LIAPG News

LIAPG Shares a Message From the New York State Council of Professional Geologists

Chris Wenczel — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:21:19 GMT

A CALL FOR ACTION FOR THE GEOLOGIC COMMUNITY

The New York State Museum and the New York State Geological Survey (NYSGS) have been neglected to the detriment of the State’s citizens, and the State's geological community. The time for action is upon us – there is legislation (https://assembly.ny.gov/leg/?bn=A08851&term=2023) that if enacted would support the Museum’s mission, and by extension that of the Geological Survey. By contacting your Senator and Assembly Member (https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator and https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/), you can call for its passage. Below is the full story of how we got here, and our path forward…

There have been multiple articles written in the New York Times and the Albany Times Union over the last several months regarding the state of the Museum. I bring this to your attention in case you do not know that the NYSGS is an agency of the Museum. The last New York Times article regarding the decline of the Museum was published on October 19^th (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/nyregion/state-museum-ny-albany.html) and specifically references claims made regarding the NYSGS. The article discusses ongoing state and federal investigations to evaluate whether the Museum received excessive federal funding from the United State Geological Survey (USGS). The article also mentions allegations that Museum administrative staff engaged in a timecard scheme to bilk federal funds. An investigation by the State Education Department’s Bureau of Labor Relations found the allegations were unsubstantiated.

While NYSCPG is not aware of any specific allegations, we are aware of the historical success of the NYSGS and particularly the geological mapping program that has had a long-standing and productive partnership with the USGS. Despite decades of declining staff and attrition of museum scientists trained in geology, the NYSGS appears to have been having a resurgence over the last several years. Numerous presentations have been made to various professional geological organizations, along with other public presentations, on the ongoing geologic research that shows an active and productive group of researchers that are producing high-quality scientific information despite funding issues within the Museum.

Increased federal funding in recent years has resulted in an increased number of published maps which NYSCPG has previously highlighted on our website and in articles. Many of the geologists in New York, professionals and academics alike, use the maps and data prepared by the NYSGS. Not only do these maps serve as important educational products, but these geologic publications serve society to help protect water resources, find aggregates to build and repair infrastructure and help identify locations of critical minerals needed to provide vital materials to support the state and national economy. The subsurface scientific coring and exploration drilling that has resulted from the cooperative federal-state partnership is having a profound impact to improve understanding of past climate, aquifers, and geothermal potential and will likely provide vital information for predicting future climate change.

The NYSCPG’s mission includes the strengthening and advancement of the geological sciences as a profession; promoting the protection of public health, the public welfare, and the environment; and promoting high standards of ethical conduct within the profession. NYSCPG views the federal resources awarded to the Museum to produce maps and collect high quality geologic data as a solid investment that is benefiting both the state and its citizens. The maps produced by the NYSGS help promote geology to the public and can be used to promote the protection of the public and the environment. We also believe that the NYSGS staff operate with an appropriate standard of care and high ethical standards and any investigation will show that allegations made against NYSGS staff to be unfounded and that they will be allowed to continue their critical work moving forward.

Where does that leave us, the professional geologists of New York, and what can we do to ensure that additional geological data continues to be collected and managed by qualified, competent geoscientists? Professional geologists have been aware of the financial struggles and lack of staffing of the Survey and Museum since the State Geologist role was vacated in 2010. Almost every state in the union has a Chief Scientist and State Geologist, except New York. New York is the 4^th most populous State and has a diverse landscape and highly variable geologic settings constructed from ancient tectonic events that occurred more than a billion years ago to glacial deposits as recent as 13,000 years old. The roles of the State Geologist are to manage the NYSGS; provide unbiased scientific information to state agencies; prepare and manage federal grants; oversee staff that conducts field work, curate the current mineral collections, and maintain the subsurface core collection; maintain the Empire State Organized Geologic Information System (ESOGIS); provide educational opportunities for the public; and serves as a technical resource to the State in response from catastrophic flooding, landslides, droughts and other emergency-related events.

As professional geologists we must request that a State as large and geologically complex as New York should maintain this key position within the Museum, which was founded by the original scientific efforts of the NYSGS in 1836. The Chief Scientist-State Geologist position typically directs and oversees the NYSGS technical staff, and the time to re-establish this key vacant role has come.

How do we accomplish this? It is election season, and candidates are canvasing neighborhoods and hosting town meetings. I call upon the geologic community to become as vocal as we did to ensure licensure passage a decade ago. The bill referenced at the beginning of this article (A08851) proposed to increase the county clerk fees from $15 to $25 with the revenue going to fund the Museum. Reach out to your elected officials and ask them to support that measure and in turn specifically fund the NYSGS and re-establish the State Geologist role. If you are unsure who your representatives are, please check out https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator and https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/.

There is an adage that the “squeaky wheel gets the grease,” and it is time for our profession to make some noise. Please contact me with any questions via email at jnadeau@nyscpg.com or by phone at 518-579-6580.

John M. Nadeau, P.G. NYSCPG Executive Director

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Sunday 5 November - Celebration of Life for Dr. Gil Hanson - Father of LIAPG

Chris Wenczel — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:51:23 GMT

Please come and celebrate the life of Gilbert Nikolai Hanson (87) who passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 in E. Setauket, NY.

He was a professor of geology at Stony Brook University, NY and an active member of the Unitarian Universal Fellowship at Stony Brook.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Hanson; siblings E. Katherine Schultz (Donald), Ludmilla Isaacson (Philip), and John J. Hanson (Freya); children, Lynn Hoff (John), Kevin Hanson (Tina), and Darlene Anderson (Edmond); and grandchildren, Bryson and Deanna Hoff, Isabel Tuason and Emma Hanson, and Saimoen, Edmond, and Gia Anderson.

This soft spoken, gentle soul was a loving, kind, understanding, and supportive father, husband, grandfather, brother, teacher and friend.

There will be a Celebration of Life service held on Sunday, November 5th at 3:00pm at the Unitarian Universal Fellowship at Stony Brook. The service will also be streamed for those who are unable to attend. The link will be available at the website below. Many who attend will be wearing blue, as that was his favorite color. We ask, if you feel so moved, to bring a rock to the service and/or bring or email to the UUFSB office a brief written remembrance or photo of Gil.

Unitarian Universal Fellowship at Stony Brook
380 Nicolls Road
East Setauket, NY 11733

https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uufsb.org%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cjhoff%40mccrone.com%7C4a4cd943fda7422c80d608dbc908d091%7C67779c82c91c48cea2934b6df3388d76%7C0%7C0%7C638324811934175238%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=D1kU76niy5mL%2BtHLXLKIMQ61EMw5%2FsJudNnvwf0ThAY%3D&reserved=0

Email: office@uufsb.org

Passing of Gil Hanson - Father of LIAPG

Chris Wenczel — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:13:57 GMT

It is with great sadness that our founding father Gil Hanson passed away on 21 September 2023. He did such a wonderful webinar this past February on Hummocky Terrain of Long Island, you can watch the recording on the Media tab of the website. Below is a memoriam published by SUNY Stony Brook.

It is with great sadness that we share news that our friend and colleague Gil Hanson passed away on September 21, 2023. Gil was an incredible mentor, friend, and so much more to so many of us. He will forever be remembered for his knowledge, compassion, wisdom, positive outlook, and dedication to us all.

Among many distinctions, Gil was one of the leaders and developers of modern isotope geochemistry. His research career also included investigations of the regional geology of New York and Connecticut, critical studies of ground water and hydrogeology of Long Island and Long Island Sound, and a research program on the glacial geology of southern New England and Long Island. Gil also was instrumental in developing Stony Brook’s Earth Science teacher training program, founded the Long Island Geologists professional and academic group and organized its annual meeting, and was heavily involved in the push for New York State to begin licensing professional geologists. He leaves behind a vast network of colleagues, former students, and friends who will miss his pioneering vision.

LIAPG Monthly Meeting Presenters Needed

Chris Wenczel — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:17:11 GMT

LIAPG Monthly Meeting Presenters Needed: If you or someone you work with can prepare a presentation for us, preferably for continuing education credit, please consider it. We all work on very interesting projects all the time and it can be very rewarding to share them with our peers. Again, feel free to reach out to me or any of our board members if you think you might have something to share.

Geology Days 2023:

Chris Wenczel — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:12:30 GMT

Geology Days 2023: Once again, NYSCPG is hosting our annual Geology Days event in Saratoga Springs from November 13 to 15, 2023. If you are a PG in New York State, this is a chance to knock out all your required continuing education credits for the year. For more information or to become a sponsor, please click here. last year was the first-ever event of this kind, everyone met many old colleagues and had a grand-old time learning lots of new stuff from seasoned professionals. So save the dates if you are interested in attending or presenting!

Webinar Summer Hiatus

Chris Wenczel — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:43:43 GMT

The LIAPG Board has agreed to take a summer hiatus for webinars during July and August. The group will devote efforts to the canoe trip and the Museum of Natural History field trip. We intend to resume webinars in September with a dual in-person/webinar event. Details to follow.

LIAPG Submits Comments Regarding Part 375 Amendments To NYSDEC

Chris Wenczel — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 21:49:14 GMT

See Attached File

LIAPG Comments on Proposed Part 375.pdf

The LIAPG Wants To Build Connections In Our Professional and Academic Communities!

Chris Wenczel — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 20:47:24 GMT

The Long Island Association of Professional Geologists is a NYS Not For Profit organization registered as an IRS 501(c)6. The LIAPG is a business league of professional geologists, environmental professionals, and associated business persons on Long Island and in the NYC Metropolitan Area. We are located in New York State’s region having the largest number of professionals holding Professional Geologist licenses.

We would like be a strong resource for information and connections between professionals in our community and those academics and students interested in the geological sciences and its application to the many related fields in our industry group [e.g., geological sciences applicable to Natural Resource Use & Protection, Environmental Health, Environmental Protection, Environmental Hazards, Environmental Justice, Energy Resources, and Climate Resilience; as well as applicable to Earth Science Education at the secondary and primary school levels].

As an organization of professional geologists and other environmental professionals we seek to reach out to the departments’ educators and all students interested in entering our industry including those interested in pursuing the NYS Professional Geologist licensure and future engineers seeking to concentrate in the geological sciences. We are reaching out to all NYS schools of higher education in the earth sciences and geosciences because we want to develop an active and robust connection between our professionals and the State’s undergraduate and graduate programs, department research areas, and students’ geosciences program groups. We are also hoping to develop an active interest in supporting our organization and its mission by seeking speakers and presenters from undergraduate and graduate Earth Sciences and Geosciences departments to present and promote their school’s programs, recent student projects, recent research projects, school events, etc.

Finally, we are always seeking enthusiastic and talented volunteers to assist our board members, who are professionals within LIAPG’s community, in developing and executing our group projects, organizing and presenting webinar and live meetings, and posting on our website and social media outlets.

If interested, please reach out to me at brianrduggan@gmail.com or LIAPG President Chris Wenczel, PG at liapgpres@gmail.com. Visit our website at https://www.liapg.org/ and follow us on LinkedIn. We always welcome your comments and questions, and look forward to hearing back from you.

Brian R Duggan, JD, PG

Chris W. Wenczel, PG

The LIAPG Board of Directors

UPDATE ON CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR NEW YORK STATE PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS

Chris Wenczel — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:07:25 GMT

The New York State Education Department has informed the New York State Council of Professional Geologists (NYSCPG) that they have been approved as an entity authorized to approve providers of continuing education for geologists.

Some restrictions were placed on the type of eligible subjects that do not contribute to the professional practice of geology as defined in the Education Law, such as, risk management, limiting the design professional’s liability, project management related to profitability and maximizing fees, marketing and public relations, laws related to arbitration, mediation, liens (unless they relate to safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the public), real estate, real estate development, expanding a design professional’s business, basic AutoCAD, personal development, succession planning, zoning as it relates to increasing a developer or design professional’s profitability, design build are not acceptable subjects.

An Update on Continuing Education for Professional Geologists in New York State

Chris Wenczel — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:34:09 GMT

LIAPG would like to share that the NYSCPG and ALPHA ANALYTICAL are sponsoring a significant informational update!

Please join us for a FREE WEBINAR on the:

Continuing Education Bill for Professional Geologists in New York State

April 1, 2021 (12:00pm to 1:00pm EST)

This webinar will focus on the content of the Law and will attempt to answer questions that NYSCPG members and NY PGs may have about the requirements for continuing education as it relates to maintaining licensure status in New York.

Please see the attached event flyer.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5035531671669737999

Thank you Alpha Analytical for hosting the event!!!

Best,

New York State Council of Professional Geologists

NYSCPG-Alpha Continuing Education Webinar Flyer.pdf

Continuing Education on its way for Professional Geologists

Jennifer Lewis — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:58:00 GMT

Senate Bill S7986A/Assembly Bill A10021A have passed the NYS Senate and Assembly and is awaiting signature from the governor. Here are some of the key provisions of the bill, which will also apply to Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors:

During each triennial registration period, Professional Geologist and Professional Engineer applicants shall complete a minimum of 36 hours of acceptable continuing education and Land Surveyor applicants shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education.
No more than six continuing education hours taken during one triennium may be transferred to a subsequent triennium.
Licensed professionals shall be exempt from the mandatory continuing education requirement for the triennial registration period during which they are first registered.
Professional Geologists directly employed on a full-time basis by the State of New York, its agencies, public authorities, public benefit corporations, or local governments prior to January 1, 2022 and who meet other criteria are deemed to have satisfied the continuing education requirements.
Acceptable continuing education shall mean courses of learning and educational activities in architecture, engineering, interior design, land surveying, landscape architecture, and geology.
The mandatory continuing education fee shall be $45 and is in addition to the triennial registration fee.

To ensure that this bill is signed, please contact the governor's office and let him know that you support this bill.

You can read the full text of the Assembly Bill here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/a10021/amendment/a

Upcoming 2020 LIAPG Events

Chris Wenczel — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 19:31:37 GMT

It's been 117 days since our 5 March 2020 dinner meeting..........and while things are getting better, it's not yet time for group dinner meetings to resume.

So a quick update on what we are planning:

LIAPG Canoe/Kayak Paddle & Picnic: Normally held in the June - July time-frame, we have postponed this activity until September. We are hopeful that by then, a safe and properly distanced, outdoor, enjoyable day can be assembled for our members who would like to participate.

Group Dinner Meetings: In lieu of the group meetings at the present time, the LIAPG will be putting on free LIVE evening webinars during July and August. So far, we have 2 geology-focused presentations planned, and expect them to be approximately 1 hour each with Q&A. All you will need to do is register, log-on and participate.

Field Trips: We are looking at options for interesting local outdoor field trips that would allow for safe and properly distanced participation. You would provide your own transportation to an assembly point where the field trip would begin. Likely mid-October when the weather is cooler and fair.

Watch for follow-up emails announcing dates/times, topics, and instructions to register and log-on to participate in the on-line presentations!!

https://liapg.wildapricot.org/

NYSCPG EVENT INAUGURAL SAINT PATRICK'S DAY WARM UP

Chris Wenczel — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 11:52:41 GMT

Lithology Brewing Company

See attached flyer for more details!

2020-03-12 - NYSCPG Inaugural St Patty Day Warm Up - Flyer.pdf

Speakers Wanted!!!!

Chris Wenczel — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:02:50 GMT

LIAPG is always in need of speakers for our dinner meetings. Do you know anyone that might have an interesting topic to present to the group? If not, how about a project you may have completed or are working on now? Many of us work on interesting projects that could be appropriate for a presentation at one of our meetings. By all means speak with a member of the Board of Directors if you would like to present your work to the group. It is very important that our members get involved and help the Board with obtaining speakers- this makes for a robust and inclusive organization. So please, think about stepping up and participating!

NYSCPG & AIPG Joint Meeting: 15 May 2019 - Brotherhood Wineries

Chris Wenczel — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 20:18:13 GMT

See Attached Flyer

2019 Joint Spring Metting Flyer-v3.pdf

but general agenda is as follows:

AGENDA

3:00 - 4:30 PM Wine Tasting at Brotherhood Winery ($12/person cash at venue)

4:30 – 5:30 PM NE AIPG ExCom Meeting

5:00 - 6:00 PM Networking and Dinner

Cash bar and dinner at Limoncello at the Orange Inn (see attached)

6:30 - 6:50 PM Organization Introductions and Acknowledgment of Sponsors

7:00 - 8:00 PM Evening Speaker: Bill Prehoda (Suez Water New York) will present the topic of “Maintaining Public Community Groundwater Supplies.”

LIAPG and NYSCPG Joint Event A Huge Success!! 1 Essential Day: Regulatory Updates; Emerging Contaminants & Investigative Technologies

Chris Wenczel — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 18:01:34 GMT

The LIAPG and NYSCPG sincerely thank our speakers and guests for making the day such a great success!!! We had 100 participants.

Copies of the presentations can be obtained through the links below:

“EPA Compliance”
Platinum Corporate Speaker - Adam Robus & Cheryl Neary
Island Pump & Tank

"Fill Material Classification and Use: 6 NYCRR Part 360.13"
David Gibb, P.E., Deputy Regional Materials Management Engineer
NYS DEC Solid Waste

“Chemistry and Analytical Methodology Review of Perchlorate, 1,4-Dioxane & PFAS”
Platinum Corporate Speaker - Kevin Hoogerhyde
Alpha Analytical

“Preview of Potential Revisions to 6 NYCRR Part 375”
Jane H. O’Connell - Chief, Superfund and Brownfield Cleanup Section
Division of Environmental Remediation

“Eliminating Risk of PFAS in Groundwater”
Platinum Corporate Speaker – Alana Miller – NE District Manager
Regenesis

"Site Assessments"
Robin Putnam, Program Director
Nassau County Department of Health

“Surface & Borehole Geophysical Methods for Environmental Investigations”
Platinum Corporate Speaker - Hager-Richter Geoscience, Inc.
Robert Garfield, P.G., Owner/Principal Borehole Geophysicist

“Public Water Supply: Emerging Contaminants Challenges and Technologies”
Tyrand Fuller, P.G., Director of Strategic Initiatives
Suffolk County Water Authority

LIAPG Canoe/Kayak Paddle & Picnic

Chris Wenczel — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 02:02:06 GMT

The Trip & Picnic were a big success, see you next year?

Brian Duggan Joins LIAPG Board of Directors

Chris Wenczel — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 00:27:49 GMT

Please welcome him to the LIAPG!

The Day The Dinosaurs Died - KT

Chris Wenczel — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 14:20:25 GMT

Great program: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/day-dinosaurs-died.html

NY Professional Geology Licensure

Jennifer Lewis — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:01:29 GMT

On Friday, November 21, 2014 the Governor signed Chapter 475 of the Laws of 2014 that provides for the licensure of professional geologists under Title VIII of the Education Law. The Law does not take effect until November 2016.

Under the provisions of the new law, Geology will be added to the current State Board for Engineering and Land Surveying. To implement the licensing provisions, the Board of Regents must first appoint qualified geologists to the board. The State Board will assist the Regents and the Department in developing regulations necessary to license qualified individuals in the new profession. Please check back for additional updates in the coming months. - from http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/geo/