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Douglas A. Cook

The Board for Geologists and Geophysicists (Board) issued a Citation and Fine of $2,500 on March 10, 2006, to Mr. Douglas A. Cook, for violation of sections 7872(a) and 7872(h) of the Business and Professions Code (practicing or offering to practice geology or geophysics without a license). The fine was reduced to $2,000 on April 12, 2006 due to mitigating factors.

Mr. Cook prepared a report entitled "Second Quarter 2005 Groundwater Monitoring Report Former UST Site 17 Gaffey Road Watsonville, California," dated July 20, 2005, signed by Mr. Cook as "Douglas A. Cook Principal" and submitted to the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Coast Region.

The aforementioned report, signed by Mr. Cook, demonstrates that he conducted analyses and made interpretations, conclusions and recommendations constituting geologic practice in the State of California. Consequently, Mr. Cook violated Business and Professions Code section 7872(a) when he engaged in the practice of geology, interpreted the site geology, interpreted geologic datum, and made recommendations based on geologic interpretations.

Section 125.9(d) of the Business and Professions Code which specifies that payment of the fine does not constitute admission of the violation charged and represents satisfactory resolution of the matter. Mr. Cook agreed to pay the fine and the case was closed on May 3, 2006.