The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 31, 2007
 
The annual update of most of the Tier 1 PCL tables is now available on the TRRP PCLs web page at http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/remediation/trrp/trrppcls.html . Download the Excel files by right-clicking on the link, and save the file to your computer before opening it. For instructions on how to use the Tier 1 tables, refer to "Tier 1 PCL Tables" (RG-366/TRRP-23), and for information on their applicability, see "Toxicity Factors and Chemical/Physical Parameters" (RG-366/TRRP-19). Both documents are available on the TRRP Guidance and Forms web page:  http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/remediation/trrp/guidance.html
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An independent Presidential advisory board has delivered its latest annual report to the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on environmental conditions along the U.S.-Mexico border, calling for a variety of  approaches to carrying out homeland security work that won''t damage the environment.   
“Both a healthy environment and strong security are very important in the border region,” says Paul Ganster, Chair of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board.  “We believe that a win-win scenario is possible, and our report recommends ways to make that happen.”
The nearly 2,000-mile long U.S.-Mexico border contains vast rural stretches where large numbers of undocumented migrants and drug smugglers attempt to cross.  Much of this rural land is owned by the public and home to sensitive ecosystems and wildlife migration corridors.  Recognizing its fragility and value, the board’s report recommends several tactics to help protect the rural environment while security work is under way:            

• Build stronger partnerships between security agencies and environmental agencies, especially public land management agencies; and
• Employ a mix of technology and personnel to be successful in both types of work.  One example is to use vehicle barriers and sensor technology that also keep fragile habitat intact and allow for species migration.

Besides these more remote areas, the U.S.-Mexico border region also contains heavily-populated urban areas with multi-lane border crossings, such as those found around San Diego and El Paso. To provide safety and security at these busy border crossings, as well as environmental protection from risks of hazardous materials shipping through these entry points, the board’s report calls for the following:

• Increase the number of hazardous materials inspectors at urban crossings, and establish specific locations and hours during which vehicles carrying hazardous materials are permitted to cross; and  
• Remove barriers that prevent emergency responders from being more effective. One example is to resolve insurance issues that prevent them from crossing the border with their equipment to assist each other.

The Good Neighbor Environmental Board advises the President and Congress on protecting the environment along the U.S. border with Mexico.  The new report, its tenth, is titled “Environmental Protection and Border Security on the U.S.-Mexico Border.”
The Good Neighbor Environmental Board was created in 1992 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Its membership organizations include nine federal agencies; state, local and tribal governments; non-governmental organizations; businesses; and academic institutions.  Its voice is independent, and its annual reports are issued after reaching consensus among the membership.  To view the bilingual report online, go to the Board’s website at:  www.epa.gov/ocem/gneb/gneb10threport/English-GNEB-10th-Report.pdf .  To order a free copy of the report, contact the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 1-800-490-9198, and request a copy of the report by its publication number: EPA 130-R-07-003.
For questions about the report’s contents, please contact Chair Paul Ganster at pganster@mail.sdsu.edu or 1-619-594-5423.  For questions about the Board, contact Designated Federal Officer Elaine Koerner at koerner.elaine@epa.gov or 1-202-233-0069.
 
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The United Nations has begun a new world-wide geologic mapping program called One Geology.  The target scale is 1:1 million. But the project will be pragmatic and accept a range of scales and the best available data.  The geological map data will be made available as a distributed web service, using the latest web feature mapping approach.  Geological Surveys will dynamically ''serve'' the data for their territories to a web portal.  The plan is to make it available through

 
Don''t miss out on Wednesday''s Joint HGS/GSH luncheon at the Petroleum Club - registration closes Tuesday night at 11PM!
 
Daniel Tearpock (SCA Companies) will be giving a presentation that satisfies the Ethics requirements for all Texas Professional Geoscientists.  We look forward to seeing you there!
Petroleum Club of Houston800 Bell St (43rd Floor) Houston TX 77002   11:30 AM "Professional Practices as they apply to Petroleum Geoscience:                The Practical Application of Ethics”Professional practices, as they apply to petroleum geoscientists, are key and fundamental aspects of delivering on our promises and conducting ourselves in an ethical manner.  Reliability in a geoscientist’s work is the cornerstone to building confidence in the product, whether it is a seismic interpretation, prospect map, resource or reserves estimate, to name a few. Reliability is increased when managers, companies and investors have the assurance that the information they are evaluating was professionally prepared.
This talk discusses “Professionalism and professional practices” in petroleum geoscience and highlights the important factors such as educational background, experience, knowledge of recommended practices, the use of advanced technology, and last but not least, personal values – Ethics. There is, of course, always uncertainty and risk associated with the exploration or development of hydrocarbons. However, the proper use of technology, recommended practices, industry wide standards and ethical/professional conduct not only can reduce risk and uncertainty, but can also provide to companies and investors the confidence needed to move forward with an exploration or development plan or program.

 
 
North American DinnerSpeaker''s Name: Dr. Bruce Hart, Associate Professor, McGill UniversityDay: Mon 26-Mar-07 5:30 PMLocation: Westchase Hilton 9999 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77042 Summary: 3-Dimensional Seismic Imaging of Hydrothermal Dolomite Reservoirs Hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs are receiving considerable attention lately because of successful exploration and development efforts in areas such as the Devonian of Western Canada (e.g., Ladyfern Field) and the Ordovician Trenton-Black River play of the Appalachian Basin. The 500 million barrel Lima-Indiana and the 290 million barrel Albion-Scipio Trenton-Black River trends are now recognized to produce from hydrothermal dolomites. Recent Trenton-Black River gas  discoveries in New York have had initial test rates of 3 – 42 mmcf/d. Furthermore, a hydrothermal dolomite component has been suggested for Ghawar Field (world’s largest oil field), North Field (world’s largest gas field) and other large and small fields worldwide.Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar JOINT HGS & GSH General LuncheonSpeaker''s Name: Daniel J. Tearpock, Chairman/CEO, SCA CompaniesDay: Wed 28-Mar-07 11:30 AMLocation: Petroleum Club of Houston 800 Bell St (43rd Floor) Houston, TX 77002 Summary:Professional practices, as they apply to petroleum geoscientists, are key and fundamental aspects of delivering on our promises and conducting ourselves in an ethical manner.  Reliability in a geoscientist’s work is the cornerstone to building confidence in the product, whether it is a seismic interpretation, prospect map, resource or reserves estimate, to name a few. Reliability is increased when managers, companies and investors have the assurance that the information they are evaluating was professionally prepared.
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar NeoGeos Etiquette DinnerSpeaker''s Name: Ms. Randi Mays-Knapp, Professional Etiquette InstructorDay: Thu 29-Mar-07 6:00 PMLocation: Westchase Hilton 9999 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77042 Networking with Class: An Interactive Workshop on Dining EtiquetteJoin us for a fun, interactive evening of etiquette instruction to learn the do''s and don''ts of cocktail etiquette and formal dining.  Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail "mini-session" with beverages from our cash bar.  Then, enjoy a full three-course meal while you are prepared for the many situations you may encounter throughout your career, including:

• Dinner meetings
• Company/Industry socials
• Job interviews over lunch/dinner
• Business lunches
• and more!

2007 TSOP STUDENT GRANT PROGRAM, THE SPACKMAN AWARD
The Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP) invites applications for one or two graduate student research grants of up to US$1000 each. The purpose of the grants is to foster research in organic petrology (which includes coal petrology, kerogen petrology, organic geochemistry and related disciplines) by providing support to graduate students who demonstrate the utility and significance of organic petrology in solving the thesis problem.The Spackman Award supports qualified graduate students from around the world who are actively seeking advanced degrees. Each grant is to be applied to expenses directly related to the student''s thesis work such as summer fieldwork, laboratory expenses, etc. Grant application deadline is May 1, 2007. The award(s) will be made in August 2007. Detailed information and an application form are on the  TSOP web site http://www.tsop.org/grants.htm) or from S. J. Russell, 2218 McDuffie St., Houston, TX 77019-6526 USA; e-mail: sjruss@sbcglobal.net.

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

March 17, 2007

The Texas Senate has unanimously confirmed the appointment of H. S. Buddy Garcia of Austin to serve as a Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Prior to his appointment to the TCEQ, Garcia served as Texas’ Deputy Secretary of State. His term will expire August 31, 2011.

 The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) adopts amendments to the Texas Risk Reduction Plan (TRRP).  The initial rulemaking of Chapter 350 was originally adopted on September 2, 1999, and became effective September 24, 1999. The purpose of the original rulemaking was to create a unified performance-based remediation program that is risk-based, consistent, streamlined, and that expedites site remediations. Subsequent to the initial adoption, the rulemaking has been readopted under the Quadrennial Review requirements. In August 2003, §350.1 was modified to include a provision to confirm that engineering, geoscience, and surveying information submitted to the agency must comply with the applicable professional licensing and registration acts. Other than the August, 2003 amendment, the rule has remained unchanged since its original adoption. Throughout this preamble, the TRRP rule in existence prior to these adopted amendments will be referred to as the "prior rule" or the "prior TRRP rule."  The TCEQ has gained much experience over the last seven years through intensive implementation of the rule at thousands of contamination sites located throughout Texas. The TCEQ has noticed errors (misspellings, typographical, mathematical) in the rule that need to be corrected, as well as provisions that either need clarification or modification to facilitate consistent and effective rule application. Some rule provisions required updating to reflect the latest scientific information. Additionally, the TCEQ has reevaluated some policy positions and has developed new positions and procedures in guidance that were previously unaddressed by the rules.  Finally, the TCEQ is adopting new rule provisions in support of a new electronic data management system initiative and expanded use of geographical information system technology to increase agency effectiveness and institutional memory as well as to improve the public availability of technical information stored at the agency. For all of these reasons, these amendments are adopted. For more information, go to:  http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/adopted/30.ENVIRONMENTAL%20QUALITY.html#152

The following is an updated list of bills before the Texas legislature of potential Geological interest and their current status.  The time has passed for the introduction of new bills, but amendments are always a possibility.

Bill Number

Companion Bills

Author(s)

About

Quote

Comments

Last Action

More Information

H.B. 1376

Chisum

Relating to the name, administration, powers, and duties of the Collingsworth County Underground Water Conservation District.

(7)  have made by registered professional engineers surveys of the underground water of any underground water reservoir in the district and of the facilities for the development, production, and use of that underground water and determine the quantity of the underground water available for production and use and the improvements, developments, and recharges needed for those underground water reservoirs

Needs to add Professional Geologist

Transmitted to Governor 3/5/07

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=...

H.B. 3

Puente

Relating to the management of the water resources of the state, including the protection of instream flows and freshwater inflows.

None

Referred to Natural Resources 3/12/07

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB3<

The Wise Report Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 9, 2007
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) announces the appointment of four new members of the Board.  Gregory Clayton Ulmer of Houston has been appointed for a term to expire February 1, 2011.  Mr. Ulmer is replacing Kimberly Phillips of Houston who resigned.  Charles Thomas Hallmark of Hearne has been appointed for a term to expire February 1, 2013.  Mr Hallmark is replacing Murray Milford of Bryan whose term expired.  Barbara O. Roeling of Austin has been appointed for a term to expire February 1, 2013.  Ms. Roeling is replacing Shiela Burnette Hall of Lubbock whose term expired.  Ronald L. Kitchens of Harper has been appointed for a term to expire February 1, 2013.  Mr. Kitchens is replacing Danny Perkins of Houston whose term expired.

 
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) adopts new §2.1, relating to Informal Complaint Procedure, in new Chapter 2, entitled Informal Complaint Procedure, of Title 16 of the Texas Administrative Code, with changes to the proposed version published in the October 27, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 8811).
Through a rider to the 2006 - 2007 appropriations bill, the Texas Legislature required the RRC to conduct a study that examines and determines the extent to which viable competition exists in the Texas natural gas pipeline industry from wellhead to burner tip. The study was required to recommend solutions to bring market competition to any non-competitive segments of the industry. The study was also required to include an assessment of the effectiveness of current laws, regulations, enforcement and oversight in addressing abuses of pipeline monopoly power and make recommendations for changes that may be necessary. In addition, the study was to include a comparative review of competition in the Texas interstate pipeline industry administered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The RRC was required to submit a report of its findings to the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor on or before November 1, 2006, and did so.   For more information go to:  http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/adopted/16.ECONOMIC%20REGULATION.html#218
 
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
3/9/2007

 
The Houston Geological Society and the Geophysical Society of Houston welcome Mrs. Sandra Babcock as their new Office/Business Accounts Manager.  Mrs. Babcock succeeds Joan Henshaw who retired February 15 (see February Bulletin).
 Sandra brings more than 16 years experience to the position having worked as an administrative assistant in the Laredo Community College, the Alief School District, and the Pregnancy Help Center-Katy/West Houston.  Her skills and experience with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks will be put to use by both societies as might her fluency in Spanish.  In her “spare” time, Sandra has been extremely and actively involved as a volunteer in community and church functions. 
 
Sandra is married to Jeffery Babcock who works in the Appellate Division of the Department of Justice here in Houston.  They have two children, one daughter (graduated and out of the nest) and one son, who attends the Wesley Academy.
 Please drop by the new office location, introduce yourself to Sandra and Lilly and give her a warm welcome as our newest employee

The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 4, 2007

Reimbursement-eligible leaking petroleum storage tank (LPST) sites that cannot complete corrective actions by August 30, 2007 may apply to transfer into the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality''s (TCEQ''s) State-Lead Program.  Application must be (a) on a form provided by the TCEQ, and (b) submitted to the TCEQ no later than July 1, 2007.  This form is now available at: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/remediation/pst_rp/news.html.
 Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
3/4/2007

 
HGS General DinnerSpeaker''s Name: Michelle Judson, Geosciences Technology Unit Leader, BP AmericaDay: Mon 12-Mar-07 5:30 PMLocation: Westchase Hilton 9999 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042 Summary: Illuminating Asset Value through New Seismic Technology         Everything we do starts with our ability to create an image…….

The ability to reduce risk and uncertainty across the full life cycle of an asset is directly correlated to creating an accurate subsurface image that enhances our understanding of the geology. This presentation focuses on this objective in areas of complex overburden in deepwater.  Marine 3D seismic surveys have been acquired in essentially the same way for the past decade.  This configuration of towed streamer acquisition, where the boat acquires data in one azimuth has been very effective in imaging areas in fairly benign geologic settings.  As the industry has moved into more complicated geologic settings these surveys no longer meet the imaging objectives for risk reduction in exploration through production.  In shallow water, we have seen increasing use of ocean bottom cables to meet this challenge. For deepwater, new breakthroughs in technology were required. Two examples will be highlighted; imaging below large salt bodies in the deep water Gulf of Mexico and imaging below the interbedded anhydrites of the Nile Delta.

Sponsor: TGS,Fugro Robertson, PGS, DIGs&GSIRegister Mapquest | Add to Calendar International Dinner MeetingSpeaker''s Name: W. Keith Campbell, Shell International E&PDay: Mon 19-Mar-07 5:30 PMLocation: Westchase Hilton 9999 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77042 Summary:
Impact of Seismic Loop-Scale Depositional Models on ReservoirArchitecture
in a Heavy Oil Accumulation, Santos Basin, Brazil.
 

Several deepwater turbidite discoveries of Eocene age have been made in the northern Santos mobile salt basin, offshore Brazil. The Shell-operated BS-4 NE discovery (2001) shows significantly better reservoir development than in equivalent sections penetrated nearby. Both the discovery and appraisal wells encountered in excess of 100m of predominantly clean sand.
 

Sponsor: Fugro Robertson, TGS,DIGs & GSIRegister Mapquest | Add to Calendar Northsiders Luncheon

The Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) Lone Star Rising Scholarship provides professional development funding for women in the geoscience profession who wish to resume their geoscience careers after having been out of the work force for at least 2 years.
 
The awards are intended to cover professional development costs, up to $500, such as enrollment in geoscience training courses or workshops, fees for certifications & licensing, conference fee & expenses, professional membership fees, or any other justifiable costs to help candidates reenter the workforce.  The application due date is June 1st, 2007 and AWG membership is not required.  More information can be found on our website http://awglonestartx.blogspot.com.

Bad Analogies, Oil Companies and the
True Benefit of the HGS

by Steve Brachman
 

I remember watching Mutual of Omaha’s "Wild Kingdom" with the late Marlin Perkins and his assistant, straight-man and later co-host, Jim Fowler, on Sunday afternoons. Two things about the program remained stuck in my mind over the years. First, the life-threatening fixes Jim would get into and the absurd analogies Marlin would make out of them "... just as that anaconda looked like it would get the best of Jim, so could wrestling with your insurance problems get the best of you. At Mutual of Omaha...") Second, was their bread and butter; "Life and Death on the Serengeti." I think everyone remembers the scene of lions stalking the unsuspecting wildebeest herd in the tall grass, then the chase and the herd bolting in panic, and, finally, the lions (and the camera) focusing in on the laggard with the inevitable gruesome results.
Though I apologize in advance for using "Wild Kingdom" as my own absurd analogy, the Serengeti scene consistently comes to mind when I envision the life and death of energy companies. Paul Babcock, along with his many other duties, helps keep the "HGS Directory of Oil Company Name Changes." This volume commemorates the tumultuous history of companies devouring others until they, in turn, are eaten. But with all of the carnage chronicled by the directory, there does not appear to be a shortage of energy companies. On the contrary, annually the Oil and Gas Journal tracks 500 of the largest. I have been able to unearth lists of up to 1500 companies while searching the Internet. Clearly, the energy industry has shown itself to be strong enough to withstand low product prices, political pressure and corporate upheavals.
While the industry as a whole has been resilient, many of our employers have not. In my own case, I have had a ringside seat as two, Gulf Oil and SOHIO, were devoured by lions, Chevron and BP, respectively. In another case, one of my former employers was sold for its assets, or, to continue the analogy, dismembered by the hyenas and vultures of our industry. But besides listening to "the way we used to do it at Superior" or shedding a sentimental tear for "good old Kewanee Oil," I have come to realize over the past 25 years that such changes are neither good nor bad, but simply the natural order of the corporate world.
This fact, however, does not assuage our own individual angst. The death of our employer may be only a footnote in the Wall Street Journal, but the consequences of a new supervisor, new job description or lay-offs may be cataclysmic on a personal scale. At this point, I have noted that many geoscientists seek solace in the Houston Geological Society. In fact, I would venture to say that this is the predominant purpose for the HGS. According to our bylaws the Houston Geological Society was founded in 1923 to (1) stimulate interest and pro-mote advancement in geology for the Houston area, (2) disseminate and facilitate discussion of geological information and (3) aid and encourage academic training in the science of geology. I would add, "to promote fellowship and support among colleagues." The HGS, as a simple volunteer organization run by geoscientists, has survived hundreds of companies (and who said we make poor managers?). According to my "How do we benefit the member-ship?" theme for 2006-2007, I believe the greatest value of membership in the HGS is that your co-workers and colleagues also belong. Where else can we find others who share our concerns and will always be there when we need them? That seems to me to be a pretty good value for twenty-four bucks a year, which, last time I checked, was a whole lot cheaper than my Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance policy.

This Month
by Bill Rizer
This month you will want to check out Daniel Tearpock’s presentation on ethics in petroleum geoscience at the joint HGS and GSH Luncheon at the Petroleum Club on March 28. Current efforts to develop standardized definitions and procedures for reserves estimation are among the topics to be discussed. This presentation satisfies the one-hour ethics obligation required for all Texas Professional Geologists. Also scheduled is an interesting presentation at the HGS General Dinner on March 12 by Michelle Judson on imaging below salt in the deepwater GOM and below layered anhydrites in the Nile Delta. New technology in the form of wide-azimuth acquisition, ocean bottom seismic and multi-azimuth surveys was required to image these difficult and geologically complex targets.
Also this month, Art Berman will give a presentation at the SIPES Luncheon at the Petroleum Club on March 15. "New Ideas and Their Diffusion: A Model for Exploration & Production Companies in the 21st Century" strives to explain the way that new ideas propagate and how the proper understanding and use of the Diffusion Model along with proper risk assessment can lead to economic success by using new ideas to be early into new plays. W. Keith Campbell will give a presentation at the International Dinner Meeting on March 19 on how detailed 3D seismic coupled with core and image log data was used to better define the complex reservoir geology in the Eocene of the northern part of the Santos mobile salt basin, offshore Brazil. Bruce Hart, McGill University, will give a presentation at the North American Dinner on March 26 on the use of 3D seismic to delineate hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs and some of the structural plays associated with the Trenton-Black River trend. At the Environmental and Engineering Dinner on March 20, John Larson will discuss the global carbon cycle and how greenhouse gasses and carbon inventories will play a dominant role in future economics.
The "In the News" column this month includes a brief discussion of the results of the Summary of the long-awaited Fourth Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Six years in the making, the report narrows the uncertainties associated with the conclusions reached in the previous report (2001) and now states that global warming is an unequivocal fact and most of it is caused by human activities. It is important to realize that this is a consensus report, and the statements and conclusions released have been at least accepted as true by all of the delegates. Rumor has it that significant pressure was applied by some countries to water down the wording of the report. Nevertheless, the Summary that was released is chilling enough. For example, the current levels of CO2 (379 ppm in 2005) far exceed the natural range over the last 650,000 years (180 to 300 ppm) determined from analyses of ice cores.

March 2007 HGS Bulletin
 
 
 
 
 

 
To download a copy of the HGS Bulletin, click here

 
I remember watching Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” with the late Marlin Perkins and his assistant, straight-man and later co-host, Jim Fowler, on Sunday afternoons. Two things about the program remained stuck in my mind over the years. First, the life-threatening fixes Jim would get into and the absurd
analogies Marlin would make out of them “… just as that anaconda looked like it would get the best of Jim, so could wrestling with your insurance problems get the best of you. At Mutual of Omaha…”)
 
Second, was their bread and butter; “Life and Death on the Serengeti.” I think everyone remembers the scene of lions stalking the unsuspecting wildebeest herd in the tall grass, then the chase and the herd bolting in panic, and, finally, the lions (and the camera) focusing in on the laggard with the inevitable gruesome results. Though I apologize in advance for using “Wild Kingdom” as my own absurd analogy, the Serengeti scene consistently comes to mind when I envision the life and death of energy companies.
 
 Paul Babcock, along with his many other duties, helps keep the “HGS Directory of Oil Company Name Changes.” This volume commemorates the tumultuous history of companies devouring others until they, in turn, are eaten. But with all of the carnage chronicled by the directory, there does not appear to be a shortage of energy companies. On the contrary, annually the Oil and Gas Journal tracks 500 of the largest. I have been able to unearth lists of up to 1500 companies while searching the Internet. Clearly, the energy industry has shown itself to be strong enough to withstand low product prices, political pressure and corporate upheavals.
 
While the industry as a whole has been resilient, many of our employers have not. In my own case, I have had a ringside seat as two, Gulf Oil and SOHIO, were devoured by lions, Chevron and BP, respectively. In another case, one of my former employers was sold for its assets, or, to continue the analogy, dismembered by the hyenas and vultures of our industry. But besides listening to “the way we used to do it at Superior” or shedding a sentimental tear for “good old Kewanee Oil,” I have come to realize over the past 25 years that such changes are neither good nor bad, but simply the natural order of the corporate world. This fact, however, does not assuage our own individual angst.
 
The death of our employer may be only a footnote in the Wall Street Journal, but the consequences of a
new supervisor, new job description or layoffs may be cataclysmic on a personal scale. At this point, I have noted that many geoscientists seek solace in the Houston Geological Society. In fact, I would venture
to say that this is the predominant purpose for the HGS. According to our bylaws the Houston Geological Society was founded in 1923 to
  (1) stimulate interest and promote advancement in geology for the Houston area,
  (2) disseminate and facilitate discussion of geological information and
  (3) aid and encourage academic training in the science of geology.
I would add, “to promote fellowship and support among colleagues.” The HGS, as a simple volunteer organization run by geoscientists, has survived hundreds of companies (and who said we make poor managers?). According to my “How do we benefit the membership?” theme for 2006–2007, I believe the greatest value of membership in the HGS is that your co-workers and colleagues also belong. Where else can we find others who share our concerns and will always be there when we need them? That seems to me to be a pretty good value for twenty-four bucks a year, which, last time I checked, was a whole lot cheaper than my Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance policy.
 

"Don''t miss out on a very interesting talk on near-peak oil this week at the Petroleum Club.  We expect a good turn-out to hear the latest on this engaging subject, and look forward to seeing you there!"
 HGS General LuncheonSpeaker''s Name: R.C. Vierbuchen, Vice-President, Caspian/Middle East Region, ExxonMobil Exploration Co.Day: Wed 28-Feb-07 11:30 AMLocation: Petroleum Club of Houston 800 Bell St (43rd Floor) Houston, TX 77002 Summary: Production of global hydrocarbon liquids: Is there a near term peak? by R. C. Vierbuchen, ExxonMobil Exploration Company.     An evaluation of global production history and the global resource base suggests that a peak in global liquids production, resulting solely from a resource-base limitation, is unlikely to occur in the next 25 years.  Furthermore, it appears that Hubbert’s (1956) method, made famous by his correct prediction in 1956 that U. S. Lower-48 oil production would peak in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s, is not readily applicable to forecasting global liquids production.  The following observations support these conclusions:
(1)    Estimates of the liquids resource base have increased over the last 50-100 years, and are likely to continue to do so.  Forecasts of an imminent peak in global production appear to underestimate major sources of growth in the resource base, particularly improved recovery and resources made economic by new capabilities.  Hubbert’s method does not encompass the timing or the volume of future increases in the resource base.(2)   Although annual global production has exceeded annual discoveries since the early 1980’s, annual global reserve adds still exceed annual production because of reserve growth in existing fields.(3)    Advances in technology are increasing recovery, opening new producing areas, and lowering thresholds, and thereby changing estimates of the resource base and production outlook.(4)   Non-OPEC supply has grown steadily for the last ten years, and continued growth for at least the next five to ten years is highly likely, based on new development projects underway or planned.  OPEC countries have numerous opportunities to increase production.(5)   Nations with the largest liquids resources typically have production histories with long-term restraints and interruptions in production that are not envisioned in Hubbert’s method.(6)   Sources of conventional liquids other than crude oil, such as condensate, NGL’s, GTL, and refinery gains, are growing, and typically excluded from applications of Hubbert’s method.(7)    Production from “unconventional” sources, such as very heavy oil, bitumen, and shale oil is growing, and often overlooked in global forecasts of peak production based on Hubbert’s method.(8)   The interactions among supply, demand, and price cause demand growth to slow as supply tightens, and bring on new sources of supply.(9)   Current tightness in liquid supplies results from rapid demand growth and interruptions to supply, not from a decrease in supply.(10) Many previous predictions of a peak in global production, based on Hubbert’s method, dating back to Hubbert’s own prediction (made in 1969, for a peak in 2000) have been proven wrong.

                                2008  GCAGS Announcement
 

The 2008 GCAGS Annual Meeting will be held in Houston, Texas on October 13th and 14th, 2008 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. At this time we are soliciting suggestions for session topics in the technical program.  The technical format for the 2008 meeting will be extended abstracts similar to SEG. So please go to www.seg.org to look at the example in their abstract kit.  With this format, presenters, in each session, will have the opportunity to leave a documented record of their presentations that includes figures and references, and not simply be constrained to a 250 word abstract.   This is an exciting opportunity to assemble sessions that leave a documented record of the latest ideas, concepts, trends, and challenges facing geoscientists in Gulf Coast.  So, if you have a suggestion for a session topic, along with proposed names of some chairs (yourself or others), please contact the technical program chair: Art Donovan by April 15th, 2007. Contact Art  at: Art.Donovan@bp.com or 281-850-4312.
 

Attendance Makes Blockbuster Event
 
Debut of HPAC multiple auxiliaries joint event set standards to keep. Almost 300 ladies came out for a luncheon and fashion show by Talbots at the Junior League on Briar Oaks Lane.
 
The models represented each of the four auxiliaries. A collection of caual and travel wear appealed to everyone attending modern activities in our current casual culture.
 
The "Book Swap" rotated well loved books throughout the auxiliaries.
 
Our greatest compliments go to Linnie Edwards and here committee. Organizing and coordinating 4 different groups of individuals to work as one was a heroic undertaking. Next year HPAC will attempt 3 joint ventures. May each event equal Linnie''s.
 
As our year winds down look for your invitations to the final luncheon of our year.
 
Good bye to Joan, our decade long contact at the HGS and GSH office. Her familiar voice will be missed. During the transition, Sally''s Sweethearts and Geophysical Auxiliary members helped cover office hours and assisted Lilly while interviews were being conducted. A new move to St. Mary''s Lane, changing staff, and unpacking boxes, are all challenges. Lilly is a pro and the only one with the historical perspective to know "everything". Good Luck Lilly. Thank you to:
Edie Bishop
Marilyn Burger
Kathi Hilterman
Barbara Thigpen
Donna Parrish
Lynn Schoenberger
Sally Blackhall
and all the gals who helped out. Volunteers are priceless as are all of you who respond when asked.
 

Members of AAPG need to be informed of a number of proposed changes that will bevoted on in the House of Delegates meeting at the Annual Convention in Long Beach,CA this April. One proposed change is to convert the annual dues to a graduated system.If you are not familiar with the proposals you can find them at the AAPG Web siteaapg.org. After reading them make your voice heard by sending an email to one of theHouston delegates and let them know whether you support or oppose the proposedchanges.First Name                                     EmailAudrey Adams                               adams@soginc.net

Robert "Bob" Ardell                       bobardell@ardelloil.com

Lee B. Backsen                            lbacksen@andexres.com

George Ball                                   george.balljr@gte.net

Sandra M. Barber                         Sandi@Barber.net

Martha Barnes                              mcbarnes@marathonoil.com

Mike Barnes                                  prideog@pdq.net

James Louis Becnel

Kathleen C. (Kara)Bennett         kcb@texas.net

George Robert Bole                   grbole@sbcglobal.net

Steven H. Brachman                  brachman@pogoproducing.com

Paul William Britt                        pbritt@texplore.com

Martha Lou Broussard              mlbrou@rice.edu

Paul Carter

Martin M. Cassidy                      jo1955mar@aol.com

Marilyn Taggi Cisar                   marilyn.cisar@shell.com

Gary Citron                                  garycitron@roseassoc.com

Tom Cronin                                cronintp@bp.com

Mike Deming                              demingY2K@aol.com

Thomas W. Dignes                   twdi@chevrontexaco.com

John Dombrowski                     jdombrowski@circleoil.com

Steve Earle                                 earle50@earthlink.net

Joe Eubanks                              jeubanks@prestonexpl.com

Bruce A. Falkenstein                bfalkenstein@tmei.com

Patrick "Pat" Gordon                springhillenergy@hotmail.com

Christine M. Griffith                  chris.griffith@shell.com

Gary Grinsfelder                      ggrinsfelder@opex.cc

Jim Grubb                                 jamesmgrubb@yahoo.com.

Paul F. Hoffman                      phoffman@coxperkins.com

William Franklin Howell        bill.howell@gssdrill.com

Inda Proske Immega             immega@swbell.net

Larry Leroy Jones                   ljones1239@houston.rr.com

John E. Jordan                         jjordan@kmg.com

George D. Klein             &nb

To read the full Bio click on candidate name
President-electKara BennettCheryl Desforges
Vice PresidentScott SechristGary Coburn
Secretary
Dianna PhuIanthe Sarrazin

Treasurer-electJohn TubbRichard Germano
Editor-electMichael Forlenza
DirectorAlison HenningRichard HoweMichael BenrudWalter Light

 To vote now click here . The deadline is May 7, 2007
 

The HGS is excited to bring you a month of excellent technical lunches and dinners.  If you missed last month''s meetings, it''s time to make some 2007 resolutions to attend these great upcoming events, learn something new, and mingle with your colleagues:
 HGS General Dinner
The excitement of January''s Legendary Fields dinner meeting continues Monday night at the Westchase Hilton: 9999 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 
Join us for "The Making of a Legend: The Discovery and Development Story of Nansen Field, East Breaks, Deepwater Gulf of Mexico", presented by Ramazan Yilmaz of Anadardo Petroleum.Mon 12-Feb-07 5:30 PM
 Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
JOINT International & N. American Explorationists Dinner  Our Explorationists have joined forces this month!  The International and North American Explorationists groups will be hosting a joint dinner on Monday Feb 19th  5:30 PM Presented by Lawrence Lawyer of the UT Jackson School of Geosciences.  The talk on Arctic Tectonics promises to be interesting.Location: Westchase Hilton 9999 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77042 Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
On Tuesday Feb 20th, we''ve got two engaging events planned - the Northsiders Luncheon and the Environmental and Engineering Dinner. Join the Northsiders for lunch to learn about Vernon Field in North Louisiana and visit the E&E group for dinner to experience Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of a First Responder.
Northsiders LuncheonSpeaker Andrew Mehlhop, G&G Manager Eastern Gulf Coast, Anadarko Petroleum CorporationDay: Tue 20-Feb-07 11:30 AMLocation: Sofitel Hotel - Greenspoint 425 North Sam Houston Pkwy East Houston, TX 77060 Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Environmental & Engineering Dinner MeetingSpeaker Todd Johnson, EagleDay: Tue 20-Feb-07 5:30 PMSummary: "Hurricane Katrina - A First Responders View" Todd Johnson Corporate Emergency Response Manager Eagle Construction & Environmental Services, L.P.  Register Add to Calendar
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming February events!
 

Letter from the Editor
Have You Been Reading the Governmental Update Section?Probably many of you are aware of the “Governmental Update” column by Henry Wise and Arlin Howles that appears each month in the Bulletin. For those of you who have not read this column, make a point to take a look at it this month. Wise and Howles work very hard to find and present governmental goings-on at both the state and national level that have relevance to our community in general and geoscientists in the HGS in particular. This month they describe and summarize a large number of issues including the recent Bureau of Land Management ruling granting leases to Shell, Chevron and EGL Resources for oil shale test pilots in the Green River Formation in the Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado. This effort is noteworthy because there is an estimated 800 billion barrels (or more) of oil equivalent locked in the shale. Unlocking this geochemically immature resource could mean energy independence for this country and all that would imply. The companies taking this risk should be applauded for their initiative and their trust that technology both old and new will make the oil shale economic.Wise and Howles provide an extensive summary of the changes in the various House and Senate committees that resulted from the democratic victory in the November elections last year. They profile the new committee chairs and discuss what we can expect from them in the coming months. They then go on to discuss the lawsuit brought by the State of Massachusetts against the Environmental Protection Agency for changing its position in concluding that the EPA lacks legal authority to regulate greenhouse gasses. This suit is now being considered by the Supreme Court. Political observers will appreciate the questions asked and statements made by justices from the liberal, conservative and moderate factions of the court.I’d also like to call your attention to an article by Alison Henning on the excellent community service work that she and other HGS members have done to clean up, map and document the Evergreen Cemetery, an abandoned and neglected cemetery just east of downtown Houston. They are working with Project RESPECT and 17 local teachers to provide the information they hope will result in an official designation for the cemetery as a historical landmark. A ground penetrating radar system and GPS units loaned by Rice University are being used to locate and map the true boundaries of the cemetery and the unmarked and long-buried graves that date back to the 19th century. The HGS’s involvement in this project benefits the community in a number of ways; it helps recover a lost part of our rich history, it gives the teachers valuable hands-on experience in the scientific method that they can bring back to their classrooms and pass on to their students, and it demonstrates how the activism and skill of a few individuals can energize the HGS membership and other elements in the community to undertake a project that will benefit all of Houston. Alison, Steve Levine and all those who volunteered for this project are to be applauded. All of you out there with just a little free time and energy are encouraged to get involved in this and other programs sponsored by our society. We can make a difference!
Companies taking this risk should be applauded for their initiative and their trust that technology both old and new will make the Colorado oil shale economic.
 
 

Thanks to All Our Volunteers
Joan Henshaw is retiring this month after giving 10 years of wonderful service to the HGS. She has truly been a joy to work with. Deborah Sacrey, who is stepping down after many years as head of the Office Committee, has done a little detective work on Joan. We have included Deborah’s thoughtful piece in this month’s issue of the Bulletin.
The HGS is fortunate to have so many hard-working volunteers. One of the toughest jobs for our volunteer groups is organizing the monthly meetings. Many of us are familiar with the tremendous job that vice president Andrea Reynolds and her committee do organizing the General Lunch and Dinner meetings, but we may be less familiar with the other groups that organize events. Andrea has provided the following information about the people and groups who organize and run our other technical programs and meetings.
Mike Jones, North American Explorationists, has been a lot of fun to work with. As a young professional with a lot of energy and enthusiasm he is a huge asset to the HGS. He has done an excellent job organizing luncheons and dinners and finding good speakers and exciting topics for those events. Frank Walles and Gary Coburn, Northsiders, have been very active this year, and have really infused the Northsiders with a lot of energy. They have found some great speakers and some very popular talks this year. Other committee members who have contributed greatly are the new treasurer David Tonner who handles the Texas Petroleum Geologists certificates, Allan Smith  who helps with meetings setup and always seems to have good ideas, and Janet Combes who assists with the technical programs.
Daniel Beaber, Environmental and Engineering, assumed the role of chairman this year and has aggressively pursued the task of making the group a more integral part of the HGS. Previous chair Bruce Woodhouse and Christina Higginbothum have been heavily involved with event planning.
Dale Bird, International, and his committee have been very active and have assembled an excellent technical program. The Sheriff Lecture, very well organized by Al Danforth, sold-out. Board member Bonnie Milne has added her energy to the mix and has been a tremendous asset.
In his job as treasurer-elect John Jordan has helped keep the meetings running smoothly. Jeff Lund has been a great help with the Legendary Fields Program and Paul Babcock has been a veritable fountain of helpful ideas.
In addition to those mentioned, many more members have volunteered their time to make the HGS successful this past year. We thank them all and ask those with a little time and some energy to step forward this year and volunteer for a committee or a project. And the next time you attend a meeting or technical program, think about all those who worked to make the event possible. You may even want to thank them for their time, effort and service to the HGS.
We thank all those who volunteered their time to make the HGS successful this past year and ask those members who have a little time and energy to step forward this year and volunteer for a committee or project.

February 2007 HGS Bulletin
 
 
 

 
 
 
 To download a copy of the February 2007 Bulletin, click here.
 

Thanks to All Our Volunteers
by Steve Brachman
JOAN HENSHAW is retiring this month after giving 10 years of wonderful service to the HGS. She has truly been a joy to work with. DEBORAH SACREY, who is stepping down after many years as head of the Office Committee, has done a little detective work on Joan. We have included Deborah’s thoughtful piece in this month's issue of the Bulletin.
The HGS is fortunate to have so many hard-working volunteers. One of the toughest jobs for our volunteer groups is organizing the monthly meetings. Many of us are familiar with the tremendous job that vice president ANDREA REYNOLDS and her committee do organizing the General Lunch and Dinner meetings, but we may be less familiar with the other groups that organize events. Andrea has provided the following information about the people and groups who organize and run our other technical programs and meetings.
MIKE JONES, North American Explorationists, has been a lot of fun to work with. As a young professional with a lot of energy and enthusiasm he is a huge asset to the HGS. He has done an excellent job organizing luncheons and dinners and finding good speakers and exciting topics for those events.
FRANK WALLES and GARY COBURN, Northsiders, have been very active this year, and have really infused the Northsiders with a lot of energy. They have found some great speakers and some very popular talks this year. Other committee members who have contributed greatly are the new treasurer DAVID TONNER who handles the Texas Petroleum Geologists certificates, ALLAN SMITH who helps with meetings setup and always seems to have good ideas, and JANET COMBES who assists with the technical programs.
DANIEL BEABER, Environmental and Engineering, assumed the role of chairman this year and has aggressively pursued the task of making the group a more integral part of the HGS. Previous chair BRUCE WOODHOUSE and CHRISTINA HIGGINBOTHUM have been heavily involved with event planning.

DALE BIRD, International, and his committee have been very active and have assembled an excellent technical program. The Sheriff Lecture, very well organized by
AL DANFORTH, sold-out. Board member BONNIE MILNE has added her energy to the mix and has been a tremendous asset.
In his job as treasurer-elect JOHN JORDAN has helped keep the meetings running smoothly. JEFF LUND has been a great help with the Legendary Fields Program and PAUL BABCOCK has been a veritable fountain of helpful ideas.
In addition to those mentioned, many more members have volunteered their time to make the HGS successful this past year. We thank them all and ask those with a little time and some energy to step forward this year and volunteer for a committee or a project. And the next time you attend a meeting or technical program, think about all those who worked to make the event possible. You may even want to thank them for their time, effort and service to the HGS.

Have You Been Reading the Governmental Update Section?

by Bill Rizer
Probably many of you are aware of the "Governmental Update" column by Henry Wise and Arlin Howles that appears each month in the Bulletin. For those of you who have not read this column, make a point to take a look at it this month. Wise and Howles work very hard to find and present governmental goings-on at both the state and national level that have relevance to our community in general and geoscientists in the HGS in particular. This month they describe and summarize a large number of issues including the recent Bureau of Land Management ruling granting leases to Shell, Chevron and EGL Resources for oil shale test pilots in the Green River Formation in the Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado. This effort is noteworthy because there is an estimated 800 billion barrels (or more) of oil equivalent locked in the shale. Unlocking this geochemically immature resource could mean energy independence for this country and all that would imply. The companies taking this risk should be applauded for their initiative and their trust that technology both old and new will make the oil shale economic.
Wise and Howles provide an extensive summary of the changes in the various House and Senate committees that resulted from the democratic victory in the November elections last year. They profile the new committee chairs and discuss what we can expect from them in the coming months. They then go on to discuss the lawsuit brought by the State of Massachusetts against the Environmental Protection Agency for changing its position in concluding that the EPA lacks legal authority to regulate greenhouse gasses. This suit is now being considered by the Supreme Court. Political observers will appreciate the questions asked and statements made by justices from the liberal, conservative and moderate factions of the court.
I’d also like to call your attention to an article by Alison Henning on the excellent community service work that she and other HGS members have done to clean up, map and document the Evergreen Cemetery, an abandoned and neglected cemetery just east of downtown Houston. They are working with Project RESPECT and 17 local teachers to provide the information they hope will result in an official designation for the cemetery as a historical landmark. A ground penetrating radar system and GPS units loaned by Rice University are being used to locate and map the true boundaries of the cemetery and the unmarked and long-buried graves that date back to the 19th century. The HGS’s involvement in this project benefits the community in a number of ways; it helps recover a lost part of our rich history, it gives the teachers valuable hands-on experience in the scientific method that they can bring back to their classrooms and pass on to their students, and it demonstrates how the activism and skill of a few individuals can energize the HGS membership and other elements in the community to undertake a project that will benefit all of Houston. Alison, Steve Levine and all those who volunteered for this project are to be applauded. All of you out there with just a little free time and energy are encouraged to get involved in this and other programs sponsored by our society. We can make a difference!

I sincerely hope that the holiday season was kind to everyone, full of joy, good health, and happiness. I know that many folks make resolutions about how they will change and what they will do differently over the coming new year. Frankly, I’ve never been a subscriber to resolutions, since I hate breaking promises,especially to myself. On the other hand, I can promise a couple of changes in store for the membership of the HGS in 2007.
First,the Society is moving offices. We are finally getting our permanent staff, Joan and Lilly, away from the construction at I-10 and the Beltway, and moving westward to 14811 Saint Mary’s Lane.This address is a stone’s throw southwest of I-10 and Dairy Ashford. Linda Sternbach and Cheryl Desforges, and Dave Agarwal with our sister society, the GSH, have done a lot of hard work to make this transition occur as smoothly as possible.
Second, a ballot resolution has been mailed to you that would amend the Society’s by-lawsto allow for online voting. Approval of this change would go a long way towards making it easier for you to participate more directly in the running of theHGS. Though it sounds rather straightforward, making online voting a reality involved considerable time and effort on the part of Bill Osten, Don Scherer and Erik Mason. We plan to make online voting available in two years, but if the stars are properly aligned, it may be implemented in time for the 2007 Board elections.
In my previous President’s letters, I have attempted to address and inform on issues affecting geoscientists in general and HGS members in particular. However, I had a nice chuckle over a recent article in US News and World Report online (1) that I think may interest many of you. The article discussed a report published by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Daniel Yergin and his Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA). What caught my attention, though, was not the report but the reaction.
The CERA study states that the world may not actually run out of oil any time soon or, in other words, “Peak Oil” has not yet arrived.I naively thought that many would be cheered by CERA’s pronouncement; however this was not the case. Not only was there widespread incredulity over the study’s findings, a group named the “Congressional Peak Oil Caucus” called the study an “outrage” and “a major disservice to our country…” What is the Congressional Peak Oil Caucus and why do they think the CERA report is an outrage? The Caucus is a bipartisan group of Congressmen started by Representatives Tom Udall(D-NM) and Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD). Their stated purpose is to “to educate Congress and the public about the inevitable crisis we face regarding our future oil supply...” and to “establish an energyproject with the magnitude, creativity and sense of urgency that was incorporated in the “Man on the Moon” project to addressthe inevitable challenges of “Peak Oil””
(2). Now, I do not know whether or not we face the “inevitable challenges of Peak Oil”. I do know, however, that a study like Dr. Yergin’s, which could be used to repudiate “Peak Oil”, can be perceived as undercutting those contemplating a huge transfer of wealth for a national energy project of the magnitude envisioned by the Caucus. Thus their reason behind labeling of CERA’s report as “a major disservice to our country”. Clearly the national energy project initiative will move forward.
Who is going to pay for it? The same Congressional group is stumping to repeal items in the 2005 energy bill they have labeled “industry subsidies.” This includes such audacious handouts as the change in tax treatment for G&G costs. In a parallel vein, we also hear rumblings for a new Windfall Profits Tax. Revenue initiatives that do not come out of the pockets of taxpayers (directly) are much easier to pass through a public not exactly sympathetic to oil and gas. How may all of this affect us? I believe the onus will be squarely on our industry to slow down any new tax momentum by demonstrating how they spent profits wisely attempting to find new oil and gas reserves (especially domestically). This may not only partly blunt public criticism, but also give friends of the industry ammunition to help hold-off a Windfall Profits Tax in Congress. And, if this means more opportunities for geoscientists to engage in oil and gas exploration, I would vote YES!
(1) A World Awash in Oil? By Marianne Lavelle Posted 11/15/06 USNews and World Report Onlinehttp://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/061115/15oil.htm
(2) http://www.tomudall.house.gov/display2.cfm?id=11447&type=Issues…the world may not run out of oil any time soon…Peak Oil has not arrived

You may have noticed two new columns these past few issues. Charles Revilla has rejuvenated a column he wrote for the Bulletin in years past. The column, “On the Lighter Side,” as the name suggests consists of quips, some very bad poetry and some only slightly exaggerated stories you may have heard in your wanderings around the oil patch. The other column, “In the News,” again as the name implies aims to provide the members with a variety of geological news from other societies, from local and national newspapers and from various government agencies engaged in geoscience research. Contributions of newsworthy articles or announcements from the membership are always welcomed by the Bulletin staff, as long as they are in generally good taste and do not say really bad things about us.
 
You may also have noticed a few environmental articles and short news items about some of the challenges we are facing now and will be facing in the years ahead. Perhaps a few words need to be said about those. Firstly, they generally reflect my understanding and opinions and not necessarily the opinions of the HGS, other officers or board members. Were you or I to canvas the board, there would certainly be a wide range of opinions about most of the geologically-related controversial issues in the news these days. Having said that brings me to my second point—I write about global warming and climate change because I am very concerned, even scared that we are in the midst of a crisis that threatens not only our way of life but our very lives and the lives of many other peoples across the globe. The little research I have been able to do on this subject as a non-expert scientist has convinced me that this global warming crisis is real and perhaps more importantly is of our own making. Because it is of our own making we can fix it, maybe—but only if we act now and give it the attention it deserves. There are most likely a wide range of opinions on this issue. Many of us are reluctant to embrace the idea that humans are responsible for much of the recent global warming. After all, we are in the business of finding and producing oil and gas, and the burning of fossil fuels is a major source of pollutants and greenhouse gases. As an eternal optimist and hopeless romantic, I believe we can develop the technology to burn fossil fuels much more efficiently and in ways that significantly reduce the harmful emissions from our cars and electrical plants. The costs will most likely increase, but those increases will probably be an order of magnitude lower than what the fear mongers are claiming. In fact we already have in place some of the technology to take the first meaningful steps. For example, there is a brief article in
the “In the News” section that mentions existing technology for decreasing CO2 emissions from coal burning power plants by 70% to 80%. We really can do this! But first we must convince ourselves that this is really necessary. As scientists we should have no difficulty convincing ourselves that we are indeed in a crisis. All we have to do is read the current scientific literature. Let me suggest you start with Science, the relevant AGU journals, the numerous NASA, USGS, NOAA and even EPA Web sites that provide broad access to most of the relevant information, much of it free. Look hard at the data and I am confident you will see the truth that permeates the responsible scientific literature. Why I am Concerned?There is no lack of consensus among scientists active in the field. Global warming is a reality, we caused it, and we had better deal with it and deal with it now. As always, we welcome your letters and opinions on this and other matters of geological concern.
 
  

The HGS is continuing its succession of January “Legend” programs on Monday night, January 8, 2007, with a special dinner meeting featuring “discovery stories” of three giant oil and gas fields as told by key technical personnel associated with the companies at the time of discovery.
In 2001 and 2003, the “Legends in Wildcatting” programs captivated Houston geoscientists in the audience with dramatic stories of finding oil and gas and wildcat drilling success. In January 2006, the program “Geo-Legends” was attended by 300 geoscientists and featured famous geologists talking about their distinguished careers.
This January 8, don’t miss the next installment in the Legends series: “Legendary Fields!” This program will be held as an HGS General Dinner meeting at the Westchase Hilton, 9999 Westheimer starting with a social hour at 5:30 pm. This year’s program, organized by HGS Vice President Andrea Reynolds and HGS Past President Jeff Lund, features the following outstanding speakers:  Joe Bruso (CEO Sovereign Oil and Gas) talking on the discovery of Zafiro Field, West Africa; Mike Mahaffie (Shell) speaking on the discovery of Mars Field, offshore Gulf of Mexico; and the Mexican petroleum organization Pemex will present Cantarell Field, offshore Yucatan, Mexico.
It will be an evening of discovery stories that all geologists will enjoy. The January 8 HGS dinner program will provide inspiration and personal perspective on the energy business to carry everybody forward during 2007.  The night’s program will last until 9:30pm, and interested guests and spouses are welcome to attend with HGS members.
Pre-registration and prepayment for the Legendary Fields January dinner meeting can be accomplished before January 5 using the HGS website at http://www.hgs.org/en/cev/?685, or by faxing the signup sheet found inside the December 2006 and January 2007 HGS Bulletins. The pre-registration price is $28 for members and $35 for non-members. A limited number of walk-in spaces could be available at $35 each, but this event will sell out after the first 200 people register.
Here is a summary of the famous fields and their distinguished presenters:
Field name   Zafiro field location   Equatorial Guinea, offshore west Africa, near the Nigeria borderOperator:  ExxonMobil and Devon EnergyReserve size  1.2 billion barrels in several satellite fieldsDiscovery date  Prospect mapped in 1993, field discovered-1995
Bullet points: First large oil field discovered in EG. Field initially thought to be 180MMBO, but field size expanded with extension drilling.
Trap Structural /stratigraphic trap where an underlying structural high is draped over by multiple channels deposited in a slope environment.
Reservoir Pliocene turbidite sands; main reservoir rocks were deposited by channels funneling sands into a laterally confined area.
Production facts:  Zafiro reserves -1.2 billion bbl recoverable, the field is producing 300,000 BOPD.Initially developed by Mobil (now ExxonMobil), and Ocean Energy/United Meridian (now merged into Devon Energy).
Challenges: Channelized sand reservoirs with both oil and gas. Field accumulations are spread out geographically and were developed by using multiple facilities, tied together using subsea completions.
Discovery story: A small independent company (United Meridian) assembled their first international prospect in an incredible story of teamwork. The company’s geologists and geophysicists understood the trends from neighboring Nigeria, and saw the potential on conventional 2D seismic shot by oil companies had exited EG. The prospect started as a bright spot play, but non-amplitude reservoirs contributed oil reserves.
Learning value:  Small companies can move quickly and make a big impact internationally. The Zafiro field became larger by adding satellite accumulations. The field is an analog for deepwater channelized turbidite clastic reservoirs in Africa.
Distinguished presenter:J. M. (Joe) Bruso, Jr. __________________________________________Field name    Mars field location   offshore U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Canyon.Operator:  Shell Offshore/BPReserve size  700 Million BarrelsDiscovery date  Prospect mapped in 1986, field discovered-1989
Bullet points: One of the most studied oil and gas fields in the GOM in terms of seismic expression and trap configuration, thanks to numerous publications by Shell, BP and universities.  Technology advances in production (the tension leg platform) paved the way for deepwater development of many fields in 3000 ft. of water and greater.
Trap Structural/ stratigraphic trap associated with onlap onto salt diapers.
Reservoir Pliocene turbidite sands, found in compartmentalized reservoirs.  Fourteen significant, amplitude-supported intervals (7 primary levels) ranging in depth from -10,000 to -19,000 feet.
Production facts:  Individual wells at one time produced 20,000 to 30,000 BOPD.  Part of Shell’s long history of deep water discoveries, with 12 fields on production.
Challenges: Inventing the engineering technology needed to bring deepwater reserves to shore. The deepwater GOM effort was always fighting “marginal” economic status because of high cost to develop. “Shell spent over $1 billion, including expensive dry holes, before having enough data to be confident of a successful play.“ (see Mike Forrest’s article http://www.aapg.org/explorer/wildcat/2000/wildcat07.cfm)
Discovery story: Prospect story began in 1986 when the US federal area-wide leasing started, opening up blocks in deepwater GOM hundreds of miles offshore. Bright amplitudes turned out to be pay. Many additional blocky sand oil pays were found hidden as deeper sands that lacked "bright spot" support on the seismic available at that time. High-quality seismic data and reservoir architecture models were combined in a pre-development phase of a prospect, in order to optimize well placement. 
Learning value: The reservoirs of Mars field are a template for description of deepwater turbidite complexes, thanks to the many technical publications of Shell geoscientists and distribution of reservoir/well data to industry and academia.
Distinguished presenter:M.J. (Mike) Mahaffie
 
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Field name   Cantarell field location   offshore Yucatan Peninsula, MexicoOperator:  Pemex Exploración y Producción (PEP)Reserve size  11 billion barrels

HGA NEWS 2007 Debut A Classic Event was held on January 29th at the Jr. League. Four auxiliaries'' reps combined their efforts for a record setting event. The Houston Geological Auxiliary led this HPAC (Houston Petroleum Auxiliary Council) Luncheon and fashion show. Talbot''s presented spring and travel attire for our perusal. Lovely members from each auxiliary circulated throughout the ballroom and professionally described their attire.  Accessories were quite popular. Amongst the hubbub in the Grand Ballroom voices were raised renewing old acquaintances and meeting new friends. Everyone attending will concur that our Premier get together of all Four Auxiliaries set a standard for future parties to achieve. Door prizes were fun, too. When you see Linnie Edwards and her committee, congratulate them profusely for such a high spirited season opener. 
Annual Game Day Annual Game Day returned. A variety of new and old games were played on February 12th. Daisy Wood and her committee annually entertain us with playful and creative door prizes. Our luncheon always satisfies our palates. If you missed this year, put Game Day on your 2008 to-do list. March Road Trip March Road Trip is around the corner. Prepare for a historical journey led by Martha Lou Broussard and Linnie Edwards. More info in your invitation. Respectfully submitted by 3rd Vice President,Donna Parrish

The 57th GCAGS Annual Convention will be held in Corpus Christi October 21-23, 2007.
 
The deadline for abstract submission is February 12, 2007.
 
To download a flier on the convention, click here.
 
For more details, including abstract instructions, click here.
 
You can also go to the GCAGS Website, click here.