Topic: Environmental Drilling Technology for Site Characterization and Monitoring Well Installation

There are more than a dozen different drilling methods that may be used to drill boreholes to collect soil samples for site characterization and install monitoring wells, but which method is most appropriate for your project?  This series of 2 modules provides a detailed discussion on how to effectively evaluate and select the best drilling method for anticipated site conditions that will meet site-specific project objectives.  Each of the most commonly used drilling methods is described in detail with respect to their operational characteristics and their applications and limitations for environmental site characterization and monitoring well installation.  Field video is included at the end of the first module to explain the principles and practices employed in sonic drilling.  While you may opt to take just one of these modules, it is strongly recommended that you take both modules in the prescribed order if you want comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Module GWM–06 (Total Length: 74 minutes) Price: $159.00  Sign in to Your E-School Account to Register

Factors to Consider in Selecting a Drilling Method; Descriptions, Applications and Limitations of Casing Advancement Drilling Methods

• Differences Between Environmental Drilling and Other Drilling
• Factors to Consider in Selecting a Drilling Method
  • Geologic Conditions Expected During Drilling; Ability to Recognize Subsurface Conditions; Sample Retrieval Capability; Presence and Type of Contaminants; Potential for and Degree of Formation Damage; Ability to Meet Well Installation Requirements; Logistical and Budgetary Constraints
• Casing Advancement Drilling Methods – Descriptions, Applications and Limitations
  • Driving; Cable Tool; Odex/Tubex; Sonic Drilling

Total CEUs for Module GWM-06: 1.2 CEUs

Module GWM–07 (Total Length: 65 minutes) Price: $159.00 Sign in to Your E-School Account to Register

Descriptions, Applications and Limitations of Fluid Circulation Drilling Methods and Hollow-Stem Augers

• Fluid Circulation Methods
  • Direct Mud Rotary; Reverse-Circulation Rotary; Air Rotary; Air Rotary With Casing Driver; Down-the-Hole Hammer; Dual-Tube Reverse-Circulation Rotary
• Hollow-Stem Auger
• Preferred Methods for Environmental Drilling

Total CEUs for Module GWM-07: 1.1 CEUs 

Topic: Soil Sample Collection, Description & Handling in the Field

During drilling of boreholes for site characterization and monitoring well installation, soil samples must be collected to document site geologic conditions.  These soil samples are used to develop a detailed understanding of site hydrogeology, to determine the presence/absence of contamination, to determine the location, physical and chemical characteristics of target monitoring zones in which wells will be installed, and to design well screens and filter packs.  This series of 2 modules discusses collection of soil samples for both physical and chemical analysis, parameters and techniques for detailed physical soil sample description, and proper handling of soil samples during sampling events.  While you may opt to take just one of these modules, it is strongly recommended that you take both modules in the prescribed order if you want comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Module GWM–08 (Total Length: 65 minutes) Price: $159.00  To Register, Sign in to Your E-School Account

Planning and Preparation for Soil Sample Collection and Description; Describing Soil Samples in the Field (Part 1)

• Objectives of Soil Sample Description
• Important Principles Applied in Soil Sample Description
• Preparing for a Soil Sampling Event
  • Items to Discuss With the Drilling/Direct-Push Contractor Prior to Mobilizing to the Site
  • Equipment and Materials Recommended for Soil Sample Description and Handling
  • Checklists for Soil Sample Description in the Field -- Sample Locators and Physical Sample Descriptors
• Soil Classification Systems – USCS (ASTM Standards D 2487 and D 2488), USDA and Others
• Describing Soil Samples – 26 Physical Sample Descriptors to Record (Part 1)
  • Grain Size, Degree of Sorting, Particle Angularity/Roundness/Shape, Mineralogy, Density/Consistency, Plasticity/Cohesiveness, Moisture Content, Color (Including Use of Munsell Soil Color Charts)

Total CEUs for Module GWM-08: 1.1 CEUs

Module GWM – 09  (Total Length: 59 minutes) Price: $159.00   To Register, Sign in to Your E-School Account

Describing Soil Samples in the Field (Part 2); Handling Soil Samples in the Field

• Describing Soil Samples – 26 Physical Sample Descriptors to Record (Part 2)
  • Sedimentary Features, Presence of Macropores, Redox Conditions, Organic Matter, Degree of Weathering, Carbonate Content, and Other Descriptors
• Handling Soil Samples During the Sampling Event
  • Samples Used for Physical Analysis
  • Samples Used for Chemical Analysis

Total CEUs for Module GWM–09: 1 CEU