B.F. Environmental Builds Expertise into New Water Quality Mobile App – Know Your H20?
B.F. Environmental Builds Expertise into New Water Quality Mobile App
Company experts have developed a new tool that will help families stay healthy
WILKES-BARRE, PA—September 22, 2015—B.F. Environmental Consultants, an environmental consulting firm providing a range of services throughout the Northeast, announced today the launch of a new mobile app that will make it possible for homeowners to get answers about the quality of their drinking water. Brian Oram, a professional geologist and soil scientist and founder of B.F. Environmental Consultants, developed this new diagnostic tool, called “Know Your H2O?”
“Consumers have fully embraced mobile technologies. If we want to help them, we’re going to have to make our information available to them through their IOS and Android devices,” Oram said. “This new app will put actionable information about water quality into the hands of homeowners all across the country. I’m very proud of this new product.”
Know Your H2O? relies heavily upon the massive online water quality resource the company has made available through the launch of its Water Research Center website. The first version of the software helps consumers diagnose potential water quality problems by exploring aesthetic problems, physical problems, health concerns, or specific problems in their homes. The app is supported by additional content that is directly linked to the Water Research Center.
“This tool helps consumers diagnose problems, but then goes beyond that to provide recommendations for further testing or corrective action,” Oram said. “The app is based on a holistic approach and is guided by concerns about our water, homes, and health. It is a comprehensive tool that can be used by any homeowner, building inspector, water quality professional, or water treatment professional to diagnose a problem and determine next steps.”
For more information about the mobile app or to download your own free copy, visit: Drinking Water Diagnostics
About B.F. Environmental Consultants, Inc.
B.F. Environmental Consultants, based in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Poconos, has been providing professional geological, soils, hydrogeological, and environmental consulting services since 1985. The company specializes in the following areas: hydrogeological and wastewater evaluations for siting land-based wastewater disposal systems; soils consulting (soil scientists), environmental monitoring, overseeing the siting, exploration, and development of community/ commercial water supply sources; environmental training/ professional training courses, and other environmental services. For more information about B.F. Environmental Consultants, visit www.bfenvironmental.com and www.water-research.net.
Ben Franklin’s SGICC Releases Updated Study Summarizing Shale Gas Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
Ben Franklin’s SGICC Releases Updated Study Summarizing Shale Gas Wastewater Treatment and Disposal in Pennsylvania in 2014
STATE COLLEGE, PA – In 2012 the Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation & Commercialization Center (www.sgicc.org) commissioned a study on the status of wastewater being produced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Now, three years later, SGICC is updating the report, not only because of the slowdown in the drilling process across the Commonwealth, but also due to the rapid change the shale industry has made in management techniques for the wastewater from shale gas and NGL extraction. See the new 2015 report, as well as the 2012 version, on the SGICC web site at http://www.sgicc.org/research–reports.html.
SGICC hired Wunz Associates, LLC to undertake the study as a follow up to their 2012 effort. An exhaustive search of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) wastewater reporting records was undertaken, coupled with discussions with leading companies treating the wastewater for the industry. In addition to posting the Wunz Associate report at the link above, a second report generated by Eureka Resources, LLC regarding their Standing Stone treatment facility operations in Bradford County, PA and published in SPE International in 2015 is also available.
The most significant finding in the 2015 Wunz report is that volumes classified as “produced water” exceeded those classified as “frac fluid” in 2014. Bill Hall, SGICC Director notes, “This has occurred largely due to the slowdown in drilling and fracturing of wells by the industry and could reverse again in the future when natural gas and NGL prices rebound and drilling picks up again. Additionally, the amount of produced water is likely to decline over time since it is generated in proportion to the amount of gas or NGLs a well is producing, and that tends to drop off fairly rapidly after the initial years of production.”
Hall also stressed that the majority of the wastewater generated as both “produced” and “frac fluid” are recycled by the industry. In fact, the PADEP records indicate that over 91% of the water is recycled by being used in a future completions project. Recycling is typically done after the water is partially treated to remove solids and other unneeded constituents.
“There may be a point in the future where total frac flowback fluid and produced water volumes do exceed the total volume of water used to fracture wells in the state. But that point has not been reached yet,” noted Hall. “The industry continues to look for innovations in the area of shale wastewater treatment and disposal to address future challenges.”
Online Training Courses
Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) – Environmental Issues
Hydraulic Fracturing – The Process
Industrial Water Treatment and Underground Injection Control
Comprehensive – Petrochemical – Shale Gas Course
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership River Towns Planner Position
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is seeking a candidate for the position of River Towns Planner (RTP) to develop and implement programs that build the capacity of local partners to envision, plan, construct and sustain riverfront parks, walking and biking trails, river accesses, green infrastructure, and greenway signs. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Community Design is required. Relevant experience in community engagement strategies, community assessments, conceptual renderings, landscape design, historic preservation, graphic design, and project management is needed.
The full position description is attached. Please share with anyone you think might be interested.
To submit an application, please email tcarothers@susquehannagreenway.org your cover letter, resume, and short writing samples. PLEASE PUT “River Towns Planner” IN THE SUBJECT OF YOUR MESSAGE.
Application Deadline: September 14, 2015
About the Susquehanna Greenway
The Susquehanna Greenway is a connected landscape of walking and biking trails, river access points, unique river towns, working farms and conserved land that stretches over 500-miles along the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna Greenway improves the quality of life for the people who live near it, enhances the economic vitality of the communities that foster it, and preserves our natural and cultural resources. It provides opportunities to exercise outdoors, experience nature and explore historic river towns. The Greenway protects our water quality and inspires stewardship and civic pride in places where people love to live, work, play and visit.
Visit www.SusquehannaGreenway.org to learn more.
Online Training Courses
Stream Restoration – Course 1 of 6.
Wetland Science Course
Sustainability
Stormwater Harvesting
Regenerative Landscape Design
Natural Approach to Stormwater Management
Big Bass Lake Presentation on Well Water Poconos Monroe Wayne County Pennsylvania
The Keystone Clean Water Team was invited to Big Bass Lake to discuss groundwater and private well issues with the Association. Great event and a beautiful community in the Poconos in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania. The presenter was board member and manager Mr. Brian Oram from B.F. Environmental Consultants, Inc. During the presentation, we discussed:
a. Need for private well owners to be proactive.
b. The connection between groundwater and surface water.
c. Private well water testing – common problems and basic solutions.
d. The real hazards in a community may include other private wells.
e. Introduced the Know Your H2O? Program
Very solid Event. A Private Well Owner Presentation is available for review.
Supportive Links
Our Educational Booklet on Drinking Water
Know Your H2O? Program
OuR PSAs on Water
Why Should I Test My Well Water?
Mail Order Water Testing Program
Get Your Community Hazard Report for Real Estate Properties (USA Search- Custom Reports).
Most Common Questions
1. How to Shock Disinfect a Well?
2. Where do I get sanitizing tablets? (Follow link or check with local well drilling contractor)
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3. Is radon in water an issue? Maybe – get more information, but first priority is to get the radon level check and run a long-term radon test. Radon by zip code (PA).
4. Red water – is the only solution a water softener?
5. My water is great but it turns blue and tastes metallic?
6. My water stinks. What is up?
7. I have a bacteria problem – do i need to install a UV system and spend $ 1500.00. Maybe- but first you should do the following:
a. Inspect the wellhead or top of the well – Is the casing above grade or below. If below grade, it would be advisable to hirer a well drilling contract to extend the casing at least 18 inches above grade.
b. Does water sit near the wellhead? – if so – divert the water.
c. Do you have a sanitary well cap? No sure – this is a sanitary well cap. Do you have one? If not install one.
d. Shock disinfect well and distribution system – see link above with video.
e. Retest – you may need to shock disinfect twice. Example – See Case # 3
Interested in a Community Based Educational Water Testing program for Big Bass Lake – Contact us.
We could use your help – Here is How.
Big Bass Lake Community Association is not just another Pocono Mountain Resort. We are an award winning and Gold Star Certified premier Community located in the Pocono Mountains.
Water 101 The What, Where, and How of Water
“We’ve all heard the statistics: over half of the human body is water, you should drink eight cups of water per day, and you can survive only three days without water. These numbers definitely drive home the importance of water, but no human really needs to be told how important water is to human life – it’s instinctive. What’s not instinctive is knowing exactly where our precious water comes from and how much time, effort, and money it takes to make it drinkable. Let’s start with a look at water on Earth.”
Interesting short post – you may want to check it out.
Announcement – New Nationwide Program – the Environmental Hazardous and other Issues in YOUR Community – Get Your Report!
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. KCWT’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable. It can be a little or a lot. Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests, posting articles on social media, or assisting with a local event !
For more information, please go to KCWT’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. Our new PSAs.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!
Featured Links (Help to Support this Web-Portal)
Unique Handmade Gifts and Jewelry. 100% Fair Trade!
GiftsWithHumanity .com
Get a 30-day free trial of LifeLock Ultimate and save 10% off your final purchase!
Carbon County Pennsylvania Groundwater Help to Hometown
The Keystone Clean Water Team has its roots in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. The organization is attempting to educate and inform private well owners about issues related to water quality. We were just recently contacted by someone in the Hometown Area that was having a problem. He called and discussed the issues which appeared series. we asked the person to email us with the details = but we have not received the information.
So – We decided to post this message !
1. If you called the Keystone Clean Water Team looking for help and spoke with Brian – please email us a cleanwater@carbonwaters.org. Please provide a full description of the problem and type of information you have available and your street mailing address.
2. If you are having a problem with your well water in Carbon County, PA- please provide us a description of the problem and your mailing address.
3. We do not have the funds to fix any problems, but we do have the opportunity to compile the problems and attempt to compare the problems to known historic environmental hazards in the area.
4. If you are outside of Carbon County, PA and are having a problem – we would be happy to review any data, but we would also suggest running a Neighborhood Environmental Hazard Report.
Everything we do began with an idea.
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. Our new PSAs.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!
For more information, please go to KCWT’s About Page or contact us. Follow us on Twitter
Make Your Home Green
The word “Green” has taken on a new life. This word has been used to suggest a better approach for the planet and environment. That is great – but really “Going Green” can save you money by reducing waste and efficiency. So rather than “Going Green” – How about we suggest some ways to keep the green in your pocket. This post is about making your bank account turn “Green” and investing in yourself. To live the lifestyle – We Recommend the book “Living a Less Toxic Life”.
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Tip 1 – Cut and Reduce the Waste (Energy and Water)
The first action is get an energy audit done on your home. A professional can evaluate where you are wasting energy on heating and/or cooling your home, the appliances you are using, and how you are heating your water. These inefficiency may be associated with other environmental problems, such as mold, termites, and water damage. One book we like is the Homeowner Guide to Energy Efficiency. A really nice kit to reduce your water usage – Save Water Kit. If you are a DIY – this is a great home course on conducting an energy audit. Some general tips:
a. Install a programmable thermostat. Set in winter to 68 degrees (Yes this means socks, slips, and maybe a robe) . Remember the King and Queen of the Castle wore a Robe – nothing wrong! In the summer, set at 78 degrees (Honestly this does not work for me either- so add a ceiling fan).
b. Inspect your windows – caulk and seal air leaks around windows, tape the heating ducts, replace or install weather stripping, and maybe upgrade the windows. If you can not update the windows at least add a window insulator.
c. Recycle household materials.
d. Get Rid of the Energy Vampires ! With any luck you have gotten rid of the emotional vampires – now it is time for the energy vampires. This means putting TVs, DVRs, Cable boxes, and other similar appliances on power strips and turning off the power strips when you are not using the devices. For the cell phone and small electronic devices – this means taking the charge out of the wall socket when the device is charged. In PA – Host a Cell Phone Recycling Program at Work or an Event.
e. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs or other more efficient lighting.
Tip 2 – More on Water
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1. Fix leaks in faucets – If you are going to consider water treatment – Consider a non-sodium based water softener.
2. Do not run the water will you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
3. If you like cold water – maybe put a pitcher of water in the refrigerator to cool (No more than 2 days old please) and use a glass vessel.
4. Run full loads and maybe switch to a front load washer. 5. On the water side – do not flush medications, do not flush wipes, and the toilet is not for kitchen waste.
5. Install low-flow shower head and maybe a low-flow toilet or a toilet bladder.
6. Rain Barrels and Water Gardens – Save the Rain and Re-Use (Rain Water Harvesting)- Also – do we really need English Lawns?
7. Companies – Dallas, PA – Recommend Huntsville Nursery and Landscaping and Rain Water Harvesting.
Tip 3 – Cleaners – Maybe not so Harsh
1. Take a look at your chemical cleaners and switch to phosphate free and “detergent free” cleaners.
2. If you have red or black stains, try cleaning with a citric acid based cleaner rather and chlorine. This is a great guide to non-toxic cleaners.
Change starts with taking just one step. That is how we learned to walk. If you are concerned about unknown hazards in your community. Consider reviewing the Keystone Clean Water Team healthy community program. We are working with a national environmental database search company to offer a report to help you understand your home’s or your future homes environmental health status within a community. The program, Neighborhood Environmental Report™, offers a search of over 1,400 databases and millions of records of potential land and groundwater contamination within 1 mile radius of the entered address. To learn more.
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. Our new PSAs.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!
Groundwater Availability Analysis and Groundwater Quality Wayne County, Pennsylvania
The Wayne Tomorrow Action Committee invited the Keystone Clean Water Team to compile and develop a presentation on the general water quality, water availability, and some general recommendations related to groundwater resources in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. The Keystone Clean Water Team had Mr. Brian Oram, a local water quality expert and professional geologist, review the information and conduct the presentation for the Keystone Clean Water Team. During the education session, the members of the Wayne Tomorrow Action Committee and the Sustainability Committee for Wayne Tomorrow was present. A copy of the presentation Wayne County Planning for Our Future is available. For this training event, the following sponsors were recognized:
BF. Environmental Consultants
Water Research Center
Quantum Laboratories
Key Topics:
1. Private Wells are not regulated in Pennsylvania and there are NO minimum construction standards.
2. About 50% of private wells in Pennsylvania appear to have at least one water quality problem and causes the water to NOT meet the PADEP Drinking Water Standards.
3. Common problem is the pH of the water is low and the water is corrosive. Corrosive water can increase the concentration of trace metals like copper/lead/zinc (plumbing and fixtures) and iron/manganese/aluminum/arsenic (aquifer).4. From the USGS Study – 97 % of private wells have radon over 300 pCi/L, 6 Percent have elevated arsenic, well water with a pH of over 7.8 may be associated with the presence of methane, arsenic, fluoride, sodium, bromide, lithium, boron, and chloride. (Speaker note: Well water with a pH of 8.0 or more may be influenced by naturally occurring saline water).
5. Analysis – The County could consider using the GIS System to conduct Groundwater Vulnerability Analysis, Availability Analysis, and Identify the location of historic or current hazards of concern.
6. In general, Wayne County can use a basic water budgeting analysis to evaluate project sustainability and if possible promote the use of on-site well and septic system with proper installation and maintenance. The example demonstrated how projects could be analyzed to determine the estimated development capacity of a project based on water availability.
7. The Organization or County can not allocate water – this is the role of the Delaware River Basin Commission.
8. Wayne County is appears that 35 to 45 % of rainfall contributes to baseflow for the region.
9. Advisable to develop a County or Local Agency – Well Construction Standard.
10. Educational Materials are Available for PA from the Keystone Clean Water Team. The Keystone Clean Water Team is a 501c3 and donations are appreciated.
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. Our new PSAs.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!
Participated in Jessup Panel Discussion on Invenergy
Participated in a Panel Discussion at the request of Representative Frank Farina – I have not worked on the Invenergy Project and I was requested to be available to answer questions related to geology, hydrogeology, water quality, regulatory process, environmental impacts, stormwater issues, and stream related matters. Prior to attending the event, I visited the site and reviewed the available soils, geologic, and water quality data. I attended the panel discussion with Q/A – a link to a series can be found at the following webportal. I strongly suggest you watch video 6.
During the Panel discussion the following questions were raised
1. How are discharge limits sets? The PADEP set the discharge limits for a facility based on the average and peak discharge flow, existing stream quality, existing stream flow, classification of the stream, and the nature of downgradient users.
2. Have the discharge limits been set? No -the discharge limits have not been set for the stream and the peak flow is 600,000 gpd and a potential average flow is 400,000 gpd.
3. Will the discharge adversely impact the stream? The process the PADEP uses is designed to have no adverse impact on the stream. The PADEP will set discharge limits to prevent and adverse impact on the stream or no impact on the stream depending on the stream quality and classification. For this project, a critical design parameter will be temperature and most likely the design of the outlet structure.
4. What chemicals will be used in the water treatment process? This can not be known until the PADEP sets the limits. The PADEP has a list of allowed chemicals that could be used and are pre-approved. The list is here. Note: This is a list of all the chemicals PADEP has approved for a variety of processes and projects and NOT This Project. This list is not project or site specific.
5. Is it possible that PADEP may set limits that are not attainable? This should not happen, but it may.
6. Limits are set via a NPDES permit process? This process will likely require daily monitoring of the treatment process (incoming water, within process, discharge water) – Certified water testing on a monthly basis – continuous flow monitoring and most likely consist monitoring of pH, temperature, conductivity, and oxygen. The monitoring program will likely include upstream and downstream monitoring of water quality and maybe flow.
7. Water Withdrawal ? Is there enough water ? It appears that the water company has been allocated sufficient water for the area. The allocation process is controlled by the SRBC (Susquehanna River Basin Commission). They regulate the initial water allocation, create a docket, and would have to approve any docket modifications. This may be a docket modification by the SRBC. This would be an excellent time to put in-place in-stream water quality monitoring for the watershed. It was suggested that in-stream monitoring with a web-portal to access daily was being considered.
8. In a drought what happens? SRBC controls allocation via the docket – plant would have to apply to provisions. If this means going off line to meet requirements – this is what would have to happen. The plant could attempt to develop some backup or supplemental sources.
9. Geology for the area ? Any issues ? There does appear to be some historic strip mining and soil mapping suggests some urban dumping. The bedrock is typical of the Llewellyn Formation (coal bearing formation) and the Pottsville Formation (sandstone). The area has no mapped sinkholes, faults, or known geologic hazards.
Video of the Event (20 separate videos – please watch Number 6)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLKfoQ6aX-A06NVXkLsZ4sbjRNSgCm9ogO&v=1CVr-Gvpenw
News Coverage
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/jessup-power-plant-plan-latest-since-shale-boom-began-1.1532435
http://wnep.com/2015/03/31/action-16-is-invenergy-a-good-neighbor/
In Video 6 – I had to interpret a question because what the person was doing was not asking a question but making a statement that was not true and correct. For the record,
1. I have never sponsored an oil and gas energy event.
2. I have never sponsored an energy event dinner.
3. I did not attend the event in question, but I did get a free invitation to the event because I subscribe to an online newsletter about environmental and oil and gas issues through out the US. This free invitation was to the event only and I would have to pay for lunch. I did register, but I did not attend the event.
4. Rather than attending the event, I helped the DCNR with a program that was scheduled for the Tues before and Thursday after on environmental issues with natural gas development, but because a tour for a drilling site could not be set-up we did a tour and water testing of a salt water spring in Susquehanna County, PA.
5. As a fallout of the tour- we are in the process of raising funds to help purchase 3-Phosphate testing meters for the DCNR Program – estimated cost $ 2000.00. Send donations via this portal. The next $ 2K raised will go to buying the water quality meters.
Added Link to Article I found from Charlie Charlesworth on the event.
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. Our new PSAs.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!