White Mesa Uranium Processing Facility - White Mesa, UT Co-Principal Investigator: assessed surface and groundwater impacts and extent of potential uranium processing (yellow-cake) effects and contamination. In partnership with USGS, Lawrence Livermore and Ute Mountain Indian Tribe, surface and groundwater studies were undertaken to assess the impact of this processing facility's activities on drinking water and cultural resource sites on and near the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation and the town of White Mesa, UT. Susquehanna Tailings Site - Riverton, WY Brokered new agreement between DOE, Wind River Tribes (Northern Arapahoe - Eastern Shoshone) to permit USGS to reexamine historical database to determine ground water remedy flow and direction in order to ascertain scientifically impartial evaluation of natural flushing remedy. Resulted in parties reengaging in productive discussions regarding remedy design and oversight by tribal environmental department. AVIRIS Deployment and Development Utilized Airborne Visible Infra-Red Imaging Spectroscopy (AVIRIS) to map acid leaching and heavy metals producing surficial mineralogy in locations such as Leadville, CO, the Ray Copper Mine, Kearny, AZ, and multiple watersheds in Utah. AVIRIS was deployed to screen watersheds for evidence of mine waste degradation and to refine future direct sampling locations for metals loading to major streams and tributaries. EPA Region VIII Science Liaison to USGS Coordinated EPA utilization of AVIRIS, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence, Imaging Spectroscopy, Micro-beam analytical technique development for several CERCLA site investigation teams. Coordinated geoscience support to assess human health responses to worker and resident exposure to mineral dust from mine production activities at the Libby, MT vermiculite mine. Responded to the World Trade Center attacks following building's collapse. Used AVIRIS sensor to map distribution of asbestos containing collapse debris dust. Mapped heat intensity of initial collapse fires allowing for redirection of fire-fighting resources to better control fire suppression efforts. Coordinated multiple federal agency interdisciplinary team to identify and categorize materials in collapse debris to protect worker health and provide evidence to criminal investigators of the largest crime scene in US history.
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