Business Details
Environmental Leadership in the Northeast
NEWMOA is a non-profit, non-partisan interstate association dedicated to addressing critical environmental challenges across the Northeast. Since our inception, we have provided a strategic forum for state environmental agencies to collaborate on pollution prevention, toxics reduction, and sustainable materials management. Our work spans hazardous waste regulation, PFAS mitigation, and waste site cleanup, supported by 19 member states including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. We prioritize interstate coordination, technical training, and policy development to advance environmental protection and public health. Our programs, such as the Hazardous Waste Steering Committee and the Pollution Prevention Program, reflect decades of expertise in addressing emerging contaminants and promoting safer alternatives.With 91% of 2022 survey respondents reporting practical use of our initiatives, we remain committed to fostering innovation, sharing resources, and adapting to technological and regulatory changes. Our team of experienced professionals manages initiatives like the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse and Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse, ensuring actionable solutions for complex environmental issues. Through conferences, webinars, and collaborative projects, we empower states to implement effective environmental policies while engaging stakeholders and the public. Our long-term goals include strengthening state programs, articulating federal policy positions, and ensuring organizational sustainability through adequate resources and partnerships.
Services
Hazardous Waste Management
PFAS Program
Waste Site Cleanup
Pollution Prevention
Materials Management
Environmental Policy Development
Technical Training
State Agency Collaboration
Emerging Contaminants Research
Sustainable Practices
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in regional environmental collaboration since forming the Northeast P2 Program in 1989.
- Our network includes 19 state environmental agencies working on critical issues like PFAS mitigation and hazardous waste regulation.
- 91% of 2022 survey respondents reported using our program information to implement environmental solutions.
- We provide specialized training and technical assistance for emerging contaminants and waste management challenges.
- Our team manages key initiatives like the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse and Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse.
Services
Hazardous Waste Management
NEWMOA's Hazardous Waste Program supports state compliance, enforcement, and permitting initiatives. We provide inspector training, develop federal policy positions, and conduct projects through a dedicated steering committee. Our work ensures proper management of hazardous materials while protecting environmental and public health.
PFAS Program
Our PFAS initiatives include regional conferences, technical webinars, and regulatory guidance. We address contamination through research partnerships, soil reuse guidelines, and collaboration with programs like the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse. Our efforts focus on reducing PFAS exposure and developing safer alternatives for long-term environmental safety.
Waste Site Cleanup
The Waste Site Cleanup Program focuses on contaminated site investigation and remediation. We organize training events, manage brownfields improvement projects, and coordinate emerging issues like PFAS soil management. Our steering committee oversees technical and policy initiatives to ensure effective cleanup practices across member states.
Pollution Prevention
Since 1989, our Pollution Prevention Program has enhanced regional environmental efforts through multi-media source reduction strategies. We conduct technical assistance projects, manage regional meetings, and research sustainable practices to improve public health outcomes and reduce industrial environmental impacts across the Northeast.
Materials Management
Our Solid Waste and Sustainable Materials Management Program addresses municipal waste, construction debris, and food waste challenges. We coordinate virtual meetings, webinars, and projects focused on recycling innovation, plastic reduction, and disaster debris management to advance regional sustainability goals under RCRA Subtitle D guidelines.
People
Melissa Lavoie
Executive Director
Melissa Lavoie leads NEWMOA with extensive environmental policy experience, including former roles as Maine state representative and Director of the Maine Association for Public Housing Directors. She manages key initiatives like the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse while advocating for product stewardship legislation.
Stephanie Frisch
Project Manager
Stephanie Frisch manages IT infrastructure and chemical databases while supporting solid waste initiatives. With a B.S. in Environmental Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison, she brings expertise in PFAS research and waste reduction projects for healthcare facilities and plastic recycling.
Shaina Cohen
Project Manager
Shaina Cohen holds an M.S. in Geology from Boston College and specializes in environmental compliance. Her experience includes research at Boise State University and environmental management at a Massachusetts marina, focusing on waste site cleanup and regulatory adherence.
John Fay
Project Manager
John Fay brings 25 years of solid waste expertise from Vermont DEC and Windham Solid Waste Management District. He manages special waste programs and technical assistance while teaching environmental topics, holding an M.S. in Resource Management from Antioch University New England.
Mikalah Bailey
IC2 Project Manager
Mikalah Bailey combines environmental management expertise with digital strategy experience. As Oxford graduate in Environmental Change & Management, she focuses on chemical policy initiatives while applying research on salt marsh restoration techniques from her academic work in the UK and New Zealand.
Questions
What states does NEWMOA serve?
NEWMOA serves eight Northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
How does NEWMOA address PFAS contamination?
We conduct regional conferences, technical webinars, and develop regulatory guidance while collaborating with programs like the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse to reduce PFAS exposure.
What environmental programs does NEWMOA manage?
We manage hazardous waste regulation, pollution prevention, materials management, waste site cleanup, and PFAS mitigation programs through state-federal collaborations.
How can I access NEWMOA's publications?
All publications and resources are available through our website, including annual reports, strategic plans, and technical documents on emerging contaminants.
Does NEWMOA offer training programs?
Yes, we provide technical training for state staff and consultants on hazardous waste compliance, remediation technologies, and environmental policy implementation.
How does NEWMOA engage with the public?
We conduct outreach through conferences, webinars, and educational materials while collaborating with member states to implement environmental protection initiatives.
