These are documents for REGFORM’s Missouri Water Seminar, July 30-31, 2026

Download your certificate of attendance here

The agenda is here.

The attendee list is here.

Sponsor slides with sponsors’ contact information are here.

Attorneys:  MoBar has approved this seminar for 11.7 hours of CLE. The course ID for this program is 797033.

Presentation Slides

The green name of the presenter is a live link that launches the slide deck.

 

Thursday, July 30, 2026

8:55 a.m. The Sewer Authority has said you need to treat your wastewater before you can discharge it to the sewer. Isn’t that their job? Elizabeth Toot-Levy, Geosyntec Consultants

9:35 a.m. Water Protection Program Update Heather Peters, MDNR, WPP

10:55 a.m. The Benefits of Voluntary Agreements and a New Take on Enforcement in Missouri Joe Clayton, MDNR, WPP, Randall Willoughby, MDNR, SWRO

11:30 a.m. Missouri River Basin: The Battle for Water Moves Downstream Colby Thrash, MDNR, MGS, Billy Hackett, MDNR, MGS

1:10 p.m. You Can’t Find a Fever if you Don’t Take a Temperature. Two Tales from PFAS Hunters. Brent Weis, MDNR, WPP, Randall Willoughby, MDNR, SWRO

1:50 p.m. 525,600 Minutes. How Do You Measure a Year? How About Rules? Owen Gallagher, MDNR, WPP

3:25 p.m. The Forecast Calls for NEW GPs, Sarah Wright, MDNR, WPP

4:00 p.m. Where do we Stand on Standard Conditions 1? Lauren Roberts, MDNR, WPP

Friday, July 31, 2026

7:45 a.m. The StORM Has Passed. Stormwater Guidance Emerges Separate from Standard Permit Conditions Cody Kimbell, MDNR, WPP, Logan Head, MDNR, WPP

8:20 a.m. Fees and Me Tim Bull, MDNR, WPP

9:25 a.m. ELG Rules for Fossil Fuel Power Plants: What’s Next? Brittany Barrientos, Stinson

10:05 a.m. EPA Region 7 Water Update Jeff Robichaud, US EPA Region 7

10:45 a.m. PFAS and More: Managing Risk Outpacing Regulation Jessica Merrigan, Spencer Fane

11:25 a.m. PFAS in Stormwater: Strategic Assessment, Prioritization, and Management Kelsi Leverett, Barr, Ed Galbraith, Barr

Speaker Bios

 

Brittany Barrientos, Stinson
brittany.barrientos@stinson.com
Brittany’s deep understanding of environmental, health and safety laws across the regulatory, transactional and litigation spectrums allows her to find well-rounded and practical solutions to complex issues. She has significant experience assisting clients with environmental, health and safety regulatory requirements arising under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, solid and hazardous waste laws, Superfund, OSHA and PHMSA, as well as state and local environmental laws and regulations. Brittany’s broad experience gives her the ability to issue-spot across media and type of issue, in a way that provides both continuity and efficiency for her clients. She has worked extensively with municipalities and electric-generating utilities, mobile sources, and clients in the chemical, manufacturing and real estate industries. Her journalism background and endless curiosity also serve her well as she navigates FOIA issues, inspections and information requests, and investigations across sectors. Brittany is also a recent graduate of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s esteemed two-year Centurions Leadership Program, and she is excited to continue to “Learn. Serve. Lead.” in the Community.

Robert Brundage, Brundage Environmental and Ag Law LLC
robert@brundagelawfirm.com
Mr. Brundage has represented clients on a wide variety of matters including litigation, administrative law, permitting, and land use issues. He represents clients in matters before the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). His clients include industrial, municipal, and agricultural clients who require guidance on environmental compliance, litigation, permitting, and lobbying the MDNR, the MDA, and the General Assembly. Mr. Brundage also represents clients under enforcement by MDNR, EPA, MDA and citizens’ lawsuits enforcing federal environmental laws.

Tim Bull, MNDR
tim.bull@dnr.mo.gov
Tim Bull joined the Department of Natural Resources in 2006 as a Water Pollution Control inspector for the Southeast Regional Office. Since joining the Department, he led the Operating Permits Domestic Waste Unit as well as the Missouri Geological Survey’s Well Installation Section. Tim is currently the Chief of the Water Protection Program’s Water Pollution Control Branch Chief and oversees the engineering, operating permits, data management, compliance and enforcement, and water quality standards and assessment teams for Program.

Joe Clayton, MDNR
joe.clayton@dnr.mo.gov
Joe Clayton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries & Wildlife Management from the MU-School of Natural Resources. He has worked in a regulatory capacity since 2013. He joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, Compliance and Enforcement in 2019 under Kristi Savage-Clarke. He is the Section Chief of the Water Pollution Control Branch, Compliance and Enforcement section.

Mackenzie Cremeans, Ph.D., P.G., Geosyntec Consultants
mackenzie.cremeans@geosyntec.com
Mackenzie Cremeans, Ph.D., P.G. is a Senior Hydrogeologist based in Kansas. Mackenzie combines her knowledge of hydrogeologic methods with experience as an in-house expert at a nationally recognized law firm to develop tailored and defensible site assessments, feasibility analyses, remediation solutions, closure strategies, and water resource systems for complex sites, including data center developments. Her work provides clients with the tools to navigate regulatory requirements, project risks, cost allocation, and litigation-related challenges. To advance the state of the practice, Mackenzie contributes to the International Association of Hydrogeologists and serves as International President of the Association for Women Geoscientists Foundation. She regularly publishes on methods for quantifying contaminant fate and transport in complex hydrogeologic environments.

Becky Cripe, MDNR
Rebecca.Cripe@dnr.mo.gov
Becky Cripe – Database Management Unit Chief Department of Natural Resource Clean Water Program. Becky has worked for the Department for 14 years and have been the data management unit chief for the last 9 years. Taking on roles in Watershed Protection Section and Operating Permits Section. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelors and Masters in Atmospheric Science. Before working for the Department, Becky worked for the National Weather Service, Reno NV and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Air Pollution Program. Becky lives in Holts Summit with her husband Don and two teenage daughters.

Owen Gallaher, MDNR
owen.gallagher@dnr.mo.gov
Owen Gallagher is the Special Projects Coordinator for the Water Pollution Control Branch. In this role Owen, among other duties, assists with rulemaking efforts and regulatory review, assists municipalities with integrated management plans, and reviews emerging contaminants and nutrient concerns in Missouri. Owen started his career at the Department in the Operating Permits Section where he worked directly with permittees to draft and issue Missouri State Operating Permits for domestic facilities. Most recently, Owen worked in the Water Quality Standards unit, focusing on researching and developing human health criteria for the State. Owen brings with him knowledge and experience on permitting, water quality criteria, nutrient regulations, and various department rulemaking efforts.

Ed Galbraith, Barr
EGalbraith@barr.com
Ed Galbraith has over 30 years’ experience in environmental regulatory matters, including two decades with the Missouri DNR, most recently as Director of the Division of Environmental Qualtity. He now helps manufacturing, mining, power, and municipal clients achieve successful outcomes with their water and hazardous waste compliance challenges, including permitting, compliance assistance, planning, evaluations, and studies.

Billy Hackett, MDNR
billy.hackett@dnr.mo.gov
Billy Hackett has been with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for 9 years. While in the Water Protection Program he worked with the eDMR system and land disturbance permitting before taking on the role of the CWA Section 401 coordinator working with streams and wetlands. He worked at the Environmental Services Program (‘The Lab’) as a quality control technician for the state’s ambient air monitoring network. He now works as the Integrated Planning Unit (IPU) Chief with the Surface Water Section of the Water Resources Center with a focus on achieving the state’s strategic goals relating to surface water, the Missouri Water Resources Plan, and the Missouri Water Resources Law. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Missouri.

Logan Head, MDNR
logan.head@dnr.mo.gov
Logan joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 2024 as Environmental Program Assistant. He works in the Operating Permit Section and focuses on industrial wastewater and stormwater permitting. He currently works with regulated industries and the public on permitting and the development of master general permits.

Laura Hines, Evergy
Laura.Hines@evergy.com
Laura Hines is Senior Manager of Environmental Services at Evergy, where she oversees water quality compliance, permitting, and water resource management for the company’s generation fleet. Her work focuses on Clean Water Act compliance, water rights, wastewater permitting, and emerging regulatory issues affecting the utility industry. Laura partners with operations, engineering, legal, and regulatory professionals to develop practical compliance strategies that support both environmental stewardship and reliable energy production. She actively participates in industry and regulatory forums focused on the future of water policy and environmental compliance.

Jay Hoskins, MSD
jshosk@stlmsd.com
Jay Hoskins is the Director of Engineering at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), the St. Louis, Missouri, sewer and stormwater utility. He is Vice-Chair of the Water Environment Federation Government Affairs Community and Vice-President of the Association of Missouri Cleanwater Agencies.

Cody Kimbell, MDNR
cody.kimbell@dnr.mo.gov
Cody is an Environmental Program Specialist at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources focusing on industrial wastewater/stormwater permitting and similar subject areas. He has a passion for working with the public to better understand, appreciate, and advocate for water resources, as he believes the most effective way to protect our water is through cooperating and engagement. He has made stakeholder engagement the foundation of his career creating a better understanding of water protection and its value over varied stakeholder groups. His personal goal when working with industry is not only to improve public understanding but also improve his own knowledge about the industry at hand. This helps him produce permits and other documents that better align with real world practices considering not only regulations but the permit holders themselves.

Kelsi Leverett, Ph.D., Barr
kleverett@barr.com
Kelsi Leverett, Ph.D., is a Geological Engineer at Barr with experience in environmental investigation, hydrogeology, and regulatory compliance. Her work focuses on evaluating environmental impacts to multiple media, managing emerging contaminants such as PFAS, and developing sustainable solutions for complex environmental challenges. Kelsi partners with industrial, municipal, and private-sector clients to support permitting, site characterization, remediation, and risk management efforts. She specializes in navigating complex datasets and developing practical solutions that set clients up for long-term success and regulatory compliance. She earned her doctorate in 2021 and applies a strong scientific and engineering foundation to help clients navigate risk, compliance, and long-term environmental stewardship.

Jessie Merrigan, Spencer Fane
jmerrigan@spencerfane.com
Jessie Merrigan is a partner with Spencer Fane. She works with clients on a wide range of regulatory matters including permitting, compliance advice and enforcement response. Jessie has extensive experience in site remediation and redevelopment, supporting cleanups under CERCLA, RCRA and state law programs including managing issues associated with emerging contaminants.

Nick Muenks, Geosyntec Consultants
NMuenks@geosyntec.com
Nick is Principal Water Quality Scientist with over 25 years of experience working with utility, industrial, and municipal clients to overcome their Clean Water Act challenges. Over his career, he has developed a deep understanding of the CWA and NPDES permitting, supporting clientele throughout the country. Nick leverages the flexibilities within state and federal clean water policy and regulations to develop common sense and long-term compliance strategies. His years of experience collecting the scientific data necessary to make informed decisions provides a unique perspective for negotiating achievable and economically feasible permit and regulatory conditions.

Kevin Perry, REGFORM
kperry@regform.org
Kevin is Assistant Director at REGFORM, a Missouri association focused entirely on State and Federal environmental regulations & policies. He is a registered lobbyist & holds a BS degree in biology. He has over 30 years of experience, including work as a biologist at US EPA Office of Water. He sings in the choir at church.

Heather Peters, MDNR
heather.peters@dnr.mo.gov
Heather is the Director of DNR’s Water Protection Program, which includes both the Public Drinking Water Branch and the Water Pollution Control Branch, which implements the Missouri Drinking Water Law and federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Missouri Clean Water Law and the Clean Water Act, respectively. The Water Pollution Control Branch is responsible for permitting, engineering, enforcement, data management, developing water quality standards, and assessing water quality in waters of the state. She has also served as the WPP’s Watershed Protection Section Chief and the Industrial Permitting Unit Chief, regulating concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), power plants, mining, and other industrial facilities and their potential impacts to Missouri waters. Heather joined the Department of Natural Resources in 1999.

Lauren Roberts, MDNR
lauren.roberts@dnr.mo.gov
Lauren graduated from The University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2018. Following graduation, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she was a Science teacher and National Audubon Society Mackenzie Fellow for Education and Leadership. Roberts also obtained a master’s degree in environmental policy and management from the University of Denver in 2023. Since then, she has worked in MoDNR’s Water Pollution Control Branch, Operating Permits Section.

Jeff Robichaud, U.S. EPA, Region 7
robichaud.Jeffery@epa.gov
Jeffery Robichaud is a second generation EPA scientist who has worked for the Agency since 1998. He is the Director of the Water Division. After three years with an environmental consulting firm, Jeff joined EPA as an engineer in EPA’s Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water in D.C. In 2001, he moved to Kansas City and has served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Regional Administrator, Chief of the Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Branch, Deputy Director of the Environmental Sciences and Technology Branch, Acting Assistant Regional Administrator, and Deputy Director of the Water, Wetlands, and Pesticides Division. Jeff hails from Redmond, WA and earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and his Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Kansas.

Colby Thrash, MDNR
Colby.Thrash@dnr.mo.gov
Colby Thrash serves as a hydrologist in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources Center. While in this role, he has worked on projects related to statewide drought assessment, reservoir performance analysis, streamgage analysis, and flood resiliency improvements along the Missouri River. Through these projects along with mentorship from Missouri’s state hydrologist, Colby has become well versed in Missouri River operations, history, and current issues. Before his time in the Water Resources Center, Colby spent 7 years as a research scientist helping test and develop environmental sensors in Washington state.

Elizabeth Toot-Levy
etootlevy@geosyntec.com
Elizabeth Toot-Levy: Beth is a senior water quality scientist with Geosyntec Consultants, based out of Cleveland, Ohio. She has 25 years of experience in environmental and regulatory compliance. Beth began her Industrial Pretreatment Program career in 2001 working as an Investigator in the Water Quality and Industrial Surveillance at the largest wastewater utility in the state of Ohio. At Geosyntec she works with both municipalities and industrial dischargers to support industrial pretreatment programs. She helps municipalities develop or update their programs and specializes finding creative ways to allocate available industrial loads to industrial dischargers providing municipalities the flexibility they need to serve the industrial community while still enabling the utility to protect the POTW. Beth also supports Geosyntec’s industrial clients with compliance with their industrial discharge permits. She has supported industries to comply with federal, state, and pretreatment requirements, negotiating with permitting authorities, and developing programs to meet regulatory obligations.

Roger Walker
rwalker@regform.org
Roger Walker, J.D., LLM (Environmental Law) BS (Journalism/Education). Walker currently serves as the Executive Director of the Regulatory Environmental Group for Missouri (REGFORM) — a business association that has forged positive relationships with State and Federal agencies, in the support of sound science, purposeful regulations, fair funding, meaningful discussion and consensus-building. Walker also serves as a consultant and legal adviser to corporate clients. In 2014, he created and continues to serve as Chair of the annual “Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference.” In 2009, he helped co-found the Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI) and was its Director for four years. Walker has also worked as Of Counsel for a St. Louis law firm, Armstrong Teasdale, taught “Environmental Law” as an Adjunct Instructor at St. Louis University, and clerked for the Missouri Supreme Court.

Brent Weis, MDNR
brent.weis@dnr.mo.gov
Brent Weis earned a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Since joining the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 2013, he has served as an Environmental Program Specialist in the Public Drinking Water Branch (PDWB). Brent currently serves as the Chemical Monitoring Coordinator within the PDWB’s Monitoring Section, where he oversees statewide monitoring programs for inorganic contaminants (IOCs), volatile organic contaminants (VOCs), and synthetic organic contaminants (SOCs). More recently, he has led Missouri’s implementation of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including the development of a statewide monitoring program to assess PFAS occurrence in Missouri’s public drinking water supplies.

Randall Willoughby, MDNR
randall.willoughby@dnr.mo.gov
Randall Willoughby is the Section Chief for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Southwest Regional Office overseeing the Water Pollution Section. Having just hit 20 years, he joined the department in 2006 serving as a member of the Environmental Emergency Response Section for nearly 10 years. In 2015 he transitioned into the world of water as the Permitting and Compliance Assistance Unit Chief and took the helm as the Section Chief in 2022. Since then, it has been full steam ahead. Working with his team of inspectors and permit writers to help the regulated community navigate their way through their compliance requirements to ensure clean waters for all citizens of Missouri to enjoy.

Sarah Wright
sarah.wright@dnr.mo.gov
Sarah Wright joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 2014 in the St. Louis Regional Office. After years in the field as a Water Pollution Control inspector, she moved to the Water Protection Program in the Operating Permits Section writing general permits and serving as the MS4 Coordinator. Sarah is now the Supervisor for the General Permits, MS4, 401 Unit, which writes general permits, administers the MS4 program and permitting, along with issuing 401 Water Quality Certifications and other Section 401 duties.