Disciplinary Actions
Tex. Occ. Code §1002.403(a) authorizes the TBPG to issue public and private reprimands, impose administrative penalties, impose probation on a licensee, require that a licensee obtain remedial education and training, suspend a license, or revoke a license for violation of the Geoscience Practice Act or TBPG rules.
Public reprimands are placed on the TBPG website for a period of five (5) years following a Board Order and are removed once the five (5) year period has lapsed and compliance with the terms and conditions of a Board Order has been demonstrated.
This page’s text may be searched by using Ctrl+F to quickly find name, complaint number, date, or violation.
| Date | Complaint | Name | Violation/Citation | Discipline |
| 5/10/2024 | 2020-00007 | Tracey O’Shay, P.G. #3711 | TAC §851.102(a) – Failed to act with reasonable care and competence in applying the technical knowledge and skill, which is ordinarily applied by reasonably prudent Professional Geoscientists practicing under similar circumstances and conditions. | $2000 administrative penalty and the requirement to obtain 40 hours of remedial training in geological groundwater issues and restrict their practice to soil science issues until 32 hours of the required 40 hours of qualified remedial geological training has been completed and accepted by TBPG. |
| 05/12/2023 | 2023-00017 | Robert Vince, P.G.#10382 | TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that Continuing Education requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. License # 10382; TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 Professional Development Hours (PDH) in geoscience continuing education; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; and TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed copy of CE Activity Log demonstrating compliance with CEP requirements for annual license renewal when audited. |
$4000 Administrative Penalty |
| 11/18/2022 | 2022-00014 | Robert Pennison, P.G. #215 |
TAC 851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH prior to annual license renewal; TAC 851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CE log when audited; TAC 851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CE requirements had been met when renewing PG license. |
$350 Administrative Penalty and the condition that 9 PDH be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license #215 can be renewed |
| 11/19/2021 | 2021-00008 | Waseem Ahmed | TOC §1002.251(a) – Engaged in the unlicensed practice of geoscience by preparing one geoscience report for a client without being licensed. | $5000 Administrative Penalty and Cease and Desist Order |
| 11/19/2021 | 2021-00009 | Accelerate Environmental Health | TOC §1002.251(a) – Engaged in the unlicensed practice of geoscience by preparing one geoscience report for a client without being licensed or registered. | $5000 Administrative Penalty; Cease and Desist Order; hire a P.G. and obtain registration as a Geoscience Firm; ensure ongoing compliance with TBPG Act and Rules; submit quarterly notifications to TBPG regarding employment status of PG in responsible charge for the firm |
| 04/28/2021 | 2021-00005 | Henry Wise, P.G. | TOC §1002.251(a) – practicing with an expired license | $100 Administrative Penalty |
| 11/15/19 | 2019011 | Leak-Tec Corp | TAC 851.104(a) – repeatedly renewing a PG license for a PG who was deceased; TAC 851.112 (a)(1) – repeated failure to update the firm’s P.G. in resp. charge. | $60,000 Administrative Penalty |
| 11/15/19 | 2019014 | Valary L. Schulz, P.G. | TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed copy of the PDH Activity Log, when audited | $100 Administrative Penalty |
| 11/15/19 | 2019015 | James G. Ferry, P.G. | TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed copy of the PDH Activity Log, when audited | $100 Administrative Penalty |
| 8/23/19 | 2019002 | TerraSond | TAC §851.30(a) – offering geoscience services in Texas without being a registered geoscience firm with the TBPG | $100 Administrative Penalty; Order to Cease & Desist from unregistered practice |
| 8/23/19 | 2019003 | Intertek PSI | TOC §1002.351(a)(1) – failed to use a licensed professional geoscientist to prepare a geoscience report for a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment for a site in Texas | $100 Administrative Penalty |
| 2/01/19 | 2018032 | James Matthews | TOC §1002.251(a) – engaged in public practice of geoscience in Texas without being licensed | $100 Administrative Penalty; Order to Cease & Desist from unlicensed practice |
| 2/01/19 | 2018042 | Terah O. Isiahiliza | TOC §1002.251(b)(1) – using the initials “P.G.” as part of a professional/business identification while unlicensed; TOC §1002.251(b)(2) – representing to the public as part of a professional/business identification that he is currently licensed while license is expired | $200 Administrative Penalty; Order to Cease & Desist from unlicensed practice |
| 11/30/18 | 2017022 | Terah O. Isiahiliza, PG #6852 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH for annual license year; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics for annual license year; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed copy of the PDH Activity Log, when audited, that satisfied CE requirements; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing license | $400 Administrative Penalty and Condition that 15 PDH, including one PDH in Ethics, must be obtained before Texas P.G. License #6852 can be renewed |
| 11/30/18 | 2017047 | Waseem Ahmed | TOC §1002.251(a) – Engaged in the unlicensed practice of geoscience by preparing five geoscience reports for sites in Texas | $500 Administrative Penalty and Cease and Desist Order |
| 11/30/18 | 2017048 | Accelerate Environmental Health | TAC §851.30(a) – – Engaged in the unregistered practice of geoscience by preparing five geoscience reports for sites in Texas | $500 Administrative Penalty and Cease and Desist Order |
| 11/30/18 | 2018033 | Robert J. Vince, PG 10382 | TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed copy of the PDH Activity Log, when audited, that satisfied CE requirements | $100 Administrative Penalty |
| 11/30/18 | 2018034 | David P. Thetford, PG #5499 | TAC 851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH for annual license year; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics for annual license year; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed copy of the PDH Activity Log, when audited, that satisfied CE requirements; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing license | $400 Administrative Penalty and Condition that 15 PDH, including one PDH in Ethics, must be obtained before Texas P.G. License #5499 can be renewed |
| 11/30/18 | 2018038 | TTL, Inc. | TAC §851.30(a) – Engaged in the unregistered practice of geoscience by preparing five geoscience reports for sites in Texas while registration was expired | $500 Administrative Penalty |
| 08/17/18 | 2014020 | Richard D. Burrell, PG 1726 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiry; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 08/17/18 | 2014027 | Jonathan V. Hufnagel, PG 2811 |
TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiry; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty |
| 08/17/18 | 2014032 | Patrick L. Higgs, PG 985 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiry; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty |
| 08/17/18 | 2014042 | David K. Earnest, PG 334 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $400 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 08/17/18 | 2015042 | Judith R. McCulley, PG 5301 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP | $200 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 7 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 7 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 08/17/18 | 2017001 | Suzanne C. Wakeman, PG 271 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiry; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 08/17/18 | 2017040 | Andrew Lattu, PG 2027 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiry; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 08/17/18 | 2017033 | Travis Shackelford, PG 2875 | TAC §851.156(k) – Failure to seal geoscience reports; §851.104(a)(3) – Aiding and abetting unregistered firm practice | $1000 Administrative Penalty and Condition that 5 hours be spent reviewing the Act and Board rules |
| 08/17/18 | 2018019 | Frank C. Mabry, III, PG 4569 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiry; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 08/17/18 | 2018020 | Ronald J. Wilson, PG 6047 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. | $400 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 08/17/18 | 2018023 | Craig S. Courtney | TOC §1002.251(b)(1) – Using initials “P.G.” while license expired; §1002.251(b)(2) – representing to the public that Mr. Courtney holds a current Texas P.G. license while his license was expired | $400 Administrative Penalty; Order to Cease and Desist from engaging in the unlicensed practice of geoscience |
| 04/27/18 | #2017062 | Barton P. Wilson, PG #6472 | TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed copy of the PDH Activity Log, when audited, that satisfied CE requirements; TAC §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiry (CE audit) | $200 Administrative Penalty |
| 02/23/18 | #2013011 | Steven Dickson | TOC §1002.251(b)(1) – use of initials “P.G.” as part of a professional/business identification while license expired; TOC §1002.251(b)(2) – representing to the public while license is expired that he is qualified to engage in public practice of geoscience in Texas. | $200 Administrative Penalty; Order to Cease & Desist from unlicensed practice |
| 02/23/18 | #2014041 | Randy Andrews, P.G. #3327 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; TAC §851.32(k)– Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $400 Administrative Penalty; Public Reprimand; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 02/23/18 | 2017054 | Carol A. Williams, PG #869 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.101(d) – Failure to promptly respond to Board inquiry; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 02/23/18 | 2018003 | Ronald L. Phair, PG #948 | TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited | $200 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 1 PDH in Ethics must be obtained in addition to the 1 PDH in Ethics required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 11/17/17 | #2013023 | Craig A. Whitted, PG #5562 | TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH in Continuing Education and submit Activity Log that demonstrated compliance with CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiries; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $300 Administrative Penalty |
| 11/17/17 | #2013035 | John L. Kniffen, PG #102 | TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH in Continuing Education and submit Activity Log that demonstrated compliance with CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.101(d) – Failure to respond to Board inquiries; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $300 Administrative Penalty |
| 11/17/17 | #2014044 | N.J. Fix, PG #6429 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.101(d) – Failure to promptly respond to Board inquiry; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH, including one PDH in Ethics, must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 11/17/17 | #2016058 | Michael A. Younger, PG #5666 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.101(d) – Failure to promptly respond to Board inquiry; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH, including one PDH in Ethics, must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 11/17/17 | #2016059 | James L. Brezina, PG #260 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $500 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH, including one PDH in Ethics, must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 11/17/17 | #2017034 | BBG Assessment | TAC §851.30(a) – engaged in the unregistered practice of geoscience in Texas by preparing 15 geoscience reports | $1500 Administrative Penalty; Order to Cease & Desist from engaging in geoscience practice until firm becomes registered |
| 11/17/17 | #2017035 | Robert W. Hill, Jr., PG #4223 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 4 PDH of the required 15 PDH; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $300 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 4 PDH must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |
| 11/17/17 | #2017055 | Bryan J. McMicken, PG #2376 | TAC §851.32(c) – Failure to obtain 15 PDH; TAC §851.32(d) – Failure to obtain one PDH in Ethics; TAC §851.32(k) – Failure to submit a completed CEP Activity log that satisfied CEP requirements when audited; TAC §851.104(a)(2) – Falsely certified that CEP requirements had been met when renewing Texas P.G. license | $400 Administrative Penalty; Condition that 15 PDH, including one PDH in Ethics, must be obtained in addition to the 15 PDH required for annual license renewal before Texas P.G. license can be renewed |