ISGS - December 2003 Activity Highlights

NATO-Sponsored Forum in Poland Reviews Usefulness of Geologic Maps

ISGS Mapping Program Director Richard Berg spoke on "Three-Dimensional Geologic Mapping for Groundwater Protection and Environmental Assessment" at a NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Innovative Geological Cartography held in Kazimierz Dolny, Poland, November 24–26. Dr. Berg was one of 29 invited workshop participants from 16 countries and four continents. The workshop marked the first time that geologists from the former Eastern and Western Block countries had formally met to discuss geological mapping and the disparities between agencies producing geological maps of varying quality. The three-day workshop produced a set of recommendations to NATO on the need to construct modern geological maps, preserve key databases, and deliver the geological information needed to make important decisions about water resources development, ensure adequate environmental protection, and deal with earth hazards.(Contact: R. Berg)

ISGS Presents Awards to Colleagues and Friends

The recipients of several awards were announced at the annual "State of the Survey" meeting December 5 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Temple Hoyne Buell Hall Auditorium. Chief William W. Shilts and Beverly Herzog, chair of the committee of staff members who reviewed the nominations and selected the recipients, congratulated the recipients.

OUTSTANDING EXTERNAL ADVOCATE: State Senator Stanley B. Weaver was honored for his steadfast support of ISGS programs throughout his distinguished career, his continued interest and advice, and his diligence in assuring adequate appropriations for geological research and information delivery. The award was presented posthumously.

OUTSTANDING EXTERNAL COOPERATORS: Michael McCoy, Kane County Board Chairman, Philip S. Bus, Kane County Development Department Executive Director, and Paul M. Schuch, Kane County Water Resources Department Director, were honored for significant support of research by the ISGS and the Illinois State Water Survey to provide a scientific basis for water resources planning in Kane County.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY A TEAM: Cheri Chenoweth, Scott Elrick, Russell Jacobson, David Morse, and Team Leader Ilham Demir were honored for outstanding teamwork demonstrated in completing the project titled "Delineation of coalbed methane resources of Illinois."

OUTSTANDING NEW STAFF MEMBERS: Christopher Manrique was honored for outstanding contributions in clean coal research through programming, design and engineering work on the ISGS froth washer project. James Cokinos was honored for significant contributions to the project, "GIS approach for play portfolios to improve oil production in the Illinois Basin."

Maps Showing Shale Resources May Encourage New Brick-Making Plants

The ISGS is mapping shale resources suitable for making red-fired bricks. The maps will show any suitable shale resources that are available in the vicinity of power plants that could supply fly ash to be blended with the shale and clay materials used to make the bricks. In addition to overburden thickness, shale thickness, and the firing properties of the materials, scientists also are mapping the locations of municipalities, water bodies, parks, wetlands, previously mined areas, and other features that could impede development of a surface mine for the shale. Maps for the Peoria area have identified several promising areas for more detailed exploration by any interested companies. Other areas to be mapped include Meredosia and Danville. The projects are supported by the Illinois Clean Coal Institute and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. (Contacts: K. Keith, Z. Lasemi)

Updated 08/08/2012 SLD