about james p. lombard
My hydrogeology consulting practice focuses on conservation hydrology. After working at Errol L. Montgomery & Associates and GeoSystems Analysis, hydrology consulting companies where I often worked for commercial and industrial clients, I chose to open my own consulting practice where I can assist conservation organizations with projects requiring hydrogeological expertise that is not already available in-house. To date I have been fortunate to work with The Nature Conservancy, Earthjustice, and the Southern Environmental Law Center in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Ecuador. I received my BA in Geology at the University of Pennsylvania and my MS in Geosciences at the University of Arizona.
My specialty is investigating hydrogeologic settings where groundwater occurs at the land surface to form streams, lakes, and wetlands. Usually my clients are interested in protecting or restoring the ecological value of land and require detailed technical information about the sources and quantity of naturally occurring water sustaining that value. Groundwater can be a substantial but difficult-to-measure component of the water balance sustaining wetland features. Robert Glennon, author of Water Follies: Groundwater Pumping and the Fate of America's Fresh Waters, documents numerous examples where past groundwater management decisions failed to account for consequences to streams, lakes, and wetlands. These are the examples of what to avoid in the future, or at least to make informed choices.
Fortunately, there is growing awareness of the importance of groundwater-surface water connection.
My rate is $75 per hour for professional services. I also charge my cost for project related expenses such as travel, report preparation, and data purchases. I carry professional liability insurance, and I am currently registered as a Professional Geologist to practice in Arizona, California, Florida, and Georgia. I am also certified to practice Hydrogeology in California.