Geological Consulting Services Provided By A Principal Geologist
Zinn Geology is just me, Erik Zinn, the owner and Principal Geologist! You get my direct attention and analysis and the benefit of my 36+ years of experience in central California geological hazards and risks investigations.
Central California Geological Services
I focus on investigating geological hazards and the risks presented by hazards to my client’s projects.
Coastal Geology
I have worked on coastal bluff and beach investigations since 1989, primarily focusing on bluff retreat and impacts from long term sea level rise. My work contributes to the necessary geological parameters needed by the design team to layout or protect the development. I also typically attempt to do exhaustive file research at the local planning departments and the California Coastal Commission and fold that historical data into an alternatives analyses that accompanies the geology reports.
Fault Investigations
I have primarily focused on fault investigations for residences in the active San Andreas and San Gregorio Fault Zones, as well as the various active fault splays associated with them.
Landslide Investigations
I provide rapid risk assessment in emergency situations for any type of structure or infrastructure, as well as detailed investigations of all different types of landsliding to support engineering design for mitigation of the risks.
Karst Hazards Investigations
I have an extensive background of working on large development projects situated in hazardous karst terrain (i.e. sinkholes in marble bedrock) on the UC Santa Cruz campus. I am very experienced at developing and overseeing karst hazard investigations for various types of construction, as well as assisting the engineering team with assessing risks during the construction observation phases.
Residential
I have completed hundreds of residential geology investigation projects since 1989, predominantly in Santa Cruz County with a smaller fraction completed in Monterey, San Mateo and San Benito Counties too. I am familiar with their local ordinances and am able to navigate the bureaucratic maze that can be difficult to deal with for residential development permits.
Geological Input For Environmental Analyses
I can assist design teams with the geology portion of CEQA required analyses, as well as other types of work that require in depth geological analysis of distribution of soil, bedrock and groundwater. My work incorporates elements of document research, field mapping, historical aerial photo analysis, geomorphology and subsurface work into a distilled narrative that can be used for environmental documents.