Blog

Future of Groundwater Management in MD?
Water mananagement strategies in eastern states such as Maryland are premised on the Reasonable Use Doctrine and have worked well for decades based on humid conditions and the absence of demonstrable conflicts. With population growth, resources are becoming strained in more locations, mandating a better approach to encourage technological innovation and better assure long-term sustainability.  This blog discusses historical trends and offers suggestions for the revision of certain policies in keeping with a model for sustainable, future water management.

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Why We Won't Exhibit at Trade Shows in '13
For many years, we have exhibited at local and regional trade shows. We believed that doing so was an essential element of marketing our professional water supply and wastewater discharge consulting services. Our business success evidenced this belief. Trade shows have evolved to be less productive for us, for reasons largely predictable in hindsight.  This year our marketing focus relies less on trade shows and more on other forms of client contact, including "inbound marketing" through social media and e-newsletters. Inbound marketing seems uncommon among professional services providers in our industry; we're either visionary or dumb. Time will tell.

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Own a Septic System? What You Should Know
The EPA recently launched a new web site, with information important for the ownership, maintainance and repair of smaller commercial and residential septic systems.  These also are known as "On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems," and remain the most common means of wastewater disposal in exurban and rural areas throughout Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

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Did Hurricane Sandy Cause Saltwater Intrusion of Coastal Aquifers?
In the current issue of Groundwater magazine, scientists from Denmark and Sri Lanka teamed on a coauthored paper about salt water intrusion of coastal aquifers in Sri Lanka.  The salt water intrusion occurred as a direct consequence of the 2004 Sumatran tsunami. The scientific literature suggests the possibility of similar phenomena arising in response to storm surges asosciated with landfalling hurricanes.  During and following Hurricane Sandy, shallow aquifers present in the Mid-Atlantic may have experienced salt-water intrusion similarly. We offer advice on what to do, both as a check and as a remedy.

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Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy: Checking Your Water Well
Among the inconveniences and problems we on the Eastern Seaboard face during hurricanes and tropical storms are floods and power outages.  After the storm and once power is restored, it can be risky to presume that the groundwater withdrawn from a well is safe to drink.  Flooding, submergence or structural damage to a well, in the wake of a hurricane or otherwise, are evidence of the need for professional help. Sometimes, however, well owners can assess and remedy certain consitions themsevles. Here are some helpful tips.

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New MD Land Use Policies Limit Rural Growth
Over a year ago, proponents of a previous bill sought to ban (or severely restrict) the permissibility of new septic systems as a means to control exurban growth in Maryland, and protect the Chesapeake Bay. In 2012, environmentalists successfully garnered General Assembly support for a statewide revamp of rural growth and land development policies.

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Landing Your First Professional Position; Do's and Don'ts from an Employer's Perspective
Mark W. Eisner. P.G., ALWI President, has submitted a peer-reviewed abstract, accepted for oral presentation at the combined North-Eastern and North-Central sectional meeting of the Geological Soceity of America, to be held in Pittsburgh. Mr. Eisner's presentation will be delivered on March 22, 2010, in the special session on "Employment Opportunities."  His accepted abstract is entitled "Landing Your First Professional Position; Dos and Don'ts from an Employer's Prospective." and follows...

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