This presentation will focus on the current science and legal developments associated with this rapidly evolving technology.  Suggested attendees include: EHS project managers, facility managers, and personnel involved with inspection and maintenance services, surveying, mapping, environmental monitoring, and site remediation. All CCNJ members are invited to attend at no cost. If interested, please visit our event website to register online today.

Seminar topics include:

Introduction – how drones improve data collection-better, safer, more cost-effectively

Legal developments and perspectives-Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

• Review of previously approved BVLOS waivers, and

• Their evolution over time into the near future. Video included.

State of Technology – scientific Interpretation of sUAS sensors.

• EO Photogrammetry

• Thermal IR

• LiDAR

• Magnetometery

• GPR

• Multispectral / hyperspectral

• Beyond DJI

Moderated Panel Discussion and Q&A

About the Presenters:

Daniel Bochicchio, GIT, sUAS Technical Lead

Dan Bochicchio is a Staff Environmental Scientist focused on delivering innovative technologies in support of compliance monitoring and field-data collection programs through the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies. His UAV work includes project fulfillment life-cycle monitoring and data governance model generation, which is used to train project managers and entry-level staff alike on implementation of UV work. His recent UAV projects have included horizontal directional drilling (HDD) pipeline installation monitoring with thermal cameras, right-of-way (ROW) monitoring and inspection, and integration of new sensor types into the UAV toolset. Prior to joining GES, Mr. Bochicchio led the development of the drone program at West Chester University. He later founded Skybernetics, a start-up company specializing in the deployment strategies of corporate UAV services for technical research and commercial purposes. Mr. Bochicchio is a Geologist-in-Training, awaiting his PG certification in the state of Pennsylvania. He earned his Master’s degree from West Chester University in Geoscience and his Bachelor’s at Appalachian State University in Environmental Geology

John J. Ennis, ESQ, PG, Senior Vice President and General Counsel

John Ennis is a Senior Vice President - General Counsel, and has over 30 years of environmental experience spanning environmental law, hydrogeological consulting, environmental insurance consulting and brokerage, and petroleum exploration. As General Counsel, Mr. Ennis has directed GES’ legal functions since 2002. As a member of GES’ Advisory Council of senior leadership, he is involved with strategic and corporate initiatives, including founding and management of GES’ Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program.  Mr. Ennis is a licensed Professional Geologist and Attorney in the state of Pennsylvania, and holds a JD from Temple University School of Law and BS in Geology from the University of Delaware.

Martin Helmke, Ph.D., PG, Principal Hydrogeologist

Dr. Martin Helmke is a principal hydrogeologist with GES, a Full Professor and Emeritus Department Chair at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and President of the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists. Martin has 27 years of experience conducting and leading hydrogeologic investigations, developing groundwater flow and solute transport models, applying groundwater remediation techniques, and assessing wellfield performance and protection. He is an FAA-licensed drone pilot with 21 years of experience applying fixed-wing and multi-rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for scientific research and commercial clients. He currently serves as scientific advisor to the GES UAV services program, responsible for identifying new ways to apply UAV technology to better serve clients. Commercial UAV projects have included chemical production facilities, pipelines, natural gas wellfields, petroleum distribution and storage centers, CERCLA sites, landfills, groundwater remediation systems, ecological assessments, and hazardous materials incidents.

Please note that this is a private event for guests invited by GES only. The event is free to attend, but prior online registration is required.