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Upcoming PCPG events

    • March 10, 2025
    • September 21, 2025
    Register

    Application for Pennsylvania Fundamental of Geology Exam Rebate

    Barbara J Dunst Memorial Fund

    Guidance/Overview

    PCPG has established a Memorial Fund in memory of Barbara Dunst, PG and PCPG Past President in conjunction with the Dunst family. Barb, throughout her career, was a strong supporter of geology education and the Profession of Geology in Pennsylvania. A strong advocate of all students and women in particular, her career embodied everything a Professional Geologist should be – a consummate professional, mentor, educator and supporter of the Geosciences in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    Purpose: The fund was established to offset the cost for the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination fee administered in PA. This fund is directed to young professionals and students who desire to obtain a license to practice geology in PA and have completed the courses needed to fulfill the requirements for taking the FG exam. Upon passing the PA FG examination and completing this application within the required time frame, the applicant will be reimbursed the cost of the FG examination fee on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Deadline: This application must be submitted within six (6) months of the exam date.

    Fund Review: The Fund will accept applications within the required time frame on a first-come first-served basis.

    Exclusions:
    No reimbursements will be awarded to applicants whose employer offers an exam fee reimbursement benefit.

    Special Considerations: Special circumstances (e.g. state of residency) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    PCPG will verify license issuance by accessing PA DOS BPOA online verification system.

    If you prefer to submit the application and required documentation by email, download the FG rebate application. Instructions are provided on the form.


    • May 20, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Webinar
    • 200
    Register

    SRBC Requirements for Interpretive Hydrogeologic Report for Groundwater Withdrawal Renewals

    Presenters


    Michael Appleby, PG

    Supervisor, Groundwater Project Review

    SRBC


    Jane Block, PG, Hydrogeologist

    SRBC


    Within four business days and after auditing participation, PCPG will circulate a PDH certificate documenting registrant’s participation time, not to exceed 60 minutes.

    Level:  Intermediate.  Attendees should have basic understanding of aquifer testing data collection and interpretation.  Although not required, familiarity with Commission regulations and policies will aid in the understanding of the topic.

    Webinar Overview:  The Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s groundwater withdrawal application process contains 2 steps.  Step 1 is the hydrogeologic evaluation requirement that is met by performing an aquifer test in accordance with a Commission approved aquifer testing plan or by preparation and submittal of an Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation. Step 2 is the groundwater withdrawal application.  Commission regulations require projects to complete Step 1 once.  For projects that previously completed Step 1, during renewal, preparation and submittal of an interpretive hydrogeologic report is a requirement of the groundwater withdrawal application.  This webinar will provide detailed guidance regarding the content of the interpretive hydrogeologic report, including site conceptual model, comparison of historical testing data and prior hydrogeologic evaluation to operational data, and the Commission’s groundwater withdrawal review standards. Pennsylvania licensing laws and regulations require geologic work to be completed by a PA licensed professional geologist.


    Who should attend:  Don't miss our upcoming webinar presented by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), offering essential guidance on conducting aquifer tests, preparing technical hydrogeologic reports, and navigating groundwater withdrawal renewal processes. Enhance your knowledge of SRBC regulations by learning best practices for developing robust site conceptual models and effectively comparing historical test results with current operational data. Tailored specifically for Pennsylvania-licensed professional geologists, hydrogeologists, and geo-professionals involved in or anticipating projects within the Susquehanna River Basin requiring SRBC permitting—this session is vital for ensuring regulatory compliance and professional success.


    About our presenters: 

    Michael Appleby, PG, Supervisor, Groundwater Project Review (SRBC) — Mike has nearly 30 years of experience  working as a geologic consultant and for the Commission.  Mike has been with the Commission since 2011 and has been the supervisor of the groundwater section of Project Review since 2014.  Mike has been heavily involved in developing and writing Commission policies and regulations, including the Aquifer Testing Plan and Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation policies.

    Jane Block, PG, Hydrogeologist (SRBC) — Jane has 10 years of experience, five working in environmental consulting and five with the Commission.  Jane’s main responsibilities include review of hydrogeologic reports and technical evaluations of submittals to the Commission.  Jane is a transplant to Pennsylvania from the Midwest and attended Purdue University for her undergraduate education and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for her Master’s degree, where she studied the structural geology of Archean metamorphic gneisses.


    Please read:  After registering on our site you'll receive a PCPG confirmation email indicating Action Required in the subject line. Your registration is not complete until you click through the unique link in that email directing you to the GoToWebinar web site, enter your name, email address, consent to terms and conditions, and click the Register button.  Check your spam filter if you do not see the PCPG 'Action Required' email within 60 seconds of registering, here; or ask IT to release the Email.  If you use Gmail, our system workflow emails are received into some other Gmail folder.  Please check all Gmail folders and white-list @pcpg.org emails.

    • June 03, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Webinar
    • 221
    Register

    Pilot Geophysical Investigation to Delineate High Density TEL DNAPL – Microgravity & MASW Methodologies

    Presenter


    Steven Husted, PG

    Senior Program Manager, Geological & Geophysical Services

    Compliance Plus Services, Inc.


    Within four business days and after auditing participation, PCPG will circulate a PDH certificate documenting registrant’s participation time, not to exceed 60 minutes.

    Level:  Basic/General to Intermediate. 

    Webinar Overview:  This presentation will cover the details of a pilot geophysical investigation performed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-intrusive methods at delineating highly toxic Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs), specifically tetra alkyl lead compounds, e.g., tetraethyl lead or TEL, associated with past manufacturing processes at a southern New Jersey chemical manufacturing facility. The presentation will cover a site history including site specific geology, the rationale for selection of the specific geophysical methodologies, an overview of the microgravity and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) methodologies, survey details including data collection and processing, data analysis and results, and a summary of the conclusions and recommendations that were drawn.

    Who should attend:  This webinar will include information relevant to professionals in the fields of environmental and engineering geology, environmental remediation, and geophysics. Beyond environmental applications, the geophysical methods discussed within this presentation are routinely applied to various engineering related projects.

    About our presenter: Steven Husted, PG, Senior Program Manager, Geological & Geophysical Services (Compliance Plus Services, Inc.) Steve Husted is a registered Professional Geologist and geophysical practitioner with approximately 20 years in the civil and environmental engineering consulting industry. He has a BS in Geology from West Virginia University and a PBACC in GIS from The Pennsylvania State University. His primary professional experience includes the application of environmental and engineering geophysics, geologic, NDT, and GIS methodologies to site investigations for the evaluation of subsurface conditions related to the design, planning, engineering, construction, and remediation phases of projects. During his time with Quantum Geophysics (2 years), URS/AECOM (16 years), and Compliance Plus Services (2 years, current), Steve has contributed to the planning, execution, reporting, and management aspects of hundreds of investigations at sites located domestically and abroad.


    Please read:  After registering on our site you'll receive a PCPG confirmation email indicating Action Required in the subject line. Your registration is not complete until you click through the unique link in that email directing you to the GoToWebinar web site, enter your name, email address, consent to terms and conditions, and click the Register button.  Check your spam filter if you do not see the PCPG 'Action Required' email within 60 seconds of registering, here; or ask IT to release the Email.  If you use Gmail, our system workflow emails are received into some other Gmail folder.  Please check all Gmail folders and white-list @pcpg.org emails.

    • June 05, 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • June 06, 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • Best Western Plus Dutch Haus Inn & Suites, 150 E State Route 14, Columbiana, OH
    • 25

    Save the dates. More information coming soon.

    Important: Participants will need a laptop computer for Friday's data processing and interpretation component of this field experience. During enrollment, you will be required to affirm that you read, and can meet the minimum requirements for the self-installed Windows software, and will be able to access an external cloud-based software application (multi-platform), too. Apple users should use an emulator for the Windows software.  If you need IT to prepare your laptop ahead of your arrival, relevant links are provided on the PCPG overview page (coming soon). If your organization prohibits loading of this software, or access to the cloud-based platform, you may want to bring your personal laptop.

    Best Western Plus Dutch Haus Inn & Suites

    Heritage Room

    150 E State Route 14
    Columbiana, OH


    Space limited to 25 enrollments.


    Professional Development
    Delaware and South Carolina:  60 mins. = 1 CEU
    Pennsylvania:  50 mins. = 1 PDH

    Texas: 60 mins. = 1 PDH


    Attendance certificates will be distributed via email within 4 business days of event's conclusion. You must sign-in and sign-out to receive a digital certificate of attendance.

    Itinerary coming soon. Draft schedule posted below.


    Presenters

    Thomas E. (Tom) Jordan, PhD, PG

    Researcher & Part-Time Faculty

    Youngstown State University

    Dept. of Physics Astronomy, GIS, Geology, & Environmental Sciences

    Jeffrey C. (Jeff) Dick, PhD

    Emeritus Professor of Applied Geology

    Youngstown State University

    Dept. of Physics Astronomy, GIS, Geology, & Environmental Sciences

    Overview: This unique 1.5 day short course will provide attendees with hands on experiences regarding the setup, data collection, data processing work flows, and interpretation methods for geophysical devices commonly used by forensic scientists to detect clandestine graves and other near surface items that may be of interest to law enforcement officers and others.

    The methodologies and training provided during this field experience are also commonly used by professional geologists and engineers to assist with the characterization of near surface features. Equipment provided during this field experience includes ground penetrating radar (GPR) devices from various manufacturers, an ultra-sensitive potassium gradiometer, and an electromagnetic induction (EMI) device. Field data will be collected at a historical cemetery and then at a clandestine grave research site.  Participants will need a laptop computer for the data processing and interpretation component of this field experience. The GPR data we collect will be processed using a cloud-based software that will be made available for a limited time specifically for our attendees. The gradiometer and the EMI data will be processed using a Windows based software that has a 14-day free trial evaluation.


    Who should attend: This event will provide a unique hands-on experience with a variety of geophysical devices and data processing software in a friendly, low stress, learning environment.  Those that should consider attending this field experience include forensic scientists, law enforcement officers, geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists.

    Level: Those with no or little hands-on experience with these devices or with processing data will find this short course to be rewarding and are encouraged to attend.

    Draft Schedule

    Thursday, June 5, 2025—Day One (435 PDH mins.)

    (weather appropriate gear with sunscreen/hat recommended)

    8:00 -8:30     Arrivals, Registration, Morning Coffee, Networking

    8:30-9:15    Opening Comments, Agenda Overview & Discussion

    9:15-9:30    On-boarding front of hotel, departure for Firestone Park & Cemetery

    9:45     Equipment Set-up, Data Collection Protocols, Data Collection

    11:30-Noon  Box Lunch

    Noon-1:30     Discussion on approach for data collection; debrief on preliminary cemetery results

    1:30     Depart for Youngstown State University Body Farm & Preliminary Overview on What to expect

    2:00-4:30     Data Collection @ Body Farm

    4:30-5:00     Departure/Debrief/Discussion

    5:00    Arrive at Best Western - Day One Concludes

    6:00-7:30     Tentative Continental Drifters Networking event at nearby facility. Transportation on own.  Complimentary beer/wine/soda and snacks and provided as part of your enrollment fee. Dinner on own.


    Friday, June 6, 2025—Day Two (195 PDH mins.)

    (Data processing requires laptop, pre-loaded with a Windows-only program, and able to access a webi site using web-based software)

    8:00-8:30     Arrivals, Registration, Morning Coffee, Networking


    8:30-Noon    Data processing, data analysis, data interpretation (with 15 min. mid-morning break)


    Noon     Evaluations, Sign-Outs, Departures


    About our presenters:  Youngstown State University (YSU) professors Drs. Tom Jordan and Jeff Dick were the recent recipients of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in recognition for assisting the FBI in several criminal investigations and for their forensic geophysics research involving simulated clandestine burials.  Dr. Jordan received his PhD in near surface geophysics from the University at Buffalo, teaches various upper level geology courses at YSU, and has nearly four decades of experience working in the environmental and natural resources sectors as a professional geologist.  Dr. Dick is a professor emeritus and former Chair of the Geology Department at YSU.  He received his PhD in engineering geology from Kent State University and was instrumental in the development of YSU’s simulated clandestine grave (aka body farm) research facility.  Both Drs. Jordan and Dick take great pride in their innovative teaching methods that keep students from all life experiences engaged in the topics presented.

    Hotel Room Rate:  For the night of Wednesday, June 4th: $128++ and for the night of Thursday, June 5: $147++.  To make your reservation, phone Best Western Plus Dutch Haus Inn & Suites by dialing 1 (866) 482-5050 and request the special rate for the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists.

    Special rate cut-off date is May 6, or when sold out. Be sure to ask for the cancellation policy tied to this rate.

    • February 12, 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Best Western Central Hotel & Conference Center 800 East Park Drive Harrisburg, PA
    • 143

    Save the date

    PCPG 2026 Annual Meeting

    Thursday, February 12, 2026

    The Best Western Central Hotel & Conference Center

    Ballroom A/B/C

    800 East Park Drive
    Harrisburg, PA  17111

    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM



    8:30-9:30

    Arrivals, Registration, Networking, Morning Refreshments


    9:30-4:30

    Program


    4:30-6:00

    Continental Drifters Networking Event


    PDH certificates

    You must sign-in and sign-out at the registration table to receive a certificate. Certificates will be distributed electronically within 72 business hours.



    Hotel Room Block; PCPG has secured a rate of $129.95++ for the night of Wednesday, February 11 and/or Thursday, February 12, 2026. Telephone the hotel by dialing (717) 561-2800 and request the rate for the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists. Rate expires December 31, 2025, or when sold out. Be sure to ask what the cancellation policy is for this rate. Comp breakfast not included in this rate.










    • January 01, 2027
    • See order form
    Register
    To order a replacement certificate for a previously attended PCPG event, please complete the order form and remit payment.

    Replacement will occur only if attendee initialed the sign-in/sign-out sheet.

    During busy periods, certificate replacement may take 7-10 days.

    Questions? Contact Rose Jeffries by phoning (717) 730-9745.
    • December 31, 2027
    • December 31, 2029

    Barbara J. Dunst, P.G., C.P.G. Memorial Fund

    Donate


    Dear PCPG Community,

    Barb passed away unexpectedly at Akron General Hospital on August 29, 2022.

    PCPG extends its deepest condolences to her husband Brian, their four children, her professional colleagues at Musser Engineering, Inc., where she was employed as Senior Regional Director, and all in the geologic community who had the privilege and honor to know and work with Barb throughout her career.

    With her husband’s support and guidance, PCPG plans to establish a memorial initiative honoring Barb’s boundless energy and passion both for PCPG, and geology.

    A champion of PCPG’s mission, Barb was currently serving as Communications Committee co-chair and past president. She spent nearly a decade sharing her passion through service to PCPG. While winding down her term this year, she continued to be a dedicated participant preparing for PCPG’s November strategic planning session and recently delivered the Economic Geology-Mining component of the PCPG PG Review Course webinar series. Barb served two 3-year terms as an elected board member (2013-2018), five years as Membership Services chair (2014-2018), President Elect (2019), and two 1-year terms PCPG President (2020, 2021).

    Barb will be dearly missed by the PCPG community and will be remembered in many ways, but perhaps most notably by our members as a friendly, well-respected Professional Geologist who was a continuous source of wonderful ideas – ideas that greatly strengthened and advanced our organization.

    Donate







 

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Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists
116 Forest Drive

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011

(717) 730-9745