Statement of Qualifications Paleo Solutions, Inc. 911 S. Primrose Ave., Unit J Monrovia, CA 91016 (562) 818-7713 info@paleosolutions.com www.paleosolutions.com Geraldine Aron, MS President and CEO DBE - SBE - WBE - UDBE WOSB - EDWOSB
About Us Our client roster includes local and national companies and government agencies. All have come to count on our company for smart, strategic, cost-effective solutions to their paleontological and archaeological compliance needs. Part of the construction solution and not the bottleneck. 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 cultural and natural resources. We ll come to you with fresh ideas to save project dollars while increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Let us show you how our strategies can help you reach your project goals. Founded by Geraldine Aron and Scott Armstrong in 2004, our company offers the attentive services of a boutique firm while providing the capabilities, staffing, and financial stability of a national firm. Placing emphasis on sound, strategic, and extremely well defined planning, we ve continually exceeded clients expectations and strive to provide the highest-quality services to our clients on every project, every time. We strive to be the best and offer: GIS Paleontology Archaeology Please request our very own Dr. Paul C. Murphey s A Foundation for Best Practices in Mitigation Paleontology landmark paper presenting the first comprehensive set of best practices for paleontological resource impact mitigation. 2 Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Our Services Research and strategy lead the way at our company. With a focus on results, we provide paleontological and archaeological services for the power and energy, rail, transportation, water, education, government, mining, development, and environmental service industries. Paleontology Services Archaeology 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; fossil preparation, identification and analysis. Services: Desk and Field Level Reviews Compliance-based Studies for PEAs, EIR/EISs, IS/MND Literature Research/Reviews & Museum Record Searches Construction Mitigation Monitoring Pedestrian Surveys and Technical Reporting Monitoring and Mitigation Treatment Plans Avoidance versus Mitigation Studies Field Permits for Survey and Monitoring Fossil Recovery: Micro and Macro Laboratory and Curation Preparation Museum Record Searches & Literature Reviews GIS Mapping of Paleontological Sensitivity Third-party Peer Reviews Paleo Solutions team understands the complex nature of cultural resources regulations. Though Paleo Solution s core competency is paleontology, we offer a cadre of archaeologists and cross-trained archaeologists/ paleontologists to meet our client s needs. We also provide field and technical support to large national and international archaeology specialty firms. Services: Archaeological Assessments Archaeological Surveys Archaeological Site Testing & Evaluation Archaeological Data Recovery & Site Mitigation Construction Mitigation Monitoring Historical and Archival Research Native American Consultation GIS Data Collection Collections Management HABS/HAER/HALS Laboratory Processing Educational Programs Environmental Impact Consultation We offer a complete range of cultural resources management services throughout the United States. Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications 3
Principals Position: President and Principal Investigator Experience: 16 years Geraldine Aron, MS 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 and Principal Investigator Experience: 22 years Dr. Paul C. Murphey 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. 4 Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Key Staff Jeff Hathaway, PG Courtney Richards Jennifer Kelly Position: Safety Officer Experience: 12 years Education: M.S. Geology Position: Paleontologist Experience: 9 years Education: M.S. Biological Sciences Position: Paleontologist Experience: 6 years Education: M.S. Geology Meghan Lamb, RPA Kate Zubin-Stathopolous Andrew Hernandez Position: Osteologist Experience: 4 years Education: M.A. Anthropology Position: Paleontologist Experience: 9 years Education: M.Sc. Geoscience Position: Operations Manager Experience: 10 years Education: MBA Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications 5
Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Line Edison s Largest Capital Project Southern California Edison (SCE) - Kern, Los Angeles & San Bernardino Counties Through careful and proactive paleontological monitoring and reporting, and by developing excellent working relationships with both construction workers and staff on-site and Southern California Edison personnel, Paleo Solutions has worked to ensure compliance with all state and local regulations for this expansive and high-visibility project. For the past six years, Paleo Solutions has been responsible for all paleontological aspects of TRTP and other associated Areas of Potential Effects (APEs), including, but not limited to, surveying and grading for access roads, pulling and splicing locations, marshaling and staging yards, shooflies, and tower erection sites for this 173-mile project of new and upgraded highvoltage transmission lines. The team worked closely with SCE to identify areas where monitoring activities could be reduced through the life of the project, naming high, moderate, and low sensitivity for paleontological resources. Project Specifications Construction Monitoring Paleo Management Plans Fossil Salvage Fossil Identification Field Survey Paleo Mitigation Plans Data Recovery GIS Database Federal/State Consultation Intensive Inventory Survey Worker Education/Training Standardized Reporting Formats 6 Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility Project Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Imperial County The Bureau of Land Management required an EIR/EIS for this 315MW wind farm on approximately 12,436 acres of BLM-administered land. During the construction phase, Paleo Solutions provided third-party monitoring services to ensure compliance. Paleo Solutions conducted all paleontological related services for the project during the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement phase. Paleo Solutions recommended avoidance for approximately 1,000 acres of a proposed project area due to high fossils yield. Paleo Solutions approach to both the desktop and pedestrian survey allowed us to not have to re-survey changes to the project area footprint that fell within the 15,000 acre at a cost saving to our clients. During the construction phase of the project, Paleo Solutions provided third-party monitoring services. Project Specifications BLM Permitting EIR/EIS Analysis Inventory Assessment Technical Report Monitoring & Mitigation Plan Construction Monitoring Research Design GIS Database Desktop & Field Surveys Third-Party Monitoring Worker Education/Training Literature Review Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications 7
Colton Crossing Flyover Project Union Pacific Railroad Company & Caltrans District 8 - Los Angeles County To reduce train crossing conflicts and hours-long congestion, in November 2011, work began on the grade separation project, with the final design being a 2.2-km east-west flyover of Union Pacific tracks over north-south BNSF tracks. Paleo Solutions provided cross-trained archaeological and paleontological monitors resulting in cost-savings. Paleo Solutions was hired to conduct paleontological and archaeological monitoring for the designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs). Numerous archaeological sites have been protected by Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) near and with in the limits of construction. This project complied with both NEPA and CEQA. In addition, several members of our staff successfully completed UPRR extensive safety training and background checks. We utilized cross-trained monitors and effective communication with the on-site superintendent to help reduce project costs. Project Specifications Construction Monitoring Artifact Recovery Identification & Cataloging Extensive Rail Safety Training Pre-Grade Training Worker Education/Training CEQA/NEPA Compliance Curation Agreement 8 Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm Project NextEra Energy - Riverside County Desert Sunlight Solar Farm Project (DSSF) is a 500MW photovoltaic power station in the Mojave Desert. Paleo Solutions conducted all aspects of paleontological activities for all 3,800 acres of the world s largest photovoltaic solar farm. Paleo Solutions conducted all aspects of paleontological resources for the DSSF project. Prior to commencement of fieldwork, a Paleontological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (PMMP) in accordance with Riverside County and BLM standard guidelines was completed. Proper BLM authorization and permitting to conduct surveying and a research design was completed for field reconnaissance and documentation. Upon commencement of fieldwork, PSI conducted paleontological monitoring of construction during all ground-disturbance. Project Specifications Construction Monitoring Mitigation & Monitoring Plan Identification & Cataloging Fossil Recovery BLM Permitting Worker Education/Training Sensitivity Classification Curation Agreement Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications 9
LA Regional Interoperable Communications Systems (LA-RICS) Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority - Los Angeles County The Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) will provide improved radio and broadband communication for the public safety providers of the greater Los Angeles area. Paleo Solutions has provided paleontological and archaeological services during the entire project lifecycle. During the Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment phase, Paleo Solutions prepared paleontological sections and appendices for inclusion in the reports. Paleontological site record searches and additional literature reviews were conducted to determine paleontology site sensitivities. Paleontological, archaeological, and architectural history field surveys of up to 36 project locations scattered throughout Los Angeles County are being conducted by Paleo Solutions staff. Project Specifications Museum Records Search Technical Summary Field Surveys GIS of Geology/Paleo Sensitivity 10 Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Nacimiento Water Project San Luis Obispo County Flood & Water Conservation District The San Luis Obispo County Flood & Water Conservation District, in an effort to increase the future water supply to customers in San Luis Obispo County, constructed the Nacimiento Water Project - a 45-mile long water transmission pipeline. Paleo Solutions was retained to provide a Paleontological Resource Mitigation Plan and Survey for the 45-mile long pipeline. The survey helped define and locate potential paleontological sensitive resources and sediments being impacted during construction. During construction, Paleo Solutions was retained to provide paleontological resources management services, including on-site paleontological construction monitoring that was conducted for a year-and-a-half. All observed fossil specimens were poorly preserved, lacking the necessary diagnostic featured needed for low level taxonomic ID. All activities and final report were delivered below budget. Project Specifications Field Surveys Final Technical Report Fossil Recovery UXO Training Monitoring & Mitigation Plan Construction Monitoring Worker Education/Training Night work Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications 11
Tustin Legacy Planned Community The City of Tustin - Orange County Tustin Legacy is a 1,600-acre planned community in Tustin, CA developed on the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. Under CEQA, Paleo Solutions provided paleontological, archaeological, and Native American services during grading activities. Paleo Solutions was hired by the City of Tustin to conduct paleontological, archaeological, and Native American monitoring services during grading activities at the Tustin Legacy Project in Tustin, CA. Monitoring was conducted during impacts to undisturbed sediments. Numerous artifacts were recovered from the site, including ground stone tools such as shallow basins metates and manos, abolone shells, and hammerstones. Artifacts underwent final analysis and cataloging. A Final Monitoring Report was submitted upon completion of grading. Project Specifications Construction Monitoring Artifact Recovery Laboratory Work Final Monitoring Report 12 Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
I-805 North HOV/BRT Design Build Project State of California, Department of Transportation District 11 - San Diego County I-805 North HOV/BRT Project is a critical element of the San Diego Regional Transportation Plan s corridor of projects to increase capacity on I-805. As part of the Skanska team, Paleo Solutions completed all paleontological-related services. As part of the Skanska Design-Build team, Paleo Solutions completed a Paleontological Mitigation Plan (PMP) that was approved by Caltrans District 11. Prior to commencement of fieldwork, Paleo Solutions attended a preconstruction meeting to discuss field procedures, procedures for paleontology, safety protocol and established a communication plan. During grading/ excavation activities that impacted paleontological sensitive formations, a qualified paleontological technician was present under the direction of City and County Qualified Principal Paleontologist, Geraldine Aron. Project Specifications Paleo Mitigation Plan Worker Education/Training Construction Monitoring Final Monitoring Report Fossil Recovery Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications 13
The Paleo Solution Advantage Cost-Effective Environmental Solutions Why should you choose us for your paleontological and/or archaeological needs? Experience With over 10 years of corporate experience and 50+ years of combined senior level experience, we have the expertise to meet our client s requirements and needs. Resources With more than 30 qualified technicians in its arsenal, and a roster of on-call specialists that are utilized as-needed, Paleo Solutions can staff projects throughout the United States. Financial stability is absolutely key for providing our client s with the support their projects need. Managing cash flow and maintaining banking relationships means Paleo Solutions will always be there for you. Communication Your project will be handled by a project manager who will go step by step with you throughout the project lifecycle, and who will advise you on any of your project needs, questions or concerns. Fast As a small business, we don t suffer through decisionmaking that requires red tape. We are fast, decisive, and available 24/7 for our clients. Quality Our technicians are vetted through an 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 required expectation levels. We strive for excellence on every project and apply lessons learned from every project for continued improvement. Safety 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 disbursed to all employees and appropriate stakeholders. In-house safety meetings are conducted quarterly to review all safety issues. 14 Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
Certifications and Permits Permits California Bureau of Land Management Arizona Bureau of Land Management CA-10-006P AZ-000536 Nevada Bureau of Land Management N-91420 Utah Bureau of Land Management UT06-014S Nevada Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs 626 California Energy Commission Paleontological Resource Specialist State of Nevada/Nevada State Museum Antiquities Permit Number 248 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certifications Arizona Department of Transportation Colorado Unified Certification Program Montana Department of Transportation North Dakota Department of Transportation California Unified Certification Program (Caltrans) Idaho Transportation Department Unified Certification Program Nevada Department of Transportation Oregon Department of Transportation Wyoming Department of Transportation Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Certifications California Public Utilities Commission Oregon Office of Minority, Women & Emerging Small Business Small Business/Very Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certifications City of Los Angeles (LABVN) Los Angeles Unified School District Port of Long Beach San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metropolitan Water District of Southern California California Department of General Services Colorado Office of Economic Development DSBO Paleo Solutions, Inc. Statement of Qualifications 15
Statement of Qualifications Paleo Solutions, Inc. 911 S. Primrose, Unit J Monrovia, CA 91016 (562) 818-7713 info@paleosolutions.com www.paleosolutions.com Geraldine Aron, MS President