|
The annual meeting of the Association
of Engineering Geologists attracts scientists, teachers and
engineers dedicated to improving the environment through prevention
and remediation of problems of the earth science genre. These
include groundwater contamination; erosion and landslides;
earthquakes; mining issues; surface water pollution; industrial,
commercial and private property pollution; landfills; and others.
The theme for the 47th annual meeting,
"…at the Core of the Shores!" features four areas for educating
attendees.
The first is a series of field trips
throughout Michigan and Ohio. The field trips focus on land and
water issues, including mining and lakeshore geology.
The second is a daylong workshop for
earth science teachers, grades 6-12, that lets them take real-life
solutions to real-life problems back to their classrooms. The
workshop is led by nationally recognized scientists, engineers and
geologists.
Third is the association's recognition
of the state-of-the-art achievements in the area of engineering
geology by the Ford Motor Company at its Rouge River Plant.
Corporate representatives will be presented with an award on
Wednesday morning. Attendees will tour the plant, learning behind
the scenes about Ford's use of cutting-edge technology and the
geologic and engineering factors that drove the design.
Fourth, the largest portion of the
weeklong meeting, is the presentation of symposia and short
courses by members. Nearly 100 presentations will be shared with
engineering geologists and other scientists from most areas of North
America. Among these are "Visioning the Future of Engineering
Geology: Site Characterization" and "Visioning the Future of
Engineering Geology: Understanding Conflict and Cooperation in the
Practice of Engineering Geology."
Jeffery Keaton, the association's
Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer in Engineering Geology, will
present four talks. His subjects include "Engineering Geology
Mapping in the Information Technology Age," "Environmental
Significance of Earth Fissures: Overview of Shlemon Special
Conference, El Paso, Texas," "Soil Stratigraphy and Surface-Water
Hydrology of Part of the Hualapai Valley, Mohave County, Arizona,"
and "Earthquake Ground Motion for Design of Hoover Dam Bypass
Bridge."
Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has
said, "I am proud of the Association of Engineering Geologists'
commitment to increasing public awareness of engineering, geology
and the environment. I also applaud your efforts to gain further
knowledge as you work in this dynamic industry, to educate students
and to work with government officials to demonstrate the responsible
use of our resources."
[to top of second
column in this article]
 |
The meeting is the result of volunteer
efforts by the membership of the association. This year's gathering
is the responsibility of the North Central Section, which includes
members in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The
planning committee is chaired by Lon Michael Cooper, PE, CPG, of
Grand Rapids, Mich. Corporate sponsors of the meeting include the
Clayton Group, Sierra Geological & Environmental Consultants,
GreenSmith Inc., U.S Biosystems, Tilford & Green Environmental &
Engineering Geology, Geobrugg North America LLC, Gannett Fleming,
Geokon, and MATECO Drilling Company.
The meeting will be at the Hyatt
Regency Dearborn, 600 Town Center Drive, Fairlane Town Center. The
cost for the full meeting is $310 for Association of Engineering
Geologists members and $385 for nonmembers. Daily registration is
available at a cost of $155 for members, $175 for non-members.
Teachers interested in attending the workshop can register for $35.
Teachers will receive continuing education credits for their
participation. Those interested in attending can register through
www.aegweb.org or at the Hyatt
Regency today through Friday.
The Association of Engineering
Geologists was originally founded as the California Association of
Engineering Geologists in 1957. In 1963 it became the Association of
Engineering Geologists, after the first non-California section was
formed in Denver, Colo. The association was developed to meet the
professional needs of geologists who are applying their scientific
training and experience to the broad field of civil and
environmental engineering.
Engineering geologists work in close
coordination with construction, foundation and highway engineers,
hydraulic engineers and hydrologists, and with environmental
professionals in environmental remediation, city planning and
natural hazard risk reduction. Association members represent
geological engineers and geologists in practice, academic and
governmental positions.
The mission of the Association of
Engineering Geologists is to contribute to its members' professional
success and the public welfare by providing leadership, advocacy and
applied research in environmental and engineering geology. The
association's values are based on the belief that its members have a
responsibility to assume stewardship over their fields of expertise.
In support of serving an international
network of environmental and engineering geologists devoted to
excellence, the association values:
- Upholding sound principles of
scientific inquiry with respect to the study and evaluation of
geologic processes, their effects on humans and the effects of
human activities on the Earth.
- Encouraging and facilitating
ongoing education and training, as well as supporting members in
their dedication to their work
- Building public appreciation for
how environmental and engineering geology contribute to public
safety and the protection of property.
[News release
from the
Association of
Engineering Geologists] |
