R. David Shiels, P.G., REP,
CHMM, CAPM
P.O. Box 1193
Kaufman, Texas 75142
(214) 577-5987 cell
Education
Trinity University 1979-1983
San Antonio, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Geology
Professional Affiliations
The Geological Society of America (GSA)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists (SIPES) Dallas Chapter President 2013,
National Board of Director (Treasurer 2016 and Vice Chairman of National Energy 2017) 2015-2018
National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
Professional Registration/Specialty Certifications
Eagle Scout (Received the rank of Eagle Scout in January 1978)
Professional Geologist, State of Texas, No. 550
Corrective Action Project Manager, TCEQ No. PM0000211
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, No. 3992
Registered Environmental Professional, NREP #369496
Certified Earth Scientist, Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists No. 3171
Ironman Triathlete (Ironman Texas 2011) USAT #536657
Ironman 70.3 World Championships Qualifier (2010)
Work Experience
Shiels Engineering, Inc. 2005-Present
Kaufman, Texas
Principal Consulting Geologist, Shareholder, and Vice President
Shiels conducts environmental, health & safety compliance inspections, waste
management unit closures, health and safety training, subsurface investigations,
Phase I ESAs, Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) closures, Municipal Setting
Designations (MSDs), Storm Water plans, assists with Spill Prevention, Control,
& Countermeasures Plans (SPCCs) and provides expert testimony for private
industry clients. Provides support and assistance in oil & gas E&P projects,
develops SPCC plans, storm water plans, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
training, groundwater studies, asbestos abatement project oversight, moisture
intrusion assessments and indoor air quality studies.
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) 2005-Present
Texas A&M
Mesquite, Texas
Course Instructor (Subject Matter Expert)
Shiels assisted TEEX course designers in creating PRT145; an Oil & Gas
Environmental Regulations Course and OSH301 Excavation, Trenching and Soil
Mechanics and serves as a course instructor for both PRT145 and OSH301. He
also teaches OSH201 a Hazardous Materials course dealing with flammable
liquids, hazardous and flammable gases, LPG, cryogenics and other hazardous
materials. Shiels teaches General Industry OSH511, Lockout/Tagout OSH711,
and OSH226 Confined Space. Shiels teaches environmental courses for TEEX
including Fundamentals of Geology, Storm Water Permitting, Hazardous Waste
Management, Introduction and Principles of Hydrogeology, Environmental
Sampling for Investigators, Environmental Field Analysis, Fate & Transport of
Contaminants, Environmental Site Assessments and the CHMM Exam Preparation Course.
Caldwell Engineering, Inc. 1999-2005
Richardson, Texas
Senior Project Manager and shareholder
Shiels managed environmental compliance audits, health and safety training,
subsurface investigations, ESAs, Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) closures,
Storm Water plans, assisted with Spill Prevention, Control, & Countermeasures
Plans (SPCCs), and provided expert testimony for private industry clients.
HBC Engineering, Inc. 1994-1999
Dallas, Texas
Manager of Environmental Services and Shareholder
Managed several programs including, UST removals and closures, solid waste
landfill investigations and closures, Groundwater investigations involving
chlorinated solvents released from industrial facilities and dry cleaners, expert
testimony, industrial facility compliance audits, and health & safety training.
Southwestern Laboratories, Inc. 1990-1994
Dallas, Texas
Program Manager
Managed several programs including, environmental site assessments (ESAs),
UST removals and closures, solid waste landfill investigations and closures,
Groundwater investigations involving chlorinated solvents released from
industrial facilities and dry cleaners, expert testimony, industrial facility
compliance audits, and health & safety training.
Applied Earth Sciences 1988-1990
Dallas, Texas
Field Geologist
Project Manager who conducted subsurface investigations, remediation and
underground storage tank (UST) removals for major oil and gas clients in the
Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Ecology & Environment, Inc. 1986- 1988
Dallas, Texas
Field Geologist
Served as a (field investigator) geologist for the U.S. EPA under a Superfund
(REM/FIT) contract. Projects included hazardous waste site assessments, site
investigations, Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) site evaluations, and infrared
aerial photograph interpretations (supplied by NASA) and ground-truthing of
suspected sites of interest in Region VI.
Murjo Oil & Royalty 1984-1986
Tyler and Houston, Texas
Field Geologist
Well site work, log analysis and interpretation,
prospect evaluation and generation, sales of prospects.
Experience Summary
David graduated from Trinity University in 1983 with a B.S. in Geology. He is currently a
Principal Hydrogeologist, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and Corrective Action
Project Manager at Shiels Engineering, Inc. specializing in industrial compliance, subsurface
investigation and the remediation of surface soil and groundwater resources resulting from
releases or spills at oil & gas (E&P) or industrial facilities. Facility waste management continues
to be his specialty. David enjoys finding innovative approaches for industrial or E&P clients in
waste reuse or recycling techniques while complying with Federal and State waste rules. He
has experience in evaluating hazardous waste sites and in the preparation and implementation
of soil and groundwater sampling programs. David has successfully closed sites under the
Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP). He has experience in testifying as an expert witness
concerning numerous cases where hazardous constituents were at issue with a site.
His other experience includes the development of Spill Prevention, Control and
Countermeasures (SPCC) plans and air permits (usually a PBR if not de minimus) for oil & gas
operators in the East Texas Basin including oil handler training. David has extensive experience
in environmental forensic studies from the characterization of industrial waste streams to
evaluating releases of unknown substances to the environment. He has designed and installed
groundwater monitoring wells (single and multiple cased wells), installed groundwater treatment
systems, Vapor Extraction Systems (VES), and in-situ and ex-situ bio-remediation systems.
David manages water intrusion events during construction projects by assembling a team of
professionals, including industrial hygienists, to map wet areas with potential fungal growth. His
teams will continue to assess and map affected areas until remediation is complete.
David is also currently an instructor for Texas A&M’s Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
He assisted in creating the course curriculum and delivers training for PRT-145 an Oil & Gas
Exploration and Production Environmental Regulations course and OSH301 an Excavation,
Trenching,and soil mechanics course. He is a course instructor for OSH201 a hazardous
materials course concerning management of flammable and hazardous gasses and liquids.
Shiels teaches environmental courses for TEEX including Fundamentals of Geology, Storm
Water Permitting, Hazardous Waste Management, Introduction and Principles of Hydrogeology,
Environmental Sampling for Investigators, Environmental Field Analysis, Fate & Transport of
Contaminants, Environmental Site Assessments and the CHMM Exam Preparation Course.
Professional Accomplishments
Site Investigation Experience under RRR, TRRP, and
VCP/IOP Projects
- Conducted a comprehensive Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), using ASTM
standards, of a 40 acre industrial facility in west Dallas. The site had over 80 years of
industrial use including a magnesium bomb body factory that burned down in 1943,
four former gasoline/diesel service stations, a heat exchanger manufacturer and
truck/automobile repair facilities. Over 10 areas of concern were further investigated
by subsurface investigation using groundwater monitoring wells, soil borings and
trenches. The site was enrolled in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and closed with a Municipal Setting
Designation (MSD) so that MSD corrected Critical Protective Concentration Levels
(PCLs) could be used to close the site. The site was closed, from start to finish, in
18 months with the issuance of a Certificate of Completion (COC) by the TCEQ.
- Formulated a comprehensive site investigation plan for a former battery recycling
facility in Dallas, Texas. The facility contained hazardous and non-hazardous
concentrations of lead as well as broken battery casing chips in the soils. The plan
was accepted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and
implemented. Subsequent remedial action successfully treated the affected soil
on-site using the CHRED pre-treatment method (see 40 CFR 268.42) prior to
disposal in a Class I non-hazardous waste landfill. Subsequent to remedial action,
the closure report was submitted to the TCEQ. The TCEQ granted closure for the site.
- Conducted an Environmental Site Assessment on a printing facility. Environmental
concerns were further investigated and two groundwater plumes were identified;
one with a source from off-site and one with a source from on-site. The site was
entered into the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and the Innocent Owner
Purchaser (IOP) programs. Certificates of completion were issued for both the
IOP (off-site source) plume and the VCP (on-site) plume under TRRP.
- Conducted an environmental site investigation of a former dry cleaning plant
facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The plant released volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) related to the dry cleaning industry such as but not limited to,
tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE), cis-1,2 dichloroethylene,
trans-1,2 dichloroethylene and Vinyl Chloride.
- Conducted an environmental site investigation of a lubricating oil products
manufacturing plant in Arlington, TX. The project has included the installation
of 14 groundwater monitoring wells and numerous soil borings both on-site
and off-site. Laboratory results revealed that alcohol and chlorinated
hydrocarbons are present at the site in both soils and groundwater. Two of
the wells had trace amounts of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL)
that were periodically removed by utilizing a peristaltic pump. The site was
entered into the TCEQ’s VCP. An MSD was considered as a remedy for the site.
Environmental Compliance, Oil & Gas and Other Investigation Experience
- Conducted a multimedia environmental Compliance Audit of a major
Newspaper printing facility in north Texas. The audit was conducted pursuant
to Section 10(g) of the Environmental, Health and Safety Audit Privilege
Act, which provides immunity for violations voluntarily disclosed as a
result of a compliance audit. The scope of the audit included the evaluation
of the facilities compliance with applicable Environmental, Health and
Safety regulations, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
hazardous waste regulations and TCEQ Industrial Solid and Hazardous Waste
regulations, TCEQ’s Air Quality, TCEQ’s Texas Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (TPDES) Permit, and local Industrial Wastewater
Pretreatment Discharge Permits.
- Conducted air permit evaluations of 187 producing oil wells in East
Texas using current EPA and TCEQ air permit regulations (OOOO, NSPS, NESHAP,
GHG and PBR 106.352 etc...). An economic and expeditious approach was
developed and implemented to complete the project within 45 days.
- Conducted a multimedia environmental Compliance Audit of a heat
exchanger manufacturing facility in Dallas Texas. The audit was conducted
for the land owner in order to evaluate their tenant’s compliance with
applicable environmental regulations with respect to waste management
activities. The audit found many areas where risk could be reduced by better
waste management practices.
- Conducted a multimedia environmental Compliance Audit of an oil field
tool manufacturing facility near Waco, Texas. The audit was conducted for
the land owner in order to evaluate their tenant’s compliance with
applicable environmental regulations with respect to waste management
activities and facility operations. The audit found many areas where risk
could be reduced by better waste management practices. Additionally, the
final evaluation was instrumental in waste reduction and recycling practices
that actually made the facility more profitable. Wastes were re-managed as
recyclable assets or resources rather than unusable liabilities.
- Has conducted numerous moisture intrusion assessments during the
construction phase of structures in order to advise clients on remedial
actions and reconstruction activities.
- Developed SPCC plans and conducted air permit evaluations for an oil &
gas operator in East Texas. A total of 5 wells were included in the project.
The plans were completed including oil handler training for personnel who
manage and pump the wells.
- Developed SPCC plans and air permit evaluations for two salt water
disposal wells (Class II Injection Wells) in East Texas. The plans were
delivered and oil handler training was conducted to satisfy the requirements
of 40 CFR 112.
Superfund Experience
- Field Operation Manager during the subsurface investigation of a
hazardous waste site in southern Louisiana which involved the installation
of numerous stainless steel groundwater monitor wells to fulfill
requirements of the EPA Superfund Hazardous Ranking System (HRS). One of the
groundwater monitor wells was drilled in Level B Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).
- Project Manager of an expanded Superfund site investigation (ESI) for
Double Eagle Refinery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the U.S. EPA. Field
activities involved Level B and Level C surface sludge and soil sampling.
The extensive field and laboratory data were compiled in the ESI report and
submitted to the EPA for HRS support. This project preceded the Remedial
Investigation Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for the site.
Remediation/Closure Experience
- Managed numerous water events at construction projects where a release
occurred that affected multiple floors. A team is assembled to assess the extent
of the damage by mapping migration pathways throughout affected areas
utilizing water sensing equipment. Remedial plans are implemented until the
affected areas are cleared for build-back.
- Designed and implemented a soil flushing insitu-bioremediation
system for a UST facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The flushing system
consisted of a down-gradient recovery and up-gradient treated effluent water
discharge trench to facilitate groundwater movement. To enhance groundwater
treatment, a series of biotreatment wells were installed within the
subsurface petroleum hydrocarbon plume. The site reached closure goals
within 8 months.
- Conducted groundwater monitoring and sampling for a site in Grapevine,
Texas. The groundwater plume contained dissolved concentrations of
trichloroethylene, cis-1, 2-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride. The project
involved installation of groundwater monitoring wells to delineate the
horizontal and vertical extent of affected media. Geological cross-sections
and geological subsurface maps were drawn to evaluate the site’s geology.
Numerous subsurface maps of groundwater contaminants were drawn to
illustrate the dimension and character of the groundwater plume. Observed
and monitored the installation and operation of a potassium permanganate
injection system utilized to treat the chlorinated solvent affected
groundwater. Conducted groundwater sampling to evaluate the effectiveness of
the potassium permanganate injections. The project is on-going.
- Conducted site investigation, limited remediation and closure of a
former warehouse operation in Dallas, Texas. Soil sampling at the site
revealed elevated levels of TPH, chromium, and lead contamination in five
areas of concern. Conducted additional soil sampling and groundwater
investigation to delineate the site. After limited soil excavation and
removal, the site was granted closure under the TCEQ’s VCP program.
- Conducted site investigation and closure of a pesticide warehouse
operation. The investigation activities revealed the presence of herbicides
and pesticides in site soils. Initiated a response action which consisted of
removing a truck wash pit and excavating the surrounding soils. ASTs were
also emptied, cleaned, and removed from the site. Following completion of
the excavation activities, verification sampling was conducted to ensure
that the TCEQ cleanup levels had been achieved. The excavated soil was
classified as a Class I non-hazardous waste and properly disposed of
off-site at an approved disposal facility. After receiving acceptable
verification sample results, the excavation was backfilled with suitable
fill and the site was restored. Through completion of this response action,
TCEQ cleanup levels were achieved for soils at this site and closure
granted under the TCEQ’s VCP.
- Conducted site investigation, decontamination and closure oversight of a
former semiconductor assembly building. Site investigation efforts concluded
that the facility’s waste collection system had leaked over time and
released trichloroethylene (TCE) into soils at the site. The site was
entered into the TCEQ’s VCP where a remedial plan was approved involving the
excavation and removal of the affected soil to below the TCE cleanup
criteria. Provided oversight of remedial contractor to verify that closure
goals were met.
- Conducted UST removal and site investigation project for a former retail
gasoline station site in Dallas, TX. Approximately 10 abandoned UST’s were
removed from the site along with affected soils. Site was entered into the
TCEQ’s LPST program for reimbursement and closure was received.
- Provided spill response services to a construction company for release
of lime to nearby surface water (duck pond in park). Designed and installed
CO2 injection system, into a water circulation system to buff the pond water
with carbonic acid to reduce the pH of the water to within regulatory
requirements (near neutral). Provided contractor oversight to verify that
closure goals were attained. Closure with TCEQ approval was received within
3 months.
- Conducted site investigation and closure of a 204 acre former
semiconductor plant containing manufacturing buildings, chemical tank farm
and wastewater evaporation pond. Site sampling efforts revealed the presence
of chlorinated hydrocarbons and TPH in soils and groundwater at the site.
Site investigations and cleanup were conducted under the TCEQ VCP
requirements. A soil vapor survey was conducted to identify potential areas
of soil contamination. In-situ remediation techniques are being evaluated to
speed up remediation of soils and groundwater at the site. The site has
successfully partially completed the closures of some areas of the site and
is currently in the remediation planning phase for the remaining areas of
concern. The site will be closed under the TRRP VCP.
- Conducted site investigation and closure activities from a produced
water spill at a Class II injection well in Wise County. The high level leak
detection equipment failed to shut in the injection system and salt water
was released to a near-by creek. The creek was dammed down-stream of the
spill and fresh water was used to flush the stream system
from the point of release to just before the dam where water was removed
with a vacuum truck. Recovered water was injected into the Class II well.
Periodic testing of the flush water showed a drastic reduction in chlorides
and the creek water and soils were returned to near background levels within
3 days. Closure from the Railroad Commission was obtained.
- Conducted UST removal and site investigation project for a 20,000 gallon
diesel UST at a site in Dallas, TX. Confirmatory soil sampling from the
excavation revealed that no soils were impacted from TPH or BTEX compounds.
The site was entered into the TCEQ’s LPST program and closure was received.
Expert Witness Experience
- Served as an expert witness concerning multiple salt water spills on the
plaintiff's property by an oil and gas operator. The oil and gas operator
was operating an oil field water flood project and was responsible for salt
water spills that impacted surface soil and a creek. Testimony included
disclosure of the results of an environmental site investigation to
determine the approximate impacted area, time and source of the
contamination. The case was settled out of court.
- Served as an expert witness where a fire caused injury to workers
who were moving flammable liquids and water between three hydraulic
fracturing tanks (Frac Tanks). The liquids were produced from a gas well.
The workers were employed to monitor the Frac Tanks as they received fluids
from the Well. During pumping, a fire burned the workers.
The case settled out of court.
- Retained as an expert witness on a case where tetrachloroethylene (PERC)
was released from a neighboring dry cleaners onto the plaintiff's property.
Testimony included disclosure of the results of an extensive site
investigation to determine the source and extent of the affected media. The
case was settled by way of arbitration.
- Served as an expert witness on a case where hazardous industrial waste
sludge was spilled on the plaintiff's property. Testimony included
disclosure of the results of an extensive environmental site investigation
that determined the aerial extent of affected media. The case was settled
out of court.
- Served as an expert witness for a former dry cleaner operator to defend
against accusations of contaminating a leased space. Sample results were
used to show that the contamination at the site resulted from a previous
tenant and not the defendant.
- Served as an expert witness on a property where a petroleum storage tank
facility had historical releases of gasoline constituents to groundwater. A
study and presentation of findings using historical and current data during
arbitration settled the case out of court.
- Served as an expert witness on a property where a petroleum storage tank
facility had historical releases of gasoline constituents to groundwater.
The property is currently being used as a bank. A neighboring property
claimed that the concentrations and nature of the chemicals of concern
(COCs) were of risk to the users of the neighboring property; a shopping
center in the Dallas area and that the property value had been diminished as
a result of the release. Defendant (owner of the historical source of COCs)
filed for summary judgment after a series of depositions and obtained the
judgment in Federal court.
- Served as an expert witness in a pipeline right-of-way dispute where
right-of-way property was alleged to have encroached on land that could have
been developed by a subdivision. The subdivision accused the utility owner
of “damaging developable property”. Case has been settled.
PUBLICATIONS AND ABSTRACTS
- Co-Author of Texas A&M TEEX course PRT-145; Oil & Gas Exploration
and Production Environmental Regulations course (9/05 to present);
- Co-Author of Texas A&M TEEX course OSH-301; Excavation, Trenching, and
Soil Mechanics course (01/16 to present);
- Author of “Environmental Challenges to Managing Production Waste
Streams” for State Bar of Texas Environmental Impacts of Oil and Gas
Production January 31, 2014.
- Co-Author of “Environmental Compliance in the Oil Patch” for SIPES
Quarterly Volume XLIX Number 2 November 2012.
- Editor for Laurence J. “Sandy” Horan III, MBA, JD. 2005. Chapter on
CERCLA Liability and All Appropriate Inquiry in the Academy of Certified
Hazardous Materials Managers (ACHMM) Hazardous Materials Management Desk
Reference.
Training
INSTRUCTOR
- Texas A&M TEEX course PRT-145; Oil & Gas Exploration and Production
Environmental Regulations course (9/05 to present);
- Texas A&M TEEX course OSH-301; Excavation, Trenching, and Soil Mechanics
course (01/16-present);
- Texas A&M TEEX course OSH-201; Hazardous Materials course (10/15-
present);
- Provides local industry with the instruction of the 40-hour HAZWOPER
training course. Also provides lock-out Tagout training, confined space
entry and H2S Awareness training. Also provides local industry with 8-hour
refresher training for HAZWOPER. Also have provided specific hazardous
materials handling training for private industry
companies;
- Guest speaker at the Dallas Bar Association/Construction Section on
Environmental Issues in the Construction Industry (06/09);
- Served on staff of BSA Wood Badge 89 (Spring 2009);
- Attended and was guest speaker at the Environmental Law Seminar hosted
by the Kaufman County Bar Association summer 2006 and 2007;
- Assisted in creating the course curriculum for PRT-145 and OSH 301 for
TEEX. Also conducts training for PRT-145, OSH301, OSH201, OSH226 and OSH511.
RECENT (last 10 years) COURSE ATTENDANCE
- Visible Emissions Evaluation Training for EPA Methods 9, 22, 203A, 203B,
and 203C. (CAAI 01/2017);
- Confined Space Entry OSH226 for General Industry (TEEX 01/2017;
- OS&H Standards for General Industry OSH511 for Oil & Gas E&P (TEEX
10/2015;
- Excavation, Trenching and Soil Mechanics OSH 301 (TEEX 08/2015)
- Hazardous Materials OSH201 (TEEX 05/2015);
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Training (PRC 12/2014);
- Machinery & Machine Guarding Standards OSH 204 (TEEX 03/2015);
- AGC/EPA Construction Storm Water Program; webinar 3/10;
- Human Resource Center of Texas A&M on Ethics and Reporting Fraud, Waste
and Abuse (annual 2007 to 2017);
- Human Resource Center of Texas A&M on Creating a discriminating-free
work space (annual 2007 to 2017);
- BSA Trainer’s Edge Course (2/09);
- Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists Ethics Training (Annual);
- Ethical Practice of Petroleum Engineering, (10/07)
- Northwest Environmental Training Center course on Fundamental
Contaminant Chemistry and Contaminant Chemistry and Transport in Soil and
Groundwater (2/07);
- Brookhaven College Oil & Gas Operations in Urban Areas (10/07);
- Lorman Education Services Current Issues In Storm Water Regulation
(2/06);q
