WorldWide Drilling Resource

20 APRIL 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Rasmussen cont’d from page 17. This “problem” then resulted in some negotiations between our import agent and Berny, and the customs officials. After a few hours and some closed-door meetings between the agent and the officials, it was decided an exception could be issued upon payment of some fees to authorize the issuance of the exception by someone, and the “problem” was resolved. The container was then allowed to move to the next stage in the extortion (I mean import) process. There were no more unexpected fees or new regulations encountered, the money was paid, and the container was finally released. Now Berny’s task is to figure out how to get Water For Life licensed to import the bentonite. There is bentonite available in Guatemala, but only in the powder form, and we use the chip variety. This cannot be obtained inside the country as far as we know. We do have contacts in the well drilling industry in Guatemala, and we will start there. Why would this material be labeled environmentally sensitive? No one knows, nor does it really matter. It is a rule. It does not have to make sense. There probably is a reason, but it likely has to do with someone in the business of selling bentonite who was politically connected and seized an opportunity to protect their sales market. That is the way it is down there. I am sure nothing like that happens in the USA. We have a good, science-based reason for all the laws we have, don’t we? If you are interested in coming to help us, or donating some bentonite, or funds to buy some, and pay the associated fees, please contact Water For Life through this publication. Tim Rasmussen may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com In Memoriam With heavy hearts, the Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals (IAGP) shared the passing of former Board Member Alan Robert Olson on February 7, 2021, after a brief illness. Born in Rockford, he graduated from Pecatonica High School, class of 1971. Alan owned and operated Olson Well and Pump for many years. During this time, he taught tutorials on well drilling for IAGP and was instrumental in the forming and progression of itscontinuing education program, also serving as Education Chair in 1999. Recently, Alan had been working as the buildings and grounds director for the Pecatonica School District, where he kept everything in tip-top shape. He enjoyed carpentry work and was an accomplished house designer and builder. Alan is survived by his wife Sherri; daughters Stacy (Nick) and Jaclyn (Eric); grandchildren Bricen, Zachary (Kassidie), Trey, Roxy, Cole, Jack, Noah, Lexi, and Ina; great-grandchildren Graham and Quinn; brother Randy (Pam); sisters Sue (Steve), Patty (Rex), and Denise (Matt), and numerous nieces and nephews. Alan Robert Olson (1952~2021)

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