Geologists On The Job

This month we speak with Michael N. Burns, P.G., C.W.D., proprietor of Environmental Drilling & Geothermal Exploration Solutions, Inc, dba EDGE Solutions

A willingness to work hard and a love of the sciences have always propelled Michael Burns forward in his career.  Michael, a graduate of the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, took his degree from The Department of Geological Sciences and turned that into a successful career in environmental services, which now includes owning his own business. 

After graduating from college, Michael worked for several environmental consulting firms where he honed his skills for collecting and analyzing geological data both in the field and in the office.  Geology is a fascinating science because much of the story is underground and can't be seen.  Working for an environmental consulting firm, you are using your skills to find and clean up contamination, such as gasoline, which may have been spilled on the ground.

Using results of the field study, Michael uses "detective" skills to put the pieces of the geological puzzle together.  Descriptions of the soil and rock samples, results of the chemical tests, groundwater level measurements and any other data that Michael could gather in the field would tell him the story of how the rocks and soil formed, where the contamination was located, and how to clean the soil and groundwater. 

During his time in the environmental consulting world, Michael received his Professional Geologist license and his Certified Well Driller license.  In addition to his work in geology, Michael has bought, improved and sold several homes.  It was during his home renovations that Michael became aware of the need in his hometown for qualified, professional geothermal drilling services for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) companies.

In June 2007, Michael launched his own company Environmental Drilling & Geothermal Exploration Solutions, Inc, dba EDGE Solutions, with his long-time friend and fellow geologist and certified well driller C.R. "Mac" McCrary, III.  Michael stated that his reasons for starting his own drilling company were that 1) he and Mac "had the skill set" necessary for the type of work, 2) they had "determined that there was a sizeable market for environmental and geothermal drilling," and 3) they could "affect real and substantial changes in the way a company is run." 

Here is Michael's Geologist-on-the-Job Lowdown:

Mini Me Geology:  What are the best things about your job?

Michael:  The job is physically active, you get to see soil that was laid down years ago that no one has ever seen before, and you are helping to rehabilitate (clean up) the environment.

Mini Me Geology:  What are the worst things about your job?

Michael:  The work can be hard, dirty and potentially dangerous if you don't follow safety rules.

Mini Me Geology:  What is the biggest challenge about your job?

Michael:  Running the business involves making constant decisions about projects, equipment purchases, schedules, and money.

Mini Me Geology:  Are you using your college Geology degree?

Michael:  For the geothermal drilling - yes.  For the environmental drilling - no.  For the work I did in environmental consulting, I did use my degree, but environmental drilling does not require the same degree or experience.

Mini Me Geology:  What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Michael:  Being part of the "Green Movement."  Installing the geothermal heating and cooling systems creates a great energy savings for the home.  

Mini Me Geology:  And our most important question - what is your favorite rock or mineral?

Michael:  Mica.  I like the muscovite mica when you find it in big sheets. 

Thank you to Michael for taking the time to talk to us about his job in geology.  We wish Michael and Mac the best of luck with their new company EDGE Solutions!  To find out more about Michael or EDGE Solutions go to www.edgesolutions.us.