ETHICS TRAINING


• General list of unethical issues to be understood by TCEQ employees: No lending, borrowing, accepting contributions, gifts or benefits from “interested persons;” no misuse of company property for personal use; outside employment only if approved by ethics staff; volunteer work may be provided if no perceived or actual conflict of interest.


• Revolving Door: No former employee in the pay groups A17, B9, or higher may receive pay from, or represent, an “interested person, on any particular matter before the agency following employment at the agency if that former employee worked on that particular matter while employed by the agency. (See General Rule: Subject Matter Rule.)


• Confidential Information: Any information desig- nated as confidential shall not be disclosed to “interested persons.”


• Penalties: Penalties for ethics violations may be imposed upon employees or former employees, and range from disciplinary action to, in some cases, criminal penal- ties.


2.2: Texas Board Of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG): Title 22, Part 39, Chapter 851, Subchapter B: Code Of Professional Conduct (Paraphrased)


Rule §851.101(a): General: Code of Conduct is binding on all license holders.


A license holder shall:


Rule §851.102(a): Be qualified by education and experi- ence, and act with reasonable care and competence.


Rule §851.103(a): Provide complete and unbiased informa- tion on geoscience projects protective of the safety, health and welfare of the public.


Rule §851.104: Neither perform actions that will deceive the public nor omit information that is required for completeness of geologic study. Do not accept anything of signifi- cant value as an inducement to secure geoscience work.


Rule §851.105: Prior to accepting geoscience work, provide any potential employer with personal business or financial interests which may actually or perceptually affect decisions, conclusions, or recom- mendations.


Rule §851.106: Abide by all provisions of the geoscience act. Do not aid or abet any non-licensed person from practicing and sign-off/seal- ing of geoscience work


Rule §851.107: Only practice as a licensed geoscientist if currently licensed.


Rule §851.108: Provide the licensing board with any information regarding personal crimi- nal conviction. This applies to applicants and license holders.


Rule §851.109: Do not abuse alcohol or drugs in a man- ner that would impair the ability to provide geoscientific work in a manner


www.aipg.org


protective of safety, health, or welfare of the public.


Rule §851.110: Shall be subject to a board determina- tion and possible enforcement action if any statutory provisions or rules are violated.


Enforcement actions may be initiated by a formal complaint in writing and may result in actions ranging from a reprimand to suspension of a license for a period not to exceed five years.


2.3: Association Of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG): Principles Of Ethical Behavior (Paraphrased)


Preface:


• Serve the public with scientific knowledge, experience and good judgement.


• Protect health, safety and welfare of the public with honesty, fairness and high quality work.


Article I: Responsibility to the Public Health, Safety and Welfare. I. Mitigate geologic hazards. • Be Trustworthy.


• Serve in public positions where your knowledge may benefit the public.


• Disclose whether conclusions and recommenda- tions are based onfact or opinion.


• Practice in a legal and ethical manner.


Article II: Responsibility to Clients and Employers II. Practice with loyalty to clients consistent with legal and ethical standards.


Place priority on quality of work.


• Maintain undivided loyalty to clients consistent with their obligations to the public.


• Uphold clients’ trust by practicing with profes- sional and fiscal responsibility.


• Respect confidentiality between client and self.


• Disclose to client any actual or perceived conflict of interest.


• Do not misrepresent professional credentials or capabilities.


• Accept work only if qualified.


• Alert client if another professional’s work is required.


• Express professional opinion only if supported by fact or experience.


• Tell client if the consequences of their work may negatively impact the health, safety or welfare of the public or negatively impact the success of their project.


Article III: Responsibility to Colleagues III. Interact with honesty and integrity. • Show professional respect and courtesy.


• Avoid plagiarism, and give credit to others for their work.


• Share professional knowledge. Jan.Feb.Mar 2021 • TPG 29


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