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Hudson – Mohawk
Professional Geologists
Association
October 2014 Newsletter
http://www.wildapricot.hmpga.org
Joint Geologists Meeting
Wednesday, October 15
New York State Museum
Albany, New York
The New York geology practice bill that provides for licensing geologists passed both
houses of the New York State Legislature and is waiting to be sent to the governor’s
office for his signature. What this ground-breaking piece of legislation means for New
York and for those who practice geology in the Empire State will be discussed during a
meeting at the New York State Museum in Albany on October 15.
Participating organizations include:
Northeast Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (NE-AIPG)
New York State Council of Professional Geologists (NYSCPG)
Hudson-Mohawk Professional Geologists Association (HMPGA)
New York State Geological Survey (NYSGS)
Long Island Professional Geologists Association (LIAPG)
Central New York Association of Professional Geologists (CNYAPG)
Buffalo Association of Professional Geologists (BAPG) also will be represented
This joint meeting will take place during the New York State Museum’s open house.
Activities will include business meetings as planned by the individual professional
organizations, an evening reception and networking event followed by a presentation
on the licensure bill (with Q&A session), wrapping up with a presentation on the
glacial history of New York by Dr. Andrew Kozlowski of the NYSGS.
October 2014
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Officers
President
Tanjia Maynard
(518) 275-5688
[email protected]
Vice President
Frank Williams
(518) 472-1988
[email protected]
Treasurer
Danylo Kulczycky
(800) 782­-7260
[email protected]
Secretary
Sarah Benson
(518) 453­-8749
[email protected]
Past President
Scott Hulseapple
(518) 348-6995
[email protected]
Board Members
Kevin Phelan
(518) 348-6995
[email protected]
Luanne Whitbeck
(518) 475- 1008
[email protected]
Jen Kotch
(518) 877-7101 x 115
[email protected]
Jesse Vollick
(518) 724-7272
[email protected]
Josh Gowan
(518) 348-6995
[email protected]
Reminder! Annual individual memberships and corporate
memberships and advertising fees are due in September.
Individual Memberships are $25
Student Memberships are $10
Corporate Memberships are $100 and includes four staff as
members and the option to run a one-time, full page ad in the
newsletter per year.
Take out an advertisement in the newsletter! There are four sizes
to choose from. Business card, quarter page, half page and whole
page.
Dinner Sponsorships are available again this year. Dinner sponsors
receive free dinner, a display table set up for the social hour
and a 5 minute presentation to the dinner audience, prior to the
presentation.
Contact Frank Williams for more information.
HMPGA glasses and T-shirts will be for
sale at the November meeting.
Glasses $5
T Shirts $15
October’s Event Information:
Location:
State Museum, Elk Pond
When:
Social Hour 5:00pm
Dinner & Festivities 6:00pm
Cost:
Dinner & Festivities
$10.00 for student members
$25.00 for all others
Reservations are required. Register on-line at http://www.neaipg.org/
Vacancy
If interested in volunteering,
please contact a board member!
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October 2014
President’s Message
Happy Autumn! Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate HMPGA’s 20th anniversary. Lots of
fin was had by all and the continued success of our organization depends on your involvement.
Looking forward to the next 20!
Please join us on October 15th at the NY State Museum for a joint meeting of geologists from
across the state. Seven geology organizations will be represented. NYSCPG president John Nadeau
will speak about what licensure means to you and there will be lots of networking and other
activities.
As this is a new year, individual and corporate memberships are due. Please take a moment to
renew your membership online at www.hmpga.wildapricot.org or in person at the next meeting.
Free full page ads are available to corporate sponsors once a year on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, dinner sponsorships are also available for the 2014 -2015 year. Please contact Frank
Williams for more information.
There are T-shirts ($15) and pint glasses ($5) available for sale at the monthly meetings -- don’t
forget to pick up some swag!
Tanjia Maynard
2014 – 2015 HMPGA President
Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising
Any companies interested in joining HMPGA or advertising in the newsletter should contact
Frank Williams at [email protected]
October 2014
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October 2014
October 2014
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Program Directors
Being active in HMPGA is a part-time, volunteer activity that often demands a great deal of
attention. The following members chair this year’s committees:
Committees
Contact
Email
Communications and
Educational Outreach
Jen Kotch
[email protected]
Membership
Josh Gowan
[email protected]
Newsletter
Samantha Lasko: Student
Tanjia Maynard
[email protected]
Program
Sarah (Newell) Benson
Jesse Vollick
[email protected]
[email protected]
Webmaster
Scott Hulseapple
[email protected]
October 2014
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Ancient Soil Shows Oxygen-Producing Life Existed Way Earlier
Than We Thought
Article from: Freedman, David. Huffington Post. September 9, 2014.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/08/life-on-earth-existed-wayearlier_n_5781840.html?utm_hp_ref=tw. web
This is a very interesting article that talks about a group of scientists who may have reason to
believe that Earth had oxygen producing life on it earlier than originally believed. Geologists
working with a group of colleagues from Presidency University in Kolkata, India have been
research and studying paleosol (ancient soil) from eastern India that may contain this evidence in
it. After studying this paleosol they realized that the “chemical weather” indicated a higher
amount of oxygen was present than originally thought. They concluded that the weathering could
have only come from photosynthesis and this was probably due to a bacteria found in early Earth.
"Plants, even simple plants, did not evolve until much later in the geological record," Crowley told
The Huffington Post in an email, adding that the finding shows that "we are still learning about
'deep time' and evolution of the early Earth system." (Freedman). To read more about this article
click on the link above.
September 2014
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Pictures from the 20th
Anniversary HMPGA Party
(courtesy of Tanjia Maynard)
October 2014
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Member Spotlight!
This months member spotlight is
Sarah Benson, a Project Manager at
CHA Consulting, Inc.
How did you become interested in geology? As a
child, I always spent a ton of time outdoors – playing
in streams and woods, camping and hiking with my
family, playing in dirt piles. My dad, who was both a
chemist and a licensed Adirondack Guide, made a
point to teach us about the earth and our
environment. So, I’ve had an interest in earth science
since I was quite young.
What made you decide to pursue this career path?
Given my childhood, it seemed a natural choice to
take a geology class my first year of college. I fell in
love with it the first day and never looked back. After
I finished school (8 years total between 4 years of
undergrad, a MS and two years in a PhD program), I
worked for a small environmental forensics firm in
California. I moved back to this area 7 years ago and
have been working at CHA since then. I am a Project
Manager in our Environmental Group.
October 2014
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Member Spotlight cont.
Do you have a favorite rock? If so what is
it?
I don’t discriminate when it comes to cool
rocks, but I’d probably have to choose
pumice as one of my favorites. It’s so
unique compared to other rocks. I once
found a magnificent piece of it floating in the
Pacific Ocean off the coast of New Zealand
and it has a prominent place in my rock
collection.
What other people, interests or activities
do you enjoy?
Most of all, I enjoy working both inside and
out in the 220-yr old farmhouse that my
husband and I call home – gardening,
renovation projects, and anything that
involves our tractor. We have two golden
retrievers that we spend a lot of time with
and who love living in the county with lots of
space. I also enjoy cooking, canning,
reading, and getting creative with repurposing antiques (and just old stuff in
general).
Describe your most memorable experience
in your profession?
I don’t really have any one moment that is
more memorable than others, thought I
would say my most memorable moments
stemmed from graduate school rather than
working in consulting. I travelled a lot to
places in Central and South America: rural
Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Chile and Easter
Island among others. Working on Easter
Island was by far the most terrifying – the
indigenous Rapa Nui population is very
protective of their natural resources and
were very suspect of our “activities” (i.e.
drilling coral) there. It was a great
experience, but let’s just say I was happy to
go home at the end.
October 2014
10
Oktoberfest! The Science of Beer and Wine Making
Categories: Energy, Environmental Health, Featured, Minerals, Water
Posted on September 29, 2014 at 9:20 am
Last update 11:05 am By: Ethan Alpern, [email protected] 703-648-4406
Cheers! It’s Oktoberfest! Let’s drink up some knowledge!
October 12, 1810 was the royal event of the year, when all citizens of Munich, Germany attended the wedding of
Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (later to become King Ludwig I) and his bride, Princess Therese of SaxonyHildburghausen, on the fields in front of the city gates.
The fields were named “Theresienwiese” (“Theresa’s fields”) in honor of the Crown Princess, and for more than
200 years, their anniversary is celebrated with the tradition called Oktoberfest.
Today, Oktoberfest celebrations feature large quantities of pumpkin-spiced beer, but behind that is the
fascinating geologic process of making the beer and wine used to celebrate with each year.
Hops: The Geologic Ingredient
Hops, the flower of the common hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.), is best known for its use to flavor beers. It is
a female plant species that grows as a vine and is native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere,
such as North America, Europe, and western Asia.
There are many varieties of hops, which are used in the flavoring process of brewing beer. Each variety,
grown in various areas, provides a different accent of flavor, contributing to the different flavors for each
brand of beer. Other factors in flavor are ingredients such as barley and wheat, as well as different brewing
techniques.
October 2014
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Oktoberfest! The Science of Beer and Wine Making (continued)
As hops plays an important role in the flavor of beer, the alcohol and viscosity (thickness) are a function of other
ingredients such as the initial sugar content which is then fermented by yeast into alcohol.
The Cascade variety of hops can grow to be extremely large and provide a great harvest and flavor for nearby
breweries. Each type of hops requires different soil conditions, but hops in general share some broad
requirements.
The soil must be crumbly and well drained with low soil acidity. Hops also require access to a lot of water, so the
presence of surface water is extremely beneficial.
In addition to its geologic mapping, soil geochemistry, and national streamgage network USGS, tracks flood and
drought conditions that can significantly affect the growth of hops.
Geology Makes a Fine Wine
It’s not just hops that rely on geology, not all grapes are ideal for wine-making. In fact, the soil, geology, and
climate combine to make the difference between low-value table grapes and delicious wine. Most
winemakers will say that nature and the Earth are as important as people in making the best wine.
Unlike hops, though, cultivators need to be concerned about giving grapes too many nutrients. Unlike most
gardening, the more stressed the grapes, the better they become for wine production.
Proper Soil Means the “Sauce” Won’t Spoil
Soil chemistry and nutrients play a big role in the taste of the various hop and grape varieties. Soil drainage
is an extremely important factor in the success of grape growing.
The better the drainage, the more concentrated flavor can be in grapes and therefore the better the wine.
Better drainage is usually found in loose soils where the water can flow away from the vines. When wine
grapes have access to too much water, the sugars are diluted and the grapes grow too large, meaning the
skins aren’t thick enough to provide proper flavor and color.
Soil drainage can be studied either through geologic mapping or through remote sensing surveying, like
3DEP. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative is being developed to respond to growing needs for highquality topographic data and for a wide range of other three-dimensional representations of the Nation’s
natural and constructed features through high-quality light detection and ranging (lidar).
Diatomite: The Natural Filter
Filtering is a key step to the beer and wine-making process. It is important to make sure that these
beverages are clean and healthy. Luckily, the Earth has provided a natural filter in the process, a mineral
called Diatomite, or diatomaceous earth.
It is used in agriculture for grain storage as an anticaking agent, an insecticide, and as a natural de-wormer.
Some farmers add it to their livestock and poultry feed to prevent the caking of feed.
Diatomite is a chalk-like, soft, and very fine-grained sedimentary rock, usually light in color (white if pure,
but usually gray, and rarely black). It is very finely porous, very low in density (floating on water at least
until saturated), and essentially chemically inert in most liquids and gases.
The principal use of diatomite is as a filter aid, an absorbent for industrial spills, and in toothpaste. It is also
used as filler in a variety of products from paints to dry chemicals, and as insulation material. USGS tracks
these uses as well as the supply and production of diatomite in its annual Mineral Commodity Summaries.
Start with Science
Amidst all the fun and festivities, there is still much to learn. USGS provides the science and information to
understand the potential, production, and consumption of all minerals, water, and climate conditions in
the wine and beer making process.
So whether you’re celebrating Oktoberfest with a cold pumpkin-spiced beer or a glass of red wine, make
sure to learn some science with every sip!
October 2014
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Health and Safety Corner: The Zen Of Safety
www.safetytoolboxtopics.com
The practice of Zen is to bring one totally into the present moment. This is also a continual theme in
safety: keeping one's attention on what one is doing. Perhaps this is where similarities end but maybe
not.
One school of Zen uses "koans" or sayings that are meant to bring a person out of mental constructs.
The most famous of these is the koan: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" Of course, there is no
answer but one wry answer tells you that it is getting cuffed in the head by the hand. And there is some
truth to that.
If your attention is wandering, you are daydreaming or simply not paying attention to what you are
doing you can easily get injured. The injury is the sound of that one hand clapping. It is a rude
awakening and certainly has the effect of bringing you back to the present moment. The pain is a
reminder for a while and the story of what happened is a larger reminder for everyone else at the work
place.
Some of the most serious injuries in industry involved a moment of inattention. After the fact, the
person usually cannot believe they did it. After the fact it is too late. So, how do we stay present?
The best advice that anybody has had on the subject recently is to build in "safety moments" into your
day. Clearly we must do this at the beginning of every new task. Research has shown that taking four
seconds before performing a task and doing a mini hazard assessment can reduce your chances of injury
by more than 90% versus not taking the four seconds. Look around. Who is working in the area? Is the
area clear? Do you have the right tools? What are the conditions around you?
Also, as we proceed with the job, watch for any changing conditions and see if they are going to affect
you. Think of these changing conditions as that silent hand that wants to smack you. The "hand" can
only strike you if you ignore it and change is one thing you can count on at work. Has someone started
operating tools or equipment in your area? Is there a strange smell that could come from equipment or
processes in your area? And ask how the change is going to affect you. It is your ability to recognize the
change for what it is and deal with it that will keep you safe.
The sound of one hand clapping is, in many ways, your personal safety program. And though you may
not practice Zen, you cannot ignore the "safety moments" you should be taking at work.
October 2014
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Mineral of the Month:
The mineral this month is Sabelliite found
in Sardinia Italy.
Formula:
(Cu,Zn)2Zn(AsO4,SbO4)(OH)3
System: Triagonal
Hardness: 4 ½
Color: Emerald-green
How is it Found: In a quartzitic
outcrop as rare, minute
crystals.
October 2014
Funny Jokes thanks to the Big Bang Theory
Penny: What's wrong with geology?
Sheldon: Let me put this in a way you'll understand, Penny. You remember you explained
to me that the Kardashians aren't real celebrities? Well geology is the Kardashians of
science.
Sheldon: Why do we have a geology book? Leonard, did you throw a children's
party while I was in Texas?
October 2014
HMPGA Corporate Members
Company
Adirondack Environmental Services
Contact
Phone Number
Steve Valle
518.434.4546
Advanced Environmental Geology, LLC
Brian Norensky
518.3732870
AECOM
Walter Howard
518.951.22200
Patrick Filey
716.392.3932
Alpha Analytical
Alpha Geoscience
Tom Johnson
518.348.6995
ALS Environmental
Christina Cusano
281.530.5656
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure
Lynne Baumgras
518.372.0905
Joe Miranda
518.326.1441
Aquifer Drilling & Testing, Inc.
Atlantic Testing Laboratories
Aztech Technologies
Barton and Loguidice
Bob Field
518.383.9144
Mary Passarretti
518.885.5383
Steve LeFevre
518.218.1801
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Kevin Bernstein
315.218.8329
Brown and Caldwell
Frank Williams
518.472.1988
Callanan Industries, Inc
Cascade Drilling
CHA
Peter Zeh
518.374.2222
Robert Danckert
518.939.1050
Sarah Benson
518.453.8749
Chazen Environmental
Danielle Marxer
845.454.3980
Cobleskill Stone Products
Michael Moore
518.234.0021
Con – Test Analytical Labs
Tom Madison
413.525.2332
518.458.9203
Continental Placer
Bill Miller
ESMI of New York
Todd Calder
860.649.3344
Geotech Environmental Equipment, Inc.
Peter Murray
888.558.5325
GES
Griggs – Lang Consulting Geologists
H2H Associates
Hager – Richter Geoscience, Inc.
Hanson VanVleet, LLC
HDR, Inc.
HRP Associates
Mike Maegerle
866.839.5195
Jeff Lang
518.270.5920
Richard Hisert
518.270.1620
Dorothy Richter
732.661.0555
Kirby VanVleet
518.371.7940
Michael Lehtinen
518.937.9500
Jennifer Kotch
888.823.6427
Hydrogeologic, Inc
Eric Evans
518.877.0309
LAND Remediation
Keith Decker
518.766.4105
Layne Christiansen
Leggette, Brashears & Graham
Pace Analytical
Parratt Wolff, Inc.
Steve Crook
518.295.8288
Frank Getchell
201.818.0700
Brian Remus
518.346.4592
Danylo Kulczycky “DK”
800.782.7260
Phoenix Environmental Labs
Buddy Beams
518.232.2420
Precision Environmental Services
Daniel Nierenberg
518.885.4399
Precision Industrial Maintenance
Scott Kramer
518.346.5800
Professional Service Industries, Inc
Paul Misiaszek
518.377.9841
Chris Brown
845.454.2544
PVE Sheffler
Regenesis
Maureen Dooley
781.245.1320
Sanborn. Head and Associates
Timothy White
603.229.1900
Schlumberger Water Services
Chris Bogdon
519.746.1798
Jim Vincent
518.899.7491
Mark Williams
518.456.4900
Matt Ednie
518.355.2201
SJB Services, Inc
Sterling Environmental Engineering, P.C.
Zebra Environmental
October 2014
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Newsletter
FREE
Send us your photos!!
Don’t forget, every corporate member
is entitled to a free one page ad in the
Newsletter. First come, first served!
The HMPGA newsletter welcomes the
submission of photos or anything of a
geologic nature for inclusion in future
newsletters.
Please send your submissions to Tanjia
at [email protected]
The monthly deadline for submission
in the newsletter is the 20th of each
month for inclusion in the following
months newsletter.
Got Jobs?
HMPGA will post your job vacancy in
the Newsletter.
Send ‘em over!
HMPGA Committees
HMPGA is a volunteer-run
organization. If you have any interest
in volunteering to help our group
thrive, we always welcome members
on our various committees. Contact
Sarah at [email protected]
if you are interesting in being a more
active member!
October 2014
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Air and Waste Management Association
(AWMA) Northeast Section
The Mid-‐
Atlantic States Section of the Air and Waste Management Association (MASS-‐
A&WMA) is a professional non-‐profit association of engineers and scientists working in the
environmental field, with a particular focus on issues related to air and waste. The Association strives
to provide an opportunity to enhance the profession by providing opportunities for its members to
network with other professionals.
Visit the AWMA website for information on professional activities and updated news!
www.awmanenychapter.wildapricot.org
The Geological Society of America
The GSA strives to be a leader in advancing the geosciences, while enhancing the professional
growth of its members, and promoting the geosciences in the service of humankind.
Visit www.geosociety.org for more information
For information on upcoming exhibits visit: www.ntsm.nysed.gov
The New York State Museum is a major research and educational institution. It is dedicated to
promoting inquiry and advancing knowledge in the fields of geology, biology, anthropology,
and history, through the investigation of material evidence germane to New York State's past,
present and future
New York State Council of Professional Geologists
The NYSCPG strives to strengthen and advance the geologic sciences as
a profession, promote the protection of public health and welfare and the environment
through the professional practice of geologic sciences, and create high standards of ethical
conduct among its members and within the profession of geology, as well as the legal
standing of geologists and their ability to practice geology in New York State by promoting the
licensing of geologists in New York State through statutory regulation.
To learn more about supporting the licensure of professional geologists in NYS, visit:
www.nyscpg.org
October 2014
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Capital District Breakfast Club Presentations
The Capital District Environmental Breakfast Club is an informal group of environmental professionals
that meets monthly to discuss current environmental issues. Each meeting features a speaker on a
topic of interest, a regulatory update, and an open forum. Meetings are held on the first Friday of
each month except July and August.
The Environmental Breakfast Club meets at the Holiday Inn Turf on Wolf Road in Colonie, New York.
Meetings start at 7:30 am. The cost is $15 per person, which includes a full breakfast buffet.
You can find out more details about the Capital District Environmental Breakfast Club at their
website: www.youngsommer.com
Buffalo Association of Professional Geologists (BAPG)
The BAPG conducts regular membership meetings on the third Wednesday of the month, January
through June and September through November. Meetings feature distinguished speakers and
interesting topics. Field trips and technical seminars sponsored by the BAPG encourage the
exchange of scholarship and expertise.
Visit www.bapg.org for more information!
Central NY Association of Professional Geologists (CNYAPG)
The CNYAPG conducts regular meetings on the second Thursday of each month, unless otherwise
posted, from September to May. Meetings feature dinner and distinguished speakers whose
presentations invite comment and discussion.
Visit www.cnyapg.org for details!
Long Island Association of Professional Geologists
The Long Island Association of Professional Geologists (LIAPG) is a not-‐
for-‐ profit professional organization dedicated to the professional and business needs of
geologists located in the Long Island / Metro New York area. To contact members or view
upcoming events sponsored by the LIAPG, go to
their website: www.lipg.org
October 2014
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HMPGA
P.O. Box 5506
Albany, NY 12205-­0506
Forwarding Service Requested
First Class
October 2014
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