Lot 4 work suspended; lot across street progressing

Two stockpiles of soil containing what tests have confirmed to be decaying diesel fuel were removed last week from Lot 4, where three underground storage tanks were recently found. The University’s expert consultants and government agencies have determined that the site does not pose a health risk to the public.

Further work on the parking lot has stopped while the latest soil test results are assessed and plans to remediate the site are formulated, according to Marc Brunner, BGSU project manager.

Two weeks ago, an odor was detected when contractors were removing debris from the property to expand the lot on the south side of Pike Street. Excavation located the underground tanks.

The University’s Environmental Health Services was notified, and Toledo Testing Laboratories (TTL) Associates, LLC, an environmental services firm, was hired to investigate the source of the odor and determine what steps need to be taken to remediate it. The University also is working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the city of Bowling Green, the Wood County Health Department and the Wood County Emergency Management Service.

The strength of the odor has varied, becoming more prevalent when air temperature rises or the soil is being excavated, according to Brunner. Monitoring systems indicate the air does not present a health risk under EPA standards—findings confirmed by both TTL and the Ohio EPA.

Work continues in the University parking lot on the north side of Pike Street. That lot should be completed by the end of October, Brunner said. When finished, the north-side parking lot will provide 128 spaces for commuter student use.

Ohio Ethics Commission director to discuss ethics laws, trends

David E. Freel, executive director of the Ohio Ethics Commission, will discuss the state’s ethics laws and ethical trends Thursday (Sept. 30) at BGSU. “Ethics is Everybody’s Business” is the title of Freel’s talk, set for 2:30-4 p.m. in 101A Olscamp Hall.

Freel joined the Ohio Ethics Commission in 1983, as counsel, and was associate director from 1987-93. Executive director since 1994, he supervises a 20-member staff and oversees the commission’s day-to-day responsibilities, which include providing ethics advice to public officials and employees before they act; confidentially investigating alleged unethical actions of state and local public servants, and managing financial disclosure made by 10,500 public officeholders.

Freel received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Ohio State University in 1974 and was a faculty member in the OSU College of Law from 1979-83. He had been a trial attorney in the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office for two years after earning his law degree from Capital University's School of Law in 1977.

He is a past president of the Council of Governmental Ethics Laws and was presented its Outstanding Service Award in 2002.

Freel’s talk is part of the Affirmative Direction Series sponsored by the University’s Office of Equity and Diversity.

Arts & Sciences Forum explores origins of America’s national parks

Richard Grusin, author and chair of the Wayne State University English department, will speak on “Reproducing Nature: Technology of National Parks” in the College of Arts & Sciences Forum series. The forum will be held Oct. 5 in the Sky Bank Room of Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

Grusin will discuss the origins of America’s national parks as complex cultural representations or productions. His book, Culture, Technology, and the Creation of America’s National Parks, will be available in the University Bookstore.

The forum will take place from noon-1:15 p.m. Reservations are required by Friday (Oct. 1). Contact the college office at 2-2340 or email mjhitt@bgnet.bgsu.edu. Reservations should include your BGSU identification number.

A foccacia sandwich with pasta salad lunch will be served at noon for $7.95 plus tax. Lunch is payable by cash, check, or BGSU ID card. Those wishing to come for the lecture only may come at 12:30 p.m.

Be aware of fire safety policies

As cold weather and winter holidays approach, students, faculty and staff are reminded of BGSU’s Fire Safety Decoration Policy. The University community is also reminded of the prohibition against portable heaters and halogen lamps. Environmental Health and Safety requests that the community review this information. If you have any questions, call 2-2171.

To learn more about the policies, visit the following Web sites: www.bgsu.edu/offices/envhs/fire/decorate.htm and www.bgsu.edu/offices/envhs/fire/heater.htm

BG@100 to change office location

Due to expansion of its team, the BG@100 project has outgrown its current office space in Hayes Hall. Plans are under way for the team to move to 414 E. Wooster St., the former location of AAA. An exact move date will be shared once it has been determined.

Friends of Libraries seek nominations

The Friends of the University Libraries board is taking nominations for the traditional Friends Award. The award recognizes an outstanding faculty or staff member, student, community person or institution for notable contributions to the betterment of the University Libraries.

Forms of contributions the Friends board considers for this award include: materials, time, advocacy of library needs, and financial support. Current Friends board members and current library faculty and staff are not eligible for this award.

A written rationale in support of the nominee should be submitted along with the nomination to 204 Jerome Library. Nominations will be accepted no later than Oct. 12.

The award will be announced at the annual Friends Authors and Artists Reception, which will be held on Nov. 10.