Solar Energy – The Power of the Sun Climate Change Global Warming – Climate Crisis

See Related Article – The Great Earth Engine and 100% Renewable Realistic Goal or Pipe Dream or  by Brian Oram

All energy of the planet Earth has it source from the power of a past or current Sun.   The universe has been estimated to be about 14 billion years old, but our Sun is only about 5 million years old.  Because of the presence of heavier elements, we know that the Sun and our system was likely created by the remnants of a second or third generation star.  (WE are all children of a Star and Star dust).  This means that the universe recycles and our Sun was created after a previous Sun went through least two or three supernovas.  This left behind the building blocks for our current solar system.  How did the first building blocks of the Universe start – one approach / creative design (Rational Bible)?

Quote:
“Second-generation stars, such as the sun, contain some heavier elements. These elements could not exist just based on nuclear fusion inside stars. Instead, some of this material must have come from the supernovae of other stars. Hence, second-generation stars like our sun were formed after first-generation stars.”   Source

Since the solar energy we get from our current Sun provides the solar radiation that is used by solar panels and creates the thermal differences on the planet to support wind and the water cycle, the gravitational pull creates the tides, and the radioactive particles help to support the molten core – The Earth is really powered by past Suns and our current Sun.  Since we have to be honest, fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, in reality are nature’s way to store solar energy.  This means that fossil fuels are actually part of the natural storage system for the Earth, but they are not renewable in our short life-times, but they are renewable in geologic time. Because of this condition, we must learn and invest on other technologies, plus focus on conservation, hardening grid, adapting to a planet that has always changed, we must not rebuilding on unstable landscapes (“build on rock, not sand”), and we must make sure we have diversification in our energy platform.   Since we are human, we must also use energy as “soft power” as an alternative to “war and the funding of totalitarian regimes”.

In this post, we are going to attempt to highlight some of the basic information related to  traditional solar energy systems for residential and commercial applications  and link to solid educational resources.  To get a little in the weeds, we do not have an Energy Crisis, we have an energy waste and lack of storage crisis.   In the USA, we waste over 50 % of the energy we use and we have a lot of “energy vampires”.  Solar energy systems work well, but it depends on location, location, location, system design, system orientation, building efficiency, and building orientation.  To take the first in the process of proactive positive change, it is critical to learn.  The first steps in this learning process of making a difference and a proactive positive change is to “Learn, Question, and Act/Test”, but this must happen after your are ready to “Stand UP and Look for the Facts” and not play to the “Fear”.

Solar Power Systems

Solar power systems can be divided into three basic types, which includes active solar energy, passive solar energy, and solar thermal energy system.    In active solar energy systems, the system includes a “panel” that may be roof, or land mounted with residential and commercial applications.  The panels are photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy into an electrical current.  With passive solar energy, the goal is to attempt to intercept and store or block and redirect the radiant energy created by the sun.   Passive solar energy is managed primarily through building design, material selection, and building orientation.  Solar thermal energy system typically is limited to storing the radiant energy of the sun and using it to heat water, such as in roof mounted water heating units to create hot water or systems to heat pools.

If you are interesting in learning about solar energy and its application for your home and may be ready to ask more question or act, we would recommend reviewing the website created by Consumer Affairs. Consumer Affairs created a helpful resource that allows consumers to determine whether their house is a good fit for solar panels and allows them to compare popular solar energy companies. With the help from contributing editor, Zachary Shahan, the guide addresses the types of solar energy technology and how solar panels work.  Best Solar Generator (portable) guide.

 

Water in the Universe
CO2 and the Climate Debate

Other Interesting Resources and Educational Information

Training Courses to Learn More
Professional Engineers Continuing Education (PDHs) – Renewable Energy (Solar and More)
LEED for New Construction

 

Orenco AdvanTex Systems- New Webinars and other resources

Residential AdvanTex^® Design

Wed., May 1st, 9-10am Pacific Time

AdvanTex^® Treatment Systems are the ideal onsite solution for residential wastewater treatment needs because they work well in a variety of locations and situations. In this webinar, we’ll review the application, design, and benefits of AdvanTex for residential properties.

Orenco Sewer™ Troubleshooting

Thu., May 2nd, 9-10am Pacific Time
Correctly diagnosing a problem is the first step to getting it fixed. In this webinar, we’ll discuss the basics of troubleshooting an effluent sewer collection system, including how to identify problems with specific components by using the Orenco STEP System Troubleshooting Chart and the Orenco Control Panel Troubleshooting Chart. These tools can save you both time and money when dealing with effluent sewer system repairs.

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Rural Customers – Make Sure to Get Your Drinking Water Tested

other Training Programs for Professionals

Course – Onlot Sewage Treatment Systems – Based on EPA Guidelines
Course – Onlot Sewage Management

UDRBC Seminar Next Week; Water Quality and Legislative Update

Next Thursday, May 2, the Upper Delaware River Basin Citizens or UDRBC will be holding a seminar in Lookout, Pennsylvania to talk landowner rights and more.

Be there! The UDRBC, lead by Ned Lang and a large group of Upper Delaware River citizens will be conducting an in-depth discussion of natural gas exploration and development.  The Upper Delaware River Basin Citizens (‘UDRBC’) has announced the topic of its Spring Seminar scheduled for Thursday, May2, 2019 at the Lookout Fire Hall, 2625 Hancock Highway, Equinunk, Pennsylvania.

The seminar will be held from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with lunch provided and will feature numerous speakers. Registration is online at https://udrbc.com under “EVENTS” and space is limited.

Major speakers will include:

BRIAN ORAM: Brian is a Professional Geologist and Soil Scientist for B.F Environmental Consultants. He is also a Private Well Owner Educator at PACleanwater and Managing the Keystone Clean Water Team. Water quality education is both and expertise with this entertaining expert. He knows Northeastern Pennsylvania water and geology like no one else.Brian’s specialties include well migration issues, natural gas, hydrogeology, carbon sequestering, brine water treatment and water reuse. He will address the relationship between natural gas development and water quality.
During this presentation, we will discuss water quality, groundwater, environmental issues with natural gas development, and activities that landowners/royalty owners can do to protect themselves, their community, and the environment.  We will announce the free phone App that is available from the Keystone Clean Water Team on Baseline Water Testing and encourage citizens to participate in a citizen based groundwater assessment using their baseline data.  (Slide Presentation – pdf version baselinetestingwaynecounty2019slide )

NOTE:  Please consider supporting the Keystone Clean Water Team (501C3) in PA – some of our PSAs.

PAT HENDERSON: Pat has over 20 years experience in legislative and executive branches of government, and with leading nationally-recognized energy advocacy trade organizations.  Pat is currently employed at the Marcellus Shale Foundation. He is an expert on Marcellus Shale development policy and knows government inside and outside.  Pat will address the latest shale gas issues from the perspectives of both industry and policymakers.

JEFF BELARDI: Attorney Jeffrey Belardi practices out of Scranton, PA and has been licensed for 25 years. He attended Widener University and handles cases in Corporate & Incorporation, Criminal Defense, State, Local And Municipal Law, Litigation.  Jeff is also one of three attorneys handling the Wayne Land and Mineral Group lawsuit against the DRBC and in defense of landowner rights.

It is important to Learn, Diagnose, and Test.  Public outreach is part of the Mission of the Keystone Clean Water Team. To learn more about this Organization and support their efforts, please go to http://www.pacleanwater.org

Other Items:

1. Training  Programs:
   Modern Shale Gas Development
   Mud Logging Sensors
   Shale Gas and the Global Market
   Introduction to Groundwater Contamination
   Groundwater Hydrology
   Petrochemical Training for Engineers
2. Learn about the facts and not the fear – Scare Pollution (must read):
   
   
3. A book on climate and climate change – a must read:
   
   

Please Get Your Water Tested – At a minimum, an comprehensive Informational Water Quality Test to at least determine your general well water quality and learn about the hazards in your community.  This is not certified baseline testing, but it is a low cost means of evaluating your drinking water source. It is important to KNOW Your H20!   Get Your Water Tested and order a Neighboorhood Hazard Reports for your Home.

Free Workshop for Operators, Managers, Board Members, and Consultants of Public Water Systems

Funding and Resource Management Considerations for Public Water Suppliers

 

When:  Wednesday May 8, 2019.  Doors opens at 8AM.  Workshop: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Where:  Big Flats Community Center, 476 Maple Street, Big Flats, NY 14814

Fee:  Free of charge, continental breakfast and lunch included.

 

Please register early – spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis!

 

Speakers / Topics include:

 

• Simplifying Asset Management: It’s About What’s in it for You (Heather Himmelberger, P.E., Director of Southwest Environmental Finance Center at the University of New Mexico)
• Leak Detection and Water Loss Management (Shawn Crater, Water Supervisor, Town of Big Flats, NY)
• Panel Discussion – Funding Considerations for Public Water Suppliers: NYSDOH, NYSDOS, USDA, NYS Homes and Community Renewal
• Developing and Managing Water Resources in the Susquehanna River Basin (Mike Appleby, P.G., Supervisor, Groundwater Project Review, SRBC)
• Overview of NYSDEC’s Role in the Management of NY Public Water Suppliers (NYSDEC)
• Overview of NYDOH’s Role in the Management of NY Public Water Suppliers(Brock Rodgers, Professional Engineer 1, NYSDOH Bureau of Water Supply Protection)
• Development of Aquifer Test Plans and Waivers (Brent Bauman, P.G., Hydrogeologist, SRBC)

 

More Training Opportunities

PDH in Environmental Engineering on PDHengineer.co

Online Training Courses for Professionals in Water Resource Management, etc

Green Design – Sustainable Water Systems

Conference approved for 5.50 contact hours for New York – Certified Water Operators (Drinking Water Contact Hours).  *The Commission is currently vetting the workshop with the appropriate agencies to offer continuing education credits for Licensed Professional Engineers and Geologists (the website will be updated once approval has been granted).

 

Remote online workshop participation is available; however, water contact hours are only available to classroom attendees. If interested, please click “Attend by Webinar” on the registration page.

 

The workshop is sponsored by the SRBC Public Water Supply Assistance Program.

 

Click Here to Register!  For more information contact: Brent Bauman, P.G. Hydrogeologist at  bbauman@srbc.net or 717-238-0423 (x1235), or Mike  Appleby, P.G. at  mappleby@srbc.net or 717-238-0423 (x1208)

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Pennsylvania Sewage Enforcement Officers Soils Training Wastewater Managment

Since the last SEO email on March 9, 2018, the Act 537 Planning Section would like to inform you of the following program updates:

1. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Bureau of Clean Water is in the process of developing and administering a website-based Learning Management System (LMS), called the Pennsylvania Clean Water Academy (PCWA),  https://pacleanwateracademy.remote-learner.net/. In addition to other Bureau programs, the PCWA will serve the SEO Certification and Training Program. All SEO records and training opportunities will be housed in the PCWA and will be accessible to you through your own account, whenever you need the information.

We believe this represents an opportunity for the SEO community and envision the following benefits:

• Allow for all DEP-approved and available courses being offered to SEOs will be in one location.
• Allow for variety of online courses.
• Provide self-service for SEOs to find and enroll in training programs and track their certification and credit status.
• Allow SEOs to express an interest in or pre-book courses.
• Allow for a wider range of course media, in class, video, webinar and eLearning.

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Note, the SEO portion is still a work in progress, currently there are only two (2) SEO on-line courses available, although you can view all DEP-approved SEO courses, sponsors and sponsor contact information in the PCWA. You should have received, or will be receiving, an email to set up your account in Pa Clean Water Academy (PCWA). Once you have registered for PCWA, to assist you with navigating the PCWA, we have developed an on-line course entitled How to Use the Clean Water Academy for SEOs. As an incentive, the DEP will award you one (1) credit upon successful completion of the course, at no charge.

1. In the past, the SEO continuing education program offered an advanced soils class (#109 Advanced Soils). The completion of the class had been a requirement to maintain certification as an SEO. The soils class has not been offered since 2010. If you are receiving this email, you already have successfully passed the #109 Advanced Soils class in the past, but you are invited to refresh your skills in the newly approved advanced soils course below.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) believes that a comprehensive soils course is fundamental for all SEOs. A thorough understanding of soils and how soils relate to on-lot sewage systems is essential for all SEOs to adequately perform their duties.

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Currently, there is only one (1) DEP-approved soils course meeting the same qualifications as the #109 Advanced Soils, the Precertification Soils Course. The training sponsor for this course is Soil Hub. The course is a blended learning event offering on-line material and two (2) field days; the course is worth 15 credits and the price is $550. To successfully complete the soils course and earn the 15 credits, you must take and pass the online exams and a field exam.

The on-line portion of the course will take approximately four (4) hours to complete and must be done prior to attending the field portion of the course.  The schedule for the 2019 field days is as follows:

 

April 25 & 26 – Shippensburg University

May 16 & 17 – Bucks County

May 23 & 24 – Bucks County

June 6 & 7 – Bloomsburg University

June 20 & 21 – Bloomsburg University

 

For additional information and registration, visit https://pacleanwateracademy.remote-learner.net/ or  https://www.soilhub.com/seo/. Note, please make sure to set up your PCWA account before trying to register for the precertification soils course. If you have not received the email on how to set up your account, or are having trouble setting up your account, please contact Jay Braund at jbraund@pa.gov, 717.772.5636, or Janice Vollero at jvollero@pa.gov, 717.772.5157.

We would like to remind you to contact us if any of your personal or business contact information changes. You can contact us by email at RA-seotrng@pa.gov .

Training

Continuing Education Credits – PASEOs – Hand-ons Course – Wilkes University -https://www.wilkes.edu/academics/continued-learning/engineering-geologist-ce.aspx

Online Training Course – EPA Land-Based Wastewater

EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Processes and Systems

EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Systems Management