Lab Earth Scientists Win
$3+ Million from DOE

Conrad
Hubbard
Steefel

Several investigators in Berkeley Lab's Environmental Remediation Program of the Earth Sciences Division were recently successful in securing over $3 million in funding from the Department of Energy's Environmental Management Science Program (EMSP). The funds allocated to Berkeley Lab represent a significant portion of the EMSP's research funding for this competition. Lab scientists were involved in six successful EMSP proposals, which focus on the use of advanced geophysical, geochemical, microbiological, and hydrological approaches for understanding complex subsurface phenomena. Read more here. For details on the individual projects, go here.

Help Desk Response
May Be Delayed

The Information Technology Division's Help Desk service is in the process of moving its location this week. As a result, those needing assistance with computer-related issues may experience some delay in response. Regular response time should be restored by Monday.

Include Proper Waste
Disposal in Clean-Up

All work areas at Berkeley Lab are to be inspected and cleared for safety by Jan. 20, per Director Steve Chu's message. This includes the responsible and compliant management of all wastes — hazardous, radioactive and mixed wastes, and sanitary trash. Proper management of wastes is the responsibility of all Berkeley Lab waste generators and their line management. During the on-going laboratory safety review and cleanout effort, all researchers and staff should follow the proper disposal procedures for salvage and waste items, even including common items like WD-40 or epoxy. Guidelines for waste disposal can be read here.

Impact of Deep-Rooted
Plants on Climate

Fung

Trees, particularly those with deep roots, contribute to the Earth's climate much more than scientists thought, according to a new study by biologists and climatologists from UC Berkeley, including Berkeley Lab earth scientist Inez Fung. The study — conducted in the Amazonian forest — shows that tap roots transfer rainwater from the surface to reservoirs deep underground and redistribute water upwards after the rains to keep the top layers moist, thereby accentuating both carbon uptake and localized atmospheric cooling during dry periods. Full story.

A mobile crane will be set up on McMillan Road between Buildings 76 and 26 on Saturday to facilitate the removal of a large boulder from the hillside. Traffic in this area will be detoured for about four hours. After the completion of this job, the crew will be setting up erosion control devices near Building 90, which will require some parking spaces in the adjacent lot to be blocked off.

Retirement Among Topics In 'Our University'

The latest issue of Our University, a letter from University of California President Robert Dynes that updates employees on issues that affect them, has been published. The most recent installment includes information about the increases in state funding for the university as well as a pension proposal that would offer only defined contribution retirement plans to state employees hired after July 1, 2007 (current employees would not be affected). Go here to read the entire letter.