Posted by Brian on October 26, 2014 · 1 Comment
“Carbon County’s free online magazine, Carbon County Magazine, celebrates its 10th anniversary of serving the greater Carbon County region with feature stories of human interest, the arts, invention, the outdoors and the environment; and opinion articles by a contributing staff of over 50 local writers, poets and other folk who write about nearly everything.
Everything, that is, except car wrecks and police blotter items. In spite of what the daily newspapers seem to publish, Carbon County Magazine believes that Carbon County is a great place, with interesting people, and neat things to do. If it doesn’t seem that way, then you haven’t been reading Carbon County Magazine.
Carbon County Magazine is an online-only magazine, and is at: carboncountymagazine.com. Don’t be confused. It is not one of the advertising-loaded free hand-outs at the local shop. It is only available online.”
Support Your Local Communities
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 Keystone Clean Water Team!
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). Keystone Clean Water Team!
Posted by Brian on October 24, 2014 · 1 Comment
WORKSHOP WITH RANDALL ARENDT, SENIOR CONSERVATION ADVISOR, NATURAL LANDS TRUST
An expert landscape planner, site designer, author, and lecturer, Mr. Arendt is the country’s most sought after speaker on the topic of creative development design as a conservation tool. His designs are ‘twice green’ because they succeed both environmentally and economically.
The program highlights the benefits of redevelopment and adaptive reuse of aging commercial corridors into multi-use centers for the 21st century to implement smarter, greener, more sustainable development patterns, blending the twin disciplines of Conservation Design and Traditional Neighborhood Design.
Learn how your community can:
•Use its unique historic and natural assets to attract economic opportunities
•Improve landscaping and create green spaces that preserve water quality
•Enhance access for pedestrians and bicyclists
•Improve economic viability and attractiveness
•Manage stormwater to emphasize groundwater infiltration and recharge
• Use native species in landscaping, minimizing water requirements, and capturing the distinctive “spirit of the place.”
Monday, November 17th, 2014 6:30pm
Sullivan County Government Center
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
This workshop is of interest to elected officials, Planning Commission members, landscape architects, engineers, professional planners, civic leaders, commercial property owners and investors, and developers, all of whom stand to benefit from the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of aging highway commercial corridors and downtowns into multi-use centers for the 21st century, as well as residents who care about the future economic vitality and livability of their community.
Light refreshments will be served. To register, contact Heather Jacksy at planning@co.sullivan.ny.us or call 845-807-0531.
“There is no particular future that is preordained for any community—the future is a matter of choice. A wide range of futures exists and ‘staying the same’ is usually not one of them.” —Randall ArendtNatural
Other educational programs or training
Green Design – Sustainability and Historic PreservationStormwater Harvesting
Certificate in Sustainability (University Program)
Global Communities and Building a Sustainable Future
Filed under Children's Health, Environmental Health, Homeowner · Tagged with Global Communities, Green Design, natural lands trust, New York, Pennsylvania, Rainwater Harvesting, randall arendt, sustainability training, Sustainable Communities, Sustainable Development
Posted by Brian on September 7, 2014 · 1 Comment
This story was released on August 28, 2014 by the Associated Press. The link to the story is “Online list IDs water wells harmed by drilling” (Looks like article was removed- 9/28/2014). First- I am not a fan of the title, but the list does provide insights into the number of private wells that the PADEP has concluded were directly influenced by oil and gas development in Pennsylvania during the period from 2008 to 2014- Regional_Determination_Letters . Also, this story was pre-dated by a very good story in the Sunday Times in May 19, 2013.
May 2013 Story
As of May 2013, the PADEP had determined that 161 private wells had been adversely impacted by oil and natural gas development in PA over the period from 2008 to 2o12. But during this period, over 1000 cases or problems with private wells were evaluated. A quote from the article
“Inspectors declared the vast majority of complaints – 77 percent of 969 records – unfounded, lacking enough evidence to tie them definitively to drilling or caused by a different source than oil and gas exploration, like legacy pollution, natural conditions or mining. One in six investigations across the roughly five-year period – 17 percent of the records – found that oil and gas activity disrupted water supplies either temporarily or seriously enough to require companies to replace the spoiled source.”
Question Number 1 – what caused or is causing 77% of the problem? – Is this NOT important? Answer – NO one seems to be asking.
Question Number 2 – How many were temporary?
Statement 1: The 2013 and 2014 article proves what we have been saying since 2009. Oil and gas development has the potential to adversely impact private wells. The cause is most likely related or associated with drilling, methane migration associated with cementing / casing issues, spills, pipeline construction (shallow excavation) and the use of impoundments to store waste. We have been saying this since 2009 and so has the PADEP. Also, we recommended baseline testing parameters based on the pathways that were cited and suspected.
Statement 2: The common problems appear to be methane, Lower Explosion Limit, iron, manganese, aluminum, arsenic, and turbidity. We included these parameters in our baseline testing list, plus saline water indicates such as bromide and lithium well before PADEP, PSU, and others.
Statement 3: No credible source has ever said Oil and Gas Development could not adversely impact a private well. What has been said – there is not evidence that that hydraulic fracturing portion of the development has caused a problem. There has been many historic cases related to loss of circulation during drilling, mud migration, spills, surface disturbance, methane gas migration because of cement issues, spills, and releases from impoundments.
August 2014 Story
Statement 1: After looking at the 2014 article and the individual determination letters from PADEP for the Eastern Portion of Pennsylvania (excluding the first 19 because this is the Dimock Data- We Did a Well by Well Evaluation of the Dimock)- we found the following:
Eastern Data Set –
Stated Cause
Drilling – 84
Impoundment Leak – 1
Spill/ Surface Containment Issue – 1
LEL – > 10% LEL in wellhead – 4
Presumption – The Operator was presumed to be at fault – 20 %
Temporary Problem that resolved – 26 % (but still a problem for a period of up to a year)
Methane at any level – 78 cases
Methane > 28 mg/L – 24 cases
Methane > 10 mg/L – 68 cases
Methane < 10 mg/L – 6 cases
Methane < 5 mg/L – 2 cases
Iron – 30 cases – 28 %
Manganese – 41 cases – 38 %
Aluminum – 15 cases – 14%
Barium – 3 cases – 2.8 %
Total Dissolved Solids -TDS – 4 cases – 3.7 %
Chloride – 2 cases – < 2 %
Zinc – 1 case – < 1 %
From a review of the letters of determination, it appears that the PADEP made the determination in less than 2 months. I believe there is a regulatory requirement to make a determination in 45 days or less.
Other Interesting Notes
1. In one well the methane ranged from 0.29 to 148 mg/L
2. Two cases wellhead LEL was the determining factor and in one case the methane level in water was less than 2 mg/L – probably a venting issue.
3. Two springs were impacted.
4. Barium – two cases had pre-drill problems.
5. Only 1 case where organics were the issue – associated with a fire suppression activity because of loss of control at the wellhead. Suppressant was used at the surface.
What this tells us:
1. Most of the problems appear to be related to iron and manganese – these makes it difficult because it is a common and intermittent water quality problem in the region.
2. Methane is another factor – but it is critical to document both methane and all other gas issues and LEL levels.
3. Other parameters of importance include aluminum (we recommend in 2009) and barium, chloride, total dissolved solids, and zinc.
4. The process seems to work, but it would be great to have access to the raw data.
Again – trying to provide a fact based review of the information and use wisely. The main questions:
1. How many other wells reported a problem?
2. How many of these wells had a problem unrelated to oil and gas development? What was the cause?
3. How many private wells were impacted by other permitted activities or road salting efforts over the period from 2008 to 2014?
Final Question – If we do not create private well construction standards and fix the poorly constructed private wells – Will we really Ever Control this Potential Pathway for Groundwater Contamination.
Action You can Take!
1. Get your Well Water Baseline Testing Completed.
2. Have the data reviewed.
3. Release the Data -Data Only to the Citizens Database
4. Learn the Facts and Monitor Your Well Water Quality – Work as a Community!
5. Support the Keystone Clean Water Team – Facebook, Twitter, and maybe a Donation?
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 KCWT/CCGG, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners. We need individuals to provide copies of our brochure and information at local events, consider hosting a presentation, and sharing our facebook and twitter posts.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. KCWT/ CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot.
For more information, please go to KCWT/CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Filed under Clean Water Act, Energy, Environmental Fear, Environmental Health, Global Warming, Groundwater, Homeowner, marcellus shale, Methane Gas Migration, Oil Spill, Real Estate, Sourcewater Protection, Unconventional Gas, Water, Water Testing, Well, Well water testing · Tagged with 243 private wells impacted, AP Report, natural gas, Oil, Online list of harmed, Pa. releases list of wells impacted by drilling, PADEP, Private wells impacted Oil and Gas
Posted by Brian on September 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that is composed of a series of debilitating symptoms. It is estimated that 5.8 million Americans suffer from this disorder. These symptoms include muscle and join pain, release sleep, headaches, and periods of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There have been studies that suggest that this disease may have trigger related to presence of fluoride in the water and the disease is associated with low levels of magnesium and zinc the body. Therefore, it may be necessary to ensure the body is properly hydrated and getting adequate macro and micro-nutrients. This is one reason we like or suggest drinking moderately hard alkaline water. Since the research is not clear, but it is clear that proper hydration helps to regulate stress, body temperature, aid in lubricating joints, and supports a healthy immune system, we recommend the following:
1. Drink water – We are not going to say 8 glasses per day, but if you fill thirsty or hungry – this may be a sign you need to drink more water. (8 glasses is a myth).
2. Try to pick a hydration source that does not provide a lot of sugar, salts, or calories – we should get our calories from our food. We can also get our water from our food – try an orange, apple, pear, etc.
3. If your urine is very dark, more water is needed. If the urine very clear, drink less.
4. Drinking coffee and teas are ok, but watch caffeine intake and avoid alcohol as a hydration method.
5. Get your drinking water tested.
6. Consider a Water Filter to Improve the general quality of the water.
7. Get Your Drinking Water Tested for Fluoride.
More Articles on Fluoride
Feedback and Analysis on the Safety of Fluoride in Drinking Water
Get Informed | Fluoride
A user wanted some links that support this resource:
Try using Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C39&q=link+between+Fibromyalgia+and+fluoride&btnG=
https://www.earthclinic.com/why-the-us-should-ban-fluoride-in-drinking-water-by-jason-uttley.pdf
Not specific to fluoride
https://www.robertfoxmd.com/SjogrensByFox/Sjögren’s_syndrome-Practical_Tips.pdf
https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol14no3/analgesic-and-anti-inflammatory-activities-of-selenium-and-alpha-tocopherol-in-mouse-models-of-pain-induced-with-fluoride-exposure/
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/fibromyalgia.html
Magnesium and Fibromyalgia: A Literature Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8371721/
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 Keystone Clean Water Team (CCGG 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 Keystone Clean Water Team!.
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 ! Get educated on Drinking Water Quality in Pennsylvania.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Comprehensive City Water and Well Water Testing (proceeds benefit This Organization)
Keystone Clean Water Team /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. The IRS Officially Approved Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS. 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).
Filed under Environmental Health, Homeowner, Water, Water Testing, Well water testing · Tagged with allergies, Asthma, CFS, drinking water, fibromyalgia, filtered water, fluoride, headaches, herniated disks, irritable bowel syndrome, magnesium, MCS, osteoarthritis, scoleosis, sjorgens, sleep apnea, spinal stenosis, Water Testing, water treatment, zinc
Posted by Brian on August 11, 2014 · Leave a Comment
by Peters Consultants, Inc. 100 Robbins Ave Berwick, PA 18603
The new rule, which was proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, would codify their interpretation of the Clean Water Act after a 2006 Supreme Court ruling. In addition to navigable waterways, the rule provides EPA protection for certain wetlands and “seasonal and rain-dependent” streams.
The proposal would lead to stricter pollution controls on some of these areas and aims to resolve a long-running legal battle over how to apply the Clean Water Act to the nation’s intermittent and ephemeral streams and wetlands.
However, this rule could be a major intrusion for municipalities and landowners and a means to expand jurisdiction thereby regulating more property. Many of the new “definitions” are likely to cause more confusion instead of less. And, if enacted in its current form, the new rule could encompass lands that are wet and, in many cases, without beds and banks, as well as associated lowlands and transitional zones between open waters and upland areas.
Under these new definitions, almost any body of water, regardless of how small, could possibly be regulated. That means more projects and activities would be subject to permitting requirements, resulting in possible delays and significant additional costs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would be extending the comment period for a regulatory proposal to expand the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. The 90-day comment period, which was set to end on July 21, was extended by an additional 91 days to October 20, following an outcry by a number of groups. The complexity of the proposed rule necessitated a lengthier comment period.
During the public comment period, municipalities, businesses, and citizens have the opportunity to express their concerns about the potential impact of the new proposed rule. So if you want to be heard and potentially sway the final wording of this proposed wide-sweeping rule, speak now. Comments must be received by October 20, 2014
If you are interested in participating in the EPA’s public comment period, contact your congressional representative or send an email to:
ow-docket@epa.gov
or mail comments to:
Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code 2822T
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20460
Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880
Original Article
Peters Consultants, Inc –
Peters Consultants, Inc. is a full service consulting engineering/design firm located in Berwick and Bloomsburg Pennsylvania, and has provided professional consulting services in the engineering, environmental and land surveying disciplines to municipal, authorities, commercial, industrial and private clients since 1975. We are a leading provider of engineering services in northeastern Pennsylvania by using sound and practical engineering judgment and skills when evaluating potential projects.
More Reading on Proposed Clean Water Act
Iowa State University – Proposed Regulations WOULD Greatly Expand Clean Water Act
Washington Post – EPA Proposes Greater Protections (Now the Opposite)egal Review – Non-Jurisdictional Waters in the EPA’s Draft “waters of the US” Rule; Clean Water Act- “So here’s where the water really turns to mud on these non-jurisdictional waters. Can you and nine other people of normal but different intelligence and experience, exercising normal discernment, look at the same property and come to the exact same conclusion about which parts of the property are jurisdictional? And remember, the fine for being wrong could be a cool $75,000 per day. If not, then maybe there are some changes you could suggest to the EPA in the form of written comments to this rule.”
Energy Sector
Filed under Alternative Energy, Clean Water Act, Energy, Environmental Fear, Environmental Health, Groundwater, Water · Tagged with Berwick, Bloomsburg, Clean Water Act, jurisdiction waters, Peters Consultants
Posted by Brian on August 10, 2014 · 6 Comments
How to Clean Out a Private Well – Suspected of PCB Oil Contamination
This post was developed following a private well owner outreach program in Pennsylvania. Where the homeowner suspected this was a problem.
Prior to the 1978 ban most of the well pumps used a PCB capacitor. After 1978, the capacitors were required to be marked at the time of manufactured to state that the did not contain PCB, i.e., “No PCBs”. In some cases the the PCB capacitors would leak the PCB (oil coolant) into the motor. If the motor or motor seal fail, the coolant would leak into the well. This would introduce PCBs to your water. When the water is heated, vapors would be generated or you may observe an oil residue or film. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of manufactured organic chemicals that contain 209 individual chlorinated chemicals (known as congeners). Concentrated PCBs are either oily liquids or solids and are colorless to light yellow in color. They have no known smell or taste. “PCBs are not very water-soluble so it is quite rare for them to be found in groundwater. Some submersible pumps found in private wells have been recalled because PCB containing oils had been used in their manufacture. When these pumps fail these oils can leak out into the drinking water. ” The available data suggests that PCBs are probable human carcinogens and can suppress the immune system.
Step 1: Get Your Water Tested (PCBs)
“The procedure for cleaning a well and plumbing contaminated with PCB oil is essentially the same as for “clean” oil with the exception of certain requirements concerning storage and disposal explained later in this document. The professional servicing the well should follow the procedure outlined here:
Step 1 Remove the failed pump from the well. Place it into a DOT-approved 55-gallon drum for disposal. Allow water within the well to remain still for a least 24 hours.
Step 2 Remove all free floating oil from the surface of the water in the well using a bailer and/or oil absorbent pad or boom. Place it into the drum with the pump.
Step 3 Make certain that there is no floating oil layer in any plumbing fixtures such as water heater or toilet. If there is, remove with oil absorbent pad.
Step 4 Put approximately 8 ounces of dishwashing liquid per 100 gallons of well volume into the well. (Assume 1.5 gallons/ft. of water for a 6″ diameter will and 53 gallons/ft. for a 36″ diameter well.) Detergent should be pre-mixed in a little hot water to be sure that it creates the maximum suds.
Step 5 Recirculate the well water using a garden or other hose connected to a hose bib while running the water back into the well. Allow it to agitate for 1 hour. In the case of a low yielding well or during a period of drought, be sure to take precautions not to run the well dry. The length of time for agitation may need to be reduced in some cases. Place the hose into the drum for disposal when finished.
Step 6 Wash down the sides of the well with a clean or new garden hose, preferably equipped with a pressure nozzle.
Step 7 If household plumbing has not been contaminated, skip step 7 and proceed to step 8. If household plumbing is also contaminated, run the soapy well water through the plumbing system for 3-4 hours, until it is no longer soapy. This can be accomplished by running all the faucets (not so long that the well runs dry) and periodically flushing the toilets. Run both hot and cold faucets so that the hot water heater is cleaned as well. If after step 7 water still runs soapy, turn off faucets and proceed to step 8.
Step 8 Pump soapy water directly from the well to a municipal sewer, or if not available, run a hose so that the water may be discharged directly to the septic tank.
Step 9 Obtain a water sample directly from the well then properly seal the well (i.e. chlorination, etc.). Also, a sample should be collected from a household tap.
Step 10 Run empty loads in both the dishwasher and washing machine using only the normal soap for each.
The homeowner should submit the water samples to a laboratory for PCB analysis to confirm the success of the cleaning and the safety of their water. They must also contact a permitted transporter to arrange for proper disposal of the drum of PCB waste.
Source of the protocol:
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance
PCB Program
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127″
“Protocol posted for informational purposes – it is critical for the homeowner to hire an expert to assist with this work”. This is not a DIY – Do it Yourself Project.
Low cost PCB screening Test– includes metal, other organics, and general water quality.
Filed under Environmental Health, Groundwater, Homeowner, Oil Spill, Sourcewater Protection, Uncategorized, Water, Water Testing, Well, Well water testing · Tagged with bailing out oil, banned oil coolant, oil in pump capacitors, PCB cleaning, PCB Contamination, PCB well water, PCBs, Pennsylvania, surfactants, well water
Posted by Brian on June 30, 2014 · 1 Comment
Governor Tom Corbett Signs Bill Reducing Lead In Water Supplies – On June 12th, 2014, Governor Tom Corbett signed Senate Bill 1254 that will enhance the quality and safety of drinking water by significantly lowering the lead content in pipes and other plumbing products. Under the measure (Act 55 of 2014), the maximum allowable lead content in plumbing products is reduced from 8 percent to 0.25 percent. The new law also makes Pennsylvania’s lead content standard consistent with a new federal law that took effect in January. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to high levels of lead in drinking water can result in delays in physical and mental development, along with attention span problems and learning disabilities in children. In adults, water tainted by lead can cause increases in blood pressure and kidney problems. Please see the following link to view a copy of this legislation:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2013&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=1254&pn=1773
More on Drinking Water Corrosion and Lead
Comprehensive Course on Hydraulic Fracturing. Summary Course on Hydraulic Fracturing.
Go to http://webdesignpros.redvector.com
The online education courses are provided to help educate the community and professionals. Courses are fee based, but a portion of the fee ultimately aids in groundwater education and outreach. The portal also offers online training in renewables, biomass, and other topics.
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 Keystone Clean Water Team (CCGG 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 Keystone Clean Water Team!.
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 ! Get educated on Drinking Water Quality in Pennsylvania.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Keystone Clean Water Team /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. The IRS Officially Approved Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS. 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).
Filed under Environmental Health, Groundwater, Homeowner, Water, Water Testing, Well, Well water testing · Tagged with allowable lead plumbing fixtures, copper, corrosion, hardness drinking water, lead drinking water, lead level in fixtures 0.25%, Pennsylvania, water softeners, water testing lead
Posted by Brian on June 29, 2014 · 1 Comment
Keystone Clean Water Team is proud to announce that our first Pubic Service Announcement is available. Based on the feedback obtained by the private well owner survey, the private well owners in Pennsylvania indicated that needed assistance with reviewing water quality data, they were looking for a low cost screening test for their drinking water, and looking for guidance on issues related to water quality problems. We have addressed these problem through the New Private Well Owner Water Quality Screening Program. The program is simple and cost-effective.
The following is the public service announcement:
As part of this informational water test program, we are testing for total bacteria, E. coli, pH, conductivity, iron, manganese, nitrate, total dissolved solids, total hardness, and alkalinity. If you are looking for comprehensive testing, please visit
Informational Testing Website or
visit our certified baseline testing website.
Our Flier !
The program is simple.
Step 1: Download an information and order form.
Step 2: Return the form with payment for the first year the cost is $ 60.00 to cover the shipping of the first water quality kit. We will include a numbered copy of the sample information return form.
Step 3: When you get the sampling kit, fill the bottles and return it to the Keystone Clean Water Team.
Step 4: In about 2 weeks or less, you will get an email and hardcopy of the testing results with a review, plus a $ 10.00 coupon towards the cost of another water screening kit and our booklet on Groundwater Quality in Pennsylvania. Review, Coupon, and Booklet have a combined total value of $ 75.00
We are looking to host community education events and we are looking for support for this program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
If you are a certified laboratory, professional association, or other Association and you would like to be part of this network, please contact us.
We also offer educational workshops on this topic and help provide citizens evaluate their water quality.
If you want to be added to the Water Research Newsletter.
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 Keystone Clean Water Team (CCGG 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 Keystone Clean Water Team!.
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 ! Get educated on Drinking Water Quality in Pennsylvania.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Keystone Clean Water Team /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. The IRS Officially Approved Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS. 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).
Filed under consumer products, Environmental Health, marcellus shale, Methane Gas Migration, Nitrate, Water, Water Testing, Well, Well water testing · Tagged with pennsylvania well water, private well class, private well owner education, private well owner testing, private well owners pennsylvania, pubic service announcement, test your well water, water testing kits, well water testing pennsylvania
Posted by Brian on June 20, 2014 · 1 Comment
“Ohio Announces Tougher Permit Conditions for Drilling Activities Near Faults and Areas of Seismic ActivityOhio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director James Zehringer announced new, stronger permit conditions for drilling near faults or areas of past seismic activity. The new policies are in response to recent seismic events in Poland Township (Mahoning County) that show a probable connection to hydraulic fracturing near a previously unknown microfault.
New permits issued by ODNR for horizontal drilling within 3 miles of a known fault or area of seismic activity greater than a 2.0 magnitude would require companies to install sensitive seismic monitors. If those monitors detect a seismic event in excess of 1.0 magnitude, activities would pause while the cause is investigated. If the investigation reveals a probable connection to the hydraulic fracturing process, all well completion operations will be suspended. ODNR will develop new criteria and permit conditions for new applications in light of this change in policy. The department will also review previously issued permits that have not been drilled.“While we can never be 100 percent sure that drilling activities are connected to a seismic event, caution dictates that we take these new steps to protect human health, safety and the environment,” said Zehringer. “Not only will this reasonable course of action help to ensure public health and safety but it will also help us to expand our underground maps and provide more information about all types of seismicity in Ohio.”“ODNR’s directives are a sensible response to a serious issue that regulators across the country are closely examining,” said Gerry Baker, Associate Executive Director of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. “IOGCC is pleased to work with Ohio and other states to share scientific data to better understand the nature of these occurrences.”
“These additional standards add even more strength to Ohio’s already comprehensive regulatory program,” said Mike Paque, Executive Director of the Groundwater Protection Council. “State regulators are taking an aggressive lead in tackling tough and complicated oil and gas issues and ODNR is no exception.”
More than 800 wells have been drilled in Ohio’s Utica and Marcellus shale play, including as many as 16,000 hydraulic fracturing stages from those wells. Regarding the seismic events in Poland Township, Mahoning County, ODNR geologists believe the sand and water injected into the well during the hydraulic fracturing process may have increased pressure on an unknown microfault in the area. Further hydraulic fracturing at the site is suspended but the company will be permitted to recover resources from five of the previously drilled wells located on the pad. This is also expected to have the beneficial effect of reducing underground pressure and decreasing the likelihood of another seismic event.
Under ODNR’s lead, Ohio has joined a consortium of state regulators dedicated to learning more about seismic activity, especially as it relates to oil and gas activity. The members of this consortium are currently working with the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and Groundwater Protection Council to share information and knowledge. The working group also hopes to draw upon current and future research to develop common procedures for how to monitor for seismic activity and respond if activity occurs.
The Ohio Seismic Network, coordinated by ODNR and operated by various partners, began recording seismic events in 1999. Before that time, the recording of seismic events varied from distant machines and felt reports. Ohio has a history of seismic activity, and since the network has established, Ohio has experienced 109 events greater than 2.0 magnitude. Data from the Ohio Seismic Network will be used as part of our new application review process.
A map of underground seismic faults and past seismic events is available as a PDF documentoilandgas.ohiodnr.gov/portals/pdf/EG-2_2014_MAPONLY.pdf, and as a geographic information system Shape File http://apps.ohiodnr.gov/geodata/Statewide/Earthquake_shapes.exe.”
Earthquakes in Ohio and Seismic Risk
Seismic Risk – PA
Earthquake EpiCenters in PA
Map 69 – Earthquake Catalog PA
PAGIS Map – Earthquakes – Some Ohio Data
New Educational Resources / Training Programs
Crude Oil Origins – In this course we will discuss the formation of oil and review the theories of its origin. You will get comprehensive information about oil reservoirs including their structure, oil accumulation, as well as distribution, migration and transformation of reservoir fluids. We will cover classification and evaluation of reservoirs and estimation of fuel reserves. We will also review fuel reserves focusing on quality, quantity, patterns, and benefits. Drilling Techniques.
Shale Gas Development – The course provides an overview of modern shale gas development, as well as a summary of federal, state, and local regulations applicable to the natural gas production industry, and describes environmental considerations related to shale gas development. It describes the importance of shale gas in meeting the future energy needs of the United States including its role in alternative energy strategies and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The course is intended to serve as a technical summary document, including geologic information on the shale gas basins in the U.S. and the methods of shale gas development. By providing an overview of the regulatory framework and the environmental considerations associated with shale gas development, it will also help facilitate the minimization and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts. By so doing, the course can serve as an instrument to facilitate informed public discussions.
Environmental Concerns Hydraulic fracturing is done with surprising precision and with an eye on the environment, yet it is interesting how the public reacts to the practice in relation to other techniques used throughout the world. Valid points are made on both fronts. The major concern against fracking resides in the overall health and well-being of people close to a well site, as well as the land, water, and air that might be adversely affected. With proper examination and logic, this course was developed to provide insight and reason in a practice fueled by profit for some and by civil concern for others. We will explore the history, public and media perception, and environmental and economic impacts.
Comprehensive Course on Hydraulic Fracturing. Summary Course on Hydraulic Fracturing.
Go to http://webdesignpros.redvector.com
The online education courses are provided to help educate the community and professionals. Courses are fee based, but a portion of the fee ultimately aids in groundwater education and outreach. The portal also offers online training in renewables, biomass, and other topics.
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 Keystone Clean Water Team (CCGG 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 Keystone Clean Water Team!.
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 ! Get educated on Drinking Water Quality in Pennsylvania.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Keystone Clean Water Team /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. The IRS Officially Approved Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS. 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).
Posted by Brian on June 20, 2014 · Leave a Comment
igh Performance, Passive and Zero Net-Energy Homes
Tuesday July 15th at 7:00pm at the Park Street Complex, located near Wayne Memorial Hospital, off Rt 6, at 648 Park Street.
Everyone wants to save money and energy, especially if you’re thinking of building a new house or for any major renovation. A public presentation on Tuesday, July 15th will address how to design, model and construct high performance, super-insulated homes, even to point of having the building be zero net-energy, i.e. where all the annual energy it uses is less than the energy generated. All are welcome to attend this free forum at the Park Street Complex in Honesdale at 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The forum is sponsored by your local non-profit group SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support) of Northeastern PA.
Rob Lewis and Jack Barnett will lead the discussion, which will include super-insulated walls designs for air tight envelopes, passive gains for lighting, heating and cooling, household systems and appliances for energy conservation and modeling the whole building’s energy usage to properly size an energy generation system, such as solar photovoltaic.
Rob Lewis lives in Shavertown, PA and is a principal with Bakker & Lewis Architects. Jack Barnett is a SEEDS board member, interim board president of the newly formed Clean Energy Cooperative Inc. for Wayne and Pike counties, and owner of a ‘nearly’ zero net-energy solar home near Hawley, PA. Rob has been personally and professionally interested in high performance buildings since 1980. He and his partner, Margaret Bakker, designed Jack’s house, which was completed in 2008.
“We want to keep people informed about the latest developments in home building methods for maximum energy efficiency,” says SEEDS Executive Director, Jocelyn Cramer. “This forum will be highly useful to those in the building trades, and anyone interested in renovations to their present home or considering new construction.”
SEEDS, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable energy and living in Northeast Pa. For a full list of its forums and other programs, visit www.seedsgroup.net, or contact their office on 570-245-1256, or upstairs at the Cooperage, 1030 Main Street, Honesdale.
Featured Courses
Energy Audit
Alternative / Renewable Energy Systems
Sustainability / Green Design
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 Keystone Clean Water Team (CCGG 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 Keystone Clean Water Team!.
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 ! Get educated on Drinking Water Quality in Pennsylvania.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Keystone Clean Water Team /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. The IRS Officially Approved Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS. 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).
Filed under Air Quality, Alternative Energy, consumer products, Energy, Environmental Health · Tagged with Architect, Engineer Training, Green Associate, LEED, Net Zero Home, Pennsylvania, renewable energy training, SEEDS, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy education and Development
