Groundwater Monitoring Wells

---

The installation of a monitoring well is a precise process that requires careful planning and execution. The key steps involved include:

Site Selection:

• The location for a monitoring well is chosen based on the purpose of the well, such as near potential contamination sources or within an aquifer recharge area.

Design and Specifications:

• The design includes determining the depth and diameter of the well, the type of casing to be used, and the screen intervals that allow water to enter the well while keeping out sediment.

Drilling Techniques:

• Our methods include rotary drilling, auger drilling, and direct push technology. The choice of technique depends on the geological conditions and the depth required.

Well Development:

• After drilling, we may develop the well to remove fine materials introduced during drilling. This process enhances the hydraulic connectivity between the well and the surrounding aquifer.

Installation of Well Casings and Screens:

• Casings are installed to stabilize the wellbore, while screens are placed at specific depths where water sampling or level monitoring is desired.

Grouting:

• A sealant such as bentonite or cement is used to seal the annular space between the casing and borehole walls to prevent surface contaminants from entering the aquifer.

Well Completion and Protection:

• The wellhead is completed with a cap that is lockable to prevent unauthorized access and contamination.

 At IPES, Inc., we are committed to providing top-notch environmental and contamination management solutions. One of the effective methods we employ in the remediation of contaminated sites is the use of chemical injection points to administer treatment agents directly into the subsurface. A commonly used chemical in our treatments is Micro-Blaze®, a microbial product that biodegrades organic contaminants. Below, we explain the process of installing chemical injection points for the administration of Micro-Blaze®. 

Chemical injection points are strategically placed systems that allow us to introduce remediation chemicals directly into the contaminated media (such as soil or groundwater) to treat pollutants on-site. This method is an integral part of in-situ remediation techniques, which treat contamination without the need to excavate or extract contaminated materials.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Site Assessment and Planning:

• Initial Survey: We conduct a detailed assessment of the contamination and the site characteristics. This includes understanding the type of contaminants, their concentrations, and the geology and hydrogeology of the site.
• Designing the Injection Strategy: Based on the initial survey, we plan the number, location, and depth of the injection points to effectively distribute Micro-Blaze® throughout the contaminated area.

2. Preparation of Injection Points:

• Drilling: Using specialized drilling equipment, we create boreholes at predetermined locations. The depth and spacing of these boreholes are designed to maximize the reach and impact of the treatment.
• Installation of Injection Wells: In each borehole, we install a well casing and screen. The casing prevents the borehole from collapsing, while the screen allows the treatment agent to flow into the surrounding soil and groundwater.

3. Mixing and Preparation of Micro-Blaze® or Other Solutions:

• Chemical Preparation: Micro-Blaze® is prepared according to the manufacturer's specifications. This often involves diluting the concentrate with water to achieve the desired strength for effective biodegradation.
• Testing: Before injection, the solution is tested to ensure it meets quality and safety standards.

4. Injection of Micro-Blaze®:

• Using Pumps: We use high-pressure pumps to inject the Micro-Blaze® solution into the ground through the installed wells.
• Monitoring Injection Rates: The flow rate and pressure are carefully monitored to ensure optimal distribution without causing dispersion of contaminants or excessive pressure build-up, which could fracture the subsurface.

5. Monitoring and Adjustment:

• Post-Injection Monitoring: After the initial injection, we monitor the site to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. This involves sampling soil and groundwater to detect changes in contaminant levels.
• Adjustments if Necessary: Based on the monitoring results, adjustments may be made to the treatment plan, including additional injections or modifications to the concentration of Micro-Blaze®.

6. Reporting and Documentation:

• We provide detailed reports documenting the entire process, including injection data, monitoring results, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Objective:
When Phase I ESA identifies potential contamination, a Phase II ESA is initiated to confirm and quantify these suspicions through direct sampling and laboratory analysis.

Key Components:

Developing a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP):
Based on the RECs identified in Phase I, we develop a detailed plan specifying the sampling methods, locations, types of tests, and analytical methods to be used.

1. Field Sampling:
   Our trained technicians collect soil, groundwater, surface water, and sometimes building materials to test for contaminants such as metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pesticides.
2. Laboratory Analysis:
   Samples are analyzed in certified laboratories to determine the concentration of various contaminants.
3. Evaluation of Results:
   The data obtained from the laboratory analysis are evaluated to assess the level of contamination against regulatory limits and to understand the potential risk to human health and the environment.
4. Report Preparation:
   A detailed report is prepared which includes the findings, maps, data tables, and an interpretation of the findings. The report will also outline any necessary remediation measures if hazardous substances exceed regulatory action levels.