Posted by Brian on October 31, 2013 · Leave a Comment
We Talk About How We All Use Energy and are Part of the Solution
“PRINGLE – Brian Oram quizzed a group of students at the West Side Career and Technology.
“What percentage of energy do we waste?” Oram asked.
“Too much” and “a lot” were some responses. Oram pushed for a number.
“Fifty eight percent of the energy we produce, we waste,” Oram disclosed.
Oram was one of a dozen speakers at the school Wednesday talking about careers in or tied to the energy field. He is a licensed professional geologist and soil scientist and owns a private environmental consulting business, B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc.
Cabot Oil & Gas and Junior Achievement of NEPA Inc. helped organize the sessions at the school. The purpose of the sessions was exposing students to career options, Administrative Director Nancy P. Tkatch said.
The energy field has jobs and careers “in our own backyard” for students, such as welders, petroleum engineers and computer-technology specialists, Tkatch said.
Bill desRosiers, external affairs coordinator for Cabot Oil, said he talked to students about job opportunities resulting from Marcellus Shale production in Susquehanna County. He said some of the jobs are not even at drilling sites, where natural gas is released through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Those jobs involve repairing drill bits and computer technologies, desRosiers said.
Fracking opponents object to potential environmental impacts, including contamination of ground water, depletion of fresh water and the migration of gases and hydraulic fracturing chemicals to the surface.
mbuffer@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2073″
Note my writing – story by MICHAEL P. BUFFER (STAFF WRITER) –
Comments
1. Great Event
2. We need to talk more about the energy we generate and how we waste.
3. Need to come up with a solution that includes all stakeholders and is an integrated solution. All energy sources should be on the table
4. I was not interviewed for the story.
5. But I really like these events – we are part of the problem and we must be part of the solution.
Message
1. Conservation First
2. Educate and Use Energy Wisely
3. Make Good Long-Term Decisions as a Community
4. Need for a National Energy Policy – not picking winners, but getting us (citizens and business) to work together.
5. Importance and role for Groundsource, Geothermal, and biomass options.
Posted by Brian on October 30, 2013 · 1 Comment
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.
Filed under Biosolids, Children's Health, Environmental Health, Fill, Fossil Fuels, Homeowner, Polycythemia vera, Water Testing, Well water testing · Tagged with blood cancer, Carbon, luzerne, polycythemia vera, Schuylkill counties
Posted by Brian on October 11, 2013 · 5 Comments
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).
Posted by Brian on October 10, 2013 · 7 Comments
We recently worked with a homeowner in Pennsylvania that was having some health related issues. These issues appeared to be related to elevated levels of aluminum that were detected in the hair and blood. We were asked to conduct a more detailed assessment. Here are findings.
Ten Samples Collected
Sample 1- 2.99 mg/L(aluminum) – first flush hot water UT (untreated) Bathroom – suggests that this is leaching of aluminum from the water line or maybe the anode in tank
Sample 2 0.63 mg/L – hot water UT bathroom after flushing
Sample 3 < 0.05 mg/L cold water UT bathroom after flushing
Sample 4 < 0.05 mg/L bathroom shower (UT)
Sample 5 < 0.05 mg/L cold water treated (T) and flushed – treatment carbon filter
Sample 6 1.0 mg/L hot water flushed the line (UT).
Sample 7 < 0.05 mg/L cold water refrigerator (Treated- carbon filter)
Sample 8 < 0.05 mg/L pyrex cup- put cold treated water in the cup
Sample 9 0.17 mg/L Kettle water boiled- put cold treated water in the cup
Sample 10 < 0.05 mg/L outside spigot- Untreated
Result
1. Problem is not the source
2. Problem appears to be related to corrosion or leaching from the hot water system or piping.
3. Additional aluminum source may be the kettle.
It is clear the problem is tied to the hot water system either the heater itself or it may have an aluminum anode or leaching out of the piping. Flushing the lines does help significantly – but does not solve the problem with the hot water – Do NOT use the hot water for any cooking and only use treated water for cooking after the line has been flushed..
Another hot spot was the kettle – you may want to make tea another way – Pyrex cup was ok.
Point of the story
1. Sometimes – multiple water samples are needed to get the full picture.
2. Cookware may be part of the problem.
3. We have also seen this problem when a well has elevated levels of bacteria, such as slime, iron, and sulfur, or an elevated level of methane
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.
SimpleWaterTest.com (Well Water / City Drinking Water Testing)
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).
Posted by Brian on October 7, 2013 · 12 Comments
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).
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