Raising the Bar for Environmental Remediation in Connecticut
June 6th, 2025
Christina Venable Brings Expertise and Leadership to EPOC’s LEP Training Program
Loureiro is proud to celebrate Christina Venable’s recent role as a panelist for the Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC), where she helped lead a continuing education course on Laboratory Data Quality Assessment and Data Usability Evaluation. In a state with a legacy of industrial contamination and complex cleanup needs, data quality isn’t just technical—it’s foundational. This blog explores how Christina’s dual expertise in lab work and field applications positions her as a leader in Connecticut’s remediation community, and how her work with DEEP and EPOC is helping to raise the bar for environmental investigations across the state. From mentoring the next generation to shaping statewide guidance, Christina exemplifies the technical rigor and collaborative spirit that define Loureiro’s approach.
Recently, Christina Venable, LEP and Technical Associate at Loureiro Engineering Associates, served as a panelist for a continuing education program hosted by the Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC): Laboratory Data Quality Assessment and Data Usability Evaluation for Environmental Investigation and Remediation Projects.
The workshop explored Data Quality Assessment and Date Usability Evaluation (DQA/DUE) concepts. The DQA/DUE is a two-step process for evaluating the quality of analytical data.
Developed in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), this training focused on concepts and areas where Christina brings both deep technical knowledge and unique real-world experience. With 19 years of consulting experience, as well as experience in laboratory work, she understands the intricacies of both data generation and data application.
“Analytical data is the foundation of any project that you’re working on, and it’s key that you have data that is usable for the intended purpose,” says Christina. “If you’re working on a site subject to the RSRs, you need to ensure your data meets Reasonable Confidence Protocols (RCPs) established by DEEP.”
These protocols, which are based on EPA methods, were developed by DEEP to bring clarity and consistency to how laboratory data is evaluated. While EPA methods often include open-ended "if/then" scenarios that leave room for interpretation, the RCPs provide standardized guidance to ensure that data meets consistent quality benchmarks.
“It is a way to get more uniformity and consistency in your data. Comparing more apples to apples vs apples to oranges,” says Christina. “And from that stems the Data Quality Assessment and Data Usability Evaluations. Any piece of data that is used for compliance with the RSRs has to go through this process.”
Christina’s current role at Loureiro includes technical and quality reviews, data evaluations, and mentoring junior staff. She plays a key role in ensuring that the data used in investigation and remediation efforts is not only accurate but also interpreted correctly. Her work has an impact on the effectiveness of environmental cleanup efforts across the state.
Having previously worked in a laboratory, Christina has a unique ability to translate between lab staff and environmental professionals. That perspective made her a natural fit for DEEP’s QA/QC Work Group, which she joined in 2021. The group is a mix of regulators, lab professionals, and consultants who collaborate to improve the state’s guidance and protocols. Their latest initiative was revamping the EPOC course, which hadn’t been offered since 2018.
In the context of Connecticut’s long industrial history and legacy contamination issues—particularly on brownfield sites—this work is essential. “We’re still dealing with the effects of filling and contamination from the 1800s,” she says. “That history adds a layer of complexity to every project. It’s not always straightforward, but that’s part of what makes the work rewarding.”
Christina’s involvement in shaping training programs and guidance materials reflects Loureiro’s role in advancing environmental remediation practices in Connecticut. From mentoring the next generation of professionals to ensuring the integrity of every dataset, she embodies Loureiro’s commitment to technical excellence and environmental stewardship.
