What if you were told that you can’t drink your water?

You knew that it looked “off” in the past, but you assumed that things were okay because you trusted your water service provider, and they certainly wouldn’t allow you to be harmed.   

What if you have a private well…and noticed that your water started to look or smell different recently?  Do you just “hope” that it clears up and goes back to normal? Would you still let your children drink it?   

What if you live in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania where there are well-documented (but less public) accounts of water-related illnesses in people, pets, and livestock BUT regulation of oil & gas exploration has seemingly made protection of public health secondary?   

Living on the east coast for most of my life, and as an environmental practitioner for 20 years, I’ve come across a broad range of sites, situations, people, and have seen surface & groundwater look as clear as a mountain stream, rusty as iced tea, and as yellow as Mountain Dew; but it usually takes “current” (and very public) drinking water issues (e.g. Flint, MI; Newark, NJ) to bring these concerns to the forefront, unfortunately.   

Because this topic can cover a lot of ground, the logical starting point is to consider whether the current local, state, and federal regulatory programs are adequate, and if the protection of our water supplies AND ultimately, human health and the environment are at the top of the list.  They certainly should be, but avoid becoming consumed by the vastness of the matter (global scale). Start by reaching out to your local public officials to educate yourself on current and future measures, programs, and initiatives in your town, county, and state because in our complex society, there will be crusaders on both sides of this battle but access to clean drinking water shouldn't be compromised. 

As contentious as this topic can be, stay tuned for future updates and musings, as well as others, from Cardinal Environmental. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.  

Field Investigation Tips Volume IV: Mud

As a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, let’s take a look at what’s just around the corner and how to prepare for it: Mud.  Much like our previous topics (Field Investigation Tips Vol. I: Working in the Rain, and Vol. III: Extreme Cold), there are inherent difficulties when working in or around mud, but there are always solutions… you just need to be creative & resourceful. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are a few tips (in no particular order) that could be used by environmental practitioners that need to work in the slop.  As always, safety is paramount!  

 ·       Tip #1: Plan ahead! Will the conditions impact the project and/or results? Should you postpone? 

·       Tip #2: Is your Health & Safety Plan (HASP) up to date?  Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; make sure you have that tailgate safety meeting before commencing work; don’t rush.

·       Tip #3: Expect your backhoe, excavator, Geoprobe®, or drill rig to make a real mess.  Talk to your subcontractor about matting down ahead of time…especially for your residential projects!

·       Tip #4: Choose a “dry area” to set-up a work station…if possible.  And keep supplies clean and off the ground (e.g. sample jars, field books, PIDs, etc.).

·       Tip #5: Try to channel water away from the area you need to investigate.  This could be as easy as getting a shovel out, or setting up a temporary berm.  It’s worth the effort.  

And finally….

·       Tip #6: When working in tidal flats, or areas of deep mud, invest in Mudders®.  I haven’t worked in those conditions in several years, but those things are fantastic and worth the investment!  See mudderboot.com for details. 

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.

Field Investigation Tips Volume III: Extreme Cold

As the temperature dips into the frigid range on the east coast, and as a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another salient concern when working in the elements: extreme cold.  Much like our previous topics (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain, and Vol. II: Subsurface Utilities), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in frigid temperatures. My personal cut-off is about 20°F, just based on experience. At that point things start to get interesting and/or more challenging.  So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (in no particular order) that could be used by environmental practitioners working outside this time of year.  As always, safety is paramount!  

Cold Weather Tips:

·  Tip #1: Plan ahead! Can the work be postponed? Plan to have this conversation early on.

·  Tip #2: Is your Health & Safety Plan (HASP) up to date?  Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; make sure you have that tailgate safety meeting before commencing work; don’t rush.

·   Tip #3: Layer up! Also invest in some good coveralls, wool socks, good gloves, under-armor, etc.

·  Tip #4: Purchase hand and foot warmers.  This is an inexpensive option, and effective.  Stuff ‘em in your boots and pockets. (note: make sure they’re not outdated or 3 yrs old!).

·   Tip #5: Take safety breaks to warm up in a car, shed, etc.  BUT…keep the heat relatively low as going back and forth from hot to cold is a bad idea!

·   Tip #6: Know the signs of hypothermia and cold stress… and look out for your fellow colleagues and subcontractors working alongside you.

· Tip #7: PIDs & other meters (e.g. DataRams) may not be rated for frigid temperatures, so be sure to check with your supplier in advance.  

· Tip #8: When conducting monitoring well sampling, expect your tubing to freeze, along with an array of other things malfunctioning or freezing…including pumps.   

· Tip #9: Expect your backhoe, excavator, Geoprobe®, or drill rig to have some difficulty in the upper three (3) feet as they need to get through the frost layer.

·  Tip #10: Drink plenty of water!! Cold weather increases your risk of dehydration.

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us. tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com , www.cardinalLSRP.com 

Field Investigation Tips Volume II: Subsurface Utilities

As a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another (incredibly important) concern when conducting a (subsurface) field investigation: buried utilities.  Much like our previous topic (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in “congested” areas where you see mark-out paint all over your investigation area.  But don’t be fooled…buried utilities have a sneaky way of turning up in less obvious areas too. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (some obvious / some less obvious) that could be used by most practitioners (environmental, geologic, engineering, etc.) to hopefully help avoid common pitfalls when installing borings, wells, test pits, etc.  As always, Safety is paramount for any subsurface investigation.

 Obvious Tips:

·   Tip #1: Get a utility mark-out.  It’s the law in most states.  Don’t rush in.  

·  Tip #2: Hire a private utility mark-out service.  This is an “easy” solution for private properties and highly recommended where you anticipate having subsurface obstructions and/or utilities. GPR services are often worth the extra expense.

·   Tip #3: Schedule to have your locations pre-cleared to a specified depth using a “soft-dig” approach.  Some clients and facilities (e.g. refineries) may require this already, so use this option if warranted.

·   Tip #4: Be prepared to ask your client, site operators, or any other individual if they have specific knowledge of buried utilities, and/or if they have as-builts or other site figures they could supply.  Also have them physically point out where the utility conflicts may be, prior to commencing work.  

·  Tip #5: Make sure your firm is under contract before conducting any intrusive work, and the contract language addresses subsurface utilities.  Also…make sure you’re insured. Really. Get insurance.

·   Tip #6: Maintain a safe distance from all utility mark-outs…generally this means >3ft.  

Less-Obvious Tips:

·  Tip #1: Utility mark-outs may fade or get washed away.  If warranted, be prepared to postpone a project until a new mark-out can be completed.  Also get a new mark-out if your ticket has expired!

·  Tip #2: Be wary of pipe bedding or other common backfill materials when advancing a test pit, borehole, etc.  If encountered, chances are you may on top of, or near, a subsurface utility.  Be prepared to off-set if your location if needed. 

·  Tip #3: After obtaining utility clearance (and not opting to soft dig), pay attention to your drill or geoprobe rig (or excavator) as it approaches the infamous 4ft depth.  This is a common depth where utilities may be located, as it’s generally below the frost line in the Eastern U.S. If the equipment is having difficulty advancing, shaking, or lifting, and boulders, concrete, deleterious material (for example) were not expected, take time to re-evaluate your location…don’t force it. You may be on a utility.  

·   Tip #4: Don’t solely rely on old plans.  They have a tendency of being wrong.   

·  Tip #5: Trust your gut!  If you think something is off, whether it’s a mark-out or plan specifications, don’t hesitate to stop work and get the answers you need and “re-assurances” before commencing work.  People’s lives could be at risk, so avoid making hasty decisions, and don’t let a project schedule or budget dictate your level of safety.  

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com  or www.cardinalLSRP.com

Field Investigation Tips Volume I: Working in the Rain

After getting dumped on with roughly 24” of snow on the East coast, and now a forecast for heavy rains, it’s time to reflect back on prior experiences and the inherent difficulties when required to work in the elements…especially the rain.   For this new series, we’ll present some key tips (some obvious / some less obvious) that could be used by most practitioners (environmental, geologic, engineering, etc.) to hopefully help avoid common pitfalls when working in the field:

 Obvious Tips:

• Tip#1: Attempt to re-schedule the project.  Make the call. 

• Tip#2: Invest in good foul-weather gear. This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many folks skimp out on this “easy” solution.

• Tip#3: Apply mink oil to waterproof your work boots. Takes about 5 minutes, and should keep your feet dry all day. Re-apply as needed.

• Tip#4: PIDs & other meters may not be rated for and/or survive inclement weather.  Be prepared to go without them, or postpone your project if they are mission-critical.

• Tip#5: Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; heavy machinery concerns, etc.

Less-Obvious Tips:

• Tip#1: Utility mark-outs may fade or get washed away.  If warranted, be prepared to postpone a project until a new mark-out can be completed.  Safety should be paramount.

• Tip#2: Be wary of false groundwater observations / measurements.  Rain water / surface water cascading down the side of a test pit or down a borehole should be accounted for.

• Tip#3: Find a way to keep your notes “dry” beforehand.  Nothing is more frustrating than wet paper getting ripped, illegible writing, etc., so be creative.  Waterproof pens & paper? Work under a cover? Identify your options early, and be resourceful. 

• Tip#4: Barring thunderstorms or lightning, commit to putting in a full day’s work if you elect to work in the rain.  Don’t pull the plug early and then have to re-mobilize to finish up.  Your budget will thank you later.

• Tip#5: Don’t be the person that hides in a shed or vehicle, while others are getting wet.  Get your hands dirty (or wet) and pitch in to get the job done a little quicker. This may mean assisting your colleagues, drillers, or machine operators.  The extra effort will be appreciated, and if you can’t help out in the field…make a coffee run! 

Stay tuned for future discussions on this topic in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned out there, which could ultimately make our jobs easier!   

We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us. tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com , www.cardinalLSRP.com