News Release 484

MISSOURI GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROGRAM COMMENDED
BY ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND
ENGINEERING GEOLOGISTS

Volume 35-484

Contact: Hylan Beydler

(For immediate release)

573-368-2118

ROLLA, MO, NOV. 2, 2007 -- Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers recently recognized Division of Geology and Land Survey, Geological Survey Program staff for their recent commendation from the Kansas City/Omaha Section of the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists.

Childers read from citation recognizing the contributions of the Missouri Geological Survey. The plaque was presented at the association's 40th Annual meeting in September, in Kansas City. Mimi Garstang, state geologist and director of the Division of Geology and Land Survey accepted the award from AEG KC/Omaha Section Chairperson Julie WestHoff. The citation said, in part, "The Kansas City/Omaha Section of the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists recognizes the Missouri Geological Survey for its superior service to the geology community and to the citizens of Missouri. During the 40-year history of the KC/Omaha Section, the Missouri Geological Survey has consistently provided sound geological information to many of our members and this organization. The information has come from the survey's many fine publications and from personal communication with survey geologists."

Childers' remarks to staff expressed his pleasure in joining with the association in recognizing staff with the geological survey for its role as an important source of geologic information and technical support. During the visit, Childers noted that state geological surveys are invaluable assets to the citizens of our state and to industry professionals. He communicated his appreciation for the survey for remaining strong in recognizing the importance of applying geologic data and the principles understood by staff to help find solutions for real-world problems. In closing, he applauded staff for continuing to support the geologic profession and others working in our state on these important challenges.

"We are grateful for the award and for the numerous personal testimonials that were given by AEG members in recognition of the work and commitment the GSP staff," Garstang said. "Energy and water issues are priorities for many staff in the Department of Natural Resources. Energy resource demands and water supply needs are two major issues facing Missouri and our nation today that require a basic and fundamental understanding of our geologic past."

Meeting the nation's energy needs in a safe, clean and economically viable manner is something we hear about on the news almost every day. As energy costs continue to rise, industry is becoming more interested in exploration for and production of unconventional energy resources such as coalbed methane, tar sand, oil shale and synthetic natural gas. The Geological Survey Program provides geologic data and assistance in these areas. Childers added, "Another energy related issue of major importance is the safe geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide emissions to burn coal more cleanly and improve air quality. To evaluate the potential to separate and capture this carbon dioxide gas and permanently store it underground, the basic geologic studies that you undertake along with the resource evaluations you assist with will provide the necessary information to assess the viability of these new technologies in Missouri."

Division of Geology and Land Survey offers educational posters, maps, trading cards
and a wide variety of publications on topics such as rocks, minerals, fossils and land surveying.
The division's publications desk in Rolla can be reached by calling 573-368-2125 or
800-361-4827 or visit on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/geology.For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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Editor: Photo is available at /newsrel/dgls-award.jpg.

Cutline: Mimi Garstang, state geologist and director of the department's Division of Geology and Land Survey; Doyle Childers, Department of Natural Resources director; Joe Gillman, Geological Survey Program chief; Pat Mulvany, geologic resources section chief; and Peter Price, environmental geology section chief.