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Hudson – Mohawk Professional Geologists
Association
Meeting Announcement
http://www.wildapricot.hmpga.org
May 2014 1
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Fingerprinting Sources of Salinity in Homeowner Wells in New York State Prior to Hydraulic Fracturing: Results
from Project SWIFT Speaker: Dr. Laura K. Lautz, Syracuse University
Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing has the potential to introduce saline water into the environment due to migration of deep formation water to shallow aquifers and/or discharge of flowback water to the environment during transport and disposal. It is challenging to definitively identify whether elevated salinity in groundwater is associated with hydraulic fracturing, in part, due to the real possibility of other anthropogenic sources of salinity in the human-impacted watersheds in which drilling is taking place. There is also evidence formation water is present naturally in shallow groundwater aquifers. We combined new and published chemistry data for private drinking water wells sampled across five southern New York (NY) counties (Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Steuben, and Tioga), which include measurements of Cl, Na, Br, I, Ca, Mg, Ba, SO4, and Sr. We compared baseline groundwater quality data in NY, which currently has a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, with published chemistry data for 4 different potential sources of elevated salinity in shallow groundwater, including Appalachian Basin formation water, road salt runoff, septic effluent, and animal waste. A multivariate random number generator was used to create a synthetic, low salinity (< 20 mg/L Cl) groundwater data set (n=3,000) based on the statistical properties of the observed low salinity groundwater. The synthetic, low salinity groundwater was then artificially “contaminated” with variable proportions of different potential sources of salinity to explore chemical differences between groundwater impacted by formation water, road salt runoff, septic effluent, and animal waste. A multivariate, discriminant analysis model was trained on the resulting data set and then used to classify observed high salinity groundwater (> 20 mg/L Cl) as affected by formation water, road salt, septic effluent, or animal waste. Single elements or pairs of elements (e.g. Cl and Br) were not consistently effective for discriminating between sources of elevated salinity, indicating multivariate methods are needed.
About the Speaker: Dr. Laura K. Lautz is an associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Syracuse University (SU). Dr. Lautz is a hydrologist who aims to further understand how hydrologic processes influence water quality and movement through watersheds. Dr. Lautz conducts research across the U.S. and abroad, using methods from diverse disciplines, such as combining field experiments with computer modeling. Dr. Lautz has received awards for her teaching and research, including the Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award from SU and a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation. She holds a B.S. in geology from Lafayette College, a M.Ed. in teaching and curriculum from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in geology from SU. Dr. Lautz grew up in Syracuse, where she now resides with her husband and 5-year old twins. You can learn more about her work at her lab website: http://hydrology.syr.edu.
Officers
President Tanjia Maynard (518) 275-5688 [email protected] Vice President (Interim) Sarah (Newell) Benson (518) 453-8749 [email protected] Treasurer Frank Williams (518) 472-1988 [email protected] Secretary Danylo Kulczycky “DK” (800) 782-7260 [email protected] Past President Scott Hulseapple (518) 348-6995 [email protected]
Board Members Steve Trader (518) 348-6995 [email protected] Matt Ednie (518) 355-2201 [email protected] Adrian Bilger (518) 377-9841 [email protected] Kevin Phelan (518) 348-6995 [email protected] Luanne Whitbeck [email protected] Heather L. Hallett (518) 782-4500 [email protected]
May 2014
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May’s Event Information: Location: Holiday Inn Express and Suites
400 Old Loudon Road Latham, NY 12210
When: Social Hour 5:00pm Dinner 6:00pm Program 7:00pm Cost: Dinner & Program $10.00 for student members $20.00 for dormant geologists $25.00 for members $30.00 for non-members Program only: Free
Reservations are required by midnight on FRIDAY, MAY 16th , whether attending the dinner, or only the presentation. Register on-line at www.hmpga.wildapricot.org , or call or email Diane at
(518) 348-6995, [email protected].
May Meeting Sponsored By:
Schlumberger | Water Services Thank you for your support!
May 2014 3
President’s Message
Hello! Thank you to Dr. Ben Hallett for his talk in April! Our speaker this month is Dr. Laura Lautz and it is the last talk of the 2013-2014 year! Our summer party will be the HMPGA 20 Year Anniversary celebration - details and a save the date will go out soon! Due to an unforeseen conflict with the Century House, our May Meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn on Wolf Road. Please join us for a beverage, dinner and an excellent program. The dinner this month is sponsored by Schlumberger Water Services. www.swstechnology.com. The meetings will resume in September at the Century House. The field trips are currently underway and they have been a great success. Thank you to Jen Kotch for organizing the groups. Thank you to our volunteers Luanne Whitbeck, Alexandra Monson, Joseph Osso, Kevin Phelan, Steve Trader, Paul Griggs, Marty Pidel, Tommy Giamichael, Fred Schauf, Stefan Truex , Emily Carbone and Brian Remus for donating your time and efforts! Also thank you and NICE JOB to the HMPGA members who volunteered their time at the Science and Health Discovery Night. Chris Monaco and Dean Herrick performed the Volcano Simulation and Curtis Cappellano, Dan Ruscitto and Tom Ebert manned the volcanic rocks exhibit. Please see the article from CN Weekly located in this newsletter. The slate of officers and board members for the 2014 – 2015 year is being developed in accordance with HMPGA by – laws. Results will be announced as soon as they are finalized. As always, please send your interesting geology tidbits to us for publication. Looking forward to seeing you at the May 21st meeting. Have a great summer!! Tanjia Maynard 2013 – 2014 HMPGA President
Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising Any companies interested in joining HMPGA or advertising in the newsletter should contact
Sarah Benson at [email protected]
January 2014 HMPGA 4
May 2014 5
Committees Contact Phone Email
Communications and Educational Outreach
Vacant: to volunteer contact a board member
Membership Adrian Bilger 518.377.9841 [email protected]
Newsletter Jen Kotch
518.877.7101
Program Sarah (Newell) Benson Heather Hallett
518.453.8749 518.782.4500
[email protected] [email protected]
Webmaster Scott Hulseapple 518.348.6995 [email protected]
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:
May 2014
Disaster in Washington State USGS is working with partners to provide up-to-date information.
Robertson, Jessica. "Landslide in Washington State." USGS Science Feature. www.usgs.gov, last updated 10 April. 2014. Web. Posted 26 March 2014.
This article is an interesting reading for those of us mass wasting buffs. It discusses the occurrence of large landslide in northwest Washington on March 22, 2014. The disaster caused many casualties, lots of destruction and many people remain missing. The landslide occurred due to a higher percentage of precipitation in the months of February and March than usual in Washington. The remainder of the article discusses how USGS is studying what happened to learn what happened as well as for possible future events. Thier studies include monitoring water levels and flood potential, any associated earthquakes, and monitoring slope stability. Some of the article even includes the emergency response necessary, prior landslides, and the type of landslide it was. To read more about this disaster and how USGS is studying it to provide the most accurate information can go to: http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/landslide-in-washington-state/.
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May 2014
Member Spotlight: Welcome to the member spotlight! This month we caught up with Samantha Lasko student member and new editor of the newsletter.
Q: How did you become interested in geology? A: I’m really a strange person I have to admit because I knew from the time that I was in middle school that I wanted to teach. Then I was taking my middle school earth science class and everything was so interesting and exciting and I loved how much science changed! When I got to college is when my love of just geology really bloomed. I loved the rocks and the history as well as the hikes that we went on. I couldn’t see how anyone wouldn’t like this subject!
Q: What made you decide to pursue this career path? What is your current position? A: As of right now I have a relatively pedestrian job as a cashier but I am applying to many jobs in my field as we speak. I currently am in the process of getting my Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education in Earth Science at SUNY New Paltz. I plan to get my Masters in Education as well at New Paltz and be certified to teach not only earth science but biology as well. I decided to pursue this career because it is not the fault of the students that they don’t care about the subject, it is the fault of the teacher. I think that with the right passion, attitude, and teaching strategies I can influence more young adults into the field of science. This is why I pursue this job.
Q: Do you have a favourite rock? If so what is it? A: I am not sure that I have a favorite rock. I currently have an interesting piece of mica schist with moderately sized garnets that I am pretty proud of from the area near where my boyfriend lives. Like most women though I enjoy collecting and looking at gems and precious stones. My favorite is sapphire and all the different ways that they are colored (naturally and synthetically).
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May 2014
Q: Describe your most memorable experience in your profession? A: I have had a lot of memorable experiences in my geology studies over the years. I have been to really cool places like Howe Caverns and the Franklin Sterling Hill Mine. One of my favorite recollections though is with one of the best professors I have ever had. When I transferred to New Paltz one of the geology classes I had to take was Stratigraphy and Sedimentation. This class was a difficult but rewarding class taught by one of the best and most passionate professors I have ever had Dr. Alex Bartholomew. For one of our final trips in the class we had to go up to North South Lake and hiked around to see the end of the sequence we were looking at which included our final stop, the Twilight Park Conglomerate. On our hike to see this we got to a section of trail where we climbed up through a really cool crevasse in the rocks and stood so on top of a “mountain” where you see so much of the park and the lake. The reason I tell this story is that right then it decided to snow huge flakes into this giant whiteout. It went from nice hiking weather to a whiteout in five seconds! It was the most beautiful and fun thing that has ever happened while on a trip and I will never forget it. I’ll also never forget walking back in all the snow and being so cold that at our Stewarts rest stop on the way back they ran out of hot chocolate! Definitely a great experience.
Member Spotlight: This month we caught up with Samantha Lasko.
Q: What other people, interests or activities do you enjoy? A: My life is pretty hectic right now with school and work so I don’t get a lot of time to do the things I really love. I do however play volleyball multiple times a week with friends and my parents. It’s a great stress reliever and I fairly good at it. I also enjoy hanging out with my family, especially my boyfriend. We’ve been together for three years and now he is at a police academy so I only get to visit with him on the weekends in-between studying and homework. This summer when I have more free time I want to go hiking more and visit more museums, they are probably two of my favorite places to visit and things to do.
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HMPGA SUMMER PARTY
and 20th Anniversary celebration!
Stay tuned for more details!
May 2014 9
New Corporate Member and Advertiser!
As the weather starts to warm up again an old foe comes back to fruition. Thats right it will be tick season soon enough! We try our best to avoid their territory and check our beloved pets but sometimes you can’t catch the little things before its too late. Here are some helpful reminders about Lyme Disease symptoms that may help for the upcoming season. To read more about ticks, tick prevention, and Lyme Disease please see the link below. Stay Safe! What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease? The early symptoms of Lyme disease may be mild and easily missed. If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove the tick with tweezers and watch for the symptoms of Lyme disease. In 60-80% of cases the first symptom is a rash, known as erythema migrans, that: ● Occurs at or near the site of the tick bite. ● Is a "bulls-eye" circular patch or solid red patch that grows larger. ● Appears between three days and one month after the tick bite. ● Has a diameter of two to six inches. ● Lasts for about three to five weeks. ● May or may not be warm to the touch. ● Is usually not painful or itchy. ● Sometimes leads to multiple rashes.
The most severe symptoms of Lyme disease may not appear until weeks, months or years after the tick bite. These can include severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems.
For more information on ticks and Lyme check out www.health.ny.gov/publications/2813/
May 2014 10
Health and Safety Corner
TICK TIME ONCE AGAIN Fig. 1 and 2 STicks & Lyme Disease - A Guide for Preventing Lyme Disease. June 2011. [female deer tick and female american dog tick ]. Retrieved from http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2813/.
May 2014 11
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Mineral of the Month: The mineral of the month for April is PUTNISITE. This is a newly discovered mineral by miners. To read more about this mineral check out the link below. Formula: SrCa4Cr3+
8(CO3)8SO4(OH)16·23H2O Crystal System: Orthorhombic Color: Purple (thus far) Interesting Facts: Newly added mineral described to have a new structure and chemistry based on X-ray diffraction methods. Read more about it through some of these articles below. http://www.techtimes.com/articles/5983/20140424/meet-putnisite-the-newest-mineral-discovered-in-western-australia.htm http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2014/04/completely-new-mineral-discovered.html http://www.popsci.com/article/science/unique-mineral-discovered-australia
New Corporate Member and Advertiser!
May 2014
SAGE partners with Shen on 2014 Science and Health Discover Night
By Glen Griffith @CNWeekly Science is fun. That was the consensus of hundreds of southern Saratoga County youngsters who attended the 2014 Science and Health Discovery Night last Friday at Shenendehowa School District’s High School East.
Stopping at the table manned by members of the Hudson-Mohawk Professional Geologists Association one was drawn to small containers of a substance that makes up Hawaii’s olivine (green) beach. Next to it was a container of what looked like iron filings. A warning sign placed between the container and the edge of the table warned everyone not to touch. The substance inside the jar was labeled Pele’s Hair. In reality it was volcanic glass formed when magma is emptied into the air and caught by the wind.
The annual spring event gives students from kindergarten through eighth grade a chance to have hands-on fun with science and health while hearing from people who make their living, or are preparing to, in the two fields. The annual event is a partnership between SAGE, (Shenendehowa Advocates for Gifted Students), and the Shen School District’s Science Department. The two-and-a-half hour April 25 program packed the school’s gym, its hallways, main cafeteria, and assorted classrooms with a variety of exhibitors happy to engage anyone who walked by. There were scientists, nutritionists, therapy dog handlers, conservationists, environmentalists, geologists, entomologists, computer wizards, even a dentist.
For the full article please go to: http://www.cnweekly.com/articles/2014/05/02/news/doc53613eafdc368381183820.txt
May 2014 14
Company Contact Phone Number
Adirondack Environmental Services Steve Valle 518.434.4546
Advanced Environmental Geology, LLC Brian Norensky 518.3732870
AECOM Walter Howard 518.951.22200
Alpha Analytical Patrick Filey 716.392.3932
Alpha Geoscience Tom Johnson 518.348.6995
ALS Environmental Christina Cusano 281.530.5656
AMEC Environment and Infrastructure Lynne Baumgras 518.372.0905
Aquifer Drilling & Testing, Inc. Joe Miranda 518.326.1441
Atlantic Testing Laboratories Bob Field 518.383.9144
Aztech Technologies Mary Passarretti 518.885.5383
Barton and Loguidice 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 Peter Zeh 518.374.2222
Cascade Drilling Robert Danckert 518.939.1050
CHA Sarah (Newell) 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
Continental Placer Bill Miller 518.458.9203
ESMI of New York Todd Calder 860.649.3344
Geotech Environmental Equipment, Inc. Peter Murray 888.558.5325
GES Mike Maegerle 866.839.5195
Griggs – Lang Consulting Geologists Jeff Lang 518.270.5920
H2H Associates Richard Hisert 518.270.1620
Hager – Richter Geoscience, Inc. Dorothy Richter 732.661.0555
Hanson VanVleet, LLC Kirby VanVleet 518.371.7940
HDR, Inc. Michael Lehtinen 518.937.9500
HRP Associates Jennifer Kotch 888.823.6427
Hydrogeologic, Inc Eric Evans 518.877.0309
LAND Remediation Keith Decker 518.766.4105
Layne Christiansen Steve Crook 518.295.8288
Leggette, Brashears & Graham Frank Getchell 201.818.0700
Pace Analytical Brian Remus 518.346.4592
Parratt Wolff, Inc. 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
PVE Sheffler Chris Brown 845.454.2544
Regenesis Maureen Dooley 781.245.1320
Sanborn. Head and Associates Timothy White 603.229.1900
Schlumberger Water Services Chris Bogdon 519.746.1798
SJB Services, Inc Jim Vincent 518.899.7491
Sterling Environmental Engineering, P.C. Mark Williams 518.456.4900
Zebra Environmental Matt Ednie 518.355.2201
HMPGA Corporate Members
An n o u n c eme n t s
May 2014 15
Newsletter Send us your photos!! The HMPGA newsletter welcomes the submission of photos or anything of a geologic nature for inclusion in future newsletters. Please send your submissions to Jen 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!
FREE Don’t forget, every corporate member is entitled to a free one page ad in the Newsletter. First come, first served!
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!
HMPGA SUMMER PARTY and 20th Anniversary celebration! Stay tuned for more details!
May 2014 16
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
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
For information on upcoming exhibits visit: www.ntsm.nysed.gov
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
May 2014 17
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
May 2014 18
HMPGA P.O. Box 5506 Albany, NY 12205--0506 Forwarding Service Requested First Class
