Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/681918
and policymaking leadership, and com- prised of more than 100 affiliate organi- zations from all sectors of America's economy and civil society, Infrastruc- ture Week is the largest, most diverse, nonpartisan coalition of organizations dedicated to strengthening America by rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Ohio Congressman Receives NGWA Groundwater Protector Award A t a ceremony in his Washington, D.C. office, Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) was presented the 2015 Groundwater Protector Award by NGWA President Jeff Williams, MGWC, CVCLD. The award, which honors a federal official each year, highlights the efforts to protect and conserve groundwater resources. Congressman Gibbs serves as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Water Resources Subcom- mittee, which holds jurisdiction over issues like the Water Resources Devel- opment Act and brownfields reautho- rization legislation. The Groundwater Protector Award allows NGWA to highlight and foster those in Congress and the Administra- tion who support objectives and policies in line with NGWA priorities. NGWA President Attends Water Systems Council Fly-In NGWA President Jeff Williams, MGWC, CVCLD, attended the Water Systems Council Fly-In, April 12-14 in Washington, D.C. Williams addressed attendees at the Fly-In, highlighting NGWA priorities for 2016, as well as ways in which NGWA and the Water Systems Council can work together. Williams also participated in a series of Capitol Hill visits, meeting with sev- eral congressional offices in support of the Savings Act. The Fly-In came at a great time to promote the Savings Act, as House and Senate leaders are debating water infra- structure packages associated with the Flint water crisis. In addition, both chambers are focused on the next Water Resources Development Act due for reauthorization. NGWA Files Comments on Entry-Level Driving Training Rule NGWA filed comments with the Fed- eral Motor Carrier Safety Administra- tion (FMCSA) following the release of a proposed rule on entry-level driver training for commercial driver licenses. NGWA argued the proposed rule fo- cuses more on time behind the wheel rather than road skills required. NGWA commented the rule is also vague on requirements for the person tasked with conducting the training. The comment period closed April 6, and a final rule is anticipated later this year. To read the comments filed by NGWA, visit www.regulations.gov/ \#!documentDetail;D=FMCSA- 2007-27748-1149. Many NGWA members conduct commercial driver license trainings themselves, so a new rule from the FMCSA could add new requirements or restrictions to the way current trainers operate. DOE Releases Final Rule for Energy Conservation Standards of Pumps T he U.S. Department of Energy adopted new energy conservation standards for pumps justified on energy savings, technology feasibility, and eco- nomics. Prior to this final rule, the DOE did not have energy conservation stan- dards for pumps. Testing requirements for pump en- ergy efficiency are prescribed. The DOE considered four sectors: industrial, commercial buildings, agri- cultural, and municipal water utilities. Five pump equipment categories were considered in the rulemaking: • End suction close-coupled • End suction frame mounted/own bearings • In-line • Radially split, multi-stage, vertical, in-line diffuser casing • Submersible turbine. The net present value of the stan- dards ranged from $0.39 to $1.1 billion (based on a 7% or a 3% discount rate over 30 years). The rule applies to pumps manufac- tured beginning January 27, 2020. Clean water pump installations for industrial, commercial, agricultural, and municipal water beginning in January 2020 should plan to use these energy conservation pumps. To view this standard, visit http://energy.gov/sites/ prod/files/2015/12/f28/Pumps%20ECS %20Final%20Rule.pdf. Senate Holds Oversight Hearing of USGS An oversight hearing of the U.S. Geological Survey was conducted by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on April 7. The hear- ing focused on USGS' budget for map- ping and seismicity, among other issues. USGS Director Suzette Kimball stated USGS Landsat imagery used in mapping has been commercially useful in agricultural irrigation management. The seismicity portion of the hearing focused on the adequacy of the USGS' budget for major earthquake monitoring and forecasting. However, the hearing also covered the effects of deep well in- jection on earthquakes in the production of petroleum and natural gas. Kimball reported most seismic activ- ity associated with petroleum and natu- ral gas production is due to use of deep injection wells to fracture formations to release energy sources. Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) expressed his view current deep well injection technology was safe and invited Kimball to exchange information with researchers in his state. Two Minnesota Well Drilling Companies Announce Merger M antyla Well Drilling Inc. in Lake- land, Minnesota, and Sampson Bros. Well Co. in Hugo, Minnesota, are now working together to better serve their customers' needs. The two compa- nies combine to have more than 75 years of well drilling experience. NGWA Past President Richard Thron, MGWC, is president of Mantyla Well Drilling. Tom Gallagher is presi- dent of Sampson Bros. Well. The two companies provide: new well construction, pump sales and serv- ice, constant pressure systems, pressure tanks, hydrant installation, watering units, directional boring, and well seal- ing and abandonments. NEWS from page 13 waterwelljournal.com 14 June 2016 WWJ