Environmental Geoscience Program

WHAT'S NEW

EPA SPOKESPERSONS AVAILABLE:  The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Public Liaison (OPL) is reaching out to stakeholders. Their mission is to actively engage national, non-governmental organizations in the private sector, to increase awness of  EPA's  regulatory agenda and activities. OPL is responsible for submitting the scheduling proposals  for meetings with the EPA Administrator and Deputy Administrator. If you have an upcoming conference, meeting, or event in 2009, and would like to entertain the  possibility of an EPA official addressing your organization, please submit the following details of your request, via email, to campbell.roger@epa.gov (Roger Campbell, Senior Public Liaison Specialist for Labor, Education, Science Office of Public Liaison Office of Public Affairs, Telephone: 202.564.1591, Fax: 202.501.0037 E-Mail: campbell.roger@epa.gov )
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INTERACTIONS BETWEEN TECTONICS, CLIMATE AND BIOSPHERE: (EGU 2009 General Assembly in Vienna, 29-24 April, 2009) Understanding the interactions between tectonic and climatic processes, determining their thresholds, deciphering the involved timescales, as well as assessing the impact of such process combinations on the biosphere in highly variable environments are innovative, timely, and exciting research topics. This session brings together geologists, paleoclimatologists, climatologists, biologists and paleontologists to discuss tectonics-climate-biosphere interactions in complex geologic settings.
Information on this session (CL30) and abstract submission can be found here:
http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2009/session/263

INTERNET SEMINAR: Perchlorate Remediation Technologies - January 22, 11:00AM-1:15PM EST (16:00-18:15 GMT). This training introduces state regulators, environmental consultants, site owners, and community stakeholders to Remediation Technologies for Perchlorate Contamination in Water and Soil (PERC-2, 2008). This course gives the student a background in the available remediation technologies to treat perchlorate contamination, discusses emerging technologies, and presents case studies of applications. For more information and to register, see http://www.itrcweb.org or http://clu-in.org/studio.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS AND TRENDS (EPA 542-N-08-006). This issue highlights innovative strategies for integrating ecological restoration into intrusive cleanup remedies or applying ecologically based approaches to passively treat contaminated media (December 2008, 6 pages). View or download at http://clu-in.org/techpubs.htm.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS IN SOILS AND GROUNDWATER. This brief document addresses 25 key questions, providing a concise overview of current knowledge regarding the management of subsurface chlorinated solvent releases. Source zone areas are defined and discussed, with summaries of the benefits and limitations of various source characterization and remediation technologies. The document addresses current technical and practical limitations, as well as the changes that have occurred over time at many chlorinated solvent sites. Although the document is meant neither to foster nor discourage source zone treatment, it takes a hard look at the costs and performance of the most commonly used source zone treatment technologies and compares source treatment to alternative containment approaches (July 2008, 38 pages). View or download at http://www.estcp.org/viewfile.cfm?Doc=ER-0530-FAQ.pdf.

AN OVERVIEW OF LAND USE CONTROL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (ITRC BRNFLD-3). This document presents an overview of various systems and state programs that track, monitor, and/or educate people on Land use controls (LUCs). Moreover, it describes each of these systems and programs and explains what and how information is provided by each system. Information about the various technologies and their associated costs for development and implementation is provided, advantages and limitations are discussed, potential users are identified, contact information for the user is provided, and case studies offer insight into implementation efforts. It is important to note that, due to the ongoing and sometimes contentious debate about the appropriateness of LUCs in comparison to permanent, active, or complete remedies, this document does not evaluate the policy issues related to LUCs or their role as part of an appropriate solution to any specific environmental condition (December 2008, 134 pages). View or download at http://www.itrcweb.org/Documents/BRNFLD-3.pdf.

ENHANCED FILTRATION AND CONTAMINANT DEGRADATION OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY NATURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS. This document was prepared by Julia Kane Africa during an internship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sponsored by the Environmental Careers Organization. This paper focuses on the treatment of high molecular weight (HMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and the potential for bioswales and rain gardens to mitigate contamination in urban settings is discussed. This paper is designed to serve as a point of reference for planners, public officials, and ecologists interested in exploring what contribution biofiltration and phytoremediation can make to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mitigation of urban run-off (August 2008, 20 pages). View or download at http://www.clu-in.org/techpubs.htm.

IN-SITU CHEMICAL OXIDATION: A STUDY OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY. This document was prepared by Matthew West during an internship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sponsored by a Cooperative Agreement with the University of Arizona. Chemical oxidation is one of the many different methods of site remediation that has emerged lately as an alternative method to traditional techniques. Chemical oxidation is based upon the theory that by introducing certain reactive chemicals into the contaminated aquifer, the contaminant in question can be converted into less harmful compounds in a relatively automated process. After the reactive chemicals (reagents) are introduced into the aquifer, they work by themselves and are driven by the internal chemical energy. Furthermore, chemical oxidation has been shown to be effective at the destruction of the dissolved phase of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL), which are known to be difficult to remediate through other tactics. Therefore, if administered correctly, in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) has the potential to be a low-cost, fast, effective, and relatively low maintenance remediation technology (August 2008, 9 pages). View or download at http://www.clu-in.org/techpubs.htm.

THE 2009 CANQUA-CGRG BIENNIAL MEETING will be hosted by Simon Fraser University at the Burnaby campus of SFU from May 3 to 8, 2009. Multi-day field trips will be run immediately before and after the meeting, and you can choose from several one-day field trips that will be run on May 6, during the meeting. For information on the technical program, field trips, a TCN short course, accommodations, and transportation, please visit our website:
http://www.sfu.ca/earth-sciences/CANQUA/

W. A. JOHNSTON MEDAL:  The Canadian Quaternary Association seeks nominations for its highest award, the W.A. Johnston Medal.  This award bestowed by CANQUA recognizes professional excellence in Quaternary research.  Nominations for the award are now being accepted. Complete nomination packages must be received by the 2009 Committee Chair before 15 January 2009.  Additional details concerning preparation of nomination packages can be found at the following link:  http://www.mun.ca/canqua/johnstonnom.html

RADIOCARBON 2009 CONFERENCE (May 31-June 5, 2009, Kona, Hawaii). The abstract deadline is March 15, 2009. Registration includes the luau dinner reception on Sunday, May 31; also all meals (except Thurs. evening dinner); the poster session reception; the Wednesday field trip; and a copy of the conference proceedings. More information is available at the conference web site: http://www.radiocarbon2009.org

EXXONMOBIL AGREES TO PAY $6.1 MILLION in civil penalties for violating the terms of a 2005 court-approved Clean Air Act agreement, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The 2005 settlement already required ExxonMobil to pay a $7.7 million civil penalty, perform an additional $6.7 million in supplemental environmental projects in communities around the company’s refineries, and install pollution controls at six of its U.S. refineries.The agreement penalizes ExxonMobil for failing to comply with the 2005 settlement at four refineries in Beaumont and Baytown, Texas; Torrance, Calif.; and Baton Rouge, La.  Most of the penalties are for failure to monitor and control the sulfur content in certain fuel gas streams burned in refinery furnaces, as required by the 2005 settlement and EPA regulations.   The other two refineries covered under the 2005 settlement are located in Joliet, Ill. and Billings, Mont.The 2005 settlement and today’s penalty settlement with ExxonMobil were reached as part of a broader EPA initiative to reduce air pollution from refineries nationwide. To date, 95 refineries located in 28 states, representing more than 86 percent of the nation’s refining capacity, have been required to install new controls to significantly reduce emissions. For more information on the Exxon Mobil Petroleum Refinery Settlement amendments and agreements, go to http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/
exxonmobil05caa.html

NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS: Some of the classes this winter and spring include Low-Cost Remediation Strategies for Contaminated Soil and Ground Water; Monitored Natural Attenuation for Remediation of Contaminated Sites; and Advanced Data Analysis Techniques for Evaluating and Quantifying Natural Attenuation. 

Click here to View all of NGWA's January-June 2009 offerings!

OBAMA’S SCIENCE TEAM: John Holdren has been to be Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and one of three co-chairs of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
  Holdren is a physicist who served as a Professor of Energy and Resources at the University of California, Berkeley for over two decades (now emeritus). Since 1996, he has been at Harvard as the Director of the Science, Technology and Public Policy program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and as a faculty member in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Science and Policy. He also directs the Woods Hole Research Center.  Holdren spoke at the American Geological Institute’s 2007 Leadership Forum on “Communicating Geosciences to Policymakers” and his presentation entitled “Energy Policy in Theory and Practice” is available at http://www.agiweb.org/events/LF2007/index.html
  The other nominated co-chairs of PCAST include life scientists, Harold Varmus and Eric Lander, showing a rather strong emphasis on life sciences and particularly genomics.  Regardless of the exact focus of PCAST, President-elect Obama promises to "remake PCAST into a vigorous external advisory council that will shape my thinking." This presents an opportunity for the science and technology community to help play a role in shaping the science and technology policy direction of the next administration.

HOUSE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE OUTLINES 2009 AGENDA Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) released an agenda overview for the House Science and Technology Committee. The committee plans to “work on issues including energy technology development, climate and weather monitoring, math and science education programs, nanotechnology, the space program, aviation research, and technical standards for industries from energy to health care to telecommunications.” A two-page summary of the House Science and Technology Committee agenda is available as a PDF at http://democrats.science.house.gov/Media/File/ForReleases/
111thSTAgenda.pdf

PRESIDENT BUSH DESIGNATES LARGEST MARINE RESERVE: On January 6, President Bush designated three areas — the Mariana Trench and the waters and corals surrounding three uninhabited islands in the Northern Mariana Islands, Rose Atoll in American Samoa, and seven islands strung along the equator in the central Pacific Ocean – as national marine monuments. Together the monuments total some 195,274 square miles (505,757 square kilometers) and represent the largest marine reserve. All will be protected by the 1906 Antiquities Act, which eliminates commercial fishing, waste dumping and other extractive commercial efforts within the monuments. One exception will allow commercial fishing in the waters above the Mariana Trench. Recreational fishing, tourism, research, military operations and freedom of navigation will remain viable activities (most require a federal permit) under the act. The seven islands in the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument include the Johnston Atoll, the site of nuclear test blasts.

GEOSCIENTISTS WITHOUT BORDERS: On November 17, 2008, The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Foundation announced the first two projects in India and Thailand that will be part of their new program, Geoscientists Without Borders. The program applies geophysical technology to the needs of people from all areas of the globe through targeted projects designed to tangibly impact the community around them. Universities and industries are connected to communities to carry-out the projects and the work will involve students, teachers, researchers, and professionals. The project in India will address the severe water crisis in rural areas.
  The project in Thailand will address earthquake hazards, water quality and the preservation of cultural heritage through archaeological mapping. The foundation is grateful to its founding partner, Schlumberger, for a $1 million grant to initiate the program. The foundation plans to support two projects per year.  For more information about Geoscientists Without Borders please visit http://seg.org/gwb.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS:  The Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program will provide approximately 100 undergraduate applicants selected for the program with scholarships to participate in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education. Completed applications must be received by January 30, 2009, at 5pm EST. Applications will be available at http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/Hollings_info.html. For more information contact NOAA Hollings Scholarship at StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov.

GEOTHERMAL WORKFORCE: Department of Energy requests input on challenges in the geothermal program. The Federal government and industry must address the growing inadequacy of workforce competencies due to the small size of the existing geothermal industry and the competition for human resources, as the geothermal industry competes with the oil and gas industry for qualified personnel. The limited capability for meeting a critical need in qualified personnel is compounded by the current lack of formal university degree programs. This request seeks input regarding future GTP funding, potential initiatives within the industry and in the classroom, and with DOE administrative efforts. Written comments must be received by January 30, 2009, and should be sent to RFI-09GO39004@go.doe.go

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ADDS SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON U.S. CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE PROGRAM UNIFIED SYNTHESIS PRODUCT. The peer review and first public comment period that ended on August 14, 2008, and resulted in substantial revisions to the document, and a second draft will be released in January 2009 for a 45-day public comment period. A Federal Register Notice will be published announcing the start of the public comment period and will provide detailed instructions for accessing the revised document and submitting comments.

DOI OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING (OSM) RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT ANNOUNCE A FINAL RULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 12, 2009, which amends regulations concerning stream buffer zones, stream-channel diversions, siltation structures, impoundments, excess spoil, and coal mine waste. Among other things, this rule requires that surface coal mining operations be designed to minimize the creation of excess spoil and the adverse environmental impacts of fills constructed to dispose of excess spoil and coal mine waste. We have revised the stream buffer zone rule to more closely reflect the underlying provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), to adopt related permit application requirements, to require that disturbance of perennial and intermittent streams and their buffer zones generally be avoided unless it is not reasonably possible to do so, to identify exceptions to the requirement to maintain an undisturbed buffer zone for perennial and intermittent streams, and to clarify the relationship between SMCRA and the Clean Water Act. For more information visit OSM's home page at http://www.osmre.gov  or contact Dennis G. Rice at 202-208-2829.

THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) INVITES NOMINATIONS from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). It is anticipated that vacancies will be filled by late spring 2009. For more information, contact Sonia Altieri, Designated Federal Officer, U.S. EPA; (202) 564-0243; altieri.sonia@epa.gov.