CSU LogoGeologyCalifornia State University - Stanislaus

Honduras Geology (updated 12/7/97)

Robert D. Rogers

GEOMORPHOLOGIST - GEOLOGIST - HYDROLOGIST

Tel. (209) 664-6691
email rrogers@geology.csustan.edu 
 


EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

I have more than nine years of experience in the design, collection and analysis of data, and writing of scientific and 'plain-English' documents. These describe the geology, geomorphology, soils and hydrology of regions and projects to support basic and applied research and environmental documentation in the United States and Latin America. My experience involves management of projects, issue identification and resolution, proposal writing and cost estimating for a diverse range of projects.

As a geologist and fluvial geomorphologist specializing in the environmental assessment of project impacts, I have extensive experience in the geomorphic response of specific landforms and landscapes to land-use management and development. I have proven work experience with interdisciplinary teams of terrestrial and aquatic biologists, social scientists, foresters, engineers and other specialists in dealing the broadest range of environmental, social and economic issues. Determining the response of a watershed to road building and timber harvest activities or the downstream changes that occur in a river when flow and sediment are impounded in a reservoir are examples of my project experience. In geology, I am a leading expert in the regional geology of Northern Central America with special emphasis on geomorphic evolution of the Chortis Block of the Caribbean Plate, Mesozoic stratigraphy, late Cretaceous structural deformation, and la Mosquitia geology. In addition, I have advanced electronic publication and collaboration in the geosciences; developing the 'Honduras Geology' website at http://www.wolfenet.com/~krautara/index.html.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Geological Society of America
American Association for the Advancement of Science


REGISTRATIONS

Watershed Analysis, Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Mass Wasting - Level II; Surface Erosion - Level II; Hydrology - Level I; Stream Channel - Level I


EDUCATION

M.S., Geology/Geomorphology, Colorado State University, 1989, Thesis: Effects of Sparse Vegetation on Sediment Yield and Erosion: An Experimental Study, S.A. Schumm advisor.

B.S., Geology, Appalachian State University, 1986 



 
Present Position: Scientist 
Foster Wheeler Environmental Corp.; 5/3/93 - Present
Years w/Other Organizations: 4 
Present Location: Bellevue, WA 
Daytime Phone: 425-688-3870 
email: rrogers@fwenc.com 

REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER WHEELER PROJECT EXPERIENCE

River Management/Hydroelectric Projects

Roanoke Rapids Hydroelectric Relicense, Virginia Power Company, North Carolina ?Geology and Soils lead for studies and preparation of Applicant Prepared Environmental Assessment for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission re-licensing process of the two dam Roanoke Rapids Hydroelectric Project in eastern North Carolina. Issues of shoreline erosion and river erosion and sedimentation were addressed by mapping the distribution and causes of shoreline erosion in the two reservoirs and studying the downstream response of the Roanoke River to regulation and hydropower peaking operations. GIS analytical techniques were developed to isolate the factors influencing shoreline erosion in the reservoirs. Technical reports of the studies were prepared. The environmental assessment documents the existing conditions in response to the reservoirsÕ existence and river regulation and the environmental consequences of the operational alternatives under consideration during the FERC relicensing.

St. Lawrence-FDR Project Relicensing, New York Power Authority, NY ? Developed a study plan to assess the processes, severity and distribution of shoreline erosion of the reservoir above the St. Lawrence-FDR Hydroelectric Project and the St. Lawrence River below the project. The project is a cold region system with ocean-going ship traffic that freezes in the winter. The study plan addressed ice ramping onto shorelines during spring break-up associated with ship traffic, local geological controls, storm induced erosion, and hydropower operational controls of erosion.

Olympic National Forest Stream Mass Wasting Inventory, Forest Service Region 6, WA ? Conducted field inventory of mass wasting along streams and rivers on the Olympic Peninsula, determined causes of failures, and prepared mitigation and erosion control plans for minimizing additional effects. The work involved determining the low cost, least adverse solutions to sediment control.

California Department of Fish and Game, Mill Creek and Wilson Creek Stream Evaluation Reports, CA ? Prepared the geomorphology, hydrology, sediment transport, and flushing flow requirements analyses for studies of two streams that comprise a portion of the Mono Lake Watershed in California. The studies presented historical and existing channel conditions and locations as a framework for determining the hydrology and flushing flow required for fine sediment without initiating movement of the coarse bedload. Analyses utilized HEC-2 for determining hydraulic variables at cross sections and a customized spreadsheet to calculate shear stress necessary to initiate particle movement.

Bonneville Power Administration, Columbia River SOR ?Prepared the Geology and Soils Technical Appendix of the System Operation Review of the Columbia River. This assessed the impacts that altered dam flows and reservoir water levels would have on erosion, sediment transport and deposition in the channel and reservoir environments of the Columbia River. Processes of bank and slope erosion, wave erosion, overland flow and channel incision were examined in detail with respect to operation alternatives.

Seattle Water Department, May Creek Basin Plan, King County, WA ? Developed the Stream Channel Erosion and Sediment Deposition sections for the May Creek Basin Plan in King County, Washington. Involved analyzing stream channel, hydrologic, geologic, and topographic data for mainstem and tributaries to identify unstable sections and provide mitigation options. Development, road building, timber harvesting, and agriculture have altered basin hydrology and channel flow regimes resulting in erosion, sedimentation and loss of fish habitat.

U.S. Forest Service, Skagit - Nooksack Basin Hydro-Review, WA ? Reviewed and analyzed hydrologic documentation gathered for 16 hydroelectric projects in the Skagit and Nooksack river basins in northwestern Washington. Peak flow, low-flow, sediment routing and channel maintenance data were investigated to provide summary and assessment of the quality of the work and to suggest additional studies.

Latin American Projects

Policy Revision U. S. Association of International Development, Honduras Project Manager/Timber Sales Advisor ? Responsible for long-term technical assistance to Honduran Forestry Service (COHDEFOR) to provide policy revision and implementation of reforms to timber sales planning.

Wildlife Protection Advisor, U. S. Association of International Development, Honduras, Project Manager ? Responsible for short-term technical assistance to government of Honduras to review and develop strategies for compliance with international treaty on endangered species.

Towner Electric Company, Biomass Energy Development, Honduras ? Managed initial assessment of the feasibility of developing biomass co-generation facilities in Honduras. This included review of applicable laws and regulations, development of technical and economic analysis, and preparation of application packages for financial assistance. Ongoing activities include overall coordination and fuels and transportation analyses.

Forestry/Watershed Projects

Madden Timber Sale EIS U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, AK --? Soils, Geology, Hydrology and Geomorphology lead for ongoing resource inventory, transportation and harvest plan development, and Environmental Impact Statement analysis of 140,000 acre timber sale in southeast Alaska. The project is the first entry into a roadless area on the mainland under the guidance of the 1997 Tongass Land Management Plan. Primary issues include discovery and protection of karst and cave resources, avoiding unstable soils for roads and harvest, watershed response to harvest and road building, and compliance with all Forest Service Standards and Guidelines. Study plans were developed for field inspections by interdisciplinary teams; all potential harvest units with at risk resources were reviewed and office GIS assessment supported removal of unstable or at risk terrain from the Forest Service harvestable lands database. Additional field work is planned for the summer of 1998.

I-90 Land Exchange, Plum Creek Timber Company and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington ? Soils and Geomorphology, Geology and Mineral Resources, and Watershed and Hydrology lead for the Environmental Impact Statement of the 109,000 acre land exchange involving Federal lands on three National Forests and privately held forest lands. The primary issues include increasing road densities with subsequent increases of sediment from surface erosion and mass wasting entering streams, unstable soils, potential harvest and degradation of municipal watersheds, the transfer of mineral resources, and compliance with provisions of three forest plans, the Northwest Forest Plan, an adaptive management plan, and an approved Habitat Conservation Plan. Making extensive use of available GIS databases from multiple sources, appropriate levels of analysis over the diverse project area were used to document the existing environment and determine the likely environmental effects.

Headwaters Forest Land Exchange EIS, Pacific Lumber Company, Humboldt County, CA ?Geology and Mineral Resources lead for Environmental Impact Statement preparation of controversial multiparty land exchange proposed to protect the largest privately held grove of old-growth redwoods. The EIS considers the proposed exchange and the associated Sustained Yield Timber Harvest Plan and a Habitat Conservation Plan. The main resource issue is the mineral resources of the exchange lands that extend across much of the state of California. State and Federal agency records were reviewed, documenting the geology and mineral resources of the exchange lands and presented in the EIS. Provided review and input into Soils and Geomorphology, and Watershed and Hydrology assessment of the EIS.

Mount Baker Snoqualmie Road Access EIS, Plum Creek Timber Company, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington ? Geology, Soils, and Geomorphology and Watersheds and Hydrology lead for environmental studies and analyses of proposed project to construct 8 access roads across federal lands. Key resource issues include increasing road densities with subsequent increases in sediment production from surface erosion and mass wasting entering streams, unstable soils along road route and harvest parcels, potential harvest in and degradation of municipal watersheds, and compliance with Forest Service Standards and Guidelines, Washington State Forest Practice Rules, and Washington Watershed Analysis Prescriptions. All applicable data was gathered and analyzed in a GIS database to present existing conditions and document the likely environmental consequences of the project.

Wenatchee Road Access, Plum Creek Timber Company, Wenatchee National Forest, Washington ? Geology, Soils, and Geomorphology and Watersheds and Hydrology lead for environmental studies and analyses of proposed project to construct 42 access roads across federal lands. Key resource issues include increasing road densities with subsequent increases in sediment production from surface erosion and mass wasting entering streams, unstable soils along road route and harvest parcels, potential harvest in and degradation of municipal watersheds, and compliance with Forest Service Standards and Guidelines, Washington State Forest Practice Rules, and Washington Watershed Analysis Prescriptions. All applicable data was gathered and analyzed in a GIS database to present existing conditions and document the likely environmental consequences of the project.

Mass Wasting Review, Hampton Tree Farms, Longview, WA ? Provided expert review of timber harvest plan for compliance with Mass Wasting Prescriptions from a Washington State Watershed Analysis. All harvest areas were reviewed in the field and unstable portions were either deferred from harvest or the harvest plan was modified to allow harvest that would not contribute to mass wasting.

Stunztner Engineering, Lab Bay Final Layout, Tongass National Forest, AK ?Geomorphology lead and fisheries staff for final field layout of U.S. Forest Service Timber Sale on Prince of Wales Island. EIS mitigation measures and Forest Service Standards and Guidelines were applied to 51 harvest units. All streams were inventoried, the correct no-cut buffer applied, and unstable soils avoided during resource review of each unit.

Barbee Mill Co., Forest Practice Application Support, WA, Task Leader ? Responsible for applying Tolt Watershed Analysis Prescription for hydrology, mass wasting, and surface erosion. Analyzed increased peak flow resulting from harvest, inventoried mass wasting, stream channel conditions, logging system options, and road locations to meet goals of prescriptions.

U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Control Lake Project Cumulative Effects Analysis, Tongass National Forest, AK, Geomorphologist ? Coordinated effort to update and standardize the Forest Service GIS database for the Ketchikan Area in which 81 quarter quads in 15 project areas were updated to include stream channel location, stream class and channel type; mass wasting features; riparian areas; and development of logging system and transportation analysis of project areas. The updated data was used to develop final alternatives and their impacts for the Tongass Land Management Plan.

U.S. Forest Service, Control Lake EIS, Ketchikan, AK ? Interdisciplinary team member and part-time logistic coordinator for Control Lake EIS in the Tongass National Forest. Conducted field reconnaissance of timber harvest units to assess, avoid, and mitigate potential timber harvest and road building effects on slope stability and watersheds. Prepared watershed resource report that documents existing condition and details the environmental effects of timber harvest and road building.

Other Projects

Mill Valley Upgrade EA, Stevens Pass Ski Area, Stevens Pass, WA ? Initiated efforts for environmental review of existing conditions associated with ski area improvements on Federal lands. The issues of concern include new surveys for sensitive amphibian species, erosion control, stream bank protection and sensitive plant species.

Bonneville Power Administration, Resource Contingency Program EIS, WA ? Prepared the soils and geology environmental conditions and effects for two combined cycle co-generation power plants and associated electrical, water, and gas transmission lines. Potential adverse effects of the project included flooding, slope mass movements, volcanic, and seismic hazards.

Washington Natural Gas Corporation, Jackson Prairie Storage Project 16-Inch Pipeline, Chehalis, WA ? Prepared soils, geology, and hydrology studies for environmental report for one-mile long natural gas pipeline.

PacificCorp, North Umpqua Transmission Line Access Road Inventory, OR ? Inventoried existing transmission line access roads for surface erosion and mass wasting and prepared plans for general erosion control and site specific mitigation. This included locating water bars, grade dips, culverts and swales to be placed along the road during construction and for permanent erosion control. Identified rockfalls, landslides, and other slope failures and prescribed specific mitigation.

Northwest Pipeline Corporation, Gorge Maintenance, WA ? Field inspection of pipeline exposed by landslides, including short-term mitigation to prevent sediment delivery to streams. Provided environmental monitoring during mitigation to ensure compliance with plans.

Northwest Pipeline Corporation, Hood River Pipeline Project, Battleground, WA ? Assisted in final route selection for natural gas pipeline to deliver fuel to co-generation facility. Activities included field assessment of cultural resources, surface erosion, mass wasting, and hazardous materials. Prepared state and local permitting application documents and tracked status of application. Prepared and updated Project Action Plan for Northwest Pipeline Corporation.

Northwest Pipeline Corporation, Kalama I-5 Crossing, Battleground, WA ? Coordinated environmental review and permitting activities associated with the replacement of a natural gas pipeline under Interstate 5 near Kalama, Washington.

Ecological Studies, Stevens Pass Ski Area, WA, Project Manager ? Prepared watershed assessment and supervised rare plant, wetland, and fisheries survey for replacement of chair lift on Forest Service special use permit area. This included preparing mitigation plans, assessing impacts of alternatives, and documenting existing conditions.

MARKETING

Summary - In 1995, I began an effort to focus the marketing efforts of Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation toward sustainable development projects in Latin America. Below are a few domestic and Latin American projects that reflects my experience in marketing.

Bay Islands Environmental Management, Honduras InterAmerican Development Bank - Investigated project background, met with Honduran government officials, technical staff, and reviewed the site of an integrated natural resource management project. Developed local teaming agreements with Honduran firms and NGOs and prepared detailed assessment of risk factors of the project. Managed submittal of prequalification package, in Spanish, to the Honduran Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.

Simpson Reforestal, S.A. Guatemala Simpson Timber Company, Seattle WA, - Assessed site conditions, met with Simpson Timber Officers, and developed proposal and cost estimate to provide support for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for transportation of logs down the Rio Dulce in eastern Guatemala.

Region 10 Forest Resource Inventories U. S. Forest Service, Petersburg, AK, For two different proposals, prepared study approach, technical and management scope of work, and cost estimates for assessment of forest resources in remote area of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

Forestry Support USAID-Honduras, Developed contacts, gathered preliminary information and identified and hired key personnel for three forestry technical assistance projects in Honduras in Timber Sale Management, Protected Areas Management, and Forest Fire Suppression. 


PRIOR EXPERIENCE

State of North Carolina, Division of Environmental Management- Groundwater Section. Reviewed projects for compliance with North Carolina environmental regulations concerning groundwater quality. Duties included hydrogeologic computer modeling of groundwater flow and contaminant transport, preparation of permit conditions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, determining the need for additional information for specific projects, providing comments to inquiries of regulatory and technical issues, and assisting in the development and refinement of environmental regulations. Groundwater modeling experience with the following computer programs: PLASM, MODFLOW, WHPA, AQTESOLV, MYGRT, CSUPWR.

Dirección General de Minas e Hidrocarbones, Instituto Geográfico Nacional, and Peace Corps; Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Produced geological quadrangle (1:50,000 scale) maps and reports for publication by Honduran Government. Research included field mapping, laboratory, and remote sensing investigation of a) the stratigraphy and sedimentology of the Tertiary and Mesozic strata, b) the styles and timing of structural deformation, c) surficial processes and Quaternary history, and d) regional tectonic features and histories.

Mapped three (1:50,000) sheets that each covered 500 km2 or about 200 mi2. The sheets are the Tegucigalpa (2nd edition), Valle de Jamastrán, and Boca Wampú (special edition) maps. Consultant to geology personnel on subjects of mining and petroleum exploration, groundwater development, and environmental issues. Consultant to cartographic personnel for the standardization of geological map production. These maps and reports form the geological basis utilized by mining and petroleum interests, academic studies, and development agencies at the national and international level. Fluent in written and spoken Spanish. Received cross-cultural sensitivity training.

  • The Tegucigalpa map was initiated to provide detailed data for urban land use planning and development projects in and around the capital city of Honduras. Dr. Eugene O'Connor of the British Geological Survey (B.G.S.) who had previously mapped approximately one third of the quadrangle, collaborated on the project. The mapping primarily involved work in the Mesozoic sedimentary strata and Tertiary volcanic strata. Two new formations were designated and interpreted in the Mesozoic strata.
  • The Valle de Jamastrán quadrangle was mapped to investigate the relation between the Guayape Fault System and the Jamastrán Valley. The mapping included work in the entire stratigraphy of Honduras and the structural interpretation of the multiple tectonic events that have formed and modified the Jamastrán Basin since the Tertiary.
  • The Boca Wampú project provided the first detail geological map of La Mosquitia, the remote eastern area of Honduras. Several new geological units were discovered and described and an interpretation of structural deformation was presented.

  • Consultant to geology personnel on subjects of mining and petroleum exploration, groundwater development, and environmental issues. Consultant to cartographic personnel for the standardization of geological map production. These maps and reports form the geological basis utilized by mining and petroleum interests, academic studies, and development agencies at the national and international level. Received cross-cultural training. 


    Colorado State University; Department of Earth Resources.Responsible for design, implementation, analysis of data, and final report of experimental study of erosion and sparse vegetative cover in small watersheds. This project was designed to provide quantified information on rates and processes of overland flow erosion under controlled conditions. Principles of experimental design, overland flow, sediment transport, arid ecology, and statistical analysis allowed successful completion of project and publication of study results. 


    PUBLICATIONS

    Rogers, R.D. Editor and Publisher, Honduras Geology.

    Rogers, R.D., (in press), Mapa Geológico de Honduras: Hoja de Boca Wampu, La Mosquitia (edición especial): Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

    Knutzen J. and R.D. Rogers, 1997, Water Quality Year-End Report, Roanoke Rapids and Gaston Hydropower Project, FERC No. 2009, North Carolina Power.

    Rogers, R. and E. Albow, 1995. Fisheries and Watershed Resource Report, Control Lake Environmental Impact Statement, USDA-Forest Service, Ketchikan, AK.

    Rogers, R.D., (1995), Mapa Geológico de Honduras: Hoja de Valle de Jamistran: Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

    Rogers, R.D. 1995. The Montanas de Colón Fold and Thrust Belt of Eastern Honduras, Geological Society of America, 1995 Annual Meeting. (p. A-122). Online at: http://www.wolfenet.com/~krautara/fold_thrust.html

    Rogers, R.D. 1994. Preliminary Stratigraphy and Structure along the Rió Patuca and Rió Wampú, La Mosquitia, Honduras Geological Society of America, 1994 Annual Meeting (p. A-247).

    Rogers, R.D. and E.A. O'Conner. 1993. Mapa Geológico de Honduras: Hoja de Tegucigalpa (segunda edición): Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

    Kozuch, M.J. and R. Rogers. 1991. Evidence for Active Tectonics in East-Central Honduras, (abs): Eos, Trans. Am. Geophys. Union, vol. 72, no.44, p. 501.

    Rogers, R.D. and S.A. Schumm. 1991. The Effect of Sparse Vegetative Cover on Erosion and Sediment Yield: Journal of Hydrology, v.123, p. 19-24.

    Unpublished Reports Available Online

    Rogers, R.D. and E.A. O'Conner. 1993. Geología del cuadrangulo de Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. http://www.wolfenet.com/~krautara/teguc.html

    Rogers, R.D., 1992, Geology of the Valle de Jamastrán Quadrangle, Honduras, Open File Report, Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Tegucigalpa, Honduras 56 p. http://www.wolfenet.com/~krautara/VDJAM.html

    Rogers, R.D. 1995, Geology along the Río Patuca and Río Wampu. La Mosquitia, Honduras. Open File Report, Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Tegucigapla, Honduras 21 pages. http://www.wolfenet.com/~krautara/wampu.html

    Selected EIS/EA Chapters
     
    Headwaters Land Exchange DEIS 
    Geology and Mineral Resources 
    I-90 Land Exchange DEIS 
    Geology and Mineral Resources, Soils and Geomorphology
    Roanoke Rapids DAPEA 
    Soils and Geology 
    Mt. Baker Road Access DEIS 
    Geology, Soils and Geomorphology 
    Wenatchee Road Access DEIS 
    Geology, Soils and Geomorphology 



    Return to Contents of Honduras Geology.