Scrap tire meeting held in Memphis. (Meetings).

Memphis, TN, will host the Tri-Regional Scrap Tire Conference, sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regions 4, 5 and 6, at the Memphis Marriott Downtown Hotel, December 5-6.

The markets and flow of scrap tires are said to have developed on a regional basis. Regulations, generation rates and competition in surrounding states are said to have a significant impact on a company's ability to survive in a very competitive and dynamic industry, according to the sponsors.

The Tri-Regional Scrap The Conference was developed to analyze the market forces on a regional and national level and allow participants to better understand the marketplace. The conference will also enable participants to interact with stare regulators and understand how various programs can impact markets for scrap tires.

This scrap tire conference is said to be of interest to state scrap tire regulators, scrap tire processors, scrap tire end users, equipment vendors, investors and tire retailers.

State scrap tire regulators from the EPA regions hosting the conference, as well as those from other EPA regions, are expected to attend. EPA Region 4 is comprised of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North and South Carolina and Tennessee. EPA Region 5 includes Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. EPA Region 6 includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Session 1 on Processing Issues will be moderated by Ben Banipal, EPA Region VI. Presentations will include: "Equipment selection," Charles Astafan, Columbus-McKinnon; "Equipment maintenance," Mark Hope, Tire Disposal & Recycling; "Equipment fire prevention," Michael Blumenthal, Rubber Manufacturers Association; and "Stockpile abatement issues," Terry Gray, TAG Associates.

Session 2 on Ground Rubber Markets and Capacity will be moderated by Michael Blumenthal, RMA. Presentations will include: "Manufacturers' perspective," Royal Mat;" Processors' perspective," Ted Burnhardt, Rubber Technology Group; and "Market perspective," speaker to be announced.

Session 3 on Playground and Soil Amendment Issues will be moderated by Todd Marvel, Illinois EPA. Presentations will include: "Turf applications," Bob Kelly, Turf Solutions; "Americans with Disabilities issues," Bryan Kellar, Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism; and "Playground market potential/issues," Dr. Amme, University of Denver.

Session 4 on Civil Engineering Applications will be moderated by Bob Large, Ohio EPA. Presentations will include "Landfill remediation/closure" Bill Robinson, Illinois EPA; "Landfill construction," Me Finy, Finy & Associates: "Road construction/leachate," Dr. Dana Humphrey, University of Maine: and "Baled tires," David Holdeman, Nebraska DEQ.

Session 6 on Tire Derived Fuel Issues will be moderated by Terry Gray, TAG Associates. Presentations will include: "Impacts of the Clean Air Act," Dr. Robert Schreiber, Schreiber & Yonley; "Cement industry issues," Stewart Pryor, North Texas Cement: "Pulp and paper industry issues," Joe Duran, International Paper; and "Utility boilers," Steve Godbehere, Tennessee Valley Authority.

Session 7 will be a panel discussion on "The impact that state scrap tire programs have on the market." Chet Chaney of Ohio DNR will be the moderator. Participants will include Mike Sorcher, M&A Associates, a TDF supplier; Harry Griede, Greenman Technologies, a tire processor; Mark Williams of Mississippi DEQ; and Pam Moore of North Carolina DENR.

Session 8 on Innovative Legislation and Regulations will be moderated by Pam Swingle, EPA Region IV. Selected state program reviews will include the following: "Oklahoma," Jim Kromer, Oklahoma DEQ: "Michigan," Rhonda Zimmerman, Michigan DNR; "Illinois," Todd Marvel, Illinois EPA; "Ohio," Bob Large, Ohio EPA; "Louisiana," Tony Case, Louisiana DEQ; and "Processor's perspective," Bill Vincent, Colt Industries.

Registration for the Tri-Regional Scrap Tire Conference is $125 and $90 for government representatives. Further information is available from Michael Blumenthal [phone].