BOARD OF THE UTAH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MEETING MINUTES
UGS Conference Room
Salt Lake City, Utah
June 21, 2002

Attendance

• Robert Robison, Chair
• Craig Nelson
• Deedee O'Brien
• Stephen Church
• Geoffrey Bedell
• Ronald Bruhn

Excused:

• Charles Semborski

Staff:

• Richard Allis
• Kimm Harty
• John Kingsley
• Cheryl Ostlund

Guests:

• Tom Faddies
• Sherman Hoskins

Chair Robert Robison called the meeting of the Board of the Utah Geological Survey to order at 8:30 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Craig Nelson made the motion to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2002, meeting of the Board of the Utah Geological Survey. Ronald Bruhn seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Financial Report
Director Rick Allis reported that the budget year is wrapping up at the end of the month. Everything seems to be on target for this fiscal year. Expenditures are down from last year, so we have allowed some additional computer purchases. The revenue side is not as promising. Mineral-lease revenues are down considerably from last year. Our estimate is $630,000. The legislative budget analyst identified $800,000 for mineral-lease revenues for this fiscal year. The $577,000 carry forward from last fiscal year will be drawn down to $350,000 for this fiscal year. We have been asked by the legislature to identify 4 percent and 8 percent cut backs. The Department of Natural Resources= administration asked that each division identify 6 percent and 11 percent cutbacks. The governor=s budget analyst has identified approximately 5 percent in cutbacks from the UGS, which amounts to about $190,000. The different percentages are based on whether or not Education will be included in the hold backs. We should be able to handle the hold backs without too much detriment to the Survey.

We are continuing our efforts to secure outside grants and contracts. We received word this week that we were awarded an Environmental Protection Agency grant. We are working to submit another Department of Energy proposal for a high-resolution reservoir characterization project in the Uinta Basin, which was given to the Board members for review and approval. Stephen Church made the motion to approve the request for authorization, Geoffrey Bedell seconded, and all Board members were in favor.

Geologist Licensure Update
Director Allis informed the Board that Tuesday was his latest meeting with the Division of Occupation and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Things are progressing well and issues are being clarified. The critical phrase in the Act states that any geologic map, report, or cross-section will need to bear the seal when submitted to client or public authority. The Board has clarified that public authority is any regulatory agency. At this point in the process, paleontologists will need to be licensed. James Kirkland, state paleontologist, indicated that many paleontologists have backgrounds in biology and in most states paleontologists are not required to be a licensed geologist. DOPL is aware of the concerns regarding paleontologists. The ASBOG test does not have any paleontological questions on it. Hydrology is another area of concern by the Geologist Licensure Board. Director Allis informed the UGS Board members that it is premature to have the Board set a policy regarding the requirement of staff to be a licensed geologist until the actual licensing procedures and requirements have been established. It will be addressed at the next formal meeting in January, 2003, and the Board members will be asked to adopt a policy at that time. Director Allis prepared a statement for the Board to adopt interim. Mr. Bedell made the motion to accept the statement that Director Allis prepared and Deedee O'Brien seconded. Motion carried unanimously. A copy of the statement is attached to the official copy of the minutes. The nominations for the Geologist Licensure Board members have been submitted to the Governor's office and the Board should be in place by the end of July or first of August.

Legislative Issues
Director Allis reported that most of the legislative issues in the near future will be the upcoming special sessions to address the budget situation.

We have submitted wording to the Assistant Attorney General for Natural Resources for UGS limited liability to be included in hazards reports. We are concerned about opening up our code for review, but are pursuing a limited liability statement to be included in all UGS hazards reports. Deputy Director Kimm Harty handed out a draft of a limited liability code language which is very similar to what is in the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining's code. Gary Christensen is drafting a disclaimer statement, which will be submitted to the Attorney Generals's office for their review and approval.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

September Field Trip
Director Allis informed the Board that staff found there were more possible stops that we could possibly have time to see on the field trip in September. A tentative schedule was reviewed by the Board members. Based upon the Board recommendations, staff will revise the agenda and send it to the Board prior to the field trip.

Southern Utah Activity Report
Director Allis surveyed the Board as to whether or not the Southern Utah Activity Report was still of interest to the Board. He felt that it was too large and suggested that it be limited to one or two pages of bullets. The Board wanted to keep receiving the reporting, but would like a shorter version.

Utah Code Regarding Board Meetings
Director Allis informed the Board that the reason that the Utah Code regarding board meetings was included into the packet was because of some problems with other agencies not following the code for public meetings. Electronic meetings can be held if necessary. He suggested that the Board members become familiar with the code regarding public meetings.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/MISCELLANEOUS

Geologic Hazards Program Update
Gary Christenson, Geological Hazards Program Manager, briefed the Board members on the Geologic Hazards Program. He reviewed the Utah Code that the hazards program operates under. Mr. Christenson highlighted what the program is currently doing under each of its objectives. The main focus of their program is earthquakes, landslides, and debris flows. They are developing guidelines for site investigations on faults, as well as landslide and debris-flow investigations. They are working on detailed mapping and investigation of earthquakes and landslides. The hazards program also provides assistance to local governments. This assistance ranges from awareness and education to emergency response.

UGS Summer Picnic/Crawford Award Presentation
Because the Crawford Award recipients would not be able to attend the UGS summer picnic as first scheduled, it was moved back a week. Mr. Nelson will represent the Board and present the Crawford Award to Tom Chidsey and Doug Sprinkel.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Nelson made the motion to adjourn the meeting of the Board of the Utah Geological Survey. Dr. Bruhn seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.