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Vol. 63, No. 2 – Spring 2020
Work, & Life, In the time of
COVID-19
We invite you to join us for the 63rd AEG Annual Meeting The 2020 Annual Meeting Committee has arranged a variety of unbelievable and unique Field Courses, Guest Tours, Technical Sessions, Symposia, and Special Events that are sure to attract geologists from around the country for this memorable event. Don’t miss s this great opportunity to network with industry r professionals.
Guest Tours • • • •
Johnston Ridge Observatory Evergreen Museum Tour of the Columb bia Gorge Willamette Valley Wine Tour
Field Courses ngineering Geology in the Columbia River Gorge • Landslides and En egon • Living with Giant Landslides in Portland, Ore • Mt St Helens - Highlights of the 1980 Eruption and Engineering Geology after the Eve E nt • Scoggins Dam Engineering Geology in the Cascadia Subduction Zone / Networking Opportunity
Marriott Portland Downtown W Wa atterfr f ont • 25 minutes from the Portland Airport. • Walking distance to 60 breweries, restaurants and sh hops. Symposia s Hazards in • Dams and Levees: Hindsight et Management: • Geotechnical Asse Change Detection, Asset Management, and T Te echnology En vi ro n me n t a l C h a ra cterization and • Remediation • Cascadia Subducttion Zone: Associated Hazards and Mitigation • Geologic Aspects of Alternative Energy Sources • Our Neighboring Volcanoes: Hazards, Case Studies, and Lessons Learned • Engineering Geology for Tunnels and Underground Construction ociety: Hazards, • Landslides and So Risk and Communication • Naturally Occurring Asbestos: Hindsight in 2020 and Lessons for the Future ental and • UAS in Environme Engineering Geology • Coastal Hazards • Geophysics
Special Event Join us for a wonderful outing to the picturesque vineyard d at the Oswego Hills Winery. T Ta aste the wines of the Willamette Valley with Dr. Scott Burns who will lead the wine tasting as he explains the importance of terroir, that is the relationship between geology, soil, climate, and wine. Includes wine tasting, dinner and transportation.
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Vol. 63, No. 2 – Spring 2020
AEG News (ISSN 0899-5788; USPS 954-380) is published five times a year by the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG). This includes three regular issues published in Spring (#2), Summer (#3) and Winter (#5) and two special issues: the Annual Report and Directory (#1) in March and the Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts (#4) in September (digital publication only). Digital copies of the Program with Abstracts are distributed at the AEG Annual Meeting. Association members receive an electronic copy of all five issues of the AEG News as part of their dues. Print subscription for Association members, which includes all three regular issues of the AEG News, is $40 in addition to annual membership dues. Nonmember annual subscription is $50 and includes only the three regular issues; the Annual Report and Directory issue is priced separately. Back copies of AEG News regular issues are $12 each. Inquiries should be sent to AEG Headquarters: Association Manager, 3053 Nationwide Parkway, Brunswick, OH 44212 330-5784900.
Table of Contents
Periodical Postage paid at Brunswick, OH, and additional mailing offices: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AEG News, 3053 Nationwide Parkway, Brunswick, OH 44212, USA. AEG News is printed by Allen Press, Lawrence, KS, 66044, USA.
Special Feature: Coping with COVID-19
© 2020 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.
Acquisitions Editor: AEG News Co-Editors Visty P. Dalal Anna Saindon visty.dalal@maryland.gov Geotechnology, Inc. 11816 Lackland Road, Suite 150 Interim Content Editor: St. Louis, MO 63146 Bill Roman 314-581-6286 wroman@gfnet.com news@aegweb.org
Managing Editor/Production Andrea Leigh Ptak Communicating Words & Images 6542 52nd Ave. So. Seattle, WA 98118 206-300-2067 www.andrealeighptak.com andrealeighptak@me.com
Submission Information In order of preference:
News of the Association
4
The President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Vice President’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Treasurer’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Secretary’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Introducing Bill Roman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Introducing AEG News Acquisitions Editor Visty Dalal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Robert (Bob) Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 AEG’s Technical Working Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 In Memory of Jerome (Jerry) De Graff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Remembering Dr. Chris Mathewson… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 15
Work, and Life, in the Time of COVID-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 AEG Official Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 News of the Profession
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AGI Offers Free and Reduced-Price Resources for Geoscientists . . . . . . .20 USSD Cancels 2020 Annual Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Professional Contributions
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Phase I Site Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 The HomeFront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
On the Cover With AEG Headquarters, our Chapters, and nearly all of our members impacted in some way by the coronavirus, AEG News decided to devote our feature story, by Deb Green (aka GeologistWriter), to how our members are coping with the trials of working from home, new restrictions on field work, and even slowdowns/layoffs at their companies. The story begins on page 15.
The association
1. Send files via email, preferably as attachments, to both email addresses above. Optimum file format is MSWord. Users of other software programs should convert their file to ASCII or text only. Photos and other images, charts, graphs, etc.) should be sent as separate images but may be included in the Word.doc for placement purposes. 2. Images should be sent as high-resolution (250 dpi at 4” wide or larger) jpeg or tiff files and should be named with a strong identifier such as HF-Texas-John Jones —NOT P204679.jpg. Corresponding photo captions should be included in the text along with an attribution of the source/photographer. 3. The policy of AEG News editorial staff is to limit the credentials of an individual to two. 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: https://aeg.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/aeg_news_style_guide_0713.pdf
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2019–20 Officers President: CYNTHIA PALOMARES Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas A&M University, Caldwell, Texas, president@aegweb.org Vice President/President Elect: WILLIAM GODWIN Consulting Geologist, Carmel, California, VP@aegweb.org Treasurer: MADDIE GERMAN Geologist, Raleigh, North Carolina, treasurer@aegweb.org Secretary: NATHAN SARACENO Senior Geologist, DiGioia Gray and Associates, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, secretary@aegweb.org Past President: DAVID FENSTER Geologist (Retired), North Potomac, Maryland, PP@aegweb.org
Association Contacts Headquarters: Association Manager: SHERI MASKOW J&M Business Solutions 3053 Nationwide Parkway, Brunswick, OH 44212 330-578-4900, manager@aegweb.org AEG Foundation—President: WILLIAM FLANIGAN, president@aegfoundation.org
Submission Deadlines
Communications Director: BILL ROMAN, wroman@gfnet.com
https://aeg.memberclicks.net/aeg-news Canada Agreement number: PM40063731; Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54; Windsor, ON N9A 6J5; Email: returnsil@imex.pb.com
Spring 2020
AEG News welcomes your feedback. Letters should be sent with the writer's name, address, and daytime phone number via e-mail to news@aegweb.org. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
AEG NEWS 63(2)
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NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Moving On Despite Roadblocks
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Cynthia Palomares, AEG 2019–20 President
s AEG President, I had the opportunity to attend several AEG Chapter meetings over the past few months. I visited and gave presentations in Seattle and Portland in November 2019, and San Francisco, Fresno, Anchorage, and Fairbanks in January 2020. Thank you to all Chapter officers and members for making me feel welcome and for your commitment to AEG! As I write this report, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns, several AEG Chapter meetings scheduled for March and April have been cancelled. The AEG Executive Council is monitoring this situation with respect to the COVID-19 virus, with our members’ health and safety as a top priority. This is an evolving situation, and we will follow the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) updates for guidance on the most effective and sensible prevention measures. It’s important to listen to facts and not respond to fear. As of March, the CDC reports, “For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low.” As professionals, we have a responsibility to consider the health and safety of our colleagues, their families, and the general public. With this in mind, we will continue to assess and communicate about any possible impact to AEG scheduled events and our ongoing efforts regarding the coronavirus. As of March 1, 2020, AEG has contracted with J&M Business Solutions in Brunswick, Ohio, as our new Association Management Company (AMC). As our new AMC, J&M will act as the AEG headquarters. Our new Association Manager is Sheri Maskow. You may be wondering what does our AMC actually do? Our new AMC, J&M, runs the day-to-day business of AEG. This means maintaining an office, phone and contact person for any AEG inquiries, in addition to managing the day-to-day operations of AEG. Our AMC also manages our finances, membership database, and website; oversees our operational committees; and helps move our strategic plan forward. The transition to our new AMC should appear seamless to our members. If you have any inquiries, you may contact Sheri Maskow at manager@aegweb.org. One of AEG’s main goals is to promote the value of applied geology for the public good. This is relevant when threats to our Professional Geoscientists Licensure occur (as happened in Texas last year). At the AEG 2019 Mid-year Board of Directors meeting, the board approved budgeting for a Legislative Tracking System (LTS). The LTS is up and running as of November 1, 2019. The LTS tracks proposed legislative bills in all 50 states that may have some potential effect on geosciences licensure, and is available to AEG representatives in all states. The goal is to become aware of any potential damaging bills early in the process, so that counterattack plans can be implemented quickly. As of press time, several bills have been 4
flagged as a potential threat, and are being monitored at this time. AEG’s new and improved website was launched on December 9, 2019. The new website looks great, is more streamlined, and should be easier to navigate to find the content that you are looking for. Thank you to Sarah Kalika, Dale Andrews, and Kara Jacobacci for your work on getting the new website launched! AEG also moved over to a new membership database called “Memberclicks” before our membership renewal period began. As you renewed your membership for 2020, you may have been required to log in to the website with a new username and password. This was due to the new membership database and should be only a one-time occurrence. In the long-term, the goal is to make membership sign-up and renewals as streamlined and efficient as possible. If you have any comments or questions or would like to volunteer, please contact me at president@aegweb.org.
AEG 2019–20 President Cynthia Palomares hard at work in her home office in Caldwell, Texas. Look for photos of other AEG members working from home throughout this issue.
AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Challenge to be a Geoscribe
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William Godwin, AEG Vice President 2019–20
major role of the AEG Vice President is to work with the AEG Strategic Initiative Coordinators (SIC) and AEG Operational Committees to help implement AEG’s updated Strategic Plan (SP) and any Committee initiatives. If you have read the AEG News over the past two years, I’m sure you are well aware of this. However, another role of the AEG Vice President is to be the Publications Manager. The VP works with the Communications Committee and editors of the various publications with the goal of providing this benefit for AEG members and the betterment of the greater geology profession. The importance of technical publications within the geologic profession cannot be overstated. In my career as a consultant, I was taught that nurturing a project from initial client contact to scoping a field investigation to collecting data and conducting analysis was all well and good. In the end however, the report of findings (i.e. deliverable) was the lasting and final record of all that good work. The importance of putting your observations and interpretations into a report with supporting figures was what the client really needed. Given the recent shelter-in-place order and the fact that many of us have been staying at home either working or on work furlough, there may be ample time to pull together short articles, case studies, book reviews or complex geologic papers. All of our publication editors are constantly looking for submittals. Another reason to publish manuscripts is the recent cancellation of technical conferences. Submitting an abstract for an oral presentation is all well and good, however, if the conference does not happen then the opportunity to present goes away. This happened recently to me for the GSA Cordilleran Section meeting in Pasadena. Moreover, some professional registration boards consider authoring a published paper or article relevant to your professional practice as a continuing professional competency activity eligible for professional development hours. AEG has a number of publications distributed on a range of topics and frequencies that could benefit from your submissions. Some of the AEG publications described below are also in need of volunteer editors. Please contact me at VP@aegweb.org if you are interested in serving as a volunteer editor.
members on topics such as hydrogeology, rock mechanics, and a successful or relevant project. AEG News has two volunteer editors: Visty Dalal is the new Acquisitions Editor, and Bill Roman is serving as interim Content Editor until another volunteer editor emerges (see page 8).
Environmental & Engineering Geoscience – a joint publication between AEG and the Engineering Geology Division (EGD) of the Geological Society of America. The editors are Abdul Shakoor (AEG) and Brian Katz (GSA). This is our flagship, peer-reviewed technical journal and is published quarterly. A Special Issue on Naturally-Occurring Asbestos was just released. In addition to more submissions, this journal's editors can always use more peer reviewers. Geology of the Cities of the World (COW) – This series was started by Dr. Allen Hatheway in the 1980s, in part to honor Dr. Robert Leggett, a well known urban geologist. So far, publications on 29 cities have been released, and publications are in the works on additional cities as well as updates of some previously published cities. The city of San Francisco’s publication was made into a book, which you may have seen at the 2018 Annual Meeting held there. Bob Anderson recently stepped down as COW editor (see page 9), and Garry Maurrath is serving as interim editor until new co-editors are found. AEG Special Publications – items not published as part of a regular series or journal and focus on specific topics of interest and value to practicing professionals in the fields of engineering, environmental, and groundwater geology. I challenge each of you to submit content to one of these publications this year. They represent the face of the profession. When sequestered at home during these trying times, it is always fun to dive into a good article written by one of our own! “Our legacy as geologists is the written word. Outcrops, terranes, and the like will always be there.”
AEG Insider – an e-publication that is emailed to subscribers every Thursday. It provides a forum for notices of upcoming meetings, news of the profession, and affiliated societies among other things. AEG budgets time and money towards this service. To subsribe, contact: http://multibriefs.com/optin.php?AEG. AEG News – is published five times a year and contains a wide range of items of interest on the profession, including business, reports of the Executive Council, the Annual Report and Directory, photos from AEG meetings, and Chapter reports. It also includes some shorter (<10 page) papers from Spring 2020
Bill Godwin on an essential project fixing a large U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam at Lake Isabella. His “office,” when not in the field, is his room at the River View Lodge, on the banks of the Kern River in the southern Sierra Nevada.
AEG NEWS 63(2)
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HEADER NEWS OFHERE THE ASSOCIATION – TREASURER’S REPORT
2020 – The Year of Perfect Vision
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Maddie German, AEG 2019–20 Treasurer
e are barely into 2020 and there is already a lot of exciting news to share. The amazing finance team at headquarters finished up the 2019 annual reporting in January and we can dive into how our first quarter in 2020 is looking.
Membership Towards the end of 2019 we had a big push on membership to help get us set up for 2020, so let’s start in that category. Our total membership numbers from 2019 (2,294) were lower than total those from 2018 (2,479), however, the strategies implemented to improve our numbers appear to be working. Already, in January 2020 the renewal rates have increased from the 2019 numbers from this same time period. Reaching out to graduating students, providing the three-year rate for young professionals/early career, and streamlining the online renewal process are definitely paying off for AEG members.
Finances The Treasurer’s Reserve is fully funded with a balance of $377,520 as of the end of December 2019. Additionally, our CD and money market funds were stable at $105,826 at the end of December 2019. The highly successful Asheville Annual Meeting had a final surplus of $59,750; with $5,975 awarded to the Carolinas Chapter. Many thanks to the phenomenal members of the Planning Committee and Meeting Manager Heather Clark for choosing a fantastic location; working with the hotel and vendors to keep costs affordable for members; and providing excellent talks, symposiums, and field courses. Plus, everyone enjoyed the many choices for tasty local craft beverages. A Big shout out and thank you to all the Chapter Treasurers. Everyone has done a fantastic job of submitting their annual reporting forms and bank statements to headquarters. Having these documents is important to file taxes with the IRS—serious business—so much gratitude to everyone for helping this to run smoothly. I will also be sending out some general topics for comment and discussion to foster conversation between the Chapters, because there are many opportunities to learn from one another. While all Chapters operate basically with the same provided framework, each customizes it in a manner unique to their area and association personality. Having such an amazing group of geoscientists to work with and learn from is truly a gift. The budget for 2019 was approved with a ($16,167) deficit. Thanks to the success of several symposiums and forums as well as the Annual Meeting, AEG ended the year with a ($12,202.48) deficit. Considering the progress implementing the strategic plan, the focus on membership and re-connecting the Chapters, development of a new database and website, 6
and starting the legislative tracking program, AEG accomplished many priority tasks in 2019 while laying the groundwork for a successful 2020. The approved 2020 budget has a ($55,028) deficit. The membership numbers appear to be improving, illustrating AEG has found a way to demonstrate value to more folks working in applied geology. Unfortunately, there are no regional or association level conferences planned for 2020, but there still is much of the year to go. Additionally, there are several ideas spinning for 2021. Do you have an idea for local or regional conference or workshop? Make it a reality, AEG has the tools to get you there.
Management Related to association management, on March 1 AEG began working with J&M out of Brunswick, Ohio. My sincere thanks to AMR for all their efforts to help us move through the strategic plan and set AEG up for success as an association. While the 2020 budget was developed with AMR, J&M will help AEG navigate the waters over this upcoming year. This will be a year of clarity and focus for AEG. As an association we take the deep dive into what drives our membership, connectivity between the chapters, solidifying our position as an association known for producing worldclass conferences, symposiums and workshops, and sharing with all people the cool and exciting geology of our planet. This is an association where leaders are encouraged and challenged, business and professional skills are honed and lifelong friendships are established. My thanks to everyone for their contributions to this point and I am looking forward to sharing this year’s journey with you.
AEG 2019–20 Treasurer Maddie German at her double-duty home office desk/dining table
AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – SECRETARY’S HEADER REPORT HERE
AEG Welcomes J&M as Its Management Team
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Nathan Saraceno, AEG 2019–20 Secretary
EG is pleased to welcome a new association management company, J&M Business Solutions, LLC (J&M), to help our association progress in achieving its strategic goals and initiatives. J&M was founded in 1994 and is a womanowned, full-service Association Management Company. Headquartered in Brunswick, Ohio, J&M has partnered with trade and professional associations all over the country—from local chapters to national associations—focusing on their unique personality and needs. The company’s core services include association management, conference and event management, financial management, board & committee support, marketing, communications, and creative services, and technology management. As we welcome J&M, we say goodbye to our friends at AMR Management Services (AMR). When AMR made the decision not to continue our relationship, the AEG Executive Council went into high gear with support from past Executive Council members who participated in this effort previously to search for a new management partner. After reviewing many proposals and performing in-person interviews ahead of the January 2020 Executive Council meeting, J&M won out over several qualified firms. Over the month of February, AMR and J&M worked together to quickly and efficiently transfer duties
and on March 1, 2020, J&M officially became AEG’s new association management partner. The AEG staff team is led by Sheri Maskow, CEO, as Association Manager. Jackie Symons, Founder, provides support along with six additional staff members. The AEG Board of Directors (BoD) will have an opportunity to interact with the staff during the mid-year BoD meeting taking place on-line April 25–26, 2020. The Executive Council reviewed numerous proposing firms and found J&M to provide the greatest value while being most suited to help AEG achieve its strategic goals in both the short- and long-term. They’ve demonstrated proven success with approaches to membership growth and engagement at the chapter and national levels with other clients, and many of the staff members possess degrees in communications or business administration and are certified in social media management. A sincere thank you goes to the AMR team for their dedicated service over the past several years: most especially, departing Association Manager, Kristy Howard, who was an essential part of the process in selecting our new association management partner. Please join us in welcoming our new Association Manager, Sheri Maskow, and the entire J&M Team!
Sheri Maskow
Spring 2020
Jackie Symons
AEG NEWS 63(2)
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NEWS OFHERE HEADER THE ASSOCIATION – COMMUNICATIONS
Introducing Bill Roman…
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AEG’s Communications Committee Co-Chair & Interim AEG News Content Editor
‘m hoping everyone is enjoying the arrival of spring despite the pandemic currently sweeping the country. Please allow me to introduce myself, Bill Roman, as the new Co-Chair of AEG’s Communications Committee. I am honored that Dave Fenster thought of me when seeking someone to fill this vacant position, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the other new co-chair whenever Dave manages to twist that person’s arm too. The 2019–20 cycle has been a dynamic and exciting period within AEG communications-wise. AEG launched a new website in December 2019, and effective March 1, 2020, AEG is under the direction of a new association management firm, J&M, which brings the promise of a wealth of experience in the realm of social media. Moreover, several volunteer editors of AEG publications have stepped down creating new opportunities for volunteers.
Fortunately, my good friend Visty Dalal has stepped in as the new AEG News Acquisitions Editor (see story below). Yours truly is pinch-hitting as interim AEG News Content Editor until another volunteer emerges. Last month, Bob Anderson stepped down as Editor of the Cities of the World project (see page 8), which creates another exciting volunteer opportunity for an AEG member (or two, as co-editors may be appropriate for that interesting project). So, if your circumstances permit, please do seriously consider volunteering for any of the positions mentioned or hinted at herein by contacting AEG Vice President Bill Godwin (vp@aegweb.org). Your time and talent will be appreciated and hopefully rewarded by interesting experiences, new friendships, and professional growth. Best wishes always…
Meet Your Acquisitions Editor: Visty Dalal
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appy spring season to the colleges. Bottom line is I like to interact entire AEG family! I hope with people from all walks of life and everyone is doing well, that is why I took on this position at AEG keeping healthy, and being safe! I take News where I have the opportunity of this opportunity of introducing myself interacting with you. as the new AEG News Acquisitions Working with my cohorts, William (Bill) Roman (interim AEG News Content Editor, replacing my mentor, Christina (“Chrissy”) Villeneuve, who worked so Editor) and Andrea (Andie) Ptak (Mantirelessly at this position for several aging Editor and Production), we put years. The baton has been passed together the first edition for 2020 – and I am eagerly looking forward to AEG Annual Report/Directory, which working with all the AEG members to came out in March in digital format. put together a fine product three–four Next in our pipeline is this issue of AEG News. Thanks to everyone who sent times a year with your assistance. us articles, Chapter information, AEG I thank Dave Fenster and Cynthia Executive Committee reports, etc., in Palomares for giving me this chance a timely manner, as that makes our to volunteer in this capacity. combined work easier. Briefly, my educational backSo, at this juncture, I would like to ground is in engineering and marine request everyone to please make it a geology. I have been working at the point to send us whatever news you Maryland Department of the Environwould like to share with the rest of the ment in Baltimore, Maryland, for 28 AEG family so that the editorial board years, out of which the past 18 have Visty Dalal—working, for now, from his home office in can include that for everyone’s enjoyment been with the Maryland Dam Safety Maryland with his trusty co-worker Scottie and information. Bill, Andie, and I look Division. I am responsible for regulating, forward to receiving your news every so often at my email reviewing, and planning maintenance and repairs for over 100 address: visty.dalal@maryland.gov. I can also be reached by dams in the state and love every aspect of it. I am also an phone (443-271-8122). Be well and safe everyone! adjunct professor for several online and brick and mortar 8
AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PUBLICATIONS HEADER HERE
Robert (Bob) Anderson
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Retires as Editor of Geology of the Cities of the World Series
fter a five-year run, Robert (Bob) Anderson retired as the editor of the Geology of the Cities of the World (COW) series on 1 March 2020. The series was founded by Dr. Allen Hatheway in 1980 in tribute to Dr. Robert Leggett, a geologist who helped develop the concept of urban geology as a specific field of practice. The first released COW was for Denver, Colorado, in 1982. To date there have been three COW series editors: Dr. Allen Hatheway, Joe Krupansky, and Robert Anderson, and a total of 29 COWs have been released. Information of the COW series can be found online at: https://www.aegweb.org/geologycities. When Bob took over as editor, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, COW had just been published. Since assuming the role, the San Francisco COW has been published, the Sacramento, California, COW is scheduled to be released in early July 2020, and COWs for La Paz, Mexico; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Antonio, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; and Washington, D.C., are in various stages of preparation. There are also several more COW projects just getting started. Bob retired after 29 years of state service in December 2019. He is a licensed geologist and Certified Engineering Geologist in California. His last position was as a Senior Engineering Geologist for the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission (SSC) where Bob provided advice to the Governor, legislators, various state and local agencies, and the public on issues related to landslides, tsunamis, and seismic safety. He also monitored and helped coordinate advanced applied earthquake research and mitigation between the California Earthquake Authority, the SSC, and the seismic hazard and earthquake engineering research communities. Bob was a member of the Independent Peer Review Panel for the California Public Utilities Commission reviewing geologic and seismic hazard issues related to California's nuclear power plants and their associated spent fuel facilities. Prior to joining the SSC, Bob worked on natural hazard and resource issues for power plants, landfill design and remediation, and residential and commercial dvelopment, as well as conducting faulting and landslide hazard assessments. He has also worked for the California Energy Commission, Cal EPA, and as a consultant. During his 32 years as a geologist, Bob has worked in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Alaska, Turkey, Taiwan, Mexico, the Republic of South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Indonesia and Jamaica. He has a BA in Spring 2020
Geology from California State University, Sacramento, and an MS in Homeland Security from San Diego State University. Bob has written numerous articles and papers, has edited four books, and has served as a book reviewer for the Geological Society of London and the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geology (AEG). He has been a guest lecturer in Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, and the Republic of South Africa. Bob served as the Vice Chair and Chair of the Sacramento Section of AEG in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He is also a veteran who served with the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry for four years at Fort Lewis, Washington, and three years with the 31st Maintenance Company and United States Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Irwin, California. He lives with his wife Julie, and two very vocal Chihuahuas, in Loomis California.
AEG NEWS 63(2)
Bob Anderson reading a paper on aeolian deposits on Venus with one of his two dogs, Layla.
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AEG 62ND NEWS OF THE ANNUAL ASSOCIATION MEETING– TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS
AEG’s Technical Working Groups An Update
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Dave Fenster – AEG Immediate Past-President
In my last article I discussed participation in AEG Operational Committees and Technical Working Groups (TWGs) as an opportunity to expand your technical knowledge and networks. Our TWGs provide an opportunity to focus on and enhance technical skills and communicate best practices to both members and non-members. Our active TWGs accomplish this goal by holding phone meetings and organizing symposia at Annual Meetings. The more experienced TWGs have organized and hosted focused technical forums or workshops. The AEG News Annual Report and Directory issue provides a description of each TWG and lists cochairs’ contact information. This article provides an update on AEG’s TWGs. Coastal Hazards – is currently planning a Technical Forum on sea level rise resilience and engineering along the Atlantic Coast. The exact focus has not been decided. Co-chairs Curt Schmidt (cschmidt@h2m.com) and Rick Kolb (rick.kolb1@gmail.com) are planning an interdisciplinary forum to be held likely in April 2021. Curt and Rick are looking for enthusiastic members who are willing to be on the organizing committee. Currently, there are no plans for a symposium at the Annual Meeting in Portland, but anyone interested in submitting a related abstract should do so using our website and sending the abstract to Curt Schmidt, the acting Chair of the TWG. Curt is looking for a TWG Co-Chair and for additional members. Dams and Levees – Kevin Richards (Kevin.Richards@comcast.net) and Cassie Wagner (cwagner@usbr.gov) are the co-chairs of this TWG. Holly Nichols and Bruce Hilton will be co-conveners for a symposium at the Portland Annual Meeting. This TWG has an active membership and has conducted several symposia at annual meetings and several successful technical conferences including a forum on dam and levee foundations in 2019. Environmental Characterization and Remediation – is co-chaired by Patty Bryan (pbryan@bryanenv.com) and Loren Lasky (geolorenpg@gmail.com). This TWG is planning to hold a symposium at the Annual Meeting in Portland and has been discussing the potential for a technical forum in 2021. Please notify Patty or Loren if you have been an environmental geology practitioner and would like to join their group. This is a great opportunity to show you are essential to AEG and that this is the organization to be part of. Geophysics – Doug Lambert (dlambert@geotechnology.com) has been the Acting Chair of this TWG, which has some new members and is looking for other practitioners. Greg Hempen (Hempen69@sbcglobal.net) and I have been discussing the potential for a technical forum on karst scheduled for 2021. Please contact Doug if would like to join the TWG and contact Greg if you are interested in participating in the forum. 10
Geo-UAS – newly formed, this TWG is co-chaired by Josh Wagner (jwag792@gmail.com) and Bryan Simpson (bksimpson@usbr.gov) and will focus on the applied use of UAS and ancillary technologies in geology and geotechnical engineering. It has several enthusiastic members and is planning on holding a symposium at the Annual Meeting in Portland. Please contact Josh or Bryan if you are interested in joining. Hydrogeology – has been inactive for several years. We are looking for members who would like to help revive this TWG and any who would like to co-chair. Landslides – is co-chaired by Casey Dowling (cdowling@bgc engineering.ca) and Kevin McCoy (kemccoy@mines.edu) and has organized and sponsored several symposia at Annual Meetings as well as several very successful technical forums, including a workshop on debris flows during 2019. This is a very active group of practitioners and is a great source of knowledge and is a nation-wide network. Naturally Occurring Asbestos – this active group is co-chaired by Sarah Kalika (sarah@georx.net) and Mark Bailey (mark@ asbestostemlabs.com). They have sponsored symposia at Annual Meetings and successful technical forums. The co-chairs of AEG’s NOA TWG, along with colleagues in Italy and South Korea, have successfully petitioned IAEG to create Commission 39: Naturally Occurring Asbestos. IAEG Commission 39 and AEG’s TWG will work as a single group to advance the development of analytical laboratory practices and awareness of NOA and Elongate Mineral Particles on a global scale. Please let the co-chairs know if you’re interested in joining their group. Tunneling – chaired jointly by Paul Headland (pheadland@aldea services.com), Ike Isaacson (iisaacson@brierly.com), and Mike Piepenburg (Michael.piepenburg@mottmac.com), this TWG has conducted symposia at the last two Annual Meetings and is planning a full-day symposium at the upcoming Annual Meeting. It is discussing the potential for a technical forum during 2021. If you are interested in submitting an abstract for the symposium or participating in the forum, please contact our enthusiastic co-chairs. Seismic Risk and Hazards – Past chair Thomas Oommen is currently on the editorial board of our Journal and is also active in the Environmental & Engineering Geology Division of the Geological Society of America. The TWG is looking for a new chair or co-chairs. Geologic Resource Management; Rock Mechanics; Solid, Hazardous & Mine Waste Management; Subsidence; and Sustainability – TheseTWGs have been inactive for several years. Those interested in leading or reviving these or any of the inactive groups, please contact Dave Fenster at pp@aegweb.org.
AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – TECHNICAL WORKING HEADER GROUPS HERE fieldtrip is $100, which includes the bus, lectures, tour guides, box lunch, and water.
Dams & Levees Kevin Richards & Cassandra Wagner, Co-Chairs Active Members: See the Dams & Levees TWG website for the list of recent active members (https://www.aegweb.org/damslevees). Our email list includes 43 total members. Please contact Kevin Richards if you would like to be added to our distribution list.
2020 Activities We’ve recently changed our name to include levees. This is a result of some members wanting to submit technical presentations that include levee projects to the Dams Symposium. Future symposia organized by the working group will include technical presentations for both levees and dams. The Dams & Levees TWG recently updated its website. It includes author-approved abstracts from past Dams Symposia going back a number of years and provides a list of good references as well. The website should be a great resource for engineers and geologists working with dams and/or levees who may have similar issues discussed at past AEG meetings. We try to keep it up to date with recent happenings and important information shared by the dams and levee communities. If you have some interesting or informative information you would like added to the website, please contact Cassandra Wagner (cwagner@usbr.gov).
2020 AEG Annual Meeting We have organized a Dams & Levees Symposium for the Portland meeting. A Call for Abstracts has been sent out to both TWG members and the general AEG membership. We encourage anyone working on dam or levee projects to submit an abstract, which may be published on the website following the meeting. The symposium will include a Special Session with invited speakers who will cover the current practice for risk assessments of dams and levees. Please see the Annual Meeting website (www.aegannualmeeting.org) for all the details. Field Trip to Scoggins Dam – Field Course #4 – Tuesday, September 15 It will kick-off at 8:00 a.m. with a lecture at the hotel from Dr. Ray Wells, USGS, on the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) and its impact to assessing seismic risk for infrastructure in the region. Following Ray’s lecture, the bus will depart and head to Scoggins Dam, located about 45 minutes west of Portland. The trip will be led by Bryan Simpson, Cassandra Wagner, and Todd Maguire of the USBR. Scoggins Dam is located near the Cascadia Subduction Zone and is undergoing evaluations for possible seismic mitigation by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Field Course will provide lectures of the recent geologic/geotechnical field exploration program by Reclamation in support of seismic risk-based design modifications. The trip will include a networking opportunity during a stop at the McMenamines Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Brewpub on the drive back to Portland. Cost of the
Spring 2020
Upcoming Events We are currently in the early planning stages for a joint AEGUSSD Workshop in 2021. The theme will be along the lines of Ground Improvements and Drilling Safety at Dams and Levees. The goal is to bring engineers, geologists, contractors, and owners together in a forum where current state-of-the-practice, lessons learned, and case histories can be discussed with a focus on procedures and methods being utilized to ensure dam and levee safety during invasive procedures. Dams and Levees TWG members spearheading this effort for AEG are Kevin Richards, Brian Greene, and Donald Bruce. Doug Boyer is our liaison with the USSD Foundations Committee that is also involved in the planning effort.
Geologic and Seismic Hazards Gerry L. Stirewalt, Co-Chair I am the new co-chair of this re-invented TWG. My goal is to expand the previous Seismic Hazard Technical Working Group (TWG) into a Geologic and Seismic Hazards TWG that will consider potential hazards related to karst issues and volcanism, as well as characterization of seismotectonic features that provides essential information to seismologists for analyzing seismicallyinduced ground motion as input to the design of critical facilities. In addition, the TWG will work to integrate the assessment of geologic hazards with geotechnical information obtained during characterization of potential sites for critical facilities. I am currently working with a team of geoscientists at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on a Regulatory Guide that describes an approach for assessing volcanic hazards at proposed sites for new nuclear power plants. A draft version of that Regulatory Guide has been issued to stakeholders outside the NRC and is available for examination and comment. I am also currently looking for a co-chair and potential active members for this new TWG. Interested persons can reach me at glstirewalt1@comcast.net
AEG Past-President Dave Fenster oversees all of the Association’s Technical Working Groups from his home office.
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HEADER NEWS OFHERE THE ASSOCIATION – MEMORIALS
In Memory of Jerome (Jerry) De Graff
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1947–2020
EG mourns the loss of another long-time member, Jerome V. De Graff, who passed away on March 24 from complications due to pancreatic cancer. Jerry was very active as an AEG member and GSA fellow, serving on committees within both, and was a co-organizer of the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of AEG, spearheading its recognition as an independent regional Chapter. He graciously and effectively performed extensive committee work for AEG and a number of other professional societies including Geological Society of America and International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment. Jerry grew up on his family’s farm in Honeoye, New York, and stayed nearby to earn his Bachelor’s degree in education/Earth science from the State University of New York at Geneseo. After graduating, he taught 8th grade science in Pittsford, New York, for a year and then worked in Rochester, New York, as a Lecturer for Strasenburgh Planetarium and Geologist for the Museum of Science. He then secured a Masters degree in geology from Utah State University. From 1978 to 2014, Jerry served as a geologist for the USDA Forest Service, first in Ogden, Utah, and then in California. During this time he continued to use his educational talents as an instructor for internal agency training sessions on abandoned mine restoration, burned area emergency response assess-
Jerry received his first AEG Publication Award in 2010 Shown here at the Annual Meeting with EEG Editor Abdul Shakoor.
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ment, and CERCLA (“Superfund”) on-site coordinator duties. He taught similar content for GSA short courses in the 1990s and then brought this applied expertise to Fresno State, teaching Landslides and Mine Reclamation. He also collaborated to mentor Fresno State undergraduates and Masters students through their thesis projects. During his career as a geologist for the USDA Forest Service, Jerry was a leader in the fields of environmental and engineering geology, with expertise in landslides and mine reclamation. He also had a wide impact as an educator through the U.S. Forest Service and Geological Society of America (GSA) short courses, as an adjunct professor in Fresno State’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, his scientific publications and textbook, and other activities. A few highlights of his many professional awards: He co-authored the textbook and laboratory manual, Principles of Engineering Geology, which earned the GSA Engineering Geology Division’s E.B. Burwell Jr. Award and AEG’s Claire P. Holdredge Award. GSA Engineering Geology Division honored him with the Distinguished Practice Award, and AEG and GSA jointly recognized him with the 2016 Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer position—a one-year appointment during which he presented 103 lectures in 26 states and 3 Canadian provinces to about 3,250 students and professionals. AEG honored him with outstanding publication awards for “The Formation and Persistence of the Matthieu Landslide-Dam Lake, Dominica, WI” in 2010 and “Landslide Risk Reduction in the United States—Signs of Progress in 2017.” Most recently, in 2019, AEG bestowed the Advocacy Award upon him. Jerry served the USDA Forest Service for 36 years as an environmental/engineering geologist first in Utah, then California, collecting and interpreting geologic information needed for sustainable development and multiple-use management of natural resources. A primary focus of his work was landslide hazard assessment for land and resource planning, post-wildfire mitigation, and design of projects such as
AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION HEADER – MEMORIALS HERE timber harvest, roads, and similar resource development activities. Jerry became the Sierra National Forest Engineering Geologist in 1982, and later, the Province Geologist for the Southern Sierra Province consisting of the Sierra, Stanislaus, and Sequoia National Forests in California. Between 2006 and his retirement in February 2014, Jerry was an On-Scene Coordinator for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region with projects throughout the southern half of California. In this capacity, he assessed and directed cleanup efforts for acid mine drainage and other hazardous wastes, primarily at abandoned mine sites on National Forest land. His technical expertise was sought for completing landslide mapping and hazard interpretation assignments in St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent, and Jamaica through the USDA Forest Service’s Disaster Assistance Support Program. Jerry also served as the landslide specialist on teams conducting post-disaster assessments or developing restoration measures in Puerto Rico, Thailand, Bulgaria, and Greece, among others. He authored or co-authored 100 or more contributions to books, proceedings, and peer-reviewed journals, including co-authoring the chapter on surface observation and geologic mapping in the Transportation Research Board’s Special Report 247 -- Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation, and
writing many sections in Springer’s Encyclopedia of Engineering Geology, part of the Encyclopedia of Earth Science series. His publications have been cited more than 1,700 times, attesting to his wide influence. Jerry’s long and distinguished record of accomplishments, commitment to detail and scientific practice, mentorship and high professional and ethical standards touched the global community directly and indirectly. His work influenced individuals around the world - his collaboration helped numerous colleagues and the results of his landslide-focused accomplishments will benefit society for years to come. Jerry will be especially remembered for his endless enthusiasm, unbridled kindness, open generosity, humanity, devoted friendship, which he shared with a caring and positive attitude, patience, laughter, smiles, and good humor— these special traits will stay with us forever. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and a generous mentor, collaborator, colleague, and friend. Jerry had many colleagues and friends throughout the United States and the world. We have lost a great geologist and friend, and Jerry will be missed. Jerry is survived by his loving wife and devoted companion Sandy as well as two sons: Mark and Nick, and grandson Liam.
Remembering Dr. Chris Mathewson…
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1941–2020
t is with a heavy heart that AEG reports the loss of one of our long-time and most active members. Through almost five decades of service, he earned many honorable awards and titles, including serving as both President and Executive Director of AEG, Advisor to the Texas A&M University Student Chapter, and receiving the first AEG Terzaghi Mentor Award. He presented over 400 papers, published over 90 technical papers, edited four technical volumes, and authored a geology textbook. Though proud of his publications and recognitions, he found his success in the success of his students and his profession. If one attended an AEG Annual Meeting, they could not help but spot Dr. Mathewson. Texas tall, and often wearing a bolo tie and western-style jacket, he usually had a camera in hand. Members saw many of those photos in the Annual Meeting recap article in the December issues of the News over the years. Spring 2020
A Brief Biography Christopher Colville Mathewson, PhD, PE, PG, was born August 12, 1941, in Warren Township, New Jersey, and lovingly known as “Chips” at that time. He grew up on a 78-acre tree farm with his parents, George and Elsa, and his two younger sisters. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working at the farm.
Chris with Darrell Schmitz and Duane Kreuger at one of AEG’s Annual Meetings
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NEWS OF THE ASSOCIATION – MEMORIALS career to his students, with genuine concern for the value and application of what they were learning but also for their own wellbeing. For 23 years he served as an academic mentor for the A&M Corps of Cadets, but everyone was welcome to sit with “Dr. Chris.” Though not shy of talking, he knew the value of listening. His professional contributions extended well outside of the university to many professional organizations such as AEG, ASBOG, and GSA. He also enjoyed outreach education to non-professionals, such as demonstrations in grade school classrooms and field trip leadership as an instructor of geology for the Texas Master Naturalist Program. His joyous and passionate dedication to service is an example that will live on in all those he taught; family, friends, colleagues, and students. The family of Christopher Colville Mathewson has asked that donations be made to the AEG Foundation “Christopher C. Mathewson Texas Section Scholarship Fund.” L to R: Eldon Gath with Chris at the AEG 2009 Annual Meeting in Lake Tahoe
Inspired by the notion of developing the farm, he attended Case Institute of Technology in pursuit of a degree in civil engineering. Realizing it was absent from his curriculum, he took a geology class as a liberal arts elective. This was followed by another geology class, and another… and a love for rocks was stirring inside him. After completing his engineering degree, he participated in a summer fellowship about physical oceanography and took a geology cruise of the Hudson River. Clay samples taken from this cruise accompanied him on his journey to Tucson, Arizona, as the inspiration for his Masters of Science thesis in Engineering Geology and the degree he earned in 1965. During this time, he served as a volunteer for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team and learned the value of service to others when his small group of volunteers found a missing child. Upon completing his master’s degree, he served as a commissioned officer in the National Ocean Survey, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and charted the Pacific Ocean for hazards. It was there, on a boat in the Pacific Ocean, he met Janet Olmstead. They married in Hawaii in 1968 and stayed for another year. Chris retired from the service and with Janet moved back to Tucson to complete his doctorate in geological engineering. Dr. Mathewson arrived in College Station, Texas, in 1971 as an assistant professor in Engineering Geology at Texas A&M University and retired as a Regents Professor Emeritus 40 years later in 2011. During these years he dedicated his
Chris (second from left) with members of his beloved Texas Section (now Chapter)
Corporartse 2020 Sponso Glacier Peak The University of Arizona College of Engineering (888) 658-2042 onlineengineering@arizona.edu https://online.engineering.arizona.edu/online-eng-mining/
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AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
SPECIAL HEADER FEATURE HERE
Work, and Life, in the Time of COVID-19
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Deborah Green, GeologistWriter
n whatever way you ushered in 2020—just three short months ago—I can’t imagine you considered that in late March you’d be working full-time at your “dining room desk.” Or in your “basement office.” Or you’d be teaching online, instead of in a lecture hall, or taking all your classes that way. Or attending conference calls in your pajamas propped up on pillows behind the bedroom door, hoping the kids (or dogs/cats) won’t have giggling/crying/screaming (barking/meowing) extravaganzas before the meeting’s over. Me neither. This is relatively easy for me, as a semi-retired, environmental geology consultant, working on my second career as a writer (work that requires a bit of social distancing even without a pandemic). Not so, for many of my, and your, AEG colleagues. Geologists are skilled at reading landscapes, but how are we dealing with the (figuratively speaking) ground that’s shifting beneath us? I’ve spoken with several AEG members, and so far, though certainly they are concerned, our colleagues are adapting admirably. One geologist agreed to be interviewed, but noted whatever he told me would likely have changed by press time. There’s general agreement on that—how we work
Rick Wooten, like many others, is still working out in the field.
Spring 2020
and live is changing daily, sometimes hourly. Oddly, that changing landscape has a surreal feeling of limbo, as we isolate ourselves from other people and our normal daily activities. Everyone I spoke with is secure in their jobs as of now, but some have coworkers who’ve been laid off or feel in danger of it. Early and mid-career professionals feel more at risk than senior professionals. Students about to graduate are particularly worried about hiring freezes already being instituted as companies tighten their belts. But most of us continue to work, with many AEG members employed in industrial and consulting firms considered essential businesses—mitigating geologic hazards, supplying needed materials for critical industries and public utilities, and working in emergency response roles. Those in the field are carrying letters that vouch for the essential nature of their work. I hear you joke about not leaving home or hotel without your “permission slips.” You’re following company policies that are at least as stringent as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing, personal protective equipment, and disinfection. At least one company has set up an intranet site for their employees, where they keep staff in several offices in several states up-to-date on issues and policies related to working during the pandemic. And, of course, we’re all chuckling about how geologists and engineers (with many introverts in our ranks) were socially distant before it was cool. Those working in the field and away from home are dealing with additional concerns. With the situation changing so quickly, there might be different guidelines in place between when you leave the hotel in the morning and when you get back at the end of a long day. Field geologists often enjoy the sense of isolation of immersing ourselves in an intense project, but that isolation can feel almost precarious now. Hotels are running with skeleton crews. Getting a good meal at the end of hard day is often a problem, especially in remote field locations that may have only had one restaurant in town, and it’s been closed. Good thing most hotel rooms have small refrigerators and microwaves these days, but who wants to live on frozen dinners and bagged salad for weeks on end? Okay, stop laughing—who wants to eat like that, aside from those of you who routinely do when you’re working in the field? Office work, with few exceptions, is happening at home, and AEG members are signing into virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access their office computer networks. In recent years, many public agencies (county, state, and Federal), as well as companies, have invested in these systems, and have been using them with varying frequency. For most, the technologies aren’t new, but utilizing them so extensively is. Then there’s video conferencing—a way for staff to keep working together, but remotely. And a source of much amusement, or angst, depending on whether it’s your “16-month-old
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HEADER HERE SPECIAL FEATURE
Nate Saraceno was lucky to already have a nice home office setup, though his toddler complicates things!
CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS Cynthia Palomares – AEG President
Paul Santi conducts classes with his Colorado School of Mines students from his home.
Matt Howe in his basement office
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The AEG Executive Council is monitoring the situation with respect to the COVID-19 virus, with our members’ health and safety as a top priority. This is an evolving situation, and we will follow the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) updates for guidance on the most effective and sensible prevention measures. It’s important to listen to facts and not respond to fear. The CDC website for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an excellent resource of information. As of March, the CDC reports, “For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low.” Nevertheless, AEG is monitoring the possibility that person-to-person transmission may become a higher public health threat. For all AEG Chapter meetings and events, it is the responsibility of the Chapter officers to make the difficult decision on whether to cancel upcoming scheduled events or to host these events as scheduled. The Chapter officers shall communicate with their members and event registrants regarding any schedule changes and cancellation policies, as necessary to limit exposure to illness. As professionals, we have a responsibility to consider the health and safety of our colleagues, their families, and the general public. With this in mind, we will continue to assess and communicate about any possible impact to AEG scheduled events and our ongoing efforts regarding the coronavirus.
AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
SPECIAL HEADER FEATURE HERE
Dale Andrews works at the breakfast bar under the watchful eye of Mr. Riley, who would prefer they were outside playing.
Deb working on the draft for this article while Capi supervises. Her normally full white-board weekly schedule is blank, except for the phrase "You Can't Stop the Wind, but You Can Adjust Your Sails." And can’t we all?
Spring 2020
self-advocate with a powerful set of pipes” who is “advocating” or if your canine saw the resident squirrel. I heard of a video meeting where one dog started barking at something—does it really matter what?, a bird, a bunny, a bough in the wind—then all the other attendees’ dogs started barking at that dog. Soon, all the attendees were cracking up at all the dogs. I wonder if they ever finished that meeting? As one interviewee put it, it’s like having a little window into your coworkers’ and clients’ lives that you’ve never looked into before. Will seeing into those little windows shift our perceptions of our colleagues going forward? And how? AEG members who live alone have minimal distractions during the at-home workday, though you’re learning all the quirky sounds your houses, neighbors, and pets make, that you usually aren’t around to hear. How’s trumpet practice going for the stay-at-home marching band member next door? You may be fighting a feeling of isolation, while those with spouses and partners, children, roommates, or furry housemates (or scaly ones, yes, you too, Pebbles the lizard) have other issues, like defining work hours in which you shouldn’t be disturbed, though try telling that to a Chocolate Lab with a walk on her mind making puppy-dog eyes at you. Most campuses are closed for the semester, with classes being held online—a challenge for both students and professors. At least in some cases, colleges and universities are making laptops and tablets available, based on need, for financially disadvantaged students. Some schools have arranged for free or deeply discounted access to high-speed internet connections for students who don’t currently have that access. In so many different ways, we’re all trying to carry on. There have been disappointments—much-anticipated trips to exciting destinations (Austria and Peru, are just two examples from our jet-setting membership) to speak at a conference or conduct research have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely. A graduate student in an area under “shelter in place” restrictions wonders if he’ll be able to finish his field research this year. There will be more to come. Graduation ceremonies missed. Projects postponed. Hours cut. Jobs lost. Inevitably, some AEG members will contract COVID-19. Perhaps some already have, we may not know, as informing your professional association isn’t really high on your list of things to do when you get sick. Colleagues, and friends, may die. There is no denying this is a difficult and disturbing time, in big (lives at stake) and small (toilet paper shortages) ways. Peggy Ganse's Lily Whomper is making “take me for a walk” puppy-dog eyes.
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HEADER HERE SPECIAL FEATURE But everyone I spoke with felt grateful, for their studies and work, yes, but particularly for their families and friends, who they’re connecting with, within social distancing guidelines by phone, video chats, and on social media. No Friday evenings at the pub? No problem, young professionals are connecting on virtual happy hours. One member makes a “cocktail of the day” each day (they are, indeed, consumable works of art), to wind down and celebrate another crowded, crazy day of homeschooling 7-yearold twins, all while starting her own consulting practice, and serving on AEG’s Board of Sarah Kalika shows off her Directors. We need to grab all Cocktail of the Day. the “happy hours” we can during this stressful time. Despite these stresses, AEG members are thinking of those who are less fortunate and, as we feel able, we’re donating to charities to support them. Most often, we’re focused on groups in our own communities, like local food banks. We’re also dining on delivered and take-out meals from our favorite local restaurants, and shopping online from beloved
Kreuger Command Central
Sevin Bilir enjoys the wide open spaces of her home “office.”
Renee Wawczak shares the dining table/office desk with her husband who is also working at home.
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AEG NEWS 63(2)
Spring 2020
SPECIAL HEADER FEATURE HERE small shops. We’re purchasing gift certificates from struggling businesses to help them survive this crisis, plus we’ll have paid for some holiday shopping already. Little things can mean a lot. For those of us with access to the outdoors, hiking, biking, or just deeply breathing in the fresh air is helping us cope with the situation. Those who can’t get outside are finding moments of respite as they can. We’re focusing on being productive, and trying to feel positive. And wondering what will the new normal look like on the other side of this. AEG members are reflecting on where we are in our professional, and personal, lives. Some may resume exactly where they left off on March 1, for others, big changes might come from this. Like all good scientists, we’re looking at life in, and after, the time of COVID-19 with a sense of curiosity. And what about AEG? How does it fit in your professional life without chapter meetings to attend? Well, there may be meetings after all—some chapters are working on having virtual meetings. Take a look on your chapter’s webpage. Think about helping your chapter hold virtual meetings if someone hasn’t beaten you to it. It’s an opportunity to invite speakers you’ve wanted to hear, but who aren’t around the corner. Plus, here are some ideas from my nearly 38-year tenure in the organization, during most of which I haven’t lived with easy access to chapter (and formerly, section) meetings. My late husband and the Executive Director of AEG at the time of his death, Norm Tilford, instilled an appreciation of service to our profession in me, much more strongly than I’d had at the time I joined as a graduate student. So, over the years, I have volunteered on many AEG Committees, I write the occasional AEG News article, and support students through AEG Foundation scholarships. As is often the case, when we give, we receive— and what I’ve received from AEG far outweighs what I’ve given—professional connections that have led to the most interesting projects I’ve done as a geologist, the opportunity to travel the country as the 2018–19 Jahns Lecturer (which is a whole other article’s worth of experience), and best of all, meeting colleagues who have become dear friends. Talking with AEG colleagues about their experiences during this trying time reinforces for me the solidity of our professional community. What we do as environmental and engineering geologists, indeed, how we see the world, equips us to handle the
uncertainties we’re facing. Many of us fought long and hard to gain professional registration, licensure, and certification because we know that what we do protects the public. Call on those skills now. Research and reflect—what do our coworkers, companies, clients, and communities need? Step up and fill the needs that you can. And call on your AEG community for what you need—as one of the AEG members I spoke with said toward the end of our conversation, reflecting on the similarities I’d heard—“their story is your story.” Let’s support each other, and lean on each other, as always, and more than ever as we work, and live, through the time of COVID-19.
About the Author: Deborah Green has 35 years of professional experience, and has been a self-employed consultant for 25 of those years. Now, semi-retired, she’s written a novel whose protagonist is an engineering geologist working on a dam with a problematic foundation. Her website, www.geologistwriter.com, is populated with short essays on geology, the natural world, and our interactions with them. She is a long-time, active member of AEG, joining in 1982 as a graduate student. Deborah was awarded the Floyd T. Johnston Service Award in 2005, and traveled the country meeting students as the 2018–19 Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer. She’ll be writing a regular column in the AEG News beginning with the next issue. Keep an eye out for Field Notes from the GeologistWriter.
We look forward to the day when social distancing is a thing of the past and AEG compadres can gather again. L to R: Jenn Bauer, Deb Green, and Duane Kreuger
Share your SHOTS & Stories Since we can’t gather in person right now, we encourage AEG members to connect via our social media platforms. One easy way to get started is by posting a shot of yourself inspired by the ones in this article. Be sure to include those four-legged co-workers, if you have them, like Jenn Bauer’s Lily pictured at right. If you have a good story about video conferencing or social distancing while out in the field that would be great too. Use the hashtag #AEGatHOME when you post to: Twitter – @AEGweb, Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AEGweb/, or Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aegweb/.
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AGI Offers Free and Reduced-Price Resources for Geoscientists
To assist geoscience professionals, educators, and students at a time when many are working remotely or in new ways, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has issued a series of recent announcements on electronic resources currently available for free or at reduced prices, including AGI’s Glossary of Geology, Geoscience Handbook, professional development modules, and education resources. AGI is providing free individual access to its Glossary of Geology Online Service through June 30, 2020. The online service provides access to more than 39,000 glossary entries contained in the fifth edition of the print glossary. Many entries contain a syllabification guide and background information. To get the free Glossary of Geology Online, go to www.americangeosciences.org/glossary/register.html and set up your password/login. Also, through June 30, AGI has reduced the price of the digital edition of its bestselling The Geoscience Handbook by more than fifty percent to $19.60. The digital edition comes in a PDF that is readable on electronic devices (Android, iPhone, tablet, laptop, desktop). With over 470 pages of crisp, clear graphics, this quick reference tool offers key metrics and concepts, a guide to cornerstone papers and recent developments, and short tutorials on specialized topics. The discount —available for individual purchasers only—is available at https://store.americangeosciences.org/the-geosciencehandbook-digital-edition.html. Learn more at https://www.americangeosciences.org/handbook. If you or your colleagues cannot use the online service, AGI is offering a bundle of print editions of the Glossary of Geology and Geoscience Handbook for $80.00. To learn more, see https://store.americangeosciences.org/glossary-ofgeology-and-geoscience-handbook.html. AGI alerted university faculty to the availability of dozens of modules in the free-to-take Geoscience Online Learning Initiative (GOLI) platform, which is a joint effort of AGI, the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), SEPM Society for Sedimentary Geology, and the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG). GOLI courses range from one to ten hours in length, addressing geoscience topics and skills from geoscience writing to geoethics to advanced environmental geochemistry. Visit https://goli.americangeosciences.org or learn more at https://www.americangeosciences.org/workforce/goli. 20
To support geoscience faculty who are moving to an online teaching format, AGI’s publishing partner, Pearson, will be providing free e-text of the AGI/NAGT Lab Manual in Physical Geology to all adopters of that manual. Contact your campus Pearson representative to arrange access by going to https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education.html. For educators and students in grades K–12, AGI offers access to free resources such as through its Education GeoSource database, which provides visitors with a way to find the widest possible collection of Earth science-related classroom activities, teacher professional development opportunities, science education standards documents, virtual field trips, teaching ancillaries, and much more. Find Education GeoSource online at https://www.americangeosciences.org/center-forgeo/education-geosource. The Earth Science Week website offers hundreds of learning activities, videos, contests, and other educational opportunities organized around this annual international public outreach campaign. Visit Earth Science Week online at http://www.earthsciweek.org.
About AGI The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is a nonprofit federation of more than 50 scientific and professional associations (including AEG) that represents over a quarter-million geoscientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides geoscientists with access to scholarly information, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society’s use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and health of the environment. AGI is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia. The American Geosciences Institute represents and serves the geoscience community by providing collaborative leadership and information to connect Earth, science, and people. For additional information, contact Geoff Camphire, Communications, gac@americangeosciences.org
USSD Cancels 2020 Annual Conference Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Society on Dams (USSD) has cancelled its annual conference. In lieu of its conference, USSD will offer a series of webinars as well as its Fall Workshop Series in October 2020.
AEG NEWS 63(2)
More information is available at: https://www.ussdams.org/conferences-workshops/.
Spring 2020
PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS HEADER HERE
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Sam Santoso; Member, Atlanta Chapter “I need this Phase I with a short turn-around time, please. Also, it can’t be too expensive. Thanks.” Whether it’s via phone or email, environmental professionals come across this request frequently. This article will summarize the brief history of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESA or Phase I can be used interchangeably), review guidelines (ASTM E1527-13), and discuss the decision-making process of a recognized environmental condition (REC).
Take-Away A Phase I as typically requested is an environmental site assessment (ESA) report. The next three sentences are important background information. This Phase I report emerged from progressive environmental regulation and changes (i.e. 1970’s Clean Water and Air Acts, 1970’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and 1980’s Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation Liability Act (CERCLA)). A Phase I report serves as a basic liability and protection document for lenders, insurers, entrepreneurs, and/or local government to reference. The report’s credibility lies within an environmental professional’s efforts to research historical and current uses of a property to evaluate if soil and groundwater are impacted by past or present variables. These variables include operation of industrial facilities, chemical plants, automobile repair work, dry cleaning operations, landfills, and many others.
Importance Humans today have numerous ways of gathering and engineering food, however, not everything is safe for consumption. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy read Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring, which details the use of pesticides without further research of their effects on human health (JFK Archive’s). President Kennedy’s science advisory committee researched this topic and in 1963 noted, “Until the publication of Silent Spring, people were generally unaware of the toxicity of pesticides.” The report substantiated Carson’s conclusions, and the government considered stronger legislation for federal spraying of the agricultural pesticide DDT. Fast forward 56 years, and we find ongoing lawsuits with Monsanto’s product, Roundup®. Several events could be attributed to the discovery of pesticides as harmful variables. In 1969, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) kicked-off new changes in environmental law with a focus on impact assessments. In the early 1970s, the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act were revised with a focus on emission limits and considerations of technological standards. In 1976, the RCRA became a framework for hazardous waste management and helped create the “cradle to grave” philosophy. In the 1980s, CERCLA was created to help address cleanup of hazardous contamination and determine who would be responsible. Spring 2020
Current Guidelines Going back to the previously mentioned Phase I Report by ASTM E 1527-13, if a person or group is interested in buying a property and is doing their due diligence, an environmental professional must complete an All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI). The AAI should be done if the group does not want to be held responsible for the property in the future. The AAI rule became effective November 1, 2006, under the federal Superfund Law (i.e. CERCLA). A sufficient AAI document does not have a set format, but the EPA does suggest following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines. Subcommittee E50 created the ASTM Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments. These standards were last updated in 2013 (ASTM E1527-13). Environmental professionals have some flexibility when preparing this report, but ASTM E1527-13 is one of the most common Phase I reports available. The ASTM E1527-13 standards state that a Phase I report include the following sections: Scope, Referenced Documents, Terminology, Significance and Use, Significance of Activity and Use Limitations, User’s Responsibilities, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Records Review, Site Reconnaissance, Interviews with Past and Present Owners and Occupants, Interviews with State and/or local government Officials, and Evaluation of Report. This is a lot of paper and the average Phase I report with Appendices can easily be 500 pages. To stay green, most reports are delivered electronically. Depending on the client’s needs, a company can also address non-scope items. Non-scope items could include: hazardous building materials, asbestos containing materials, ecological resources, endangered species, and vapor encroachment. Similarly to ASTM E 1527-13, ASTM E 224716 is used for forested and rural land larger than 120-acres (not necessarily contiguous).
Terms During the report writing process, some of the difficulty lies within using proper terminology. One of the most common terms in the Phase I reports is “subject property.” The subject property is the property being researched and transacted between two parties. A data failure may occur when an environmental professional fails to physically traverse the subject property, and it can result in a weak report. Figure 1 shows an example of a poor site photo. Visibility of the store sign within the picture would improve Figure 1. A data gap occurs when the environmental professional cannot obtain a questionnaire survey from the subject property’s landowner. During the review of historical and current data on the subject and adjoining properties, one of the biggest decisions an environmental professional makes is determining if a property has signs of a recognized environmental condition (REC).
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Figure 1. View – North. The picture taken should fully encompass the subject property and give a description about where it was taken and in what time and/or direction. Store signs, street names, and property identifications are great to include if available.
Decision-Making Process Some of the most important terminology in a Phase I report includes a property’s status, such as: not a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC), REC, historical recognized environmental condition (HREC), and controlled recognized environmental condition (CREC), or de minimis. In determining if a property is a REC, the environmental professional must consider if the property in question has had the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substance or petroleum product at the property. If there is no indication of hazardous substances or petroleum at a property, it would not be a REC. If a subject property is called a REC, there is a likely presence of hazardous material already affecting the property, there are indicative signs of a release, or there is a potential future material threat to the environment. If there has been a historical release of any hazardous substance or has no active legal usage and/or limitations, it could be considered an HREC. Similarly, if a property has had a release of hazardous material but addressed the release to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities and/or has current environmental controls to mitigate risk to the subject property, it could be considered a CREC. Not as concerning as a REC, HREC, or CREC, a property could exhibit de minimis conditions that generally do not pose threat to human health or the environment. Figure 2 shows four signs on the same property that independently could be considered a REC, HREC, CREC, and/or de minimis. Choose the best description based on the picture. REC Description for Figure 2: “The property known as John Doe was a large PCB transformer manufacturing company for 30 years and was demolished in late 2019. It appears that mounds of dirt are on the property and earth moving appears to be active.” HREC Description for Figure 2: “The property known as John Doe was a large PCB transformer manufacturing company for 30 years that was demolished in early 1990s. It appears that mounds of dirt are on the property.” CREC Description for Figure 2: “The property known as John Doe was a large PCB transformer manufacturing company 22
Figure 2. View – North. A vacant, industrial property (former John Doe facility) adjoins the subject property to the north.
for 30 years that was demolished in 1990s. Remediation activities appear to be on-going during site visit.” De minimis Description for Figure 2: “The property known as John Doe was a large company that was demolished in the 1990s. Earth work appears to be on-going during site visit for a new development.” The CREC Description is the best fitting answer because proper research into the facility can determine what environmental controls have been in place. For instance, this facility has undergone remediation by hauling off the hazardous waste. The hazardous waste is not likely to be mobile, and it is a considerable distance from the subject property. Research, efficiency, and discussing with peers can help facilitate the decision-making process.
Conclusion Phase I ESA’s play an important role in creating awareness and setting standards for the health of the environment and its inhabitants. To maximize the benefits of these reports, Phase I ESA’s should continue to be standardly written, fit the client’s needs, and be prepared by a reliable, trusted, and competent consultant.
References https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/pastforums/transcripts/rachel-carson-centennial https://www.astm.org/standardization-news/?q=outreach/latest-revision-to-astmenvironmental-site-assessment-standard-cited-in-us-epa-final-rule-ma14.html https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201505/documents/aai_reporting_factsheet.pdf ASTM E1527-13, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013, www.astm.org ASTM E2247-16, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property, ASTM International, Conshocoken, PA, 2013, www.astm.org
Author Contact Information Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc.; 1000 Cobb Place Boulevard, Suite 290; Kennesaw, GA 30144; ssantoso@geohydro.com; 770-426-7100, Ext 108
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DC-Maryland-Virginia Chapter Harrisburg Sub-Chapter Rick Hoover, Chair
On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Harrisburg held a joint event with the Harrisburg Area Geological Society (HAGS). The evening began with a dinner gathering at Fiesta Mexico in Harrisburg, followed by a technical talk at the nearby training facility of American Engineers Group, LLC. Larry Smith PG of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection presented A Look at the Pennsylvanian Subperiod of the Carboniferous Period. In promoting the talk to members, Smith noted, “This presentation will focus on the Pennsylvanian Subperiod and what it was like during that time regarding the fauna and flora, conditions allowing for the preservation of the plants, and southern glacial fluctuations with associated climatic changes and sea level variations, that exposed or inundated lowland areas.” Larry Smith attended Bloomsburg University where he received a BS degree in Geology. He worked as an environmental geologist for over 20 years before accepting a position with DEP’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup program in 2012, as a geologist and regional project officer. His work involves groundwater remediation projects associated with state and federal Superfund sites. He’s had an interest in fossils since childhood, and gave a talk on fossils in amber at the April 2019 joint AEG/HAGS meeting.
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from underrepresented populations earning degrees in geosciences has not changed over the last 40 years. She provided an overview of the National Science Foundation’s Geodetic Facility for the Advancement of Geoscience (GAGE operated by UNAVCO) and its strategies for supporting inclusion and diversity initiatives, workforce development, and students in the Earth sciences. The talk gave a good overview of the facility, what technical services it provides, current American Geosciences Institute workforce statistics, and how their outreach and education programs increase diversity.
New York–Philadelphia Chapter Loren Lasky, Newsletter Editor
Fall Field Trip Three-foot-diameter rock cores mark the location of exploratory borings for the Tocks Island Dam, an immense project that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) proposed building in the 1960s for flood control along the Delaware River. AEG’s New York-Philadelphia Chapter (NYP) fall field trip visited the dam site, along with the former Pahaquarry copper mine, on a cold, sunny day in November 2019. The proposed dam, straddling the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, caused a huge public controversy and ultimately was never built. The site is now part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Presentation Summary: The Carboniferous Period ranged from 358.9 to 298.9 million years ago and included our Mississippian and Pennsylvanian Subperiods, with the Pennsylvanian lasting approximately 24 million years. In general terms, the Carboniferous was like today—with tropical through arctic environments, orogenic activities, fresh water and marine life in abundance, glaciers, profuse amounts of plants, and a relatively low CO2 atmospheric concentration. However, a detailed look shows a significant contrast with the landmasses forming into one continent (Pangea), mammals were absent, insect families were significantly less diversified, many insects and other arthropods were giant in size, angiosperms were nonexistent, and vast tracts of tropical wetland vegetation were present. Profuse plant growth in ideal environmental conditions was set to form the large worldwide bituminous and anthracite coal beds of today.
New YorkPhiladelphia Fall Field Trip: Three-footdiameter rock cores left from exploratory borings at the proposed USACE Tocks Island Dam remain at the site on the Delaware River. PHOTO BY ASTRID HESSE
The Mile High Chapter Denise Garcia, Secretary The Mile High Chapter took the month of December off, but came back in January with an exciting talk from Andria Ellis, PhD, with UNAVCO, Inc., on Beyond Geodesy: UNAVCO’s Role in Increasing Diversity in the Earth Sciences. Dr. Ellis discussed how despite various pragmatic efforts to increase diversity and retention in this field, the percentage of students Spring 2020
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Panorama of Participants at Student Night 2019 at the New York-Philadelphia Chapter
Planning Committee for Student Night (L to R) Dr. Alec Gates, Rutgers University-Newark, NYP Student Outreach Coordinator; Rose DeLorenzo, NYP Past Chair; and Amanda Forsburg, NYP Student Outreach Coordinator and main planner of Student Night.
Student Night & Meetings NYPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6th Annual Student Night was held November 14, 2019, at the Clarion Hotel in Somerset, New Jersey. The event drew participants from seven colleges and universities in the New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania area: William Patterson University, Rutgers University-Newark, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Dickinson College, Hudson County Community College, and Montclair State University. Our members and judges were impressed by the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; excellent array of research topics and by the student presenters themselves. All participants went home with a g-pick (rock hammer) and Michael Sharer from the University of Pennsylvania took the top prize, a $150 gift certificate, for his paper on Geophysical Techniques for Assessing Small Dams. On December 5, 2019, Bill Daddono of Heritage Environmental brought us up to date on the current waste disposal aspects of PCB remediation in soils.
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Claire Osei, a student at RU Newark, explains her project at NYP Student Night.
Our Spring series of talks started in February, and plans are underway to stage a reprise of our fall field trip to the proposed Tocks Island Dam site again as soon as gatherings are permitted.
Program Terminated On a sad note, our Student Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Alexander Gates of Rutgers University-Newark (RU Newark), has informed us that the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has decided to terminate the joint Geoscience Engineering major that it had been offering in combination with RU Newark. This is despite turning out successful, impressive graduates that we see every year at Student Night. We have launched a letter writing campaign from our Chapter, urging NJIT to reconsider, and pointing out the ever-present need for technical graduates to fill the engineering and environmental geology jobs in our area.
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Cara Baez discusses Earthquakes in Japan with the St. Louis Chapter
St. Louis Chapter Jessie Goodwin, Chapter Editor On November 14, 2019, Cara Baez, an undergraduate student with Saint Louis University, presented to the St. Louis Chapter on Aftershock Sequences of Intermediate-Depth Earthquakes Beneath Japan. Baez’s presentation focused on the decay rate of aftershocks following earthquakes. On the evening of December 11, 2019, Dr. Ben Luetkemeyer of Terracon shared a presentation on Geophysical Applications in Engineering Practice with the St. Louis Chapter. Ben discussed the value of geophysical tools and where they are most valuable, then discussed common geophysical methods and the value of each from a problem-solving standpoint. Ben Luetkemeyer talks geophysics with the St. Louis Chapter
Spring 2020
Scott Lindvall, Jahns Lecturer, presents to the St. Louis Chapter
After a hiatus in January, the St. Louis Chapter met again on February 13, 2020, to hear from Scott Lindvall, the 2019– 20 Jahns Distinguished Lecturer. Lindvall shared his presentation Seismic Source Characterization for Evaluating Nuclear Facilities in the Central and Eastern U.S. The presentation focused on methods used to assess seismic hazards based on existing data, including paleoliquefaction mapping.
Texas Chapter Skye Ibarra, Secretary
Winter 2020 Meeting – Houston January 24–25 Board Attendees: Pat Frost, Chair; Melissa Cordell, Vice-Chair; Leigh Grover, Treasurer; Skye Ibarra, Secretary; and Rusty Branch, Past Chair Our winter meeting has been dedicated to and in memory of Dr. Christopher (Chris) C. Mathewson, Regents Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M University, by request of AEG Texas members and our speakers. A significant number of Dr. Mathewson’s students are AEG members and were at the meeting. Donations were made to the Christopher C. Mathewson Scholarship. The weekend meeting featured a short presentation: Buffalo Bayou & Tributaries Flood Control Project: Addicks & Barker Dams & Reservoirs 101, and a guided field trip by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It began with a Friday night mixer at the hotel where we met some prospective members, and shared stories about Chris. After the Saturday morning registration, AEG Regional Director Jeff Neathery and Stephanie Coffman presented information about the 2021 AEG Annual Meeting in San Antonio. Then, we piled into vans and took off for the day, with our first stop at the Corps of Engineers building in the Energy Corridor.
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Richard Howe, PG, CPG, (front) and Carl Norman, PhD, PG, CPG, (behind) before the beginning of the morning presentation.
In our first talk, from Richard Long – Supervisory Natural Resources Manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we learned about the construction of Addicks and Barker Dams. It was interesting to hear about the recent floods and the need to balance flooding risks. Our second talk was an introduction by Carl E. Norman, PhD, CPG, professor Emeritus at the University of Houston, to the surface fault zones of Houston, whose exact locations are somewhat guesstimated by the location of affected structures. We were able to see some great examples of “invisible” faults that can be seen only through the presence of floodwater or growing agricultural fields. After the talks, Richard G. Howe, PG, CPG, Terra Cognita, LLC, and Carl Norman guided us to stops around west Houston. Our second stop of the day was a visit to the dam, where fault movement has led to patching. The affected area is luckily not a critical spot! Our next stop was at a manufacturing building where faulting has affected the foundation and parking lot. The outside has been fixed, but the inside has apparently been left alone and those who work there simply adjust to the floor’s change in elevation. Our fourth stop was Bane Park, where, after seeing some local wildlife (nutria and ducks), we were able to look at an engineered sag pond the park is built around and the surface fault
Richard Long with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers speaks about flooding in Houston.
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We stopped to view this house that has been repaired and leveled. The elevation difference of the road from the left to the right side is apparent.
running directly alongside it. We made a short stop to see a fault zone running beneath a parking lot and under a major freeway and overpasses, part of which have been replaced and built to flex to accommodate fault zone movement. After these stops, we drove into some of the residential areas to see how the faults have affected those who live there. We stopped to view one house on a fault zone, which has moved more than Carl Norman recreates a photo at the same one inch manufacturing business from a few years ago. per year, and the fence and road clearly show the fault’s upthrown and downthrown blocks. You can trace the fault zone by the line of new and over-sized houses being built in a neighborhood traditionally consisting of smaller, older, one-story homes. We spoke to two homeowners, one affected and one not, about the history of their homes. One woman watched the prairie area she was born in begin shifting since she was the age 5 and her neighbor’s homes (built in 1951) essentially fall apart. Another man spoke with us about not leaving his home of 40 years, though there’s been significant damage. His
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The earthen dam for Addicks and Barker reservoirs with the extensional cracks patched in one section.
neighbor has had to patch the foundation and sides of his house with foam. Many of these neighborhoods have had developers and builders scrape the lot before building and it will be interesting to see how these fare over the next few decades. It calls into question the ethics of building expensive new homes directly over fault zones. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all bad, however. We were introduced to the Cantilever house, a unique design for Houston. The owner, after consulting with Carl, had her house built on one side of
the property (the upthrown block) and cantilevered over the fault zone itself. In the time since, the home has shown no movement or damage. It could be an interesting strategy for building new homes on fault zone lots if these faults reactivate in the future. Upon our return to the hotel, we were happy to give out speaker gifts to our excellent field guides and a plaque to our Past Chair, Rusty Branch, for his significant contributions to AEG and his work in keeping the geoscientist licensure alive in Texas.
AEG Winter 2020 meeting attendees stand on the upthrown and downthrown blocks of the fault running beneath the manufacturing business.
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