Pike County Conservation District looking for Volunteers to allow FREE WELL WATER TESTING

Conservation District looking for Volunteers to allow FREE WELL WATER TESTING

Pike County Conservation District along with the US Geological Survey (USGS) will be completing a study of drinking water wells from around the county during the summer of 2015. The wells included in the study will be selected from a list of private residential or business wells owned by individuals who agree to volunteer access to their well for the study.  From this list of volunteers, wells will be selected based on several criteria such as geology, accessibility and construction information.  In order to place your well on the list, just call or email the Pike County Conservation District at 570-226-8220 or PikeCD@pikepa.org and give some basic contact info and well location.

Help Pike County develop a baseline for drinking water quality! This is a great opportunity to have an excellent comprehensive sampling of your well water. The cost of this sampling would be several hundred dollars but well water tests completed as part of this study will all be done at no cost to the well owner because this study is funded by the Commonwealth Finance Authority through a Marcellus Legacy Fund Grant awarded to the Pike County Conservation District.   Well water samples will be compared to EPA health standards along with many secondary standards for safe drinking water. Also included in the testing will be several chemicals associated with Unconventional Gas Well Drilling (fracking).  Well owners will be provided with the results. There are only 60 openings for wells throughout Pike County available for the study. Well locations and names will be kept confidential; only the data from the water tests will be used in the study.

Everything we do began with an idea.

We have offered “Free” Assistance to this effort, but if you are a private well owner that needs assistance we are happy to help.

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.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.  Follow us on Twitter 

Keystone Clean Water Team 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 (Helps us complete our mission), but we also do local educational workshops and local cellphone/small electronic recycling programs. If you would like to set up a program to help recycle cellphones at an event, business, or other organization.  Through our program we can recycle  cell phones, iPods, game systems, and small digital cameras.  If your interested, please contact us.

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!

Coatesville Solar Panel Energy Initiative – Exton Pennsylvania

Press Release – Exton, PA Dec. 31, 2014

When the power grid that currently feeds electricity to our hospitals, police stations, homes or electric cars goes down, in a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy, it will be the microgrids that will come on and will power us back up.

 

“Think of it like we think of ‘Locally-grown produce,’ ” says Bob Keares, of Keares Electric, developer of the Coatesville Solar Initiative (CSI). “When the Coatesville Solar Farm goes live, it will, by regulation, become a microgrid for part of the Coatesville area. That’s comparable to locally grown apples, tomatoes and corn. If the container ships that deliver fresh fruit and vegetables to us from across the globe could not make it into port due to a natural or man-made disaster (and thus to our supermarkets), our own “locally grown” products could then sustain us. It’s the same way with the solar farm. We are literally harvesting electricity, on a local basis.”

 

The benefit (and strength) of the solar farm is not only illustrated in the production of total renewable energy for the Coatesville Area High School (CASH). It will also be demonstrated in a disaster, for example, such as last week’s snowstorm in Buffalo, where power was cut off to municipalities, thus crippling much-needed services. With a microgrid in place, power (reserved in batteries) will be available for local use. The CSI microgrid will be on call 365 days a year, and 24 hours a day, ready with the clean, renewable power the solar farm produces.

 

David Ferris, of Forbes Magazine (July, 31, 2013) explains it in this way, “A microgrid is a lot more than just backup power… It is a system that blends power from the utilities with local power whether there is an outage or not. Few large-scale examples of microgrids yet exist, but here is what one is intended to do. It reduces emissions by scaling down the power arriving from faraway, carbon-spewing coal or natural-gas plants, while adding in local sources like fuel cells, biomass plants, and solar and wind power installations. It prioritizes power needs so that during a blackout, the most crucial elements stay on (like data centers) while the less important ones (like coat closets) are let go. It gives a user some control over the power supply instead of just begging to the power company. And it does all this autonomously and without a flicker in the lights.”

 

 In addition to serving as a microgrid, the Coatesville Solar Initiative (CSI) will provide 100% of the energy needs for the Coatesville Area Main Campus (CAMC) for the next 25 years. CSI will construct two (2) 2.4 MW farms producing approximately 6.3 plus million KwHs of power covering 26 acres of the 48-acre parcel located adjacent to the school. It is estimated CASD by the year 2039 will have saved a total of $3.0 to $6.0 million dollars in energy costs. CAMC includes the High School, its athletic facility and outdoor lighting.

 

CSI will also be providing the CASD with an electric vehicle and three electric vehicle-charging stations to power it, to be used by staff or students that may want to bring their electric vehicle to work and or school. Plus, included in the CSI package is LED lighting at the high school on main campus, as well as LED lighting on poles at Rainbow Elementary. Three solar-education kiosks will be developed, which can be moved from school to school. These savings (in excess of $365,000.00) are all “no cost benefits” to the school district. The statement of sustainability and energy conservation are being made, and will help benefit students of all ages including staff and administration from all areas of studies.

Not to mention, the geographic region of Coatesville in a power outage emergency.

 

For information on this project, kindly contact the Coatesville Solar Initiative at Keares Electrical Contracting at 610-363-8160 or visit

http://www.gogreencsi.com/ 

Release Prepared and submitted by:  For more information on this release, kindly contact Melinda Williams at The Williams Group, 610-518-4888 or visit www.thewilliamsgroup.info

 

Other educational programs or training

Green Design – Sustainability and Historic PreservationStormwater Harvesting
Certificate in Sustainability (University Program)
Global Communities and Building a Sustainable Future
Solar Energy Generation

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.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.  Follow us on Twitter 

Keystone Clean Water Team 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 (Helps us complete our mission), but we also do local educational workshops and local cellphone/small electronic recycling programs. If you would like to set up a program to help recycle cellphones at an event, business, or other organization.  Through our program we can recycle  cell phones, iPods, game systems, and small digital cameras.  If your interested, please contact us.

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!

Be Part of #GivingTuesday Support Groundwater Education Outreach in Pennsylvania

#GivingTuesday inspires personal philanthropy and encourages bigger, better and smarter charitable giving during the holiday season, show that the world truly gives as good as it gets.

#GivingTuesday will take place in December. You can be part of this effort, Help Make Groundwater Education in PA Go Viral !

 

Help Us Make PAGroundwater Education Go Viral !
#PAGROUNDWATER  @KeystoneWater

 Things you can do – To make a Difference in Pennsylvania!

1. Send out a twit that includes #PAGROUNDWATER and @KeystoneWater
2. Visit one of our portals and follow our websites on twitter (@PACleanwater and @KeystoneWater) and facebook.
3. Consider a donation for as little as $ 5.00 or give the gift of groundwater education by obtaining an Education Guide.
4. Consider becoming a family supporter of the Keystone Clean Water Team- Our New Brochure!
5. Protect Our Groundwater – Submit Your Baseline Data to the Citizens Database.
6. Get an Water Quality Well Check Up for your Well.
7. Check out our New PSA !
8. Consider adding some water conservation or other conservation products to your home.
9. Sign Up for the Water Research or the Private Well Owner Newsletters.
10. Schedule an Educational Workshop in Your PA Community.

Share this image on your favorite social media to help spread the word about groundwater education and #GivingTuesday. Don’t forget to share an educational fact with your comment below.   

Together we can keep it clean!

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Thanks

Keystone Clean Water Team
http://www.pacleanwater.org

Question of the Week – November 24, 2014 – Phosphates Well Water Hazardous??

From Elaine

I am concerned about phosphates in my well water ( drinking). I would like to know are there safe levels of phosphates and what are they? Also what harm can they do if we drink them?

Phosphates

Dear Elaine,

First – Thanks for the Question and thanks for your comments about our Web Outreach – Phosphate in drinking water there is no formal drinking water standard set by the EPA, but the World Health Organization as a standard of 5 ppm. In central water distribution systems, like public water systems, the operators may add phosphate to help with corrosion control.   Elevated Phosphates in the water for  a private well could raise the following concerns:

1. May raise concerns about other contaminants associated with septic systems, agricultural runoff, pulp and paper mills,  or golf course management.
2. May cause problems with enhance algal growth in swimming pools or fish tanks.
3. May suggest a direct connection to a stream or surfacewater body.

Phosphorus is necessary for life and we have a Recommend Daily Allowance of 800 mg.   Phosphorous is a non-metallic element and is found local bedrock

This should not be significant concern, but we always recommend getting a comprehensive water quality test.

Elevated phosphates in lakes and surfacewater are a significant issue, because in most cases phosphates is the growth limiting nutrient.

Make a difference starting now!

Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. It also helps preserve important animal habitats by reducing the demand for Coltan. In addition to recycling cell phones and electronic waste it is critical that consumers demand conflict free electronic devices.   You can help the Keystone Clean Water Team and the Environment by recycling your cell phone.  ”

If you would like to set up a program to help recycle cellphones at an event, business, or other organization.  Through our program we can recycle  cell phones, iPods, game systems, and small digital cameras.  If your interested, please contact us.

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 the Program, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.  We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more.  Become part of the Water Science Basics!

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.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.

Keystone Clean Water Team 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 (Helps us complete our mission).

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!

Evaluating Erosion, Sediment, and Sedimentation on Roadway Projects November 12

Evaluating Erosion, Sediment, and Sedimentation on Roadway Projects
Presenters: Jerald Fifield, Ph.D., CISEC, CPESC
& Tina Wills, P.E., CISEC, CPESC
Wednesday, November 12th

Get the skinny on USLE, RUSLE, & RUSLE2!

Don’t miss joining Jerry Fifield and Tina Wills to explore the differences between erosion, sediment, and sedimentation on your roadway project sites, they key elements and behaviors of these variables, and how you can calculate and determine the erosion and sediment yield on your roadway project sites.

Or register for the full series & save 20%!

In this webinar we’ll discuss the variables that allow for the quantification of erosion and sediment yield on a roadway project site. Additionally, Fifield and Wills will provide comparisons to demonstrate the difference between erosion rates determined by the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE and RUSLE2), as well as present mechanics of sediment yield using the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE). Lastly, Fifield and Wills complete a sediment yield to runoff volume comparison providing participants with an understanding how the volume of sediment in runoff waters vary and impact commonly found BMPs on roadway project construction sites.

Learning Objectives

Understanding of the differences between erosion, sediment, and sedimentation

Identification of the limitations of erosion rate and sediment yield models

Introductory understanding of the concept of a “sedigraph”

Understanding of sediment vs. runoff volumes

Speaker:
Jerald Fifield, Ph.D., CISEC, CPESC
& Tina Wills, P.E., CISEC, CPESC
Hydrodynamics Inc.

Dr. Jerald Fifield and Tina Wills have over 45 years of professional experience in drainage, sediment and erosion control, water rights, and nonpoint pollution control. Through HydroDynamics Inc., they develop SWPPPs and sediment and erosion control plans, complete drainage analysis, provide inspection services, teach about controlling sediment and erosion on construction sites, and provide expert testimony. Fifield and Wills have taught hundreds of courses in the sediment and erosion control fields, training thousands of professionals in the process, and are featured speakers at the upcoming StormCon 2014. Additionally, Dr. Fifield is the author of the best-selling manual Designing and Reviewing Effective Sediment and Erosion Control Plans (3^rd ed.).

More Training in Stormwater Management and Highway Design

Make a difference starting now!

Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. It also helps preserve important animal habitats by reducing the demand for Coltan. In addition to recycling cell phones and electronic waste it is critical that consumers demand conflict free electronic devices.   You can help the Keystone Clean Water Team and the Environment by recycling your cell phone.  ”

If you would like to set up a program to help recycle cellphones at an event, business, or other organization.  Through our program we can recycle  cell phones, iPods, game systems, and small digital cameras.  If your interested, please contact us.

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 the Program, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners.  We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more.  Become part of the Water Science Basics!

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.  Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !

For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.

Keystone Clean Water Team 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 (Helps us complete our mission).

Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!