This Newsletter is published quarterly, March, June, September and December by the B. C. Ground Water Association. For more information please contact: Secretary Treasurer, Joan Perry, 1708 - 197 A Street, Langley, B. C. V2Z 1K2 Phone or Fax: 604-530-8934

Archived Newsletters:

BCGWA PLANNING SESSION SUMMARY REPORT - CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

LOW STREAM FLOW ADVISORY - THOMPSON/NICOLA - CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Click here for the BC Government Document: NEW STANDARDS TAKE EFFECT FOR PRIVATE WELL OWNERS
Click here for the BCGWA response to the MOE WATER ACT Modernization - Discussion Paper.
Click here for the BCGWA memo regarding the acquiring of Continuing Education Units (CEU) and related issues regarding current Provincial government regulations.
Download the Press Release for WORLD WATER DAY 2011

New! Click Here To Download a PDF file of the BCGWA Consitution under the Society Act of British Columbia

June 2011 Newsletter

This Newsletter is published quarterly, March, June, September and December by the B.C.
Ground Water Association. For more information please contact: Executive Secretary, Joan
Perry, 1708 – 197 A Street, Langley, B. C. V2Z 1K2. Phone or Fax: 604-530-8934.
BCGWA Website address: www.bcgwa.org
BCGWA e.mail address: secretary.bcgwa@shaw.ca
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President’s Report

Greetings!
 
Here we are half way through the year and still no sign of summer.  Hopefully, we get some warm days soon. 
 
Business in our industry seems to be reacting in the same way.  It has been a slow start for the first part of the year.  Being a bit of an optimist and seeing some of the projects coming on line, we should see a stronger 3rd and 4th quarter. 
 
This President’s position is all new territory for me, and I am still getting a feel for things. 
 
I would like to thank Remi Allard for his successful and longer than normal tenure as President.  
 
Being the newbie at this, I have a better appreciation for the work our Managing Director, Bruce Ingimundson and our Secretary, Joan Perry do.  These people are key components of this well run association. 
 
Congratulations to Bruce Ingimundson for his recent retirement from Thurber Engineering, Victoria BC.  All the best Bruce!   Bruce has graciously accepted to remain as Managing Director of BCGWA for another couple of years.   
 
The association still has an uphill battle in front of us.  Specifically:
 
-       Helping our members maintain their continuing education units (CEU).
-       Licensing of the Geotechnical/Environmental/Geothermal Drillers.
-       Pressuring the government to move forward on some of the pending issues.
-       To educate the public of the importance of hiring licensed and registered drillers and pump installers.
 
On a positive note, the NGWA and ANSI have come out with a draft of the new Water Well Construction standards ANSI/NGWA-01-07.  This can be viewed at http://www.ngwa.org/PROGRAMS/wellstandards/index.aspx. 
 
In closing, let’s get ready for a busy and successful second half of the year. 
 
Wishing you all the best.
 
Mike Lamont
President,
BCGWA
 
From the desk of the Managing Director……………………..
 
Hopefully spring has arrived where you live. I think it is safe to say it finally has on Vancouver Island.
 
In discussions with several of our members it seems work loads vary from just about nil to very busy depending upon where you are and what industry you are primarily servicing. One prominent driller here on the island summed it up very well when he said at our convention: “three years ago I had 6 months of work on the books, now I am lucky to have six days”. The slow side of the industry seems to be related to the lack of land development resulting from the credit crunch of 2009, coupled with a huge supply of developed residential land on the market, when the sky fell in 2009. Add to this the on-going debate about the HST.
 
One land developer told me the other day that no one is buying new homes until the HST is solidified or extinguished. He said a recent potential buyer was looking at a million dollar home, (plus 12% HST) and decided he would not move on the property until the HST is resolved or we go back to the GST/PST model. There is nothing like uncertainty to kill a market no matter what it is. I recently read where cash flushed Albertans are buying recreation property in the US rather than eastern BC, because of the considerably lower prices and our strong dollar. Those of you working in the resource sector (mining, petroleum etc.) seem to be doing very well. I guess it is all about location, location, location.
 
On to the future:
 
We have finalized our 2012 Convention and Trade Show which will be in Kamloops between March 26 - March 30 inclusive.  We had looked at dates at the end of February, but some drillers had indicated at the AGM that later dates would work out better with regards to the road bans.   Kamloops has a new Trade and Convention Center with attached hotel. Our president attended an event there a while ago and found it to be an excellent venue.
 
CanWell 2012; this will be hosted by the Ontario Ground Water Association in Hamilton, Ont. May 23 – 26, 2012. The event will be held at the Hamilton Convention Centre with the Sheraton Hamilton being the host hotel. We will be there hosting a booth to market our introduction of CanWell 2014.
 
Speaking of CanWell 2014; after a lot of work by Joan on venues and related costing between Vancouver and Kelowna, we presented the options and related costs (Vancouver Convention Centre/hotels vs. Prospera Place/Okanagan Grand Hotel in Kelowna), to the Executive. The vote turned out to be 4 to 1 for Kelowna. Due to the availability of Prospera Place for the Trade Show the event will be held in June 2014.  Joan is in the process of nailing down the details. As many of you recall we hosted CanWell 2004 in Kelowna at these venues and it was a huge success. The CGWA is happy with our decision.
 
Kudos to the CGWA for the initial issue of their magazine “The Canadian Ground Water Journal”. Most of you should have received a copy in the mail, unless your postie is on strike. Also, kudos to Jim Fyfe for his feature article on “Fyfe Well and Water Services”.  I liked Jim’s comments in the section “Current View of the Ground Water Industry”.  Our association will be featured in the upcoming summer issue.
As requested at our March 2011 Convention and Trade Show – Annual General Meeting, we have struck a committee to address the issue of contracts and work agreements for our contractor members. The objective is to develop a general work agreement between the contractor and the client for use by our contractor members. This will primarily be for drilling contractors but the committee could look at pump suppliers/installers if the format is compatible. The committee is chaired by Bill Tuytel with members being Jim Fyfe, David Slade and Bruce Ingimundson.  Please look over the contract that is included in this Newsletter and let the office know if it is suitable for using as a recommended BCGWA “agreement for drilling services” or send your suggestions on how to improve it before the BCGWA endorses it.
 
As mentioned at the 2011 AGM, we have completed the revision and updating of our Constitution and Bylaws. A copy of this is included in this newsletter. It is important that all of you read over this document because the membership will be asked to vote on acceptance at our 2012 AGM.
 
As a closing note; as of June 1 I have retired from Thurber Engineering Ltd. to devote my time to doing nothing* (I wish), and enjoying my duties as your managing- director. Should you need to reach me you can by email at managing-director@bcgwa.org or cell phone 250-480-8832.
 
*[motorcycling, golfing and spending time with my grandchildren, not to mention Gail’s “honey-do list”]
 
Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable summer.
 
Bruce Ingimundson

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Membership Booklets – Error!
 
The membership booklets that were mailed out at the beginning of June were printed in error with last years’ information in it.  Many of you have been wondering why your name and/or changes did not appear in this booklet.  The new booklets with the correct information have been added to the Newsletter envelope.  The information has been up-to-date on our web site
 
*****
 
For Sale!
 
Operating drilling business in the sunny Okanagan.  Owner plans to retire and sell company, drilling equipment, and 2-1/2 acre fenced industrial zoned drilling yard.  Equipment includes 3 I-R TH60 air rotary drills and full tooling.  See further details at www.cascadedrilling.ca.  Ph: 250-767-6633 or e.mail: drill@telus.net.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

BC Ground Water Association
Convention and Trade Show
March 26-30, 2012
Kamloops Convention Centre

CanWell 2012
May 23-26, 2012
Hamilton, Ontario
www.canwell2012.ca

Note: CGWA Exams will be held at the regional meetings taking place in the fall. Dates to follow.

MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

Red Williams Well Drilling Ltd.
email: redwoodcentre@shaw.ca

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Something to think about as we go green!
 
In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.  The woman apologized to her and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.”
 
That’s right, they didn’t have the green thing in her day.  Back then, they returned their milk bottles, coke bottles and beer bottles to the store.  The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, using the same bottles over and over.  So they really were recycled.
But they didn’t have the green thing back in her day.
 
In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building.  They walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.
But she’s right.  They didn’t have the green thing in her day.
 
Back then, they washed the baby’s diapers because they didn’t have the throw-away kind.  They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar power really did dry the clothes.  Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right, they didn’t have the green thing back in her day.
 
Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house – not a TV in every room.  And the TV had a small screen the size of a pizza dish, not a screen the size of the state of Montana.
 
In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn’t have electric machines to do everything for you.  When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used wadded up newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
 
Back then, they didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn.  They used a push mower that ran on human power.  They exercised by working so they didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But she’s right, they didn’t have the green thing back then.
 
They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty, instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water.  They refilled pens with ink, instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn’t have the green thing back then.
 
Back then, people took the streetcar and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus, instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.  They had an electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.  And they didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
 
But they didn’t have the green thing back then!

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Engineering students design new drills for wells
 
Women and children in developing countries sometimes walk miles each day to collect drinking water, often from contaminated sources.  One solution is to tap safe water in a more convenient location by drilling a well, but a drill can cost US $800,000.  Rotarians in San Luis Obispo, California, worked with engineering students at a local university to design a rig that’s easy to maintain and can be built from inexpensive, widely available parts.
 
The students came up with the drill as part of their coursework at California Polytechnic State University.  They researched the potential problems of drilling wells in developing countries, soliciting advice from drillers, geologists, and humanitarian aid providers.  “It’s a really exciting thing,” says Tim Cleath, a hydrogeologist and member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.  Cleath has worked on international water projects for three decades and was the technical coordinator on this effort.  “We’re challenging students and giving them knowledge of needs overseas – and we’re making a piece of equipment.”
 
The rig uses an older technology called a percussion cable tool, but it’s equipped with modern hydraulic controls and can bore through solid bedrock.  Powered by a 13-horsepower Honda motor, it acts like a slow jack-hammer, sending a 500-pound weighted bit up and down once every second.  Cable tool rigs are usually large, truck-mounted machines, but because this one is designed to drill smaller holes, it’s more portable.
 
The Rotarians involved in the project estimate that the rig will cost about $20,000 to construct.  The students have completed a set of drawings and a master list of components that will be freely available, so anyone will be able to build one.  They also will continue to work with Rotarians on the effort.
 
“We hope that we can get hundreds of these-things operating in developing countries,” says Bob Hather, a member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, which set up the project.  “With the network of Rotary clubs out there, we may be able to accomplish that goal.”
 
Diana Schoberg
Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, CA
*****
 
Moose Camp
 
Four guys have been going to the same moose camp for years.  Before the group is to leave, Ron’s wife puts her foot down and says he isn’t going.  Ron’s friends are very upset that he can’t go but decide to go on their own anyways.  Two days later the three get to the camping site to find Ron there with a tent set up, firewood gathered, and dinner ready.  “Dang man, how long you been here, and how did you talk your wife into letting you go?”  “Well, I’ve been here since yesterday.  Yesterday I was sitting in my chair and my wife came up behind me and put her hands over my eyes and said, ‘Guess who?’  I pulled her hands off, and she was in a silk nightie.  She took my hand and pulled me to our bedroom where there were candles and rose petals all over.  On the bed she had placed a set of handcuffs.  She told me to tie and cuff her to the bed, and I did.  And then she said, “Do whatever you want.”  So, here I am!

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The Canadian Ground Water Journal
 
The Canadian Ground Water Association is pleased to announce our publishing partnership with MediaEDGE Publishing in the launch of our inaugural quarterly publication – The Canadian Ground Water Journal.
 
The Canadian Ground Water Journal will reach a highly targeted audience of certified drillers, certified pump installers, geo-thermal companies, engineering and consulting companies in this growing and dynamic industry.
 
The Canadian Groundwater Journal is an excellent vehicle for advertisers anxious to reach this targeted group of influential decision-makers in Canada’s drilling and ground water market.  Just think of the endless opportunities that result from advertising in the Canadian Ground Water Association’s official publication.
 
The Canadian Groundwater Journal is mailed on a quarterly basis directly to members and associates across Canada.  Additional copies are distributed at all CGWA functions, including Provincial Groundwater Association Conferences and Trade Shows, in short, The Canadian Ground Water Journal is everywhere you need to be!
 
For advertising information please contact Joe Strazzullo at 1-866-201-3096 extension 401 or at joes@mediaedgepublishing.com.

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DRILLERS!  Highlight yourselves in our “Driller’s Corner” – A reference point for companies in need of your service!

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Early thoughts on retirement………………..
 
Well it has been almost a month since I “retired”, and I am still working through the odd jobs around home and my Gail’s “Honey-do List”. I have managed to squeeze in the odd day-trip on my V-Star 1100 bike out to the real Pacific at Port Renfrew and up island to Ladysmith for coffee. Not much of an adventure I must say, but then no real sign of summer here on the island.
 
I use the term “retired” somewhat loosely as I am really only “semi-retired”, having hung up my spurs (or was it the witching forked stick – metaphorically speaking) at Thurber Engineering as of June 1, but still field the odd call for my services and of course I am continuing in my role as Managing Director of our association. I am not sure which one is the mightier task master, Gail my partner or Joan our secretary.
 
Once upon a time… long ago in 1965, the Beatles were just beginning and I graduated in Civil Engineering Technology from the Manitoba Institute of Technology (Manitoba’s BCIT). My chosen field was transportation and municipal engineering and landed a job with Underwood McLellan and Associates (UMA) in Winnipeg. After a year of work and another year of overseas travel (and work in England), I returned to UMA in the middle of a recession in the civil field. As I had an interest in geology, I was linked up with Carl Anderson, P.Eng., (who turned out to be my initial mentor for the next eight years); teaching me his skills in applied air photo interpretation and hydrogeology 101. During that time I studied under Jack Mollard on the API side and attended groundwater short courses at the Universities of Alberta and Wisconsin.
 
In 1974 my English wife, two daughters and I had enough of shovelling snow for six months of the year in Winterpeg. I was fortunate to land a job with the then called Thurber Consultants Ltd. in Victoria. I was initially hired by TCL for my engineering geology skills as they did not actively consult in the groundwater supply field at that time. About a year into my new job, I received a phone call from two former Winnipeg colleagues at UMA, who themselves had recently immigrated to Vancouver Island (Duncan) to set up Duncan Kondra and Associates Ltd. They had just landed a project to expand the City of Duncan’s well field and recalled I had some groundwater supply experience. They asked if I could take on designing the wells and look after the assessment of the well yields and water qualities. I approached the principals at TCL and was supported by them “as long as I didn’t get sued”. That was the beginning of my career in hydrogeology in BC and I have never been sued.. yet!.
 
Over the next several years under the tutelage of Hugh Nasmith (and further studies at the University of Wisconsin and Waterloo), my groundwater skills and work load expanded to the point where I had to let go of the engineering geology work and focus solely on hydrogeology.
 
In those years I was very fortunate to work alongside classic groundwater specialists such as Ken Slade, Ed Livingston, Bill Brown, Buck Nelson, Bill Turner and many others.  In 1975 I joined the BCGWA which brought me into contact with those with the knowledge and experience that has proven extremely valuable to me over the years. Book learning is important but it is only the beginning.
 
In 1993, with the expansion of the Association of Professional Engineers to include Geoscientists, I was encouraged by several engineering colleagues to apply for my Professional Geoscientist (P,Geo) licence. I applied, challenged the exams and was accepted.
 
Being an active member of the BCGWA has been a big part of my career. The value of people I have met and experience gained is impossible to measure. I have had the good fortune to hold several positions as a Director and Executive member; (including Professional & Technical rep., Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, President and Past President) over approximately the last 15 years. Probably the highlight was being President during our hosting of CanWell 2004. This experience, (in no small part) was due to the support of our committee members at that time. As good fortune would have it, most of that team is still around and will be called upon for assistance in our hosting of CanWell 2014 in Kelowna. However, I will be looking to involve several younger members as well.
 
A while back I was with my Optometrist for a check up and he noted that I had turned 65. He said that he always asked his patients at that time in their lives if they had the chance, would they choose to follow the same career path or something different. I thought for a few seconds and said, I would do it all over again. I also asked was there any one career group that would do something different. He said.. “Oh yes…lawyers.”  So I can be thankful I never had any aspiration to become a lawyer. However, I must admit a certain enjoyable “rush” has overtaken me from time to time when I have been called to go to court as an expert witness.
 
All in all it has been, a very enjoyable experience working in hydrogeology consulting, and a wonderful opportunity to keep in contact with so many great people, through my continued involvement with the BCGWA.
 
In closing, want some advice from an old bald guy with 45 years experience;…work hard, get along with people, expand your knowledge, but know your limits and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice!
 
Cheers!
Bruce Ingimundson
 
Thank you Bruce for sharing your retirement thoughts with us.  Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for staying with us at the BCGWA.

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The man with the big grin on his face is John Carlos of Abacus Drilling S.A. introducing all of his new employees!  Pictured is Miss Canada and her 4 runners up.  This shot was taken from his home on the beach in Nicaragua.  Why not have our conventions down there?

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PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW/Download the June 2011 Report from the Ministry of Environment