AEG News September 2016 by Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG)

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Vol. 59, No. 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 2016

Student Focus: FOSTERING EDUCATION

AEG 60th Annual Meeting Sept 10–17, 2017

Colorado Springs,CO Antlers Hotel Group Rate Only $175/Night The Antlers Hotel Colorado Springs is located in the heart of downtown with spectacular views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains and within walking distance to numerous restaurants, shops, museums, and downtown nightlife.

FIELD TRIPS

• Industrial Minerals Mining & Geology in the Royal Gorge Region (2-day Trip) • Fire and Flood Impacts & Mitigation • Debris Flows in the Broadmoor area • Garden of the Gods Geology • Cripple Creek/Victor Gold Mine

GUEST TOURS

• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center • Tour Garden of Gods and Lunch in Manitou Springs • Cog Railroad Ride to the Top of Pikes Peak • Garden of the Gods Geology

SPECIAL EVENT Dinner and Tour of Phantom Canyon Brewing Company Located in the heart of downtown in the historic Cheyenne Building, the threestory brick structure was built in 1901 and housed the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. In 1909, the building reopened as the Cheyenne Hotel. After the hotel shut down, the building changed hands a number of times and was used for a variety of businesses. Saved from the wrecking ball in 1993, the historic site was purchased by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper who restored the property and opened Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. The main dining area and brewery were the first to open and were a great success. In 1995 the second floor opened as a Billiard Hall, which has been voted the Best Place to Shoot Pool every year since. In 2001 they completed the third floor Banquet Hall.

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Vol. 59, No. 3 – September 2016

AEG News (ISSN 0899-5788; USPS 954-380) is published six times a year by the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG), with the quarterly issues Nos. 1–4, published in March, June, September and December, respectively. The Annual Report and Directory issue is published in January. The Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts issue is published in September. Print copies are distributed at the meeting. Subscriptions for Association members, which includes all six issues of the AEG News, is $30 in addition to annual membership dues. Nonmember annual subscription is $40.00, and includes only the four regular issues (#1–4) of the News. The Annual Report and Directory issue and the Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts issue are priced separately. Back issues of the AEG News are $10 each. Inquiries should be sent to AEG Headquarters: Yolanda Natividad, Association Manager, 1100 Brandywine Blvd. Suite H, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 844-331-7867. Periodical Postage paid at Zanesville, OH, and additional mailing offices: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AEG News, 1100 Brandywine Blvd. Suite H Zanesville, Ohio 43701, USA. AEG News is printed by Allen Press, Lawrence, KS, 66044, USA. © 2016 Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists—All Rights Reserved Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those officially representing the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists except where expressly stated.

AEG News Editor Anna Saindon Geotechnology, Inc. 11816 Lackland Road, Suite 150 St. Louis, MO 63146 314-581-6286 news@aegweb.org

Managing Editor/Production Andrea Leigh Ptak Communicating Words & Images 6542 52nd Ave. So. Seattle, WA 98118 Office: 206-725-9169 Cell: 206-300-2067 andrealeighptak@me.com

Table of Contents News of the Association 4 The President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Treasurer’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 AEG Foundation Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Committee/Technical Working Groups Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 IAEG Has Annual Council Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa . . . . . . . . .10 “So long, and thanks for all the fish.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 News of the Profession 12 The GeoCoalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 2016 GeoCoalition Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Women in Engineering Volunteer Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Professional Licensure Is under Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Professional Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 AEG Student Members Engage in Valuable Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Field Trips 19 Calaveras Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Hollywood/Santa Monica/Malibu Fault Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Spring Break on the Colorado Plateau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Geologists Abroad

Douro River Valley, Northern Portugal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 The HomeFront

Index to Advertisers

On the Cover Submission Information In order of preference: 1. Send files via email, preferably as attachments, to both email addresses above. Optimum file format is MSWord 2004. Users of other software programs should convert their file to ASCII or text only. 2. Images should be sent as high-resolution jpeg or tiff files. Questions? Contact Andrea Ptak at 206-725-9169/andrealeighptak@me.com. 3. The policy of AEG News editorial staff is to limit the credentials of an individual to two. For example, if John Smith has a MS, a PhD and a PG plus a CEG and a CGWP, his credentials would be limited to John Smith PhD, PG, the two principal credentials. BS/BA and MS degrees will not be recognized. No effort will be made by the AEG News editorial staff to determine if individuals whose credentials are missing from the submitted copy actually have academic or professional credentials, nor will the staff verify the existence or correctness of the credentials submitted. For detailed guidelines visit: www.aegweb.org/SubmitToAEGNEWS

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION / E. MORLEY BECKMAN

The association 2015–16 Officers President: PAUL M. SANTI Colorado School of Mines, 303-273-3108, psanti629@gmail.com Vice President/President Elect: DALE C. ANDREWS Carmeuse Lime & Stone, 412-777-0728, dale.andrews@carmeusena.com Treasurer: KATHY G. TROOST University of Washington, 206-909-9757, ktroostaeg@gmail.com Secretary: KEVIN S. RICHARDS U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 303-241-8380, kevin.richards@comcast.net Past President: KENNETH C. FERGASON Amec Foster Wheeler, 602-329-9714, fergasonaeg@gmail.com

Advertising in the News

Association Contacts

Contact AEG Headquarters at advertising@aegweb.org.

Headquarters—Association Manager: YOLANDA NATIVIDAD 1100 Brandywine Blvd. Suite H Zanesville, Ohio 43701 Phone: 844-331-7867, Fax: 740-452-2552 contact@aegweb.org

Next Submission Deadline October 31, 2016, for the December Issue Canada Agreement number: PM40063731; Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54; Windsor, ON N9A 6J5; Email: returnsil@imex.pb.com

September 2016

Glenn Gorski, Lead Quality Assurance Inspector for the Calaveras Dam Project, explains things during the San Francisco Section’s recent field trip. Story on page 23.

AEG Foundation—President: BRIGET DOYLE, bdoyle@uscupstate.edu Communications Director: MATT BRUNENGO, 503-534-0414, mbrunengo@aol.com

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Student Member + X = Professional Member Paul Santi, AEG 2015–16 President

id you know that AEG typically has about 1,000 Student Members? That is about one-third of our total membership. Unfortunately, we generally see conversion of only about ten percent of them to regular members. They represent the future of our organization and the group we seek to serve. If the equation I gave in the title is algebraic, then we need to demonstrate something of value (X) that encourages them to maintain their membership after graduation. If the equation is chemical, then there is some sort of catalyst X that helps drive their conversion to professional members. Either way, this is a crucial transformation. In fact, we’ve decided that it is so important that we held a workshop at the last Board of Director’s meeting with the goal of identifying “X” in its many forms. Here are some of the results. First, our strongest and easiest opportunity to engage student members is at the local Chapter meetings. You may notice that they travel in protective herds. Break them up! Split off subgroups or individuals and buy them drinks, get to know their names, introduce them to other professionals. Students They want to be known and they want to network and find out what represent the you do and about job opportunities. future of our Backing up a step, look for ways to organization… support their attendance at these meetings: subsidize or pay for their dinner, and help with their transportation costs and arrangements. Create a student liaison or student committee that participates in Chapter leadership. This may only impact one or two students at a time, but the Board recognized that this is a huge step in engaging the most talented and excited students. Provide Professional Development Hours for the meetings, and make sure they know that AEG is a central piece of their licensure and professional advancement. Finally, meetings focused on students, such as student night research programs or employment fairs have multiple attractions: their professional development leaps forward, they have a chance to shine in front of potential employers, and they receive invaluable feedback from those they respect. Chapter newsletters, email correspondence, and social media posts are another venue to integrate students. Ask them for a photograph and short bio when they graduate and publish these as a way to honor them and keep them connected. Periodically post blurbs from members about “What AEG means to me,” “What we do as engineering and environmental geologists,” or “Tips for employment.” Even more important for new professionals, give them strategies for convincing their employers to pay for AEG membership or to send 4

them to local and national meetings. AGU has an excellent flyer that does this (http://fallmeeting.agu. org/2014/files/2014/09/014_2417_ConvinceYour-Boss-one-pager.pdf), and the elements of their argument can be adapted for us: exposure to cutting edge research and professional practice, networking with peers, career workshops, and advertisement of your company’s technically challenging projects and capabilities. One of my favorite proposals from the Board is to establish a mentor or big brother/big sister program, where active professionals are paired with students to help them meet people at meetings, to advise them during their job search, and to model how to behave and develop professionally. This is an excellent way to give back to the profession, and it can be done at the individual level and tailored as you see fit. As you can see, there are many forms of “X” in the equation, and I challenge you to pick one and run with it. And if you need any raw material, in the form of Student Members, I know where to get them!

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September 2016

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – TREASURER’S REPORT

On Track with Our Budget Treasurer’s Report for Mid-year 2016 Kathy Troost, AEG 2015–16 Treasurer AEG Account Summary, Mid-Year Values, in Thousands

2016 is on Track The most important task for our association treasurer is to monitor our financials with respect to the Boardapproved budget. If unexpected expenses arise or income is lower than expected, then we can react accordingly. I’m happy to report that, while we have had both so far this year, we are still on track with our budget.

2016

2015

Operations (checking)

$161

$ 144

128

286

263

Annual Meeting (checking) Legislative Fund Treasurer’s Reserve Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable

Treasurer’s Reserve Performance Our Treasurer’s Reserve account was established a decade ago to provide a buffer for lean years. The account, with Fidelity Investments, is conservatively invested and fluctuates with the market, therefore, we watch our TR very closely for necessary adjustments. As of June 30, 2016, the account’s value has increased to $286,337, as a result of a $20,000 deposit from our successful meetings in 2015 and $10,841 in unrealized gains and $1,398 in investment income. We hope to have a surplus from the 2017 Annual Meeting in Kona so that we can make a deposit in 2016, continuing our four-year trend of making annual deposits.

Our 2016 Accounts The following table shows the amounts in our accounts as of June 30th of 2016 and 2015. Note that the totals for the Operations and Annual Meeting checking accounts reflect the culmination of various activities, transfers between accounts, and the nuances of each year’s revenue and expenses, so we cannot directly compare 2015 and 2016. The Legislative Fund shows the expected upward trend, since money is added to the account from members’ annual dues; one withdrawal was made to help fight the AZ licensing battle. The trend in the Accounts Receivable is positive and indicates that Offinger is doing a good job of collecting from those entities that owe us money, such as sponsors and exhibitors. September 2016

Accounts

2016 Forecast and Closing Remarks We are tracking close to our budget for 2016. We are making adjustments to stem financial impacts from increasing publication costs. The Annual Meeting in Kona is budgeted to generate a $25,000 surplus, and based on early results the meeting appears to be on budget. The value of hosting a second Association-sponsored meeting per year cannot be ignored and we want to continue to have financially successful years. Not only do these additional meetings help AEG maintain a sound financial footing, they also help further our profession. If you have any suggestions for topics or would like to host a Professional Forum, please contact a member of the Executive Council. The trends for 2016 generally look good. I look forward to carrying out the 2016 budget and finalizing the 2017 budget. If you have any questions or concerns about AEG’s financial status, feel free to contact me at ktroostaeg@gmail.com. We owe our success to our dedicated members, thank you for all you do! And thank you for allowing me to serve as your Treasurer.

Your MEMBERSHIP fees help AEG function as a national association. RENEW before January 15, 2017, to be included in the 2017 DIRECTORY. AEG News Disclaimer Authors alone are responsible for views expressed in signed articles. Advertisers and their agencies are solely responsible for the content of all advertisements printed and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom against the publisher. AEG and AEG News reserve the right to reject any advertising copy.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – AEG FOUNDATION

Get Out Your Hawai‘ian Shirts and Your Credit Card! Aloha! Jane Gill-Shaler, Secretary, AEG Foundation

e at the AEG Foundation are really excited about going to Hawai‘i! There will be programs, events, field trips to a volcano (yes!), sightseeing and guest tours, chatting with old and new colleagues, and learning about the new and interesting research in our chosen profession. But not all our wonderful donors and sponsors are going (sob!). One of our favorites (and we love you all!) has decided to forego the trip in order to work on rewriting her novel, and instead of lying on a Kona beach or seeing all her favorite AEG Foundation friends, she will be holed up over a laptop for weeks at a time. To her credit, however, she is donating what would have been the cost of her airline and hotel expenses for attending AEG2016 to the AEG Foundation, so another student can go to field camp. Way to go! We love you, dear friend! In the June issue of AEG News we told the story of one of our 2014 scholars, Julia Howe, who was an awardee for the Norman R. Tilford Field Studies Scholarship. This issue, as it will be included in the Programs with Abstracts, will focus on the many Scholarships we offer. You can read why we are enthusiastic about what we do! The AEG Foundation sustains funds for students, for practitioners, and for AEG Foundation support. You may donate to any or all of them, any amount, online or by mail. Read them all before you decide! A more detailed description and the fund charters may be found on the AEG Foundation website.

Funds for Practitioners Cornerstone Fund supports university-level teaching of engineering geology and geological engineering in the United States. Jahns Fund supports speaker programs, including the Jahns Lecturer selected by the AEG and Engineering Geology Division of the GSA. Leggett Fund supports traditional and web-based publications in environmental and engineering geology, including public information outreach and a web-based library. Research Fund supports small research projects that advance the science and application of environmental and engineering geology and related fields. Roy J. Shlemon Distinguished Mentor Fund supports an AEG Distinguished Mentor. Shlemon Continuing Education Fund supports local workshops through the AEG Regions/Sections. Shlemon Specialty Conference Fund supports specialty conferences in engineering geology and related fields.

Foundation Support Programs

Funds for Students Beardsley-Kuper Fund provides financial support for field camp tuition and expenses. Carolinas Scholarship supports geologic studies by undergraduate students enrolled in a geology or geoscience program at an accredited university in North or South Carolina. Lemke Fund provides funds to AEG Student Members attending an AEG Annual Meeting. Marliave Fund supports graduate and undergraduate scholarships in Engineering Geology and Geological Engineering. Mathewson Fund provides funds to AEG Student Members studying in Texas. Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Fund supports graduate students in quaternary engineering geology research. Stout Fund supports graduate and undergraduate students in Environmental and Engineering Geology. Student Chapter Grant Program supports AEG Student Chapters for field trips, visiting professional talks, and other program needs through small grants. The Norman Tilford Fund awards grants to graduate and undergraduate students in support of field studies.

West-Gray Scholarship Fund supports undergraduate and graduate geology students in the eastern half of the U.S. through scholarship grants.

Greatest Need Fund Donations support program areas of greatest current need. Johnston Operations Fund supports the AEG Foundation’s business operations; contributions to this fund reduce the burden on program funds. More than ever this year, we look forward to seeing our student awardees at Kona in person presenting their research, hearing them tell about their studies, and interacting with them and the professionals and mentors who will help guide their careers. Expensive to go there? Not so much, with your help. Even small donations add up; I just donated to the Carolinas Scholarship, and I know several geologists who have recently donated to both the West-Gray and Tilford. So dust off your checkbook or credit card, and help us make this the best year ever! The AEG Foundation is a non-profit organization separate from, but associated with, AEG. We have our own Board of Directors, and are a 501(C)3 non-profit organization; donations to support our programs are entirely tax-deductible. All of our scholarships and practitioner programs are funded by your donations and the income generated by investment of those donations. For more information, or to donate any amount to help us continue our programs, please go to www.aegfoundation.org.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – AEG FOUNDATION

AEG Foundation 2016 Scholars Beardsley-Kuper Field Camp Scholarship

Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Scholarship

Tyler Craig Gilkerson No Photo Available

Elaine Kathleen Young

University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Dept. of Geography and Earth Sciences

University of California, Davis – Dept. of Earth and Planetary Science The Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Scholarship supports graduate geology students conducting Quaternary engineering geology research. Initial funding for the Scholarship was provided by a gift from Roy J. Shlemon, Honorary Member of the AEG. The 2016 award is the first Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Scholarship.

Matthew Kyle Seigler Clemson University

Ariel Marie Ellison No Photo Available University of Alaska Fairbanks – Dept. of Mining and Geological Engineering The Beardsley-Kuper Field Camp Scholarship Fund is proud to announce its sixth annual awards. Funds are intended to support geology field camp expenses with applied environmental and engineering geology that will be useful to the students’ future profession as an environmental or engineer geologist.

Stout Scholarship David William LaPorte Colorado School of Mines – Geology and Geological Engineering Dept. Graduate Division 1st Place

Carolinas Scholarship

Priscilla Efua Addison

Ashleigh Nicole Kirker

Michigan Technological University – Dept. of Geological and Mining Engineering & Sciences

College of Charleston – Dept. of Geology & Environmental Geosciences

Graduate Division 2nd Place

Established in 2015 with initial funds for the gift from Carolinas Section, this scholarship supports geologic studies by undergraduate students enrolled in a Geology or Geoscience Program at an accredited university in North or South Carolina. 2016 is the first time this scholarship has been awarded.

Randall Jones No Photo Available UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Division 1st Place

Danielle Terhaar Boise State University

Christopher C. Mathewson Scholarship

Undergraduate Division 2nd Place

Eric Bergersen University of Texas at El Paso – Dept. of Geological Sciences

Heni Barnes University of Alaska Fairbanks

Graduate Division

Sean Michael Czarnecki

Undergraduate Division 3rd Place

Angelo State University – Dept. of Physics and Geosciences and Dept. of Mathematics Undergraduate Division The Christopher C. Mathewson Scholarship was established in 2007 as the Texas Section Scholarship to support undergraduate and graduate students studying in Texas. The Fund was renamed at the request of the Texas Section of the AEG in 2011 to honor Dr. Chris Mathewson of Texas A&M University. September 2016

Dr. Martin L. Stout was Professor of Geology at California State University, Los Angeles from 1960 to 1990. He is remembered by all of his students for his passionate and insightful instruction in engineering geology. Dr. Stout was well known for his expertise on mega landslides, his worldly travels, his good humor, and his gracious manner. This scholarship supports his legacy.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – AEG FOUNDATION

Norman R. Tilford Field Study Scholarships Matthew Thomas Dorsey San Diego State University – Dept. Geological Sciences MC-1020 Graduate Masters Division

engineering geology at Texas A&M University. Norm died in late 1997 while flying his small aircraft to meet a student field trip. Norm was dedicated to teaching geology in the field and these scholarships will support his legacy.

West-Gray Scholarship Victoria Leffel

Emily Penelope Anderson-Merritt

Purdue University – Health & Human Sciences

University of California Davis – Earth and Planetary Sciences

Graduate Division

Christopher Lee Orr

Undergraduate Division

University of NC at Charlotte Undergraduate Division

Anna Katharina Schuh University of Arizona Undergraduate Division The scholarships are awarded for the summer field season and were established in memory of Norman R. Tilford, who was a leader in engineering geology and a professor of

Established in 2014 with initial funding provided as a gift from AEG Past Presidents Terry R. West and Richard E. Gray, this fund supports undergraduate and graduate geology students in the eastern half of the United States through scholarship grants.

Call for Papers: AEG Members are encouraged to submit papers on interesting case histories, original research or other projects to its journal on the following topics: • Environmental geology • Engineering geology • Feasibility studies • Geotechnical engineering • Geomorphology • Low-temperature geochemistry • Applied hydrogeology • Near-surface processes • Review papers in applied geosciences and technical notes (< 6 pages)

Benefits Include: • 4 Issues Per Year • Papers Are Peer Reviewed • Best Student Paper Award • Best Paper Award

Instructions for Authors: http://eeg.allentrack.net/ 8

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – COMMITTEE/TWG HEADER REPORTS HERE

The Advocacy Committee

Coastal Hazards Technical Working Group

Advocate for Geology – Make the News Better

SAVE THE DATES: Nov. 14–16, 2017 Coastal Hazards Professional Forum

Phyllis Steckel When real news happens about geology—an earthquake, a major contaminant spill, a sinkhole, or a proposed new landfill or mine—how is it reported? Are the technical basics of the article or report accurate, or did it miss the mark? Was it plain wrong? Or worse yet, was there an intentional spin to the story? If you have ever wished you could bend the ear of a news reporter and maybe set them straight, here is your chance. Radio, television, newspaper, or news magazine – they’re all in our sights. AEG’s Advocacy Committee is developing a list of geologists, including willing AEG members, to be available to the media. It will be proactively provided to various news reporting groups, such as state and national press associations. The geologists who will be best for this list are not necessarily the top technical experts recognized among their peers. The best geologists for this role are those with broad interests within geology: hard-rock, environmental, geologic hazards, and everything in between is important. The geologists on the list will know how to communicate clearly to someone (the reporter) who doesn’t know much about our field or even science in general. They will be able to build a solid rapport and respect deadlines, which are short and merciless. They will also know why they need to determine a value to the fourth-decimal place for a technical report for their job, and why a rounded whole number for a news story is better. We’re not looking for any ‘gotcha’ news stories. These groups, such as the Missouri Press Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, are the AEG of the news-reporting community. The list will be helpful to both broadcast and print-media news journalists. The professional groups will make the list available to their members by including announcements of its availability in their newsletters and on their websites. The list will include names, contact information, and technical and geographic areas of expertise. It will be refreshed at least annually. The list will also be posted on the AEG website—admittedly a passive, but necessary, announcement. There is, of course, no way to know how this will be received. A good guess is that some groups and some individual reporters will welcome the list as a resource and maybe even remember to use it. Others may never consider it. But it’s better for AEG to make the offer—to be proactive—than to accept ignorance in the news-reporting community. There are too many issues today that are too important to keep silent. If you would like to be considered for membership in this list, please contact Phyllis Steckel (psteckel@charter.net).

The Coastal Hazards Technical Working Group of AEG is planning a Professional Forum for the Gulf Coast region for November 2017. The proposed venue is The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama. Highlights include a half-day session targeting students, technical symposia featuring issues related to the Gulf Coast, and a day for networking, collaborating, and brainstorming. We expect an international mix of emergency managers, planners, and technical experts to attend. Please visit the AEG website this November for an official announcement and details.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos Technical Working Group Biennial Symposium – Assessment, Monitoring and Mitigation of Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) Hazards in the Western U.S. Presented by: AEG’s Naturally Occurring Asbestos Technical Working Group Thursday, December 15, 2016 8:00 am–6:00 pm Oakland Marriott Hotel, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA Presenters include Cal-OSHA, California Air Resources Board, local air districts, environmental consultants, analytical laboratories, and more! For meeting information, or to register to attend, visit the event webpage at http://www.aegsf.org/NOA2016

Meeting Co-chairs: Mark Bailey, PG – Asbestos TEM Labs, mark@asbestostemlabs.com Sarah Kalika, PG, CAC – AEG San Francisco Chapter, sarah@georx.net Corporate Sponsor: Asbestos TEM Laboratories, Inc.

Update Our Members… AEG has over three dozen committees and technical working groups. AEG News welcomes submissions from these groups to keep our members updated on their progress. A complete list is available on our website at www.aegweb.org/?page=OperationalComms.

September 2016

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

HEADER NEWS OFHERE THE ASSOCIATION

IAEG Has Annual Council Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa Scott Burns, President, IAEG

he 52nd World Council Meeting of the International Association of Engineering Geologists and the Environment (IAEG) was held on August 28, 2016, in Cape Town, South Africa. AEG is the national group that represents the U.S., and AEG has been active representing the U.S. in this organization for many years. This year we will have three members of AEG representing us at the council meeting: Scott Burns, President of IAEG, Jeff Keaton, Vice President for North America, and Eldon Gath, our official representative of AEG to IAEG. IAEG has 56 national groups from around the world, and this year will welcome another 9 new national groups. The purpose of IAEG is to connect engineering geologists around the world. A very interesting agenda was put together for all delegates at the meeting. Next year the council meeting will be in Nepal. We now have over 100 AEG members who are members of IAEG, but we are hoping to grow this number. The cost is approximately $16/year for membership without the bulletin and about $50/year for membership with a bulletin. The exact costs will be on the membership renewal forms this coming fall for AEG. Every four years IAEG has its congress, or large meeting. The last one was in 2014 in Torino, Italy. The next one will be the first one ever in the US in the 54-year history of IAEG. It will be held in San Francisco from September 17–21 in 2018 and will be in conjunction with AEG’s 61st Annual Meeting. A Plan-

Scott Burns chairs the IAEG Executive Council meeting.

ning Committee from AEG, headed by Sarah Kalika of the San Francisco Chapter, has been working on this for almost two years. It will be in the international format with a five-day meeting with an all-day field trip for all participants in the middle. Call for papers will come out in late 2016. If you have any questions about IAEG, please feel free to email me (burnss@pdx.edu).

The IAEG General Council—with representatives from around the world—meets in Cape Town, South Africa.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish. Anna Saindon, Soon-to-be-retired AEG News Editor

hen I took over the position of AEG News Editor from Allen Shaw in December 2012, it was an unexpected and challenging roller coaster ride—one that has reminded me more than once of the adventures in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (hence the title, if you missed the reference). AEG News has been the only magazine I’ve read continuously since college, which led me on an adventure in editing, soliciting, and meeting an amazing array of people from across the country. This is the hardest volunteering position I’ve ever taken on, and although it was worth it, I’m off to other adventures. Chrissey Frattali and Ashley Wachhaus will be coeditors of AEG News going forward. Chrissey will be the one asking for articles about one of your projects or field trips—Submissions Editor, and Ashley will be in the background trying to tease good English—spelling and grammar—out of what we submit. Be kind to both of them—have someone else read and edit your material before submitting it, and be mindful of the deadlines and style guidelines (both on the AEG webpage). Some of my favorite accomplishments during my time included: bringing full color to AEG News, revamping the look in 2014; finally having a style guide; and bringing a wider variety of professional articles and advocacy articles to the issues. The

AEG News 2017 Submission Deadlines In an effort to keep the quality of the AEG News while avoiding duplication and holiday work for volunteers, the following are the new deadlines for the AEG News starting with the 2016 Annual Report and Directory. The December 2016 issue submission deadline is still October 31st. January 15

Annual Report and Directory

February 28

April AEG News – typically special edition

May 31

July AEG News Issue – Annual Meeting insert

August 15

Program with Abstracts

October 31

December AEG News – Annual Meeting Photo Collage

Your new AEG News Co-Editors are: Chrissey Frattali – Soliciting and receiving submissions (cfrattali@gri.com) Ashley Wachhaus – Editing and final reviews (aswachhaus@gmail.com) Or as always, you can email news@aegweb.org and it will reach all the parties involved in the AEG News. Ideas and submissions are always welcome.

September 2016

overall process has been streamlined so issues are going out on time and generally on budget. As I leave, the AEG Executive Council and I worked out the final major change to the AEG News under my tenure. Historically, it has required the editor, copy editor, and submitters to work through major holidays and was spaced so that the Annual Report and Directory and the Program with Abstracts overlapped with the regular issues creating ridiculous amounts of stress for all involved. So AEG News will be going to five issues a year starting with the 2016 Annual Report. The three regular issues will be bigger—providing the same amount of information—and, as a bonus, will save on postage and printing costs. See the sidebar with this article, for the new submission deadlines, which will also be available online and on the table of contents page of each issue. The question I get asked the most is: “How I am going to use all this free time?” Garimot Arnis Training (Filipino martial art) has been a big part of my life the last nine years. I’m a senior instructor and am spending most of this year preparing for my next test and mentoring my sisters and brothers in the art. I have trips to Hawai‘i and the Philippines lined up, and am learning the ukulele, because it looked like fun. It’s hard to be bored when there is so much you want to do. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor, including my coworkers at Geotechnology. They often helped me out, when there was too much to do and not enough time. Andie Ptak (our production manager) was a lifesaver when I began, and her historical knowledge of the News filled in the gaps in my knowledge. Most of all, thank you to every one of you who have shared your stories with the rest of AEG. AEG News is truly built of on the stories of all AEG members, and I’ve enjoyed learning from each and every one of you. Best wishes and see you in Kona!

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HEADER NEWS OFHERE THE PROFESSION

The GeoCoalition

What Is It? Why Does My Association Belong? Alan Macnab, PE, DGE n 2005, four organizations came together to form the GeoCoalition (GC):

1) The International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC), comprised of 2,000 corporate and individual members, throughout the world, but primarily in the U.S. and Canada 2) Geo-Institute of ASCE (G-I), with 12,000 individual members, and 80 COPRI Organizational Members as well 3) ASFE/The Geoprofessional Business Association, now called the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), with 250 corporate members in Canada and the U.S. who employ over 100,000 geoprofessionals 4) Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), with 3,100 corporate and individual members throughout the world, but primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The group agreed that if we had a major issue that needed industry support, it might be possible to undertake some advocacy initiatives. However, the more immediate need was the creation of an atmosphere wherein the member organizations were able to work together, avoid conflicts, and avoid conflicting or duplicative publications and committee work. The founders recognized that the most valuable asset any volunteer organization has is its volunteers. The volunteer effort of a group, provided by its members, is finite and precious. To waste that effort by competing with each other or duplicating work was not in anyone’s best interest. The founders realized that to accomplish even these modest goals, they needed to develop a culture of trust. To do so, they decided to keep the group small and only add to its number other geo-organizations that fit the culture. It was agreed that those who would attend a GC meeting would include each organization’s Executive Director, and two volunteer members, preferably an organization’s President and President-elect. The first GC meeting was held in 2005, and cards were held very close to the chest. The member organizations had, until then, considered themselves to be competitors. After several meetings, however, it became obvious that the individual organizations were duplicating efforts, to the detriment of each. Having technical committees in three different organizations, all discussing the same matters was a dysfunctional duplication of effort. Holding meetings on the same weekend, in the same town also made no sense. Early breakthroughs included the creation of a ADSC-DFI Joint Micropile Committee that met alternatingly at DFI and ADSC meetings, and establishment of a GeoCalendar where all members would post their committee meetings, seminars, et al., as well as their proposed dates and locations. This calendar posting would act as a caution to others to “check-in” with each other before locking in a date that another organization was considering. 12

As a result of this early success, two more organizations were invited to join: the Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) representing 840 corporate and individual members in Canada and the U.S., and the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG), representing 3,500 engineering geologists. Once the new members were assimilated into the culture, the United States Universities Council on Geotechnical Education and Research (USUCGER) was next to join, representing 250 professors at 127 Universities in the U.S. In 2015, the GC entered into preliminary discussions with The Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS), representing 1,200 academic and practicing engineers in Canada.

What Has It Accomplished? When the four organizations first began talks it was suggested that there should be a large industry congress, which would include the meetings of all of the member organizations involved in technical issues. The sentiment at the time was, it will never happen. Wrong! We now have the International Foundations Congress and Equipment EXPO (IFCEE) that is held every three years. IFCEE 2015 drew 3,500 attendees representing four of the seven GC members who sponsored the event as a joint venture. IFCEE 2018 will be a Joint Venture of five of the GC members. This would never have happened had trust not been built at GC meetings. The group’s successes included the creation of a GC Task Force to create a document outlining an “industry opinion” about soil reports. Depending on what type of work was to be undertaken, specific recommendations were presented. Another example of the group’s important work was a critique of Chapter 18 of the International Building Code (IBC). This effort included representation from all members of the GC. While it is extremely difficult to bring change to the IBC, the tough work of gaining consensus has been done, and all hope that IBC officials can be convinced that the recommendations are in the best interest of the industry and the public. The changes are intended to make design work in the fields of deep foundations and anchored earth retention more consistent with the state-of-practice in those industries.

Mutual Needs All GC members recognize that they have a symbiotic relationship with one another. At times, each member organization represents persons or corporations that are alternatively buyers or sellers of each other’s products. In addition, each member organization comprises buyers and sellers within their own organization. A simple example of this is the drill rig

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NEWS OF THEHEADER PROFESSION HERE

2016 GeoCoalition Meeting

Yolanda Natividad, AEG Association Manager

he GeoCoalition is an informal association of professional organizations representing the geotechnical design and construction community formed to encourage communication, cooperation and collaboration among its members. The group comes together once each year to share insights, calendars, and plans for professional activities and to discuss issues of common interest to the constituent organizations. This year’s GeoCoalition meeting was held in Garden City, NY, from June 20–22. Attendees representing AEG were: Dale Andrews, Vice President/ President-Elect, and Yolanda Natividad, AEG Association Manager. One of the items that AEG brought to this year’s agenda was licensure. Good discussion was had regarding the state of and threat to licensure for geologists. Additionally, how licensure attacks could potentially spread across the country and/or to engineering licensure. As a result, AEG is currently working with the ASCE Geo-Institute to

GeoCoalition Member Organizations ASCE Geo-Institute (G-I) Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG) Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association (GEER) International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC) Pile Driving Contractors Association (PDCA) United States Universities Council on Geotechnical Education and Research (USUCGER) Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS) invited to sit in on the 2016 meeting as a guest

September 2016

The 2016 GeoCoalition Attendees (l to r:) Mary Ellen Large of DFI, Steve Hall of PDCA, Mike Moore of ADSC, Dale Andrews of AEG, Yolanda Natividad of AEG, Ed Kavazanjian of USUCGER, Michel Aubertin of CGS, Brad Keelor of ASCE G-I, Theresa Engler of DFI, Woody Vogt of GBA, John Wolosick of DFI, Alan Macnab as Chair of the GeoCoalition, Kord Wissmann of ASCE G-I and Joel Carson of GBA.

explore ways in which we can support each other in the defense of professional licensure. In addition to the meeting agenda, there were some great opportunities for networking with the other member associations. There was discussion between Dale Andrews and Joel Carson, the Executive Director of GBA, regarding potential synergies between AEG and GBA. The GBA offers business training: ethics, contract evaluation, risk management, etc. There is a potential to have these types of talks available at future AEG Annual Meetings. Finally, there may be an opportunity to further our collaborations with the CGS in such a way to benefit both AEG and CGS members. There is an expectation that AEG’s involvement in the GeoCoalition will provide an avenue for further collaboration between the member organizations. We look forward to reporting further on how the GeoCoalition is working for AEG and vice-versa in years to come.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

HEADER NEWS OFHERE THE PROFESSION manufacturer who sells to the drilling contractor. Both are members of ADSC. However, not all relationships are as simple. For instance, the contractor members of both PDCA and ADSC need the support of engineers who are G-I and GBA members, when it comes to specification of their products. USUCGER member professors are educating the personnel who will be hired by the corporate members of all the other organizations. As such, they are attentive to the needs of the other GC members. At the same time, those same professors may be researchers in the areas of earth retention, deep foundations, or ground modification, and benefit by the support they receive from those in the industries identified. In addition, professors need and want input and participation of practicing engineers and contractors in order to assist with creating reallife learning experiences in their classrooms. The same applies to providing opportunities for student internships. As a further example, G-I’s academic members rely heavily on case history and other course materials produced by ADSC, DFI, GBA, and PDCA. In short, we can all benefit from cooperating with one another. The GC is effectively breaking down barriers and making member-to-member access easier.

The Future The list of outstanding issues that still need to be addressed is long and daunting. For example, the GC is front-and-center in an effort to address turf wars between structural engineers, geotechnical engineers and geologists. These are not easy negotiations. If we achieve our objective, the result will be an improvement in the professional and business lives of all of our members.

The GC is also concerned about attempts to undermine, and even eliminate, the system of professional licensure in the U.S. In the interest of public safety, it is paramount that work in the geo-industry should be performed only by persons who are qualified to take on the challenges that are inherent in the projects our members undertake. There are real issues about appropriate levels of funding for university education, especially in the U.S. The GC will speak out on this matter. Now that a level of cooperation is in place, one that wasn’t thought possible only ten years ago, the member organizations may also enter into other mutually beneficial joint arrangements. One example might be “mass buying,” which could very likely result in savings for members in the organizations that are part of the GC. Central to the GC’s mission is that each member is comfortable with the fact that, while a high level of cooperation exists between members, each member organization retains a high degree of autonomy. Nothing is ceded to another organization unless that GC member recognizes that it is in its best interest to do so. In the world of politics, advocacy and influence, each organization is really a small fish in a very large pond. It has already been demonstrated that, by joining together, we can be far more effective than if we were to go it alone. In unity, there is strength. That’s hardly a new concept, but one whose realization is far easier thought about than achieved. GC is getting it done.

Women in Engineering Volunteer Work

University of Texas Cynthia Palomares, Texas Section

n July 26, 2016, Jean Shaw of the Industrial and Hazardous Waste Permits Section of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin and I volunteered our time with the Women in Engineering Program at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Both of us are licensed professional engineers in Texas, and I am a licensed professional geologist in Texas. They discussed their careers, what inspired them, what it took to get where they are now, and what difference they are making in people’s lives with high school senior girls attending UT’s “Engineering Camp.” They answered questions from the students about undergraduate engineering and engineering geology programs, career choices, and engineering for minority students. Research shows time and time again the importance of role models in encouraging girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. In the future, Jean and I hope to spend more time to encourage and mentor more girls to pursue STEM related careers to make a difference in the world. Jean Shaw visits with high school senior girls attending University of Texas “Engineering Camp” in Summer 2016. 14

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

NEWS OF THEHEADER PROFESSION HERE

Professional Licensure Is under Attack Ken Fergason, AEG Past President

oordinated efforts are underway to erode and eliminate professional licensure, with licensure of geologists a top target for elimination by special interests. In the Arizona 2016 legislative session, a bill to eliminate licensure of geologists was introduced, with other professions including landscape architecture similarly targeted. The bill was unexpected and in spite of lobbying efforts, a letter writing campaign, and stiff opposition at legislative hearings, licensure in Arizona has been significantly weakened, though we were able to prevent its outright elimination.

What Happened in Arizona? Governor Doug Ducey entered office with a promise to reduce the size of government and eliminate regulation. His philosophy included the goal of eliminating professional licensure, with threats to geologists, architects, and engineers. A bill was introduced that included the elimination of licensure for numerous professions. This bill was a surprise to licensure boards, state agencies, and professional groups. Opposition was quickly coordinated through numerous groups, preventing the planned, quiet and quick passing of the bill. After a strong lobbying effort, landscape architects were removed from the bill on the basis that all 50 states require licensure for landscape architects. Efforts were made through many groups to have geologists similarly removed, however, the Governor and his staff refused, believing that de-licensing geologists was an important step forward in their efforts. The bill started quickly advancing through committees. Continued lobbying efforts and strong advocacy of practicing geologists and supporting professional societies (including architecture and engineering groups) eventually led to the inclusion of a clause that removed geologists from de-licensing. However, language was introduced to allow “qualified persons” to practice geology without a license, essentially creating a situation where licensure is optional. Our understanding is that planned “next steps” include the altering or removal of any state regulation that requires a licensed geologist’s stamp. Staffers within the government of Arizona freely admitted that their goal is to eliminate all professional licensure and regulation. So…we saved geology licensure from outright elimination, but the stage is set for its value to be eroded to a point of irrelevance.

Arizona Is Not Unique As mentioned at the beginning of this article, this threat is not restricted to Arizona; a coordinated effort is being advanced at a national level. This effort is led by a political action group known as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC provides state legislatures with draft legislation and it is likely that legislation similar to what was introduced in Arizona is in the works in other states. Licensure of the profession of September 2016

geology is considered to be a vulnerable target in part because it is not present in all 50 states. Your state may be next. In Arizona a coalition with members formally or informally representing AEG, AIPG, ASBOG, and other organizations is working on plans to protect what’s left of licensure. I urge professionals in other states to be vigilant and prepared in advance to fight against efforts to eliminate professional licensure. Unfortunately, the current political climate in the country is such that this is a battle that will spread from Arizona to other states. I urge you to not underestimate the threat this represents and to be prepared in advance.

What You Can Do: 1. Form an alliance of groups with similar goals. The Missouri Geologists’ Consortium is an excellent example of such an organization. https://mogeologists.wordpress.com/ 2. Don’t limit your organization to geologists. Include engineers and other licensed professionals. 3. Track proposed legislation through keyword searches. However, it may be too late if a bill is already introduced, so finding ways to know what’s coming is important. Appoint a legislative liaison within your Chapter to track these types of activities. Having a contact within the state licensure board is ideal. 4. If sufficient resources are present, find a lobbyist to help in your efforts. 5. Utilize the licensure resources available through AEG. http://www.aegweb.org/?page=Licensure Resources 6. Write letters to your legislators. Meet with them in person. Educate them on who geologists are, what we do, and the value of licensure. Emphasize public safety and economic interests. Example letters are available through AEG’s licensure resources. 7. Utilize support from AEG in the form of advice, informational material, examples, and funding.

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HEADER HERE CONTRIBUTIONS PROFESSIONAL

AEG Student Members Engage in Valuable Research In this issue, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re highlighting some of the research projects by our Student Members.

Priscilla Addison Priscilla is a second-year Geological Engineering PhD student at Michigan Technological University. Her research focuses on predicting post-wildfire debris flow occurrences. Debris flow, which is the fast movement of slurry that travels under gravity and picks up loose material in its path, is among the most hazardous consequence of a wildfire. In recent years, these occurrences have been seen to spike in frequency in the western United States. Although debris flows are not exclusive to wildfire affected areas, a fire can transform a basin that had no such history into a substantial hazard for any life and/or infrastructure in its path. Using remote sensing and machine learning techniques, Priscilla is working on developing models to predict the occurrence of these events, the associated volume of eroded material, if triggered, and finally, the inundation area of material to assess the risk to life and infrastructure in their paths.

El Hachemi Bouali El Hachemi is a PhD student in Geophysics at Michigan Technological University working on providing efficient and economically feasible assessment methods for the Geotechnical Asset Management (GAM) program. Traditional assessment methods have been field-based, which takes time for large transportation corridors. The use of satellite and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is presently becoming a more viable method for GAM

Bouali investigating unstable slopes along a railroad corridor in Southeastern Nevada.

programs, especially when combined with traditional field observations and data collections. Two current studies highlight this approach. The first combines the California Landslide Inventory (CLI) with surficial displacement measurements using satellite-based Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). The CLI has documented landslide events over the past 50 years; satellite radar data were obtained between July 2012 and September 2014. The goal is to compare InSAR results with known landslide locations to (1) validate InSAR as a viable landslide detection approach, and (2) locate potential landslides that may pose a future hazard to surrounding GAM infrastructure. The second study utilizes the Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) as a metric for comparing hazard scores derived from field, satellite, and UAV-based observations in order to determine the viability of supplementing repetitive fieldwork with remote sensing data. Both studies aim to capitalize on advancements made in remote sensing techniques so that efficient and cost-effective GAM programs can be developed and maintained.

Aaron A. Morrison University of Missouri Columbia Introduction In June 2016, work began on a NASA funded research project to study lunar impact melts. The project is headed by Dr. Christopher Hamilton from the University of Arizona, in conjunction with Dr. Catherine Neish (Western Ontario University), Dr. Michael Zanetti (Western Ontario University), and Dr. Einat Lev (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, University of Columbia). For the first phase of the project, the team is collaborating with Dr. Alan Whittington from the University of Missouri to evaluate the rheological evolution of lunar simulant material. Three compositions were chosen as the closest compositional analogs to true lunar material: JSC-1a (NASA lunar regolith simulant), Stillwater anorthosite (lunar highland simulant from Montana), and Stillwater norite (lunar mare simulant from Montana). Energy released during impact cratering events can rapidly heat silicate materials to superliquidus temperatures and generate gravity-driven melt flows that behave, ostensibly, like lava flows. However, the rheology of these impact melt flows on the Moon and other planetary bodies is poorly constrained. By characterizing the rheology of the simulant materials, this phase of the project attempts to uncover how the impact melts of the moon would flow and how closely those flows behave like terrestrial lava flows upon cooling.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS HEADER HERE Methods The first step in this process is to measure the liquid viscosities (η, Pa s) of each material. This was done at the University of Missouri by Dr. Whittington, Dr. Zanetti and PhD student Aaron Morrison (University of Missouri). Each material was first analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine liquidus and glass transition temperatures. Viscosities were then measured in a concentric cylinder viscometer at superliquidus conditions and a parallel plate viscometer at temperatures slightly above the glass transition (Fig 1). Figure 1 is a cartoon depiction of how each viscometry method is set up. Essentially, . -1 in both methods the stress (σ, Pa) and strain rate (γ , s ) are the measured values which are used to calculate viscosity . (η = σ/γ ). The measured viscosity data can then be fit by VFT equation (log η = A + [B/(T-C)]) as a function of temperature (T, Kelvin) to form a single liquid viscosity curve that can be used to extrapolate/interpolate to conditions beyond the abilities of the instrumentation. Figure 2 is a plot of these curves

Figure 1: (above) Diagram of parallel plate viscometer setup. Glass cores are deformed under uniaxial stress at varying temperature steps. Viscosity can be determined from the rate of collapse at a given temperature. (right) Diagram of concentric cylinder viscometer setup. A Pt-Rh crucible holds the molten sample while a rotating Pt-Rh spindle is inserted. By measuring the torque on the spindle at controlled RPMs, stress and strain can be calculated to determine viscosity.

Figure 2: JSC-1a (green diamonds), Stillwater anorthosite (red circles), and Stillwater norite (blue squares) liquid viscosity. Data points are observed viscosities from one concentric cylinder measurement and two cores measured in the parallel plate viscometer. Solid curves are the best fit VFT equations for each material. Bounding temperatures are given in Celsius for the experimental range of each viscometer.

September 2016

which show similar viscosities of all three materials at temperatures relevant to impact melts (T > 1600°C). Future Work Further work during fall 2016 will determine how viscosity changes upon cooling and the dominant mechanisms for that change (cooling effects or physical/chemical effects of crystallization). The viscosity measurements and datasets produced in the lab will later be used by Dr. Lev and Dr. Whittington as parameters for modeling the physical and thermal processes occurring during an impact event. Results will be applied to appropriate lunar craters to determine how well our data reflect what is observed on the moon. Satellite mapping and lunar surface reconnaissance will be primarily conducted by Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Neish, and Dr. Zanetti. These preliminary findings will be presented at GSA Denver in September 2016.

Lauren Schaefer, PhD Lauren, an AEG Marliave fellow and a recipient of the Lemke and Tilford field scholarships, finished her Doctorate in Geological Engineering from Michigan Tech this summer. Schaefer’s doctoral research used remote sensing, rock mechanics, and numerical modeling to understand the nature and dynamics of volcanic flank stability. After finishing her PhD, she received an East Asia Pacific Institute grant from the National Science Foundation to travel to the University of Canterbury (UC) in Christchurch, New Zealand (NZ) to study the structural stability of the active Mt. Ruapehu Volcano, a popular ski resort on the north island of NZ. Subsequently, she was offered a postdoctoral fellowship at UC, where her current projects involve analyzing the stability of volcanoes in the Taupo Volcanic Zone alongside NZ’s geological society (Geological and Nuclear Sciences, GNS), working with NZ geothermal companies to harvest energy from volcanic systems, and using experimental lab work to understand how earthquakes trigger volcanic eruptions.

The newly graduated Dr. Lauren Schaffer with her advisor, Dr. Oommen

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HEADER HERE CONTRIBUTIONS PROFESSIONAL

Caroline R. Scheevel Stability Analysis of Cook Lake, Wyoming Landslide Cook Lake, located north of Sundance in Crook County, WY, is surrounded by historic and active landslides. The most recent landslide took place in 1997 and failed a 27-acre area on the southwest side of Cook Lake. The failure is located directly across the lake from a US Forest Service campground; therefore, landslide reactivation is potentially dangerous to any campsite occupants. My research seeks to analyze the current stability of the landslide area by conducting a back-analysis of 1997 failure conditions and then producing a forward model of reactivation conditions. The ultimate goal of this research is to estimate the probability of landslide reactivation under variable groundwater conditions and to evaluate the run-out of the potential future reactivations. Field observations of the exposed scarp face and the muddy toe near the lake support a conceptual model of a failure plane that follows a paleo scarp deep into the subsurface and then curves to follow the gentle dip of a weak bedding plane. Elevations of ponding and seepage noted during field reconnaissance help constrain the modeled water table levels. Direct shear tests conducted on undisturbed, groundlevel samples provide the basis for strength ranges used in computer modeling.

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Areas of nearby slides compared to the map-calculated angle of reach. The blue region represents 1/2 – 2/3 of the area disturbed by the 1997 slide, which is assumed to represent the potentially active northern portion of the slide. The red dashed lines bound the 95% confidence interval that contains the mean angle of reach for a given area size. Angles identified in the blue zone do not cause landslide material to reach the campsite.

I conducted both backwards and forward modeling in RocScience Slide 2.0, a finite element analysis program. Since the 1997 failure plane is not constrained by borehole data, I constrained the initial failure plane by analyzing three transects roughly parallel to the sliding direction for similar slide plane geometries that yielded factors of safety close to unity. I forced the forward model to exploit some part of the modeled 1997 slide plane, hypothesizing that slope materials are weakest in the previous failure zone. Results indicate that the northern part of the slide is marginally stable and may move in the future, but that the southern part is less likely to move. Runout projections determined by applying the surrounding landslide terrain’s dominant angle of reach indicate that landslide reactivation may send material into the lake, but that the material is not expected to cross the lake (see figure). Thus future reactivations are not expected to be catastrophic to the nearby campground.

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The April 2017 issue of AEG News will be a special edition commemorating AEG’s 60th anniversary. We are actively seeking articles covering historic, current, and future topics regarding AEG. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: February 28, 2017

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

FIELD TRIPS

Calaveras Dam San Francisco Section E. Morley Beckman, Section Chair

n Friday, June 3, 2016, a group of 14 intrepid members of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of AEG visited Calaveras Dam for presentations and a site tour. This was our first AEGSF field trip in several years and it was deemed a grand success by all involved! We met at the (rather expansive) field trailers just outside the dam site and after a site environmental briefing, were treated to two excellent presentations. Glenn Gorski, the project’s Lead Quality Assurance Inspector, presented on the overall goals, challenges, and changes to the project since it began in 2011, highlighting the impacts of previously unmapped landslides which were encountered during excavation. Bradley Erskine, the project’s Compliance Manager for the Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) Program, presented on the NOA issues associated with construction of the dam, including containment measures, monitoring protocols, and laboratory testing of air samples. We also viewed a fantastic time lapse video of construction completed to date which you can see via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM-Ll6iNWKc. After the presentations, we piled into several project pickup trucks and viewed the site from the left and right abutments. We were able to see the entirety of the dam excavation, constructed spillway, and associated geologic exposures. Glenn and Bradley accompanied our group to both sites and continued to answer questions about construction methods, geologic mapping results, NOA monitoring and abatement efforts, and everything in between. We returned to the field trailers (but not without thorough vehicle and personnel decon!) and enjoyed a tasty lunch while getting to know each other better. After lunch, a few hearty souls continued networking at Bosco’s restaurant and bar in nearby Sunol, CA, before heading home.Our visit to Calaveras Dam September 2016

Panoramic View from the Right Abutment of the New Calaveras Dam ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION PHOTOS BY E. MORLEY BECKMAN

was thoroughly educational and enjoyable! Many thanks to all who attended. AEGSF especially thanks Glenn Gorski and Bradley Erskine for their onsite education and assistance, Maria Le of SFPUC for coordinating on behalf of the owner, Ryan Coe for helping run the field trip and obtaining our all-important lunches, and Courtney Johnson for helping keep track of our member registrations. We are planning on more Chapter field trips in the next year as we gear up for IAEG 2018. .

Bradley Erskine of the NOA Program pointing out the features of the site geology from the right abutment

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FIELD TRIPS

Calavares Dam field trip participants—members of AEG’s San Francisco Section—gathered at the left abutment

Hollywood/Santa Monica/Malibu Fault Zone Southern California Section

Shant Minas, Southern California Section Chair

EG’s Southern California Section is the largest by number of members, and is also the original AEG Section, founded in 1957. Over the decades, as its membership increased and covered a broader geographical area, subsections were created to accommodate the demand for meetings and presentations. After a brief period of quietude during and shortly after the Great Recession, the SoCal Section has come back strong. In June 2015 and again in June 2016, our section organized two very successful day field trips along the Hollywood/Santa Monica/Malibu fault zone. The fault zone was known to early geologic workers in the area as early as the late 1800s, based mostly on geomorphology. By the latter part of the 20th century, much of the length of the fault and splays were identified and mapped. However, recency of movement along this fault zone has been 20

June 2015 Group Photo of Presenters

debated for several decades. For much of the 20th century, the consensus was that the fault was inactive, based on the CGS definition of an active fault (rupture within Holocene time).

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September 2016

HEADER FIELD HERE TRIPS

Organizer and Current AEG SoCal Chair Shant Minas with mentor Richard Crook, Jr.

Starting in the early 2000s, a significant number of studies were commissioned along this fault zone for a variety of development projects, both public and private, including the Metro Purple Line subway and the Millennium project in Hollywood. Some of the driving force for the fault studies was political, often commissioned by opponents of the various projects. By 2011, enough data had come forth to suggest the fault is active. In 2013, the city of Los Angeles created its own map of the fault zone and began requiring fault rupture hazard studies for all new developments within the fault zone. In early 2014, the California Geologic Survey followed suit and issued its Alquist Priolo fault map for the Hollywood quadrangle. The AP map for the Beverly Hills quadrangle is forthcoming. The zoning of this fault as active has generated a significant amount of work for practicing engineering geologists in southern California. However, there is still intense debate among geologists, academicians, and regulators regarding the location of various fault splays as well as recency of movement along segments of the zone. Frequent coverage by local media and newspapers of projects affected by the fault zone added to the already heightened intensity and sensitivity of the debate. This combination made for a perfect opportunity for the AEG SoCal Section leadership to rejuvenate the Section membership, by organizing a series of field trips along the fault zone, starting at its east end and moving west. The field trips were held in June 2015 and June 2016, organized under the leadership of current AEG SoCal Chair Shant Minas, past Chair David Perry, and current Vice-Chair Darrin Hasham, with the support of fellow past and current Board members Edmond Lee, Pedram Rahimikian, Ted Zeidan, and Matt Pendleton. For the remainder of 2016, our Section (soon to be Chapter) September 2016

ABOVE: Eldon Gath, Roy Shlemon and Jerry Treiman discuss their findings from numerous fault studies at Winter Mesa Drive, Malibu. June 11, 2016.

will be compiling all of the reports, maps, and figures from the presenters from both field trips, in order to issue an AEG Field Trip Guidebook sometime in early 2017. In the meantime, we have compiled some memorable photos from the two field trips to share with our cohorts in AEG worldwide. BELOW: David Perry (standing directly on the fault scarp!) discusses the Santa Monica fault at the University High School. June 11, 2016.

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FIELD TRIPS

Southern California Section field trip attendees, June 11, 2016.

Phillip Shaller on wave cut platforms uplifted along the coastal thrust fault, June 11, 2016.

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September 2016

FIELD TRIPS

Spring Break on the Colorado Plateau Mattison Barickman, Student Member–Tufts University

ndergraduate geology courses cover a wide range of topics, many of which are discussed in the classroom but are never actually seen first-hand. Field trips, therefore, provide students in these courses an opportunity to actually see and explore many of the topics they learn about in the classroom. Such was the case for students in Structural Geology and Sedimentology and Stratigraphy at Tufts University. Over Spring Break in March 2016, seven students, accompanied by two professors from the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at Tufts University, flew to Las Vegas to begin a nine-day road trip and geologic exploration across the Colorado Plateau. The trip included some of Utah’s most famous National Parks, such as Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands. Students were also given a chance to experience some of the state’s lesser-known geologic wonders, such as the San Rafael Swell. The trip allowed for a stop at the Valley of Fire State Park, located about an hour outside of Las Vegas, NV, and Natural Bridges National Monument. For several of the students on the trip, myself included, it was our first time visiting the western U.S., and also our first time visiting a National Park! Naturally, we were overwhelmed not only by the beauty but also the geologic diversity of the many locations we stopped at along the trip. Most of the students agreed that Capitol Reef National Park encompassed both natural beauty and geologic diversity well. Our group hiked in along the sheer-walled Capitol Gorge Trail and climbed up to the Tanks for a beautiful view of the small, side canyon and the eolian sandstones that comprise much of the park. Afterwards, several of us free-climbed up some ancient sand dunes to enjoy an even more beautiful view. This hike also provided a good exploration of plumose structure and en echelon jointing, two structures students in Structural Geology knew well. It was one of the defining moments of the trip. Probably the most nerve-wracking experience of the trip was the treacherous drive down the Moki Dugway. After several hours driving across the Colorado Plateau, the professors steered off-road, taking us out to Muley Point. It was quite a breathtaking view; we were able to look down on the diverse stratigraphy of the Goosenecks (the oldest layers being of Pennsylvanian age), and could see as far out as Monument Valley in Arizona. Then, the professors drove the two vehicles down a three-mile winding road, until we were 1,200 feet lower than where we started. Being afraid of heights, my heart was racing as we traversed down the steep dirt road, but we were soon on flat ground again and we continued our journey across the plateau. September 2016

The most noteworthy part of the trip, however, occurred just outside of the town of Moab. After an exciting morning exploring Canyonlands National Park, our team drove over to an outcrop of the Moab fault. Having a very little prior knowledge about the formation of the fault, we (both professors and students) attempted to use our skills to determine the nature of the fault. We stayed for several hours, drawing multiple cross-sections of the fault. It was a quite heated debate. Was it a thrust fault? Was it a normal fault? Which layer was the Morrison Formation? By the time we left the outcrop, it was getting dark and everyone finally agreed that it was indeed a normal fault caused by extension. Upon returning to the hotel, two students drew a detailed crosssection of the entire outcrop, noting every intricacy they could find. It was a mentally exhausting experience, but it felt amazing to apply skills that we had spent a lot of time learning in class. The details we didn’t work out still pique my mind every once in a while, but that’s the true beauty of geology: the mystery is never over and there will always be something new to discover. Moments like this were what made the journey memorable; all of the students were fully engaged throughout the course of the trip. Each night, we students would read research articles from well-known scientific journals or publications by the National Park Service, and then the next morning we would present to the group on what we had learned. Then, we would traverse through the parks and to the sites to get a first-hand look at what we had read about. We were all so interested in every location we stopped at that the professors had to practically pry us away from the sites so that we could stay on schedule. While this resulted in several delays, it was still an amazingly positive experience because everyone was so engaged and demonstrated such intense interest and excitement towards what we were learning.

Tufts students and faculty enjoy a Bryce Canyon morning in Utah

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HEADER HERE GEOLOGISTS ABROAD

Douro River Valley, Northern Portugal Jim Hamel, AEG Honorary Member, Allegheny-Ohio Section Jim and Betsy Hamel of Hamel Geotechnical Consultants, Monroeville, PA, cruised on the Douro River in Northern Portugal from December 27, 2015, to January 3, 2016. They boarded ship in Porto, cruised approximately 200 km upriver to Barca d’Alva, took a day trip to Salamanca, Spain, then cruised back downriver to Porto. The Douro River rises in the mountains of north-central Spain,

Map of Douro Valley

flows approximately 580 km westerly across Spain, 110 km southerly along the border between Spain and Portugal, then 210 km westerly across Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. Fifteen dams have been built on the Douro. Five dams in Spain and five dams along the Spanish-Portuguese border regulate water flow and produce hydroelectric power. The last five dams—all in Portugal—also have

Jim and Betsy Sampling Port Wine, Porto

Douro River Dam and Lock Data

Profile of Douro River by Jose-Manuel Benito, Wickipedia

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September 2016

GEOLOGISTS HEADER ABROAD HERE

Carrapatelo Dam Douro River

Douro River Cruise Ship, Barca dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alva

The Upper Douro Valley is famous for production of port wine. This is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest demarcated wine region, dating from 1756. Vineyards are everywhere on terraced slopes as well as flatter uplands. Posts cut from local slate are used to support vines. The terroir here includes rocky, acidic, schistderived soil and a warm, sunny microclimate. Jim and Betsy visited several wineries and wine storage/aging cellars and sampled many varieties of port as well as excellent Portuguese table wines. The wines and cuisine of Portugal are on a par with those of any other European country. Outstanding food and wine, complex and interesting geology and history, and extremely friendly people make Portugal a great place to visit.

navigation locks. All of these latter dams and locks are massive concrete gravity structures similar to those in the U.S. and elsewhere. The dams have crest gates for passing floods. The single locks, which have relatively high lifts, can accommodate vessels with a maximum length of 83 m and a maximum width of 11.4 m. The river cruise ship was a tight fit in the locks. The Douro Valley was eroded mainly in Cambrian to Precambrian age granites and greywacke schists. These rocks, near the boundaries of the African, Iberian, and Eurasian Plates, have been extensively faulted. The river valley is fault-controlled with many sharp bends. Classic fault topography and fault scarps occur in certain reaches. Some reaches are short and very narrow with steep rock sides. Other reaches are long and wide with flatter soil-covered slopes. September 2016

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

Douro River Fault Topoghaphy and Scarp

HEADER HERE GEOLOGISTS ABROAD

Douro River Rocky Reach

Douro Valley near Pinhao

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September 2016

GEOLOGISTS HEADER ABROAD HERE

Jim in Port Wine Cellar, Porto

Slate Posts holding Grapevines, Favaios

Douro Valley, Terraced Slope with Landslide at Left

Submissions to “Geologists Abroad” Welcome Many of our members spend their “vacations” traveling the globe in search of interesting geology. We invite you all to share your experiences with readers of AEG News in our new feature section: Geologists Abroad. The focus of the article should be about the geology of the region visited, though you can also touch on interesting cultural aspects. Write-ups should be 700–1,400 words and photos and images should be a minimum of 300 dpi at 7.5" wide (typically >5MB). September 2016

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

Carolinas Section

t n o r f e m o The H

Maddie German, Chair The Carolinas Section has been keeping our members engaged throughout the spring and summer. Our “early summer” meeting was held in conjunction with the field trip Sue Buchanan planned for Wilmington, NC. The meeting was held on Friday, May 13, at Reel Café in downtown Wilmington. Professor Roger Shew, a 2016 North Carolina Outstanding Educator award recipient, from UNC Wilmington presented his talk Coastal Zone Issues – Geological and Environmental Treasures, Stressors, Solutions? On Saturday we enjoyed the Beach to River Field Trip: A Visit to the Coastal Zone to Observe Geological Controls and Environmental/Anthropogenic Impacts on Our Natural Systems. The day began with a visit to Fort Fisher/Kure Beach where we discussed the reconstructed seawall and the probable hazards of living in close proximity to the seawall; beach re-nourishment and erosion; and the local, naturally occurring coquina rock outcrops. We even observed a few groundwater seeps at the beach! That afternoon we enjoyed a river tour of the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers, learning the history and viewing the beauty of the rivers. We also discussed some of the issues of water quality and sources, river classification, efforts to restore anadromous species with the construction of a rock arch rapid, future fishery efforts, and population and development stressors in the area. The meeting offered three continuing education credits and the field trip offered six continuing education credits, for a total of nine credits for a great weekend. We had a great turn out of about 30 geologists and rock enthusiasts. Even one student managed to attend, despite their summer break schedule. At the Wilmington meeting we held another 50/50 raffle to raise money for the Carolinas Scholarship Fund and members did not disappoint. The raffle winner even donated their prize money back to the scholarship fund, netting a total of $90. In June, the Section leadership met at the annual face-toface meeting where we actually got through the entire agenda. We discussed many of the changes implemented at the national level dealing with contracts and banks, planned 2016 sponsorship for the NCSTA and AEG Annual Meeting in Kona, and started the process of revising the Carolinas Bylaws. To keep membership networking opportunities available over the summer months, the Carolinas Section held a free social event on August 4 at Tobacco Road Café patio overlooking the Durham Bulls baseball field. Section member Jennifer Thomas produces our quarterly section newsletter, GeoNews. The latest issue was published in June 2016, and provides Carolinas members with section and national AEG updates, a summary of our section financials, geology-related articles, and a place to advertise for our section sponsors. Sue Buchanan also planned the field trip and meeting to Boone, NC, that took place Friday, August 26–Saturday, 28

August 27. At Friday’s meeting, Appalachian State University professors Dr. Arthur Merschat and Crystal Wilson presented on the tectonic history of the Appalachian Mountains. On Saturday, they led us in and around Boone as we examined and discussed not only Paleozoic deformation and mountain building, but also over-printing brittle structures and geomorphic evidence for later reactivation of the Linville Falls fault. Meeting attendees earned three education credits toward their geology license, and field trip attendees earned ten education credits. We currently have 24 sponsors for the Carolinas Section for 2016. Walt Plekan, our Sponsorship Chair, has been busy getting our existing sponsors renewed and recruiting new ones. The generosity of our sponsors allows AEG Carolinas to fund education outreach programs for students, our profession, and the general public.

New York - Philadelphia Section Brionna O’Connor, Newsletter Editor The two-year term for our Section officers and board members came to a close in August 2016. In July, NY–PA was finalizing nominations for the 2016–18 term. Our very own Curt Schmidt, serving as Chair during this past term and previously as Treasurer, was nominated to run for the position of New England Regional Director to represent Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey (Region 10). We hope to see Curt join AEG’s Board of Directors at the first Board meeting at the 2016 AEG Annual Meeting in September. Curt was among several members at this year’s AEG Annual Meeting in Kona, Hawai‘i. Niall Henshaw of Parsons attended the Board of Directors meeting as the Co-chair of the Finance Committee, Loren Lasky of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) moderated the Technical Session on Environmental Remediation, and Matt McMillen of Bucks Geophysical in Bucks County, PA, also exhibited at the meeting. Our meetings—as the AEG Region 10 NY–PA Chapter—will resume this fall under our new officers and board members.

Oregon Section Chris Humphrey, Secretary The Oregon Section closed out the 2015–16 lecture series on May 17 with our annual Student Poster Night. A total of 21 posters covering a wide range of topics were judged by a three-person panel of Section professionals. In addition, the 2016 Jahn’s Lecturer, Jerry DeGraff, presented his talk, The Challenges of Providing Landslide Information during an Emergency Response. The meeting was well attended, and all the posters and DeGraff’s presentation were well received.

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September 2016

THE HOMEFRONT On June 11, the Oregon Section hosted an Engineering Geology of Mount St. Helens field trip. The 32 trip attendees traveled along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway to the David Johnston Ridge Visitor Center. Along the way the Sediment Retention Structure (SRS) was visited and the building of the Highway to Mt. St. Helens and the Spirit Lake Tunnel were discussed. Special thanks go out to Field Trip Chair, Erin Dunbar, and trip leader, Scott Burns, for organizing the event. Special congratulations to Angela Piller and Max Bordal, both from Portland State University, on winning this year’s Student Award to attend and present posters at the 2016 Annual Meeting in Kona, Hawai‘i. Each received an award of $1,250 to be used for airfare and accommodations. Angela’s presentation is titled Precipitation Intensity Required for Landslide Initiation in Rwanda, and Max’s is titled, Quantifying Rapid Erosion with Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Point Cloud Analysis in an Urbanized Watershed. Thanks to the Section Board for all of their efforts during the 2015–16 term, and especially to our out-going Section Chair, Adam Reese. Ballots for the new Oregon Chapter of Region 3 2016–17 Board have been compiled and the official results are as follows: Chair Stephen Hay, Chair-Elect Mark Swank, Treasurer Chris Humphrey, and, the newest member to the Board, Secretary Ben George. In addition, the Oregon Section thanks our support team and the continued efforts by Program Chair Mike Marshall, Newsletter Editor Scott Braunsten, Field-Trip Chair Erin Dunbar, Webmaster Keith Olsen, and Membership Chair Ruth Wilmoth.

Rocky Mountain Section Denise Garcia, Secretary The Rocky Mountain Section, soon to be the Mile-High Chapter, took a break from meetings from June through August. However, members attended a very exciting field trip to tour some Colorado Springs landslides and debris flow hazards and mitigation sites this August. We spent the morning observing active landslides in and around the Broadmoor area then spent the rest of the day examining debris mitigation efforts in several areas around Colorado Springs. It was a very successful and interesting field trip! The Section has also been working hard to organize the 60th AEG Annual Meeting, which will be held in Colorado Springs in September 2017. We are looking forward to seeing the AEG members there! Check out the ad on the inside front cover of this issue for details. In other news, the 2016 Rocky Mountain Geo-Conference will be held on November 4, 2016, in Denver at the Marriott Denver West. This conference is a continuation of the biannual series presented by AEG, the Geotechnical Group of the ASCE Colorado Section, CAGE, and the ASCE Geo-Institute. The goal of the conference is to enhance the technical knowledge of local geotechnical engineers and geologists in areas of current regional interest. The proceedings will be published nationally by the Geo-Institute of ASCE as part of their Geotechnical Practice Publications showcase.

September 2016

St. Louis Section Stefanie Voss, Section Editor Section member Phyllis Steckel held her Earthquake Insight field trip April 1–3 to Southeast Missouri to look at geological evidence and earthquake history of the region and notable points of interest from the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes in the New Madrid Fault Zone. This trip occurs annually and will be held again in the spring of 2017. If you are interested in attending, please contact Phyllis via email at psteckel@charter.net. We had our last meeting before summer break on May 4, 2016. Stefanie Voss presented A Geologist among Archaeologists, a discussion of cave archaeology, primarily in Missouri, and how human activity has affected caves. The non-profit group CAIRN—Cave Archaeology Investigation & Research Network—conducts cave investigations to find and document any prehistoric or historical artifacts before the evidence is lost to time or looters. I’ve been privileged to be a part of this group as a geologist and board member. As the organization’s geologist, I provide my input as to whether a piece was worn by erosion or man and identify the rock type and the geologic formation that the cave may be located in for the record and any reporting. The summer break also included a couple of social activities. On August 25, we had a night at the ballpark to see the Cardinals play the New York Mets. At press time, we are also trying to coordinate a field trip into Cliff Cave in St. Louis County Park. This cave is only open to the public on a very limited basis, due to bat habitat hibernation season. The St. Louis Section also partners with Geotechnology to show college students what engineering and environmental geology is all about. This workshop is hosted by Geotechnology and will be on September 10th at their corporate headquarters.

Stefanie Voss presenting at the May meeting

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THE HOMEFRONT

San Francisco Section Maggie Parks, Secretary We kicked off a fun summer with a busy June. First, we held a short course on soil stratigraphy taught by Dr. Glenn Borchardt. Twenty-five enthusiastic professionals spent two days learning the details of trench logging. The second day was spent at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, where field techniques and examples were observed. Next, we held a field trip to the Calaveras Dam Replacement Project near Sunol. Fourteen intrepid AEG members visited the dam for presentations and a site tour. Presentations included a project overview from Glenn Gorski and an overview of the Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) issues associated with the project from Bradley Erskine. After the presentation, the participants were able to visit the entirety of the dam excavation, constructed spillway, and associated geologic exposures. For the full recap and photos, see the article in the Field Trip section of this issue of AEG News—page 19. At the end of June, we joined with AEG’s Naturally Occurring Asbestos Technical Working Group to hold a meeting to discuss The Development of a Naturally Occurring Asbestos Training Course. Led by Mark Bailey, PG, the meeting was held at Pietro’s No. 2 Restaurant in Vacaville, and we covered the advisability of offering a training course and the course content. In August, we held a joint meeting with the Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRA) at HS Lordship’s in Berkeley, where we heard a talk from Joel Pomerantz. He is an author and historian who discussed his recent book, Seep City Water Log, in his talk From the Ground Up: How San Francisco’s Water History Created a City against All Odds. We’re still looking for a new meeting venue to replace Sinbad’s and Pyramid Brewing, which have both recently closed. If anyone has a great idea, please forward it along! We’d also like to thank our Corporate Sponsor Fugro for their support of our Section! As always, check our Section website for a copy of our latest newsletter, up to the minute news, meeting information, local job postings, and events. www.aegsf.org

The trip was held on April 30 and put together by Michael Cook, of Kleinfelder West, and Dale Hamelehle and Mark Spykerman, both of Earth Systems Southwest. The San Jacinto fault zone is a highly active, left-lateral strike-slip fault that is located to the southwest of the San Andreas Fault. The fault zone trends through communities of San Jacinto and Hemet, such that we were able to visit various locations where the fault zone is expressed within this urban setting. Numerous examples of fault geomorphology were identified and discussed, both in urban and natural settings. Several of the attendees were able to enlighten the crowd of almost 50 with stories and examples of their work on the fault. Janis Hernandez, a geologist with the California Geological Survey (CGS) presented a discussion of the local Special Studies Zones Map (known, active faults with zones of required investigations),

Southern California Section Inland Empire Chapter (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Southern California Region) Shaun Wilkins, Secretary The second quarter of 2016 was an exciting one! For the second consecutive year (and ninth since our inception) we offered our annual field trip, this time to visit and discuss faulting along the San Jacinto fault as well as the historically interesting (and beautiful) Massacre Canyon. Two discussions were held in the quarter, including our annual joint meeting with the Inland Geological Society (IGS) and Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration (SME).

Impressive rock outcrop at the end of the trail in Massacre Canyon.

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September 2016

THE HOMEFRONT

ABOVE: Prominent scarp representing the dramatic geomorphic expression of the fault zone (keeping in mind the San Jacinto Fault is primarily a strikeslip fault).

Janis Hernandez discusses the Special Studies Zone Map of the San Jacinto Quadrangle, produced by the State of California. Note the end of a pressure ridge in the background.

September 2016

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

HEADER THE HOMEFRONT HERE with a prominent pressure ridge as backdrop to the discussion. The trip also included a stop to historic Massacre Canyon, which, according to old Native American stories, was the site of a large battle that pitted Temecula Native Americans against those of the village of Ivah. In addition to the cultural significance, the canyon afforded some beautiful scenery and impressive rock outcrops. Our annual joint meeting with the local chapters of IGS and SME was held on May 3rd at the Old Spaghetti Factory in historic downtown Riverside. Our speaker for this event was Anne Rosinski, senior engineering geologist in the Seismic Hazard Assessment Program of the CGS. Her talk introduced the California Earthquake Clearinghouse to the attendees, many of whom were unaware of its existence. Rosinski is the current chair of the clearinghouse and through a network of numerous emergency management and scientific agencies, she helps to provide State and Federal disaster response managers and the scientific and engineering communities with prompt information on ground failure, structural damage, and other consequences from significant seismic events such as earthquakes and tsunamis. She also informed the crowd of almost 100 attendees how they can get involved in the gathering and distribution of this time-critical information.

Finally, our June meeting was held at the Pinnacle Peaks Steakhouse in Colton, CA, our usual monthly meeting place. This is our final meeting until after the AEG Annual Meeting in Hawai‘i. We had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Geoff Cromwell and Greg Mendez from the USGS, who provided a combined discussion on the 3D Hydrogeologic Framework Model of the Yucaipa Basin. Hydrogeologic evaluation of the Yucaipa Basin is essential for local water districts to manage groundwater resources. Previous hydrogeologic and geologic investigations of the area provide information on hydrogeologic conditions, but there is no comprehensive study that describes the hydrogeology of the subsurface throughout the entire basin. The Yucaipa Basin is located in a geologically complex region between the northwest-southeast trending San Andreas Fault zone and the ancestral Banning fault. Several of the dip-slip faults in the area have been identified as barriers to groundwater flow within the sedimentary units of the structural graben. In the study, they compiled available geologic and geophysical information from a variety of sources into a 3D hydrogeologic framework model. They discussed the hydrogeologic model in context with the geologic history of the area and provided possible hydrogeologic implications of their findings.

EDITOR’S NOTE: With the December issue, the format of The HomeFront Section of AEG News will reflect AEG’s new governance structure. AEG’s governance structure will be fully implemented as of September 2016. To view a map of AEG’s Chapters you may go to: http://www.aegweb.org/?page=Chapters.

Save the Dates!

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs Photo by Jerry Moore – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jdigger/8325526437

AEG 2017 Annual Meeting Sept. 10–17 Colorado Springs, CO AEG Members and their Guests will have two opportunities to visit famed Garden of the Gods. Plan now to celebrate AEG’s 60th Birthday in Colorado Springs.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

THE HOMEFRONT

AEG Texas Section Stephanie Coffman, Section Chair EDITORS NOTE: AEG News apologizes to the Texas Section for not including their Homefront article in the June issue. The previous Homefront is included herein.

2016 WINTER MEETING: Earth & Beyond – Rocks of Our Universe and Field Trip to Space Center Houston On February 13, 2016, a total of 48 people (26 members, 15 non-members, 7 student members) attended the day-long meeting in Seabrook, TX. The day began with Texas Section Chair Stephanie Coffman announcing upcoming events, followed by Mark Dobson giving tentative details about the AEG Texas Section Special Field Trip to Big Bend National Park and Chili Cook-Off in Terlingua to be held at the end of October. Bill Flanigan, AEG Foundation Director, gave an update on the Foundation and available scholarships and Jacob Kratavil, a student member from the University of Houston, gave an update about the UH AEG Student Chapter and Career Fair on April 6, 2016. We had three spectacular, passionate speakers from the Lunar Planetary Institute. Dr. Allan Treiman presented his incredible research on active Martian gullies; Dr. Georgiana Kramer gave an entraining presentation about her studies on the composition, structure, and evolution of the Moon; and, Dr. Patricia Craig wowed us with her research on the Geology of Mars and photos from one of the Mars rovers. After lunch we caravanned to the Space Center in Houston. We had our very own personal tour guide, Marianne Dyson, an award-winning author and former NASA flight controller. Favorite exhibits of the meeting BELOW: AEG TX Section Officers with presenters at our Winter meeting–left to right: Benson Chow, Christina Dance, Dr. Kramer, Stephanie Coffman, Dr. Craig, Bill Flanigan, and Dr. Treiman.

September 2016

AEG TX Section Winter Meeting – having a great time listening to the speakers!

attendees included the guided tour of the Independence Shuttle and the Lunar Samples Vault.

2016 SPRING MEETING and Field Trip: Chico and Bridgeport Quarries On April 22–23, Martin Marietta welcomed a total of 30 people (25 members, 4 non-members, 1 student member) to the Texas Section spring meeting. The event began with Section Chair Stephanie Coffman updating membership on upcoming events and thanking our terrific sponsors: Martin Marietta; GEHRIG, Inc.; Freese and Nichols, Inc.; and McCalip & Company, Inc. Additionally, our Section awarded the Christopher C. Mathewson Texas Section Scholarship Fund, a $5,000 donation! Eric Walston, Martin Marietta District Quality Control Manager and AEG Texas Section Past Chair, presented a Martin Marietta company overview and field trip introduction with safety protocols. We then loaded into two 15-passenger vans to explore the aggregate mining industry. The Chico and Bridgeport quarries are only separated by a road. We split into two groups, with each group exploring both quarries in turn. We learned about the local geology being mined, mine planning, and quality control. These quarries are mining the Chico Ridge Limestone. The Pennsylvanian Chico Ridge Limestone deposit is approximately 200 feet thick and consists of fine- to occasionally coarse-grained limestone with some occasional, thin, dark gray shale. The Texas Section was able to compare the processes of a sizing plant and a fractionated plant. Chico is considered a sizing plant and Bridgeport is a partially fractionated plant. Sizing is a method strictly controlled by screens to grade the products. Fractionated plants screen the fed rock into single sizes for blending of the aggregate through tunnels and conveyors to produce the desired grades. These quarries supply aggregate for many construction purposes such as concrete, asphalt, and MSE wall construction in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding areas.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

THE HOMEFRONT Our speakers included several Martin Marietta employees: Jeremy Teter, Robin Simmons, Rick Williams, Todd Bradshaw, and Eric Walston. We extend a special thanks to Jeremy Teter, Chico Plant Manager, and Todd Lacey, Bridgeport Plant Manager, for welcoming the Texas Section to tour these Martin Marietta quarries!

2016 SUMMER MEETING: Geology of Cibolo Creek Watershed and Stream Geomorphic Challenges & Professional Ethics for Geologists, Engineers, and Other Good Folks Our summer meeting was held on July 23, 2016, in New Braunfels, TX. A total of 45 people (36 members, 4 non-members, 5 student members) attended the day-long meeting. After an update on Section events by Section Chair Stephanie Coffman, Bill Flanigan, Chair of AEG Foundation, giving an update about the foundation and scholarships and awards available. Next, we caravanned to visit the East Salitrillo stream restoration project in northeast San Antonio. Our speakers Tami Norton PE, CFM, and LeeAnne Lutz PE, CFM—both from Cardinal Strategies—walked us through the project site. They explained the different types of natural channel design techniques used to restore and rehabilitate the once severely degraded stream. After the site visit, we returned to the meeting room in New Braunfels for lunch and to hear presentations from Tami Norton on the specifics about the stream restoration site and LeeAnne Lutz about larger stream system rehabilitation and eco system restoration projects in San Antonio. Next, we heard from AEG President Paul Santi who

AEG TX Chapter Officers with presenters–left to right: Bill Flanigan, Stephanie Coffman, LeeAnne Lutz, Tami Norton, Paul Santi, Christopher Mathewson, and Rusty Branch

attended our icebreaker and meeting. His talk began with an informative update on AEG, including upcoming meetings. After the update, he presented on the Mechanics and Analysis of the Deadly West Salt Creek Landslide, Colorado. Our last presentation for the day was by Christopher C. Mathewson, who teaches an ethics course at Texas A&M in the Department of Geology and Geophysics. He gave a one-hour presentation with unique and powerful ethical scenarios that apply to our profession. A special thank you goes out to our speakers for volunteering their time to present to the Section. BELOW: AEG TX Section Summer Meeting – group photo in front of East Salitrillo stream restoration project

AEG NEWS 59 (3)

September 2016

s r o s n o p S Corporate

HEADER HERE

AEG is grateful to the corporations and individuals who contribute to our operating fund through their sponsorship.

titanium Kleinfelder, Inc. Chad Lukkarila 14710 NE 87th St, Ste 100 Redmond, WA 98052 425-636-7900 CLukkarila@kleinfelder.com www.kleinfelder.com

Silver Exponent Failure Analysis Associates Elizabeth Mathieson 475 14th St., Suite 400 Oakland, CA 94612 510-268-5011 emathieson@exponent.com www.exponent.com

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Hoover Consulting Michael F. Hoover PO Box 30860 Santa Barbara, CA 93130 mfhoover@hoovergeo.com www.hoovergeo.com

SAGE Engineers, Inc. Ara Sanjideh 2251 Douglas Blvd., Suite 200 Roseville, CA 95661 916-677-4800 asanjideh@sageengineers.com www.sageengineers.com

Joshua Feffer 1990 S Bundy Dr, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-207-5048 josh@feffergeo.com www.feffergeo.com

Geodynamics Consultant Group, Inc. Harry Audell 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Ste 117 Dana Point, CA 92629 949-493-1352 gcg@geodynamicsinc.com www.homegeo.com

SHN Engineers & Geologists Gary Simpson 812 W. Wabash Ave. Eureka, CA 95501 707-331-8855 gsimpson@shn-engr.com www.shn-engr.com

Become an AEG Corporate Sponsor today!

AEG 2017 Annual Meeting...............2 AEG Corporate Sponsors ...............35

Benefits of Sponsorship include:

Geotechnology.................................4

■ Listing in each issue of AEG News

Penn Master of Science in Applied Geoscience ...................36

■ Listing on AEG website

REG Review ...................................18

For information on supporting AEG through sponsorship and/or advertising in AEG News, contact AEG Headquarters: advertising@aegweb.org.

■ At the Titanium, Platinum and President’s Club levels you will be directly supporting a student’s attendance at the AEG Annual Meeting. A portion of your sponsorship will fund a highly competitive award that will be given to a student submitted abstract for a technical or poster session. In addition, your company will be verbally recognized at the Annual Meeting.

We are applied geology! AEG is one of the very few organizations dedicated to supporting applied geology. Members of AEG include geologists specializing in engineering geology, environmental geology, and hydrogeology as well as other professionals in affiliated fields, such as civil and mining engineering, land-use planning, public policy and education.

AEG NEWS 59 (3)