7 AUGUST 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Industry Announcements Numa introduced a new range of Casing Ring Bit Systems for simultaneously drilling and casing vertical or horizontal holes in piling, foundation, anchoring, geothermal, and other casing applications. It is a complementary product to Numa’s highly successful Super Jaws® Overburden Bits and Impact Ring Bit Systems®. This Casing Ring Bit System consists of a pilot bit, casing shoe, and heavy-duty ring bit and is available in a wide range of sizes for drilling holes 16-48 inches in diameter. The design is highly configurable with options for both drill-through and nondrill-through applications requiring the installation of casing into bedrock. The system also boasts the ability to handle overburden and/or hard rock conditions using either conventional or reverse circulation DTH hammers. Some of the many benefits of Numa’s Casing Ring Bit Systems include: jReduces cost with same pilot bit used with multiple ring sizes jCleans holes efficiently through large flushing slots jAble to be used in vertical and horizontal applications jEliminates carbide issues locking into pilot jProvides simple lock design to better engage and disengage from ring “We are pleased to announce the addition of Numa’s Casing Ring Bit Systems to our product line,’” said Numa President Ralph Leonard. “This advancement is yet another example of Numa’s rock-solid reputation for designing dependable drilling products that deliver in mission-critical, harsh applications.” Deep Foundations Instituteannounced the winner of the 2021 DFI Outstanding Project Award as the team of Stantec - engineer; Ames Construction - general contractor; Case-Bencor JV (Keller) - foundation; Missouri River Energy Services - owner; Rembco Geotechnical Contractors - grouting; and Schnabel Geostructural Design & Construction - anchor. The team is being recognized for the ingenuity of their design in modifying Red Rock Dam on the Des Moines River in Iowa into a hydroelectric facility. Among the geotechnical and other challenges the Red Rock team overcame was constructing a new intake channel, penstocks that carry water to the turbines, and a power house directly adjacent to the existing dam’s spillway. To maintain the dam’s integrity during construction, extensive water- and earth-retention systems, prescriptive construction staging, and a robust dam safety surveillance program were used. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ facility near Pella, Iowa, now provides up to 55 megawatts of clean, reliable power to surrounding communities. The key foundation elements and excavation features included diaphragm walls, deep excavations, and treatment of solutioned gypsum deposits. Environmental Monitoring by Thomas Kwader, Ph.D., P.G. Owner, Qwater Well Developer and WorldWide Drilling Resource® Hydrogeologist Beware - Local Governments Banning Private Domestic Wells I have worked as a professional hydrogeologist for more than 45 years. I have been involved in developing large-scale water supply systems, cleanups of contaminated groundwater, the design of numerous wells, and have been a proponent for the protection of groundwater. One of the most upsetting and illogical political policies of late is various governmental authorities prohibiting private homeowners from drilling private wells on their own property for personal use and consumption. The underlying reason for “outlawing” these private wells is so water supply authorities can force all users to hook up to their water supply systems, forcing the private homeowner to pay for and maintain the authorities’ water systems based on their personal consumption. These supply systems are awfully expensive to install and require the costs passed down to the consumers to pay for the capital cost of the systems. It is difficult for the governmental agency to argue the required is for the “protection of the groundwater resources” as large-diameter production wells may actually be detrimental to the groundwater and surface water resources. In some cases, local residents were unaware these rules were passed without a “vote” or ample advertising of the proposed rule outlawing new private wells. Although advertising of these proposed rules may be required in local newspapers, some are buried, published in holiday editions, use small print, and take advantage of the fact many people no longer receive print media. So the notices go virtually unnoticed until in effect. We, as members of the well drilling and groundwater communities, need to be aware and speak up if we become aware of self-serving actions against the rights of homeowners to drill and use natural groundwater. Contact your local well drilling and groundwater associations immediately if you become aware of proposed laws or rules to restrict the use of private wells. Tom Tom Kwader may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com ENV
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