EAST TENNESSEE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
FEBRUARY 2012

Monday, February 13, 2012
6:00 - 7:30 pm

Pellissippi State Technical Community College
10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville
J.L Goins Administration Building, Cafeteria Annex
DIRECTIONS

FEBRUARY PRESENTATION

Expect the Unexpected:
Unusual Environmental Conditions Encountered
During Road-Building Activities

By
Rich Lounsbury
Arcadis
Knoxville, Tennessee

Abstract

Emergency response, technical, and project support was provided to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for three unusual and time-critical road building projects which had the potential to impact human health and the environment. These projects included: the extinguishing of and response to an underground fire in McMinn County (which had been burning for over two months prior to notification); a relict underground storage tank (UST) site in Carter County, where a flash-fire and potentially explosive atmosphere were encountered within a new utility line trench; and, a UST site in Knox County where unknown/abandoned USTs were encountered during a Phase II subsurface investigation. Each of these projects presented unique and unexpected challenges associated with the site conditions encountered. This presentation highlights in more detail the three referenced projects, summarizes the unique issues and challenges associated with each project, and highlights response actions taken to address these sites while minimizing the overall impact to already tight construction project schedules. The three projects discussed clearly indicate the fact that impacted environmental sites are not always identified during traditional Phase I studies and that responding parties need to be able to adapt to unique sets of conditions when addressing these types of unexpected projects.

ETGS NEWS:

• Check out ETGS on Facebook. Would you prefer to receive notifications on Facebook? Let the ETGS officers know what you think!

• Looking for CEU or PDH credits? Check out the ITRC website at www.itrcweb.org. Current as well as archived trainings are available. If a certificate for CEU credits is needed, please contact Robert Storms. Once completed and verified, an ITRC certificate can be sent.

• Interested in minerals? Visit www.mineralvug.com. Mention you are a ETGS member and receive a 10% discount!

• Interested in attending a lecture this spring? Attend one or several of the UT Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Spring 2012 Klepser Seminars. Seminars are every Thursday at 3:40 pm in EPS room 302 through the end of April.

• Are you aware of the McClung Musuem located on the campus of UT? Plan a visit to the free, new exhibit!

• Members may be interested in attending the SE GSA meeting in Asheville, NC. One of the field trips offered is led by ETGS member, UT professor, Dr. Bob Hatcher.

Upcoming

TIME TO RENEW: If you have not already done so, it's time to renew your membership for the 2012 calendar year. Membership fees are now: $20 single, $25 couple, and $10 student. Membership forms are available here.

We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

Mark Maki, ETGS President
Alliant Corporation

Bill Wilder, ETGS Vice President
Environmental Consultant

Barbara Burton
ETGS Secretary/Treasurer

David Kessler, ETGS Webmaster
Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure

J. Brad Stephenson, Assistant ETGS Webmaster
Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure

Nick Sirek, ETGS Field Trip Coordinator
Environmental Consultant