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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
March 2003
Hal Ingalls, President
Thank you for the vote of confidence electing me your new President. We have some goals that we would like to meet this year. One is to increase membership. Two is to try to get a final draft to everyone on the proposed Alaska statute for licensing and certification for well drillers and pump installers that the committee has been working on so we can get it started through the government process. I am sure there will be other things that will come up during the year and we will try to keep you posted by getting out a newsletter at least quarterly.
The convention was a great success with over fifty members, ten exhibitors, and a great, special guest from NGWA, Mr. Roger Renner, in attendance. Mr. Renner gave us some insight into how Minnesota has their certification and licensing program working. Certification and licensing will be a big topic this year and hopefully will get completed and submitted to the Department of Community and Economic Development.
I have made two trips to Juneau since the convention and spent three days on the hill in the capital building meeting with legislators about privatization, and in particular about the State getting out of the drilling business. I presented them examples of their inefficiency and wastefulness. I have received a letter back from Senator John Cowdery, Senate President Gene Therriault, and Senator Gary Wilken. The information has been passed on to the new Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner, Mike Barton. We will see what he does with this.
We will be having our first board meeting the first week of April and will decide when the next year’s convention will be held. This information will be passed on in the next newsletter.
CONFERENCE RECAP by Earl Dotten
The 2003 Annual Conference was held February 6th & 7th at the Alaska Millennium Hotel in Anchorage. It was certainly well attended and we would like to express our thanks to all the speakers for their time and participation. Following is a short recap of their presentations.
Professor Craig Woolard from the University of Alaska Anchorage School of Engineering provided an overview of new EPA MCL levels for arsenic and how public water systems throughout Alaska will be affected. Included in his presentation were preliminary reports on a study of west Anchorage wells in which arsenic levels exceed the EPA MCL. Professor Woolard explained that arsenic in groundwater is found in two states, Arsenic III and Arsenic V. The importance of thorough water analysis was stressed and a number of possible treatment methods were discussed.
Randy Mather, Alaska Pipe and Supply gave a review on reading pump curves to facilitate proper sizing and selection of pumps. Randy’s presentation touched on calculating total dynamic head, horsepower requirements and efficiencies both on individual pump curves and family curves.
Ted Schachle, Penn-Jersey Drilling introduced his newly acquired Weldco-Beales casing hammer. The Schachle’s brought their Speedstar 30K rotary rig into town and set the rig up in the back parking lot of the Millennium Hotel. Ted gave a talk about how the hammer operated, routine maintenance, and gave a demonstration on how powerful this Model 1321 is. The hammer made short work of a 10 x 24 glue-lam block with Tim Schachle pulling the levers.
Dan Roth, MOA Developmental Services Department, On-Site Services. Every year the Municipality of Anchorage provides a seminar that updates drilling contractors and pump installers on municipal well code issues. Dan Roth has presented this seminar for many years. This year some of the topics were well grouting and well location (as relating to the well permit). To drill wells within the municipality a driller must have attended this seminar within the last two years.
Steve Clark, Alaska Pump & Supply introduced Mike Brewer from Grundfos Pumps who introduced the new line of Grundfos 3” variable speed submersible pumps. The constant pressure variable flow design is available in 5, 10, 15, 22, and 30 gpm series. With a soft start feature the Grundfos subs are fractional horsepower and available up to 1 ½ HP with a voltage range of 200-240 volts.
Rick Jones, Woodrow Drilling & Construction returned from the 2002 NGWA Convention in Las Vegas to share an update on issues and offerings. The 2002 Convention broke records for attendance. The Las Vegas location is popular and the opportunities for contractors to take advantage of educational seminars, view the latest advancements in products, and rub elbows with colleagues abound.
Roger Renner, NGWA Past President from Elk River, Minnesota shared his experience of working with his State Association and the State of Minnesota to establish licensing and certification of water well contractors. The Minnesota system if financially self-supporting, has an annual budget of $3.3 million, and reports approximately 12,000 wells drilled annually, in addition to an equal number of well sealing completions.
Keven Kleweno, Department of Environmental Conservation was thanked for his participation with the association through the years. Even though he is moving on to a new position, he took the time to provide an update on current issues, specifically the addition of private domestic wells to Chapter 18 of the Drinking Water Standards. Keven’s primary focus though was the importance of well logs and the vital role they play in the investigation and planning of groundwater resources. Throughout the last 12 months DEC has been reviewing water well regulations. This discussion which included some lively audience participation, touched on well log submission and standardized logging methodology in addition to a current project under review by DEC where conflicting logs pose difficulties.
Wayne Westberg of M-W Drilling provided a review of work the certification committee had done and held an open discussion. Problems of unlicensed drillers, primarily in the Mat-Su Valley and implementing laws to address that problem were discussed. Jerry Back provided a list of concerns that a group of Interior drillers had regarding expanding existing law.
THANKS TO
YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We would like to thank the following companies for their participation at the convention:
Display Booths:
Alaska Minerals Exploration Services – Mike Smith
Alaska Pipe & Supply – Randy Mather
Alaska Pump & Supply – Steve Clark
Baker Manufacturing – Gary Beckman
Foremost Industries, Inc. – Arden Godshall
Ingersoll-Rand – Jim Laas
Mitchell Lewis & Staver Co. – Steve Kaser
RJB Wholesale Inc. – Greg Guisness
Techline – Jim Ludwick
Also thanks to the following companies for providing items for the goodie bags:
ACS – goodie bag and notepad
Alaska Pipe & Supply – hat & carpenter pencil
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau – note pad
Wells Fargo Bank – water bottle & pen
Mills Machine Company – John Harris – brochure
Bestma USA Inc. – Jay Yoon – brochure
We are already working on ideas for next year’s convention. If there was anything you particularly liked from this year let us know. Or if you have any new ideas we want to hear those also.
GOING,
GOING, GONE
Through the kindness of the vendors and the generosity of the
members there was an additional $1,160.00 raised for the association through an
auction of products that were donated.
A big thank you goes to:
Mike Smith of Alaska Minerals Exploration Services for
donating the bucket of foam, which was purchased by Bill Swan.
Jim Ludwick of Techline for donating a carbide button
tri-cone bit purchased by Frank Kraxberger.
Steve Kaser of Mitchell Lewis & Staver Co. for the
cutting guide purchased by Jerry Back and the 6" pipe clamp purchased by
Holohan Drilling.
Gary Beckman from Baker Manufacturing/Monitor Div. for the
well caps and elevator purchased by Rick Kraxberger and the pitless adapters
purchased by Don Blackwell.
This was a lot of fun.
Thank you again for the donation from the vendors and for the members
opening up their wallets.
APOLOGIES ARE IN ORDER
When the convention/membership applications were sent out in December the wrong amount was listed for the contractor dues. Some of you have been informed and have paid the correct amount. A notice will be sent to those that need to send additional funds. I do apologize. If you have any questions, just call me. Karen @ 562-2312.
STUDY GUIDES ARE HERE! ! ! !
!
The association has received three Certification Exam Study Guides. They are at Denali Drilling’s office and are available for members to rent. There will be a $40.00 deposit when you pick up the book and when you return it you will get a $25.00 refund. Be prepared to pay the fee when you pick up the book. We can’t bill you for it. There will be a two-week time limit on keeping the books so that other members will have a chance to get them. We have tentatively set the test day for the first part of May. The number of people who sign up for testing will determine the testing location.
Just so all members know, after talking with NGWA, testing isn’t something we can do just any time we want. It is generally limited to once a year, at the State’s annual convention. Because we have had a large interest at this time, they are granting a special exemption for us to do it this one time. If you don’t take the test now, you will have to wait until February 2004 to take it here, or you can take it at any other convention that offers it around the USA. Also, remember, if you fail the test you have to wait 90 days to test again. So, if you take it at the national convention and fail, there isn’t enough time elapsed to take it at our convention again. That would mean you would have to wait a year to re-test. With this special offering in May, it will allow enough time to retake the test at our next convention if necessary.
You must be at least 20 years old and have 24 months of full-time experience in well construction or pump installation in an operational or supervisory capacity to be able to take the test. Also, you do not have to be a member of NGWA to take the test, but if you are not, it will cost you $275.00 for the general exam and one exam in a specialized category, with a $20.00 fee for each additional exam in a specialized category. For members, the test fee is $35.00 for the genera exam and $20.00 for each exam in a specialized category. To become a member of NGWA you can fill out an application on their website or call them for an application. It costs $275.00 for the initial company membership, which includes the primary person for your company. Additional members can then be added for $50.00 each. I have a brochure from NGWA explaining the program further. If you want me to fax you a copy let me know (562-2312) or you can get this information on their website (www.ngwa.org) or contact them direct at 800-551-7379.
With that in mind, if you are truly interested in taking any tests at this offering, you MUST confirm that you will be here. So please fill out the following form and fax it to or call Karen at and confirm that you will be testing and what tests you want to take. These tests must be ordered 30 days in advance so we have set a deadline of April 1st for you to sign up. We are not requesting payment until testing day but fees must be paid that day. No billing of fees is allowed and this association does not accept credit cards. If you do not pay the proper fees NGWA will not release your test scores until those fees are paid. (The test will probably be given on a Saturday. We will pick the date that works best for the majority of the people.) After getting your certification you can buy decals, patches, and stickers for use in promoting your business. You are also entitled to use the Certification Emblem in your advertising, letterhead, uniforms, and any other business promotions.
NGWA Voluntary Certification Testing
Name (of person taking test) ____________________________________________________
Company Name ______________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________
Phone/Fax Numbers __________________________________________________________
Test Desired:
General Exam _______
(Must take this test if it has not been taken & passed within the last 12 months).
Drilling categories:
A/B Cable Tool Drilling _______
C/D Air Rotary drilling _______
E/F Mud Rotary Drilling _______
G Reverse Circulation Drilling _______
H Jetting and Driving Wells _______
Pump categories:
J Inclusive Pump Installation _______
K Water Systems less than 100 GPM _______
L Water Systems over 100 GPM _______
Specialty exam categories:
M Augering and monitoring _______
N Well servicing and maintenance _______
O Ground water heat pumps _______
GROUND WATER AWARENESS WEEK
MARCH 16-22, 2003
This year’s theme is “Schedule Your Water Well Checkup”. Rick Jones of Woodrow Drilling is checking into getting public service announcements to help educate the public on drilling and maintaining a water well as well as water quality. This would be a good opportunity for you to contact your customers. Additional information can be accessed through the NGWA website at www.ngwa.org.
WEBSITE
Check it out. Karen Clark (Steve’s wife) has been working hard to get it updated. There is still a lot of work to do to get the members listing updated, newsletter added, etc. but it is looking better. And the certification/licensing proposal is now on there with it’s own link. Also, we are adding a new link for anyone who wants their website accessed. If you would like your website added to this link give us a call or email me at . This would be really good for our supplier/manufacturer members.
2003 NGWA
Pacific Northwest Focus Conference
(#5083) June 24-25, 2003 <> Anchorage, Alaska
NGWA Ready for First Ever Event In Alaska!
Join the Association at the first Focus conference to be held in Alaska. NGWA conducts Pacific Northwest Focus Conferences every other year. The 2003 conference is in Anchorage, and offers a chance to continue your professional development. Although the Alaska Association is not directly involved in this conference members are encouraged to attend. Fees are $350.00 for NGWA members and $500.00 for non-members. Students are $100.00. You can get more information on this at www.ngwa.org and click on the events and education link.
Topics Include:
· Hydrogeology
· Aquifer Analysis and Site Characterization
· Ground Water Remediation Cases
· Hanford Site Nuclear Reservation
· Ground Water Protection and Oil Production
· Well Drilling and Completion
· Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) Litigation
· Fate, Transport, and Remediation
· Permafrost Consideration
TECH BOARD UPDATE
Earl Dotten
On-Site Wastewater System Technical Review Board
Update following February 12th meeting
New Officers:
This month was Sharon Minsch’s final meeting as Board Chair. As many of you know, Sharon is slowly moving to Homer, having purchased a home there while she commutes to Anchorage for her real estate work. The board elected Mark Musial and Joel Neimeyer as co-chair(s) for the coming term. Sharon served the Board for several years, the last two terms as Chair. Reportedly, she had a perfect attendance record for all meetings while Chair of the Board. We all wish her the best in her new endeavors.
Advanced Wastewater System Code:
The Anchorage Assembly passed the Advanced Wastewater System Code in mid January. The code became effective in mid February. This approval is the culmination of approximately three years of Board work in crafting a very thorough and far reaching framework for improved wastewater systems within the municipality. New technologies have greatly enhanced wastewater system performance in soils that would not support a conventional septic system. This code will allow for development of some properties that could not have been developed without the new systems. Included in the code is a contract clause with the homeowner to ensure proper maintenance and operation of the systems.
Well Code:
The board took up review and revision of the well code. The primary reasons for the review are well construction and water quality parameters. Well construction issues, which were discussed, included:
1. Shallow bedrock surface seals. Last year the AWWA presented the Board with specific
recommendations for well construction when bedrock is encountered at shallow depths. Those recommendations were in response to wells that were showing elevated levels of nitrates.
2. Sealing flowing wells. Flowing wells provide special problems in controlling water at the
surface and migration between aquifers.
3. Well decommissioning.
4. Water quality parameters. The Board is considering whether to continue certain
parameters as requirements for MOA Health approval or to make the tests advisory. Discussion also covered requiring additional testing and what the database from such tests could benefit.
The well code review will take some time and components of the code other than those outlined above will be examined. The On-Site Tech Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Municipality of Anchorage offices on Bragaw Street.
Bills in House of Representatives
Water Tech Advisory
Board Report
Petroleum Conference Gains Momentum
with New Sponsors and Expanded Workshops This year's Petroleum Hydrocarbons and
Ground Water Conference will again be cosponsored by the American Petroleum
Institute, but will be joined by the National Petroleum Technology Office of
the U. S. Department of Energy, the U. S. EPA Region 9 Office of Underground
Storage Tanks, Equilon Enterprises, and the National Water Research Institute.
The conference, workshop sessions, and exposition will be held at Anaheim,
November 15-17. In keeping with NGWA's and API's commitment to expand and
enhance the conference program in the new venue, 9 workshops have been
scheduled for Tuesday, November 14. API Ground Water Task Force members and API
staff are currently reviewing the abstract submissions so they can craft the
final program. Additionally two field trips for Friday afternoon are also being
planned for those attendants who wish to participate.
to
top
Bills Pending in House of Representatives
Support Water
Well Systems
NGWA News Release
Two pieces of legislation supportive of household water well system ownership are now pending before Congress as a result of the National Ground Water Association's (NGWA) lobbying efforts:
· H.R. 3865, sponsored by Congressman Richard Pombo from California, would help ensure that consumers have a choice in drinking water sources. Congressman Pombo's proposal prohibits the use of federal funds for any program that restricts the use of any privately owned water source. In some localities, ordinances are being put in place requiring connection to long-pipe water supply systems even when a safe household water well is already available. A recent national survey sponsored by NGWA showed that more than 80% of well owners prefer their individual household water well systems to other drinking water delivery options. Only 8.3% said they would rather have their drinking water from a water utility company. This bill ensures that federally funded projects respect consumer choice unless a specific health risk is found that necessitates connection to a public water system.
· H.R. 3910, introduced by Congressman John Boehner of Ohio, would authorize the use of federal funds to install, refurbish or service household well systems. The government, working with nonprofit entities, would help low- to moderate-income individuals obtain financing. Government support could be used by homeowners of modest means to bring old household well systems up to current standards, replace systems that have met their expected life, or install new wells. Government-subsidized financing would mean that well owners could pay for new or upgraded individual water well systems with convenient monthly payments, like other utility bills.