Coatesville Solar Panel Energy Initiative – Exton Pennsylvania
Press Release – Exton, PA Dec. 31, 2014
When the power grid that currently feeds electricity to our hospitals, police stations, homes or electric cars goes down, in a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy, it will be the microgrids that will come on and will power us back up.
“Think of it like we think of ‘Locally-grown produce,’ ” says Bob Keares, of Keares Electric, developer of the Coatesville Solar Initiative (CSI). “When the Coatesville Solar Farm goes live, it will, by regulation, become a microgrid for part of the Coatesville area. That’s comparable to locally grown apples, tomatoes and corn. If the container ships that deliver fresh fruit and vegetables to us from across the globe could not make it into port due to a natural or man-made disaster (and thus to our supermarkets), our own “locally grown” products could then sustain us. It’s the same way with the solar farm. We are literally harvesting electricity, on a local basis.”
The benefit (and strength) of the solar farm is not only illustrated in the production of total renewable energy for the Coatesville Area High School (CASH). It will also be demonstrated in a disaster, for example, such as last week’s snowstorm in Buffalo, where power was cut off to municipalities, thus crippling much-needed services. With a microgrid in place, power (reserved in batteries) will be available for local use. The CSI microgrid will be on call 365 days a year, and 24 hours a day, ready with the clean, renewable power the solar farm produces.
David Ferris, of Forbes Magazine (July, 31, 2013) explains it in this way, “A microgrid is a lot more than just backup power… It is a system that blends power from the utilities with local power whether there is an outage or not. Few large-scale examples of microgrids yet exist, but here is what one is intended to do. It reduces emissions by scaling down the power arriving from faraway, carbon-spewing coal or natural-gas plants, while adding in local sources like fuel cells, biomass plants, and solar and wind power installations. It prioritizes power needs so that during a blackout, the most crucial elements stay on (like data centers) while the less important ones (like coat closets) are let go. It gives a user some control over the power supply instead of just begging to the power company. And it does all this autonomously and without a flicker in the lights.”
In addition to serving as a microgrid, the Coatesville Solar Initiative (CSI) will provide 100% of the energy needs for the Coatesville Area Main Campus (CAMC) for the next 25 years. CSI will construct two (2) 2.4 MW farms producing approximately 6.3 plus million KwHs of power covering 26 acres of the 48-acre parcel located adjacent to the school. It is estimated CASD by the year 2039 will have saved a total of $3.0 to $6.0 million dollars in energy costs. CAMC includes the High School, its athletic facility and outdoor lighting.
CSI will also be providing the CASD with an electric vehicle and three electric vehicle-charging stations to power it, to be used by staff or students that may want to bring their electric vehicle to work and or school. Plus, included in the CSI package is LED lighting at the high school on main campus, as well as LED lighting on poles at Rainbow Elementary. Three solar-education kiosks will be developed, which can be moved from school to school. These savings (in excess of $365,000.00) are all “no cost benefits” to the school district. The statement of sustainability and energy conservation are being made, and will help benefit students of all ages including staff and administration from all areas of studies.
Not to mention, the geographic region of Coatesville in a power outage emergency.
For information on this project, kindly contact the Coatesville Solar Initiative at Keares Electrical Contracting at 610-363-8160 or visit
http://www.gogreencsi.com/
Release Prepared and submitted by: For more information on this release, kindly contact Melinda Williams at The Williams Group, 610-518-4888 or visit www.thewilliamsgroup.info
Other educational programs or training
Green Design – Sustainability and Historic PreservationStormwater Harvesting
Certificate in Sustainability (University Program)
Global Communities and Building a Sustainable Future
Solar Energy Generation
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot. Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us. Follow us on Twitter
Keystone Clean Water Team is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Unsolicited donations are appreciated (Helps us complete our mission), but we also do local educational workshops and local cellphone/small electronic recycling programs. If you would like to set up a program to help recycle cellphones at an event, business, or other organization. Through our program we can recycle cell phones, iPods, game systems, and small digital cameras. If your interested, please contact us.
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!
Be Part of #GivingTuesday Support Groundwater Education Outreach in Pennsylvania
#GivingTuesday inspires personal philanthropy and encourages bigger, better and smarter charitable giving during the holiday season, show that the world truly gives as good as it gets.
#GivingTuesday will take place in December. You can be part of this effort, Help Make Groundwater Education in PA Go Viral !
Help Us Make PAGroundwater Education Go Viral !
#PAGROUNDWATER @KeystoneWater
Things you can do – To make a Difference in Pennsylvania!
1. Send out a twit that includes #PAGROUNDWATER and @KeystoneWater
2. Visit one of our portals and follow our websites on twitter (@PACleanwater and @KeystoneWater) and facebook.
3. Consider a donation for as little as $ 5.00 or give the gift of groundwater education by obtaining an Education Guide.
4. Consider becoming a family supporter of the Keystone Clean Water Team- Our New Brochure!
5. Protect Our Groundwater – Submit Your Baseline Data to the Citizens Database.
6. Get an Water Quality Well Check Up for your Well.
7. Check out our New PSA !
8. Consider adding some water conservation or other conservation products to your home.
9. Sign Up for the Water Research or the Private Well Owner Newsletters.
10. Schedule an Educational Workshop in Your PA Community.
Share this image on your favorite social media to help spread the word about groundwater education and #GivingTuesday. Don’t forget to share an educational fact with your comment below.
Together we can keep it clean!
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Thanks
Keystone Clean Water Team
http://www.pacleanwater.org
Question of the Week – November 24, 2014 – Phosphates Well Water Hazardous??
From Elaine
I am concerned about phosphates in my well water ( drinking). I would like to know are there safe levels of phosphates and what are they? Also what harm can they do if we drink them?
Phosphates
Dear Elaine,
First – Thanks for the Question and thanks for your comments about our Web Outreach – Phosphate in drinking water there is no formal drinking water standard set by the EPA, but the World Health Organization as a standard of 5 ppm. In central water distribution systems, like public water systems, the operators may add phosphate to help with corrosion control. Elevated Phosphates in the water for a private well could raise the following concerns:
1. May raise concerns about other contaminants associated with septic systems, agricultural runoff, pulp and paper mills, or golf course management.
2. May cause problems with enhance algal growth in swimming pools or fish tanks.
3. May suggest a direct connection to a stream or surfacewater body.
Phosphorus is necessary for life and we have a Recommend Daily Allowance of 800 mg. Phosphorous is a non-metallic element and is found local bedrock
This should not be significant concern, but we always recommend getting a comprehensive water quality test.
Elevated phosphates in lakes and surfacewater are a significant issue, because in most cases phosphates is the growth limiting nutrient.
Make a difference starting now!
Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. It also helps preserve important animal habitats by reducing the demand for Coltan. In addition to recycling cell phones and electronic waste it is critical that consumers demand conflict free electronic devices. You can help the Keystone Clean Water Team and the Environment by recycling your cell phone. ”
If you would like to set up a program to help recycle cellphones at an event, business, or other organization. Through our program we can recycle cell phones, iPods, game systems, and small digital cameras. If your interested, please contact us.
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving the Program, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners. We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more. Become part of the Water Science Basics!
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot. Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Keystone Clean Water Team is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Unsolicited donations are appreciated (Helps us complete our mission).
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!
Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Northeast Pennsylvania Polycythemia Vera Investigation
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Northeast Pennsylvania Polycythemia Vera (PV) Investigation
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.
In 2014, the last of the contracts for the 18 different projects ended.
Status
The graphic with this email provides a summary of the status of each of the 18 projects as of October 2014. I’ve attached this graphic both as a “snapshot” in the body of this email, as well as a pdf attachment. 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. The shapes of the projects in the graphics give you an idea of the category of work of that project, as described in the key on the graphic.
As of October 30, 2014, work is complete and a final product is available (if applicable) for 10 projects. We are happy to announce that 3 new projects (#11, #13, and #18) moved from yellow to green since my April 2014 update:
- #11: “Comparative 4-County Study in South Central PA,” conducted by the University of Pittsburgh (Dr. Joel Weissfield) under contract with PADOH. Final report received. ATSDR/CDC summary factsheet on ATSDR website at:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/index.html - #13: “Case Control Study,” conducted by Drexel University (Dr. Carolann Gross-Davis). Drexel PhD dissertation completed. Note, this was the one project out of the 18 that was funded via via a directed appropriation to that university. Please contact Dr. Gross-Davis regarding requests for further information about her report/dissertation via the contact information on her website at http://publichealth.drexel.edu/academics/faculty/Carol%20Ann%20Gross-Davis/.
- #18: “Air/Water Exposure Assessment,” conducted by Equity Environmental Engineering. Two final reports (one on water/hydrogeology and one on air) received. Two ATSDR summary factsheets are on the ATSDR website at:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/index.html
Final products for another 7 projects are in progress; this is an increase in one project moving from red to yellow (#14) since my August 2014 update. A final product for 1 project (#6) is anticipated but not yet started.
For more information:
Visit ATSDR’s web page on PV: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/polycythemia_vera/
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.
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). Water Science Basics!
DEP Releases File – 243 Cases Where Natural Gas Development Impact Private Wells Pennsylvania
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.
Fibromyalgia and Drinking Water – Connection
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
A user wanted some links that support this resource:
Try using Google Scholar
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://www.earthclinic.com/cures/fibromyalgia.html
Magnesium and Fibromyalgia: A Literature Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8371721/
Zinc in fibromyalgia patients: relationship with body mass index and sleep quality
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).
How to Clean Out a Private Well – Suspected of PCB Oil Contamination- From Well Pump
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.
ATSDR/CDC Northeast PA Polycythemia Vera (PV) Investigation Projects Update
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.
As of October 1, 2013, all of the contracts for the 18 projects have ended. The last to end was the tissue bank contract, which closed for recruitment of new tissue donations from the PA tri-county study area in May 2014. At this time, no new samples will be added from the tri-county study area, but the geographically identified (but de-identified in terms of personal information) donations from the tri-county study area will continue to be available for researchers to access via this national tissue bank established at the Myleloproliferative Disease Research Consortium (MPD-RC). You can continue to follow the work of the overall MPD-Research Consortium on their website at: http://www.mpd-rc.org/home.php.
Status
The graphic with this email provides this summary as of August 2014. I’ve attached this graphic both as a “snapshot” in the body of this email, as well as a pdf attachment. 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 August 5, 2014, work is complete and a final product is available (if applicable) for 6 projects. We are happy to announce that one new project (#16/17, PADEP’s environmental testing) moved from yellow to green since my May update; we now have a factsheet and final ATSDR health consultation report evaluating an initial set of radiological environmental sampling results from the study area. At the request of ATSDR, PADEP collected and analyzed environmental samples within the tri-county area and ATSDR evaluated the possible health effects of exposure to the radiological elements in the samples. Environmental samples from the cluster area were collected as a component of the overall research investigation into the PV disease cluster:
- Indoor air was analyzed for radon.
- Soil, sediment and water samples were analyzed for metals, organic compounds, and radioactive substances.
This ATSDR public health report focuses on an initial set of the radiological environmental sampling information. Additional reports evaluating other environmental and health information from the PV investigation will be released at a later date.
The ATSDR report found:
- Some houses in the study area had elevated levels of radon gas in indoor air. Radon gas was also found in the private well water of some homes.
- Soils from the study area had slightly elevated levels of radium.
- Without additional information, ATSDR cannot determine if the cluster of cases of PV disease in the tri-county area is related to the radiological exposures observed in the environmental sampling information.
In this report, ATSDR recommends:
- All residents in the study area should have their homes tested for radon gas. Houses with elevated radon levels should be retested. If a home is retested and elevated radon levels continue, residents should contact the state of Pennsylvania radon program hotline at 1-800-237-2366 and request additional information on how to reduce the radon levels in the home.
- People in homes with high levels of radon in their drinking water should contact the PADEP Radon Program for assistance. Home water supplies can be treated to reduce radon levels.
- ATSDR recommends that in those areas where radium in soils seems to be elevated, additional sampling may be helpful to further understand this exposure pathway. ATSDR will discuss the potential for a future collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey to further evaluate levels of radiological contaminants in environmental media in the study area.
These documents are available at:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/PolycythemiaVera/Polycythemia%20Vera%20Investigation%20in%20PA_HC_07-22-2014%20FINAL.pdf
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/PolycythemiaVera/PV%20(Still%20Creek)%20Tri%20County%20-%20FINAL%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Review%20of%20Radiological.pdf
Final products for another 9 projects are still in progress and remain coded as yellow. Final products for 2projects are anticipated but not yet started and remain coded as red.
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.
Other Resources
1. Radiological Testing and Screening – http://www.water-research.net/index.php/radiological-contaminants
2. Radiological – Testing Parameters – Radon
PA Governor Signs Bill to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
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:
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).
New Pubic Service Announcement – Private Well Owner Screening Program
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).