What's New At O'Donnell & Associates, Inc.

                                                                                2010

July 4, 2010-Happy 4th of July

We had a great 4th with friends and some of Miss Nell's homecooked ribs, photo below.  I can't wait 'til the next aquifer test as I picked up a new idea for the 6-hour food break.  The pump is on at 06:00 and supper's served at 12:00.  Ready, set, go. 

May 17, 2010  Our son Sam graduated from Murphy High School today.  Sam will enter seminary in the fall at St. John Vianney in St. Paul Minnesota.  Congratulations Sam!

May 11, 2010  Industrial Wellfield Completed.  What began with a consultation visit in December 2008 was finalized with the delivery of the Wellfield Report for and surface completion of a multi-well, multi-aquifer industrial supply wellfield, photo below.  From researching and identifying potential aquifers and locating favorable wellsites through testing the aquifers for hydraulic performance and water quality to completion of the two production wells, OAI worked diligently with the client and the drilling contractor to bring about a successful conclusion to this project.  The wellfield's two wells are spaced at 71 feet horizontally and produce from aquifers separated vertically be 150 feet of clay.  The wellfield has the capability of delivering 4.32 million gallons per day but will produce at the rate of 2.16 million gallons per day.  The aquifers underlying the site have an ultimate potential of producing as much as 12.96 million gallons per day.  

Well PW-1, foreground, produces from the Moore #3 Aquifer and Well PW-2 produces from the Moore #2 Aquifer.  A thrid aquifer, the Moore #1, is present and available for development at this site.  Photo courtesy of Griner Drilling Service, Inc.

May 6, 2010 Hydrogeologic Study Completed.  Delivered a hydrogeologic study today to a public water system that identified six aquifers, five of which have the potential to be developed as sources of public supply.  Amoung the five aquifers, two are currently used as a source of public supply and three have been used for drinking water or industrial supply purposes.  The study identified favorable drilling locations, provided target drilling depth and located wells that can be sampled to provide preliminary information of the water quality for the aquifers under consideration.  The next phase of this project involves implementing the recommendations to evaluate the aquifers' potential to be developed as a source of public supply.

April 26, 2010 OAI re-locates to new office.  On April 26th, we opened our new office at 600 Bel Air Boulevard, Suite 130 in Mobile, Alabama.  The office is located 0.43 miles south of Airport Blvd. on the right (west side) of Bel Air.  Please stop in next time you are in the area.  Also please update your records to note our new address:

O'Donnell & Associates, Inc.
600 Bel Air Blvd., Suite 130
Mobile, Alabama 36606
ph: 251-478-9939

March 30, 2010 Welcome Washington County Commission.  The Washington County Commission joins the OAI family as our newest client.  OAI will be providing hydrogeologic services associated with permitting a 60,000 gallons per day de-centralized wastewater treatment facility in the McIntosh, Alabama area.  This is the latest of 24 such de-centralized plants OAI has permitted in Alabama.

March 13, 2010 Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Enjoyed a wonderful weekend in New Orleans for St. Patrick's Day.  Marching in the Irish Channel Parade for the first time was my son Sam along with his brother Daniel and his uncle Jim.  Pictured below (L-R):  Kristin Coldwell (Daniel's fiancee), Daniel, Nell, Uncle Jim, Sam and Dan.

2009

  

October 1, 2009 Welcome aboard Saraland!
On October 1st, the Board of Water and Sewer Commisioners of the City of Saraland retained the hydrogeologic services of OAI to assist them with the exploration and development of a new well or wells.  The initial phase of the project is a hydrogeolgic study of the Board's service area to identify promising wellsites.  OAI thanks Mr. Mike Sullivan, Superintendent and the Board and Mr. Gordon Quesenberry, PE of McCrory and Williams for their confidence in selecting and recommending OAI for this project. Saraland is the 37th Gulf Coast public supply water system to select OAI for their exploration and development project.

September 29, 2009 Calvert Exploration
OAI received a contract to assist South Alabama Utilities with an exploration test in the Clavert Community.  The project will begin with geologic logging of an exploratory bore and progressed with testing and development of promising aquifers found through the boring effort. 

September 18, 2009
The deep Clarke County exploration project found the target aquifer as expected but preliminary water samples obtained from the test well indicated that the water would required post-production treatment prior to being suitable for use as a source of public supply.  As a result, development of the deep aquifer has been abandoned.

August 10, 2009 Exploration Test Begins
Drilling began today on a deep aquifer in Clarke County Alabama, see photo below.  The test is the result of OAI's hydrogeologic study of the central Clarke County area that identified the Gravel Creek member of the Nanafalia Formation for possible use as a source of public supply. Drilling is expected to take eight days with the target aquifer expected at a depth of 1,730 feet. 


Tripping in the hole are Mike Smith, James Willis and Timothy Allen on the brake.

August 6, 2009-OAI in Print
The August 2009 issue of the Alabama Geological Society's newsletter contains an article written Dan O'Donnell about a field methods mini-camp he ran in May of 2008.  The paper explains how a group of professional geologists doing the same task-a water level survey-came up with a wide variety of data.  The article shows how attention to detail is often lacking on one of the most critical parts of a groundwater investigation.  You can read the article begining on page 7 of the newsletter by following this link.  Have your employees* properly trained in conducting and interpreting water level surveys at OAI's Gulf Coast Groundwater Research Center.  Please call OAI at 251-666-5285 to schedule a training class.  A well trained employee is an asset to any firm.

* Training is also available for geology/environmental students looking for practical experience prior to entering the job market.

July 2009-Testing proves out OAI's hydrogeologic study
July was a busy month at OAI as field work continued on a proposed industrial supply wellfield, see below.  The second of two test wells was installed and testing confirmed a second aquifer underlying the site is satisfactory for use as a source of industrial supply.  Planning is ongoing for two production wells.  The ultimate production for the two well wellfield should fall in the 1,500 to 3,000 gpm range (2.16 to 4.32 mgpd) with options to increase production with additional wells in the tested aquifers or by tapping an un-tested third aquifer that underlies the site. 

July 15, 2009-Groundwater level monitoring pays off
On July 15th, a client called to ask us to check our data logger at one of their critical wells.  It seems their equipment signaled the well was about to break suction due to excessive drawdown and, as a result, this much needed well was taken out of service.  OAI travel to the site and evaluated the data our logger recorded only to find out everything was normal with no excessive drawdown occurring in the aquifer at this well.  This critical well was immediately placed back into service.  Without  having implemented OAI's groundwater level monitoring program at this well, this sytem could have spent  thousands of dollars and had the well out of service only to find out nothing was wrong.  Does your system have a groundwater level monitoring program?  If not, contact OAI today.  The money (and headaches) you save may be your own.
 
June 23, 2009 R.I.P. Agnes McCullar
At 02:43 this morning we received word that Agnes McCullar, Nell's mother, had died.  Agnes was a wonderful mother who always had time for her family and grandkids. May her soul rest in peace.

June 11, 2009 Running Casing
On June 11th, casing was set for a test well on a project associated with developing an industrial supply wellfield with an upside production rate potential of 1,500 to 3,000 gpm.  The test well location was identified through a hydrogeologic study completed by OAI in January of 2009.  The primary target aquifer proved out at 145 feet thick and is composed of a mix of sand, fine gravel and gravel.  Two additional aquifers were found as expected and await testing.  During the casing run, OAI provided "casing burgers" for all those on site, see photo below.  Testing will begin soon to determine the aquifer's production potential and water quality.

 
Dan on the grill with flipper in hand with Mitchell "I'm not bored" Jefferies, left, and Jimmy the welder, right, in the background on the rig.

June 3, 2009 Primary Target Aquifer
The target aquifer of an industrial wellfield project was cut today with excellent aquifer material cut over a 145 foot interval.  OAI completed a hydrogeologic study to identified the drilling location and wellsite services to catch, examine and record the material cut by the bit.  The primary aquifer came in as expected and consisted of sand, fine gravel and gravel, see photo below.


Sieve shows gravel, fine gravel and sand (front to back) collected from the project's primary aquifer.

May 31, 2009
OAIWATER.com reaches the top in ESPN's Stock Car Challenge racing league!  It's still a long season ahead.

May 19, 2009 Happy Birthday To O'Donnell & Associates, Inc.
Today marks our 10th anniversary as a hydrogeologic consulting firm.  To all our clients, family and friends who believed in us back in 1999, we are grateful.  Looking back over the past 10 years, OAI has made a significant impact on the groundwater community.  Here are some facts associated with our efforts in the exploration, development and management of groundwater resources in south Alabama, south Mississippi and the Florida panhandle:

April 28, 2009-Advertising
O'Donnell & Associates, Inc. would like to use this opportunity to thank all our clients who have referred their friends to us for hydrogeologic services.  Often times these references can lead to just a quick phone call to us about a well issue, an aquifer question or the like.  Sometimes the reference can be a substantial lead that develops into a water supply exploration, development or management project.  In short, word of mouth referrals have been and remain our main source of advertising.  A hint of why our clients refer others to OAI for help in addressing their groundwater resources needs may be found in an e-mail sent to OAI from a regulator at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management candidly speaking of our sourcewater assessment reports.  From day one, quality hydrogeologic services for our clients have been our priority.
 
April 7, 2009-National Honor Society
Today brought recognition to our son Sam, left, with his induction into the National Honor Society at Murphy High School (Go Panthers!).  Sam and his friends, Lam Pham and Dillan Brewer, are pictured below at the reception following the awards ceremony.



April 2, 2009-Irrigation Success
OAI's best source of advertising is our satisfied clients and for that we are greatful.  One such client referred the manager of a local blueberry farming operation to OAI for help in locating an irrigation well after previous efforts were disappointing.  OAI accepted the task, did a review of the area's hydrogeology and recommended a drilling depth.  The farmer took the recommendation and contracted a local drilling firm to drill to a depth of 250 feet.  The target aquifer came in as expected and the well was completed with 30 feet of screen.  The well has a good production rate and, once the rain stops falling, the blueberries will be put out...

March 28, 2009
On March 28th, we recordeded 7.1 inches of rain over the previous 24-hour period.  The groundwater elevation at OAI's MW-2 rose to 16.96 feet in response to the rain event, the highest recorded over the previous two years, see the research link for the graph.

March 14, 2009 R.I.P. Doyle McCullar
We received word todat that Doyle McCullar, Nell's father, has died.  Doyle was an good father, excellent carpenter and friend of many stray dogs.  May he rest in peace.

February 2, 2009-Grove Hill Water Works
OAI welcomes Grove Hill Water Works into our family of water system clients that now numbers 36 systems across southern Alabama, southeast Mississippi and northwest Florida.  OAI will complete a hydrogeologic study with the intent of locating a favorable drilling location for their next well. 

January 31, 2009
OAI's groundwater level monitoring program has recorded 13,900+ measurements at MW-2 dating back to April 2007, see below.  MW-2 is a 13.5 foot deep monitoring well located in a surficial aquifer adjacent to Eslava Creek in Mobile, Alabama.  Begining January 21, 2008, OAI joined the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, see cocorahs.org, and has tracked and posted precipitation data collected at the location of MW-2 on line.  Together, the water level data and the precipitation data make for an interesting graph, see below.  Notice the correlation between precipitation events and the groundwater elevation recorded at the well.  Read more about this effort on OAI's Research page.



Hello 2009!

2008

December 28, 2008-Bob Craft-RIP
On December 28, 2008, Mr. Gilbert Robert "Bob" Craft, Executive Director of South Alabama Utilities, passed away. Mr. Craft was a forward thinker who I first met in  2000 while conducting an aquifer test at SAU's Mary Montgomery #1 Well.  I have had the privilege of working on many more of SAU's water well projects and always enjoyed Mr. Craft's visits to the job sites.  Once while taking Troop 36 Boy Scouts to Mass during a weekend campout in Citronelle, I ran into Mr. Craft and his wife Pat and was complemented on what a fine group of boys our Troop had.   He will be missed.

December 1, 2008
Groundwater monitoring efforts at six municipal water supply wells were terminated after 4.5 years of monitoring found no indications the aquifers being monitored were being over produced.  The water level data recorded since May of 2004 provides the utilities that owned the wells valuable information on the overall health of their sources of supply and will provide a baseline for future comparison should they consider the possibility of tapping the aquifers with additional wells.  Groundwater level monitoring continues at six other sites in aquifers tapped by 12 public water supply wells.

October 20, 2008
Our son Daniel begins his tour of duty at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC.  Prior to heading to his first duty assignment, Daniel came through Mobile and assisted in a week of recruiting locally and at his alma mater, Troy University.  Go Army.

October 16, 2008
Our son Sam sat for and passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review today.  Sam becomes Saint Pius X Catholic Church Troop 36's newest Eagle Scout.  Sam's Eagle service project was the construction of a pergola at the Little Sister Home in Mobile, see below.  Sam is a junior at Murphy High School where he plays on the "O" line of the Panther Football Team (Go Panthers!) and is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Sam is also involved with CYO, serves the first Sunday of the month at the 8 AM Mass at the Cathedral.  During the summer, Sam is a lifeguard and is employed by Toomey's during Mardi Gras season.



October 14, 2008
Welcome Bayou LaBatre!  OAI recieved a contract to provide wellsite geologic services ot Bayou LaBatre Utilities as they begin the process to develop a new water supply well for thier system.  Geologic logs provide valuable information that can make or break a decision to complete a well.  Geologic logs are required for all new public supply wells in Alabama.  OAI has 160 hours of formal training in mudlogging, 29 years of "mudlogging " experience and has logged over 37,000 feet of water wells in Alabama's the coastal plain.  With the addition of Bayou LaBatre, OAI's water system client base is now 35 systems.  Thank you all.

October 2, 2008
White House Water System, Inc. has retained the services of OAI to complete a hydrogeologic study of their service area.  The study will assist in their evaluation to develop their own source of public supply.  The hydrogeologic study is an economical exploration tool available through OAI to identify promising wellsites.  Using this approach lessens the odds of drilling a costly dry hole. 

August 14, 2008
OAI delivers an extensive hydrogeologic study to a Mississippi Gulf Coast water system.  As proposed, the hydro study identified area aquifers, assigned production of over 450 wells area to those aquifers and identified several wellsites, some with the potential to be developed as multi-well/multi-aquifer wellfields.  Historical data located during the project identified one promising aquifer that was used for public supply in the past but the well was since plugged and forgotten.  Of the identified drilling sites, several were on property already owned by the water system.

July 5, 2008
Congratulations to our son Daniel J. O'Donnell, II, RN, who took and passed his nursing boards.  Daniel, you've done a wonderful job in school and in passing your boards.  Daniel leaves for Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas  August 1st and will be assigned to Walter Reed in Washington, DC upon completion of officer training.

June 17, 2008
OAI completed a wellfield screening model to determine whether or not Alabama 's coastal groundwater extraction regulation applies to two wells proposed by our client.  The wells will be used for industrial supply.  OAI researched the area prepared a screening model to simulate the wells' production and evaluated their capture zones.  The modeling indicated the wells' 50-year capture zones would not encroach into the coastal zone.  The client was free to proceed as planned with the development of the wellfield without the delay and expense of permitting under the coastal regulation.

June 10, 2008
OAI completed permitting work on a new multi-aquifer/multi-well wellfield.  The new well is completed in an aquifer separated vertically from the initial well's aquifer by 75 feet of clay.  The new well's production rate is set at 700 gallons per minute boosting site production to 1,200 gallons per minute (~1.73 million gallons per day).  Development of the deeper aquifer at this location reduced development costs associated with piping and treatment and eliminated costs associated with land purchase.  The two wells are approximately 65 feet apart horizontally, see below.  Well #1, background, was completed in 2000 with Well #2, foreground, completed in April of 2008.  This is the fifth public water supply wellfield planned, tested, developed and permitted by O'Donnell & Associates, Inc.




June 6, 2008
OAI received a call and subsequently a contract from this industrial client to complete a screening evaluation of whether or not a coastal groundwater extraction permit was required for their proposed 250 gallons per minute well.  Timing was critical, so the work progressed over the course of the weekend with the client getting the report as promised on Monday morning.  OAI's evaluation combined our local knowledge of the aquifer with historic field data and an analytic element model to assess the proposed well's capture zone.  To the relief of the our client, modeling established that a coastal permit was not required so that the well installation could proceed without delay.  Client savings are estimated at $15,000 to $18,000 without the months of delay associated with permitting the well.  Once again, OAI put geology to work for another satisfied client.

June 4, 2008
OAI's Dan O'Donnell gave a presentation at the annual ADEM Groundwater conference in Montgomery on June 4, 2008.  Dan's topic "A water level survey, what does the data show" put the spotlight on a "typical" task that gets little scrutiny.  He covered the particulars of completing a groundwater level survey correctly, what the data showed and and discussed critical points of the survey that are important for getting the data accurately and presenting the results correctly.  This presentation is applicable to all groundwater studies.

May 20, 2008
OAI hosted a field methods mini-camp covering well surveying, water level surveying, potentiometric surface map preparation with critique, discussion and a grillout.  The Alabama amd Mississippi PG Boards authorized 3 PDH credits for those attending. 

May 19, 2008
Our daughter Kelly graduated from Murphy High School today.  Kelly enters Troy University this fall where she will study Elementary Education.  Congratulations Kelly, love Mom and Dad.

May 19, 2008
OAI completes its ninth year in business today.  We thank all those who have helped us achieve our goal of providing quality hydrogeologic services to utilities, industry and irrigators.  We are especially thankful for our clients and your continued trust in our services.  As we move forward into our tenth year, we continue to give thanks to God for all the blessings he has provided OAI in our work for you.

May 9, 2008
Our son Daniel graduated Magnum Cum Laude from Troy University with a BS in Nursing today.  Daniel will be commissioned in the Army's Nursing Corps as a Second Lieutenant on August 3rd reporting to Fort Sam Houstin in San Antonio Texas for training.  In October, Daniel will be re-stationed to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC.  Congratulations Daniel for a job well done and thank you for serving our country, love Mom and Dad.

April 8, 2008
Success once again.  OAI's sourcewater assessment report was accepted as submitted for yet another high volume public water supply well.  This well tested out a 1,950 gpm and was permitted for 1,300 gpm (1.8 mgd).  This wellsite has a strong potential for development as a multi-aquifer wellfield with monitoring ongoing.

March 7, 2008-Alabama Conference of Black Mayors
OAI gave a presentation at the annual meeting of the Alabama Conference of Black Mayors in Selma, Alabama on March 7th, the 43rd anniversary of Bloody Sunday.  The presentation oultined the beneifits of implementing OAI's hydrogeologic approach to the exploration, development and management of groundwater resources.  The presentation provided case studies of projects that used OAI's hydrogeologic approach before, during and after the welll is drilled showing how this approach is critical to the efficient exploration and development of groundwater resources.  OAI thanks Mayor Ron Davis (Pritchard) for the invitation to speak and the Conference for having OAI as part of their program.

March 5, 2008
OAI coordinates a school field trip to Mobile County Water's Well #1, see the Teaching Hydrogeology link under the Photos page of OAI's website.

January 21, 2008-Welcome Malcolm Pirnie
On January 21, 2008, Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. became the 14th engineering firm to contract with OAI for hydrogeologic services.  This project consisted of historic research of the project area's high volume irrigation wells and the identification of area aquifers through the development%