Paleo Solutions, Inc.
911 S. Primrose Ave., Unit J Monrovia, CA 91016
Qualifications
www.paleosolutions.com DBE - SBE - WBE - UDBE WOSB - EDWOSB
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.
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 strive to be the best and offer:
GIS
Archaeology
Paleontology
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
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.
Archaeology Services
Paleontology 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
We offer a complete range of cultural resources
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
Geraldine Aron, MS
Dr. Paul C. Murphey
Position: President and Principal Investigator
Experience: 16 years
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 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.
Jeff Hathaway, PG
Courtney Richards
Jennifer Kelly
Meghan Lamb, RPA
Kate Zubin-Stathopolous
Andrew Hernandez
Position: Safety Officer
Experience: 12 years
Education: M.S. Geology
Position: Osteologist
Experience: 4 years
Education: M.A. Anthropology
Position: Paleontologist
Experience: 9 years
Education: M.S. Biological Sciences
Position: Paleontologist
Experience: 9 years
Education: M.Sc. Geoscience
Position: Paleontologist
Experience: 6 years
Education: M.S. Geology
Position: Operations Manager
Experience: 10 years
Education: MBA
Southern California Edison (SCE) - Kern, Los Angeles & San Bernardino Counties
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
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.
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
Project Specifications
for this 173-mile project of new and upgraded high-voltage 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.
Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Line
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Imperial County
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
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.
Project Specifications
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.
Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility Project
BLM Permitting EIR/EIS Analysis Inventory Assessment Technical Report
Monitoring & Mitigation Plan Construction Monitoring Research Design GIS Database
Construction Monitoring Artifact Recovery Identification & Cataloging Extensive Rail Safety Training
Pre-Grade Training Worker Education/Training CEQA/NEPA Compliance Curation Agreement
Project Specifications
Colton Crossing Flyover Project
Union Pacific Railroad Company & Caltrans District 8 - Los Angeles County
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
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.
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 Mitigation & Monitoring Plan Identification & Cataloging Fossil Recovery
BLM Permitting Worker Education/Training Sensitivity Classification Curation Agreement
NextEra Energy - Riverside County
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
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.
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.
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority - Los Angeles County
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
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.
Project Specifications
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.
LA Regional Interoperable
Communications Systems (LA-RICS)
San Luis Obispo County Flood & Water Conservation District
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
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.
Project Specifications
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.
Nacimiento Water Project
Field Surveys Final Technical Report Fossil Recovery UXO Training
Construction Monitoring Artifact Recovery Laboratory Work Final Monitoring Report
Project Specifications
Tustin Legacy Planned Community
The City of Tustin - Orange County
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
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.
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
Paleo Mitigation Plan Worker Education/Training Construction Monitoring Final Monitoring Report
Fossil Recovery
State of California, Department of Transportation District 11 - San Diego County
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,
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.
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.
I-805 North HOV/BRT Design Build Project
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.
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.
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.
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 decision-making that requires red tape. We are fast, decisive, and available 24/7 for our clients.
The Paleo Solution Advantage
California Bureau of Land Management CA-10-006P
Arizona Bureau of Land Management 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
Permits
Arizona Department of Transportation California Unified Certification Program (Caltrans)
Colorado Unified Certification Program Idaho Transportation Department Unified Certification Program
Montana Department of Transportation Nevada Department of Transportation
North Dakota Department of Transportation Oregon Department of Transportation Wyoming Department of Transportation
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certifications
California Public Utilities Commission Oregon Office of Minority, Women & Emerging Small Business
Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Certifications
City of Los Angeles (LABVN) Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Los Angeles Unified School District Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Port of Long Beach California Department of General Services
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Colorado Office of Economic Development DSBO
Small Business/Very Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certifications
Monrovia, CA 91016 (562) 818-7713
Geraldine Aron, MS
