The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

August 31, 2018

I attended the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission (TSAC) stakeholders meeting for the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) on Thursday, August  30, 2018.  The meeting was very well attended and 24 people (maybe ½ of those present) testified.  The remaining people politely listened and listed their support for or against the TSAC staff report.  The attendees represent geologists from environmental, oil and gas, and former government employees.

Only one person testified in favor of abolishing the TBPG, and I understand he always attends all of these meetings to recommend abolishment of all boards.  He represents the Institute for Justice and I’d be happy to give his name but I’m afraid I’d very badly misspell it.  He believes that all licenses represent a restraint of trade and should be abolished.  He said that the fact that the number of licensed PGs in Texas has decreased since it’s inception simply proves his point.  He didn’t seem to know that most of the people who gave up their licenses were in areas of geology that are exempt.

I believe the other 23 individuals did an excellent job representing their reasons for keeping the TBPG.  Various TSAC board members asked questions and received good answers from the participants.  Senator Hall seemed to be obsessed with abolishing the TBPG and replacing it with national certification by a private organization.  He was told several times that certification holds no weight, legally.  If you practice bad or unethical geology and lose your certification, you can still practice geology.  With licensure, if you lose your license, you can’t.  Senator Hall claimed that engineers must first be certified by a national organization before they can get their license.  This is incorrect.  The TBPG licensure program was set up similar to the engineering board.

If you want to make additional comments to the TSAC, you have until September 5, 2018.  Over 460 comments have been received so far, and 87% are in favor of keeping the TBPG.  The TSAC will present its recommendations November 14 or 15, 2018.  In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help preserve the TBPG.  Write your congressman, especially if he or she is on the TSAC board.  You can also send a donation to the Texas Geoscience Council (www.txgeoscience.org).  They’ve been working very hard to preserve and improve the TBPG and deserve your help.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

8/31/2018

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

August 27, 2018

The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) has been undergoing its first sunset review by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission (TSAC) and its recommendations were released the beginning of August. The TSAC Staff Report (https://www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/texas-board-professional-geoscientists-tbpg) had only one recommendation, the elimination of Professional Geoscientist licensure in Texas. This recommendation was announced to the geoscientific community two weeks before the Sunset Commission’s August 16, ^,2018 deadline for the TPBG, and everyone else, to respond to it. 

As of August 18, 2018 433 comments, including the TBPG Executive Committee’s response, had been received by the Sunset Advisory Commission in response to their Staff’s recommendation to abolish Geoscience licensure in Texas ( www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/comments/3082). Most of the comments are strongly in favor of the Board’s continued existence and are from the environmental field or government agencies.  All of the responses against continuing the TBPG’s continued existence were from the Oil and Gas or mineral exploration fields, who are exempt in the first place. 

There is an open stakeholder’s meeting scheduled for 9:00 am on August 30, 2018.  The meeting will be held at Senate Finance Committee Room, E1.036, Capitol Extension, 1400 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas.  The TBPG is the third item on their list.  They will be taking testimony for and against the Staff Report.  Even if you don’t plan on testifying, showing up to express support is encouraged.  The TSAC’s final recommendation will be released November 14, 2018.

In response, the Texas Geoscience Council (TGC) has been formed to support the protection of health, safety and welfare of all Texans through public education of geoscientific work and advocacy for professional geoscientist licensure in the Lone Star State.  Their mission is to unite the geoscientific community so we can work together to accomplish three goals:

1.     

Immediately protect geoscience licensure and the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists through the 2018 Sunset review process.

2.     

Immediately illustrate for the Texas Legislature the many important ways that geoscientists serve Texans and the critical role of geoscience licensure.

3.     

Long term campaign to educate the Texas public about the various practices of geoscience, and how they impact public health, safety and welfare.

Effective August 21, 2018, the TCEQ PST program has revised the Action Levels for Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) releases. The revised Action Levels for soil and groundwater reflect the current PAH toxicity parameters as revised by United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) in March 2017. The seven (7) affected PAH constituents are:

• Benzo(a)anthracene

• Benzo(a)pyrene

• Benzo(b)fluoranthene

• Benzo(k)fluoranthene

• Chrysene

• Dibenz(a,h)anthracene

• Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene

A new US Geological Survey groundwater model visualization tool is now available to help users visualize the inputs and outputs of complex groundwater models across the country.  This new web-based mapping tool, called GWWebFlow, allows water managers and the public to visualize complex groundwater models in a more understandable way.  GWWebFlow supports most MODFLOW-based groundwater models;  new models will be added in the future with little modification or customization.  Currently, there are six USGS groundwater models available for viewing from the USGS Texas Water Science Center, including a Houston-area groundwater model a San Antonio region Edwards aquifer brackish water model, and a Pecos Country region Edwards-Trinity and related aquifers model.  You can find the model at: https://webapps.usgs.gov/gwwebflow.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

8/27/2018

Kenneth “Ken” Eugene Nemeth, 66, passed away June 14, 2018 in Houston, Texas. He was born  June 15, 1951 in Hamtramck, Michigan to Eugene and Patricia Anne (Ryder) Nemeth.
He attended St. Rita’s in Detroit from first through ninth grade and Clintondale High School for tenth through twelve grade. High school activities and achievements included: basketball, track, captain of the football and wrestling teams, National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Society, Latin Club, Varsity Club, Key Club, Student Council and Salutatorian. He was inducted into the Clintondale Hall of Fame in 1999 in recognition of outstanding athletic achievement.
At Albion College in Albion, Michigan, he majored in geology and completed a B.A. degree in 1973. He graduated with honors after surviving Division II NCAA football, where he co-captained the team his senior year. Activities and honors include Sigma Nu fraternity, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Omicron Delta Kappa Society, All MIAA Honorable Mention Football 1972 (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association), and Albion College Varsity Award.
While completing an M.A. degree in 1976 at the University of Texas, Ken was a teaching assistant in the Department of Geological Sciences and a research assistant at the Bureau of Economic Geology. He turned in his thesis on a Monday, showed up for work at Shell Oil in New Orleans on Tuesday, and attended his first Mardi Gras the following week. From 1976 to 1980, he worked for Shell and then worked for Louisiana Land & Exploration in New Orleans.
Ken met Sandra Olson in 1976 at the Parc Fontaine Apartments where they both lived. Sandra was a teacher at Archbishop Blenk High School. They married June 11, 1977 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.
By fall 1981, Ken went to work for BlueSky Oil & Gas Company in Houston and later worked
for Adobe Resources. In 1991, he moved to Dallas, Texas to work for Browning Oil Company. Schlumberger hired him in Dallas and moved him back to Houston in 1999.
Ken joined the Houston Geological Society (HGS) in 1981, the Dallas Geological Society (DGS) in 1991, and reactivated the membership in HGS in 2001.
A few of his activities and honors:
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG): AAPG Imperial Barrel Award Committee, 2009 – 2018; Candidate for Vice President of Sections, 2012-2013; Vice Chairman, Imperial Barrel Award Committee, 2009 – 2012; IBA Medal 2010, 2012, 2013; Houston Geological Society Alternate Delegate, 2012; AAPG honors: Certificate of Appreciation, 2007, 2008; Certificate of Recognition, Technical Session Judge, 1998; Employment Committee Chairman, 1997 National Convention; Dallas Geological Society Alternate Delegate 1996-1998, 1998-2000; Dallas Geological Society, Delegate Vice-Chairman 1998-2000.
Houston Geological Society (HGS): Nominations Committee, 2015-2018; Past President, 2015-2016; Chairman, Nominations Committee, 2015-2016; President, 2014-2015; President-Elect, 2013-2014; Honorary Membership, 2010; Office Committee Chairman, 2007-2010; Outstanding Distinguished Service Award, 2007; Guest Night Committee, 2005-2007; Treasurer, 2004-2006; Treasurer-Elect, 2004-2005; Finance Committee Chairman, 2001-2005; Website Committee, 2003-2004; President’s Award, 2005; Rising Star Award, 2003; Entertainment Committee, Annual Shrimp Peel 1981-1985, Chairman 1983-1985; Employment Committee, 1986-1991; Service Award, 1982-1983, 1983-1984, 1984-1985; Certificate of Appreciation, Shrimp Peel, 1982, 1983;
Dallas Geological Society (DGS): Newsletter Editor, Awards Committee Chairman 1998-1999; Co-Founder and Steering Committee Chairman, 1998; former Board Member, and Instructor, Ellison Miles GeoTechnology Institute, Brookhaven College, Dallas , Texas 1998-1999; Outstanding Service Award, 1998; Recognition & Awards Chair, 1998-1999; Past President, Nominating Committee Chairman, 1997-1998; President, Newsletter Staff/Editor, 1996-1997, Host Society for AAPG Convention; President-Elect/Secretary 1995-1996; Employment Committee 1991-1995, Chairman, 1992-1995.
Gulf Coast Association Geological Society (GCAGS): Certificate of Appreciation, 2013; Honorary Member, 2012; Continuity Committee Chairman, 2010-2012; Continuity Committee, 2006-2012; Awards Committee, 2008-2011; Past President, 2008-2009; Author of President’s Handbook for GCAGS Presidents, Best Practice passed on to AAPG Sections; President, 2007-2008; President-Elect/Vice-President, 2006-2007; Section Point Coordinator and Committee for AAPG Imperial Barrel Award, student exploration contest, 2008. Publicity Committee GCAGS Convention, 1982.
Southwest Section American Association of Petroleum Geologists (SWAAPG): President, 2007-2008; Vice President, 2006-2007; Candidate for President, 1999; Southwest Section Secretary, 1998-1999; Dallas Geological Society Delegate, 1997-1998; Dallas Geological Society Alternate Delegate, 1996-1997.
Ken loved playing tennis. He attended multiple tennis tournaments across the gulf coast and participated in the World Oilman’s Tennis Tournament (WOTT) for over 35 years held at the Houston Raquet Club. 
Surviving him are his wife, Sandra; daughter, Samantha; brother-in-law, Foster Olson; sister, Debbie and her husband, Dan Doyle; nephews, Josh and Kyle Doyle; brother, John and wife, Denise
Nemeth; niece Stephanie and her husband, Michael Lee, and niece, Jennifer and her husband, Curtis Ferguson.
The funeral mass was held on Friday, June 22, 2018 at St. Mary’s church, St. Clair, Michigan. He was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Clair, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AAPG’s Imperial Barrel Award (IBA), American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice in memory of Ken Nemeth.

Imperial Barrel Award Donation Site:
https://archives.aapg.org/eDonation/Core/eDonation.aspx
(choose "Imperial Barrel Award Fund" in the drop down choice for Primary Fund)

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

August 12, 2018

The group heading up the fight for the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) has been named the Geoscience Counsil and they’ve been very busy organizing.  This group is composed of a number of local, State, and National organizations.  They are currently reaching out to as many Texas geological organizations as possible to present a coordinated approach to the Sunset Commission, TBPG, and the Texas Legislature.  Towards this end, they are also in the process of hiring a lobbyist to help with this effort.  The group is in the process of setting up a way for you to donate to the cause and should have something set up this week.

As discussed earlier, time is very short to get your comments into the Texas Sunset Commission.  Please read the full report, or at least the executive summary, found at:  https://www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/texas-board-professional-geoscientists-tbpg. In your comments be sure to discuss how geoscientists help protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.  Public comments can be submitted to the Sunset Commission at:  https://www.sunset.texas.gov/input-form and select Texas Board of Geoscientists (TBPG).

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

8/12/2018

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

August 3, 2018

The Texas Sunset Commission has published its staff report on the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG).  Their recommendation is to “Abolish the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists and repeal the Texas Geoscience Practice Act.”  That recommendation is based on key “Findings” in the report.  The overall key finding statement of the Sunset Commission staff was that the regulation of Professional Geoscientists “did not provide meaningful public protection.”  The full report can be found at:  https://www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/texas-board-professional-geoscientists-tbpg

The full Sunset Staff Report on the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists was published following certain events and actions in accordance with the process coordinated by the Sunset Commission, including TBPG’s preparation activities (which included a thorough review of the standards by which every agency is reviewed and the a set of standards by which occupational regulatory agencies are reviewed); TBPG’s submission of a Self-Evaluation Report (available on both the TBPG and Sunset Commission websites), and actual review activities which included interviews of TBPG staff, certain Board Members, and certain stakeholders.  I only know of two stakeholders who were contacted by the Sunset Commission, one of whom was myself.

The following activities will occur:

• August 16, 2018: TBPG may submit a formal response to the report.

• August 29-30, 2018: Sunset staff will present its report on TBPG at a public hearing of the Sunset Commission.  The agency will present its response to the report.  The Sunset Commission will allow “limited” public comments.  The reason the actual date is uncertain is that a number of agencies will be reported on and the order of the agency presentations has not yet been determined.

• November 14-15, 2018: The Sunset Commission will present its decision on how it will respond to the staff recommendation regarding the discontinuation of the regulation of Professional Geoscientists.
  
  
  • If the Sunset Commission’s decision is to discontinue the agency, then a bill will be filed in the upcoming 86th Texas Legislative session, beginning in January 2019, to determine how, exactly, the agency would be dissolved or the Sunset Commission could simply let the Texas Geoscience Practice Act and the TBPG agency expire.

  • If the Sunset Commission’s decision is to continue the agency, then a bill will be filed in the upcoming 86th Texas Legislative session, beginning in January 2019, to extend the Sunset date in the Texas Geoscience Practice Act.

How you can weigh in on this process?

• Submit comments to the Sunset Commission by following the instructions on the Sunset Commission website:  https://www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/texas-board-professional-geoscientists-tbpg

• Attend and make provide comments (orally or in writing) to the Sunset Commission at its Sunset Advisory Commission Public Hearing on August 29-30, 2018.

• Get together with your local/state/national geologic society to see what support they are planning.  There are numerous groups currently gearing up to make recommendations and attend the Public Hearings.  These groups are also working together towards supporting the TBPG and I know of at least two meetings coming up this week.

We are also looking into the possible need for a lobbyist to help us with the State Legislature, should the worst happen.  This will take money.  I suggest you work within your various societies to determine how much they can contribute to the effort, should the need arise.  While the recommendations of the Sunset Commission’s Staff Report are disappointing, they aren’t final.  Please keep your comments factual and to the point. 

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

8/3/2018

George E. Gordon
08/06/18 - 07/25/18

George attended Victoria Junior College (now the Victoria College) on a basketball scholarship and earned an Associate of Arts degree. He then attended Lamar State College of Technology (now Lamar University) on a basketball scholarship. While a junior in mechanical engineering, he took his first course in geology as an elective and changed to a geology major, science being his first love. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1955.  He received a Master of Science degree in Geology with a minor in biology from University of Houston in 1957.
He went to work for The Atlantic Refining Company as a micropaleontologist and stratigrapher.  George worked two years with Skelly Oil Co. as an exploration geologist, then he joined Brazos Oil & Gas Division of The Dow Chemical Company. He worked 18 years with Dow and resigned as Southern Region Exploration Manager to form Gordon Exploration Co, Goliad Operating Co, and The Raisin Corporation. He was active in Oil & Gas exploration and production until his death.
George is a past member of Geological Society of America, American Institute of Professional Geologists, Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, and current Emeritus member of American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and Emeritus member of Houston Geological Society, and served on the Executive committee of the Board.
George's love for geology never faded. Outside of travel and his family, his passions were with fossils, rocks, bones, or anything else very old that you could find in the ground. He was a master of micropaleontology. In his spare time he enjoyed creating models and replica of fossils.
George is survived by Shirley, his wife of almost 65 years, one son, one daughter, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

July 22, 2018

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has launched a new online resource, the Geological Surveys Database, to support the public discovery of a critical source of reliable geoscience information. This new database provides a state-of-the-art portal for decision makers and others to search and discover state geological survey publications and U.S. Geological Survey factsheets.

This database is a collaborative effort of AGI's Critical Issues program, GeoRef, and the state geological surveys to increase the discoverability and use of geological survey publications. The Geological Surveys Database provides users with an improved interface, including the ability to search against structured metadata (e.g., title, author, notes, etc.) that have been developed by GeoRef and supplemented with state geological survey data, as well as full-text searching of publications. Users can also employ the geographic search interface to find geo-coded publications, browse publications by author, topic, or geological survey, and filter search results with on-the-fly filters. Users can also export citations, create custom lists, save custom searches, create notes and comments on database records.

The Geological Surveys Database (https://statesurveys.americangeosciences.org) is seamlessly integrated into AGI's Critical Issues webpages so that users can find relevant state survey publications and USGS factsheets as they browse Critical Issues web-based content. The Critical Issues website also hosts a Quick Search portal (https://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues/geological-surveys-database) which allows users to search the entire Geological Surveys Database to find the ten most relevant publications related to their search terms. 

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

7/22/2018

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

July 1, 2018

The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) conducted its four-year rule review in 2018 and, as a result of the review process, now proposes some changes to its rules. The new rules and amendments concern the licensure and regulation of Professional Geoscientists in Texas. TBPG proposes new rules 22 TAC §851.22, regarding Waivers and Substitutions: Policy, Procedures, and Criteria; and §851.85, regarding Contingent Emergency/Disaster Response Actions. TBPG also proposes amendments to 22 TAC §§851.10, 851.20 - 851.25, 851.28 - 851.30, 851.32, 851.40, 851.41, 851.43, 851.80, 851.101, 851.103, 851.104, 851.106, 851.109, 851.111 - 851.113, 851.156, 851.158, 851.203, 851.204, concerning clarification and refinement of its rules as a result of its recent four-year rule review. The full text of the proposed changes can be found at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/June292018/Proposed%20Rules/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#68

Comments on the proposed amendments and new rules may be submitted in writing to Charles Horton, Executive Director, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, 333 Guadalupe Street, Tower I-530, Austin, Texas 78701 or by mail to P.O. Box 13225, Austin, Texas 78711 or by e-mail to chorton@tbpg.texas.gov. Please indicate "Comments on Proposed Rules" in the subject line of all e-mails submitted. Please submit comments within 30 days.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

7/1/2018

He attended St. Rita’s in Detroit from first through ninth grade and Clintondale High School for tenth through twelve grade. High school activities and achievements included: basketball, track, captain of the football and wrestling teams, National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Society, Latin Club, Varsity Club, Key Club, Student Council and Salutatorian. He was inducted into the Clintondale Hall of Fame in 1999 in recognition of outstanding athletic achievement.
At Albion College in Albion, Michigan, he majored in geology and completed a B.A. degree in 1973. He graduated with honors after surviving Division II NCAA football, where he co-captained the team his senior year. Activities and honors include Sigma Nu fraternity, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Omicron Delta Kappa Society, All MIAA Honorable Mention Football 1972 (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association), and Albion College Varsity Award.
While completing an M.A. degree in 1976 at the University of Texas, Ken was a teaching assistant in the Department of Geological Sciences and a research assistant at the Bureau of Economic Geology. He had turned in his thesis on a Monday, showed up for work at Shell Oil in New Orleans on Tuesday, and attended his first Mardi Gras the following week. From 1976 to 1980, he worked for Shell and then worked for Louisiana Land & Exploration in New Orleans.
Ken met Sandra Olson in 1976 at the Parc Fontaine Apartments where they both lived. Sandra was a teacher at Archbishop Blenk High School. They married in 1977 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.
By fall 1981, Ken went to work for BlueSky Oil & Gas Company in Houston and later worked for Adobe Resources. In 1991, he moved to Dallas, Texas to work for Browning Oil Company. Schlumberger hired him in Dallas and moved him back to Houston in 1999.
Ken joined the Houston Geological Society (HGS) in 1981, the Dallas Geological Society (DGS) in 1991 and reactivated the membership in HGS in 2001.
A few of the activities and honors:
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAP) Imperial Barrel Award Committee, 2009 – 2016; Candidate for Vice President of Sections, 2011-2012; Vice Chairman, Imperial Barrel Award Committee, 2009 – 2012; Houston Geological Society, Alternate Delegate, 2012; Employment Committee Chairman, 1997 National Convention, Dallas; Dallas Geological Society, Alternate Delegate 1996-1998, 1998-2000; Dallas Geological Society, Delegate Vice-Chairman 1998-2000.
Houston Geological Society (HGS) President, 2014-15; Honorary Membership, 2010; Office Committee Chairman, 2007-2010; Outstanding Service Award, 2007; Guest Night Committee, 2005-2007; Treasurer, 2004-2006; Treasurer-Elect, 2004-2005; Finance Committee Chairman, 2001-2005; Website Committee, 2003-2004; President’s Award 2005; Rising Star Award, 2003; Entertainment Committee, Annual Shrimp Peel 1981-1985, Chairman 1983-85; Employment Committee, 1986-1991; Publicity Committee 1982 GCAGS Convention.
Dallas Geological Society (DGS) Newsletter Editor, Awards Committee Chairman 1998-1999; Co-Founder and Steering Committee Chairman, 1998; former Board Member, and Instructor, Ellison Miles GeoTechnology Institute, Brookhaven College, Dallas , Texas 1998 – 1999; Outstanding Service Award, 1998; Past President, Nominating Committee Chairman, 1997-1998; President, Newsletter staff/editor, 1996-1997, Host Society for AAPG Convention; President-elect/Secretary 1995-1996; Employment Committee 1991-1995, Chairman, 1992-1995.
Gulf Coast Association Geological Society (GCAGS) Continuity Committee Chairman, 2010-2012; Continuity Committee, 2006-2012; Awards Committee, 2008-2011; Past President, 2008-2009; President, 2007-2008; President-Elect/Vice-President, 2006-2007; Section Point Coordinator and Committee for AAPG Imperial Barrel Award, student exploration contest, 2008.
Southwest Section American Association of Petroleum Geologists (SWAAPG) Candidate for President, 1999; Southwest Section Secretary, 1998-1999; Dallas Geological Society Delegate, 1997-1998; Dallas Geological Society Alternate Delegate, 1996-1997.
Ken loved playing tennis. He attended multiple tennis tournaments across the gulf coast and participated in the World Oilman’s Tennis Tournament (WOTT) for over 30 years, held at the Houston Raquet Club.
Surviving him are his wife, Sandra; daughter, Samantha; brother-in-law, Foster Olson; sister, Debbie and her husband, Dan Doyle; nephews, Josh and Kyle Doyle; brother, John and wife, Denise Nemeth; and niece Stephanie and her husband, Michael Lee, and niece, Jennifer and her husband, Curtis Ferguson.
A funeral mass and burial will be held later this week in St. Clair, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AAPG’s Imperial Barrel Award (IBA), American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice in memory of Ken Nemeth.

He attended St. Rita’s in Detroit from first through ninth grade and Clintondale High School for tenth through twelve grade. High school activities and achievements included: basketball, track, captain of the football and wrestling teams, National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Society, Latin Club, Varsity Club, Key Club, Student Council and Salutatorian. He was inducted into the Clintondale Hall of Fame in 1999 in recognition of outstanding athletic achievement.
At Albion College in Albion, Michigan, he majored in geology and completed a B.A. degree in 1973. He graduated with honors after surviving Division II NCAA football, where he co-captained the team his senior year. Activities and honors include Sigma Nu fraternity, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Omicron Delta Kappa Society, All MIAA Honorable Mention Football 1972 (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association), and Albion College Varsity Award.
While completing an M.A. degree in 1976 at the University of Texas, Ken was a teaching assistant in the Department of Geological Sciences and a research assistant at the Bureau of Economic Geology. He had turned in his thesis on a Monday, showed up for work at Shell Oil in New Orleans on Tuesday, and attended his first Mardi Gras the following week. From 1976 to 1980, he worked for Shell and then worked for Louisiana Land & Exploration in New Orleans.
Ken met Sandra Olson in 1976 at the Parc Fontaine Apartments where they both lived. Sandra was a teacher at Archbishop Blenk High School. They married in 1977 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.
By fall 1981, Ken went to work for BlueSky Oil & Gas Company in Houston and later worked for Adobe Resources. In 1991, he moved to Dallas, Texas to work for Browning Oil Company. Schlumberger hired him in Dallas and moved him back to Houston in 1999.
Ken joined the Houston Geological Society (HGS) in 1981, the Dallas Geological Society (DGS) in 1991 and reactivated the membership in HGS in 2001.
A few of the activities and honors:
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAP) Imperial Barrel Award Committee, 2009 – 2016; Candidate for Vice President of Sections, 2011-2012; Vice Chairman, Imperial Barrel Award Committee, 2009 – 2012; Houston Geological Society, Alternate Delegate, 2012; Employment Committee Chairman, 1997 National Convention, Dallas; Dallas Geological Society, Alternate Delegate 1996-1998, 1998-2000; Dallas Geological Society, Delegate Vice-Chairman 1998-2000.
Houston Geological Society (HGS) President, 2014-15; Honorary Membership, 2010; Office Committee Chairman, 2007-2010; Outstanding Service Award, 2007; Guest Night Committee, 2005-2007; Treasurer, 2004-2006; Treasurer-Elect, 2004-2005; Finance Committee Chairman, 2001-2005; Website Committee, 2003-2004; President’s Award 2005; Rising Star Award, 2003; Entertainment Committee, Annual Shrimp Peel 1981-1985, Chairman 1983-85; Employment Committee, 1986-1991; Publicity Committee 1982 GCAGS Convention.
Dallas Geological Society (DGS) Newsletter Editor, Awards Committee Chairman 1998-1999; Co-Founder and Steering Committee Chairman, 1998; former Board Member, and Instructor, Ellison Miles GeoTechnology Institute, Brookhaven College, Dallas , Texas 1998 – 1999; Outstanding Service Award, 1998; Past President, Nominating Committee Chairman, 1997-1998; President, Newsletter staff/editor, 1996-1997, Host Society for AAPG Convention; President-elect/Secretary 1995-1996; Employment Committee 1991-1995, Chairman, 1992-1995.
Gulf Coast Association Geological Society (GCAGS) Continuity Committee Chairman, 2010-2012; Continuity Committee, 2006-2012; Awards Committee, 2008-2011; Past President, 2008-2009; President, 2007-2008; President-Elect/Vice-President, 2006-2007; Section Point Coordinator and Committee for AAPG Imperial Barrel Award, student exploration contest, 2008.
Southwest Section American Association of Petroleum Geologists (SWAAPG) Candidate for President, 1999; Southwest Section Secretary, 1998-1999; Dallas Geological Society Delegate, 1997-1998; Dallas Geological Society Alternate Delegate, 1996-1997.
Ken loved playing tennis. He attended multiple tennis tournaments across the gulf coast and participated in the World Oilman’s Tennis Tournament (WOTT) for over 30 years, held at the Houston Raquet Club.
Surviving him are his wife, Sandra; daughter, Samantha; brother-in-law, Foster Olson; sister, Debbie and her husband, Dan Doyle; nephews, Josh and Kyle Doyle; brother, John and wife, Denise Nemeth; and niece Stephanie and her husband, Michael Lee, and niece, Jennifer and her husband, Curtis Ferguson.
A funeral mass and burial will be held later this week in St. Clair, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AAPG’s Imperial Barrel Award (IBA), American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice in memory of Ken Nemeth.

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

June 9, 2018

As you know, the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) is currently undergoing their periodic Sunset Commission Review.  In preparation for their report, a PG License Work Group that consists of representatives of the Houston Geological Society, AIPG, AEG, AAPG, and Texas Association of Professional Geoscientists has been formed to help coordinate any defense we may need to provide to the TBPG.  I’ll be reporting on any activities that come up.

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The EPA's changes to the Uniform Hazardous Waste System are scheduled to occur on June 30, 2018.  That's when the paper manifest will go from a 6-ply to a 5-ply form.  The new format does not affect the data you fill out on the form, but does affect the form's final destinations.  In the past, copies of the manifest stayed with the generator, the transporter(s), and the disposal facility, and copies were sent to the generator's state and to the receiving state.  Now, instead of going to the states, one copy will be sent to federal EPA.

EPA plans to enter the information from the manifests into a central, publicly accessible database.

You will also have the option of using EPA's new electronic hazardous waste manifest system, called e-Manifest.  While you will be able to access electronic manifests on EPA's website, be sure to work with your treatment, storage, and disposal facility to ensure a smooth transition.  EPA will begin charging these facilities for every manifest submitted to the federal database; in turn, the facilities will pass on the costs to you.

TSDF Guidance from EPA:

"EPA will accept Page 1 copies of the obsolete 6-copy forms for processing after June 30, 2018, but we strongly recommend that users transition to the 5-copy forms as quickly as possible. If a user wishes to continue to use the obsolete 6-copy forms, they should undertake measures to minimize confusion in their use, such as applying a pre-printed adhesive label to the top copy with the accurate copy distribution language ('designated facility to EPA's e-Manifest system'). Facilities should train their manifest personnel to inspect manifests carefully to ensure they are routed properly during the time any of the obsolete manifests remain in use."

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

6/9/2018

Thomas Marvin Thompson
1928-2018

Thomas "Tommy" Marvin Thompson died on May 26.  Tommy was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 7, 1928.   He grew up and attended the University of Virginia and earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Geoscience. He took a job with Texaco as an exploration geologist in Houston.   He was a member of the Houston Geological Society and the American Association of Petroleum Geologist for over 50 years.

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

May 13, 2018

The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) proposes amendments to §3.53, relating to Annual Well Tests and Well Status Reports Required. The amendments would adjust the testing requirements for oil wells to minimize the frequency of such tests, thereby reducing the administrative burden for those wells and associated costs to industry. The Commission also proposes amendments to §3.52, relating to Oil Well Allowable Production, to reflect the changes in §3.53.

Requirements for oil well production capability testing are found in both §3.52 and §3.53, as well as §3.51, relating to Oil Potential Well Test Forms Required. The current version of §3.53 requires operators to test the production capability of oil wells annually and report the results of the test to the Commission on Form W-10, Oil Well Status Report. The Commission proposes new subsection (a)(4) to specify that an operator may elect not to perform or file a test for a well after the initial potential test has been filed, except in certain circumstances. If the operator elects not to perform such a test, then the Commission would use the results of the most recent test or optional allocation on file with the Commission.

Notwithstanding subsection (a)(4), proposed new subsection (a)(5) would require that an operator perform the initial potential test in the following situations: when the well is recompleted into a different regulatory field; when the well is reclassified from gas to oil; when an inactive well is returned to production; when necessary to reinstate an allowable; or when required by Commission order, special field rule, or other Commission rule. For example, operators of wells authorized to surface commingle production pursuant to §§3.26 and 3.27 of this title (relating to Separating Devices, Tanks, and Surface Commingling of Oil, and Gas To Be Measured and Surface Commingling of Gas, respectively) would be required to conduct and report tests at the same frequency at which those tests are currently required by those rules and §3.52 or by the order authorizing the commingling.

The overall effect of the proposed amendments would be to require testing in specific instances, rather than as a general requirement. Under the proposed amendments, operators would still be required to file Form W-10 annually to report the status of each well. For more information go to:  http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/May112018/Proposed%20Rules/16....

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

5/13/2018

Many HGS members were deeply saddened on April 30, 2018, to learn that Donna Davis had passed away. In the words of a close friend, the HGS was her life. No one was more fiercely dedicated to the well-being of our Society then she was. Whether she was registering walk-ups at International or North American Explorationists dinner meetings, or working behind the scenes on the Continuing Education and Africa Conference Committees, Donna was always there helping.

Beyond being a tireless worker for HGS, Donna was a good friend with a big heart and a big appetite for knowledge. One Muslim HGS member will always remember how diligent she was at calling and wishing him a Happy Ramadan or Happy Eid. She knew more about Islam than most Muslims.

Those close to Donna know how challenged she was in life, and hope that she is rewarded for how she rose to those challenges and found the energy to have contributed so much to the HGS.  She is already missed and will be hard to replace. Details about her funeral and/or memorial service will be announced once they are made. 

I feel very sad at the passing of Donna.  I will miss her a lot.  Donna was very helpful and supportive when I was starting my volunteer career at the HGS.  I will always remember her enthusiasm and support of the success and mission of the HGS.  Donna was also a very good friend and I always looked forward to seeing her at HGS events.
-Larry Quandt

Aside from being a tireless worker for HGS, Donna was a good friend with a very big heart.  I will always remember how diligent she was at calling and wishing me a Happy Ramadan or Happy Eid.  She wasn't a Muslim, but she knew more about it than any other non-Muslim I know.  I miss her already.
-Tarek Ghazi

Wow, how sad! I have worked with Donna on and off for years. She was a very dedicated HGS Volunteer.
-Mike Allison

My deepest condolences to Donna's family and all the HGS members impacted by this sad news. Donna was truly one of the most dedicated volunteers and I got many opportunities to work with her. She will be really missed. Prayers to the family and HGS family in this time of need.
-Sameer Baral

Donna Davis will be missed by all.  I knew that I could always count on her help.
When I think of the HGS, she is always one person that I think of. 
-Steven L. Getz

George Devries Klein was born on January 21, 1933, in s’-Gravenhage (The Hague), Netherlands and died on April 30, 2018, at his home in Guam. He is survived by Suyon Cheong Klein originally from Seoul, South Korea.

After immigrating to the United States, George earned three degrees in Geology:  B. A. in 1954 from Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut; M.A. from the University of Kansas in 1957; Ph.D. from Yale in 1960.  Sinclair Research, Inc. (petroleum) employed George as a research sedimentologist in 1960 - 1961.  He joined the faculty at University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1961, then moved to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1963.  In 1970, George accepted a position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he remained for the rest of his academic career.  He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1993.  From 1993 to 1997 he served as Executive Director of the New Jersey Marine Science Consortium and as New Jersey Sea Grant Director.  Then he opened his consulting firm, SED-STRAT Geoscience Consultants, Inc. in Houston.
.

George Devries Klein was a sedimentologist, sedimentary geologist, sequence stratigrapher, basin analyst, regional geologist, and petroleum geologist. He authored a total of 383 refereed papers, books, reports, abstracts, and reviews, including 11 reference books.  His expertise includes tidal sedimentology, deep-water sedimentology, cratonic, foreland and rift basins, sandstone petrology, cycle stratigraphy and basin analysis. He proposed the term “Tidalites” as a process facies formed in response to global astronomical forcing factors and also recognized the combined tectonic/glacial eustatic origin of Pennsylvanian cyclothems, amongst other contributions.  Dr. Klein also taught sandstone deposition models and basins analysis short courses for AAPG, SEG and other organizations. He was the recipient of 13 awards including a Visiting Fellowship to Wolfson College at Oxford University, the SEPM Outstanding Paper Award for 1970, the Erasmus Haworth Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Kansas Department of Geology, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship to the Netherlands, and the Lawrence L. Sloss Award of the Sedimentology Geology Division of Geological Society of America.  George was a member of HGS, AAPG, SIPES, GSA, and GCSSEPM.

George joined HGS in 1997.  He served as 2004-05 HGS Foreman of the AAPG House of Delegates and was one of four Geologist honored as Legends of Sedimentology at the HGS Legends Night 2013. George was a valuable member of HGS and was widely known and respected in the Houston geologic community,

George and Suyon were retired in Guam.

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

April 28, 2018

At its open meeting on April 24, 2018, the Railroad Commission (RRC) proposed amendments to §§3.52 and 3.53 regarding testing requirements for oil wells.  The amendments to §3.53 would allow operators to elect not to perform or file a production capability test for a well after the initial test has been filed except in certain circumstances.  If the operator elects not to perform such a test, then the RRC would use the results of the most recent test or optional allocation on file with the RRC.  Under the proposed amendments, operators would still be required to file the Form W-10 annually to report the status of each well.  The proposed amendments to §3.52 would remove references to annual tests to reflect the proposed amendments to §3.53.  For more information go to:  http://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/45028/prop-amend-3-52-and-3-53-well-testi...

The Commission also adopted some amendments and one repeal in Chapter 7 to correct references to statutes, rules, and other nonsubstantive changes.  For more information go to:  http://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/45029/adopt-amend-ch7-cleanup-042418-sig.pdf

The effective date of the amendments will be Monday, May 14, 2018.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

4/28/2018

Philip was 55 years old. He went home on December 19, 2017 at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in McKinney, TX.  He was surrounded by his parents and siblings during a brief illness.  Philip was comforted with scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion. 

  Philip was born on June 1, 1962 in Wapenamanda, New Guinea.  His parents were missionaries.  He was baptized in infancy.  He was raised in Apache, OK and graduated from Apache High School in 1980.  He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1984 with a B.S. in Geology, and later with a M.S. in Geology.  He was married to Shelley Hudson and they later separated.  Shelley and Philip spent a couple of years in west Texas in the oil industry.  He worked for many years in the oil industry, settling in the Houston area in 1989, and living there until his illness.

  He is survived by his children, Brent Padgett (Maddie) and their daughter Evelyn of Tulsa, OK and Lance Padgett of the University of Texas-Austin, and their mother, Shelley Hudson-Hollingsworth, of Tulsa, OK. He will also be lovingly remembered by his parents, Reverend Stanley and Norma Padgett, of Apache, OK, and his siblings, Paul (Sherri) Padgett of Apache, John (Natalia) Padgett of Austin, TX, Michael Padgett of Stillwater, OK, Martha (Kim) Ross of Trophy Club, TX, Elizabeth (Dan) Herink of Houston, TX, and Rebekah (Jim) Cooksey of Prosper, TX, his grand-aunt, Irene Thoes, of Wamego, KS,  and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

  The service of the resurrection and burial will be at 11:00 a.m., December 27, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church of Alma, KS, with burial in the Alma Cemetery. Services are under the care and direction of Stewart Funeral Home of Alma. Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Alma, KS, P.O. Box 126, 66401. A memorial service will be held in his home church, Peace Lutheran Church of Cyril, Oklahoma, at 11:00 a.m., December 31, 2017.

John Joseph Amoruso, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away January 29, 2018. He was born on October 13, 1930 in Portsmouth, NH. After attending and receiving his Bachelors in Geology at Tufts University in 1952, John spent three years in the Navy as an officer on a destroyer. He returned to college, attending the University of Michigan and received his Master’s in Geology in 1957. John met Camille at Michigan and they were married in 1958. John remained loyal to Michigan, watched many U of M football games and was on the Geoscience Alumni Advisory Committee which he chaired in 1987-88. John received the first Distinguished Alumni Honor Award from the University of Michigan Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

John began his career as a geologist with a summer job with Stanolind Oil and Gas in Oklahoma City in 1956. After graduate school, he joined Pan American Petroleum and eventually becoming an independent petroleum geologist in 1969.

As an independent in Houston (Amoruso Petroleum Company), John Amoruso has been active in exploration in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska but his focus has been with the Jurassic and Cretaceous of Texas. In recent years he has taken on the additional role as vice president for exploration for Legends Exploration. John always displays humility and modesty regarding his exploration successes. But that comes from his character; the actual results are anything but modest, in fact, they are fantastic. Certainly, the crowning achievement in his long career was the 2005 discovery of a deep Bossier tight gas sand reservoir in Robertson County, Texas. Here, John with his vast experience with the Texas Mesozoic developed an exploration model, without the benefit of seismic, stipulating the existence of turbidite sands in the Bossier beyond the Cotton Valley carbonate shelf edge. The field was rightfully called the Amoruso Field, one of the largest U. S. gas discoveries in recent years. Other than his family, geology was John’s passion! He was often heard saying, that he has never worked a day in his life, because he loved what he did so much. John was devoted and gave a lifetime service to the geologic profession including being the President of the AAPG in 1982-83 and also much involvement and President of GCAGS, SIPES and The Houston Geologic Society.

John Amoruso was a Certified Professional Petroleum Geologist. John has received numerous awards for his contributions and leadership including honorary membership in AAPG, GCAGS, SIPES and the HGS. He has received the Michel T. Halbouty Outstanding Leadership Award from the AAPG (2007), the Don R. Boyd Medal for Excellence in Gulf Coast Geology from GCAGS (2005), Outstanding Explorer Award from AAPG (2010), Outstanding Independent from SIPES (2014) and the colonel Edwin L. Drake Legendary Oilman Award from the Petroleum History Institute (2013). In 2011 he was recognized as one of Houston’s great industry legends by the Houston Geological Society. The AAPG Foundation recently advised they awarded John the L. Austin Weeks Memorial Medal for 2018.

John and Camille were inseparable in their love and support for each other. Camille attended most of John’s geologic conventions. They share many friends through these associations. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Camille K. Amoruso, two sons, James, wife Patricia with grandchildren Christopher and David, and Michael, wife Cathy and grandchildren, Andrew and Camille; sister, Donna Moffett; brother, Paul Amoruso. Preceding John in passing, are his parents, Joseph and Mary Amoruso and brother Donald Amoruso.

With great regret we acknowledge the passing of Paul M. Basinski, a well-known expert in unconventional resource geology and geophysics. Paul’s unique career included corporate assignments at Chevron, Kerr McGee, and many years at ConocoPhillips. Paul led a team at COP that discovered and developed the volatile-oil play in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale. He later led another team focused on global unconventional resources using the methodology his team generated working on the Eagle Ford.

Paul was active in AAPG in the Energy Minerals Division and in the Houston Geological Society. Paul was Unconventional Resources theme chair for the 2011 AAPG Conference in Houston, and worked on the GCAGS 2015 Convention in Houston.  Paul was the essence of the creative thinker, and had a personal system of scientific inquiry that he said led him to find new reserves in old basins. At the Houston Playmaker program in 2014, Basinski gave a well-received talk on the method of his unconventional thinking. This program is online at https://youtu.be/BPYDhyvDHMY.

Part of what made Paul Basinski successful at unconventional exploration is that he started as a mining geologist, first at University of Nevada at Reno (MS degree 1978), and then as a mining geologist at Kerr McGee and successor companies. His undergraduate degree was at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His grasp of mining technology and engineering helped him attain insights into the value of the Eagle Ford before competitors.c

After retiring from ConocoPhillips, Paul started Burgundy Exploration, Bordeaux Xploration and the Icewine venture that explored source rock shale in Alaska. The Icewine #1 was drilled in 2015 and core analysis confirmed the target HRZ Shale geological model. Icewine #2 was drilled in 2017 and is still being tested with a vertical completion.

In early 2018 Paul’s health started failing due to a heart condition. His great regret was that he may not be able to follow through on his exploration efforts in Alaska. As he said in an email before his heart operation, “Yet the greatest gift is that I’m totally at peace with whatever our Almighty chooses for me next. Why? It’s all about discovery that awaits on the other side of this operation ... be it on our beloved Gaia or in the eternal ether.”

The Railroad Commission is seeking stakeholder input on our first-ever oil and gas monitoring and enforcement strategic plan. This plan assesses the most effective use of the agency's resources to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

The draft was developed by an RRC multi-disciplinary team and can be found at: 

http://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/44365/draft-og-strategic-plan-fy2019_final-draft.pdf

Using a web-based survey tool, the Commission is accepting public comments on the first draft plan until 5 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2018. To submit comments online, complete the survey at:

https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4227181/Oil-and-Gas-Division-Monitoring-and-Enforcement-Plan-Comments

Written comments also will be accepted and may be sent to:

Oil and Gas Strategic Plan Comments/Oil and Gas Division
Railroad Commission of Texas
P.O. Box 12967

The plan's purpose is to define and communicate the Oil and Gas Division's top priorities for its monitoring and enforcement activities. Along with confirming many of the Division's current priorities - to ensure public safety and protect the environment - the plan also provides a direction for data collection, stakeholder input and new priorities. The Commission is always working to enhance our ability to track, measure and analyze the effectiveness of our oil and gas monitoring and enforcement program.

Staff anticipates bringing a final version of the plan reflecting public comments to Commissioners at their June 5, 2018 conference, said Lori Wrotenbery, director of the RRC's Oil & Gas Division. "We look forward to hearing from the public on this plan."

Each year a final plan will be posted to the RRC website no later than July 1.

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

March 25, 2018

As you may or may not be aware, the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG), like every other board in Texas, undergoes a Sunset Review every four years.  The TBPG is currently undergoing such a review.  If you have comments, suggestions, etc. about the current TBPG rules, go to:  http://tbpg.state.tx.us/rule-review/ for information as to how.

It has come to my attention that there may be a move, under the Sunset Review, to either get rid of the TBPG or place it under the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR), who licenses barbers, wrestlers, air conditioning installers, etc.  I don’t believe this is, nor ever has been, an acceptable alternative to the current Board.  We’ll have to continue to watch the situation for now and see how it develops.  There will be a public hearing on the Review’s findings, probably in August.  That will be the time to take any action, if necessary.  Any changes to the TBPG’s status will take place once the Texas Legislature goes back into session in January 2019.

At the very least, it’s my understanding that they will be questioning our fine structure, which is set by the legislature.  Currently, maximum fines are $100.  The maximum fines for Professional Engineers and other licenses in the TDLR are typically on the order of $3,000 to $5,000, so you can expect that this will probably go up, substantially.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

3/25/2018

Oral Presentations- Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Session 1: Diagenetic Components of Mudrocks and Their Impact on Production
Chairs: Tina Calvin, Wayne Camp and Ian McGlynn

Session 2: Nanoscale Intra-Kerogen Porosity and Hydrocarbon Phase Producibility/Wettability
Chairs: Avrami Grader, James Macquaker and Steve Geetan

Keynote Chair: Arlin Howles

Session 3: Predicting Petrophysical Flow Properties Using Digital Rock Physics
Chairs: Timothy Diggs and Matt Bratovich

Session 4: Geophysical Methods for Producibility, Fracability and GeoHazards
Chairs: Lisa Neelen and Shon Bourgeois

Oral Presentations- Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Session 5: Analytics Applications for Improved Hydrocarbon Recovery
Chairs: Andrew Silver and Brian Velardo

Session 6: Hybrid/Tight/Complex Opportunities
Chairs: Obie Djordjevic and Barbara Hil

Session 7: Technology Applications for Stimulated Rock Volume Versus Drained Rock Volume
Chairs: Luis Baez and Eric Michaels

Session 8: Operator Cases of Integrated Applied Geoscience for Fun and Profit
Chairs: John Breyer and Raj Malpani

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

March 11, 2018

The TCEQ Remediation Division issued a revision to the Incident Report Form (TCEQ-20097) for Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST) sites.  The revisions incorporate the current TCEQ mailbox email address for electronic submittals and lists the current TCEQ telephone number to report emergencies. The form also includes documenting the TCEQ Region in which the facility is located.  Beginning June 1, 2018, all previous versions of the report form will be considered obsolete and will no longer be accepted.  The form is available on the TCEQ webpage:  https://www.tceq.texas.gov/remediation/pst_rp/downloads.html

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

3/11/2018

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

February 3, 2018

We all know to call 811 to mark underground lines before digging or drilling below 16 inches.  House Bill 1818, the Commission's Sunset Bill passed by the 85^th Legislature last year, gives RRC authority over damage incidents on interstate pipelines that cross state boundaries. Previously, the Commission's damage prevention authority was limited to intrastate pipelines that begin and end in Texas.

Effective February 12, 2018, excavators are required to notify the pipeline operator by calling the 811 notification center as soon as possible about any damage incidents, but no later than one hour after an incident. Excavators will also be required to call 911 if any natural gas or other product is released when an underground pipeline is struck. The amendments extend the deadline for pipeline operators and excavators to file a damage report with the Commission from the current 10 days to 30 days.

More information on these new rule requirements can be found at:  http://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/43537/adopt-amend-ch18-interstate-hb-1818...

Commissioners unanimously adopted these amendments to the RRC Underground Damage Prevention Rule at their January 23, 2018 conference. These rules are designed to protect the public from potentially hazardous incidents if underground natural gas or hazardous liquid pipelines are struck by excavation.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

2/3/2018

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

December 30, 2017

The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) adopts an amendment to 22 TAC §851.21 to establish guidelines for applicants requesting to sit for a licensing examination. Adopted changes add language to provide that an applicant who does not fully meet the education requirement for licensure may sit for a licensing examination as long as the applicant has submitted certain documents and has acknowledged that the applicant does not meet the education requirement. The applicant will then need to resolve the education deficit once the applicant has received passing scores on the licensing examination in order to obtain a Professional Geoscientist license. Resolving the education deficit may include obtaining a waiver of the education requirement, obtaining a substitution of experience for education, or by the Board's determination that the education requirement was met with "equivalent education," as provided by §1002.255(a)(2)(B). An applicant may choose to sit for the examination knowing that the education deficit will not be reviewed by the Board until after the applicant has passed the required examination(s) for licensure, and that the resolution the applicant presents may not be approved.  For more information go to:  http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/December222017/Adopted%20Rules...

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

12/30/2017

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

December 10, 2017

Geologic guidebooks tell stories about the history of our continent's beautiful natural landscapes, but to date they have not been easily obtained by today's researchers. To facilitate greater access to these guidebooks, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and the Geoscience Information Society (GSIS) have jointly launched a free database, which catalogs decades of these guidebooks from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

The Geologic Guidebooks of North America Database – as it is called – fills a significant gap in existing geoscience information. Many parts of North America are not sufficiently mapped by geological surveys, so guidebooks from university field trips and amateur excursions can contain some of the richest information available – or in some cases, the only information available – for a given location. Now, anyone can explore more than 10,000 of these guidebook references with ease using the geographic search option, which was previously not possible.

The new database builds on a long history of collaboration between GSIS and AGI, which earlier resulted in the publication of several print publications, including The Union List of Geologic Field Trip Guidebooks of North America, Sixth Edition, compiled and edited by the GSIS Guidebooks Committee and published by AGI in 1996.

GSIS President Robert Tolliver said, "Transferring these guidebook references into a centralized online database based on GeoRef data will make them immediately more accessible to the next generation of geoscientists. Instead of being hidden away and gathering dust, these guidebooks can now inspire new directions for research out in the field."

Visit the Geologic Guidebooks of North America Database at http://guidebooks.americangeosciences.org/ to start exploring.

About GeoRef
The GeoRef database, established by the American Geosciences Institute in 1966, provides access to the geoscience literature of the world. GeoRef is the most comprehensive database in the geosciences and continues to grow by more than 100,000 references a year. The database contains over 4 million references to geoscience journal articles, books, maps, conference papers, reports and theses. Learn more at https://www.americangeosciences.org/georef.

About GSIS
The Geoscience Information Society (GSIS) facilitates the exchange of information in the geosciences through cooperation among scientists, librarians, editors, cartographers, educators, and information professionals. Learn more at http://www.geoinfo.org/.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

12/10/2017

The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 17, 2017

The State Legislature is now out of session. Two of the bills we've been following were passed and the Governor has vetoed both of them:

HB 2377, by Larson and Lucio III, Relating to the development of brackish groundwater. A landowner may drill and operate a well for a single-family dwelling, a landowner may drill and operate a well if, among other things, the well is used only for outdoor watering of landscape plantings on the property. 6/15/2017 Vetoed by the Governor. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB2377

SB 1525, by Perry, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of water needs and availability in this state. 6/15/2017 Vetoed by the Governor. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=SB1525

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

The Wise Report

6/17/2017

Dortha Lea Dougherty, age 64, of Edmond, Oklahoma, was born May 17, 1953, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Domer Vincent and Treva Jean (Hibbs) Dougherty and passed away June 1, 2017, at Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Dortha attended school in Enid, graduating from Enid High in 1971. She then attended the University of Oklahoma, earning a BS in Geology and a Master's Degree in Geophysics. During her college days, she played softball at OU and was on the first championship team. She remained an avid supporter of the OU Women's softball program and was a member of the Diamond Club.
Her first job was with Mobil Oil in Denver. Her job took her to Libya, where she worked and impressed those she worked with by learning Arabic. She was part of the group to leave Libya when President Reagan ordered all Americans to evacuate. During the evacuation, she was interviewed by Jane Pauley for the TODAY show. She worked for different companies in the petroleum industry, moving from Denver to Dallas to Houston and finally to Edmond. She was employed by Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City at the time of her death.

Dortha's interests in life were many. Two longtime passions were softball and horses. Growing up she was a member of the EnidMustangers Round club and the Roy L's softball team, for which she played catcher. She enjoyed riding motorcycles and bicycles as well as horses and participated in 100-mile bike rides while living in Houston. She loved music and played the violin, piano, and guitar. She was an integral part of the Houston Sinfonietta for many years. She volunteered to help evacuees following Hurricane Katrina and participated in pet rescue as well. Professionally, she was a member of the Oklahoma City Geological Society and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother David; an infant niece; and niece Vickie Dougherty.
She leaves behind a niece, Stephanie Nissley (whom Dortha raised as her daughter) and husband Tim Maxwell of Austin, Texas; three sisters, Diana Thayer and husband David of Dallas, Texas, Daphne Dougherty of Fairmont, Oklahoma, and Denise Dougherty of Crescent, Oklahoma; one brother, Domer Dougherty and wife Jennifer of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; special friend, Alexandra Kelsey of Houston, Texas; two nephews; four great-nephews; five great-nieces; and two great-great-nephews.

A service will be held Sunday, June 18 at the Conservatory at the Will Rogers Gardens in Oklahoma City. 

Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Railroad Commission's Sunset Bill, House Bill 1818 (HB 1818) into law May 22, 2017 reauthorizing the RRC for 12 more years until Sept. 1, 2029. The bill also provides the agency with the authority to assess pipeline safety fees to support its pipeline safety regulatory program; jurisdiction over preventing interstate pipeline damage and a mandate to publish an annual oil and gas monitoring report.

Under this legislation, the RRC's Oil & Gas Division is directed to develop and publish an oil and gas monitoring strategic annual plan each fiscal year to ensure the agency's resources are used to protect public safety and the environment. The RRC is directed to publish this report on its website by July 1, 2017 preceding each state fiscal year.

HB 1818 authorizes the RRC to establish pipeline safety and regulatory fees to support all the agency's pipeline safety and regulatory program costs. The legislation also provides the RRC with jurisdiction over pipeline damage prevention over interstate pipelines that cross state boundaries. Currently, the RRC has jurisdiction over preventing damage on intrastate pipelines that begin and end in the state. The legislation requires all Commission contractors register with and participate in an "E-verify program" to verify employee information.