GEOS Speaker - Deborah Dale
November 11, 2014
The Department of Geosciences hosted a talk on Tuesday, November 11 by Deborah Dale, Chief of the Program and Technology Support Branch of the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement in the Mid-Continent Regional Office at Alton, IL. In her talk, Ms. Dale set the context for her work by first explaining the geological development and tectonic setting of the Illinois Basin followed by an overview of how Pennsylvanian coal deposits are formed. She then provided a historical perspective of coal extraction in the Illinois Basin and then described the role of her office in helping to recognize, regulate, and remediate issues that have subsequently developed (especially in older mines in the Illinois Basin). Lastly, Ms. Dale gave the students excellent advice on a wide range of topics pertaining to employment in the federal government, state government, and environmental consulting sectors; including types of coursework to take, essential skills to develop, and insight into the application process for government positions.
Before her present position with the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement, Ms. Dale worked as a hydrogeologist in the environmental consulting industry at August Mack and Keramida Environmental in Indianapolis, IN. She also has worked with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in Jasonville, IN.
