The Wise Report
August 22, 2010
Lynn Clark, member of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists wrote a response concerning the previous Wise Report. He states:
"I attended the Legislative Committee also, and I offer my personal observations to augment Mr. Mikel ’s comments.
Statement 1: I believe the Legislative Committee members were receptive, not luke-warm, to the idea of increasing the ceiling on administrative penalties to $3,000 or some comparable amount.
Statement 4: I don’t believe there is any desire among the majority of Board members to remove all future Board flexibility to accept experience in lieu of specific educational training in exceptional instances. I believe this was a suggestion sent to the Legislative Committee for consideration from a person or persons in an outside entity.
Statement 5: The bill to amend the Professional Services Procurement Act passed during the last session, but was vetoed by the Governor. (Do not forget that the bill was unexpectedly amended in legislative committee to include landscape architects along with geoscientists.) We may never know if that unwelcome amendment was the death blow that resulted in a veto from the Governor. I believe the majority of the Board still feels that adding PGs and geoscience to the list of “professional” professions for qualification based selection (QBS) is in the best interest of the state, public and the geoscience profession. It will be important to determine in the next few months if the Governor remains philosophically opposed to QBS for all professions, as some legislative aides have indicated. If that is indeed the case, then freezing the current “list” of professions would certainly be a useful step towards eventually repealing the Professional Services Procurement Act. The introduction of another bill to add PGs and professional geoscience to “the list” would not be unwelcome."
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
8/22/2010
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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
August 14, 2010
John K. Mikels, with GEOS Consulting, attended the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) Legislative Affairs Committee meeting on August 13, 2010. The following is the Committee's agenda for policy issues and Mr. Mikels' comments:
General Geoscience Policy: Probably Senate Natural Resources Committee and House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee
Professional Services Procurement Act: Probably Senate Administration or Natural Resources Committee and House State Affairs Committee
1. Increase the administrative penalty authority from $ 100 to $ 1,500 per instance. 1002.452(b). Matthew Cowan, with the Texas Association of Professional Geoscientists (TAPG), suggests raising it to $3,000. The general opinion was that penalties should be substantive, not simply a "slap on the wrist." Mr. Mikels believes that amount is more appropriate. The Texaqs Board of Professional Engineer's (TBPE's) authority is up to $3,000 per instance. Mr. Mikels' impression was that the Legislation Committee was only luke-warm to increasing penalty fees.
2. Clarify language at 1002.351 (b) to reflect that only engineering firms that perform geoscience work or service that is incidental and specific to an engineering project is exempt from rules adopted by the TBPG relating to the public practice of geoscience by a firm or corporation.
3. Possible bill, if driven by the oil and gas community —amend the exemption of geoscientific work performed exclusively in exploring for and developing oil, gas, or other.... to include work that is presented publically in support of an investment in a project. Mr. Mikels is not certain of what clarifications would need to be made to achieve what various parties would want.
4. Mr. Mikels believes that some TBPG Board members may want to consider whether to try to remove the
provision at 1002.255 (b) that allows the Board to accept qualifying experience in lieu of the educational requirement in 1002.255 (a).
5. Amend the Professional Services Procurement Act to include professional geoscience/professional geoscientists. Mr. Mikels had the impression that the Committee, and perhaps the TBPG Board, may be reluctant to to pursue this at this time. Govenor Perry vetoed the bill that added geologists, among others, to the list during the last session. Mr. Mikels had the impression that the Legislative Committee was reluctant to pursue anthing new or hot-button, they prefer to focus on clarificaiton and clean-up-loose-ends type issues.
6. Seek clarification of Occupations Code, Chapter 1002.202(e) regarding the confidentiality of complaints. The issue here is that the language in the Act seems to prohibit the TBPG from sharing complaint information with another agency. This could be a problem if we get a complaint that reveals evidence of criminal violations or violations of another jurisdiction's laws or rules (for example TCEQ or TBPE rules). Kevin Colman, former TBPG Board member and chairman, agrees this is an issue.
Matthew Cowan believes the next legislative session, scheduled to begin in January 2011, will probably be dominated by budget issues, redistricting, gambling, and immigration.
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
8/14/2010
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The Wise Report
July 31, 2010
The TCEQ has updated the TPH spreadsheet for calculating TRRP PCLs and is available at http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/remediation/trrp/trrppcls.html.
The new version corrects an error in duplicating a PCL number to the Results Page from the AirSOILInh Calculation Page.
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
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July 24, 2010
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hess returned to Austin in July from a four-year tour of duty to resume his position as Executive Director of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Colonel Hess had been recalled to the United States Army in July of 2006, where he had initially been stationed in Iraq.
Mr. Charles Horton, who has been serving as Interim Executive Director since January 1, 2009, will continue to assist in agency operations as he takes over as Deputy Executive Director. About the upcoming changes, Mr. Horton states, “I look forward to working with Colonel Hess as we go forward. We will do whatever it takes to make the transition seamless, to tackle the important issues facing the agency, and to be fully prepared for the upcoming legislative session.”
Thanks for your service, Colonel Hess, and welcome back!
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
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The Wise Report
July 10, 2010
Matt Cowan, with Lone Star Environmental, informed me that the state of Louisiana has passed legislation to register geologists practicing in Louisiana. Their PG board has yet to be set up, so there are currently no forms or rules set up, but the act is to take effect January 1, 2011. The grandfather period will end January 1, 2012. The legislation can be found at http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=720117
and appears to be similar to the Texas PG act.
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) proposes amendments to §§850.10, 850.60 - 850.63, 850.81, and 850.82, concerning the licensure and regulation of Professional Geoscientists to correct minor errors, improve the rules, and ensure that the rules reflect current legal, policy, and operational considerations. This set of proposed revisions is a result of the review of the entire chapter.
An amendment to the title of Subchapter A is proposed to rename the subchapter to Authority and Definitions. Amendments to §850.10 are proposed to improve the definitions of Act and rule; add definitions for advisory opinion, Board, licensee, and sanction; to delete the definitions of address of record, applicant, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, complainant, hearings examiner, examiner, administrative law judge, pleading, respondent, T.R.C.P., and U.S.P.S.; and to renumber the definitions accordingly.
An amendment to the title of Subchapter B is proposed to rename the subchapter to Organization and Responsibilities.
Amendments to §850.60 are proposed to rename the title of the section to Organization and Responsibilities of the Board - General Provisions; add a statement that the purpose of this chapter is to implement the provisions in the Texas Geoscience Practice Act (the Act), Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1002, concerning the licensure of Professional Geoscientists and regulation of the public practice of geoscience; and to reletter the section accordingly.
Amendments to §850.61 are proposed to rename the title of the section to Organization and Responsibilities of the Board - Meetings and to delete the specific revised date of Robert's Rules of Order.
Amendments to §850.62 are proposed to clarify the Board's duties of ensuring that unless exempted by the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1002, a person may not use the Professional Geoscientist title or initials or represent that a person is qualified to engage in the public practice of geoscience and that a person does not take responsible charge of certain geoscientific reports or portions of reports unless the person is licensed under the authority provided to the Board under the Act; to clarify that the Act and rules adopted by the Board under the authority of the Act apply to every licensee, registered firm, Geoscientist-in-Training, and unlicensed individual or unregistered firm providing or offering to provide public geoscience services; to clarify that unless an exemption applies, the Board ensures that all firms offering to engage or engaging in the public practice of professional geoscience in Texas are registered as a Geoscience Firm; to provide that an individual meeting certain criteria who expresses an intent to become a licensed Professional Geoscientist may register with the Board as a Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT); to remove the subsections stating that complaints can be filed with the Board and that a complaint must be filed within two years of the event giving rise to the complaint. These items are addressed in Chapter 851 (relating to Texas Board of Geoscientists Licensing Rules). This section will be relettered accordingly.
Amendments to §850.63 are proposed to provide that a notice of its order imposing a sanction or penalty must include the specific disciplinary action to be taken, in addition to previously existing requirements and to remove the provision that upon request, exams may be offered in a foreign language at the expense of the requestor.
An amendment to §850.81 is proposed to update that the cost for providing public information is that as promulgated by the Office of the Attorney General.
An amendment to §850.82 is proposed to provide that the Executive Director shall determine the agency's position on disputes regarding issues with the processing of a drawn payment.
The text of these amendments can be found at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/PROPOSED/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#86. Comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing either in person or by courier to Molly Roman, Operations Manager, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, 333 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78711, by mail at P.O. Box 13225, Austin, Texas 78701, or by e-mail to mroman@tbpg.state.tx.us. When e-mailing comments, please indicate "Comments on Proposed Rules" in the e-mail subject line. Comments will be accepted for 30 days.
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
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The Wise Report
May 21, 2010
The TRRP 13 TRRP guidance for Review and Reporting of COC Concentration Data has been updated. Some of the major changes are:
- The term sample quantitation limit (SQL) has been changed to sample detection limit (SDL).
- Review qualifiers have been added to annotate data when the laboratory is not NELAC-accredited for the analyte, method, and/or matrix.
- A few bullets in the data usability summary (DUS) section have been added to require the DUS provide information on the NELAC-accreditation status of the laboratory at the time the data were generated.
- Detectability check sample results were added to the list of reported data on the laboratory review checklist (see R9).
The regulatory guidance document can be found at: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/comm_exec/forms_pubs/pubs/rg/rg-366_trrp_13.htm.
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
May 21, 2010
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The Wise Report
April 25, 2010
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) has adopted new rules regarding advisory opinions, the Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT) Program, an amendment to §851.80 establishes an initial application fee and a subsequent annual renewal fee of $25 for a GIT certificate, and an amendment to §851.106 regarding geoscientists to report to the TBPG any known or suspected violation of the Texas Geoscience Practice Act or Board rules.
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
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The Wise Report
April 18, 2010
A Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Operator Training Rule Stakeholder Meeting will be held on April 27, 2010. The meeting is open to the public and will provide a brief overview of proposed rule changes which will:
1) add requirements for Operator Training at Underground Storage Tank (UST) Facilities in a manner that meets federal law; and
2) make less substantive changes to existing administrative and technical UST rules as necessary to simplify and clarify them.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in open discussion. Additional information can be found at: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/remediation/rpr/documents/PST_Stakeholder_Meeting_April27.doc
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
4/18/2010
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See Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists for News
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The Wise Report
April 4, 2010
The TCEQ has updated theTCEQ Remediation Division Correspondence ID Form (TCEQ-20248). Use of the form will expedite the processing of reports and correspondence received by the Remediation Division and will better ensure the accuracy of data entered into the agency's databases. They asks that you complete and submit this form as a cover sheet for all correspondence and reports submitted to the TCEQ Remediation Division cleanup programs on or after June 1, 2010. Instructions are available in PDF format and the form itself is available in MS Word format on the Remediation Division cleanup program web pages and at: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/remediation/announcements.html
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
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Message from the TBPG Interim Executive Director and the latest TBPG newsletter.
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Dear TBPG licensees and stakeholders:
As most of you are aware, SB 940 (amending the Texas Geoscience Practice Act) was passed by the 81 st Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. In addition, the TBPG requested and received increases in its budget and authorized number of staff (FTEs or full time equivalent positions). In the attached newsletter, current TBPG Chairman Y. Lynn Clark provides an overview of these two new important developments. Chairman Clark also discusses HB 2820, a bill which would have affected the way some Professional Geoscientists and geoscience firms enter into contracts with the state and other governmental agencies.
I encourage all of you review this newsletter carefully so you will be aware of the changes in the Texas Geoscience Practice Act and the budget process. The newsletter can be found at:
http://www.tbpg.state.tx.us/Newsletter0709.pdf.
I also encourage all of you to read the text of SB 940, HB 2820, and TBPG’s 2010-2011 appropriation, which can be found at the following links:
SB 940: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/doc/SB00940F.doc
HB 2820: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/doc/HB02820F.doc
Senate Bill 1 (General Appropriations Bill): http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/Bill_81/5_Conference/Bill-81-5_Conference_0509.pdf Look for the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists in Article VIII (beginning on page VIII-21).
You may also view the history, introduced and amended text, actions taken and other information related to any bill from this page:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/bills/welcome.php
As usual, TBPG will continue to post new, relevant information on the TBPG website. In order to keep informed of the new developments, it’s a good idea to visit the website often, found at www.tbpg.state.tx.us.
Charles Horton, Interim Executive Director
TBPG respects your privacy, and will not share your e-mail address with any person or entity outside the agency.
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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
July 19, 2009
Several members of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) and Texas Association of Professional Geoscientists (TAPG) met with the Governor's office this week to discuss help with the PG board's financing. In a nutshell, we came away with nothing. The Governor's office wants the board to keep track of both it's shortfall and the number of members who leave, this despite the projected loss of 30-50% of PGs in Texas.
The Governor's office did suggest that the board meet with the Financing Committee to see if we can implement only some of the increase and perform only some of the approved tasks, rather than all or nothing. While this is a possibility, it won't come in time for the required budget numbers. It appears to me that the board has no choise but to implement all of the increase. If some of the expenses don't come to fruition, then they implement a reduction later on. The biggest cost savings would be from Col. Hess not coming back as Executive Director. The board has to hold his place open for him until he's back from military duty, which means they have to have his salary in the budget. He was due back last year, but his tour was extended. He was due back this month, but his tour's been extended again. If he keeps getting extened, that's money we have to budget for, but won't spend. This makes budgeting very difficult.
In the meantime, the Board is still interested in your input in this or any other Board matter. I certainly hope we don't loose 30-50% of the PGs in this state. If you loose it and have to re-up after 3 years, you'll lose your grandfathered PG status and have to take the ASBOG test.
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The drought in Texas continues to get worse. The Guadalupe River is down by 85-90 percent from normal levels over all and is dry in some segments. As a result, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has reduced the surface water diversion in Kerrville to 1 million gallons per day from a normal rate of 6.4 million.
Flows on area rivers are dropping quickly due to the exceptional drought, says Al Segovia, the TCEQ's South Texas watermaster. These extreme conditions are forcing the TCEQ to cut off or restrict junior rights to surface water diversions in order to supply water for critical functions.
The City of Kerrville has chosen to implement Stage II of their drought contingency plan. The TCEQ requires water suppliers to develop drought contingency plans to manage water usage, reduce peak demand, and extend supplies. Local water suppliers issue notices about water restrictions when the situation warrants action.
Kerrville's Stage II restrictions involve limiting lawn watering to specific days of the week, with reduced hours, and prohibits other non-essential water use to reduce the demand on the system by a certain percentage. People with odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesday and Saturday, even addresses can water on Wednesdays and Sundays, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. If these efforts fail to sufficiently reduce usage, additional restrictions may be imposed.
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AIPG Letters to Texas Legislature (Here).
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AIPG Letters to the President and U.S. Congress re Climate Change issues (Here).
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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
July 10, 2009
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) proposes an amendment to 22 TAC §851.80, regarding fees. The proposed amendment raises licensing fees and annual renewal fees for licensed individuals; it also raises registration and renewal fees for firms and sole proprietorships. The complete text can be found at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/PROPOSED/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#140
The TBPG would like comments, pro or con. Representatives of the TBPG will be meeting with the Governor's office on Monday, July 13, 2009 to see if we can get some help with the finances of the TBPG, as was discussed in the previous Wise Report. Perhaps we'll have some good news to report in the next Wise Report.
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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 27, 2009
I attended the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) meeting on Friday, June 27, 2009. This was an important meeting because they were discussing the possible increase in fees. The legislature passed SB 940, which will allow the TBPG to self-implement complaints, provide confidentiality of complaints until charges have officially been filed, and implement a Geologist-in-Training (GIT) program. All of these were needed to assure that the TBPG rules are being followed by all, allow members to file confidential complaints until the Board can determine if they have merit, and encourage students to advance their careers easier and earlier. Unfortunately, the legislature decided not to fund these programs. They told the Board that they must fund these programs themselves, that is, raise fees to cover these programs. In addition, the legislature requires the Board to fund all of the programs or none. Judging by some of the conversations, the Board was very agitated by this choice. If you look at how much the Board receives in fees, and how much they actually spend, you'll find that the $3 of every $4 brought in goes to the State of Texas General Fund. The Board only gets to keep $1 out of every $4.
If the Board doesn't raise fees for the new programs, they can't be implemented. If they aren't implemented, The TBPG runs the risk of being sunsetted in two years because the sunset commission will look at how many complaints have been filed and actions taken. Currently, the Board is highly dependent on us to issue complaints, and may people don't want to make a complaint for fear of reprisals from the community. There is currently insufficient personnel available to try to find out who's registered or not, and if reports are being properly sealed. There are currently 297 registered geological firms in Texas, which sounds low, considering there are currently over 5,070 registered geoscientists, down from the 6,400 peak. This is why we need better enforcement. We've been getting 81-100 new applications per year, but have been loosing approximately 20-30 PGs per month, mostly from the oil and gas industry. There was a 15% drop in PGs last year. The Board is very concerned about loosing additional PGs. Some estimates are saying a further increase in fees, especially given today's economy, could result in the loss of 20-50% of the the PGs in Texas.
The TBPG received over 325 letters on the proposed increase, almost all against any increase. As I said, the Board is caught in the middle of all this. After a rather contentious discussion, they decided it was better to raise fees on everything, rather than nothing or some things. The result is the proposed increases:
Initial application: $55
Renewal: $55
Renewal over Age 65: $28
Initial Firm Registration $225 (corrects an error that made it cheaper to re-register rather than renew)
Firm Renewal $150
Sole Proprietorship $25
There is a 30-day comment period, starting now. If you have comments, pro or con, please write to the TBPG. It was pointed out that, while the Texas PG fees are already the highest in the nation, they are the lowest (even with the increase) of all the professional licenses issued in Texas.
On a bright note, during this meeting, it was announced that the Governor's office had finally responded to a request for a meeting to see what could be done about the finances. The Board had requested this meeting a number of times over the past two to three months. Matt Cowan, with the Texas Association of Professional Geoscientists helped to finally get this meeting arranged. They'll be meeting shortly after July 4. Hopefully the Governor can help. The budget is due in October.
In other matters discussed at the Board meeting, an individual was found to have issued 60 reports over a period of three years with an expired license. The exact fine amount is to be determined. All fines go to the State of Texas General Fund, not the TBPG.
Senator Wentworth will be filing a rebuttal to the veto of HB 2820 by the Governor. This was the bill that was going to add Geoscientists to the list of professional services for bidding purposes.
We are currently negotiating with the states of South Carolina, Arkansas, and Wyoming for reciprocity. Kentucky is looking at accepting comity with us.
The Board is also looking to establish an Oil/Gas Advisory Workgroup. They appreciate the participation of the Oil/Gas industry and want it to continue. They would like to hear from you. They are especially interested in why you continue to support the PG in Texas, even though you're exempt.
The Board also issued it's thanks for the help and involvement of the TAPG and Houston Geological Society during this legislative session.
New officers of the TBPG were also elected. Congratulations and good luck to them:
Barbara Roeling - Chairperson
Ronald Kitchens - Vice Chairperson
Tom Hallmark - Secretary
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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 22, 2009
All of the bills I've been following that have been sent to the Governor have been signed with the exception of HB2820. This bill, which would have added Professional Geoscientists to the official Texas list of professional services, was vetoed by the Governor because a last-minute amendment to the bill that would have changed the procurement proceedures from awarding contracts to the most-qualified to the least expensive, was removed prior to passage of the bill. Had the amendment stayed, niether the Professional Engineers, who are already on the list, not the Professional Geoscientists would have supported this bill.
This is very dissappointing and yet another example of why we need someone in Austin to watch out for our interests.
The complete text of the Governor's veto can be found at: http://www.lrl.state.tx.us/scanned/vetoes/81/hb2820.pdf#navpanes=0
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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 12, 2009
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) proposes an amendment to 22 TAC §851.30, regarding firm registration. The proposed amendment cleans up wording related to firm registration; clarifies exemptions for engineering firms; and allows the TBPG to issue certificates of registration on a non-annual basis. The proposed amendment also exempts from registration an engineering firm that performs service or work that is both engineering and geoscience as long as the geoscience work performed is incidental and specific to their work as an engineering firm. For more information go to: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/PROPOSED/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#337
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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G
June 5, 2009
This Texas legislative session is officially over. The following is the final list of new legislation that has been sent to the Governor for his signature or are now effective. If the Governor calls a special session, I'll be watching to see if anything of interest developes.
S.B. 448. Author: Carona. 6/1/2009-Sent to the Governor. Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to mitigate adverse environmental impacts resulting from the construction, improvement, or maintenance of state highways or state highway facilities. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB448
S.B. 480. Author: Carona. 6/1/2009-Sent to the Governor. Relating to the authority of the Texas Transportation Commission to enter into a covenant for environmental remediation of real property owned by the Texas Department of Transportation. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB480
H.B. 469 (same as S.B. 483, above). 6/3/2009-Sent to the Governor. Authors: Phil King, Anchia, and Hughes. Relating to the establishment of incentives by this state for the implementation of certain projects to capture and sequester in geological formations carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. 60% of carbon emissions from clean coal will be sequestered. Sequestration will be monitored by the Bureau of Economic Geology at UT Austin, and there will also be tax incentives for sequestration used by O&G for enhanced oil recovery. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB469
S.B. 940 (same as H.B. 2821, below). Author: Wentworth. 5/29/2009-Sent to the Governor. Relating to the regulation of the public practice of geoscience. Defines geoscience firm, geoscientist-in-training, and professional geoscientist, strengthens the ability of the TBPG to deal with complaints and allows for staff-initiated complaints, and allows the TBPG to make advisory opinions. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB940
H.B. 2820 (Same as S.B. 941, above). Author: Chisum, Chavez. 5/29/2009-Sent to Governor. Relating to contracts by governmental entities for professional services relating to geoscience. Adds professional geoscience to the list of professional services. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2820
S.B. 1201 Author: Carona. 6/1/2009-Sent to the Governor. Relating to an affidavit required to be filed in a cause of action against certain licensed or registered professionals. PGs are not currently included, but could be eventually. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1201
H.B. 2259 (same as S.B. 1378, above). Authors: Crownover, Hardcastle, Farabee, Chisum, Gonzalez, and Toureilles. 5/26/2009-Sent to the Governor. Relating to the plugging of inactive oil or gas wells. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2259
S.B. 1387 (same as H.B. 2669, below). Author: Seigler. 5/27/2009-Effective on 9/1/2009. Relating to the injection and geologic storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1387
S.B. 1711. Author: Hegar. 5/19/2009-Effective Immediately . Relating to the use of sediment control ponds to satisfy environmental and safety regulations at surface mining operations in the state. "Without obtaining a permit, a person may construct or maintain a reservoir for the sole purpose of sediment control and divert and use the water to satisfy environmental and safety regulations for fire or dust suppression, applicable to [as part of] a surface coal mining operation under the Texas Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act (Article 5920-11, Vernon ’s Texas Civil Statutes)." Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1711
H.B. 1796. Authors: Chisum, Hancock, and Sheffield. 6/3/2009-Sent to the Governor. Relating to the offshore geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1796
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The Wise Report
May 30, 2009
Henry M. Wise, P.G
This Texas legislative session ends on Monday, June 1, 2009. The following is a list of new legislation that may be of interest to Texas geologists. Those bills listed with an "*" are bills that have been sent to the Governor for his signature or are now effective, those in bold are updated information.
S.B 136. Author: Ellis. 2/10/2009-Referred to Natural Resources. Relating to the Texas Global Warming Solutions Act; imposing a fee and providing a penalty. For full details go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB136
S.B. 273 (same as H.B. 177). Author: Nichols, Williams. 4/7/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Relating to testing requirements for certain commercial injection wells. This bill allows for additional soil testing and groundwater monitoring. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB273
H.B. 177 (same as S.B. 273, above). Author: Creighton. 3/24/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Relating to testing requirements for certain commercial injection wells. This bill allows for additional soil testing and groundwater monitoring. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB273
S.B. 274 (same as H.B. 178). Author: Nichols. 3/24/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Relating to limitation on the location of injection wells. Prohibits injection wells near faults, in recharge zones, and within 0.5 miles of water supply wells, residences, schools, churches, etc. Doesn't say what type of injection wells and therefore has the potential to shut down ISR mining. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB274
H.B. 178 (same as S.B. 274, as above). Author: Creighton. 3/24/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Relating to limitation on the location of injection wells. Prohibits injection wells near faults, in recharge zones, and within 0.5 miles of water supply wells, residences, schools, churches, etc. Doesn't say what type of injection wells and therefore has the potential to shut down ISR mining. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB178
S.B. 275 (same as H.B. 179). Author: Nichols. 5/22/2009-Placed on General State Calendar. Relating to the application of new requirements for commercial underground injection control wells to be adopted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB273
H.B. 179 (same as S.B. 275, above). Author: Creighton, Eisser. 5/11/2009-Placed on General State Calendar. Relating to the application of new requirements for commercial underground injection control wells to be adopted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB273
S.B. 341 (Same as H.B.499. below). Author: Wentworth. 5/7/2009-Referred to Energy Resources. Relating to changing the name of the Railroad Commission of Texas to the Texas Energy Commission. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB341
H.B. 499 (Same as S.B. 341, above). Author: Orr. 4/15/2009-Pending in Committee. Relating to changing the name of the Railroad Commission of Texas to the Texas Energy Commission. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB499
S.B. 448. Author: Carona. 5/28/2009-Reported Enrolled. Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to mitigate adverse environmental impacts resulting from the construction, improvement, or maintenance of state highways or state highway facilities. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB448
S.B. 480. Author: Carona. 5/28/2009-Reported Enrolled. Relating to the authority of the Texas Transportation Commission to enter into a covenant for environmental remediation of real property owned by the Texas Department of Transportation. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB480
S.B. 483 (also H.B. 469). Authors: Seliger, Carona, Duell, and Shapiro. 4/9/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB483
H.B. 469 (same as S.B. 483, above). 5/29/2009-House Appoints Conferees. Authors: Phil King, Anchia, and Hughes. Relating to the establishment of incentives by this state for the implementation of certain projects to capture and sequester in geological formations carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. 60% of carbon emissions from clean coal will be sequestered. Sequestration will be monitored by the Bureau of Economic Geology at UT Austin, and there will also be tax incentives for sequestration used by O&G for enhanced oil recovery. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB469
S.B. 540. Authors: Estes, Davis, Wendy, Nichols. 4/22/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Relating to notice of an application for a permit to dispose of oil and gas waste in a disposal well. Notification to include local groundwater conservation district. Full Details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB540
S.B. 752. Author: Davis, Wendy. 5/22/2009-Returned to Local and Consent Calendars Committee . Relating to the authority of a local government to prohibit the Railroad Commission of Texas or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from issuing a permit for a disposal well. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB752
*S.B. 940 (same as H.B. 2821, below). Author: Wentworth. 5/29/2009-Sent to Governor. Relating to the regulation of the public practice of geoscience. Defines geoscience firm, geoscientist-in-training, and professional geoscientist, strengthens the ability of the TBPG to deal with complaints and allows for staff-initiated complaints, and allows the TBPG to make advisory opinions. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB940
H.B. 2821 (same as S.B. 940, Above). Author: Chisum, Chavez. 5/14/2009-Committee Report Sent to Local & Consent Calendar . Relating to the regulation of the public practice of geoscience. Defines geoscience firm, geoscientist-in-training, and professional geoscientist, strengthens the ability of the TBPG to deal with complaints and allows for anonymous complaints, and allows the TBPG to make advisory opinions. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2821
S.B. 941 (same as H.B. 2820, below). Author: Wentworth. 5/5/2009-No Action Taken in Committee . Relating to contracts by governmental entities for professional services relating to geoscience. Adds professional geoscience to the list of professional services. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB941
*H.B. 2820 (Same as S.B. 941, above). Author: Chisum, Chavez. 5/20/2009-Sent to Governor. Relating to contracts by governmental entities for professional services relating to geoscience. Adds professional geoscience to the list of professional services. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2820
S.B. 1201 Author: Carona. 5/29/2009-Sentate Concurs in House Amendment(s)-Reported. Relating to an affidavit required to be filed in a cause of action against certain licensed or registered professionals. PGs are not currently included, but could be eventually. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1201
S.B. 1365. Author: Shapleigh. 3/17/2009-Referred to Subcommittee on Flooding & Evacuations by President. Relating to development regulations in certain flood-prone counties; providing civil and criminal penalties. This law appears to be written for El Paso County. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1365
S.B. 1378 (same as H.B. 2259, below). Authors: Duncan and Averitt. 5/1/2009-Referred to Energy Resources. Relating to the plugging of inactive oil or gas wells. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1378
*H.B. 2259 (same as S.B. 1378, above). Authors: Crownover, Hardcastle, Farabee, Chisum, Gonzalez, and Toureilles. 5/26/2009-Sent to Governor. Relating to the plugging of inactive oil or gas wells. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2259
S.B. 1386 (same as H.B. 4655, below). Author: Seigler. 5/22/2009-Reported Placed on General State Calendar. Relating to priority groundwater management areas. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB13786
H.B. 4655 (same as S.B. 1386, above). Author: Smithee. 3/26/2009-Referred to Natural Resources. Relating to priority groundwater management areas. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4655
*S.B. 1387 (same as H.B. 2669, below). Author: Seigler. 5/27/2009-Evvective on 9/1/2009. Relating to the injection and geologic storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1387
H.B. 2669 (same as S.B. 1387, above). Author: Crownover. 5/14/2009-Laid on the Table Subject to Call. Relating to the injection and geologic storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2669
S.B. 1414. Author: Williams. 5/22/2009-Placed on General State Calendar. Relating to the regulation of certain aggregate production operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; providing penalties. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1414
H.B. 4280. Author: Frost. 3/24/2009-Referred to Natural Resources. Relating to the regulation of certain aggregate production operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; providing penalties. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4280
*S.B. 1711. Author: Hegar. 5/19/2009-Effective Immediately . Relating to the use of sediment control ponds to satisfy environmental and safety regulations at surface mining operations in the state. "Without obtaining a permit, a person may construct or maintain a reservoir for the sole purpose of sediment control and divert and use the water to satisfy environmental and safety regulations for fire or dust suppression, applicable to [as part of] a surface coal mining operation under the Texas Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act (Article 5920-11, Vernon ’s Texas Civil Statutes)." Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1711
H.B. 3805. Author: Frost. 5/5/2009-Laid on the Table Subject to Call. Relating to the use of sediment control ponds to satisfy environmental and safety regulations at surface mining operations in the state. " Without obtaining a permit, a person may construct or maintain a reservoir for the sole purpose of sediment control and divert and use the water to satisfy environmental and safety regulations for fire or dust suppression, applicable to [as part of] a surface coal mining operation under the Texas Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act (Article 5920-11, Vernon ’s Texas Civil Statutes)." Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB3805
S.B. 1714. Author: Hegar. 5/19/2009-No Action Taken in Committee. Relating to the evidence of beneficial use in the permitting of groundwater. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1714
S.B. 2006. Author: Hegar. 5/13/2009-Received to Natural Resources. Relating to groundwater permitting considerations of the adopted water plans. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB2006
S.B. 2008. Author: Hegar. 5/13/2009-Referred to Natural Resources. Relating to consideration of water produced from exempt wells. "When permitting under an adopted availability or managed available groundwater limit, a district may consider the water produced by wells exempt from groundwater district permits." Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB2008
S.B. 2111. Author: Averitt. 5/21/2009-Placed on General State Calendar. Relating to consideration of water produced from exempt wells. Relating to the implementation of and incentives for projects involving the capture, transportation, injection, sequestration, geologic storage, or abatement of carbon dioxide. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB2111
S.B. 2321. Author: Averitt. 4/21/2009-Not Again Placed on Intent Calendar. Relating to the management of groundwater resources in the state. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB2321
S.B. 2459. Author: Averitt. 3/31/2009-Referred to Natural Resources. Relating to the Study and assessment of the transport of groundwater in the area regulated by the Edwards Aquifer Authority. Establishes a study group to review an assess the groundwater management strategy of transporting groundwater from Uvalde and Medina counties. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB2459
H.B. 366. Author: Anderson. 5/11/2009-Placed on General State Calendar. Relating to creating a task force to review electric energy generation policies and certain permits for operation of electric generation facilities and to study the state's long-term demand for electric generation capacity. "The task force may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and appropriation for purposes of this section." Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB366
H.B. 569. Author: Miller. 5/11/2009-Placed on General State Calendar. Relating to Notice of an application for a permit to dispose of oil and gas waste in a commercial disposal well, creating an offense. Requires additional notifications. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB569
H.B. 1105. Authors: Laudenberg and Paxton. 2/25/2009-Referred to State Affairs. Relating to procuring contracts for certain professional services by a governmental entity. Modifies Professional Services Procurement Act by adding pricing as a selection criteria. This would allow contracts to be awarded to lesser-qualified companies because the price is lower. There would be no negotiation of price with the higher priced, more-qualified company. The Governor prefers this bill over SB 941/HB 2820. Needs to add professional geoscience to the list of professional services. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1105
H.B. 1796. Authors: Chisum, Hancock, and Sheffield. 5/29/2009-House Appoints Conferees-reported . Relating to the offshore geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1796
H.B. 1890. Author: Creighton. 5/26/2009-Placed on Intent Calendar. Relating to notification of applications for permits for certain injection wells. Requires local groundwater conservation districts be notified when an industrial or municipal waste disposal well is requesting a permit or when any contested hearings are scheduled. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1890
H.B. 2356. Author: Crownover. 5/11/2009-Committee Report Sent to Calendar. Relating to the filing with the state of well logs by operators of oil-related or gas-related wells; providing a penalty. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2356
H.B. 2811. Author: Hardcastle. 4/1/2009-Reported Favorably as Subst ituted. Relating to the implementation of and incentives for projects involving the capture, transportation, injection, sequestration, geologic storage, or abatement of carbon dioxide. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2811
H.B. 3494. Author: Corte. 4/14/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Relating to the establishment of desired future conditions of groundwater resources and revision of those conditions by the Texas Water Development Board. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB3494
H.B. 4028. Author: Christian. 4/15/2009-Left Pending in Committee. Relating to testing requirements for certain commercial injection wells. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4028
H.B. 4258. Author: Hildebran. 5/11/2009-Committee Report Sent to Calendar. Relating to the regulation by groundwater conservation districts of the drilling of certain water wells. Puts restrictions on drilling a well within 100 feet of the gradient boundary of the Frio, North Llano, Llano, West Nueces, Nueces, or San Saba River, or any tributary of one of those rivers. Full details can be found at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4258
I'll be watching out for more bills in the future.
____________________
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
May 18, 2008
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony concerning proposed revisions to 30 TAC Chapter 334, Underground And Aboveground Storage Tanks, under the requirements of Texas Health and Safety Code, §382.017; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001, Subchapter B. The proposed rulemaking would implement House Bill (HB) 3554 and HB 1956, 80th Legislature, 2007, Regular Session. At the request of the TCEQ, the preamble of this rule proposal also specifically requests comments on the question of whether Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) sites should be removed from the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) requirements in 30 TAC Chapter 350. The public hearing on this proposal is in Austin on May 27, 2008, 10:00 a. m. at the TCEQ complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Building E, Room 201S. The hearing will be structured for the receipt of oral or written comments by interested persons. Individuals may present oral statements when called upon in order of registration. There will be no open discussion during the hearing; however, an agency staff member will be available to discuss the proposal 30 minutes prior to the hearing. For more information go to: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/rules/hearings.html
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has repeal all rules and propose new rules to address HB 3837 re: uranium mining and exploration (Chapter 11). The RRC failed to adopt the proposal within six months of publication, so the proposal must be withdrawn. For more information go to: http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/rules/proposed.html
The Aquifer Monitor: News from the Groundwater Resources Division of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) (http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater).
April, 2009
Topics this month:
1. Stakeholder Advisory Forum for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer Groundwater Availability Model - April 10th, 2009
2. Red Light, Green River, and Eagle Flat portions of the West Texas Bolsons Aquifer GAM Completed
3. Expanded State Well Numbering System
4. TWDB’s User Manual No. 50 (UM-50), “Explanation of the Groundwater Database and Data Entry Procedures”, Updated
5. Texas Water Development Board Selects Robert E. Mace as Deputy Executive Administrator for Water Science and Conservation
6. Center for Geospatial Technology at Texas Tech University Ready to Publicly Launch Website of Ogallala Aquifer Maps and Data
7. Recently Published Reports
8. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
X. Fine print
1. Stakeholder Advisory Forum for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer Groundwater Availability Model - April 10th, 2009
You are invited to participate in the second Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF) for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer Groundwater Availability Model (GAM). The SAF meeting will be held Friday, April 10th, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in the San Antonio River Authority Board Room located at 100 E Guenther Street in San Antonio, 78204.
The SAF will include a formal presentation covering the following topics:
(1) GAM objectives, expectations, and schedule;
(2) The Draft Conceptual Model for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer;
(3) The proposed approach to model implementation;
(4) Review of project milestones and schedule; and
(5) Expectations for the next SAF Meeting.
The Draft Yegua-Jackson Aquifer Conceptual Model Report was completed this month and has been posted on the TWDB website for a 30-day comment period. The draft report can be found at the following URL (http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/GAM/ygjk/ygjk.htm.). We encourage your input, questions, and discussion regarding this draft report.
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Ridgeway 512-936-2386 or email @ Cindy.Ridgeway@twdb.state.tx.us
2. Red Light, Green River, and Eagle Flat portions of the West Texas Bolsons Aquifer GAM Completed
In 2006, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) contracted with LBG-Guyton & Associates (who teamed with Daniel B. Stephens and Associates, John Shomaker & Associates Inc, and several individual experts) to develop a GAM for the Red Light, Green River, and Eagle Flat portions of the West Texas Bolsons aquifer. The project was completed and delivered in February 2009. The model incorporates the available information on structure, hydrostratigraphy, hydraulic properties, stream flow, recharge, and pumping for the West Texas Bolsons Aquifer.
The model provides a documented, publicly-available, integrated tool for use by state planners, regional water planning groups, groundwater conservation districts, groundwater management areas, and other interested stakeholders.
For more information on the project, please contact Ms. Cindy Ridgeway (512-936-2386, cindy.ridgeway@twdb.state.tx.us). For model or source data files, please contact Mr. Marius Jigmond (512-463-8499, marius.jigmond@twdb.state.tx.us).
The modeling report is available for download here:
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/gam/wtbl/wtbl.htm
3. Expanded State Well Numbering System
Currently, TWDB’s Groundwater Database (GWDB) contains over 133,000 wells. Each well has a unique identifier called the state well number.
The term state well number is a little misleading because not every well in the state is given this number, nor was that the intention at the time of creation. This number was first used back when the Texas Water Development Board was called the Texas Department of Water Resources. Since that time the GWDB has expanded significantly and limitations have surfaced. The state well number is based on dividing the state into 1 degree quadrangles, then subdividing those into 7.5 minute quadrangles, and finally dividing those into 2.5 minute quadrangles (see the Texas Counties with Water Well Grids - Map Series at the bottom of this web page: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/mapping/index.asp). For example, state well number 57-20-901 identifies 57 as the 1 degree grid, 20 as the 7.5 minute grid, and 9 as the 2.5 minute grid; 01 being the sequential well number within the 2.5 minute grid. This 7-digit number limits the number of wells that can be given a state well number within the 2.5 minute grid to 99 wells.
After some minor modification to the GWDB structure, the Groundwater Resources Division will expand the capacity of the state well numbering system from 99 wells in a 2.5 minute grid to 999 wells (with the possibility of expanding even further if needed in the future). Since thousands of publications reference the state well number, maintaining the current state well numbers is a priority. Therefore, all wells inventoried in the GWDB will still contain 7 digits, but when the maximum is reached for a 2.5 minute grid the next state well number will increase to 8 digits. For example, if the grid 49-04-4 has 99 wells inventoried, the next state well number would be 49-04-4100.
With the increasing number of groundwater conservation districts and other cooperators, the amount of groundwater data collected is growing.
The Groundwater Monitoring Section is working hard to keep up with the inflow of data for inclusion in the GWDB, so please keep it coming! For the most part, our goal is to have the GWDB be the central location for groundwater data in the State of Texas; however, quality cannot be sacrificed for quantity. So, in the coming months, a list of minimum required parameters will be published for wells to be included in the GWDB (for example, GPS coordinates and total well depth). Please contact Mr. Bryan Anderson (bryan.anderson@twdb.state.tx.us) or Ms. Janie Hopkins (janie.hopkins@twdb.state.tx.us) if you have any questions or comments.
4. TWDB’s User Manual No. 50 (UM-50), “Explanation of the Groundwater Database and Data Entry Procedures”, Updated
Heather Rein and Janie Hopkins have updated TWDB’s user manual that explains the groundwater databse. This new version of the manual is a substantial revision of the UM - 50, “Ground-water Data System Dictionary”, originally published in 1988 by former TWDB staff Roger Quincy and Phil Nordstrom. While written primarily for those people in the agency responsible for adding information to the database, we encourage all who use the data in the Water Information Integration and Dissemination (WIID) mapping application or in selected text files/copy of the Access database to download and read this essential document. A must-have for your spring (and well) data wardrobe!
(http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/manuals/UM50%20Data%20Dictionary/um50.pdf)
The single most important information in our database are well and spring locations. We strive to obtain the most accurate latitude and longitude possible for each well (and spring) site and for wells in our monitoring programs that we or our cooperators visit on a regular basis.
However, some of the wells in our database have coordinates that were approximated from old maps and publications. Therefore, the accuracy of locations varies from well to well. The well record or schedule contains a field indicating the accuracy/source of coordinates, coded 0 through 5, with 0 indicating that the latitude and longitude were determined with a Global Positioning System receiver (GPS) to an accuracy of within 10 feet. (We can find well sites on Google Earth using coordinates coded with a 0!) Accuracies decrease as the numeric codes increase: code 1 indicates an accuracy determined to within one second of a degree of latitude (approximately 100 feet, or 80 feet for a second of longitude); code 4 reflects accuracy within one minute of latitude (1.15 miles); and code 5 indicates an arbitrary placement of the site at the center of the 2.5 minute quadrangle. Currently the database contains nearly 8,400 sites coded with 0; nearly 74,000 sites with 1; slightly more than 18,000, each, with 2 and 3; approximately 5,700 with 4; and 760 sites coded with 5. Please be sure to check the “coordinate accuracy” field when using TWDB groundwater data.
5. Texas Water Development Board Selects Robert E. Mace as Deputy Executive Administrator for Water Science and Conservation
J. Kevin Ward, Executive Administrator for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), announced on January 26th that, effective February 1, 2009, Robert E. Mace, Ph.D. would assume the role of Deputy Executive Administrator for Water Science and Conservation, a program area of the TWDB that includes Surface Water Resources, Groundwater Resources, Conservation, and Innovative Technologies. Former Deputy Executive Administrator, William F. Mullican III, announced his retirement in January after 26 years of state service to pursue new opportunities in the field of water resources. Until his departure on March 3, 2009, Mr.
Mullican served as Deputy Executive Administrator Emeritus and assisted with ensuring an effective transition. Dr. Mace joined the TWDB in 1999 to take the helm of the Groundwater Availability Modeling Program. While at the board, he has risen through the ranks from a unit leader to Division Director for Groundwater Resources. During his career, he has published more than 200 articles, reports, papers, and abstracts and given more than 150 presentations.
In 2006, the National Ground Water Association awarded him the Technology Award for his work on groundwater availability modeling.
Prior to joining the TWDB, Dr. Mace worked eight years as a Research Scientist Associate Hydrologist at the Bureau of Economic Geology on various water-related projects.
“Robert is an innovator in his field, and we are fortunate to have such talented and knowledgeable individuals on the leadership team of this agency. Kevin, the Board and I are proud to recognize Robert’s contributions and look forward to working with him in his new role,” said James E. Herring, Chairman of the Board.
Robert E. Mace has a B.S. in Geophysics, an M.S. in Hydrology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from The University of Texas at Austin.
6. Center for Geospatial Technology at Texas Tech University Ready to Publicly Launch Website of Ogallala Aquifer Maps and Data
This website is organized into two parts: (1) Ogallala Maps & Data and (2) Texas Maps. The Ogallala Maps & Data section contains aquifer information for forty-one Texas counties for a fifteen year study period from 1990 to 2004. Included in the Texas Counties subsection are maps and graphs of the water in storage, change in water in storage, the saturated thickness, and the change in saturated thickness for each county. Additionally summary data and graphs by county present the available water in storage and average saturated thickness. The Texas Ogallala Summary subsection presents summary data and maps for the portion of the aquifer that lies within Texas.
The Texas Maps section of the atlas provides an information resource of the land, the people, and the agricultural economy of the region that is served by the Ogallala Aquifer and compares that to the rest of the state. The Texas Maps section is organized into three categories: Agriculture, Demographic Trends and Physical Landscape. Also provided is a description of each map including the source data information. All maps are provided in PDF format.
The goal of this project is to provide scientifically sound data and knowledge to water planners and policymakers to support the decision making that will ultimately affect the longevity of Ogallala Aquifer.
The efforts in this project were funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service as part of the Ogallala Aquifer Program.
To visit the web site, select the following link.
http://gis.ttu.edu/ogallalaaquifermaps.
7. Recently Published Reports
Asquith, W.H., and Heitmuller, F.T., 2008, Summary of annual mean and annual harmonic mean statistics of daily mean streamflow for 620 U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations in Texas through water year 2007: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 372, 1,259 p.
ONLINE ONLY
http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/372/
Mahler, B.J., 2008, Statistical analysis of major ion and trace element geochemistry of water, 1986?2006, at seven wells transecting the freshwater/saline-water interface of the Edwards aquifer, San Antonio, Texas: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008?5224, 46 p.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5224/
Ockerman, D.J., and Slattery, R.N., 2008, Streamflow conditions in the Guadalupe River Basin, south-central Texas, water years 1987?2006?An assessment of streamflow gains and losses and relative contribution of major springs to streamflow: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008?5165, 22 p.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5165/
Shah, S.D., Smith, B.D, Clark, A.K., and Payne, J.D., 2008, An integrated hydrogeologic and geophysical investigation to characterize the hydrostratigraphy of the Edwards aquifer in an area of northeastern Bexar County, Texas: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008?5181, 26 p.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5181/ ONLINE ONLY
8. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
A. “Water 2.0: New Ideas for a Secure Water Future”, Please join Environmental Defense Fund in Austin on Friday, April 17th for our 9th Annual and LAST statewide water conference.
B. "Expanding Horizons for Near-Surface Geophysics", sponsored by the Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, will be held March 29th through April 2nd, 2009, in Fort Worth. For more information: http://www.eegs.org
C. “National Water Quality Conference 2009: Emerging Issues and Technology for Managing Water Quality and Supply in the 21st Century” sponsored by Northwest Environmental Training Center, will be held May 20 -22, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas. For more information:
http://nwetc.org/hyd-550_05-09_san_antonio_save_the_date.htm
D. “Karst Horizons: 15th International Congress of Speleology” sponsored by the International Union for Speleology and the National Speleological Society will be held July 19-26, 2009, in Kerrville, Texas. For more information: http://www.ics2009.us/3
X. Fine print
The purpose of these periodic emails is to notify groundwater stakeholders in Texas about TWDB products, services, and funding opportunities related to groundwater. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please reply and let me know. If you know of others who want to be on this email list, please have them send their contact information to me.
Brenner Brown
Research Specialist
Groundwater Division, TWDB
E-Mail: Brenner.Brown@twdb.state.tx.us
__________________________________________________
The Aquifer Monitor: News from the Groundwater Resources Division of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) (http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater).
March, 2009
Topics this month:
1. More desired future conditions adopted
2. Another groundwater opinion from the courts: Aspermont v. Rolling Plains
3. Stakeholder meeting for the GAM for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer
4. Groundwater conservation district in Lavaca County fails its confirmation vote
5. TWDB to host climate change conference
6. GAM information for groundwater management plans
7. Groundwater and love
8. Looking for modelers
9. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
X. Fine print
1. More desired future conditions adopted
The groundwater conservation districts in Groundwater Management Area 8 have adopted desired future conditions for several more of the aquifers in their area. On May 19, 2008, the districts adopted conditions for the Ellenburger-San Saba, Hickory, and Marble Falls aquifers. The desired future conditions in draft form are available for review on the districts' website at www.gma8.org.
In December 2007, the 10 district committee for Groundwater Management Area 8 adopted desired future conditions for five of the nine major and minor aquifers within its boundary. These aquifers were the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone), Blossom, Brazos River Alluvium, Nacatoch, and Woodbine. Conditions for the Trinity aquifer and anticipate finalizing conditions for adoption later this year. Now the only remaining aquifer for which desired future conditions are pending in Groundwater Management Area 8 is the Trinity Aquifer. The districts have been working diligently to refine proposed desired future
2. Another groundwater opinion from the courts: Aspermont v. Rolling Plains
The Eleventh Court of Appeals filed a rather interesting opinion in the case of the City of Aspermont v. the Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District. According to court documents, the City of Aspermont failed to file monthly reports and pay fees on groundwater exported out of the Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District. The district is located over the Seymour Aquifer in Knox, Baylor, and Haskell counties and the city is located in Stonewall County. The district filed suit for the fees, late fees, penalties, attorney fees, and other costs and asked the court to declare that Aspermont is subject to the district's rules and regulations. Aspermont claimed sovereign immunity, in other words, that it was immune from the suit.
The appeals court says that, because the district did not get permission from the legislature to sue and because Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code doesn't specifically state that sovereign immunity is waived for municipalities or that districts are allowed to sue municipalities, Aspermont is immune from suit for monetary damages.
To read the full opinion, please go here:
http://www.11thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/HTMLOpinion.asp?OpinionID=8979
It's unclear at this time if this ruling will be appealed.
3. Stakeholder meeting for the GAM for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer
TWDB is funding the development of a groundwater availability model (GAM) for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer. TWDB staff and the contractor, INTERA Inc., will be holding the first stakeholder advisory forum for the project on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008, at 1:00 PM in Room 120 of Building A of the Centeq Building on the campus of Texas A&M University at 1500 Research Parkway in College Station (map: http://vfic.tamu.edu/contact.htm).
The presentation topics for this forum include:
(1) model objectives, expectations, and schedule;
(2) basics of groundwater flow in aquifer;
(3) concept of numerical groundwater modeling;
(4) approach for development of the model;
(5) summary of data sources reviewed and data base that has been developed to date to support the model; and
(6) identification of data needs.
We encourage your input, questions, and discussion on these topics at the forum.
Additional information on the GAM program and on the role of the stakeholder advisory fourm can be
found at the TWDB web site at http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/gam. Stakeholder participation is critical to the development of this aquifer model and the success of the GAM program. Stakeholder participation is promoted in the GAM program through public stakeholder meetings. INTERA, in cooperation with the TWDB, is holding these meetings as part of the model development process. The public forums are meant to update stakeholders on the progress of model development and to solicit your comments and discussion. Anyone interested in the development of this aquifer model is invited and encouraged to participate. Presentations and a summary of questions and answers from the meetings will be posted at http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/GAM/ygjk/ygjk.htm.
The TWDB contract manager for the Yegua-Jackson GAM is Ms. Cindy Ridgeway (512-936-2386; Cindy.Ridgeway@twdb.state.tx.us). If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Ridgeway or Van Kelley with INTERA (512-425-2047; vkelley@intera.com).
4. Groundwater conservation district in Lavaca County fails its confirmation vote
The voters of Lavaca County defeated the confirmation of a groundwater conservation district with 57 percent against confirming the district to 43 percent for. The Texas Legislature created the district in 2007 and, like most districts, the Lavaca County district needed to be confirmed by local voters before becoming permanent. The enabling legislation for the district doesn't expire until September 1, 2013, so the district may come up for a vote again.
5. TWDB to host climate change conference
The TWDB is holding a working conference to consider the possible impact of climate change on surface water supplies from the Rio Grande and potential water management strategies to offset any potential impacts. The one-day conference will be held on June 17, 2008, at the Carlos M. Ramirez TecH20 Water Resources Learning Center in El Paso and will feature experts from Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Ms. Kathleen Ligon at Kathleen.ligon@twdb.state.tx.us or (512) 463-8294 by May 30, 2008.
You may download a preliminary program here:
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/misc_files/conference_mailer.pdf
6. GAM information for groundwater management plans
Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code requires groundwater conservation districts to "...use groundwater availability modeling information provided by the executive administrator..." in their groundwater management plans. TWDB rules require that groundwater availability modeling (GAM) information, if a model is available, be used for estimates of (1) the amount of recharge from precipitation, (2) the amount of water that naturally discharges from the aquifer to springs and any surface water bodies, (3) the amount of groundwater that flows into and out of the district, and (4) the amount of water that flows between the aquifers in the district.
TWDB staff are preparing and sending out GAM runs, under the signature of our Executive Administrator, to districts that have groundwater management plans that are due soon for renewal. If you are a district and you expect to submit a plan early, please be sure to let Ms. Cindy Ridgeway (cindy.ridgeway@twb.state.tx.us; 512.936.2386) know so she can get a GAM run to you as soon as possible. Note that TWDB staff will not recommend approval of your groundwater management plan if it does not include this GAM information.
Chapter 36 further states that districts shall use GAM information provided by the Executive Administrator "...together with any available site-specific information that has been provided by the district to the executive administrator for review and comment before being used in the plan." Therefore, if you plan to also use information besides the GAM information for items (1), (2), (3), and (4) listed above, you need to first send that information with a request to review and comment to our Executive Administrator. Note that TWDB staff will not recommend approval of your groundwater management plan if the site specific information used has not been previously submitted for review and comment by the Executive Administrator. This review only relates to items (1), (2), (3), and (4) mentioned above.
Also note that submitting site specific information for comment and review does not mean that you can then not include the GAM information provided by the Executive Administrator in the plan. Chapter 36 says that districts shall use GAM information provided by the Executive Administrator together with site specific information that has been reviewed and commented on by the Executive Administrator.
So be looking for GAM information in the mail, because we'll be looking for it in your management plan!
For questions, please contact Ms. Rima Petrossian at rima.petrossian@twdbstate.tx.us or at 512.936.2420.
7. Groundwater and love
Next month, June, is known for love, given the large number of weddings planned by goo-goo-eyed couples across the state (and the subsequent anniversaries of hopefully still goo-goo-eyed couples). Here's a song that equates the water level in your well to the love in your life:
https://www.authorsden.com/adstorage/25908/YouNeverMissYourWaterEQ.mp3
8. Looking for modelers
Speaking of groundwater and love... Middle aged (and middle sized) state agency looking for two smart and motivated groundwater modelers for a possible (and hopeful!) long-term relationship. Must enjoy long walks discussing the finer points of finite difference equations and numerical solvers, dancing around assumptions, and arty displays of potentiometric surfaces. Willingness to work with model grids that are height-width proportional is a big plus. Kids OK.
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/ABOUT/employment_opportunities/Jobs/08-67.pdf
9. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
A. "Quarterly Meeting", hosted by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, will be held July 29 and 30, 2008, in Austin. For more info: http://www.texasgroundwater.org/
B. "Generations on the Land: Working for Land Stewardship", sponsored by the Sand County Foundation and Texas A&M University's Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, will be held October 24, 2008, in College Station, Texas. For more information: http://sandcounty.net/programs/landholder/LCA/Generations/
C. "Quarterly Meeting", hosted by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, will be held October 28 and 29, 2008. For more info: http://www.texasgroundwater.org/
D. "Quarterly Meeting", hosted by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, will be held January 27 and 28, 2009, in Austin. For more info: http://www.texasgroundwater.org/
E. "Karst Horizons: 15th International Congress of Speleology" sponsored by the International Union of Speleology and the National Speleological Society will be held July 19-26, 2009, in Kerrville, Texas. For more information: http://www.ics2009.us/
X. Fine print
The purpose of these periodic emails is to notify groundwater stakeholders in Texas about TWDB products, services, and funding opportunities related to groundwater. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please reply and let me know. If you know of others that would want to be on this email list, please have them send their contact information to me.
Robert E. Mace, Ph.D., P.G
Director
Groundwater Resources Division
Texas Water Development Board
P.O. Box 13231
Austin, TX 78711-3231
p: (512) 936-0861
f: (512) 936-0889
e: robert.mace@twdb.state.tx.us
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater/
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
April 4, 2008
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TPBG) held their most recent Board Meeting on March 28, 2008. Video of this meeting can be seen at: http://www.texasadmin.com/cgi-bin/agenda.cgi?location=txgeo&savefile=TBPG_BM032808
The following are some of the highlights of the meeting:
The TBPG is working on outreach programs that include Groundwater Districts and Universities. They are also working on better defining the difference between public and private practice.
The Legislative Committee of the TBPG is looking into the possibility of a Geologist-in-Training program. This program would be designed to help young geologists obtain their PG registration. The TBPG cannot draft any legislation, however. They are looking for individuals and/or groups, like the Texas Association of Professional Geoscientists, to draft the legislation and present it to the legislature for approval. The legislature meets next year and the time to draft any new leglation is now. The draft bill would need to be sponsored by one or more legislators this fall.
The Legislative Committee is also working on getting the PG added to the list of recognized professions by the State Of Texas, as defined in Chapter 2254, Government Codes.
The TBPG has adopted a new rule that allows for a waiver of the written exam requirement if you have at least 15 years of experience. If you have a Master's Degree you'll need at least 13 years, and 10 years if you have a Ph.D. You'll still need to meet the other statutory requirements, however.
We now have a reciprocity agreement with the State of Mississippi. This agreement includes PGs that were grandfathered. For more information go to: http://www.tbpg.state.tx.us/reciprocity%20agreement%20MS.pdf
The TBPG has approved the adoption of an amendment to 22 TAC 850.63, Responsibilities of the Board and Executive Director. The change removes the requirement for notification of clients of how to file a complaint with the TBPG from invoices to the client. However, you will still be required to to notify consumers and service recipients of the name, mailing address, and telephone numbers of the Board for purposes of directing complaints to the Board. The notification is to be included on both the license holder's written contracts for services, and on a certificate of registraton displayed in the license holder's place of business. This rule is found at 850.63 (h) under the "Rules" link. A copy of the certificate of registration can be found at: http://www.tbpg.state.tx.us/COMPLAINTS%20to%20board.doc
The TCEQ has revised two of their rules for Corrective Action Specialists and Corrective Action Project Manaters. The first is that these licenses are now valid for three years, instead of two. This change makes for more efficient operations at the TCEQ. The second is that the fees for these licences have been increased by $2 per year to pay for online renewals.
The TCEQ has pending proposed rules for ASTs and USTs in regards to HB 3554, HB 1956: Regulation, Remediation, and Financial Assurrance. HB 3554 allows the use of money in the Petroleum Storage Tank Remediation (PSTR) Account for certain AST and UST expenses; extends the fee imposed on the delivery of a petroleum product on withdrawal from bulk; eliminates the current annual UST and AST facility fee and allows its reinstatement at per tank amounts set by the commission; and extends the sunset date of the PSTR Account and the expiration date of the petroleum storage tank reimbursement program. HB 1956 requires financial assurance. In addition, the preamble of this rule proposal also specifically requests comments on the question of whether Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) sites should be removed from the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) requirements in 30 TAC Chapter 350. For more information, go to: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/legal/rules/rule_lib/proposals/07037334_pex.pdf
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised the Brownfields Grant Proposal Guidelines (guidelines) for fiscal year 2009 and is soliciting comments on those revisions. EPA's Brownfields Program provides funds to empower states, communities, tribes and nonprofits to prevent, inventory, assess, clean up and reuse brownfield sites. EPA provides brownfields funding for three types of grants: assessment, revolving loan fund and cleanup. View draft guidelines at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/. Submit comments to Megan Quinn Quinn.Megan@epa.gov by April 7, 2008.
The Forest Service requests written comments on a proposed rule that would revise the regulations for locatable minerals operations conducted on National Forest System lands. The revised rule would apply to prospecting, exploration, development, mining and processing operations, and reclamation under the Mining Law of May 10, 1872, as amended. Submit comments to: 36cfr228a@fs.fed.us
The Aquifer Monitor: News from the Groundwater Resources Division of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
(http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater).
Topics this month:
1. New requirements for groundwater management plans
2. Surface water-groundwater paper
3. Water research priority topics: Requests for Statements of Qualifications
4. Water found on Mars
5. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
X. Fine print
1. New requirements for groundwater management plans
When we revised our rules late last year, the petition process received most of the attention. However, our rules also included several minor but important changes to the requirements for groundwater management plans. These changes include:
(1) submitting an electronic copy and a hard copy of the plan,
(2) showing the most recent five years of historical water use that is available (remember, this is not a projection for future years),
(3) requiring the managed available groundwater and the desired future condition information, if available, or a statement of the involvement of the district in the planning process, if not, and
(4) for the conservation goal, if applicable, listing and addressing each component separately, specifically rainwater harvesting, brush control, recharge enhancement, precipitation enhancement, and conservation.
When we review your management plan for administrative completeness, we will be looking for these items.
We've posted an updated and more user-friendly checklist on our Web site: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/GwRD/GCD/pdf/GMPCheckList0308.pdf
As always, we are available to conduct pre-reviews of groundwater management plans and strongly recommend that you take advantage of this service.
For for further details or enlightenment, please contact Ms. Rima Petrossian rima.petrossian@twdb.state.tx.us or Mr. Lance Christian lance.christian@twdb.state.tx.us.
2. Surface water-groundwater paper
We recently posted a paper we wrote for TexasBarCLE on surface water and groundwater interaction. The paper includes a scientific and legal descriptions of surface water and groundwater and the interactions thereof, some examples of interactions, how those interactions are handled in the surface water and groundwater availability models, and how those models may be improved in the future.
The paper can be downloaded from our groundwater publication page: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/GwRD/pages/gwrdpubs.html or directly with this link: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/gwrd/pdfdocs/Mace and Others 2007.pdf
3. Water research priority topics: Requests for Statements of Qualifications
The TWDB has released its list of water research priority topics and is accepting statements of qualifications up until April 23, 2008. The topics include research related to rainwater harvesting, desalination concentrate, water education, storm water reuse, model subdivision rules, and uncertainty and risk in the management of water resources.
More information about these topics and instructions on how to submit a statement of qualifications can be downloaded here: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/requestforproposals/SOQs_ResearchTopics030708.pdf
4. Water found on Mars
NASA scientists plan to officially release (tomorrow) unequivocal photographic evidence of water on Mars: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/0504/WaterOnMars2_gcc_big.jpg
5. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
A. "2008 AAPG Annual Convention & Exhibition-Deliver the Conventional; Pursue the Unconventional", hosted by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, will be held April 20 through 23, 2008 in San Antonio. For more information: http://aapg.org/sanantonio/
B. "Forecast: Climate Change -- Texas Water", sponsored by the River Systems Institute, will be held April 28-30, 2008, at the Texas State Capitol Extension in Austin, Texas. For more information: http://www.rivers.txstate.edu/CCTW/CCTW08index.htm
C. "Quarterly Meeting", hosted by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, will be held April 29 and 30, 2008. For more info: http://www.texasgroundwater.org/
D. "Quarterly Meeting", hosted by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, will be held July 29 and 30, 2008, in Austin. For more info: http://www.texasgroundwater.org/
E. "Generations on the Land: Working for Land Stewardship", sponsored by the Sand County Foundation and Texas A&M University's Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, will be held October 24, 2008, in College Station, Texas. For more information: http://sandcounty.net/programs/landholder/LCA/Generations/
F. "Quarterly Meeting", hosted by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, will be held October 28 and 29, 2008. For more info: http://www.texasgroundwater.org/
G. "Quarterly Meeting", hosted by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, will be held January 27 and 28, 2008, in Austin. For more info: http://www.texasgroundwater.org/
H. "Karst Horizons: 15th International Congress of Speleology" sponsored by the International Union of Speleology and the National Speleological Society will be held July 19-26, 2009, in Kerrville, Texas. For more information: http://www.ics2009.us/
X. Fine print
The purpose of these periodic emails is to notify groundwater stakeholders in Texas about TWDB products, services, and funding opportunities related to groundwater. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please reply and let me know. If you know of others that would want to be on this email list, please have them send their contact information to me.
Robert E. Mace, Ph.D., P.G.
Director
Groundwater Resources Division
Texas Water Development Board
P.O. Box 13231
Austin, TX 78711-3231
p: (512) 936-0861
f: (512) 936-0889
e: robert.mace@twdb.state.tx.us
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater/
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 21, 2008
The TCEQ announces the publication of a new TRRP guidance document, Risk-Based NAPL Management (TRRP-32) and is available for download from the TCEQ TRRP Guidance and Forms web page at http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/remediation/trrp/guidance.html.
AIPG-AEG Texas Members:
Big Bend Geology Field Trip
April 24-26, 2008
Arrive by Amtrak train and spend 3 days observing the spectacular geology of the Big Bend area!
Announcement and Registration form: http://mdcampbell.com/BigBendAnnouncementandRegistration.pdf
Sponsored by Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists and Houston Geological Society
FIELD TRIP LEADERS: Dr. James Stevens, Professor Emeritus, Lamar University, Dr. Roger Cooper, Professor of Geology, Lamar University
Planning for the Big Bend Field Trip to be held April 24-26, 2008 is underway and sponsors for the field trip are still needed. For $50, you can advertise in the Big Bend Field Trip Guidebook that will be given to each participant. What a DEAL! See http://www.mdcampbell.com/BigBendsponsorForm.pdf for more information.
Thank you in advance for your contribution!
- AEG/HGS Big Bend Field Trip Committee
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 8, 2008
Bud Martin, with Eagle Construction & Environmental Services, L.P. submitted the following on the TPDES General Permit TXG83000. This is very important if you are running remediation units (especially MDPE units) that discharge to the stormwater sewers:
After talking to Yvonna Pierce (512) 239-4671 at TCEQ, here's what I've found out about the TPDES General Permit TXG830000 for the discharge of petroleum contaminated water. The previous general permit did expired 10/2/07, five years after the initial issuance. Although a draft of an amended permit was published and comments solicited last June, the amended permit has not yet been renewed. It has been republished 2/8/08 in the Texas Register and a new comment period ends 3/10/08. Yvonna estimates that it will probably be at least mid summer before the amended permit is approved. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR NEW COVERAGE UNDER THAT PERMIT-i.e. new NOI's are being returned to the applicants without approval to discharge. Existing discharges that were previously covered under the old general permit are still covered on an interim basis, but no new coverage exists.
The end result of this is that in the case of mobile systems such as MDPE rigs, discharge of the treated water to the storm drainage system is not allowed under the general permit at this time since a new NOI must be filed with each change of location of the equipment. For fixed remediation systems any change of owner or operator also requires a new NOI is therefore also not covered. According to Yvonna, among other changes in the amended draft permit, the MTBE effluent limitation is lower and there is a decrease in the frequency of required pH monitoring. Also, in addition to the application fee, there will now be a $500 fee assessed for each permitee that has not submitted an NOT by September 1st of each year. Here's a link to a TCEQ web page that contains links to a fact sheet and the draft permit: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/
The TCEQ is holding public meetings on the following proposed rules:
HB 2654: UIC Class I Nonhazardous Rules for Water Treatment Residuals, April 8, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the TCEQ Complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Building E, Room 201S.
SB 662: Groundwater Availability for Platting, March 27, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the TCEQ Complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Building E, Room 201S.
HB 3220: Dry Cleaner Regulation and Remediation, March 11, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the TCEQ Complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Building E, Room 201S.
For more information on these meetings go to: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/
Donna Davis submitted the following from the AGU:
The Institute of Creation Research (ICR) recently relocated its graduate school program from San Diego, California to Dallas, Texas. The school is attempting to obtain accreditation from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to grant Masters of Science Education degrees in Texas. The graduate school does not teach modern geology, biology, astronomy, or the scientific method, yet graduates of the program receive a Masters of Science Education and would be able to teach science in private or public schools.
A state advisory panel already has recommended that the Board accredit ICR's masters program; however, the Board will vote on 24 April to make a final decision on ICR's accreditation. The Board has delayed the proceedings because of a large public outcry from both proponents and opponents of ICR. If science teachers do not receive an appropriate scientific education they would not be adequately trained to teach the critical foundations of science such as modern biology, geology, and astronomy to the next generation of students.
If you would like to take action on this issue, contact one or all of the following:
* Your Congressional representative in Texas (find their contact information here: http://www.congressweb.com/)
* Dr. Raymond Paredes, Commissioner of Higher Education on the THECB (512-427-6101)
* The THECB (http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/ to write an email, or visit http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/ for phone numbers of members of the Board)
Talking points can be based on AGU's recently revised position statement "Biological Evolution and the History of the Earth Are Foundations of Science" that can be found online at: http://www.agu.org/
The National Academy of Sciences recently published a report on science, evolution, and creationism that reaffirms the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting evolution and the importance of teaching evolution as part of a science curriculum. Information about the National Academies Report can be found at: http://www8.nationalacademies.org/. The ICR website is: http://www.icr.org/
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
November 18, 2007
Kelly Krenz, with TCB, Inc, and a member of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, informs me that all elected and appointed public officials are required by state law to receive training in Texas open government laws. The Office of the Attorney General offers free video training courses, which were developed in compliance with a mandate from the 79th Texas Legislature that the Attorney General establish the formal training necessary to ensure that all elected and appointed government officials have a good command of both open records and open meetings laws. If you're interested in this training for yourself, go to: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
November 2, 2007
If you're looking for that one hour of ethics training and don't know where to get it, try the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists website. They have an online, one-hour ethics course available. Just fill out the registration form. They will email you a link to the 45-minute video, watch it, and pass a 10-queston test at the end and you'll get a certificate good for one-hour of ethics continuing education credit. The course can be found at: http://www.tbpg.state.tx.us/
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
October 14, 2007
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) proposes to amend §3.50, relating to Enhanced Oil Recovery Projects--Approval and Certification for Tax Incentive, to incorporate changes made by House Bill (HB) 3732, 80th Legislature (2007), Regular Session, and to amend §3.80, relating to Commission Oil and Gas Forms, Applications, and Filing Requirements, to adopt a new form related to HB 3732 and to amend and delete other forms.
Section 9 of HB 3732 amends Chapter 202 of the Texas Tax Code, relating to Oil Production Tax) to add new §202.0545, relating to Tax Exemption for Enhanced Recovery Projects Using Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide. In general, the bill provides a reduction in the tax rate on oil produced from enhanced recovery projects using anthropogenic carbon dioxide. These changes became effective September 1, 2007.
These proposals will be published in the October 26, 2007 Texas Register and the comment period will end on November 26, 2007. Online comments can be made at: http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/
For more information go to: http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/
The RRC proposes the repeal of all rules in 16 TAC Chapter 11, relating to Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, and proposes several new rules under newly titled Chapter 11, relating to Uranium Exploration and Surface Mining. The proposed new rules are as follows:
In Subchapter A, entitled General Administrative Rules, new §§11.1-11.4, relating to Practice and Procedure; Definitions; Permit Processing; and Temporary Orders Prior to Notice and Hearing. In new Subchapter B, entitled Permits for Uranium Exploration and Surface Mining, new §§11.21-11.33, and 11.41-11.46, relating to Purpose and Authority; Applicability; Confidentiality; Uranium Exploration Permit Required; Application for Uranium Exploration Activity; Uranium Exploration Permit Application Fees; Uranium Exploration Reclamation and Plugging Requirements; Uranium Exploration Plugging Report; Uranium Exploration Permit Renewal; Uranium Exploration Permit Amendment; Uranium Exploration Permit Transfer; Uranium Exploration Application Notification by the Commission; Information Provided to Groundwater Conservation Districts; Uranium Surface Mining Permits; Bonding, Insurance, and Payment of Fees; Surface Mining Permit Renewal; Surface Mining Permit Transfer; Surface Mining Permit Approval or Denial; and Permit Changes. In new Subsection C, entitled Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Surface Mining, new §§11.71-11.72, relating to Petition Procedure and Determination; and Elements of Unsuitability.
In new Subchapter D, entitled Surface Mining Reclamation, Mine Closing, and Release, new §§11.81-11.86, relating to Reclamation Plan; Reclamation Standards; Alternative Reclamation Methods; Amendments; Surface Mine Closing; and Release.
In new Subchapter E, entitled Reporting, Record Maintenance and Performance Bonds, new §§11.91-11.94, relating to Annual Report; Maintenance of Records; Performance Bonds; and Release or Reduction of Bonds. In new Subchapter F, entitled Enforcement by the Commission, new §§11.151-11.165, relating to Scope; Inspections; Time and Procedures for Inspection; Violations Creating Imminent Danger or Causing Imminent Harm; Violations Not Creating Imminent Danger or Causing Imminent Harm; Continuous Violations; Notice of Violation or Cessation Order; Civil Action; Injunctive Relief and Civil Penalty; Administrative Penalty; Penalty Assessment Procedures; Payment of Penalty and Refund; Criminal Penalty for Violating Permits and Orders; Criminal Penalty for Corporate Permittee; and Criminal Penalty for False Statement, Representation, or Certification. Although all the proposed new rules will be designated in the Texas Register with underlining to indicate new wording, in fact in only a few of the rules have substantively different wording proposed from what is currently in effect. Most of the rules have only minor differences from the current wording and can be found at: http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/
Online comments can be made at: http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
September 29, 2007
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists has provided the following link to their recent audit of finances: https://fmx.cpa.state.tx.us/
The posting of this audit is the result of House Bill 3430, enacted recently by the 80th Legislature, which requires the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to create an online state expenditure database to make state spending transparent to the public by Oct. 1, 2007. Additionally, by Oct. 1, 2007, state agencies and institutions of higher education that have a generally accessible website must include a link to Where the Money Goes on their websites. If you're interested in other State Agencies, you can access the Window on State Government via the following link:
Where the Money Goes: Online State Expenditure System
Use the search window at the upper left of the website to look up the agency/institution of higher education of interest.
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
September 23, 2007
The TCEQ has adopted the following changes to Subchapter E: Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank Corrective Action Project Managers and Specialists:
§30.171, Purpose and Applicability, repeals §30.171(d) in its entirety. This section allows registrations issued before January 1, 2002, to remain in effect until they expire, or are replaced or revoked by the commission. This language is no longer applicable.
§30.180, Qualifications for Initial License, changes the term "preceding" to "previous. " This change provides consistency throughout this section.
§30.185, Qualifications for License Renewal, changes the number of training credits required to renew a license to 32 hours, instead of 16 hours, as is currently required by §30.185(a)(2). This corrects a typographical error that exists in the current provision. Changes in the numbering to this section will occur where necessary to reflect the changes.
§30.190, Qualifications for Initial Registration of RCAS's, clarifies the amount of liability insurance required and changes the term "preceding" to "previous. " This change provides consistency throughout this section. Additionally, the amendment adjusts the initial registration fee from $150 to $232. The fee adjustment includes the cost for the TxOnline subscription fees and the increase from a two-year to a three-year validity period for registrations.
§30.192, Qualifications for Registration Renewal, adjusts the renewal registration fee for Corrective Action Specialists from $150 to $232. The fee adjustment includes the cost for the TxOnline subscription fees and the increase from a two-year to a three-year validity period for registrations.
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
September 9, 2007
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has proposed changes to their radiation control rules. The primary purpose of the proposed rules is to implement Senate Bill (SB) 1604, 80th Legislature, 2007, and its amendments to Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Chapter 401 (also known as the Texas Radiation Control Act (TRCA)). The bill transfers responsibilities for the regulation and licensing of source material recovery, by-product disposal, and commercial radioactive substances storage and processing from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) to the TCEQ. This proposed rulemaking intends to transfer the technical requirements for these programs from the department's rules in 25 TAC §289.254 and §289.260 into new subchapters of the commission's radioactive substantive rules in Chapter 336. While the technical requirements remain the same, these new commission programs will be integrated into and administered under the commission's existing radioactive material program requirements for application processing, public notice, public participation, licensing fees, financial assurance, and enforcement. The proposed amendments to Chapter 37 establish the financial assurance requirements for licenses for uranium recovery, by-product disposal, and radioactive substances storage and processing. The TCEQ proposes that the existing financial assurance requirements of Subchapter T of Chapter 37 be used for the licensing programs subject to the transfer of jurisdiction in SB 1604. SB 1604 also establishes a new state fee for disposal of radioactive substances and amends underground injection control requirements for uranium mining. The TCEQ intends to address the new requirements in separate rulemaking actions. For more information go to: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/
Spend An Evening with "Lucy" and National Geographic's Distinguished Speaker: Dr. Donald Johanson
See: http://aipg-tx.org/docs/Lucygala.pdf
The Aquifer Monitor: News from the Groundwater Resources Division of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
(http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater).
Topics this month:
1. Public hearing for groundwater management rules
2. Proposed November 6, 2007, Constitutional Amendment, Proposition No. 16
3. Groundwater availability in the 2007 State Water Plan
4. Database and mapping services available to groundwater conservation districts and groundwater management areas
5. Reflections: Texas Water Summit 2007
6. Groundwater south of the border
7. New Water for Texas newsletter
8. Scary groundwater movies
9. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
X. Fine print
1. Public hearing for groundwater management rules
Texas Water Development Board staff will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to 31 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 356, Groundwater Management. The hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007, in Room 170 of the Stephen F. Austin Building at 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit comments on the proposed rules. The proposed preamble and rule will be found in the October 19th edition of the Texas Register. Written comments on the rules will be accepted from October 19th, 2007, through November 19th, 2007. Staff plan to take final rules for consideration by our board on December 4, 2007. Note that this board meeting is planned to be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio at the end of the 2007 Texas Water Summit.
Draft rules at TWDB site: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/rules.asp
Draft rules at Texas Register: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/1019/1019prop.pdf starting on page 6.
2007 Texas Water Summit: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/about/watersummit/index.htm
Background information:
Texas Water Code (Section 36.108(l)) states that a person with a legally defined interest in groundwater in a groundwater management area, a groundwater conservation district in or adjacent to the groundwater management area, or a regional water planning group for a region in the groundwater management area may file a petition with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) appealing the approval of the desired future conditions of the groundwater resources in the groundwater management area. Staff approached the TWDB with proposed rules to clarify the process for filing a petition.
At the September board meeting, our board authorized the publication of proposed amendments to 31 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 356, Groundwater Management, including new Subchapter D, Appealing Approval of Desired Future Conditions.
The proposed amendments:
- Clarify the administrative requirements for the submittal of desired future conditions.
- Clarify the administrative requirements for the submittal of a petition challenging the reasonableness of desired future conditions.
- Allow the executive administrator to join multiple petitions concerning the same aquifer, area, and issues.
- Allow our Board to decline to consider a petition if the issue or concern was already addressed in a previous petition.
- Allow the executive administrator to dispose of a petition before it reaches our Board if the petitioner and the districts come to an agreement.
- When evaluating the reasonableness of a desired future condition, our Board may consider:
a. whether the adopted desired future conditions are physically possible,
b. any socio-economic impacts,
c. any environmental impacts,
d. state policy and legislative directives, and
e. any other information relevant to the specific condition.
- Require the districts to resubmit desired future conditions for review and approval by our Board.
To see the rules presented to our board in September, please go here: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/
2. Proposed November 6, 2007, Constitutional Amendment, Proposition No. 16
During the 80th Legislative Session, Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and Representative Norma Chavez sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 20, which will appear as Proposition 16 on the November 6, 2007 ballot. Proposition 16, if approved by Texas voters, would authorize the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to issue up to $250 million in additional general obligation bonds for the statewide Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP). If approved, TWDB will use bond proceeds to issue approximately $87 million dollars during the next two years in grants and/or low-interest loans for water and/or wastewater projects in economically distressed communities all across Texas. It should be noted that TWDB's current EDAP bond authorization will be exhausted in the coming year.
Since 1989, the TWDB has operated EDAP to improve water and wastewater services to economically distressed areas of Texas, including colonia neighborhoods in counties adjoining the Texas-Mexico border. This program was long-perceived to be a border-only program, but in 2005 the Legislature expanded EDAP to apply to all 254 counties statewide in order to serve water and wastewater needs in economically distressed areas.
In order to qualify for EDAP funding, an area to be served (not the entire city or county) must have a median household income not greater than 75 percent of state median household income and also must demonstrate that their current water and wastewater services are inadequate to meet the minimal needs of residents. Based on the 2000 Census, 75 percent of the median state household income is approximately $29,948. In addition, cities and counties who have an area that is approved to be served by EDAP funding must adopt and ensure compliance with Model Subdivision Rules (which address residential subdivision platting and are intended to prevent future substandard residential developments).
Since 1989, the TWDB has awarded more than $4.7 million in planning grants and more than $517 million for EDAP construction projects to install or upgrade water and wastewater services in 617 colonias in 22 Texas border and non-border counties. The TWDB is the largest water-related infrastructure lender in Texas. Since 1957, TWDB has committed more than $10.1 billion from its various state and federal programs to more than 3,250 projects benefiting more than 1,380 communities throughout the state. (article by Robert Ruiz)
3. Groundwater availability in the 2007 State Water Plan
Ms. Sarah Davidson and Dr. Robert Mace recently presented a paper and poster at the 2007 meeting of the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies on groundwater availability in Texas. The paper focuses on groundwater availability as defined in the most recent regional and state water plans and includes an analysis of how the numbers changed from the 2002 State Water Plan and the 2007 State Water Plan.
A copy of the paper may be downloaded here: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/
4. Database and mapping services available to groundwater conservation districts and groundwater management areas
The entire Groundwater Database is available for download online at http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/ as a Microsoft Access database or text files. We update the database monthly. The Groundwater Monitoring Section also offers custom data delivery from our database. If you require data from specific geographic boundaries, such as a river basin or a groundwater management area, we can provide the raw data as well as maps for wells in that specific area. When in doubt, just get in touch with us and we will try to make your data display dreams come true.
We are continually updating and adding to the Groundwater Database, but we can always use more data. If you have any information on wells in your area, and would like to share that with the Texas Water Development Board for publication in our database, please contact Mr. Bryan Anderson, Water Level Program/Database Specialist. at (512) 475-3302 or at bryan.anderson@twdb.state.tx.us.
5. Reflections: Texas Water Summit 2007
The TWDB is organizing a comprehensive water conference from December 2nd through December 4th at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. "If you can only go to one water conference this decade, this is the one to go to," proclaimed Mr. Bill Mullican, Deputy Executive Administrator for Planning. "We've got something for everyone at the Texas Water Summit." Indeed, the summit includes sessions on science and technology, law, planning and economics, water conservation, and finance. The event will provide an overview of current challenges, issues, topics, and new opportunities for the future of water in Texas and around the globe. Special guests include the Honorable Robert Duncan (chairman of the Senate Committee on State Affairs and member of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources), the Honorable Kip Averitt (Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources), the Honorable Robert Puente (Chairman of the House Natural Resource Committee), and the Honorable Phil Wilson (Secretary of State). The summit will also showcase a number of nationally and internationally recognized speakers on a variety of water-related topics.
Details about the summit, registration information, and the event brochure listing the various topics and speakers can be found here: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/
For more information, please contact Ms. Leslie Anderson at leslie.anderson@twdb.state.tx.us or at (512) 463-7855.
6. Groundwater south of the border
The Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua invited Dr. Robert Mace to participate in a conference in Jiutepec, Mexico, on the management of groundwater in agricultural areas. Dr. Mace gave a presentation about how groundwater is managed in Texas and learned about how groundwater is managed in Mexico. in 1992, Mexico enacted a national water law to regulate water management and grant permits for surface and groundwater. Because many of the aquifers in Mexico have been pumped non-sustainably, technical stakeholder groups called COTAS have been meeting to discuss how to better manage their local resources and do it in a sustainable manner.
For more information:
http://www.imta.gob.mx/
http://www.cna.gob.mx/eCNA/Espaniol/Directorio/Default.aspx
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTWRD/Resources/GWMATE_English_CP_10.pdf
7. New Water for Texas newsletter
The latest edition of the TWDB's quarterly newsletter, Water for Texas, is now available online at
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/newsletters/WaterforTexas/WFT_falll07.pdf
The newsletter includes articles on the Water Summit, the Texas Raincatcher Award, the Texas GIS Forum, Regional Water and Wastewater Facility Planning Grants, Constitutional Amendment Proposition 16, flood protection planning funding, the flood program, and more.
8. Halloween special: Scary groundwater movies
That dripping sound you hear behind you? BOO!!! That's groundwater!
The Cave (http://imdb.com/title/tt0402901/)
The Descent (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/)
Sorry: no scary movies about sandstone aquifers...
9. Upcoming groundwater-related conferences in Texas
A. "Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Ground Water: Prevention, Detection, and Remediation Conference", hosted by the National Ground Water Association, will be held November 5 through 6 in Houston. For more information: http://www.ngwa.org/
B. "2007 STORET/WQX Users Conference" hosted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be held November 27 through 29, 2007, in Austin. For more information: http://epa.gov/storet
C. "Water Summit 2007", hosted by the Texas Water Development Board, will be held December 2 through 4 in San Antonio. For more information: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/
D. "2008 AAPG Annual Convention & Exhibition-Deliver the Conventional; Pursue the Unconventional", hosted by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, will be held April 20 through 23, 2008 in San Antonio. For more information: http://aapg.org/sanantonio/
E. "Forecast: Climate Change -- Texas Water", sponsored by the River Systems Institute, will be held April 28-30, 2008, at the Texas State Capitol Extension in Austin, Texas. For more information: http://www.riverstxstate.edu/CCTW/CCTW08index.htm
F. "Karst Horizons: 15th International Congress of Speleology" sponsored by the International Union of Speleology and the National Speleological Society will be held July 19-26, 2009, in Kerrville, Texas. For more information: http://www.ics2009.us/
X. Fine print
The purpose of these periodic emails is to notify groundwater stakeholders in Texas about TWDB products, services, and funding opportunities related to groundwater. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please reply and let me know. If you know of others that would want to be on this email list, please have them send their contact information to me.
Robert E. Mace, Ph.D., P.G.
Director
Groundwater Resources Division
Texas Water Development Board
P.O. Box 13231
Austin, TX 78711-3231
p: (512) 936-0861
f: (512) 936-0889
e: robert.mace@twdb.state.tx.us
http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/groundwater/
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
November 18, 2007
Kelly Krenz, with TCB, Inc, and a member of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, informs me that all elected and appointed public officials are required by state law to receive training in Texas open government laws. The Office of the Attorney General offers free video training courses, which were developed in compliance with a mandate from the 79th Texas Legislature that the Attorney General establish the formal training necessary to ensure that all elected and appointed government officials have a good command of both open records and open meetings laws. If you're interested in this training for yourself, go to: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinopen/og_training.shtml
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
November 2, 2007
If you're looking for that one hour of ethics training and don't know where to get it, try the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists website. They have an on-line, one-hour ethics course available. Just fill out the registration form. They will email you a link to the 45-minute video, watch it, and pass a 10-queston test at the end and you'll get a certificate good for one-hour of ethics continuing education credit. The course can be found at: http://www.tbpg.state.tx.us/ethicsquiz/quiz.asp
For corrections, suggestions, or other input, contact the AIPG-TX Webmaster via info@aipg-tx.org |
