risks.   This presentation will discuss how the NASAP and NABSC program were developed by a committee of owners who collaborated through the Houston Business Roundtable (now called Industry Business Roundtable (IBR).  We will discuss how the reason for implementing these programs was to find a way to reduce drug testing and background searches and to have a unified approach to simplify the testing process for contractors working across multiple refineries.

June 3, 2025
9:15AM - 10:15AM

Industrial Health Track

Utilizing AI to Optimize EHS

Jed Anderson, EnviroAI

As industries navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, the need for smarter, data-driven solutions in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Industrial Hygiene (IH) has never been greater. EnviroAI is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance risk assessment, streamline compliance, and drive proactive EHS measures.  In this session, we will explore how AI-powered analytics, machine learning, generative AI, agentic AI, and predictive modeling are revolutionizing EHS. Discover how organizations can harness AI to optimize EHS workflows, improve programs, and create safer, more efficient work environments and communities. Whether you're an EHS professional, an industrial hygienist, or a business leader looking to enhance workplace and community safety, this presentation will provide actionable insights into the future of AI-driven EHS solutions.

The Industrial Health Track is sponsored by: 

June 3, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Industrial Health Track

The Future of Safety: How Human Performance, Data Science, and Predictive AI Can Unlock New Possibilities in Safety Performance

Kari R Strobel, Ph.D. , Vetergy Group

Join us to explore how an evolved Human Performance Model and predictive AI are reshaping safety management, creating a future where foresight drives decisions and protects lives.  LEARNING OBJECTIVES:    Explore how to uncover systemic causes and hidden patterns in incident data, moving beyond surface-level root causes to understand the broader operational and environmental context;  Discover practical applications of AI and machine learning to forecast potential safety risks, identify weak signals, and drive proactive decision-making; Build skills to create evidence-based interventions informed by predictive insights, ensuring measurable improvements in operational resilience, workforce safety, and human performance.

The Industrial Health Track is sponsored by: 

June 3, 2025
10:30AM - 11:30AM

Air Track

Incorporating RMP Requirements into Title V Permits

Meagan Bowman, ExxonMobil

This session will be is a combined session for both our Process Safety and Air Tracks: 

Incorporating Accidental Release Prevention / Risk Management Plan (RMP) rule requirements into Title V Operating Permits is crucial for enhancing chemical safety and compliance. This presentation will explore the integration process, highlighting how facilities are expected to align their RMP obligations under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act with Title V Operating Permits.  Key topics include regulatory drivers, permitting mechanisms, common permit language, ongoing compliance and associated deviation reporting, as well as investigation and enforcement authority.  By effectively integrating these requirements, facilities will be better positioned to meet their regulatory compliance obligations.

The Air Track is sponsored by:

June 3, 2025
3:00PM - 4:00PM

Air Track

Permitting and Modeling Challenges Related to the Revised PM2.5 Annual NAAQS

Rawan El-Afifi, All4

The U.S. EPA finalized the lowered PM2.5 Annual NAAQS to 9 μg/m3 on March 6, 2024, with significant implications for nonattainment areas and permitting processes. This presentation will discuss these and other factors in detail from an industry, state, and legal perspective and discuss options to improve the chances for a successful compliance demonstration in attainment areas, and the implications of the nonattainment permitting process in those areas designated nonattainment.

The Air Track is sponsored by:

June 3, 2025
9:15AM - 10:15AM

Air Track

HON/SOCMI NSPS RTR Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) Requirements

Inaas Darrat, Trinity Consultants

This session will be is a combined session for both our Process Safety and Air Tracks. 

This session is for personnel charged with complying with the new HON compliance provisions. In this session, the impact of the removal of SSM Provisions on pressure relief valves (PRVs) designed to vent to atmosphere will be discussed.  Subtopics include an overview of new PRV release monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the new work practice standard to conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement redundant control measures to prevent releases, and the requirement to conduct root cause analyses after individual release events.
 

June 3, 2025
10:30AM - 11:30AM

Process Safety Track

Incorporating RMP requirements into TV Permits

Meagan Bowman, ExxonMobil

This session will be is a combined session for both our Process Safety and Air Tracks. 

Incorporating Accidental Release Prevention / Risk Management Plan (RMP) rule requirements into Title V Operating Permits is crucial for enhancing chemical safety and compliance. This presentation will explore the integration process, highlighting how facilities are expected to align their RMP obligations under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act with Title V Operating Permits.  Key topics include regulatory drivers, permitting mechanisms, common permit language, ongoing compliance and associated deviation reporting, as well as investigation and enforcement authority.  By effectively integrating these requirements, facilities will be better positioned to meet their regulatory compliance obligations.


 

June 3, 2025
3:00PM - 4:00PM

Process Safety Track

A New View of Human Factors in Process Safety

David Wilbur, Vetergy Group

This session will introduce participants to foundational theory and research behind a revolutionary human performance model. This session will focus on the principles of human factors, detailing how they shape resilience and safety within complex systems.  Attendees will leave with a new understanding of the theoretical framework for human performance.  

Key learning objectives of this session:  

• Introduce the core concepts and research that underpin modern thought leadership in human performance
• Explain the role of human factors in shaping safety and reliability
• Explore the different elements that impact human performance, from individual behaviors to organizational influences
• Lay the groundwork for understanding how these factors contribute to system failures and successes, providing insights for effective intervention

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Industry Best Practices Track

Mobile Rounds: Innovative Programs to Enhance Operator's Knowledge and Safety Performance

Gloria Blanco, Mike Quave, Yuri Brooman and Allen Ward, GoodYear

In this session we will recognize how operational discipline is a key component of operational excellence and can significantly impact process and personal safety. Operational discipline is the practice of consistently following well-defined processes to accomplish tasks; it’s a constructive mindset that emphasizes proactive decision-making and actions; operational discipline can help create a strong foundation for operational excellence and improve safety performance by:  Providing a more organized way to accomplish tasks, Improving the execution of work practices,  Fostering a positive and proactive approach, Emphasizing conscientious decision-making and actions and Reinforcing a company’s desire for a strong safety culture.   

This will be an interactive panel discussion.  

June 4, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Industry Best Practices Track

AI Technology, Applications, and Adoption for EH&S

Justin Nhan, BASF

Although generative AI has taken the world by storm the past few years, artificial intelligence has already been transforming our industry for decades. In this presentation, the audience will get a baseline glimpse into how AI technologies can provide value towards industry process & occupational safety.

Aside from the technology itself, we will also delve into the most crucial (and often overlooked) aspects of digital adoption: people and processes. Too often, lack of proper change management leads to tools that don’t necessarily address the end user’s core problems. We will delve into best practices from other industries, evaluate where quick wins can be captured today, and what the future has in store for this rapidly evolving technology.

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Process Safety for Leaders Track

Major Incident Response: Preparation, Tasks, and Lessons Learned

Matt Kuryla, Scott Elliott and Harrison Reback, Baker Botts

This session will cover the range of issues that attendees should consider when preparing for and responding to a major incident, starting with the initial phone calls and ending with the resolution of agency proceedings and civil suits years down the line. This includes issues like interactions with agencies and elected officials, community air monitoring, and internal investigations. The speakers will also provide lessons learned from incidents along the Houston Ship Channel and other areas across the country.

June 4, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Process Safety for Leaders Track

How to Break Bad Habits

Joseph White, AEU LEAD

Our understanding of habits is in its infancy.  Its role in human performance outcomes is undeniable and the impact these automatic behaviors have upon workplace safety is nothing short of profound.  In this session, participants will gain an understanding of how habits form and be provided with empirically supported recommendations for overcoming them.

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Water & Waste Track

CWA Hazardous Substances FRP Rule

Cody Fridley, All4

In this session we will present on the Clean Water Act (CWA) Worst Case Discharge Planning regulations/Facility Response Plan (FRP) rule.  We will review what facilities should consider in determining whether or not they meet the applicability criteria, and, if so, what next steps they should take to meet the June 1, 2027 compliance deadline.  We will also highlight components of the rule where further EPA guidance is anticipated for implementation.

June 4, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Water & Waste Track

RCRA Administrative Orders: An Example of 30-Years of Investigation, Remediation, and What’s Next

Jim McDade, GSI Global

In March 1997, USEPA issued a RCRA 3008(h) Consent Order to one of GSI’s petrochemical clients’ facilities. Since 1997, GSI Environmental has navigated the RCRA Consent Order process, which has included the completion of significant investigation activities of environmental media throughout the facility, issuance of a second Consent Order, and implementation of selected remedies. The first 10 years of the project were a flurry of investigation and remediation activities, while the remaining 20 years have been somewhat mired in post-remediation groundwater monitoring and inspections of corrective measures (soil covers). To continue to move the project to an eventual “no further action” status, GSI has utilized a strategy of periodically reducing the groundwater monitoring program (reduction in number of wells sampled, chemicals of concern analyzed, etc.) as certain groundwater plumes have remediated. USEPA has been receptive to this strategy, and the groundwater monitoring program has successfully been reduced over time. However, within the last 5-years, turnover in Project Managers at USEPA has slowed the continued progress towards “no further action”. Recently, USEPA has enlisted the project into USEPA’s Optimization Program for RCRA Corrective Action facilities in hopes to continue positive progress towards closure.

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Emergency Response & Security Track

Preparing for, Responding to, and Handling the Aftermath of Catastrophic Accidents

Emily Mott & Greg Dillard, BakerHostetler

This presentation will cover the life cycle of an accident response, including:
1) Preparing for catastrophic accidents
2) Responding to catastrophic accidents
3) Handling the aftermath of catastrophic accidents

As seasoned catastrophic accident response attorneys, Greg and Emily will provide insight into the types of accidents they see the most, trending agency areas of interest, and best practices for how companies can prepare and respond to catastrophic accidents.

The Emergency Response & Security Track is sponsored by:

June 4, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Emergency Response & Security Track

Electric Vehicles and Li-Ion Batteries – What First Responders Need to Know

Gordon Lohmeyer, Texas A & M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Micro Mobility Devices, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and their related lithium-ion battery fire potential pose a significant risk to the First Responder, the  community and potentially to the environment. This session will help First Responders make effective decisions regarding these hazards. We will also discuss the growth of Green Energy in the State and the related implications.  An overview will be provided of recent research TEEX and the ATF conducted at the Southwest Research Institute.  Li-Ion batteries were forced into thermal runaway and the following substances were quantified -sVOCs, PAH, and Heavy Metals produced during Li battery fires.  This data will assist the entire First Responder community in making sound response decisions to Li-Ion battery fires and provides data to the effectiveness of NFPA 1851 water-based and Liquid Co2 cleaning methods of personal protective equipment.

June 4, 2025
8:30AM - 9:30AM

Resilience & Rise: Women Leading the Future of Chemical Manufacturing

Women's in Leadership Panel will be announced soon

Leadership General Session

This dynamic panel brings together accomplished women leaders from across the chemical manufacturing industry to share their journeys, insights, and impact. From navigating historically male-dominated spaces to driving innovation and sustainable growth, each panelist offers a unique perspective on the lessons they've learned through challenges, the resilience they've built, and the successes they’ve earned. Attendees will hear candid stories of breaking barriers, fostering inclusive workplaces, and shaping the next generation of talent. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an industry veteran, this conversation will inspire and empower you with real-world wisdom, practical strategies, and a shared vision for a more diverse and resilient future in chemical manufacturing.

June 4, 2025
12:00PM - 1:30PM

Keynote Luncheon

Find Your Voice. Find Your Power. Redefining What It Means to be Strong

Allan Kehler

Join us for an inspiring session where Allan will provide valuable insights on redefining mental health and fostering a safe environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! A special thank you to BASF Freeport for their generous sponsorship of our Wednesday Keynote Luncheon. 

June 5, 2025
9:00AM - 10:00AM

EHS Leadership Track

Lessons in Safety Excellence: The Journey of an Award-Winning Leaders

Paul Fritsch, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures and Phil Matherne, ExxonMobil

Join us for an inspiring and insightful discussion featuring last year’s Gerald R. Ehrman Award Winner for Leadership in Safety Management and another fellow safety leader, for a powerful conversation on the journey to safety excellence. Together, they will share real-world experiences and practical insights on navigating challenges, inspiring teams, and driving continuous improvement in safety performance.

This open Q&A forum will offer valuable takeaways on leadership, communication, and risk management that attendees can apply directly to their own safety programs.

June 5, 2025
10:15AM - 11:15AM

EHS Leadership Track

The Dos and Don’ts of an OSHA Inspection

Courtney M. Malveaux, McGuireWoods, LLP

Join us for this engaging session as we learn what  specific steps managers can take before, during and after an OSHA inspection to reduce your legal exposure.

June 5, 2025
1:00PM - 2:00PM

EHS Leadership Track

Unlocking Operational Resilience: Elevating Safety, Human Factors, and Leadership for Tomorrow’s Challenges

Mark Palmer, Vetergy

As the operational landscape becomes increasingly complex, the role of safety leaders is more critical than ever. This track will focus on the essential competencies and skills required for next- generation safety leadership. Learn how to assess and develop these skills to navigate and mitigate disruptions effectively. Sessions will cover adaptive leadership practices, robust communication techniques, and innovative problem-solving approaches that collectively drive operational resilience.    In this transformative series, conference attendees will gain valuable knowledge and practical tools that will empower them to drive significant improvements in safety outcomes, operational resilience, and overall system efficiency. Whether they’re a safety professional, industrial hygienist, or organizational leader, this series offers something for everyone committed to fostering a resilient and safe operational environment.

June 5, 2025
2:15PM - 3:15PM

EHS Leadership Track

From Compliance to Commitment: Strengthening Safety Culture Through Leadership Engagement

Shannon Overland, DEKRA

Despite advances in safety systems, many organizations struggle with sustaining long-term safety culture improvements. This session focuses on how leadership can bridge this gap by using intentional language and engagement strategies to shape a more sustainable and robust safety culture. By recognizing the impact of brain-centered hazards, leaders can take meaningful steps to eliminate safety “complacency” and reduce errors in high-risk environments.

Participants will explore how to shift safety culture from mere compliance to one of continuous growth and improvement, using leadership communication as a key driver of engagement and safety performance. The session also highlights the importance of building a learning organization—where feedback, self-reflection, and employee empowerment keep safety practices adaptable and future-ready. Learning Objectives: 1. Enhance Leadership Communication: Learn how to use intentional language and engagement to strengthen safety culture and reduce workplace distractions. 2. Mitigate Brain-Centered Hazards: Understand the role of brain centered hazards in safety incidents and discover tools to proactively address these factors in high-hazard environments. 3. Foster Continuous Growth: Develop strategies to build a learning organization that promotes feedback, collaboration, and adaptability in safety practices.

June 5, 2025
9:00AM - 10:00AM

Environmental Hot Topics Track

HON Fenceline Monitoring (FLM) Implications to Existing FLM Programs

Hedric Strickland, TRICORD

This presentation will cover evaluating applicability for monitoring additional constituents in addition to benzene, developing strategies for locating sample points in accordance with Method 325A around the facility perimeter versus having two separate monitoring perimeters, determining laboratory and Method 325B considerations, setting up pilot studies and utilizing mobile monitoring to identify contributing sources.

June 5, 2025
1:00PM - 2:00PM

Environmental Hot Topics Track

MSGP Reissuance: PFAS in Permitting and Other Updates

Alexander Passe and Paulina Williams, Baker Botts

This session will cover the Environmental Protection Agency's recently proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 2026 Issuance of the Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity. The proposed 2026 MSGP would, among other things, require regulated sectors to monitor permitting stormwater discharges for the 40 PFAS compounds listed in EPA Method 1633. The speakers will discuss the proposed reissuance as well as the implications for Texas and Louisiana's MSGP reissuances in the coming years.

June 5, 2025
9:00AM - 10:00AM

Advanced Process Safety Track

Human Factors Analysis as a Tool for Enhancing Human Performance and Reducing Risk

Lance Muniz, Vetergy Group

In this session we will discuss the application of human factors analysis (HFA) to identify and mitigate performance-related risks in complex systems. Attendees will learn to use the HFA method as a tool to improve human performance by addressing both active errors and latent conditions, and will apply these principles through a realistic case study, focusing on improving safety and operational resilience.

June 5, 2025
11:00AM - 1:00PM

Exhibit Hall Networking Lunch

June 5, 2025
2:15PM - 3:15PM

Advanced Process Safety Track

30 TAC 338 Rule Implementation

Shannon Frazier, TCEQ

This is a combined session with our Process Safety  and Environmental Hot Topics Tracks.

TCEQ adopted new 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 338, Aboveground Storage Vessel Safety Program, to implement the statutory changes to the Texas Water Code made by Senate Bill 900 during the 87th Legislative Session. The regulations identify the safety standards required by the statute and the entities regulated. The safety standards come from both federal regulations and national consensus standards. The program is intended to provide protection of groundwater and surface water resources in the event of an accident or natural disaster.

Regulated aboveground storage vessels (ASVs) under this program are made of non-earthen material, have a capacity of 21,000 gallons or more, store a regulated substance, and are located at a petrochemical plant, petroleum refinery, or bulk storage terminal. There are also specific exemptions set out in the rule.

Owners or operators of ASVs must register with the TCEQ and pay the annual registration fee by September 1, 2027. Owners or operators must certify compliance with the applicable safety standards by September 1, 2037, and then every 10 years thereafter. TCEQ will conduct on-site inspections at least once every five years to determine compliance.

TCEQ will discuss the requirements and deadlines for the new program and will provide updates on the status of the registration database, future outreach plans, and the guidance document currently under development.

June 5, 2025
9:00AM - 11:00AM

Navigating Regulatory Change and AI Innovation in Chemical Manufacturing: Balancing Compliance, Safety, and Sustainability

Panelist announcement coming soon

As technological, regulatory, and safety landscapes shift, reshaping the chemical manufacturing industry, leaders must navigate new challenges and opportunities to drive safety and sustainability performance. This panel will explore the intersection of evolving safety regulations and AI-driven innovations, examining their implications for competitiveness, environmental responsibility, and workforce dynamics.

Industry experts from policy, legal, and operational backgrounds will discuss strategies for adapting to regulatory uncertainty, leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial intelligence (AI) for process optimization and incident prevention, and ensuring responsible implementation aligned with industry EHSS framework such as ACC’s Responsible Care® initiative. Attendees will gain critical insights into how the chemical industry can harness technology to drive progress while maintaining high safety and environmental standards in an ever-changing landscape.

This will be a 2 hour workshop designed for audience participation.