As emphasized previously in this column, the livelihood of every single member of AAPG is affected either directly or indirectly by environmental issues related to the industry in which we work. Similarly, our professions also are affected by a wide variety of important health and safety issues.
As a result, DEG is announcing the creation of an ad hoc Health and Safety Committee. Our goal is to provide DEG members with practical information to conduct their professional duties in a safe and responsible manner.
The Health and Safety Committee will be charged with compiling and communicating safe working practices in all aspects of the geological sciences including:
- Environmental compliance activities at petroleum and energy minerals exploration, production and processing facilities.
- Safety considerations for geological field trips.
- Drill site safety.
- Marine safety.
And, who knows? Perhaps even including defensive driving tips and techniques.
DEG also is announcing the formation of an ad hoc Geohazards Committee, with the goal of providing DEG members with practical information to conduct their professional duties and personal activities with a heightened awareness of geohazards.
The Geohazards Committee will be charged with compiling and communicating applicable and pertinent technical and educational information regarding various geohazards that may affect the petroleum and energy minerals industries.
In addition to recognizing the specific potential impacts of geohazards on our industry, we geoscientists also have a social obligation to inform government officials, educators and the general public at large about the broader societal hazards associated with earthquake, mass movement, tsunami, subsidence and volcanic processes.
If your area of expertise, knowledge or work function encompasses Health and Safety and/or Geohazards, DEG invites you and your colleagues to contribute your skills to these committees.
What a great opportunity for you to get involved in the formative stages of these new DEG service areas! Get connected and network with other professionals of similar backgrounds and areas of interest!
We are looking for a core group of good people, dedicated to strengthening DEG and giving back to our profession by getting involved and by exercising your time and talents for the benefit of DEG and AAPG members.
Help us expand DEG's value-added benefits to every member of AAPG!
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Steve Tischer, our next DEG president, as he begins his term of office on July 1. Steve has been working very diligently behind the scenes and will continue our ongoing efforts to expand DEG services and increase membership benefits. I am confident he will do DEG proud.
I also would like to take a moment to sincerely thank all current and past members of the AAPG and DEG executive committees, AAPG/DEG publications staff, Section representatives, convention chairs, committee chairs, other volunteers and DEG members for all of their hard work and dedication in making DEG and Environmental Geosciences world class in every respect! It has been both an honor and a pleasure to work with you all and to serve as DEG president this past year!
Remember, from independents to majors, from students to professors, from consultants to regulators -- we all win by showcasing, communicating and sharing our collective knowledge and environmental success stories by actively participating in the DEG.
DEG is for everyone in AAPG!