Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Updates about the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) work to study the occurrence of polycythemia vera (PV) in three northeastern Pennsylvania counties (Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill), or you are one of the researchers involved in this work. When updates are available, my goal is to share this kind of email update with you periodically. If you are not interested in these updates from me, please just let me know and I will remove you from our contact list. Thank you!
Background
In 2004, using state cancer registry records, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) found a PV cluster in northeast Pennsylvania. PV is part of a disease group called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), which is a group of slow-growing blood cancers where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
In 2006, ATSDR was asked to help study PV patterns in the area. From 2007-2008, ATSDR reviewed medical records, conducted genetic testing, and confirmed this PV cluster.
In 2009, Congress funded ATSDR to continue this investigation. ATSDR is overseeing 18 projects with PADOH, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and various universities and private organizations. These projects are based on recommendations from an expert panel. The panel identified four areas for investigation; epidemiology, genetics, toxicology, and environmental studies.
Status
As of October 1, 2013, all but one of the contracts for the 18 projects have ended. The one exception is the tissue bank, which will remain open through May 2014.
In meetings with community members this summer, ATSDR was asked to share a summary of the status of final products anticipated from the 18 projects of the overall PV investigation in northeast Pennsylvania. The graphic with this email provides this summary as of October 2013. I’ve attached this graphic as a PV Research Projects Status Graphic October 2013 (pdf). Projects highlighted in “green” in the attached graphic have work complete and a final product available (if applicable). Projects highlighted in “yellow” have final products in progress and undergoing clearance. Projects highlighted in “red” have final products that are anticipated but not yet started.
As of October 30, 2013, work is complete and a final product is available (if applicable) for 5 projects. Final products for another 9 projects are in progress. Final products for 4 projects are anticipated but not yet started.
For more information:
Visit ATSDR’s web page on PV: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/index.html
Call ATSDR’s toll-free PV information line: 866-448-0242 or email jcx0@cdc, which will connect you to Dr. Elizabeth Irvin-Barnwell, ATSDR Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences.
Contact Lora Siegmann Werner, ATSDR Region 3, by phone at 215-814-3141 or by email at lkw9@cdc.gov.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss this information further, or you have suggestions on how I might improve this update in the future. I know this is a detailed graphic, if you would like me to mail you a hard copy of a larger version I would be happy to do that, just let me know your mailing address.
New Lead-Free Requirement Lead in Drinking Water Act
New lead-free requirement
With the federal lead-content law taking effect on January 4, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering an informational handout to help companies whose products are certified as lead-free explain new certification marks.
There is no mandatory federal requirement for product testing or third-party certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, but some entities may require certification.
Consumers may choose to increase their level of confidence by purchasing products with a mark indicating products have been certified by an accredited third-party certification body as meeting the new lead-free requirement.
Products that have not been certified may still meet the new lead-free requirement. If you are unable to determine if a product is lead-free, contacting the manufacturer is the best way to confirm the lead content.
Although other states have laws pertaining to the lead content in products, California is currently the only state that has a bill (SB 1334) requiring certification, according to the EPA. However, there may be local laws or entities in other states that require it.
Becoming fully effective in the beginning of 2014, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act defines “lead-free” as not containing more than 0.2% lead when used with solder and flux. Products also must not exceed a weighted average of 0.25% lead when used with the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe and plumbing fittings and fixtures. The new EPA handout also contains a helpful diagram for determining which products must meet the new lead-free requirement.
Original Content of http://www.pacleanwater.org
Other corrosion related problems with water – metallic taste, lead, copper, zinc
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.. Unsolicited donations are appreciated.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).
Penn State Extension and Penn State Natural Gas Industry
Penn State Extension and Penn State will be holding or taking part in the following programs in the upcoming events. Please check out Events and Webinar webpage at http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/natural-gas/events for additional information.
Two upcoming programs in Warren County will be held November 19 – watch the website for the posting!
October 2013
Supply Chain Basics
When: October 10, 2013, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: Titusville, PA
Business Development Opportunities Within the Natural Gas Industry (see attached flyer)
Shale Mineral Management for the Landowner
When: October 16, 2013, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Wellsboro, PA
This workshop is a must for landowners who are receiving royalty payments or are involved in an active unit and want to have a better understanding of the how their royalty payments are calculated and factors considered in the determination of payment.
Pennsylvania Natural Gas Pipeline Roundup
When: October 17, 2013, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: https://meeting.psu.edu/pscems/
Dave Messersmith, Penn State Extension Educator, Marcellus Education Team
November 2013
Shale Gas Drilling & Development – How Does it Work and What Can We Expect in Warren County?
When: November 19, 2013 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Where: Warren Public Library, 205 Market St., Warren PA 16365
Join Dan Brockett and Jon Laughner, Penn State Marcellus Education Team Educators, who will provide current information on shale development. (watch the Events page of the website for additional information!)
Landowner Considerations with Shale Gas Development – Leasing, Pipeline, Seismic Surveys, and Land Impacts
When: November 19, 2013 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Where: Warren Public Library, 205 Market St., Warren PA 16365
Join Dan Brockett and Jon Laughner, Penn State Marcellus Education Team Educators, who will provide current information on shale development. (watch the Events page of the website for additional information!)
Water Webinar – New Tools for Teaching Youth About Water: “Watershed Decisions” activity and the “Role of Water in Shale Gas Drilling” videos
When: November 20, 2013, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Where: https://meeting.psu.edu/water1
The November Water Webinar will be held in the third week of November and the topic will be “New Tools for Teaching Youth About Water: “Watershed Decisions” activity and the “Role of Water in Shale Gas Drilling” videos” by Jennifer Fetter, Penn State Extension.
Bradford County Community of Planning: Resources for the Community
When: November 21, 2013, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: https://meeting.psu.edu/pscems/
Ray Stolinas, Planning Director, Bradford County Office of Community Planning and Grants
December 2013
Drilling and Pipeline Cuttings Reclamation
When: December 19, 2013, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: https://meeting.psu.edu/pscems/
Averill Rance, Vice President, EH& S, and Daniel Mueller, General Manager, Drilling Services, Clean Earth
Learn More and Get the Water Tested
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.. Unsolicited donations are appreciated.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).
Arsenic in Drinking Water and Private Wells
What is arsenic?
Arsenic is a semi-metal, a member of the nitrogen family. It occurs naturally in the earth and in the seas. It is odorless and tasteless. Arsenic is an element (As) that occurs in the earth’s crust-rock, soil, all natural sources of exposure, or can be traced to deep water brines used to produce oil and natural gas. Consumption of food and water are the major sources of arsenic exposure for the majority of US citizens. People may also be exposed from industrial sources, as arsenic is used in semiconductor manufacturing, petroleum refining, wood preservatives, animal feed additives, and herbicides.
Arsenic can combine with other elements to form inorganic and organic arsenicals. In general, inorganic derivatives are regarded as more toxic than the organic forms. While food contains both inorganic and organic arsenicals, primarily inorganic forms are present in water. Exposure to arsenic at high levels poses serious health effects as it is a known human carcinogen. In addition, it has been reported to affect the vascular system in humans and has been associated with the development of diabetes.
As compared to the Western part of the United States, it is relatively rare contaminant in Pennsylvania groundwater supplies. A recent survey by the U.S Geological Survey (USGS) found that arsenic exceeded 5 ppb in 8% of wells in Pennsylvania. Recent work in Northeastern Pennsylvania – Indicates that it that the occurrence may be slightly higher.
What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning?
Observable symptoms of arsenic poisoning are: thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in hands and feet, partial paralysis, and blindness.
How does arsenic enter my private water system?
It is widely thought that naturally occurring arsenic dissolves out of certain rock formations when ground water levels drop significantly. Surface arsenic-related pollutants enter the ground water system by gradually moving with the flow of ground water from rains, melting of snow, etc. Either way, ongoing testing for arsenic is an important strategy by the private water system owner to safeguard the health and well being of their family.
Is my private well at risk?
Like many contaminants in drinking water, the element is potentially hazardous at levels or concentrations that do not impart a noticeable taste, odor, or appearance to the water. Your best course of action is to get you water tested and compile as much information as possible about your water supply source, well construction, surrounding land-use, and local geology. If you do have an arsenic problem, there are water treatment technologies available now that can reduce or even remove arsenic from your drinking water. Note: Do not just test your water for Arsenic because there may be other primary and secondary drinking water standards that are elevated or that may interfere with the proposed remediation system.
Learn More and Get the Water Tested
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.. Unsolicited donations are appreciated.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).
National Association of Royalty Owners Meeting On Deductions
Note: Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is not for or against natural gas drilling. We are for the facts, making good decisions, and helping to inform the public on all sides of this issue.
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Unsolicited donations are appreciated.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).
Carbon County Groundwater Guardian Master Well Owner Network Volunteers Training
The Carbon County Groundwater Guardians has been along standing supporter and trainer as part of the Master Well Owner Network. Our group conducts local face to face training sessions through Pennsylvania. Listing of some of our past Outreach Events. Since 1999, this organization and its partners have provide direct and indirect assistance to over 1.2 million private well owners worldwide. We stared a Private Well Owner Education Program and Water Testing Program in 2000. Please consider support our efforts.
New Announcement – 9/30/2013 – MWON Free Webinar.
We wanted to announce, that the PSU is offer a free online training program.
If you are interested in learning more about the proper management of private water wells, springs and cisterns and you are willing to share what you learn with others, you might be interested in applying for the Master Well Owner online course being offered by Penn State Extension starting on September 30, 2013!
The Penn State Master Well Owner Network will provide free, online training for the first 25 volunteers who submit an application and are accepted into the program. To be eligible for this program you must
1) NOT be employed by any company that provides paid services to private water supply owners (i.e. water testing companies, water treatment companies, water well drillers, etc.) and
2) you must be willing to pass along basic private water system management knowledge to other private water system owners.
The registration deadline for this course is September 20. Each accepted volunteer will receive seven weekly emails with links to short reading assignments and video presentations on private water system basics, water testing, water supply protection, water treatment, water conservation, and how to educate others. Course registrants can complete the course at their own pace from September 30 to November 11. A computer with a high speed internet connection is recommended to view all of the course materials and videos.
Volunteers who successfully complete the training course and pass a short exam will receive a free copy of the 80 page publication – A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania, a coupon good for a 10% discount on water testing through the Penn State water testing lab, and access to various MWON educational materials. In return, MWON volunteers are asked to pass along what they have learned to other private water supply owners and submit an annual report of their educational accomplishments.
Note From Carbon County Groundwater Guardians – Consider coming back and helping our efforts – Looking for Volunteers Statewide.
For your information, we wanted to point out a few other resources
1. Mail Order Water Testing Kits or consider using a local water testing laboratory. The mail order testing is done by a Nationally Certified Laboratory and a portion of the proceeds that help support this organization.
2. New Education Guide for Private Well Owners in PA – What do the numbers mean and Insights into Baseline Water Testing? (Proceeds Benefit this Organization- free online read only version)
3. Our Online FREE Library of Pdf, videos, powerpoint presenations for private well owners.
4. Our New Flier
5. Stop by at the PA Energy Games and Say Hello – September 7, 2013
Webinars Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water by the Environmental Protection Agency
CLU-IN’s ongoing series of Internet Seminars are free, web-based slide presentations with a companion audio portion. We provide two options for accessing the audio portion of the seminar: by phone line or streaming audio simulcast. Past summaries and presentations are also available. To register for any Webinar.
Case Studies to Assess Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources
On July 30, 2013, EPA hosted a Hydraulic Fracturing Study Technical Workshop on Case Studies to Assess Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources. This one-hour webinar will provide a summary of the workshop and cover workshop themes.
Sep 12, 2013
11:00AM-12:00PM EDT
15:00-16:00 GMT
Hazard System Labeling System – 6 Modules
The Hazard Ranking System (HRS) webinar series is an intermediate-level course designed for personnel who are required to compile, draft and review preliminary assessments (PA), site inspections (SI), and HRS documentation records/packages submitted for proposal to the National Priorities List (NPL). The course is intended for EPA Regional, state, tribal and contractor personnel, who support EPA in the Superfund site assessment/NPL listing process.
This course assumes a basic understanding of the HRS and its context within the site assessment process. The training course is intended to enable staff to prepare HRS packages for the NPL and to plan PAs and SIs to address future HRS scoring issues. This training course provides details of the structure and application of the revised HRS and information related to the preparation of HRS packages, including HRS scoresheets, documentation records and site summaries. The course will incorporate an interactive case study to provide practical application of the HRS.
The webinar series consists of six two-hour sessions over three weeks. In order to receive credit for taking the course, participants must participate in each session. If you are unable to make one of the sessions, archived versions will be made available at www.clu-in.org that you can take to receive credit for the missed live session. In order to receive credit for a missed session, you must complete the missed session within 2 months of the originally scheduled date and submit an evaluation form from that archived module.
This introductory module will provide an overview of the regulatory context of the HRS, the site assessment process and the HRS structure. It will also include a presentation of documentation requirements under the HRS and a discussion of preparing HRS packages.
Oct 15, 2013
1:00PM-3:00PM EDT
17:00-19:00 GMT
CEC Training for OSCs…Pipeline Emergencies
Approximately 327,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines, 1.8 million miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 161,000 miles of liquid pipelines safely transport natural gas and a range of liquid petroleum products daily. Like any industry that deals with hazardous materials, there are potential risks in the manufacturing and transportation processes. Pipeline Emergencies is a 3-hour webinar training course that provides practical information on how to respond safely and effectively to pipeline incidents and emergencies.
The purpose of the course is to provide participants with the knowledge and understanding of the EPA’s regulatory authority regarding pipeline emergency planning and response operations, how pipelines operate, the common products that may be transported through both transmission and distribution pipeline systems, the various roles and responsibilities among emergency responders and government and industry when responding to an incident and pipeline emergency response operations.
The target audience for this webinar course is new and mid-career On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) with an interest in learning about pipeline emergencies. This webinar does not address tactics and field methodology as that information is better suited for face-to-face or field demonstration training.
Oct 2, 2013
1:00PM-4:00PM EDT
17:00-20:00 GMT
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.. Unsolicited donations are appreciated.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).
Hydraulic Fracturing https://www.online-training-courses.info/search-courses-geology
Free Webinars on Groundwater Education and Related Topics
The Carbon County Groundwater Guardians are providing links to some of the best FREE Webinars on Groundwater Management, Sustainability, Water Well Education and Much More.
-
Challenges and Opportunities of Integrated Management of Surface Water and Groundwater (free)
- Introduction to Test Your Well (free)We request you consider using the testing services our OUR Partner Laboratories. Accurate Testing and free assistance in reviewing the findings.
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.. Unsolicited donations are appreciated.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).