WorldWide Drilling Resource

Environmental Monitoring by Thomas Kwader, Ph.D., PG Should we believe everything we read in the newspaper? I read the local newspaper almost every morning. I try to stay current with what is going on in my hometown and the state in which I live (Florida). Many times we are reading an article which we know very little or nothing about the subject (that’s why many of us read the paper). Being a hydrogeologist for more than 40 years and a strong proponent of protecting our groundwater resources, I have a fairly good grasp of when statements are made that are simply not true or the statement is made out of ignorance (speaker is not fully informed of the generally accepted facts on the subject matter). Recently, I have attended a number of public meetings regarding what I would consider “good environmental projects”; however, comments were made which are simply not true either because the person is not in favor of the project, or has re- ceived incorrect information from a paid “pseudo-expert” or someone having a financial or political interest in the outcome of the project. What is even worse, is when a professor or “Dr.” makes statements which are not true, and they use their title to show they are an expert - but their training or degree is in a completely different field. At least twice, I have had a “Dr.” stand up at a public meeting and make statements about the proposed “wells” designed which would fail, and their expertise was not in the sciences, well drilling, engineering, or geology. Once these statements are made in public meetings or the newspaper, it is difficult to undo the damage. Con artists often appeal to our soft spots - the environment, drinking water, public health, etc., which can falsely align their goals with emotions which are dear to our hearts and values. In summary, I’m trying to say, in some cases there are persons out there with an agenda which is associated with a political or monetary reason who will slant the facts to benefit their personal interest, and we need to be aware and stick up for what is right. I know this is not news to many of you, and you know better - but I feel better having said it. Tom Tom Kwader may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com 27 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® OCTOBER 2017