Latest industry happenings from the desk ofND's editor.

Water Contamination Awareness

More than half of Americans say they have concerns about the quality of their water as more people become educated about specific contaminants and take action in their homes. Those are two findings from an independent survey released at WQA Aquatech USA.

The random sample survey, conducted by Applied Research-West Inc., offers a look into Americans’ evolving attitude about their water, especially when compared to previous polls. “We are seeing people become more educated about water issues and finding ways to ensure water quality for their families,” says Peter Censky, executive director of the Water Quality Association, a not-for-profit trade organization that commissioned the survey.

Among the major findings:

  • A quarter of consumers are “extremely concerned” about the quality of their water supply, and only 45 percent say they are confident their water source poses no health risk.
  • A majority of consumers now are willing to pay more for the elimination of contaminants such as pharmaceuticals. In previous surveys, less than 50 percent expressed this opinion.
  • Nearly a quarter of consumers say they have primary responsibility in their home for quality water, up from 20 percent in 2008.
The survey shows that 39 percent of respondents state that they believed federal drinking water quality laws are “fair.”

About one-fifth (19%) of respondents were exposed to “boil water alerts.” This prompted them to purchase a water filtration device. Typically, a water filter pitcher or end-of-tap device was purchased. More than half of those exposed to boil water alerts purchased home filtration devices afterward, higher than the 38 percent who said they did so in 2008.

Americans seem to increasingly believe that responsibility for safe drinking water is a public/private partnership.

Regarding overall quality, specifically 49 percent of respondents indicate that they are concerned or very concerned about their household water supply. Further, 54 percent are concerned about health contaminants in tap water. And 42 percent of respondents stated that drinking water is not as safe as it should be.

Geoprobe's Field Day in Indiana

Geoprobe System’s summer road show stopped in Noblesville, Ind., April 5, giving attendees a chance to check out some of the newest technologies in the market. Geoprobe’s friendly team of tech specialists demonstrated machines and tooling actively performing field applications typical for environmental, geotechnical and exploration mining operations. Technologies covered were direct-push, rotary and rotary sonic drilling.

Also presented in conjunction with this Field Events day was a special seminar on Geoprobe’s Direct Image product line, which consists of a tool that provides graphical representation of contaminant distribution and soil lithology in the subsurface; a tool that allows users to create fast, continuous, real-time profiles of soil-hydraulic properties in both fine- and coarse-grained materials; and cone penetrating testing systems.

The outdoor demonstration activities carried 3 CEUs, and the classroom program counted for 2.5 CEUs.

Future Field Days events take place April 29, in Charlotte, N.C.; and May 17 and 18 in Clarksburg, N.J. Get all the details by calling Lori Christensen at 785-404-1160.

Summit Drilling Moves Ahead with Expansion Plans in the Northeast

Summit Drilling, one of the Northeast’s largest environmental drilling companies, has promoted Tory Donnelly to vice president of operations for its southern New Jersey operation. “Tory has taken on a leadership position from the first week she arrived at Summit,” states Summit president and CEO, Robert Kreilick Jr. “Our focus on southern New Jersey is due to our increasing activity there, in combination with our planned geographic expansion. We’re very confident in Tory’s ability to take the reins and steer this effort.”

Donnelly is a 20-year veteran in the environmental consulting business, with experience in regulatory compliance, project management, account management and health and safety. Prior to joining Summit Drilling, Donnelly held multiple positions with Groundwater & Environmental Services Inc. of Neptune, N.J. “Coming from the client side of the business into Summit Drilling is a unique opportunity,” says Donnelly. “How often in a career can you bring extensive direct customer insights to an operation who will serve them? My goal is to run an efficient office with dependable and well maintained equipment. But most importantly, I want to support the excellence and talent my field teams deliver every day.”

With an expansion initiative in Summit’s strategic plan, strengthening management in key geographic territories was the next logical move according to Summit Drilling’s chief marketing officer, Santo Auriemma. “Summit Drilling believes that building its business in the southern region of New Jersey will establish a strong foundation for further expansion into neighboring states,” states Auriemma. “Our business has grown steadily there for the past two years, and is forecasted to continue growing as we add strong management on-site, equipment and additional resources to the operation. We are expanding our services, competencies and equipment to become a more complete and integrated solution.”
ND