Scientific and engineering advisory panel
The purpose of the Scientific and Engineering Advisory Panel is to advise the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) on scientific matters associated with the resource assessment components of the State Water Plan. Regional water planning starts with a scientific assessment of the capabilities of Georgia’s rivers, lakes and aquifers. The Scientific and Engineering Advisory Panel’s role is to ensure that the scientific basis of the resource assessments is sound and will yield credible results. As specified on page 14 of the State Water Plan, the panel is a “technical advisory group with expertise in disciplines such as hydrology, biology, engineering, and other fields."
The Scientific and Engineering Advisory Panel focuses specifically on the resource assessment methods. Advice from the panel has helped EPD improve and validate the resource assessment methods. The panel was not asked to provide advice on forecasts of water use nor address questions specific to any water use sector. Input from professionals with water-related experience and other stakeholders on those questions has been, and will be, solicited through other channels such as the ad hoc groups assisting with the various forecasts.
The full package of information on the resource assessments - methods, supporting factors, and results - is available for public review and comment here.
Members of the Scientific and Engineering Advisory Panel were selected by EPD for their expertise in hydrologic, biologic, and engineering science. The members of the panel are:
David Allan, University of Michigan
Bruce Beck, University of Georgia
Mary Freeman, U.S. Geological Survey
Aris Georgakakos, Georgia Institute of Technology
Wendy D. Graham, University of Florida
Jim Greenfield U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
Todd Rasmussen, University of Georgia
Brian Richter, The Nature Conservancy
Seth Rose, Georgia State University
Amy Rosemond, University of Georgia
Press Release
Panel member's bio sketches
October 5 and 6, 2009 Scientific and Engineering Advisory Pannel Workshop Summary