Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals - IAEP

10/27/2026

🌧️ How did Chicago's Deep Tunnel hold up during this year's storms this past summer?

Join the Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) on Tuesday, November 10 for a panel with engineers from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC). They'll cover:

🔹 The Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO): what consultants, developers, and regulators need to know
🔹 TARP ("Deep Tunnel"): how the system performed during this year's storms
🔹 Live Q&A with the people who run it

Panelists:
👤 Patrick Jensen, P.E., MWRDGC Stormwater Management
👤 Sophia Belvedere, MWRDGC

We'll also hold the IAEP Annual Meeting and hear a research update from our 2026 Benedictine University grant awardees on their "Automated Goose Deterrent System." 🪿

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago, Arlington Heights
🕗 8:00–10:00 AM, hot breakfast included
🎓 1.5 PDHs
🎟️ IAEP Members $85 | Non-members $110
📅 Register by November 5th!

Sponsorships are available ($500).

www.iaepnetwork.org

10/01/2026

Registration is Open!
Don't miss our 3 upcoming exciting seminars and webinars!

In-Person Seminar:

Major Utility Companies Environmental Panel Discussion
Date: October 15, 2026 (3 pm - 7 pm)
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago, 75 W Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Join us for an engaging in-person panel discussion featuring environmental leaders from three of the region’s largest energy utilities: Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Nicor Gas/Southern Company Gas, and WEC Energy Group.

This seminar is sponsored in part by the following companies:

Thatcher, Environmental Design International (EDI), Pace Analytical Services, ALS USA Environmental, RW Collins Co., and Sterling Labs

PDH Certificates are available for this Seminar!

___________________________________________________________________.

WEBINAR

"Unlock the Future of Environmental Review and Permitting -Introducing PermitAI"

Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 12:30–1:30 PM Central; 11:30 AM–12:30 PM Mountain

A webinar on using AI to speed up environmental review and permitting. Environmental review and permitting keeps getting more complex, and AI tools are changing how the work gets done. In this one-hour session, the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) will demonstrate how PermitAI helps environmental professionals shorten review timelines, stay compliant, and reduce project risk.

______________________________________________________________________

In-Person Seminar and Meeting:

MWRD’s Watershed Management Ordinance and TARP operations related to recent storm events; and IAEP's Annual Meeting.

Date: Tues., Nov. 10, 2026 (8 am - 10 am)
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Arlington
75 W Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

The Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) invites you to join us for an engaging in-person panel discussion featuring key engineers from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) on MWRDGC’s Water Management Ordinance (WMO) and Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), including its performance and operations during recent storm events this year.

In 1972, the MWRDGC adopted a Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), also known as “Deep Tunnel”. TARP is a system of deep, large-diameter tunnels and vast reservoirs designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways, and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows. TARP captures and stores combined stormwater and sewage that would otherwise overflow from sewers into waterways in rainy weather. This stored water is pumped from TARP to water reclamation plants (WRPs) to be cleaned before being released to waterways.

Before our seminar, IAEP will review our annual meeting agenda, followed by an update from three 2026 grant awardees from Benedictine University on their research projects, “Automated Goose Deterrent System”. IAEP Grant Research Recipients/Presenters include:

Ernesto Carlton, Aerospace Engineering (BS), Illinois Institute of Technology, Engineering Science, Benedictine University (2027)

Michael Nawas, Mechanical Engineering (BS), University of Illinois - Chicago; Engineering Science, Benedictine University (2027)

Batu Celikel, Mechanical Engineering (BS), Illinois Institute of Technology: Engineering Science, Benedictine University (2028)

PDH Certificates are available for this Seminar!

ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER FOR ALL OUR EVENTS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE:

https://iaepnetwork.org/index.php

08/24/2026

The Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) invites you to join us for an engaging in-person panel discussion featuring environmental leaders from three of the region’s largest energy utilities: Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Nicor Gas/Southern Company Gas, and WEC Energy Group.

As the energy industry continues to navigate evolving environmental regulations, sustainability initiatives, infrastructure modernization, and stakeholder expectations, these professionals are at the forefront of balancing operational excellence with environmental stewardship.

Drawing on decades of combined experience in compliance, permitting, remediation, and environmental program management, our panelists will share firsthand perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of utility environmental management.

Panelists:
Sara Race (ComEd) – Senior Manager, Environmental Management

Alicia Bishop (Nicor / Southern Company Gas) – Manager, Environmental Programs

Matt Hildreth, P.G. (WEC Energy Group) – Senior Environmental Consultant

Moderated by Brian Wozniak, Vice President with Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.,

The discussion will explore:

Key environmental and operational accomplishments achieved in 2026;

Emerging priorities and strategic initiatives for 2027 and beyond;

Major regulatory, technical, and business challenges facing utility environmental programs:

What utility owners and managers expect from their environmental consulting partners; and

Practical advice for firms seeking to build successful relationships with utility clients.

Whether you are an environmental professional, consultant, regulator, or industry stakeholder, this event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from utility decision-makers and gain valuable insight into the evolving environmental landscape of the energy sector.

Time:
3:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Registration & Networking
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Program and Q&A Session
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Cocktails & Networking [heavy appetizers & two drink tickets per attendee included]

Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Arlington Heights, 75 W Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Cost:
All IAEP Members: $85; Non-members: $115

Refunds are allowed with cancellation 48 hours prior to the webinar. Substitutes permitted for corporate members only.

Registration:
Pre-registration is required at www.iaepnetwork.org

IAEP will provide a certificate for 1.5 Professional Development Hours to attendees.

Registration is online only:

https://iaepnetwork.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=17&ts=1787246871

Join us again for this special event which benefits our IAEP Environmental Student Research Grant Program and Scholarships, and network with leaders in environmental businesses and educational communities.

08/17/2026

Professional growth is essential in a rapidly evolving environmental industry.
The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) is offering a series of upcoming webinars and workshops focused on NEPA practice, environmental project management, emerging technologies, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in environmental review.

Featured topics include:
• The State of AI in Environmental Review
• Cutting Edge Technologies Transforming Environmental Practice
• 2025 NEPA Case Law Review
• Essential and Advanced NEPA Workshops
• Environmental Project Management Training

These programs provide practical insights, technical knowledge, and real world perspectives for environmental professionals at every stage of their careers.

Learn more and register:

NAEP is an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to developing the highest standards of ethics and proficiency in the environmental profession. Our members are public and private sector professionals who promote excellence in decision-making in light of environmental, social, and economic impacts...

07/29/2026

Reminder: Registration is Open for the IAEP 21st Annual Golf Outing

There is still time to register for the Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) 21st Annual Golf Outing, taking place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills, Illinois.
This longstanding event brings together professionals from across the environmental and business communities for a day of networking, relationship building, and industry engagement. Proceeds from the outing support student scholarships and environmental research grants, helping to invest in the future of our profession.

Participants can look forward to morning registration and driving range access, a 10:30 a.m. sh***un start, and an afternoon of networking featuring cocktails, dinner, and a raffle.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations seeking visibility while supporting a meaningful cause. Registration options are also available for golfers and dinner guests.

The registration deadline is August 17, 2026. We encourage you to secure your spot and join us for an enjoyable day supporting environmental professionals and future industry leaders.

Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eUax8iyx

07/10/2026

Our IAEP Student Scholarship Application is now open!

In an effort to increase student interest in environmental professions and to support them in defining their career goals, IAEP sponsors research grants and scholarship opportunities.

This year’s scholarship opportunity consists of Five $2,000 awards to aid students in their education-related expenses.

The winners will be invited to receive their awards and recognition at the IAEP Annual Golf Outing on September 9, 2026.

https://iaepnetwork.org/announcements.php?id=10

Application deadline is August 19, 2026!

06/06/2026

JOIN US!

21st ANNUAL IAEP GOLF OUTING

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

White Deer Run Golf Club
250 West Gregg's Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL

Registration & Driving Range: 9:30 am to 10:15 am
Sh***un Start: 10:30 am; Cocktails, Dinner & Raffle: 4:30 pm

This Golf Fundraiser benefits the IAEP Environmental Student Research Grant Program and Scholarships. It provides an excellent opportunity to support deserving students' environmental research projects, while networking and promoting your company’s message to leaders in environmental business and educational communities.

Sponsorships include the Driving Range, Golf, Drinks on Course, Dinner, and 1.5 Hour Open Bar, & Raffle!

Sponsorship Opportunities
We offer several sponsorship levels, each with unique benefits, including:

Gold Sponsorship includes up to 4 golfers, signage, and your company logo on our banner. Our Gold Package also includes a one-year IAEP Corporate Membership (a $500 value).

Silver Sponsorship includes up to 2 golfers and your company logo on our banner.

Bronze Sponsorship includes 1 golfer and your company logo on our banner.

Individual Golfers will be placed in teams unless preferred teammates are indicated on the online form submission.

Dinner Guest (per person) includes dinner and raffle only.

We appreciate your support and hope to see you again this year!

Pre-Registration is Required. Registration Deadline is August 17, 2026.

http://www.iaepnetwork.org

03/28/2026

Now Open: IAEP Student Research Grant – 2026 Application

The Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) is now accepting applications for the 2026 IAEP Student Research Grant Program.
This program supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in environmental science, engineering, policy, and related disciplines by providing two individual grants of $2,500 to help fund meaningful research projects. In addition to financial support, all applicants receive a complimentary one‑year IAEP student membership, and grant recipients will be recognized by IAEP and invited to present their work at an IAEP networking event.

- Award: Two grants of $2,500
- Eligibility: Full‑time undergraduate (sophomore+) or graduate students in qualifying environmental disciplines. Student does not need to be attending an Illinois-based school.
- Deadline: April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM (CT)
- Bonus: Complimentary IAEP student membership for all applicants

This is a great opportunity to support the next generation of environmental professionals and advance impactful research across our field. Please consider sharing with students, colleagues, and academic partners who may be interested.

Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gd8Bnr9i

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

Participating as a sponsor presents an excellent opportunity to increase brand awareness, display your products and services, foster relationships with industry professionals, and position your organization as a leader in the sector.

03/06/2026

The Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals is hosting a timely and forward‑looking seminar and networking event: Artificial Intelligence & The Environmental Professional: Risk, Opportunity & Reality in 2026.

AI is rapidly reshaping how environmental professionals research regulations, draft reports, analyze data, and manage complex projects. Moderated by Alisa Allen, M.S., P.G., this session brings together a multidisciplinary panel, featuring Andrew Browning, Diana Saccone, James Harmon, Jonathan Rickli, PE, and Larry Falbe, to explore the real opportunities, challenges, and areas where human judgment remains essential.

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Arlington Heights
💼 Who Should Attend: Consultants, attorneys, regulators, industry leaders, and anyone navigating AI’s role in environmental practice.

Attendees will gain insight into legal considerations, data security, professional liability, workflow integration, and real-world AI applications directly from experts across law, consulting, engineering, and technology.

Registration includes heavy appetizers, networking, and two drink tickets. IAEP will provide 1.5 PDHs for participants.

Event Details & Registration: https://lnkd.in/eqeaFKwX

Looking forward to seeing colleagues, clients, and partners there as we explore how AI is transforming our field!

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

02/20/2026

Invite to upcoming seminar and networking event:

Upcoming Webinar & Professional Networking Event - Join Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) on March 18 for an Important Discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Practice! Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how environmental professionals research regulations,....