2025 Hydraulic Fracturing Workshop

Licensed Professional Engineer and Professional Geologist with over 33 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology, with Bachelors of Science degrees in Engineering and Geological Engineering, and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical emphasis. Facilitated and advisor on over 50 risk assessments for dams and levees, and performed ATR of over 50 USACE dam and levee projects including 17 as the lead. Have performed dam and levee inspections, over a dozen dam investigations, over a dozen design and modifications for dams, and construction observation of dams, modifications to dams, and water supply projects. Reviewed and managed reviews of 84 IRRMPs for USACE and over 100 dam and 80 levee DDPs from USACE and non-USACE organizations for dam and levee investigations. Organized, presented, and led multiple training workshops for USACE, private and professional organizations including the LST training, site Investigation workshops, led PFMA exercises at multiple training events.

Engineering Geology Technical Specialist/Geotechnical Engineer – Reclamation Technical Service Center Engineering Geology and Geophysics Group, Denver Colorado

30 Years Experience:

15 years Private Sector, 15 years Reclamation

Licensed Professional Geologist (Wyoming)

Licensed Professional Geotechnical Engineer (Colorado)

Member of Association of Engineering Geologist Dams and Levees Technical Working Group (AEG)

Member of American Rock Mechanics Association Deep Foundations (ARMA)

Work Experience with Reclamation includes:

Responsibilities include engineering geology/engineering analysis, which include subsurface characterization foundation acceptance mapping, photogrammetric analysis, seepage analysis, erodeability analysis, hard rock kinematics and soil slope stability, specification preparation/review. Dam Safety Advisory Team Member, Safety Of Dams Risk Analysis Estimator, Safety Of Dams Scoping Member, Value Engineering Team Member, Value Planning Team Member, Cost/Risk Team Member, Comprehensive Facility Review Team Member, Technical Review Team Member, Technology Development Panel Member, Dam Safety Risk Core Cadre Member. Site Characterization Subject Matter Expert.

Ron Hall is a Vice President for Nicholson Construction Company. Throughout his 49-year geotechnical career, he has held various operational and administrative roles in the geotechnical contracting industry. His two main focuses throughout his career have been leading successful field operations on a variety of complex and challenging projects and building strong relationships with owners, clients, contractors and engineers. These projects have involved techniques such as Deep Foundation/Earth Retention Systems, Ground Improvement, Anchors, Exploratory Drilling, Foundation Grouting, Cutoff and Diaphragm Wall works to name a few. His experience with a cross section of owners and engineers has allowed him to develop an acute understanding of drilling and ground improvement concepts to support the practical implantation from concept into design and finally to the field. 

Mr. Ginther is a geotechnical engineer and construction manager specializing in seepage barriers, grouting, cutoff walls, dam design and construction, and dam safety.

Jim began his career in the late 1990s and holds a master’s degree in Geology from Kent State University. Specializing in sonic drilling technology, he focuses on addressing complex project challenges, from initial drilling program planning to field implementation. His expertise spans critical infrastructure projects, including dams, tunnels, and other ground improvement project.

Throughout his career, Jim has positively contributed to several high-hazard dam projects across the United States, as well as other specialized infrastructure and environmental drilling initiatives. He collaborates closely with key clients across various industries, delivering innovative and practical drilling solutions tailored to diverse project needs.