statement of qualificationsrockymountainpaleosolutions.com/documents/rmps_soq.pdf1216 east 10th ave....

1216 East 10th Ave.Denver, CO 80218 (303) 882-8048 t(626) 359-0712 f

Statement of Qualifications

Geraldine Aron, MSPresident and CEO Dr. Paul C. Murphey Vice President

DBE - SBE - WBE - UDBE WOSB - EDWOSB

[email protected] www.rockymountainpaleosolutions.com

2 Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions, Inc. | Statement of Qualifications

Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions, Inc. | Statement of Qualifications

We can help guide you through the often complex environmental compliance regulations (federal, state, and local) – or help you execute your current project utilizing our expertise in paleontological resources. We’ll provide you with fresh ideas to save project dollars while increasing efficiency and effectiveness in compliance with project environmental requirements. Let us show you how our resource evaluation, impact mitigation and permitting strategies can help you reach your project goals.

Founded by Geraldine Aron and Scott Armstrong in 2004, and then merging with Rocky Mountain Paleontology under Paul Murphey in 2014, our company offers the attentive services and subject matter expertise of a boutique firm while providing the capabilities, staffing, technological support, dedication to safety, and financial stability of a large firm.

We continually exceed our client’s expectations and strive to provide the highest-quality services to every client on every project, every time.

About Us

Our clients include local and

national companies and government

agencies. All have come to count on

us for smart, strategic, cost-effective

solutions to meet their paleontological

resource compliance and permitting

needs.

Services

GIS

• Paleontological Resource Impact Evaluations• Field Surveys• Construction Monitoring• Monitoring and Mitigation Plans• Research Models• Fossil Salvages• Fossil Identification, Analysis, & Lab Preparation• Fossil Pre-Curation• Preparation of NEPA Documents• Interpretive Displays

Please request our very own Dr. Paul C. Murphey’s “A Foundation for Best Practices in Mitigation Paleontology,” a landmark paper presenting the first ever comprehensive set of detailed best practices for paleontological resource impact mitigation.

3Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions, Inc. | Statement of Qualifications


Our ServicesWith a focus on results, we provide paleontological support for oil and

gas infrastructure development, pipelines, geophysical (seismic) surveys,

transportation, railways, transmission lines, renewable energy, mining,

government agencies, and environmental service industries.

Paleontological Resource Services

With a combined 50 years experience serving clients across the western United States, we specialize in providing paleontological resource impact evaluations, impact mitigation and monitoring plans, field surveys, construction monitoring, fossil salvage; and fossil preparation, identification and analysis.

Highlights:

• Permitted, qualified and highly experienced staff• Competitive, cost effective and high quality services• Small firm with low overhead focusing only on paleontological resources• Teaming relationships with other environmental firms in different states to provide turn-key services to clients• DBE, WBE, SBE• Emphasis on employee safety• Federal and state permits in 10 western states, with the ability to obtain permits throughout North America as needed• Curation agreements with major regional museums• Conveniently located for work throughout the Rocky Mountain West and adjacent Great Plains

We offer a complete range of paleontological resource management services in support of projects located throughout North America

The staff at Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions has successfully achieved the permitting objectives of our clients by thoroughly understanding the statutes and regulations that their projects must comply with. We adhere to established best practices in paleontological resource impact mitigation and professional standards established by professional groups such as the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. We pride ourselves on a thorough understanding and working knowledge of current federal, state and local regulations and resource management policies. Statutes and Regulations:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (1969)• Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) (2009)• Antiquities Act (1906)• Federal-Aid Highway Act (1935)• National Historic Preservation Act (1966)• Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act (1966)• Federal Land Management and Policy Act (1976)• United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)• BLM H-8270-I, IM 2008-009, IM 2009-11

Statutes and Regulation Expertise



Geraldine Aron, MS

Dr. Paul C. Murphey

Position: President and Principal Investigator Experience: 17 years

Geraldine is the President and CEO of Paleo Solutions, Inc. Her expertise is in Geology where she earned a B.S. and M.S. from California State University, Long Beach with an emphasis in paleontology. Her thesis: “Dating the initiation of the Antler orogeny: evidence from middle Devonian strata in the Monitor Range, Eureka County, Nevada” involved the dissolution of limestone and prospecting through shale produced important conodonts to help pre-date the Antler orogeny. She is responsible for maintaining the overall scientific integrity and oversight of all Paleo Solutions projects and is instrumental in developing, maintaining and nurturing client relationships.

Geraldine maintains Paleontological BLM Permits in California, Nevada and Arizona, and currently holds a US Forest Service Permit for the Angeles National Forest. She is a Qualified Principal Paleontologist in San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties.

Position: Vice President, Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions Director, Principal Investigator Experience: 23 years

Dr. Paul C. Murphey has been supervising paleontological resource impact mitigation projects in the western United States for more than 20 years. He earned a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences (vertebrate paleontology emphasis) from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2001. His project experience includes interstate oil and gas pipelines and transmission lines, oil and gas well fields, large solar and wind farm projects, highways and railroads, 3D geophysical investigations, and residential and commercial land development. He is currently a research associate at the Denver Museum of Nature and the San Diego Natural History Museum.

During the course of his career working in museums and as a paleontological resource consultant, he has earned an excellent reputation with private sector project applicants, the BLM, the USFS, state agencies, regional natural history museums, and the environmental consulting industry for his paleontological knowledge, high scientific standards, and passion for the fossil record and geology of the western United States.

Principals

Key

Staff



Jeff Hathaway, PG Courtney Richards Jennifer Kelly

Joseph Raum Kate Zubin-Stathopolous

Position: Safety Officer Experience: 13 years

Education: M.S. Geology

Position: Paleontologist Experience: 5 years

Education: B.S. Geology


Education: M.S. Biological Sciences


Education: M.S. Geoscience


Education: M.S. Geology


Education: M.S. Biology (Paleontology)

Key

Staff

Meghan Lamb, RPA

Position: Osteologist Experience: 5 years

Education: M.A. Anthropology

Andrew Hernandez

Position: Operations Manager Experience: 11 years

Education: MBA

Taormina Lepore


Education: M.S. Museum & Field Studies (Paleontology)

Meredith Fontana



Bureau of Land Management - Big Horn County, WY

At the request of the BLM-WFO, Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions performed an analysis of existing paleontological data and completed a field survey for the study area. The scope of the paleontological work was developed in consultation with the BLM-WFO and took place entirely on BLM-managed lands within the identified boundaries of the Basin Gardens Play Area covering approximately 4,421 acres of BLM land. Geologically, the study area included two bedrock geologic units, the

The Bureau of Land Management Worland Field Office (BLM-WFO) identified the Basin GardensPlay Area, located in northern Wyoming east of the town of Basin, as an open Off HighwayVehicle (OHV) area (study area). Further development of this recreational area requiresinformation about the paleontological resources within the study area in order to complete theResource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement.

Project Specifications

Frontier and Cody formations, which both have moderate paleontological potential. The field survey included a systematic pedestrian examination of bedrock exposures of the two formations. A final Paleontological Technical Report was submitted to the Worland Field Office detailing the results of the analysis and field survey. Numerous fossil localities were discovered and recorded stratigraphically. Fossils included well preserved marine mollusks, sharks and bony fishes of late Cretaceous age.

BLM WFO Basin Gardens Play Area

Analysis of Existing Data Field Survey Survey Data Analysis Field Survey Technical Report



Bureau of Land Management - Eastern Colorado

Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions was contracted by the BLM to provide information about area paleontological resources for agency consideration in resources management planning and decision making associated with revision of the Eastern Colorado RMP. The project included two ambitious tasks: the production of a paleontological resource overview report and the compilation of a fossil locality geodatabase. The scope of the overview report included all geologic units and paleontological resources within the RGFO Planning Area. The report also covered applicable geologic units and paleontological resources in geologically related areas of Colorado and adjacent states. RMPS analyzed the

The RGFO Planning Area is known to contain some of the most fossiliferous sedimentary rock sequences in North America. Because of their rich fossil content, these sequences have been the focus of continuous scientific inquiry for approximately the past 145 years.


existing BLM PFYC assignments of the 94 named and unnamed geologic units and then re-arranged, combined, and/or further subdivided them according to the USGS stratigraphic lexicon into 16 igneous and metamorphic rock units, 72 bedrock sedimentary rock units, and 14 surficial sedimentary deposits for more thorough paleontological analysis and assignment evaluation. Based on the results, BLM’s PFYC assignments were re-evaluated and changed is some cases. The report, which is available to the public, includes a narrative on eastern Colorado’s paleontologic history and a history of paleontological work in the study area.

BLM Royal Gorge Field OfficePaleontological Resource Overview

Data Analysis Paleo Resource Overview Report Fossil Locality Database



Colorado Department of Transportation - Gunnison County, CO

The scope of the paleontological work included systematic inspections of safely accessible areas and rock spoils and stockpiles. Identifiable fossils discovered during the project included dinosaur tracks (hadrosaur and theropod), and numerous well preserved plants (leaves and fruits). The large size of some of the boulders upon which the tracks were preserved necessitated making molds of them in the field for later casting. The fossils were curated at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

The Colorado Department of Transportation widened a segment of State Highway 133 adjacent to Paonia Reservoir in Gunnison County. In order to complete the project, blasting operations were conducted and the blasting disturbed cliffs composed of Upper Cretaceous Mesaverde Group.


State Highway 133 Paonia Reservoir Rockfall Mitigation

Construction Monitoring Fossil Discovery Fossil Curation Final Technical Report



Rocky Mountain Power - San Juan County, Utah

Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions performed a paleontological survey, monitored construction, and prepared a final report in accordance with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requirements. The project resulted in the discovery of a number of fossil localities on BLM lands in the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation. Noteworthy

Rocky Mountain Power filed an application to amend a right-of-way under the Authority of Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 located in the Colorado Plateau immediately north and west of the community of Bluff, Utah.

Analysis of Existing Data Field Survey Construction Monitoring Fossil Salvage

Fossil Identification Final Technical Report Fossil Preparation Fossil Curation


fossils include a partial crocodilian and partial sauropod dinosaur. Fossil salvage activities did not impede nor delay construction. Scientifically significant fossils collected during the project are curated at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Abajo-Resolute Transmission Line



Crescent Point Energy - Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation

Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions performed paleontological surveys and attended on-site tribal consultation for approximately 100 natural gas well pads, access roads and pipeline corridors in the development area, which is located on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservations in the middle Eocene Uinta and Duchesne

Crescent Point Energy U.S. Corp has a development plan in the Uinta Basin for its Randlett Development Agreement area. Crescent Point plans to drill wells in the Uintah basin located on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation.


River formations. Both significant and non-significant fossil localities were documented, and impacts to the significant fossil localities were mitigated by relocating project infrastructure to avoid the resources. Survey results were compiled and submitted bi-weekly throughout the field season.

Randlett Development Agreement Area

Field Surveys Tribal Consultation Fossil Identification Paleontological Resource Inventory

Survey Reports On Site Inspections




Analysis of Existing Data Field Survey BLM Consultation Paleontological Resource Inventory

Final Survey Report

Ursa Operating Company - Rio Blanco County, Colorado

Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions performed an existing data analysis and paleontological survey of the project area located in the Green River and Uinta formations in the Piceance Creek Basin in northwestern Colorado. Previously recorded fossil localities were re-evaluated, and newly recorded fossil localities were documented. The survey results were presented in a report prepared

The White River Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management required a pre-construction paleontological resource survey prior to construction of Ursa Operating Company’s Bear Gulch Field and Gathering Line in Rio Blanco County.

according to BLM specifications. Only one scientifically significant fossil locality, consisting of well preserved fossil leaves and insects, was documented. The locality was confirmed to be outside of the construction disturbance area and permission was obtained to avoid the locality for this and future surface disturbing actions.

Bear Gulch Field & Gathering Line



Analysis of Existing Data Field Survey Paleontological Resource Inventory Field Survey Technical Report

NEPA Analysis and Preparation of Paleontological Resources EA sections


Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association - southwestern Colorado

Rocky Mountain Paleo Solutions performed a paleontological survey of potentially fossiliferous areas of the project right-of-way located on BLM and USFS lands in southwestern Colorado. The survey corridor traversed a number of bedrock geologic units from late Paleozoic to

The Bureau of Land Management Colorado Southwest District required an Environmental Assessment of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State) Montrose-Nucla-Cahone T-Line project to upgrade an existing transmission line system from 115kV to 230kV across private, state, and federal lands in southwestern Colorado.

late Cretaceous age. All fossil localities were documented, and the results of the existing data analysis and field survey were compiled in a technical report and the paleontological resources section of the environmental assessment for the project.

Montrose Nucla Cajone 230kV Upgrade



SafetyRocky Mountain Paleo Solutions is proud of its zero incident record of safety. Our Safety Officer establishes a site-specific safety plan for every project that is distributed to all employees and other parties as needed. Daily tailgate safety meetings are standard operating procedure, and In-house safety meetings are conducted quarterly to review all safety issues and procedures.

Why should you choose us for your paleontological resource needs?

ExperienceWith over 10 years of corporate experience and 50+ years of combined senior level experience, we have the expertise to meet our client’s needs and project objectives.

ResourcesWith more than 30 qualified field paleontologists in its arsenal, and a roster of on-call technical specialists and subject matter experts, Paleo Solutions can staff projects of all sizes throughout North America.

Financial stability is absolutely key for providing our client’s with the support their projects need. Effectively managing cash flow and maintaining excellent accounting practices and banking relationships means Paleo Solutions’ will always be there for you.

QualityOur technicians are vetted through a thorough interview process and reference checks. We strive to only hire the best because that’s what we believe your project deserves.

Our in-house quality control/quality assurance program meets and exceeds our clients’ expectations. We strive for excellence on every project and apply lessons learned from past projects.

CommunicationYour project will be handled by a project manager who will work closely with you throughout the project life cycle, and who will advise you on any of your project needs, questions or concerns. Our communication emphasis is on project implementation and cost control.

SpeedAs a small business, we don’t suffer through internal decision-making roadblocks. We are fast, decisive, and available 24/7 for our clients.

The RMPS AdvantageCost-Effective Environmental Solutions



Colorado Bureau of Land Management, Statewide Wyoming Bureau of Land Management, Statewide

Utah Bureau of Land Management Montana and the Dakotas Bureaus of Land Management, Statewide

New Mexico Bureau of Land Management, Statewide Idaho Bureau of Land Management, Statewide

Arizona Bureau of Land Management, Statewide California Bureau of Land Management, Statewide

Nevada Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs State of Colorado, Statewide

State of Utah Geologic Survey/SITLA, Statewide Nevada Bureau of Land Management, Statewide

State of Nevada/Nevada State Museum UTERO Business License and Tribal Access Permit, Northern Ute Tribe

Permits

Arizona Department of Transportation California Unified Certification Program (Caltrans)

Colorado Unified Certification Program Idaho Transportation Department Unified Certification Program

Montana Department of Transportation Nevada Department of Transportation

North Dakota Department of Transportation Oregon Department of Transportation

Wyoming Department of Transportation

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certifications

California Public Utilities Commission Oregon Office of Minority, Women & Emerging Small Business

Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Certifications

City of Los Angeles (LABVN) Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Los Angeles Unified School District Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Port of Long Beach California Department of General Services

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Colorado Office of Economic Development DSBO

Small Business/Very Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certifications

Certifications and Permits




1216 East 10th Ave.Denver, CO 80218 (303) 882-8048 t(626) 359-0712 f

Geraldine Aron, MSPresident Dr. Paul C. Murphey Vice President
