The ODNR Division of Geological Survey Horace R. Collins Laboratory is a multiuse facility located at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County, Ohio. Core, sample, and twelve other collections are housed at the Ohio Geological Sample Repository. One wing of the facility has laboratories for core and sample description and analysis, petrographic studies, aggregate testing, and sedimentation research. A second wing houses Division of Watercraft Central District offices. The Collins Lab also headquarters the Ohio Seismic Network.

Dedicated October 12, 1999, the Collins Lab provides citizens, industry personnel, and researchers a climate-controlled environment conducive for the study of repository holdings. Facilities include:

• Sample-preparation and analysis laboratory containing examination tables, petrographic and binocular microscopes, and other examination equipment.
• Core splitter, drill press with core-plugging bit, and rock saws for sampling of core and cuttings for thin sections and other laboratory analyses. Collins Lab personnel will conduct sample preparation and core plugging for a nominal fee.
• High-resolution core photography also available.

Visitor Information

Contact Information

Chris Wright
Geologist, H. R. Collins Lab Manager
(614) 265-6632
Email Chris

Jeffrey Deisher
Geologist, H. R. Collins Lab Coordinator
(740) 201-2765
Email Jeff

Jeff Fox
OhioSeis Seismologist
(740) 201-2762
Email Jeff

Daniel Blake
OhioSeis Geologist
(740) 201-2763
Email Daniel

Jacqueline Thompson
OhioSeis Geologist
(740) 201-2766
Email Jacqueline

Scheduling a Visit

Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., M–F, excluding state holidays.

Individuals planning to examine or sample the collections housed at the Collins Lab should schedule an appointment at least three (3) business days prior to their arrival. More time may be required if large quantities of core are requested. Access is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Please take a moment to review our Core and Cuttings Use Policy and the Compensation in Appreciation of Services schedule. To schedule a visit, please e-mail us at Collins.Lab@dnr.ohio.gov with the following information:

• Project description.
• Cores, samples, or collections to be examined.
• Duration of study.
• Reports or publications anticipated to result from the investigation.
• Mailing and e-mailing addresses.
• Telephone number for each investigator.

Group Tours
Guided tours of the H. R. Collins Laboratory and talks about the geology of Ohio are available by appointment for groups of up to 20 people during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., M–F. Each tour will provide participants with information about one of Ohio’s most unique libraries—a library of miles and miles of rocks that tell the story of the geology buried deep beneath Ohio’s landscape. Staff geologists are available to lead each tour and answer questions concerning the Collins Lab and the geology of Ohio. Please e-mail us at Collins.Lab@dnr.ohio.gov to request a tour. Please let us know if you have a specific focus or area of interest

Directions

Address
ODNR Division of Geological Survey
Horace R. Collins Laboratory
3307 S. Old State Road
Delaware, Ohio, 43015-7635

Go to Map and Street View

From northeastern Ohio: Travel south on Interstate 71 to exit 131–Delaware/Sunbury, U.S. 36/Ohio 37. Turn right at traffic light and proceed west on U.S. 36/Ohio 37 for 3 miles. Turn left on Lackey Old State Road (Delaware County Road 10) and travel south for 2.5 miles to Cheshire Road intersection (first four way stop). Travel through intersection and continue south on South Old State Road for 0.5 miles. Pass Alum Creek State Park and Cross Creek Campgrounds, then turn left onto access road (after passing sign for Collins Classroom and Division of Watercraft Office).

From northwestern Ohio: Travel south on U.S. 23 to Ohio 37 exit in Delaware, Ohio. From exit ramp traffic light, turn left on Ohio 37 and travel east 4.5 miles to Lackey Old State Road (Delaware County Road 10). Turn right on Lackey Old State Road and travel south for 2.5 miles to Cheshire Road intersection (first four way stop). Travel through intersection and continue south on South Old State Road for 0.5 miles. Pass Alum Creek State Park and Cross Creek Campgrounds, then turn left onto access road (after passing sign for Collins Classroom and Division of Watercraft Office).

From Columbus and southern Ohio: Travel north on Interstate 71 to exit 121–Polaris Parkway/Gemini Road. Exit Polaris Parkway and turn left at traffic light onto Polaris Parkway. Proceed west for nearly 2 miles to South Old State Road (Delaware County Road 10) and turn right on South Old State Road. Travel north for 5.7 miles. Turn right onto access road (after passing sign for Collins Classroom and Division of Watercraft Office). Note: Landmarks along this route include Lewis Center Road, Hollenback Road to the Alum Creek Lake Marina, and the Alum Creek State Park Office.

General Use Policy

Those wishing to use the Core and Sample Repository should review the policies on this page and the Core and Cuttings Use Policy, as well as the Compensation in Appreciation of Services, and then complete the Acceptance Form for access to the laboratory and the core repository. Access is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Prior to your scheduled visit, completed acceptance forms should be submitted to us at Collins.Lab@dnr.ohio.gov.

Availability of Laboratory Facilities and the Core & Sample Repository

• The laboratory facilities and core and sample repository at the H. R. Collins Laboratory are intended primarily for use by the ODNR Division of Geological Survey, which will be given first priority for scheduling purposes.
• Members of the public may be granted access to and use of laboratory facilities and the core and sample repository for educational purposes, research, mineral-resource exploration, geotechnical investigations, etc.
• The H. R. Collins Laboratory is open to the public 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding state holidays. Access is by appointment only and is limited to normal business hours. With prior approval, and if needed to complete a project, access may extend past closing time but additional facility usage time will be charged at twice the normal rate; in all circumstances, users must complete their work and leave the facility no later than 5:30 p.m.
• An employee of the Geological Survey must be available and on-site during any use of laboratories and the core/sample repository.
• Access is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Other visitors may be scheduled to use the facility at the same time as you. If you would prefer not to have your visit coincide with that of others, please let us know in advance.

Scheduling Access to Laboratory Facilities and Core & Sample Repository

• Persons or groups desiring access to the laboratory and core and sample repository must contact the facility coordinator to determine facility availability, reserve a date and time, and receive guidelines for facility usage. Please allow at least three (3) business days’ notice to schedule a visit; more time may be required if requesting a large quantity of core.
• A scheduled visit cancelled or postponed after the requested core has been pulled and laid out may incur a pulling/reshelving charge; please notify us as soon as possible if your visit is to be cancelled or postponed.
• Those wishing to use the facility must complete and sign an Acceptance Form indicating acceptance of these policies and submit the form by email or in person prior to their use of the facility. Visitors will also be required to sign a visitor log.

General Guidelines for Laboratory and Core & Sample Repository Usage

• Only Division of Geological Survey personnel may retrieve and reshelve cores and samples or use ladders.
• User-generated rock, dirt and other debris on laboratory counter tops, examination tables, facility floors, and equipment must be cleaned up upon completion of work.
• Visitors are prohibited from using any laboratory or core/sample repository equipment.
• Sampling will be conducted by Division of Geological Survey personnel only, unless otherwise agreed prior to visit.
• The core and sample repository is heated but visitors may still find it cold during winter and spring; please dress appropriately.
• The laboratories and repository are non-smoking areas.
• Failure to observe these policies may result in suspension or forfeiture of privileges to use the facilities.