Uncategorized Archives - Carvalholawfirm.com https://carvalholawfirm.com/news/uncategorized/ Attorneys & Counselors Fri, 22 May 2026 18:11:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://carvalholawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cropped-Site-Icon_carvalho_512x512-32x32.jpg Uncategorized Archives - Carvalholawfirm.com https://carvalholawfirm.com/news/uncategorized/ 32 32 Michael Carvalho to Moderate at Film Screening https://carvalholawfirm.com/michael-carvalho-to-moderate-at-film-screening/ Thu, 21 May 2026 21:06:41 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=6977 The post Michael Carvalho to Moderate at Film Screening appeared first on Carvalholawfirm.com.

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Michael Carvalho to Moderate Award Winning Film The Last Dive

Directed by Cody Sheehy | Moderated by Michael Carvalho

“The Last Dive,” a documentary exploring the bond between a diver and a manta ray, will be screened on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Patagonia in Cambridge, MA. The free event features a post-film Q&A with the director and a manta ray expert.

Event panelist will be John A. Cigliano, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Biology and was Director of Environmental Conservation at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA, adjunct research faculty at Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Winter Harbor, Maine, USA, and an Earthwatch Institute Principal Investigator. He is also on the board of the Massachusetts Oyster Project, a Marine Science Advisor for Seaside Sustainability, and is the President of the Participatory and Citizen Science Working Group and a Global Board Member of the Society for Conservation Biology.

John’s research interests include the effects of ocean acidification and warming on temperate marine organisms and communities, the effects of microplastics on marine organisms and communities, and the application of citizen science to advance marine conservation.

FILM SYNOPSIS

Terry is a legendary figure in Baja Mexico, an American veteran who has spent decades living on—and in—the water. Once a man burdened by a troubled past, Terry’s life was transformed by an unlikely friendship with Willy, a 22-foot oceanic manta ray. For nearly two decades, Willy would slap his wings against the hull of Terry’s sailboat to signal their next dive, and together they explored the ocean’s depths—an extraordinary bond that turned Terry into an unexpected conservationist.

Now in his 80’s, Terry embarks on one final journey to a remote island in hopes of reuniting with his old friend. But he’s also searching for something deeper: peace, closure, and a chance to say goodbye.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Cody Sheehy and produced by acclaimed Mark Monroe, The Last Dive is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary that invites viewers to reflect on our connection to the natural world—and the wild, mysterious creatures that help us find our place in it.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
By Cody Sheehy

The ocean is my home and Terry is my friend.

I met him eight years ago when my wife and I anchored our sailboat next to Terry’s in a remote Mexican bay. We spent an incredible week exploring the underwater world together. For years, I didn’t know what to make of Terry’s tall tales about riding giant Mantas. One night he showed me his footage. Not only was it all true, but I suddenly realized Terry had the ability to inspire a whole new generation in the way that Jacques Cousteau had done so many years before.

Everyone should know by now that the ocean is in trouble. But for me, it’s personal. I live with my wife and two-year-old son on a sailboat. Every night, I drift off to sleep with the sound of the ocean slapping our hull. Over the last 20+ years, I have watched life in the ocean disappear. I wonder if my son will inherit an empty ocean or will it be full of life again soon?

Directing this film has been an honor and a life-changing experience. I grew up in a small rural town far from the city and the ocean. I would have never imagined that someday I’d get to swim with mantas and work with one of the best filmmaking teams in the industry to tell the stories of these amazing giants. Thank you.


The 2025 documentary film The Last Dive has received several notable accolades across film festivals, particularly for its underwater cinematography and audience reception. Its awards and honors include:

Best Cinematography in a Documentary Feature2025 Tribeca Festival
Audience Choice Award for Feature DocumentaryLake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival
Audience Choice AwardNewport Outdoor Film
Official SelectionWild & Scenic Film Festival

Directed by Cody Sheehy and produced by Mark Monroe, the documentary also secured a nomination for Best Original Score for a documentary at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA).

Film Screening Event:

Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:00PM

Patagonia, 39 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

There is no charge for this event.

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]]> 2026 POLEs Project Update https://carvalholawfirm.com/2026-poles-project-update/ Thu, 21 May 2026 20:44:36 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=6947 The post 2026 POLEs Project Update appeared first on Carvalholawfirm.com.

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POLEs Project Update

Polar coastal ecosystems, the nearshore waters of Antarctica and the Arctic, are among the most productive and least understood environments on Earth. These regions are changing at an alarming pace: accelerating glacial melt is altering ocean salinity and restructuring the microscopic food webs that sustain everything from krill to whales to penguins. Yet the shallow coastal zones where these changes are most acute remain dramatically understudied.

POLEs (Plankton Observations of Lifecycles and Ecobiomes), an Explorers Club Flag #44 Expedition, was designed to fill that gap. POLEs is a collaborative polar science effort integrating coastal surveys, glacial ice diving, advanced imaging, marine ecology, and environmental policy assessment led by Dr. Angel Yanagihara (Explorers Club Fellow, Polar Diver, and University of Hawaii research professor).

POLEs Expeditions (completed 2022 – 2025)

During multiple Polar Expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, scientists, researchers, and explorers collected and documented microscopic plankton species, eDNA samples, and physical oceanographic data. Project work completed:

  • Antarctic Peninsula and Arctic Circle fieldwork aboard polar research vessels
  • Daily scuba dives with certified scientists and imaging specialists
  • Stratified net collections, CTD casts, eDNA sampling, and live light microscopy
  • Samples spanning salinity gradients across multiple bays

Scientific Work & Analysis (in progress 2026)

  • Abstract submitted and accepted by SCAR Open Science Conference
  • eDNA analysis to reveal hidden biodiversity across collected samples
  • High resolution microscopy and analytical chemistry for microplastics and morphology
  • Genomic sequencing and pigment analysis to assess ecosystem health
  • Findings to be presented at SCAR in Oslo in August 2026

Scientific Data & Policy Significance

POLEs data directly informs the most pressing policy decisions facing polar governance. The findings will provide scientific justification for key management actions under the Antarctic Treaty System, CCAMLR, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and other international agreements, such as the new UN High Seas Treaty (BBNJ).

Biosecurity: Biosecurity protocols for the growing Antarctic tourism fleet, triggered by the first documented appearance of invasive temperate plankton species

Climate: Carbon sequestration policy that documents the shift from carbon-sinking diatoms to smaller flagellates that retain CO₂ at the surface

Fisheries: CCAMLR krill catch limits, which are legally bound to evidence on plankton-to-predator food web dynamics

MPAs: Marine Protected Area designations for the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea. Currently, proposals are stalled for lack of baseline nearshore data.

Scientific Deliverables

  • POLEs abstract accepted by SCAR Open Science Conference. Findings are to be presented at the 12th Open Science Conference, Oslo (August 2026), the world’s premier Antarctic science forum
  • First-ever baseline dataset for specific nearshore polar plankton ecosystem analyses
  • High-resolution image and video library to be archived in NCBI and public repositories
  • STEM curriculum materials including plankton ID microscopy video modules
  • Preparation and submission of peer‑reviewed, open‑access scientific papers
  • Foundational work for a long-term time-series of polar microbiome monitoring

The Intersection of Science, Policy & Education

To realize the full scientific and educational potential of this work, we are seeking to raise $100,000 through our giving fund at the University of Hawai’i Foundation. Your tax‑deductible contribution directly supports open‑access peer‑reviewed publications, presentation of new findings at the 2026 SCAR Open Science Conference, creation of the first baseline dataset for nearshore polar plankton ecosystems, and the development of public image archives and STEM curriculum materials.  Your support today helps build the foundation for long‑term polar biome monitoring and broad public understanding.

How You Can Help

Gifts are fully tax-deductible can be made via QR code below or online through the UH Foundation website:

https://giving.uhfoundation.org/funds/13036204

Please reference UH Foundation POLEs Account: 13036204

For POLEs scientific inquires please email Dr. Angel Yanagihara: ayanagih@hawaii.edu

For POLEs policy inquiries, please call Michael Carvalho email: mpc@carvalholawfirm.com

Thank you in advance for your support. All gifts will be acknowledged in writing. Our supporters will be provided project updates following our SCAR Presentation in August 2026. Our  intention is then to present Policy findings at the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development United Nations Conference which takes place from January 13 to January 15, 2027 in Nairobi, Africa.


The POLEs Team

POLEs Team Lead: Dr. Angel Yanagihara, University of Hawaii research professor and leading expert on jellyfish and zooplankton, completes successful Antarctic and Arctic expeditions, where she focused on collecting eDNA samples to assess species populations and the effects of changing salinity and temperature. Collaborating with Dr. Petra Lenz, she explored the water column for invasive species, contributing critical data on marine biodiversity. This was a flagged expedition for The Explorers Club.

Dr. Petra Lenz  UH Research Professor · Senior biological oceanographer · World expert in zooplankton ecology

Dr. Vittoria Roncalli  University
of Alaska · Pioneer in “omics” genomics applied to plankton · Field experience in Antarctica, Alaska & Mediterranean

Evan Kovacs  Marine Imaging Technologies · Revolutionary underwater imaging · WHOI Advanced Imaging Lab · Polar Diver

Michael Carvalho, Esq.  Senior Policy Advisor  ·  Polar Diver  · Environmental Attorney

Institutional Partner
University of Hawaiʻi Foundation · John A. Burns School of Medicine ·
Fiscal Sponsor and non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Donations to the POLEs Project can be made online:
https://Giving.uhfoundation.org/
funds/13036204

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]]> Michael Carvalho to Moderate at The Boston Film Festival https://carvalholawfirm.com/michael-carvalho-to-moderate-at-the-boston-film-festival/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 21:59:04 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=6929 The post Michael Carvalho to Moderate at The Boston Film Festival appeared first on Carvalholawfirm.com.

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Michael Carvalho to Moderate The Last Dive

Directed by Cody Sheehy | Moderated by Michael Carvalho

“The Last Dive” is a beautifully shot documentary that tells the story of a diver and his relationship with a Manta Ray.  Immediately following the film, a Q&A will be held with the foremost expert on Manta Rays and the director.

SYNOPSIS

Terry is a legendary figure in Baja Mexico, an American veteran who has spent decades living on—and in—the water. Once a man burdened by a troubled past, Terry’s life was transformed by an unlikely friendship with Willy, a 22-foot oceanic manta ray. For nearly two decades, Willy would slap his wings against the hull of Terry’s sailboat to signal their next dive, and together they explored the ocean’s depths—an extraordinary bond that turned Terry into an unexpected conservationist.

Now in his 80’s, Terry embarks on one final journey to a remote island in hopes of reuniting with his old friend. But he’s also searching for something deeper: peace, closure, and a chance to say goodbye.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Cody Sheehy and produced by acclaimed Mark Monroe, The Last Dive is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary that invites viewers to reflect on our connection to the natural world—and the wild, mysterious creatures that help us find our place in it.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
By Cody Sheehy

The ocean is my home and Terry is my friend.

I met him eight years ago when my wife and I anchored our sailboat next to Terry’s in a remote Mexican bay. We spent an incredible week exploring the underwater world together. For years, I didn’t know what to make of Terry’s tall tales about riding giant Mantas. One night he showed me his footage. Not only was it all true, but I suddenly realized Terry had the ability to inspire a whole new generation in the way that Jacques Cousteau had done so many years before.

Everyone should know by now that the ocean is in trouble. But for me, it’s personal. I live with my wife and two-year-old son on a sailboat. Every night, I drift off to sleep with the sound of the ocean slapping our hull. Over the last 20+ years, I have watched life in the ocean disappear. I wonder if my son will inherit an empty ocean or will it be full of life again soon?

Directing this film has been an honor and a life-changing experience. I grew up in a small rural town far from the city and the ocean. I would have never imagined that someday I’d get to swim with mantas and work with one of the best filmmaking teams in the industry to tell the stories of these amazing giants. Thank you.

For tickets: Shalin Liu Performance Center Tickets | Rockport Music

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]]> Brownfields Reauthorization Legislation and Georgia EPD 2025 Update https://carvalholawfirm.com/brownfields-reauthorization-legislation-and-georgia-epd-2025-update/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:57:41 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=6880 The post Brownfields Reauthorization Legislation and Georgia EPD 2025 Update appeared first on Carvalholawfirm.com.

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2025 Brownfields Reauthorization Legislation and Georgia EPD Update

By Michael P. Carvalho, Esq.

February 5, 2025 – The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works unanimously referred the Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S. 347) to the full Senate. Here are the highlights:

1. The Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program through fiscal year 2030.

2. Reduce financial barriers for small and underserved communities and expand access to the program by:

a. reducing the cost-share requirement from 20 percent to 10 percent
b. providing cost-share waivers for small and underserved communities
c. streamlining the application process to make it more accessible for smaller communities
d. expanding the definition of eligible entities to include organizations defined under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, in addition to 501(c)(3) organizations; 501(c)(6) entities include business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade and professional football leagues
e. doubling maximum site cleanup grants from $500,000 to $1 million
f. increasing state program funding to $75 million annually by 2030

The Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a welcome development for the real estate community and reaffirms the important role that Brownfields legislation plays in the redevelopment of environmentally impaired properties.

2025 Georgia Brownfields Update

I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Georgia Brownfields Association (GBA) Kickoff Event on February 4th and wanted to share a few comments with you.

The Georgia Brownfields Program continues to be an important tool for managing the risk posed by environmental impairment liability for the real estate community. The program continues to be led by Shannon Ridley, Brownfield Coordinator, supported by Team Leaders and Hanley and Stephanie Horwitz, who report that staffing levels have increased and the Program is now fully staffed.

Program Trends include an increased use of “generic CAPs”, multiple regulatory/transitioning program properties, mid-process property transactions, incorporating consideration of formerly “untouchable” properties, increased inclusion of Type 5 Risk Reduction Standards, addressing vapor intrusion (VI) issues, and increased cost certifications. Each of these bode well for the future effectiveness of the program.

EPD is taking a closer look at vapor intrusion consideration, including “passive” v. “active systems”. EPD wants to see QA/QC associated with installation, diagnostic testing ,and verification sampling. Note that the scope of verification testing will be negotiated with EPD. The agency also expressed interest in owners meeting their ongoing due care obligation. EPD is aware of new vapor intrusion mitigation products, to include low mil barriers, radon systems, etc.

The program expressed an interest in seeing Soil Management Plans (SMPs) being include in the CAP, sequencing the SMP and site-specific sampling protocols. Program leads cautioned that owners will need to better distinguish between soils removed for corrective action and total soil removal. The former being subject to cost recovery and the latter being potentially comprised of site development (e.g., geotechnical concerns) that are not necessarily recoverable. The program leads cautioned that this was a concern raised by EPD leadership. There was also a related discussion of offsite disposal to landfills, and Beneficial reuse. EPD is aware of soil brokers acquiring impacted soils that are above the Residential Risk Reduction Standards but below Commercial/Industrial Risk Reduction Standards being sent to commercial sites. EPD cautioned that such transfers can be problematic because they are not well understood and may result in future environmental impairment liability.

Regarding Cost Certifications, EPD stressed the importance of submitting Compliance Status Reports (CSRs) prior to cost certification and asks that the CSR support the cost certification. While this seems obvious, EPD has flagged this concern. Program leads indicated that they had received push back from leadership regarding parties seeking to off-set construction costs by characterizing these as “corrective actions”. Submittals should be made early in the process and that early communications can avoid any delays. All submittals should be well organized and supported. (i.e., no “shoe boxes full of receipts”). Note that some county tax assessors do not require cost submittals prior to December 31st.

EPD did identify an issue with non-compliant brownfield properties where the prospective purchaser is not implementing the CAP within the approved schedule, not actively preventing releases or is making site conditions worse, lack of response to EPD, and/or contributing to the release on the property.

Over the past 30 years, I have been privileged to work on hundreds of projects involving the redevelopment of environmentally impaired projects throughout the U.S. These projects efficiently and effectively place otherwise distressed properties back on the tax rolls and create good paying jobs in the surrounding communities. However, state laws and efficacy vary greatly. Nevertheless, federal and state Brownfield legislation remain important tools in our toolbox for managing environmental risk and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.





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]]> 2023 Citizen Science Research into Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) https://carvalholawfirm.com/citizen-science-research-into-stony-coral-tissue-loss-disease-sctld/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:33:29 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=6451 The post 2023 Citizen Science Research into Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) appeared first on Carvalholawfirm.com.

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Citizen Science Research into Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD)

By Michael P. Carvalho, Esq. and Christopher J. Miller, B.S., M.S Eng.

November 6, 2023 – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) is a deadly coral disease affecting over twenty-five species of hard coral resulting in rapid tissue mortality and death of entire colonies. The disease was first reported on Florida’s reefs in 2014 and has subsequently spread throughout multiple countries in the Caribbean, to include the Cayman Islands, due to its high transmissivity. SCTLD causes lesions to appear on hard corals following increasing bleaching events associated with dramatic increases in surface water temperatures caused by Climate Change. Infected corals rapidly lose live tissue and entire colonies can be wiped out in weeks to months (Precht et al 2016). The Cayman Islands government is particularly concerned about the spread of SCTLD from Grand Cayman where the disease is now widely established to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, where SCTLD has not yet gained a foothold.

Cause

The cause and method of SCTLD transmission are currently unknown but are the subject of intense research. Previously, researchers believed that SCTLD is a bacterial pathogen that grows rapidly and is transmitted by direct contact and ocean currents. (Aeby et al, 2019). More recent research suggests that a viral pathogen may be disrupting the coral-zooxanthellae symbiosis, a type of photosynthesis algae living in coral tissues. (Landsberg et al 0202; Work et al 2021). There is no known cure for SCTLD, which has a mortality rate of 60%-100% (Precht et al 2016), although studies are underway to determine whether topically applied antibiotics may be effective.

Affect

SCLTD negatively affects coral density and species diversity, reducing the overall health of coral reefs and resulting in significant degradation to coral reef ecosystems. The loss of coral reefs (already imperiled by rapidly warming ocean surface temperatures and physical damages from intense weather events) affects not only the health of the reef, but also the myriad of economic interests they support. Such interests include tourism, coastal protection, food, and recreation, among others impacts. In the Cayman Islands, tourism is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for approximately 70% of GDP. (Moody’s Analytics, www.economy.com/cayman-islands). With the main sources of income in the Cayman Islands consisting of financial services, tourism and real estate sales and development, the loss of once pristine coral reefs upon which much of the tourist economy is based, would be devastating to the economy.

Response

All hands-on deck. Local governments throughout the Caribbean are collaborating with regional and international partners to continue to study the causes and effects of SCTLD on coral reefs. The Cayman Islands Government Department of the Environment (DoE) is “…actively training volunteers on disease identification and how to use treatment options while expanding our citizen scientist reporting efforts to engage the public in helping us identify diseases coral.” DoE regularly collects samples for epidemiological research and applies topical treatment of Amoxicillin + Base2B on affected corals within defined study areas. (doe.ky/marine/sctld.).

The Cayman Islands government is also engaged in efforts to grow new coral using fragments harvested from healthy reefs and grown on “coral trees” suspended in the water column in nurseries. https://missionblue.org/2017/03/cayman-islands-coral-nursery-conservation-program/




For further information:

Tammi Warrender is the Lead Coordinator of the SCTLD Response Project.  She can be reached by email: Tammi.Warrender@gov.ky

Report SCLTD and submit photographs: SCTLD Report Caribbean.

Urgent issues should be reported to the SCTLD hotline at +1-345-926-0680.

_________________________________________________________________

Michael P. Carvalho, Esq. is an environmental attorney representing a wide range of clients in environmental and real estate matters nationally and internationally. He is a former environmental consultant and serves as President of Carvalho & Associates, P.C with offices in Boston and Atlanta. He can be reached at mpc@carvalholawfirm.com.

Christopher J. Miller is a former environmental consultant and currently serves as Director of Natural Resources of the Town of Brewster, Massachusetts.

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]]> 2020 Visual Survey – Sawmill Brook, Manchester, MA https://carvalholawfirm.com/sawmill-brook-a-visual-survey-2020/ Thu, 22 Oct 2020 21:35:02 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=5550 Learn about Saw Mill Brook in the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, narrated by Michael Carvalho.  This short film on Sawmill Brook in Manchester by the Sea is the result of the collaborative efforts of the MBTS Stream Team, Salem Sound Coastwatch, Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust and our friends and partners.

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Learn about Saw Mill Brook in the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, narrated by Michael Carvalho.  This short film on Sawmill Brook in Manchester by the Sea is the result of the collaborative efforts of the MBTS Stream Team, Salem Sound Coastwatch, Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust and our friends and partners.

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2020 Michael Carvalho Becomes MECT Board of Trustee Member https://carvalholawfirm.com/michael-carvalho-becomes-mect-board-of-trustee-member/ Wed, 22 Jan 2020 21:14:01 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=5541 Manchester Essex Conservation Trust is excited to announce its new Trustee Michael P. Carvalho who said, “I am very proud to be a Trustee of this great organization and I am committed to advancing the mission of this remarkable Community.” In August, Michael Carvalho narrated a short film on Sawmill Brook in Manchester-by-the-Sea, a collaboration of […]

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Manchester Essex Conservation Trust is excited to announce its new Trustee Michael P. Carvalho who said, “I am very proud to be a Trustee of this great organization and I am committed to advancing the mission of this remarkable Community.”

In August, Michael Carvalho narrated a short film on Sawmill Brook in Manchester-by-the-Sea, a collaboration of work performed by members of the MBTS Stream Team, Salem Sound Coastwatch, Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust and our friends and partners.

Michael Carvalho is president of Carvalho & Associates, P.C. with offices in Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA. He specializes in environmental law, including litigation, regulatory and transactional matters. He can be reached at (678) 354-0066.

 

 

 

 

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2015 EnvironMentors Awards $10,000 Emerging Leader Scholarship https://carvalholawfirm.com/2015-environmentors-awards-10000-emerging-leader-scholarship/ Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:46:58 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=4744 WASHINGTON, DC – Top placing students from each EnvironMentors chapter travel to Washington, DC to compete for these college scholarships at the annual EnvironMentors National Fair. The 2015 Fair was held on Monday, June 1, 2015, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.  Environmental Attorney Michael Carvalho, past Chair of EnvironMentors Advisory Board […]

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2015 Student Group Picture - cropped

WASHINGTON, DC – Top placing students from each EnvironMentors chapter travel to Washington, DC to compete for these college scholarships at the annual EnvironMentors National Fair. The 2015 Fair was held on Monday, June 1, 2015, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.  Environmental Attorney Michael Carvalho, past Chair of EnvironMentors Advisory Board and Member of the Board of the National Council on Science and Environment, was honored to serve as Emcee.

The EnvironMentors Emerging Leader Scholarship is the top scholarship awarded by EnvironMentors in the amount of $10,000. This scholarship is granted to an EnvironMentors student who is a graduating senior, has participated in EnvironMentors for at least two years, has been admitted to college, demonstrates a genuine commitment to the environment, and who, as a result of their participation in EnvironMentors and other related experiences, has decided to pursue and environmentally-related college degree program.

The 2015 EnvironMentors Emerging Leader Scholarship was awarded to Erin Murphy, who will be attending the University of California and plans to pursue an environmentally-related college degree.

For more information about the EnvironMentors program, please visit www.ncseonline.org

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2015 EPA Releases Technical Guides to Support Vapor Intrusion Assessment & Mitigation Activities https://carvalholawfirm.com/epa-releases-technical-guides-to-support-vapor-intrusion-assessment-mitigation-activities/ Thu, 11 Jun 2015 20:25:17 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=4737 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released two technical guides to support assessment and mitigation activities at sites where vapor intrusion is an actual or potential concern. The Technical Guide for Assessing and Mitigating the Vapor Intrusion Pathway from Subsurface Vapor Sources to Indoor Air applies to all sites being evaluated under […]

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WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released two technical guides to support assessment and mitigation activities at sites where vapor intrusion is an actual or potential concern.

The Technical Guide for Assessing and Mitigating the Vapor Intrusion Pathway from Subsurface Vapor Sources to Indoor Air applies to all sites being evaluated under federal land cleanup statutes by EPA, other federal agencies, state and tribal governments and brownfield grantees. A companion document, the Technical Guide for Addressing Petroleum Vapor Intrusion at Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites addresses any sites where vapor intrusion related to petroleum contamination from underground storage tanks is a potential concern. Both guides are applicable to residential and non-residential settings.

“These guides will promote national consistency in assessing and addressing the vapor intrusion human exposure pathway at contaminated sites to protect human health — particularly the most vulnerable,” says Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “States, tribes and localities, in particular, will find the guides to be critical resources for identifying and considering key factors related to vapor intrusion assessments, risk management decisions and mitigation actions.”

National awareness and concern about vapor intrusion has grown over the last several decades. At the same time, knowledge of and experience with assessment and mitigation of vapor intrusion has substantially increased, leading to heightened understanding of and improved approaches for evaluating and managing vapor intrusion. Relying upon this enhanced knowledge and more extensive experience, the guides present EPA’s current recommendations for identifying, evaluating and managing vapor intrusion while providing flexible technical approaches to accommodate site-specific conditions and circumstances.

At sites where vapor intrusion poses a potential or actual hazard to occupants’ health or safety, exposures usually can be prevented or reduced through relatively simple actions such as changing building pressure and ventilation. In most cases, costs associated with addressing vapor intrusion can be very manageable, resulting in long-term benefits including improved public health and less costly response actions. These benefits are especially likely when actions are undertaken early.

Vapor intrusion refers to the migration of hazardous vapors from contaminated subsurface sources such as groundwater through soil into overlying building and structures. Exposure to these vapors by building occupants can potentially pose both acute and chronic health risks. Vapor intrusion is a potential concern at any building—existing or planned—located near soil or groundwater contaminated with vapor-forming toxic chemicals.

To access the documents and for more information on vapor intrusion go to: Vapor Instrusion

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EnvironMentors to Receive $333K Grant from Toyota Foundation https://carvalholawfirm.com/environmentors-to-receive-333k-grant-from-toyota-foundation/ Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:08:19 +0000 https://carvalholawfirm.com/?p=4553 The National Council on Science and Environment (NCSE) is pleased to announce that its EnvironMentors Program has been approved for a grant in the amount of $332,797 by the Toyota Foundation. This financial grant will provide stability to an excellent initiative that is being effectively lead by Jessica Soule, the EnvironMentors Program Director. The EnvironMentors […]

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The National Council on Science and Environment (NCSE) is pleased to announce that its EnvironMentors Program has been approved for a grant in the amount of $332,797 by the Toyota Foundation. This financial grant will provide stability to an excellent initiative that is being effectively lead by Jessica Soule, the EnvironMentors Program Director.

The EnvironMentors program served a record number of students over the past twelve months with many inspirational stories of individuals in each of its 12 Chapters. EnvironMentors has received several additional smaller awards that further strengthen our work.

Founded in 1992 as an environment-based mentoring program, EnvironMentors envisions young adult leaders from all cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds becoming active stewards of their communities and the environment. By creating a bridge that encourages underserved youth to explore environmental education in college we open potential pathways for them to move toward successful environmental careers.

EnvironMentors is uniquely positioned to increase the number of under-represented students in environmental and related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields nationwide and help build a diverse, skilled workforce for the new green economy. Students, who would typically not have the exposure or opportunities to access environmental and related degrees and careers, gain invaluable mentoring, scientific research skills and support in college preparation. Equally important, students become more informed and active stewards of their local communities and the environment through EnvironMentors.

Currently, EnvironMentors has expanded to include thirteen chapters at: Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas State University, Colorado State University, Heritage University, Kean University, Kentucky State University, Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University, University of California, Davis, University of the District of Columbia, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and West Virginia University.

For more information about the EnvironMentors program, please visit www.ncseonline.org

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