Topic: Optimizing Monitoring Well Placement

One of the most challenging questions faced at the start of a ground-water monitoring program is “what are the most effective locations for this site’s ground-water monitoring wells and well screens?”  This in-depth series of 5 separate modules addresses all of the myriad elements that must be evaluated to answer this seemingly simple question.  Field videos are included within several of these modules to explain the field methods used in environmental site characterization.  While you may opt to take just one or two of these modules, it is strongly recommended that you take all 5 modules in the prescribed order if you want comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Module GWM–01 (Total Length: 63 minutes)

Ground-Water Monitoring Program and Monitoring System Design Elements; Establishing Monitoring Program and Monitoring System Objectives, Data Needs & Uses

• Major Elements of Ground-Water Monitoring Programs
• Steps to Follow for Effective Monitoring System Design
• Optimizing Monitoring Point Placement – the Process
• Common Monitoring Program and Monitoring System Objectives
• Data Requirements for Designing an Effective Ground-Water Monitoring System

Total CEUs for Module GWM-01: 1.1 CEUs

Module GWM–02 (Total Length: 70 minutes)

Assembling and Evaluating Important Existing Information (Part 1); Types and Sources of Existing Information

• Collecting and Evaluating Information on Important Factors Affecting Well Placement (Continued on Next Module)
  • Geographic and Climatic Conditions
  • Regional and Site-Specific Geologic Conditions
  • Regional and Site-Specific Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Conditions
  • Former and Current Land Uses; History, Types, Locations and Sources of Releases

Total CEUs for Module GWM-02: 1.2 CUEs

Module GWM–03 (Total Length: 53 minutes)   

Assembling and Evaluating Important Existing Information (Part 2); Using Existing Information to Prepare an Initial Conceptual Site Model

• Collecting and Evaluating Information on Important Factors Affecting Well Placement (Continued From Prior Module)
  • Types and Characteristics of Contaminants
  • Locations of Potential Receptors and Exposure Pathways
  • Anthropogenic Influences on Ground-Water Flow
• Developing the Initial Conceptual Site Model
  • Identifying Probable Ground-Water and Contaminant Movement Pathways in 3 Dimensions
  • Identifying Data Gaps That Need to be Filled

Total CEUs for Module GWM-03: 1.0 CEU

Module GWM–04 (Total Length: 78 minutes)

Conducting a Detailed 3-Dimensional Environmental Site Characterization Program – Approaches, Tools and Methods

• Limitations of Conventional Approaches to Environmental Site Characterization
• Principles and Advantages of Accelerated/Expedited Site Characterization
• Discussion of ASTM Standards D 6235 and E 1912 on Expedited and Accelerated Environmental Site Characterization
• Designing a Site Characterization Program to Fill Data Gaps in the Initial Conceptual Site Model
• The Importance of Continuous Sampling, Subsurface Geologic, Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Profiling, and 3-D Subsurface Visualization
• Selecting the Tools and Technologies to Produce the Data Required to Optimize Locations for Long-Term Monitoring Wells

Total CEUs for Module GWM-04: 1.3 CEUs

Module GWM–05 (Total Length: 40 minutes)

Refining the Conceptual Site Model; Selecting Optimum Monitoring Point Locations in 3 Dimensions

• Graphics Useful for Depicting Subsurface Conditions
• Identifying Target Monitoring Zones for LNAPLs, DNAPLs and Dissolved-Phase Contaminants
• Plotting Areal Distribution of Wells or Multi-Level Monitoring Systems
• Selecting Vertical Positions and Lengths of Well Screens or Sampling Ports
• Summary of Ground-Water Monitoring System Design

Total CEUs for Module GWM-05: 1 CEU

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)

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)

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)

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)

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: 1.0 CEU

Topic: Ground-Water Monitoring Well Design and Construction

If you think there is a simple cookbook, one-size-fits-all approach to building monitoring wells that will consistently produce sediment-free, representative ground-water samples, you’re wrong!  This series of 4 modules will demonstrate why by covering the complex topic of monitoring well design and construction from the bottom (the well screen) to the top (surface completion) and everything in between.  Discover how to correctly design and build a monitoring well that will meet site-specific objectives and that will produce representative, sediment-free samples for the life of the monitoring program.  Learn how to avoid common errors in well design that end up costing you time and money later.  Field video is included at the end of the final module to explain how to install a monitoring well using direct-push technology.  While you may opt to take just one or two of these modules, it is strongly recommended that you take all 4 modules in the prescribed order if you want comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Module GWM–10 (Total Length: 58 minutes)

Objectives and Purposes of Monitoring Wells; Sources of Chemical Interference in Well Construction; Selection of Well Casing and Screen Materials; Methods for Joining Well Casing and Screen

• Discussion of ASTM Standard D 5092 on Ground-Water Monitoring Well Design and Construction
• Objectives and Purposes of Monitoring Wells
• Potential Sources of Chemical Interference in Drilling and Well Construction
• Selection of Well Casing and Screen Materials
  • PVC and Other Plastics
  • Mild Steel, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel
  • Stainless Steel
• Types of Joints Used for Casing and Screens

Total CEUs for Module GWM-10: 1.0 CEU

Module GWM–11 (Total Length: 63 minutes)

Optimizing Well Diameter; Types and Designs of Well Screens; Selecting Filter Pack Material Size and Well-Screen Slot Size; Optimizing Well Screen Length; Options for Monitoring Multiple Target Monitoring Zones

• Factors Influencing Selection of Well Diameter
• Types and Designs of Well Screens
  • Machine-Slotted Casing
  • Continuous-Wrap, Wire-Wound (V-Wire) Screens
• Principles of Proper Well Intake Design
• Selecting the Proper Filter Pack Grain Size
• Determining Optimal Well-Screen Slot Sizes
• Step-by-Step Filter-Pack and Well-Screen Design for Site-Specific Conditions
• Importance of Selecting an Appropriate Well Screen Length
• Negative Issues Associated With Long Well Screens
• Options for Monitoring Multiple Target Monitoring Zones
  • Multiple Vertically Spaced Short-Screened Wells (Well Clusters)
  • Multiple Completions in a Single Borehole (Well Nests)
  • Multiple-Screened Wells
  • Multi-Level Monitoring Systems

Total CEUs for Module GWM-11: 1.0 CEU

Module GWM–12 (Total Length: 52 minutes)

Selection and Installation of Filter-Pack Material Type; Selection and Installation of Effective Annular Seal Materials

• Selection and Installation of Filter-Pack Materials
  • Characteristics of an Appropriate Filter-Pack Sand
  • Techniques for Filter-Pack Installation
• Pre-Packed Well Screens – Advantages and Limitations
• Selection and Installation of Annular Seal Materials
  • Bentonite Materials
    • Bentonite Pellets, Chips, Granules and Grout
  • Neat Cement Grouts
    • ASTM C-150 Portland Cement
    • Cement Additives and Their Properties

Total CEUs for Module GWM-12: 1.0 CEU

Module GWM–13 (Total Length: 47 minutes)

Surface Protection for Monitoring Wells; Alternate Well Completions; Direct-Push Well Installation

• Surface Protection Measures
  • At-Grade and Below-Grade Completions
  • Above-Grade Completions
• Alternative Well Completions
  • Telescoping Well Completions
  • Bedrock Completions
• Direct-Push Well Installation
  • Proper Installation Techniques for Direct-Push Wells With Pre-Packed Well Screens

Total CEUs for Module GWM-13: 1.0 CEU

Topic: Ground-Water Monitoring Well Development

The well is installed, the surface completion is finished but the well is still not ready to sample.  Development is a critical step following construction of monitoring wells that is often short-changed or, sometimes, not implemented at all when new wells are installed at a site.  This can result in a detrimental impact on the ability of the new well to yield representative ground-water samples – from the perspective of ensuring adequate flow toward and into the well, volume of water available for sampling, and formation-quality ground-water samples.  This module debunks many of the myths and misunderstandings associated with well development.  Learn what types of development methods are available, which work well and which don’t work well, which methods should never be used in monitoring wells, and why some wells should not be developed.

Module GWM–14 (Total Length: 47 minutes)

Ground-Water Monitoring Well Development – Objectives, Applications, Methods and Procedures

• Discussion of ASTM Standard D 5521 on Development of Ground-Water Monitoring Wells
• Objectives and Purposes of Well Development
• Applications, Advantages and Limitations of Various Development Methods
• When and How Long to Develop Monitoring Wells
• Which Parameters to Monitor to Confirm Effective Well Development
• When Not to Develop Monitoring Wells

Total CEUs for Module GWM-14: 1.0 CEU