Just before noon on Friday I was sitting at my desk when I sensed an approaching helicopter. No big deal I thought - It is likely the air ambulance from Green Bay coming over the house on their usual flight path.
Nay nay, this was different.
As the sound grew closer it became clear this was not the same chopper. This aircraft was slower, louder and flying way too low.
Rushing out of the house this scary sight greeted me.
The aircraft came directly over the house dragging a ginormous contraption swinging dangerously from cables.
Shouting into the prop wash I yelled - What the hell!
Was this construction equipment being moved and was the pilot losing control of the load?
Was it the return of the nefarious and mysterious black helicopters?
Nope. This chopper was white.
For a moment I thought that the 'thing' swinging wildly from the cables was going to crash into the roof.
Jill and I jumped on the Brussels Facebook page and sure enough the community was abuzz about the apparition.
Seems the US Geological Survey people were flying a half-mile grid pattern over the peninsula with technology designed to look beneath the surface and into the bedrock as part of a groundwater study.
I copied this from the Wisconsin DATCP homepage as background.
What is the survey?
The survey will use airborne electromagnetic (AEM) technology to update depth to bedrock maps for areas in northeastern Wisconsin. The data will provide a depth to Silurian/Karst bedrock contours that update existing map information. The use of a helicopter-towed AEM sensor (looks like a large hoop hanging from a cable) for this type of evaluation is new and provides accurate science-based data about below ground properties that are otherwise difficult to assess over large areas. This project is in response to public feedback on groundwater quality, limited data on depth to bedrock, and to further define aquifer properties in relation to surface activities.
When and where will it happen?
Flights are expected to start in early January 2021 and exact dates will be weather dependent. At this time, surveying will take place in the following counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan.
Why is measuring the depth to bedrock important for water quality?
The project is a result of the technical standard to support implementation of Wis. Admin. Code NR 151.075 - Silurian bedrock performance standards. The technical standard identifies science-based methods for measuring depth to bedrock and serves as a resource for landowners who mechanically apply manure to cropland. Under NR 151.075, you cannot apply manure mechanically to cropland where the depth to Silurian bedrock is two feet or less and other restrictions apply for depths 20-feet or less. Because Silurian is a type of bedrock that allows materials to pass through it more easily, this rule and technical standard work together to help prevent potential pathogens (disease causing organism) from reaching groundwater.
This survey supports public health efforts to help protect groundwater from potential pathogens and promote water quality. The results of the survey will:
- Reduce the financial burden on private landowners to verify existing maps
- Create a better understanding of aquifer properties
- Address groundwater quality
- Decrease mechanical manure applications in very shallow depth to bedrock areas
This project uses the strength of local, state, and federal resources to help many citizens in the northeastern part of the state.
Between me and you I am reassured to learn that on the second day of the Biden Administration scary government helicopters where not looking for the secret microchips embedded in the shoulders of the citizenry.
Whew!
More here.....
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