The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) awarded Ray Roussy, PE, president of the Sonic Drill Corporation and Sonic Drilling, with its 2012 Technology Award.

The award recognizes an individual’s major contributions to the groundwater industry in the development of ideas, tools, and/or equipment. It will be presented at the NGWA Groundwater Expo and annual meeting in Las Vegas in December.

The honor marks the third for Roussy’s patented sonic drilling technology. In 2008, Roussy was recognized by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition, supported by Natural Resources Canada, with its award for “best new drilling technology” and a $10,000 prize. In 2010, Roussy accepted a Manning Innovation Award and a $10,000 prize for his development of modern sonic drilling technology.

“I’m delighted to win this third award from such a respected organization as the NGWA,” Roussy said. “After spending more than 30 years on sonic drilling technology, I can’t express how much I appreciate seeing the technology being recognized by my peers for what it can do.” Roussy holds patents for both sonic drilling technology and the use of a sonic drill to install geothermal loops.

“The sonic drill has so many advantages-it can drill three to five times faster and provide continuous core samples of overburden material,” Roussy said. “The sonic drill ultimately provides advantages that translate into profit for the industry. It’s been my life’s work to bring this technology to the marketplace.”