WorldWide Drilling Resource

Environmental Monitoring by Thomas Kwader, Ph.D., P.G. WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Hydrogeologist Protect the Wellhead! Sometimes we forget what we put on the ground can end up in our drinking water. Before we commence drilling a new well, it would be advisable to learn the history or land use of the proposed well site. 1) What is the history of the site? Is it native, unused, or developed? 2) Does the land have a residential history or agricultural usage? 3) Are there any prior uses of concern (i.e., gas stations, dry cleaners, manufacturing facility; or is there a possibility of buried garbage, etc.?) A new well can be a huge investment. It may be advisable to drill a test hole and sample the water at the uppermost water table encountered. Chemical analysis of the water sample can be relatively expensive, but so can completing a well that cannot be used. If a groundwater sample can be obtained, it may be worthwhile to have a chemical analysis performed for indicators of contamination - particularly hydrocarbons, nitrates, coliform bacteria, and iron, as well as other parameters specifically related to prior known usage(s) of the property. Keep in mind what types of activities are believed to be uphill from the site, such as agriculture, septic tanks, land- fills, and abandoned businesses. A sample of the shallow water prior to investing in a producing well may be “well” worthwhile. Another factor regarding the protec- tion of a good groundwater supply is the presence of low or impermeable clays overlying the target aquifer. A few layers of dense clay can help protect the aquifer from surface contamination if the clays are sufficiently thick and extensive in the area. A true short story: I was once required to have an annual pulmonary test to assure my lung capacity was not declining. My Pulmonologist was constantly complaining about water at his home “tasting funny”. I learned he was on a private well and it had never been tested. A sample was obtained and run by our city water quality lab and it showed TCE (trichloroethylene), a known human carcinogen, at over twice the max- imum contaminant level. The city provided a new water line; and the contamination was found to be from a tanker truck wash- ing facility about half a mile away. Tom michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com 22 DECEMBER 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® The WWDR camera found Nathan and Jeremy with T & T Carbide, Inc. at the 2019 International Construction & Utility Equipment Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. Serving the construction, gas and oil, geothermal, horizontal directional, mining, and water well drilling industries, the company offers: Hole Openers Tricone Bits PDC Bits Fly Cutters Barrel Reamers Sub Adapters They also specialize in custom-built hole openers and back reamers from 8 to 60 inches. T & T Carbide, Inc. is a Valued WWDR Advertiser. ENV