Volume 22 August 2025 Details on this unit and more from SEMCO on page 6.
“THE” Hammer 408-431-6000 kovaidrills.com Easily Serviced Reliable Fast Durable Cost Effective Introducing the KH650R Series A new line of 6-inch DTH hammers designed specifically for drill-and-blast operations in the aggregates and mining industry!
Are you Planning to go?.......................................................33 Breaking News......................................................................13 Classifieds: WorldWide Buyers’ Guide™..................43-56 Education Connection..........................................................22 Fun Page................................................................................18 Hot Off the Press.....................................................................9 Industry Announcements.....................................................18 Obituary: Crowell, Michael Raymond..................................37 Obituary: Kuntsman, Ronald Edward “Ron”......................37 Photo Page.........................................................................7,30 Product Spotlight.................................................................36 Who’s in the News................................................................13 WorldWide Association Memberships....................................21 WorldWide Farmers’ Corner...........................26 WorldWide .............6 Acker Drill Company...........................................................53 Allegheny Instruments........................................................32 Atlantic Screen & Manufacturing, Inc. (ASI)........................19 Baker Water Systems.........................................................13 Better Water Industries Inc..................................................23 Bit Brokers International (BBI)............................................34 Bitco, Inc.............................................................................12 Central Mine Equipment Company (CME)..........................15 CONEXPO-CON/AGG.......................................................25 Cotey Chemical Corp. (CCC)..............................................38 Drill Pipe, Inc.......................................................................20 Drilling Equipment Sales, Inc. (DES)..................................55 Drilling Supply & Mfg (DSM)...............................................35 ESI Supply..........................................................................33 Geoprobe Systems®..............................................................2 Geothermal Supply Company, Inc. (GSC)..........................24 Gol Pumps Technology, Inc.................................................40 Heron Instruments, Inc.........................................................9 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................23 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................56 Kovai Drilling Applications.....................................................4 KS Bit, Inc...........................................................................31 Mills Machine Company, Inc...............................................39 Mountain States Ground Water Expo.................................14 N&N Drilling Supply.............................................................17 National Drilling Association (NDA) Drill Expo….…..…....42 SEMCO, Inc.......................................................................1,6 SIMCO® Drilling Equipment...................................................3 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Construction....................................28 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Water Well.......................................29 The Utility Expo...................................................................54 Well-Vu, Inc.........................................................................37 Advertisers Featured Editorial CONST - Construction ENV - Environmental EXB - Exploration/Blasthole G&O - Shallow Gas and Oil GEOTECH - Geotechnical GEO - Geothermal HDD - Horizontal Directional Drilling MIN - Mining WTR - Water August 2025 - Irrigation / Wastewater / Dewatering CONST ENV EXB G&O GEOTECH GEO HDD MIN WTR Aardvark Packers Acker Drill Company Atlantic Screen & Mfg.,Inc. Bit Brokers International Centerline Mfg. Co. ChemGrout® Drill King International Drill Pipe, Inc. Drilling Equip. Resources Eastern Driller Mfg. (EDM) Eijkelkamp North America Groundwater Week Heisey Machine Co. Hole Products Kovai Drilling Applications Louisiana Ground Water Assn. Merrill Mfg. National Drilling Assn. Do You Have What it Takes to Win the......................16 Construction on a Water System Project...................28 Smith, Billy Bob: The “Idiots” Corner..................14,16 A Civil and Environmental Engineering Project.........17 Exploring Beneath the Ocean for Potential Aquifers..20 An Exploration Drilling Program................................34 E-News Readers’ Choice - Fossil Fuel is Not Dino Fuel...12 Enhanced Guidelines for Permian Basin Disposal....33 Storkson, Britt: How Long Does it Run?..................36 Smith, Jim: Invest in People.....................................11 Tonopah Flats Lithium Project...................................27 Zanskar’s New Step-Out Production Well.................22 Wilson, Jr., Robert Evans: The Un-Comfort Zone II...41,42 Battersby, Mark E.: Drilling Into Money Not Boring..32 At-Bit Imaging Tool Provides Valuable Insight...........41 Mine Shaft Overhaul Completed...............................24 Connor, Tim: Private Time........................................27 Rifle Disposal Cell Pore Water Extraction Project.......8 Students Study Irrigation Challenges in Ghana.........19 Rasmussen, Tim: Water for Life International..........23 A Wastewater System Grant for Malden City............29 Wichita Approves Study for Wastewater Recycling.....38 O-K Bit Service, Inc. PennDrill Mfg. Star Iron Works, Inc. T&T Carbide, Inc. The Utility Expo Utah Ground Water Assn. 5 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
Things are on the MOVE at WWDR. We keep changing a few things from year-to-year to keep your interest at its peak performance. Here are a few things you might want to check out which your WWDR Team has come up with, newest first: WorldWide Farmers’ Corner Page 26. LINKS on every ad and most articles, Entire Online Magazine. NEW exciting articles researched and prepared by WWDR Team. ALWAYS increasing our Editorial Contributors - Our newest member ~ Jim Smith, National Exploration Manager at Terracon, page 11. DATABASE Management ~ Completely handled in-house. We protect your information - One of the only magazines that has never, and will never sell, rent, or give away your information. WE ANSWER YOUR CALL - no pushing #1 for English, etc. Our staff is experienced with your wants and needs ~ 90% here for 18 plus years. If your call is after hours, or on a holiday, it can be handled anyway - with a friendly message letting you know who to call. MORE TO COME - KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL WITH THE WWDR TEAM. Proudly Made in the United States of America - delivered WorldWide! WorldWide Drilling Resource® The complete magazine for the drilling industry worldwide, owned by drilling industry associates dedicated to bringing the most up-to-date technology and information to subscribers. Covering construction, geotechnical, directional, environmental, exploration-blasthole, shallow gas & oil, geothermal, mining, water well, irrigation, wastewater; from bits, to pumps, to rigs, to tanks, through wire, and now includes farmers / ranchers. Whatever it takes to get the drilling job done! Managing Publisher/CEO/President: Veronica I. Jones Vice President: Troy Cunningham Office Administrator: Michele Stevens Editor: Bonnie Love Editorial Assistant: Sophia Henline Public Relations Professional/Classified: Linda Peterson Representative / Special Assignments: Marie Cunningham Editorial Contributors for this month: Mark Battersby Tim Connor Tim Rasmussen “Billy Bob Smith” Jim Smith Britt Storkson Robert Evans Wilson,Jr. Hyd/Eng Consultant: Thomas Kwader, Ph.D.,P.G. Consultant: Mary Ann Pelletier Editorial contributions & advertisements include statements of fact and opinions that are the sole responsibility of the author and/or companies and do not necessarily imply any opinion of the owners, management, or staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® . Images may have been altered for clarity. Complete advertising information may be found at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com or by calling 850-547-0102. WorldWide Drilling Resource® makes every effort not to place advertisements for “like” products on the same page in our publication; this may occur however, due to size and space within the publication. We regret any incovenience this may cause our advertisers. WorldWide Drilling Resource® is published monthly by: WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc., a Florida Corporation, independently owned and operated. PO Box 660 (3089 Northride Lane) Bonifay FL 32425-0660. Telephone: 850-547-0102 Fax: 850-547-0329 E-mail: wwdr@worldwidedrillingresource.com Website: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com Copyright 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc. Seen by countless WorldWide. Publication Agreement No. 40892520. Back issues may be requested. Cost per issue $10.00 USD. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the strict written consent of the publishers. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Editorial contributions are welcome subject to editorial review.* WorldWide Drilling Resource® reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. We Recycle 6 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® With Pen - Computer in hand . . . Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones, 850-547-0102 ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com Next Up . . . We’ll see you On the Trail ~ Planning NEW and exciting things for YOU! ~ From the Cover ~ SEMCO S6,000 Pump Hoist, 35’ derrick, pipe racks, hydraulic oil cooler, corded remote control, deck engine option, factory mounted on customer's own truck with service body. Thank-You Aurora Contractors for the recent purchase. This unit is sold. Give us a call today for prices and availability! 719-336-9006 PO Box 1174 7595 US Hwy 50 N Lamar, CO 81052-1174 semcopumphoist@gmail.com www.SEMCOoflamar.com
7 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® This is just a sneak peak ~ visit www.worldwidedrillingresource.com/gallery.html for more photos online! The BITW registration. WWDR’s Marie and Sophia. Tom and Adam with Stemlock. Kyle and Jim with Buckley. Ralph and Charlie with Nobel Insurance Service. Evan with PneuWave Consulting. Zeb with Ulterra. Scott with Nomis Seismographs. Billy and Mark with Crum & Forster. Jake with Techline. Paul and Greg with Quick Supply. Leif with Robit. Elijah with Strayos. Tamara with RAM Inc. Rob with Brunner & Lay. Devin and Bill with Austin Powder. Joel with DRW Associates. Mike with Legra Engineering. Ryan and Taylor with Tradestar. Harley with AAMCOR. Greg with MTI GROUP. Dave and Matt with GSS. Exhibitors and Supporters. 2025
8 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Rifle Disposal Cell Pore Water Extraction Project Adapted from Information by the Department of Energy (DOE) When the DOE Office of Legacy Management (LM) encountered an operational hurdle at the Rifle Disposal Site in Colorado, near Rifle, a team of specialists from various fields came together to find a solution. Established in 1996, the 71acre disposal cell, near the City of Rifle, was designed to safely store uranium mill components and mill tailings from two former uranium and vanadium processing facilities, known as Old Rifle and New Rifle. In 2001, water began to accumulate within the disposal cell, necessitating its transfer to a nearby lined evaporation pond. However, as the years went by and the system aged, the environmental measures in place struggled to manage the increasing water levels, which posed a risk to the structural integrity of the site. Consequently, in 2024, LM made it a priority to design and implement a new system of strategically located, solar-powered extraction wells and evaporation ponds to effectively resolve the situation. Before work commenced at the site, the team had to navigate a range of challenges, including environmental compliance issues related to the removal of radiological waste, water rights consideration, and necessary project permits. To determine the optimal number and placement of new extraction wells, LM undertook an in-depth review of the disposal cell’s construction and the ongoing water accumulation. To ensure safe drilling without disturbing buried mill materials, hydrogeologists relied on a geophysical survey to identify the best locations for the new wells. The project team initiated drilling operations on the disposal cell itself. To protect the existing riprap cover, workers constructed a temporary road using interlocking, heavy-duty construction mats. Once the path was established, LM deployed a drill rig and other necessary equipment. As drilling progressed, the temporary paths were adjusted to suit each drilling site, ensuring safe and stable surfaces for the crew. Throughout the drilling operations, Legacy Management Support Partners (LMSPs) implemented a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system to scan the disposal cell, addressing concerns about maintaining the integrity of the cell during the drilling process. Using the LIDAR system, LM was able to verify there was no movement of the disposal cell during the operations carried out by the equipment and staff. With all preparations finalized, drilling commenced, aiming to add ten new extraction wells, bringing the total to 12 wells actively extracting water from the cell. In addition, four monitoring wells were drilled to track the water levels within the cell. While the main drilling activities were underway, another team focused on constructing the modular evaporation ponds. The establishment of these new wells and infrastructure necessitated an increase in power supply for the system to function effectively. After the drilling on the disposal cell was completed, a new solar power system alongside the System Operation and Analysis at Remote Sites (SOARS) were installed to meet the energy requirements. The SOARS system enables LM to manage and monitor the new water extraction system remotely. Once the components of the SOARS systems were assembled and the pipeline connecting the wells to the modular evaporative ponds were in place, tests were conducted to measure the extraction rates of pore water - the water that seeps into the tiny spaces between soil and sand grains. As the volume of water removal increased, it became clear there was a need for enhanced evaporation capacity to handle the additional load. The construction and engineering teams collaborated effectively to finalize the design for the two modular evaporative ponds. Meanwhile, the procurement team played a crucial role in efficiently acquiring the necessary equipment and addressing supply challenges as they emerged. With maintenance efforts for the disposal cell concluded, it was time to restore the surrounding land to its original condition prior to the start of work. Workers began by scoring the soil to facilitate growth of native plants. With all tasks on-site now finished, the wells are functioning as intended, successfully extracting the pore water needed to maintain the integrity of the cell. Ongoing site monitoring will be conducted using data collected and transmitted by the SOARS stations, ensuring compliance with long-term surveillance plans to safeguard human health and the environment. Project contractors and LMSP staff install a well based on design strategy developed by LMSP Senior Hydrogeologist Pete Schillig. LMSP Survey Technician Josh Helmick demonstrates how to set up the LIDAR scan while LM Team Lead Wil Burns and LM Site Manager Sara Woods listen. WTR
9 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® New Online Shop Midwest Hose & Specialty, Inc. (MWH) launched an online shop so customers can browse and purchase everything from bulk hose and fittings to premade assemblies quickly, easily, and on their own schedules. Whether on a jobsite, managing a warehouse, or placing recurring orders from the office, online hose sourcing brings flexibility and efficiency to business operations. Here’s what to keep in mind before clicking “Add to cart”: 1. Start with the right specs for the job. Online ordering gives you more control, but it helps to know the job requirements upfront. Ask yourself: What is the hose being used for? What pressure and temperature range will it need to handle? Are there environmental or regulatory considerations (abrasion, UV, etc.)? 2. Simplify your assembly needs. Not every team has the time or equipment to build hoses in-house. That’s why prebuilt assemblies are offered online, ready to go with the right hose and fittings attached. Whether you need a single replacement or a full project order, these assemblies eliminate guesswork and save time. 3. Need to stock up? The online shop makes it simple to order bulk hose by the foot, along with fittings, adapters, camlocks, and other accessories. 4. Repeat orders just got easier. When ordering through the MWH site, you can quickly reference past purchases, reorder exact specs, and maintain consistency across teams or jobsites. No more hunting down part numbers or old paperwork. 5. Even though customers can now shop products online 24/7, if any questions arise about application compatibility, fitting options, lead times, or custom solutions, MWH experts are still ready to help. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com
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11 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Invest in People by Jim Smith, National Exploration Manager at Terracon WWDR welcomes Jim Smith as a contributing writer. Terracon’s National Exploration Manager, he has been in the drilling industry for over 30 years. Terracon provides environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials consulting engineering services delivered with responsiveness, resourcefulness, and reliability. Jim says it’s a great job where there’s always new experiences. He enjoys working with Terracon’s drilling professionals across the country, learning and teaching different techniques. He also performs annual drill rig inspections and hammer calibrations. Jim holds water well licenses and certifications in Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Here’s his brief article on investing in people: The Tools You Share Today Build Tomorrow’s Leaders Longevity in a career is something I truly value -not just for the experience it brings, but for the opportunity to give back. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been mentoring others and watching them grow. I once worked with a young operator who was eager to learn and determined to make a name for himself. He soaked up knowledge like a sponge. I didn’t give him every trick in the book, but I made sure he had the right tools to get started - and more importantly, to use them safely and effectively. Today, he’s a lead operator overseeing drilling operations in his region. The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It happened because someone believed in his potential, gave him the tools, and trusted him to grow. That’s the power of mentorship. To all aspiring leaders: n Share your knowledge n Equip others with the tools they need n Lead with purpose and patience You never know whose future you’re helping to shape. Jim Jim Smith may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com GEOTECH
12 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Fossil Fuel is Not Dino Fuel Compiled by Bonnie Love, Editor, WorldWide Drilling Resource® Today’s gas and oil fields may have formed during the Age of Dinosaurs, but they aren’t literally created from dinosaur remains. In fact, most of the fossil fuels we find today were formed millions of years before the first dinosaurs. Modern gas and oil formations actually came from prehistoric plants, such as algae, plankton, bacteria, and other organisms. Hundreds of millions of years ago, when these prehistoric organisms died, they either sank to the bottom of a lake or the ocean floor, or they were carried there by a river. After sinking, they became buried under layers of sediment and sand. Through pressure, the sand and silt eventually changed into a source rock, like shale or mudstone. They contain enough organic material that when subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years, the organic material becomes gas, oil, or natural gas liquids - also called hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are natural chemical compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon. The type of fuel generated by the source rock depends on what kind of organic matter it contains, as well as how much heat and pressure were involved in the rock’s burial history. These naturally occurring hydrocarbons have a variety of uses including plastic production, heating and cooking, as well as gasoline blends. Of course, it’s possible dinosaurs became the source of some oil, but not very much. The main reason is when dinosaurs and other land-dwelling animals died, the bodies were left exposed to an oxygen-rich environment leading to rapid decay. Not to mention, dead dinosaurs often became food for many scavengers. Both of these circumstances would prevent dead dinosaurs from becoming gas and oil. The formation of petroleum occurs in an oxygen-deficient environment with the organic material not exposed to the atmosphere or aerated waters; the lack of decomposition, when added to a quick burial in sediment, provides the ideal environment for petroleum formation. One of the largest gas- and oil-rich areas in the U.S. is the Permian Basin, which extends over parts of West Texas into southeast New Mexico. It got its name because it has one of the world’s thickest deposits of rocks formed during the Permian geologic period, which began around 300 million years ago and ended 252 million years ago. During that time, all of the continents were combined in a single land mass, and the Permian Basin was completely under water. The geology of the Permian Basin is unique because it contains multiple stacked plays. A stacked play is where a single well can be used to produce natural gas and oil from several layers of rock in different geological zones, which increases the basin’s natural resource potential. For geologists searching for the next promising gas and oil field to develop, source rocks are a key indicator. To locate source rocks, geologists analyze samples from the field as well as cuttings (rock fragments) brought to the surface during the drilling process. Gas and oil has been pivotal in human development. The use of crude oil for energy dates all the way back to 2000 B.C., when the Chinese began refining it for lighting and heating. Around 500 B.C., the Chinese used bamboo pipelines to transport natural gas they discovered seeping to the surface. They would use the gas to boil seawater to make it drinkable. Today, gas and oil is used in nearly every electronic device including TVs, smartphones, and computers. It is also used for personal care items such as deodorant, makeup, and shampoo. Even artificial limbs, pacemakers, hearing aids, heart valves, and pharmaceuticals are created using gas and oil products or components. Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDR Team prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash by WorldWide Drilling Resource by WorldWide Drilling Resource®. This newsletter is filled with articles not included in our print issue. Based on readership, this was the most popular article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: worldwidedrillingresource.com G&O
13 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Service Wire Expansion Project Service Wire’s new Culloden, West Virginia, expansion project is a shining example of their reinvestment across all three of their U.S. facilities and demonstrates the company’s commitment to American manufacturing and world-class service. “In today’s global environment, supply chain stability and reliability are critical,” said Mark Gatewood, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Service Wire’s focus on domestic sourcing and 100% made-in-the-USA manufacturing keeps its products compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act, helping customers meet regulatory requirements while ensuring the highest levels of quality and reliability. Louis Weisberg, President of Service Wire said, “We’re investing in American jobs, supporting local economies, and strengthening the nation’s industrial base.” For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WHO’S IN THE NEWS Additional announcements from the Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic and Best in the West Drill and Blast Conference, can be found in our online issue at worldwidedrillingresource.com Geological Society of Edmonton (GSE) GSE announced Murray Innes was presented with the Stan Thomson Service Award, the society’s highest honor. The award recognizes outstanding service to the GSE and notable contributions to the geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering profession in the Edmonton region. Murray, Managing Partner for Mobile Augers and Research Ltd, followed in the footsteps of his father, Ron Innes - himself a 1999 recipient of the same award. Together, they’ve built a legacy of excellence and innovation in geotechnical drilling across Western and Northern Canada. Louis Weisberg said, “. . . we’re proud to be a part of a great American success story that is still being written.”
The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” People Come and Go Ever lost a loved one? Lost touch with a previous friend? Or lost some other relationship over time? I could give you dozens of examples, but let me start with the basic premise of the title of this month’s article. Sooner or later, all relationships end whether just a simple contact you see occasionally, a family member, or friends you have spent years with. Okay, Billy Bob, what’s your point? Well, from my experience, the people who suffer most from the loss of a close friend or relative are the idiots in this world. Let me explain. You have a brother and sister who are getting up there in age and you only see them every now and then (years). You are close, but not close enough to take the time and energy to see them more often. I know, I lost my brother last year and over the years, I have seen him three times - the last time was ten years ago. So yes, I am in the idiot’s group and have to admit it. Why do people wait to keep in touch, visit, or hang out with friends and relatives more often? I could go on for pages, but I will just give you a few quick opinions. j Several years ago, I was flying home from an annual idiots conference and was sitting next to a lady, probably in her 60s. She shared that she hadn’t seen or talked with her daughter in over 20 years. I asked her why. She said they had a disagreement when the daughter was younger and she stopped talking to the mother. HELLO - stupid! j A server in one of my favorite restaurants, in her 30s who had worked there for over three years, passed away last year. I asked the manager and a few other servers what they knew about her. The answer from everyone - not much. j I was chatting with a fellow I know, not a serious relationship, just sort of friends. Yesterday, he told me his father had passed away recently. I asked him when was the last time he saw him. He finally said it had been several years. So, I asked him why so long? The answer, his political views were different. Give me a break. Why do idiots let time, behavior, feelings, and so much more cause them to lose touch and then one day they are gone? A few to consider: Emotional disconnect. A negative history. Ego. Arrogance. Assuming you will have them forever - wrong. Too busy, too poor, or just too stupid. I’m getting tired of sharing the negatives. So here’s a few thoughts, ideas, or things to consider: 2 Don’t wait to see the people in your life who matter to you. 2 Don’t let negatives in the past prevent a positive future with people you care about. 2 Don’t wait for others to act - take some action now. 2 No relationship is permanent whether it be spouses, parents, siblings, etc. It’s not that they end for no reason, just that sooner or later we are all outa here. So enjoy them while you can - now. For more information, call 480-609-3993 info@mountainstatesgroundwater.com mountainstatesgroundwater.com \ Raffles \ \ Exhibits \ \ Seminars \ \ Networking Opportunities \ \ Buck Lively Scholarship Auction \ Smith Cont’d on page 16. 14 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
16 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Do You Have What it Takes to Win The National Equipment Operators Championships? Adapted from Information by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) The Utility Expo and the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) are partnering to host the National Equipment Operator Championships during the upcoming Utility Expo October 7-9, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. A truly unique experience, the new National Equipment Operator Championships will challenge skilled equipment operators from around the country to compete in a series of hands-on events designed to test precision, control, and safety in utility-related tasks. Using construction equipment, operators will compete in games such as cornhole, hole-inone putting, and soccer, in addition to a pipe placement challenge. “This partnership with NUCA adds an exciting and interactive new dimension to The Utility Expo Experience,” said Brianne Somers, Show Director of The Utility Expo. “Our industry thrives on skill, ingenuity, and community, and these championships put all three front and center. It’s a great way to celebrate our workforce, recognize operator mastery, and give attendees a real sense of what utility professionals do every day.” Using a bracket-style format, the two-day competition will begin with qualifying rounds on October 8, with first, second, and third place finishers awarded on October 9. Finalists will be ranked by cumulative points and time, with a sudden-death round and time extension possible in the event of a tie. “Competition can be fun in the construction industry, and The Utility Expo is an exciting opportunity for NUCA and AEM to come together for a challenging, safe, and enjoyable event that showcases the skills of operators,” said Ed DeNeale, NUCA Director of Safety. “We will have some of the best equipment operators in the United States competing for the top prize - more importantly, bragging rights. We're really pleased to have the opportunity to bring something different to this well-known show.” Participants will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the equipment and event configuration on Tuesday, October 7, during open practice hours. Official judging will be provided, and safety guidelines will be strictly enforced. For more information and to register for the 2025 Utility Expo, visit www.theutilityexpo.com WWDR will be there! CONST Smith Cont’d from page 14. 2 Learn to forgive sooner rather than later or never. Need more reasons? 2 Start using more common sense in relationships with others and less stupid rationales, poor emotional maturity, or just plain stubbornness. 2 Live in the now, not the past or future. And finally, 2 Tell the people who you care about that you care about them. Don’t keep stuff hidden. 2 Embrace what you have now and let go of the need for what you don’t have or want. I’ll bet there is someone in your life who you need to reconnect with - I’m not talking about an e-mail or text - I’m talking about real connection. Do it before it’s too late. Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com
17 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® A Civil and Environmental Engineering Project Adapted from Information by Georgia Institute of Technology The Blue Whale Solutions team clinched the award for the top Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) project at the spring 2025 Capstone Design Expo. Their innovative project focused on soil vapor extraction for the Velsicol Chemical Corp. Superfund Site located in Toone, Tennessee, earning them a prize of $1000. Competing against three other teams in the CEE category, Blue Whale Solutions showcased their work amid a record-setting 238 teams comprised of 1300 students, all presenting their semester-long projects as a highlight of their undergraduate education. The projects encompassed a diverse range of topics, including environmental remediation, pedestrian bridge design, dam restoration, and sustainable construction, representing the talents from four of Georgia Tech’s Colleges. Blue Whale Solutions consists of civil engineering major William Caldwell, along with environmental engineering students Rebecca Chapman, Hudson McGaughey, and Melanie Reveron. They were guided by Professor of the Practice, Sharon Just. The project received sponsorship from Ramboll and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Velsicol Chemical Corp. Superfund Site is listed on the EPA’s National Priority List. From 1964 to 1973, the Velsicol Chemical Corp. operated a landfill at the location, where approximately 200,000 drums of pesticide manufacturing waste were buried in trenches. Consequently, the site is contaminated with around ten million pounds of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs). The team created a soil vapor extraction system specifically for the largest disposal area at the site. Their design involves planning a well field layout, addressing both vertical and horizontal configurations, as well as conceptualizing a treatment system. This design encompasses various components, flow dynamics, and estimated treatment timelines, all aimed at achieving a remediation goal of reducing cVOCs concentration by 97%. Professor Just, the team’s advisor, commended the students for their resilience in overcoming the setback of having their site visit canceled. This cancelation occurred due to unexpectedly high levels of organic contaminations discovered during drilling at the site. “Despite these challenges, the team came together to design all major components for the extraction and treatment system, providing a long-term solution that will not only treat the vadose zone but thereby also reduce contaminant levels in the groundwater,” Just said. Chapman shows a model of the soil vapor extraction system to a Capstone visitor. Photo courtesy of Michael Hunter. ENV
Industry Announcements BF Environmental Consultants is making its educational booklet, Our Drinking Water: Get Informed, Get Tested, and Get Treatment available as a free PDF. The booklet was created through the company’s H2O Program working with the Keystone Clean Water Team, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit, and the Eastern Water Quality Association. The new sixth edition booklet is for private well owners, city water users, water professionals, and educators. It provides general information on certified water testing and chain of custody, as well as drinking water regulations and standards. The booklet provides information related to the health (primary standards) or aesthetic (secondary standards) concerns for each parameter and provides information on water quality parameters that do not specifically have a drinking water limit, such as lithium. “I think this version of our booklet provides a great resource to help communicate, educate, and inform not only the water consumer, but the water professional,” said Brian Oram, Professional Geologist and Founder of B.F. Environmental Consultants. Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) and the European Federation of Foundation Contractors have released the new, free, EFFC/DFI Guide to Working Platforms, second edition. The updated guide offers insights on improving safety and standards in the design, construction, and management of working platforms in the foundation industry. According to Peter Faust VP Business Development for Malcolm Drilling Company, and chair of the EFFC/DFI Working Platforms Task Group, “Working platforms are used by everyone that accesses a site, so the considerations highlighted in this document apply equally to all those involved - the owner, engineer of record, geotechnical consultant, general contractor, and specialty contractor. A properly designed and installed working platform benefits all and will enhance the efficient working of a site as well as ensuring a safe environment. “The EFFC/DFI Guide to Working Platforms pools the experiences from across the membership of the EFFC and DFI to increase awareness of what has been achieved in the management of working platforms,” he stated. “This second edition provides more guidance on track loading, design methodology, and testing of platforms. It is hoped that this document will provide a stimulus for how this important aspect of how we work is tackled by our industry and outline some possible tools for implementation.” Epiroc AB announced plans to consolidate some of its drilling tools manufacturing from its manufacturing site in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, to its factory in Matehuala, Mexico, where rock drills are also being produced, to increase efficiency. The relocation of production equipment from Canada to Mexico will start this year with the consolidation expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, when the production in Langley will stop and the manufacturing site closed. “We regret that this move will affect our appreciated colleagues in Langley. This action is, however, necessary to optimize how we serve our customers throughout the Americas, while keeping Epiroc strong and agile for the future,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “The consolidation will create better and more sustainable conditions for Epiroc to maintain and strengthen its presence throughout the Americas, without compromising on the quality or availability of the products,” stated Martin Hjerpe, President of Epiroc’s Tools division. Time for a Little Fun! July Puzzle Solution: Can you tell the actual living things’ names from these “opposites”? Win a prize! Send completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 fax: 850-547-0329 or e-mail: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Example: aloner grouper queenfisher ___________ unison ___________ singlekeet ___________ hicust ___________ oldt ___________ lowena ___________ peacebler ___________ 18 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
Students Study Irrigation Challenges in Ghana Adapted from Information by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Earlier this year, the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and UNL’s Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance partnered to provide a unique spring break trip for a few special students. The Yeutter Student Fellows program started in 2020 as a way to help undergraduate students prepare for a variety of career paths in international trade policy. Each year, four students are selected through a competitive process based on their curiosity, motivation, resourcefulness, and interest in international trade. This year’s group consisted of Zanib Al Razaq, Lexi Bodlak, Matthew Gillespie, and Ethan Zen. In addition to focussing on critical thinking, teamwork, writing, and oral presentation skills, the students are also tasked with completing a team project for an external corporate partner - for the past three years, that partner has been Valmont Industries, an irrigation company based in Omaha. This year, the Yeutter Student Fellows were tasked with researching how to best meet the irrigation needs of Africa. Although they knew it would be a challenging task, what they didn’t know was their research would take them on an immersive experience to Ghana, to explore the potential in person. The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute was the Yeutter Institute’s first stop in finding experts to inform the fellows on irrigation utilization across Africa. The institute provided expert briefings on Ghana’s history, culture, economy, agriculture, and water resources. The students were then invited to Ghana to conduct hands-on research. “One of our institute’s key goals is to develop the next generation of water and food leaders,” said Nick Brozović, Director of Policy with the global institute. “In Ghana, we connected the Yeutter Student Fellows with our partners representing many different elements of agricultural value chains. Being able to travel alongside, and learn with, some of the best UNL students was a wonderful opportunity.” As the trip to Ghana approached, the focus of the project became clear. The students began to dig into Ghana’s social, economic, political, and agroecological (sustainable farming that works with nature) landscapes, gradually gaining an understanding of how all these areas affect the possibility of irrigation. “The trip to Ghana made our Valmont project feel real,” said Al Razaq, a junior economics and Spanish major. “Meeting farmers and seeing the impact of irrigation firsthand helped me better understand the importance of our work and approach it with more care and purpose.” During the weeklong journey, the students were able to meet with agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, government agencies, agricultural technology companies, and water management researchers. In addition to visiting fields, they were also able to discuss food and water security with local experts. “Having studied and researched in different African countries in the past, I have always enjoyed swapping farming stories and learning from the farmers I visit,” said Cheyenne Gerlach, Assistant Director of the Yeutter Institute, who grew up on a hog farm near Dewitt, Nebraska. “Growing food for your community is a kind of universal language, and watching the fellows engage with it and relate it to Nebraskan agriculture was invaluable.” The students used the insights gained during their Ghana study trip, along with additional research, to complete their team project for Valmont. Students were able to see a demonstration of two kinds of solar-powered water pumps in Ghana. Photo by David K. Bakayana courtesy of the Don Bosco Solar and Renewable Energy Center. WTR j Sand j Manholes j Bentonite j Filter Sock j Sampling Bailers j Clear PVC Pipe j Locking Caps Atlantic Screen & Mfg., Inc. Manufacturers of Slotted & Perforated Pipe Ranging from 1/2” to 24” in Diameter 302-684-3197 FAX 302-684-0643 142 Broadkill Rd j Milton, DE 19968 www.atlantic-screen.com e-mail:sales@atlantic-screen.com 19 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
20 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Exploring Beneath the Ocean for Potential Aquifers Adapted from Information by the Colorado School of Mines In the 1960s, scientists were quite baffled when data indicated fresh, or freshened, water was located under the ocean floor. Scientists have since been trying to figure out how it got there and just how long it’s been there. Recently, an international team of scientists decided to take a closer look at the fresh water beneath the ocean floor and take samples. Brandon Dugan, Professor and Associate Department Head of Geophysics at Colorado School of Mines, and Karen Johannesson, Professor of Geochemistry at the University of Massachusetts Boston, are leading the international expedition. “We have anecdotal evidence of offshore freshened groundwater from samples and marine geophysical surveys. We have used this evidence to develop hypotheses on timing and mechanism of emplacement,” said Dugan, a Hydrogeologist. “It is exciting to use established scientific ocean drilling approaches with modern data analyses to provide direct tests of our hypotheses. Overall, this work offshore New England will help us better understand offshore freshened groundwater around the world.” Even though the existence of these waters has been known for decades, they remain virtually unexplored. Teams are planning to conduct groundbreaking research during this exploration mission. The project is a collaboration between the International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP³) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). For the first time, scientists will take water and sediment samples from beneath the ocean on the New England Shelf with the intention of understanding and exploring the offshore aquifer system. One of the key priorities is to gain more knowledge about the origin of freshened groundwater in offshore aquifers so they can confirm or dismiss existing hypotheses. For example, one theory is the water could have charged the aquifers when sea levels were lower than it is today. Another idea is it was possibly created under an ice sheet or proglacial lake during a glacial period like the ones that existed approximately 450,000 and again around 20,000 years ago. “To date, we know very little about the dynamics of these shoreline-crossing groundwater systems and the age of the water in these systems, and even less about their influence on cycling of nutrients and trace elements and their isotopes,” said Johannesson. A special platform consisting of the liftboat L/B Robert, equipped with a small drilling rig, is being used to access the sediments below the ocean floor at up to three locations on the New England Shelf offshore from the coast of Massachusetts. Sediment cores and water samples will be taken at a maximum depth of around 1800 feet below the ocean floor and will be examined by researchers from various disciplines across the international scientific community. More than 40 science members from 13 nations will take part in the exploration project. Once the samples are collected, the science team will meet at the Bremen Core Repository at MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen in Germany, in January 2026. The team will split, sample, and analyze the sediment cores and interpret the data collected. The cores will then be archived and after a one-year moratorium period, they will be accessible for additional research by the scientific community. Meanwhile, all expedition data will be open access and the resulting outcomes will be published. Science and European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling Science Operator Team. Photo courtesy of Everest@ECORD_IODP3_NSF. EXB WTR
WorldWide Drilling Resource® is proud to be a member of these associations. Alberta Water Well Drilling Association Tel: 780-386-2335 awwda2019@gmail.com www.awwda.ca Arizona Water Well Association admin@azwwa.org www.azwwa.org Black Hills Chapter of the ISEE President: Megan Buurma www.bitwconference.org British Columbia Ground Water Assn Tel: 604-530-8934 secretary@bcgwa.org www.bcgwa.org California Groundwater Association Tel: 916-231-2134 Fax: 614-898-7791 www.groundh2o.org Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association Tel: 727-577-5004 info@csda.org www.csda.org Empire State Water Well Drillers Assn Tel: 315-225-3060 gramsue67@gmail.com www.nywelldriller.org Florida Ground Water Association 850-205-5641 djessup@executiveoffice.org www.fgwa.org Illinois Assn of Groundwater Professionals Tel: 877-267-0350 info@iagp.org www.iagp.org Indiana Ground Water Assn Tel: 888-443-7330 Fax: 765-231-4430 ingroundwater@gmail.com www.indianagroundwater.org Iowa Geothermal Association Tel: 515-224-6469 info@iowageothermal.org www.iowageothermal.org Kansas Ground Water Association Tel: 316-444-4023 info@kgwa.org www.kgwa.org Kentucky Groundwater Association Tel: 800-858-4844 info@kygwa.org www.kygwa.org Louisiana Ground Water Association Tel: 337-654-4666 suireterry@gmail.com www.lgwa.org Michigan Ground Water Association Tel: 855-225-6492 info@michigangroundwater.com www.michigangroundwater.com Minnesota Water Well Association Tel: 800-332-2104 mwwa@ngwa.org www.mwwa.org Montana Water Well Drillers Association Tel: 406-686-3168 www.mwwda.org National Drilling Association Tel: 216-210-3827 Fax: 216-803-9900 info@nda4u.net www.nda4u.net National Ground Water Association Tel: 800-551-7379 Fax: 614-898-7786 www.ngwa.org Nebraska Well Drillers Association Tel: 402-476-0162 jason@h2oboy.net www.nebraskawelldrillers.org New Jersey Ground Water Association barbemor@gmail.com www.njgwa.org New Mexico Ground Water Association Tel: 505-803-6833 info@nmgwa.org www.nmgwa.org North Carolina Ground Water Assn Tel: 804-387-8395 ncgwassn@gmail.com www.ncgwa.org North Dakota Well Drillers Association Tel: 701-629-1668 James Dennis denniswaterwell@yahoo.com Northern Plains Chapter of the ISEE President: Thom Hunter Tel: 307-689-0050 www.bitwconference.org Ohio Water Well Association, Inc. Tel: 740-828-9200 Fax: 740-828-2635 ohiowaterwellassociation@gmail.com www.ohiowaterwell.org Oklahoma Ground Water Association Tel: 405-513-2558 www.okgroundwater.org Ontario Groundwater Association Tel: 519-245-7194 Fax: 519-245-7196 executivedirector@ogwa.ca www.ogwa.ca Oregon Ground Water Association Tel: 503-390-7080 ogwa@ogwa.org www.ogwa.org Pennsylvania Ground Water Association Tel: 814-553-3883 pgwadirector@gmail.com www.pgwa.org Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic Tel: 402-472-6863 https://shallowdrillers.com/ South Carolina Ground Water Association Tel: 803-356-6809 Fax: 803-356-6826 scgwa@sc.rr.com www.scgwa.org South Dakota Well Drillers Association Tel: 605-390-3233 Randy Taylor rltaylor@rap.midco.net www.sdwda.org Southwest Mississippi Community College Well Construction Technology Tel: 601-276-3738 cdunn@smcc.edu Tennessee Water Well Association Tel: 865-761-4363 tnwaterwellassociation@gmail.com Texas Alliance of Energy Producers Tel: 940-723-4131 Fax: 940-723-4132 joannb@texasalliance.org www.texasalliance.org Texas Ground Water Association Tel: 512-472-7437 Fax: 512-472-0537 bbazan@tgwa.org www.tgwa.org Utah Ground Water Association Tel: 801-541-7259 www.utahgroundwater.org Virginia Water Well Association Tel: 804-387-8395 Fax: 804-302-7978 info@vawaterwellassociation.org www.vawaterwellassociation.org West Virginia Water Well Drillers Association Tel: 804-387-8395 wva.wwda@gmail.com www.wvwwda.org 21 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
22 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Zanskar’s New Step-Out Production Well Adapted from Information by Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Inc. According to Zanskar, geothermal energy is the best near-term option for clean, firm power at scale, and conventional geothermal resources are the key to scaling up any form of geothermal energy quickly and cost efficiently. Their strategy has focused on two main aspects: j Demonstrating the existence of many unexplored or poorly characterized sites that can be unlocked using advanced data collection methods and statistical tools, integrating natural and artificial intelligence with large geospatial datasets. j Showing these sites can generate significantly more energy than previously thought possible, by accurately accounting for subsurface uncertainty, collecting targeted data, and making informed drilling decisions. Field teams have spent three years collecting data under difficult conditions, and their efforts have paid off with the discovery of many previously unknown sites, confirming the first part of their thesis. The second part of their thesis, which involves drilling full-size production wells, has been more challenging to prove due to the increased capital and permitting requirements. The company is confident the majority of hydrothermal resources can exceed their historical production levels, thanks to advanced tools and technologies that facilitate more precise targeting and deeper resource utilization. When the Lightning Dock geothermal field in New Mexico was put up for sale due to underperformance, they seized the opportunity to acquire it and test their approach, leveraging the unique data sets they had already collected in the region. Just less than eight months after acquiring the field, the company is proud to announce the completion of their first step-out production well, which has produced remarkable results. Their strategic approach involved a directionally drilled large-diameter geothermal well, targeting a 7500 - 8000 foot deep fracture zone, and achieving their desired outcome. GEO Blasting by: R.A. McClure, Inc. Surface Blasting Course September 9-11 ~ Rapid City, SD phone: 740-363-6976 www.ramets.com/education- services/surface-blasting-course/ Drilling Fluids by: Wyo-Ben, Inc. Water Well Mud School September 8-12 ~ Billings, MT HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) Mud School September 15-18 ~ Billings, MT phone: 406-652-6351 www.wyoben.com/mud-school/ Engine / Machinery Maintenance by: Hydraulic Training Associates Education Connection Hydraulic Schematic Troubleshooting Training September 30-October 3 ~ Athol, ID phone: 503-708-2634 www.htahydraulics.com Irrigation by: Rain Bird Academy Training September 8-12 ~ Sacramento, CA September 8-12 ~ Louisville, KY September 8-12 ~ Redmond, OR September 15-19 ~ Flagstaff, AZ September 15-19 ~ Azusa, CA September 15-19 ~ Baton Rouge, LA September 22-26 ~ Campbell, CA September 22-26 ~ Miami, FL September 22-26 ~ Memphis, TN September 29-Oct. 3 ~ Riverside, CA September 29-Oct. 3 ~ Charleston, SC phone: 800-498-1942 E-mail: training@rainbird.com Pipe by: American Society of Civil Engineers Design and Installation of Buried Pipes September 25-26 ~ Reston, VA phone: 703-295-6300 www.asce.org Rig Operation, Maintenance, Service by: The International Association of Foundation Drilling Drill Rig Operator School (DROS) September 7-12 ~ Waukesha, WA phone: 469-359-6000 www.adsc-iafd.com/event/dros/ Tunnelling by: Deep Foundations Institute Tunneling and Underground September 25 ~ ONLINE phone: 973-423-4030 www.dfi-events.org/tunneling/ sep-2025.html More education opportunities during events can be found by clicking here online at: worldwidedrillingresource.com
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