Chapter 39

12/6/2004 

Ch 39 TMDL                                                                 Ice Storm Delivery                                 

"Total Maximum Daily Loads" http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/intro.html#definition are calculated by the Environmental Engineer taking into account "Seasonal Variability". Simply stated, a discharger's allowable pounds of pollutants are calculated for critical summer low stream flow situations.

Likewise, the automobile industry considers TMDL as Today's Metal Delivery Limitations. The swap manager needs to account for the seasons as well and not be sending out product during unfavorable meteorological events.

I got the call while shopping at the drug store, could I go to Vermont during the predicted severe snow/sleet storm. Of course, I thought that would be fun and accepted knowing I would get some nice shots with my Son's Nikon 4200 cool pix.

This gave me the opportunity to deliver the License Plate Garage I constructed for the Dealer's Christmas Party (center). [the stainless steel ornament is actually stolen from my sisters tour of Pall Trinity http://www.pall.com/ where I saw them make the stainless steel industrial filters]

Wayne (top left, co-swapper) was running the car auction at the dealership. Even though he has couple Purple Hearts from running boat patrol on the Mekong River, he declined to drive. A man's got to know his delivery limitations.

In the dealer parking lot were a multitude of recent smash-ups. The Dent Wizard was there too. An Austrian guy who blew the rear end of his Porsche and had asked for my advice, since I had a similar problem.

I didn't get 3 miles away before I saw the first live accident, of many more to follow.

Long story short, I really enjoyed the drive. Beautiful  I came to respect the 6,000 pound Honda Pilot 4WD's "snowability". Fully engaged the ABS, kept the VSA (vehicle stability assist) off, and tried the VTM (Vehicle Traction Mode) 4 wheel locked in reverse, first and second gear. Met the owner of the Vermont Automaster http://www.theautomaster.com/ dealership. He has a cool scooter, wizzer, Harley, & antique safe on display in his showroom. All similar to my old stuff. (another chapter brewing).