If you have read many of these columns, you know that water wells and pumps in Michigan are regulated by our Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Several years ago, the DEQ asked industry members to participate in what is called the Director’s Water Well Advisory Committee.
Every DPT refusal scenario is different, which is why environmental consultants must understand the different types of refusals, options for overcoming them and when to consider hybrid drilling options.
We wanted to do a checkup on the rights of well owners, and on legal and policy issues surrounding groundwater, so we spoke with Margaret Martens, the Water Systems Council's executive director, and Jeff More, the group's government consultant.
The other night, I got into a discussion with a group of well drillers that centered around bits or hole openers backing off in broken, rough-running formations. The reasons — and cures — are pretty straightforward, but often overlooked.
21st-century site evaluation starts with an online map search followed up with an interactive satellite view. The tools given to us by modern technology have become invaluable and a perfect starting point, but these technologies have still not progressed beyond physically walking the next project.
If a seminar on PFAS is held near you, dear reader, I suggest you attend. You will come away with more questions than answers, but also with much more knowledge about this widespread subject.