Mississippi

Summary

Geologic mapping in Mississippi, supported through STATEMAP, has delivered major economic, legal, and public health benefits.

  • STATEMAP-funded maps have been pivotal in multi-million-dollar arbitration cases by providing authoritative evidence in pipeline and infrastructure disputes:
  • Geologic maps were critical in identifying environmental conditions linked to the pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei (causative agent of melioidosis), the first detection of this Tier 1 Select Agent in the continental U.S.

STATEMAP – Legal & Economic Outcomes

  • Carlisle Quadrangle (Claiborne & Warren Counties, OFR-190, 2004):
    • Used in arbitration following a 5,474-foot horizontal directional drilling (HDD) project beneath Bayou Pierre.
    • Contractor expected unconsolidated alluvium but instead hit hard sandstone and orthoquartzite of the Catahoula Formation (<50 ft depth), breaking equipment and leaving the pipe stuck.
    • Geologic map and expert testimony by Dr. James May demonstrated the geotechnical report was incorrect.
    • Result: $9 million arbitration award to the drilling contractor.
  • Another STATEMAP deliverable ($40,000 investment):
    • Entered as Exhibit A in a separate case, leading to an $8 million judgment.
    • Demonstrates the return on investment when geologic maps prevent or resolve costly disputes.

STATEMAP – Public Health Outcomes

  • Gulf Coast Counties (Jackson, George, Stone, Harrison):
    • STATEMAP maps (county composites and multiple 7.5-min quadrangles) guided research by Northern Arizona University on the pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei.
    • Pathogen causes melioidosis, a deadly disease with diabetes as a major risk factor.
    • Mapping revealed strong association with the Pamlico Pleistocene Coastal Terrace, allowing researchers to target sampling and conserve resources.
    • Findings are informing CDC-funded research and public health efforts, enabling early detection and better medical preparedness.
    • Implications extend across the entire Gulf Coast region, where similar geologic settings occur.

Impact for Mississippi:

  • Prevents and resolves multi-million-dollar infrastructure disputes by providing authoritative geologic data.
  • Strengthens public health defenses against a newly identified, high-risk pathogen.
  • Demonstrates that geologic maps are essential for water, energy, legal, and health applications.
  • Provides a model of high ROI: tens of thousands in mapping investments have prevented tens of millions in damages.