Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/668983
Industry NEWSLINE Silica Rule Released by OSHA A controversial rule limiting crystal- line silica exposure for workers was released on March 24 after years of deliberation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The current rule caps exposure at construction sites to 250 micrograms per cubic meter of air per eight hours of exposure. The new rule will drop that figure to 50 micrograms per cubic meter. The regulations are broken down into three categories: (1) the construction industry, (2) the hydraulic fracturing industry, and (3) general industry and maritime. The final rule will go into effect June 23 with various industries having between one to five years to comply with the new standards. The National Ground Water Associa- tion filed comments on the proposed silica rule, citing the unique nature of drilling for geothermal wells. NGWA is in the process of reviewing the rule to determine specific implications for its members. To view a copy of the final rule, visit https://s3.amazonaws.com/public- inspection.federalregister.gov/2016- 04800.pdf. Testimony to Congress on the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network Submitted by NGWA As Congress begins writing annual appropriations bills, NGWA submitted testimony in support of an increase in funding for the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network. The Network received $2.6 million in fiscal year 2015 and $3.6 million in fiscal year 2016. NGWA is requesting an increase in funding to $5 million for fiscal year 2017—to increase the num- ber of states that can become involved in the effort to create a national network of groundwater levels and quality. The testimony was submitted to House and Senate appropriations com- mittees and was accompanied by a letter of support signed by nearly 30 organiza- tions in support of the increase. House and Senate leaders are com- mitted to passing all 12 appropriations bills this year, but the House has been unable to pass a budget—which outlines top-line funding numbers on which to base annual appropriations. Increased funding for the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network would allow for more cooperative agreements to be established between state and local governments and the U.S. Geological Survey, thus enabling broader implementation of the network. However, if Congress fails to pass appropriations bills for fiscal year 2017, a continuing resolution would likely be passed that would continue funding at the $3.6 million level. age ack ting P LED Ligh Servic inch e W c TH A DU e or , F 9 7 e 19 Sinc ed on the er deliv o t tinue on c y he T tivit oduc o the pr t a or F . orldwide w i l ' h T E ORIGINAL Y ARY TAR AL RO e v otary drills ha s Dual R ' t mos e ormanc er perf t t omise of be pr tributions on c t significan e mak o or t a y of oper ofitabilit y and pr t s or t ac tr on c of number wing o gr d ill t t t b e . e s s s, orth T800W w Hy 50 T Elec w en m K 25 X 5 ummins IS C T 3 / 900 omp Air C Oiler ARD FEAT ANDA TA S en ilt Out asing R v on C o RC T d T y e op Driv To C TURES tional/ or n e p Driv t ota R DR-24HD DR-12 OREMO F s simply no e' her T D DR-24 DR-40 T DR S O LINE-UP o drill. y t a er w t t be t Oiler clone Moun y C clone optiona y c ( g l) 4" 2 " DIA DR-24HD o learn mor To learn mor To learn mor 1.9190 .66 1.800 Canada/U ( D visit DR-40 e r f , visit e r ca/DR t. emos or f .S.A.) ada/U 5.5800 3.29 1.40 orldwide (Wo R e) e waterwelljournal.com 8 May 2016 WWJ