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Advanced Training Workshop for Soil Evaluators
and LSP
Reading Different New England Landscapes #1400
Presented by:
Peter C. Fletcher, Certified Professional Soil Scientist 02703
and Soil Evaluator 3027
Workshop Description
An important and essential skill for
Soil Evaluators is to be able to interpret the landscape and
assess the underlying soil/geologic conditions before digging
the deep holes. Identifying the different landforms and understanding
the geologic processes (glaciers, rivers, marine, wind, etc.)
that formed the underlying sediments is key. With this knowledge
one can visualize the landscape in a three dimensional perspective,
alerting the evaluator to underling restrictive layers, presence
of silt and clay, potential for a high water table, altered/disturbed
soil conditions, etc.
This course is designed for professionals
who are seasoned Soil Evaluators. Instruction will include
lecture and hands on exercises followed by field exercises.
Participants will be given instruction during the Lecture Session
on how to research reference materials on the Internet. Two
or more landscapes with diverse geologic sediments will be
studied for this workshop.
Workshop Outline
Day 1 – Lecture
and Hands on exercises
Topics Covered (lecture, hands on exercises using
soil samples, and small group activities):
- Know the
geologic past
- Identify the different landforms
and understand the geologic processes that formed them
- Learn
the characteristics of the different geologic sediments (soil
parent materials)
- Interpret the underlying groundwater
system and predicting depth to seasonal high water table
- Use
field method to determine soil textural classes
- Study
reference materials: USGS topographic maps, surficial geology
reports, published soil surveys, aerial photographs, flood
insurance maps, DEP wetland maps, etc.
- Assess the underlying
soil conditions, interpret these for on-site sewage disposal,
and determine where to best locate deep hole testing.
Second
Day – Field Exercises
Field Exercises:
- Review Reference Materials
- Hand
dig soil test pits using shovels and soil augers
- Traverse
the landscape and identify the different landforms
- Assess
the underlying geologic sediments
- Evaluate the landscape
for siting on-site sewage disposal systems
Course Materials
Each participant will receive handouts and
a field guide.
Field Investigations
This workshop will be
conducted using hand shovels and soil augers. Participants
are to bring their own field equipment (soil color book, trowel,
water bottle, etc.). Soil shovels and augers will be provided
by the instructor. Because this workshop focuses on “keeping
your head out of the deep hole” and interpreting the
landscape, there will be no excavated deep observation holes
and only limited field testing using hand tools.
Field Conditions
The field exercises for this workshop are strenuous and require
participants to traverse rough terrain, walk long distances,
and dig test holes using shovels and augers. Each participant
needs to evaluate their own health and physical conditioning
before registering for this workshop.
Field Session Weather
Conditions
Participants should come properly dressed for the
field and wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
Field Session
If the weather conditions are extreme (driving
rain and lightning), participants will be notified via the
Internet and the second day of the workshop will be rescheduled
to the Rain Date: June 3, 2001.
Refreshments and Lunch
Snacks
and drinks will be provided. Participants are to bring their
own lunches for the field exercises on the second day.
Driving
Because challenging field sites are essential for the success
of this workshop, participants may be required to drive considerable
distances between field sites.
Attendance
All participants
are required to be present during the times stated for the
two-day workshop. Attendance will be taken at the start and
close of each day. Limited Enrollment: To allow for small group
instruction/discussion, enrollment for this workshop is limited
to 20 participants.
Certificate of Completion for combination SE and LSP participants
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SE participants-- AND
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All LSP participants only or in combination with SE 10 Training Credit Hours: A Standard Course Continuing Education Attendance Certification Form that will be given to each LSP participant who successfully attends the two-day workshop. Complete the LSP form and send to the LSP Board. AND A Certificate will be awarded to each participant who successfully completes the two-day 10 Training Credit Hours (TCH). The approving authority NEWIPCC will be notified in writing. You may be requested to send them a photocopy of the SE Certificate of Completion for the 10 TCH for SE certification renewal.
Keep the Certificate of Completion for SE 10 TCH: A list of participants and their SE number is sent to NEIWPCC when the participant completes the 10 credit hour workshop.
Lost SE Certificate Policy: There will be a $50 fee per SE and/or LSP for researching records and the reissue of a SE Certificate of Completion and/or Standard Course Continuing Education Attendance Certification Form. Each request and the fee must be received by mail addressed to: Peter Fletcher, PO Box 141, Bridgewater, MA 02324.
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