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Enforcement Action

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Debra Stott
Professional Geologist No. 6221

The Board for Geologist and Geophysicists (Board) issued a Citation and Fine to Debra Stott (Professional Geologist No. 6221) for violation of section 7835 of the Business and Professions Code (failing to maintain responsible charge of geoscience documents).

Ms. Stott failed to maintain responsible charge of three geoscience reports entitled, "Report Phase I Environmental Site Assessment," dated March 29, 2004, "Report Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment," dated September 8, 2004, and "Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Update," dated October 31, 2005, (Reports), for the properties located at Rancho Imports 8410 and 8118 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, California (URS Job No.: 15280039). These documents were subsequently submitted to the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (SDDEH). The Reports included geoscience interpretations and subsequent professional geoscience recommendations.

Professional Geologists in responsible charge of geologic plans, specifications, reports or documents must sign or stamp any geologic reports or documents indicating his or her responsibility for them (Business and Professions Code section 7835). Ms. Stott violated Business and Professions Code section 7835 when she failed to properly stamp or seal the aforementioned geoscience Reports prior to the Reports' submittal by an unlicensed subordinate to SDDEH. These violations constitute grounds for disciplinary action under Business and Professions Code section 7835.

Ms. Stott demonstrated cooperation with the Board's goal of public protection by taking necessary steps to append the above-referenced geoscience Reports by properly signing or stamping the geoscience Reports to indicate her responsibility for the geoscience Reports. Subsequently, Ms. Stott distributed the appropriately appended geoscience Reports to the County of San Diego and other involved parties. In addition, Ms. Stott implemented solutions for URS Corporation, her employer, to avoid possible future violations of the Business and Professions Code. Based on consideration of these documented mitigating factors, the fine amount was reduced to $750.

In accordance with section 125.9(d) of the Business and Professions Code, payment of the fine does not constitute admission of the violation charged and represents satisfactory resolution of the matter. Ms. Stott agreed to pay the fine and the case was closed on August 15, 2008.