susan sakaki

Sustainability and Pollution Prevention | Regulatory Compliance | Environmental Auditing | Environmental Management Systems | Communication & Training

representative skills and experience

Susan Sakaki is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) who has worked in the environmental management field for 25 years. She is experienced in regulatory compliance and management, with a broad understanding of the regulatory framework (air, water, solid and hazardous materials/waste management laws) as well as the planning programs (NEPA, infrastructure development, public participation). She also offers expertise in strategic planning, meeting facilitation, communication, and public outreach, and training. Recent project work has focused on pollution prevention and sustainable development.

Environmental Program Development and Management. As a manager at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ms. Sakaki was involved in implementation of new regulatory programs, the development of enforcement and compliance strategies, and the coordination of multi-state, multi-department programs. In addition, her private sector experience includes a wide range of environmental program development projects.

Pollution Prevention Program for Business Operations

Serves as consultant to the Alameda County Green Business Program, promoting environmental excellence by certifying business that practice pollution prevention and resource conservation. Conducts outreach activities to businesses and to the general public. Provides technical assistance on environmental management and pollution prevention issues (including toxics reduction, IPM, automotive fluids recycling) to a variety of businesses including vehicle maintenance facilities, hotels, restaurants, printing facilities and landscaping companies. Works with industry representatives, regulatory agencies and other interested parties the development of sustainable business practices. Plans and executes promotional and public outreach programs, including press releases, marketing literature, public presentations, recognition events and workshops. Developed a strategic planning process which involved the participation of over 30 governmental and nonprofit stakeholders, resulting in a priority setting process and consensus for program direction. Currently executing a landscaper outreach program, and working with program partners on facilitating green procurement practices.

EMS Development for LBNL

Conducted gap analysis for Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, evaluating the existing environmental management programs against the standards for Environmental Management Systems as prescribed by the ISO 14401 Standard and Department of Energy Orders. Study included interviews with staff, strategy meetings with key managers, and analysis of the effectiveness of management systems. The goal of EMS development is to achieve improved environmental performance and sustainability by the design of improved systems. The challenge of this study was to develop strategies for EMS implementation that was consistent with the management culture of this research facility. Completed briefing to LBNL senior managers to inform them of program requirements and commitments.

Feasibility Analysis: EMS Development for K-12 Public Schools

Under contract funded by USEPA, conducted feasibility analysis of the applicability and benefits of implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in public schools. Reviewed EMS implementation programs in local government and other non-industrial organizations, assessed unique features of public school district operations against the EMS elements, evaluated current internet resources available to school administrators, and developed an EMS implementation approach suitable for public schools.

EMS Development for United States Air Force

Conducted peer review on the Environmental Management Assessment Program (EMAP) for the U.S. Air Force satellite tracking facilities in California and Hawaii. Provided input on pollution prevention recommendations and Environmental Management System (EMS) requirements.

School District Waste Reduction Program

Under contract to the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), with a team of consultants, completed a study on waste reduction strategies for public school districts in California. Developed audit protocol and checklists, training CIWMB staff, participated in school district audits, designed priority action ranking system and assisted in the compilation of findings for the Board. All key waste management areas were reviewed, including food service, landscape maintenance, energy usage, maintenance and construction, purchasing and waste disposal/recycling. The study focused on the waste management practices of the school districts, analyzing the process flows and organizational roles of the administrative offices.

Communication and Training. Ms. Sakaki is an experienced trainer and facilitator, with experience dating back to her 11 years with the USEPA where she oversaw the EPA-State policy agreements, participated in public hearings, and was a facilitator in the internal management improvement training. Her more recent communication and training experience includes:

Communication Strategy for Wetlands Restoration

Designed the communication strategy for public outreach and education for the California Coastal Conservancy's restoration planning for 15,000 acres of salt ponds in the San Francisco South Bay. Completed an overall communication strategy, involving stakeholder identification and analysis, project mission definition, message clarification, and analysis of communication modes of delivery. The goals of the restoration project are to provide wildlife habitat, flood management and recreation access; the strategy addresses the challenges of meeting the needs and concerns of these different stakeholders. Working with agencies and NGOs to build a network of support for the project.

Communication Training at University of California

Developed curriculum for "Communication Essentials for Environmental Managers," for the University of California UC Berkeley Extension Program. Since 1995, co-teach this graduate level interactive course to environmental professionals from the private and public sectors. Course includes segments on communication planning, risk communication, media relations, and public meetings. Provides follow-up coaching as needed.

Meeting Facilitation for California Military Environmental Coordination Committee

Provided meeting facilitation services to the California Military Environmental Coordination Committee (CMECC), a federal-state interagency task force dealing with the base closure and environmental remediation issues for DOD facilities throughout California. Working closely with the task force leadership, assisted in setting agendas, facilitating meetings, recording proceedings, and other coordination activities.

Western Environment and Business Initiative

Co-founded the Western Environment and Business Initiative (WEBI), a training conference on sustainable business practices. Developed curriculum and delivered training in environmental compliance management and auditing. Planned and coordinated the conference events, including securing sponsors and partners, collaborating with speakers, and outreach and promotional activities.

Training Skills and Methods at Golden Gate University

Developed curriculum for a graduate level course on "Training Methods and Skills" at Golden Gate University (GGU). In addition to teaching the course in the traditional classroom, wrote and taught the online version of the course.

Hazardous Waste Management Training for DTSC

Conducted hazardous waste management training in the State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Compliance School program. Course content included regulatory requirements for hazardous waste generators, but the course approach was more interactive than didactic. Classroom activities were highly interactive and focused on teaching problem solving approaches.

EHS Training

Developed and taught numerous environmental health and safety (EHS) training courses for private sector clients including Centaur Pharmaceuticals, Waste Management Inc., Simsmetal America, and Hoechst Celanese Corporation.

Compliance Management

The following is a selected sample of the compliance management projects Ms. Sakaki has conducted or directed:



Applied Materials EHS Program

Working with a team of consultants, assisted Applied Materials of Santa Clara, CA in improving and enhancing their environmental health and safety program. Focused on the training program requirements related to the hazardous materials/waste management and emergency response planning. Challenges of program implementation included the large number of employees, a flat organization matrix, decentralized profit-center management, and an undeveloped corporate EHS program.

Norcal Waste Management Compliance Management System

Assisted Norcal Waste Management Systems in developing and documenting the Compliance Management System, a tool for planning and tracking environmental activities and accomplishments. Assisted in the implementation of the program throughout the 10 operating companies throughout California, including technical meetings and worker training.

Environmental Compliance Support for LBNL

For 5 years, provided the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) with assistance on a variety of environmental compliance issues and programs including radiation waste reduction program, storm water plan update, PCB management plan, training coordination and planning, compliance surveillances, and site remediation. Directed the development of the environmental baseline monitoring program for the Hazardous Waste Handling Facility at the LBNL.

Hazardous Waste Management for DOE at LLNL

Served as Project Director of the Technical Support Contract for the Department of Energy (DOE) San Francisco Field Office, Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Branch, providing support in hazardous waste management and compliance, radioactive and mixed waste programs, and program planning and budgeting at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

education

  • M.P.A., Public Policy and Administration, Golden Gate University, San Francisco, 1982
  • M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Oregon, Eugene, 1969
  • B.A. English, University of Oregon, Eugene, 1968

certifications/affiliations

  • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager #4803, 1994
  • Environmental Law Forum
  • Biological Safety Affairs Forum
  • Environmental Auditing Roundtable
  • Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network

selected publications/presentations

  • " Green Landscaper Practices," IPM Symposium in Oakland, CA and NCTLC EXPO in San Jose, CA, February 2003
  • " ISO 14000 Training Requirements," BDA Conference August 1996 and ASQC Conference in 1997 and 1998.
  • " Environmental Compliance Management Systems," Western Environment and Business Initiative, April 1998.
  • " Advanced Auditing Techniques," Environmental Compliance Monitor Seminar, April 1996.
  • " Environmental Compliance Audits," Executive Enterprises Federal Facilities Compliance Seminar, Sacramento, October 1991 and October 1992.