The end of November thru December 3rd I went to Las Vegas on the Preferred Pump Promotional trip and attended the National Water Well Convention.  The Convention seemed to be a little larger than last year, maybe that is a good sign that things may be getting a little better. 

Work is still slow around our area and talking to other drilling and pump contractors in Missouri they all seem to say the same thing.  Hopefully the economy will take a turn for the better in 2012.

We are looking forward to the Missouri Water Well Convention February 20th thru the 22nd and hope everyone is able to attend.  The more active members in the Missouri Water Well Association will make the Association stronger and more beneficial to the Missouri water well industry.  

It is almost time for the annual convention.  We look forward to seeing everybody at the convention and hope to have some interesting workshops.  The well drilling industry is facing many uncertainties, some we may be able to do something about and others that are out of our hands. 

The economy is a major concern that we have little or no control over.  Our best hope is at the ballot box.  We as an industry need to look hard at the candidates and make our decisions on who to vote for based on their platforms and how they can guide the country back to a stronger and better economic position in the world. How they can bring back jobs, eliminate excessive governmental regulations. Reign in the EPA, OSHA and other government agencies that are burdening us with unnecessary regulation and paper work.  We have to ask the question are these agencies making thing better or just costing us money and driving work away from us and out of the country. 

At home here in the state, we need to be always on our guard and keep up with what is going on in our state legislature, with the DNR and others that affect our business.  To help with this we need a strong Missouri Water Well Association.  We need members and input from each individual.  We need numbers.  A position of strength is always based on numbers. 

As a closing note, if you have subjects that you would like addressed in a seminar at the convention call me or any officer or director and let us know.  Again we look forward to seeing you at the show. 

We have been watching several issues since the last newsletter.  DNR is proposing changes to three rules.  The one of most concern is the proposed change to the heat pump rules.  They want to require full length thermal grout for all heat pump wells in MO.  The association does not believe DNR should do this.  Staff have admitted there have been no problems with the current method of grouting these wells.  Based partially on our comments at the last two Well Installation Board (WIB) meetings, the WIB has asked DNR to bring more information to them so they can make a decision as to the grouting requirements.  DNR will be bringing this issue back to the WIB meeting in February at our Annual Convention.  Be sure to let your opinions be known at that meeting. 

The apprentice rule is being updated to allow people who have been permitted before and have sent in records on their work to be permitted again without serving an apprenticeship, even if their permits have lapsed,.  The appeals rule is being updated to allow persons who have appealed a DNR to go before the WIB as the law allows.  Currently, DNR is doing that even though the rule was changed several years ago to require all appeals to go before an administrative hearing commission who know little to nothing about our industry.

The DNR’s Public Drinking Water Program is changing the design guides for all public wells.  We attended a stakeholder meeting and submitted comments on these changes and will continue to follow this new rule making closely. 

December 1, 2011 is the first day that new legislation can be filed for the state’s 2012 legislative session.  We will monitor the activity each week and ensure that our voice is heard on any legislation that may impact our industry.  One item we will be watching closely will be the sales tax initiative that was introduced last year and is rumored to come back again this year.  The web site (www.missouriwaterwellassociation.com) has more on all of this information.  We need your support to ensure our industry isn’t impacted by legislation or rules that aren’t well thought out or do not make sense for Missouri.  Becoming a member of the association will ensure your opinion is heard and will keep you up on these issues.

The WIB board met in regular session on November the 7^th at the DGLS Rolla facility.  One of the main topics for discussion was the implementation of the upgrading of the heat pump rules.  They have not been upgraded to any extend since their beginning and do need to be brought up to date with the technology of today.  There have been a few changes in methods of installing vertical loops across the country.  There is now a reliable double O-ring seal stab fitting out there that has proven itself in the field and should be recognized and used should the need arise.  Also, there are some anti-freezes that have dropped and no longer used since their properties have been shown to be unreliable.   There is also and new concentric style U-bend that is being used in some states with success.  Then there is the method on sealing the bore-hole after the pipe installation.  More and more drillers have grouting machines that can successfully tremie grout a bore-hole and still maintain good heat transfer.  These things are all good, however, Missouri has some very diverse geology, and in some situations at the shallower depths, the alternating granular backfill with 100% solids bentonite plugs is still the best method.  Usually in those areas, pressure grouting cannot be accomplished successfully since the grout will go laterally and never come up.  Now it’s been said that’s the way to go.  The truth is, the plugging method when done properly, will outperform the pressure grouted hole even with thermal grout mixed with the highest percentage of sand possible.  Thermal grouted bore-holes for residential application can raise the cost of a typical installation by $2,000 and still not perform as well as what we’ve successfully doing for the last 20 years.  The discussion has been tabled till the next regular board meeting held at the Lake of the Ozarks in conjunction with the MWWA convention.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

     As per a news release on December 14^TH 2011 from Jefferson City beginning January 3^rd, 2012 commercial motor vehicle drivers are banned from using hand-held mobile phones and push-to-talk cell phones while driving. The ban is being implemented by the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. 

        A quick summary of this law is that you can not use, reach for, or dial a cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle.

        The ban applies when the vehicle is in operation on a highway, temporarily stopped on highway or shoulder or waiting at a stop sign or light and all other traffic control devices. Drivers may only use there phone while stopped in an area safe for parking a commercial vehicle or to communicate with law enforcement officials or to report to emergency agencies.

          Drivers may use CB radios or other two way radios, but not Nextel or push to talk as per the law.  A driver may use cell phones with hands free aid such as Bluetooth or hands free cradle installed in vehicle. 

           The fines apply to the driver and can result in silence revocation with as little as two offences as I was told (unofficially). A trucking company that I talked with told me that they were informed that the fines also attach to the companies and can be $11,000 per occurrence.(unofficial)   I suggest you research this so you know how to instruct your employees. 

         This is just a summary of the law. You may read the complete federal regulation if you visit http://www.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-02/html/2011-30749.htm       

                          THANKS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS    LINDELL LINDSEY