ASTM D5995-18

Standard Guide for Environmental Site Investigation in Cold Regions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide, when used in conjunction with Guide D5730, provides direction to the selection of the various ASTM standards that are available for the investigation of soil, rock, the vadose zone, groundwater, and other media where the investigations have an environmental purpose and are conducted in cold regions of the world. It is intended to improve consistency of practice and to encourage rational planning of a site characterization program by providing information to assist in the design of an environmental reconnaissance or investigation plans. This guide is intended to provide information that will help reduce as much as possible the effect of site investigation operations on areas of frozen ground or permafrost and increase the safety of environmental operations in cold regions.  
4.2 This guide presents information and references for site characterization for environmental purposes in cold regions of the world.
SCOPE
1.1 Understanding environmental processes that occur in soil and rock systems in cold regions of the world depends on adequate characterization of not only the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and rock but also the climatic factors under which they exist. Processes of interest may include, but are not limited to, surface and subsurface hydrology, contaminant mobilization, distribution, fate and transport, chemical and biological degradation of wastes, geomorphological, and ecological processes in general.  
1.2 This guide should be used in conjunction with Guide D5730.  
1.3 This guide describes special problems to be considered when planning field investigations in cold regions. The primary focus of this guide is presenting the special problems and concerns of site characterization in the cold regions of the world.  
1.4 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater samples is specified by other ASTM standards that are not specifically discussed in this guide. Laboratory methods for measurement of physical properties relevant to environmental investigations are included in Guide D5730.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.6 This guide emphasizes the care that must be taken by all field personnel during operations in tundra and permafrost areas of the world.  
1.7 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.  
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Dec-2018
• ICS: 19.040 - Environmental testing
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.01 - Surface and Subsurface Investigation

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5995-98(2010) - Standard Guide for Environmental Site Characterization in Cold Regions
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D7099-04(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Frozen Soil and Rock
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5781/D5781M-18 - Standard Guide for Use of Dual-Wall Reverse-Circulation Drilling for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water Quality Monitoring Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5783-18 - Standard Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water-Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D5781/D5781M-13 - Standard Guide for Use of Dual-Wall Reverse-Circulation Drilling for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5783-95(2012) - Standard Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water-Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5409/D5409M-93(2010)e1 - Standard Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe a Groundwater Site; Part Two<char: emdash>Physical Descriptors (Withdrawn 2019)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM D5254/D5254M-92(2010)e1 - Standard Practice for Minimum Set of Data Elements to Identify a Groundwater Site (Withdrawn 2019)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM D5408-93(2010)e1 - Standard Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe a Groundwater Site;<br> Part One<char: emdash>Additional Identification Descriptors (Withdrawn 2019)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM D7099-04(2010) - Standard Terminology Relating to Frozen Soil and Rock
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008

Overview

ASTM D5995-18: Standard Guide for Environmental Site Investigation in Cold Regions is an essential resource for conducting environmental site assessments in areas characterized by cold climates, including tundra and permafrost zones. Developed by ASTM International, this guide offers comprehensive direction for selecting appropriate ASTM standards when characterizing soil, rock, vadose zones, and groundwater for environmental purposes in cold regions. It is designed to improve consistency and safety in site characterization practices, encourage rational planning, and mitigate environmental and safety risks unique to cold environments.

Key Topics

• Unique Challenges in Cold Regions: The guide highlights the difficulties of field operations in cold environments, emphasizing the need for specialized safety measures, equipment selection, and operational planning to address frozen ground, permafrost, severe weather, and vulnerable ecosystems.

• Impact on Tundra and Permafrost: Special care must be taken to minimize disturbances to fragile tundra surfaces and prevent irreversible degradation of permafrost, which can have long-term environmental impacts.

• Hydrology and Contaminant Transport: Understanding surface and subsurface hydrology, chemical and biological degradation, and the movement of contaminants is critical for sound environmental site investigations in these challenging conditions.

• Field Methods and Equipment: The standard provides guidance on the selection and implementation of field methods suitable for cold regions, including drilling, direct-push technology, and nonintrusive geophysical testing. Attention is given to the selection of durable and reliable equipment tested for cold temperatures.

• Data Collection and Planning: The guide stresses the importance of detailed site investigation plans, with clear objectives and thorough data collection, to ensure comprehensive characterization and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Safety Considerations: Safety in extreme cold climates is a primary concern, with recommendations for specific training, preparation, and risk assessment to protect personnel and the environment.

Applications

ASTM D5995-18 is utilized in a variety of environmental and engineering fields where site investigations in cold regions are required, such as:

• Environmental Impact Assessments for proposed industrial and infrastructure projects in arctic, subarctic, and alpine regions.
• Contaminated Site Remediation Planning to inform cleanup strategies that minimize the spread of contaminants through permafrost and groundwater.
• Site Characterization for Land Development to ensure safe construction practices and long-term stability of structures in cold regions.
• Hydrogeological Studies to assess groundwater behavior and interactions with permafrost, particularly when drilling or installing monitoring wells.
• Ecological Monitoring to protect sensitive arctic and subarctic ecosystems during field operations.

Organizations engaged in mining, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure development, and environmental consulting in cold regions will find this guide invaluable for ensuring best practices, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

The guide is intended for use alongside several referenced ASTM standards and terminology documents, including:

• ASTM D5730: Guide for site characterization for environmental purposes, with emphasis on soil, rock, vadose zone, and groundwater.
• ASTM D653: Terminology relating to soil, rock, and contained fluids.
• ASTM D4083: Practice for description of frozen soils (visual-manual procedure).
• ASTM D5254/D5254M, D5408, D5409/D5409M, D5410: Standards for documenting and identifying groundwater sites.
• ASTM D5781/D5781M: Guide for reverse-circulation drilling in geoenvironmental exploration.
• ASTM D5783: Use of direct rotary drilling with water-based fluids.
• ASTM D6001: Direct-push groundwater sampling for environmental site characterization.
• ASTM D7099: Terminology relating to frozen soil and rock.

Together, these standards provide a robust framework for environmental site investigations in cold climates, enabling practitioners to perform thorough risk assessments, protect fragile environments, and support informed decision-making.

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Keywords: ASTM D5995-18, environmental site investigation, cold regions, permafrost, tundra, groundwater, soil characterization, frozen ground, arctic, site assessment, field methods, safety, environmental standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5995 − 18
Standard Guide for
Environmental Site Investigation in Cold Regions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5995; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
1.1 Understanding environmental processes that occur in
document means only that the document has been approved
soil and rock systems in cold regions of the world depends on
through the ASTM consensus process.
adequate characterization of not only the physical, chemical,
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and biological properties of soil and rock but also the climatic
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
factors under which they exist. Processes of interest may
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
include, but are not limited to, surface and subsurface
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
hydrology, contaminant mobilization, distribution, fate and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
transport, chemical and biological degradation of wastes,
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
geomorphological, and ecological processes in general.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 This guide should be used in conjunction with Guide
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
D5730.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3 This guide describes special problems to be considered
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
whenplanningfieldinvestigationsincoldregions.Theprimary
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
focus of this guide is presenting the special problems and
concerns of site characterization in the cold regions of the
2. Referenced Documents
world.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.4 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
samples is specified by other ASTM standards that are not
Fluids
specifically discussed in this guide. Laboratory methods for
D4083 Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual-
measurement of physical properties relevant to environmental
Manual Procedure)
investigations are included in Guide D5730.
D5254/D5254M Practice for Minimum Set of Data Ele-
ments to Identify a Groundwater Site
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D5408 Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe a
standard.
Groundwater Site; Part One—Additional Identification
1.6 This guide emphasizes the care that must be taken by all
Descriptors
field personnel during operations in tundra and permafrost
D5409/D5409M Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe
areas of the world.
a Groundwater Site; Part Two—Physical Descriptors
1.7 This guide offers an organized collection of information D5410 Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe a
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
Groundwater Site;Part Three—Usage Descriptors (With-
course of action. This document cannot replace education or drawn 2016)
experienceandshouldbeusedinconjunctionwithprofessional
D5730 Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
and Groundwater (Withdrawn 2013)
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of D5781/D5781M Guide for Use of Dual-Wall Reverse-
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
Circulation Drilling for Geoenvironmental Exploration
1 2
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoilandRock For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Characterization. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2018. Published December 2018. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D5995–98(2010). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D5995-18. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5995 − 18
and the Installation of Subsurface Water Quality Monitor- 5.2.2 Give special attention to any operation using a motor-
ing Devices ized or heat producing unit (for example, drilling equipment).
D5783 Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water- These items must be insulated in order to protect permafrost or
Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Exploration frozen surface layers against heat transfer, which can result in
and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitor- irreversible degradation of the vegetation and underlying
ing Devices permafrost.
D6001 Guide for Direct-Push Groundwater Sampling for
5.3 Very Cold Temperatures—Field operations during sea-
Environmental Site Characterization
sons of very cold temperatures demand special planning and
D7099 Terminology Relating to Frozen Soil and Rock
concern. Work elements that would take only an hour or so to
perform in temperate climates may take several days to
3. Terminology
perform under the winter temperatures of cold regions. Site
3.1 Definitions:
investigationplanningshouldtakeintoconsiderationandallow
3.1.1 Fordefinitionsofcommontechnicaltermsusedinthis
sufficient time to perform all steps of the investigation. Some
standard, refer to Terminology standards D653 and D7099.
procedures, such as tactile methods for visual-manual classifi-
cation of soils, may not be feasible during cold weather.
4. Significance and Use
5.4 Permafrost—The cold winters and short summers of the
4.1 This guide, when used in conjunction with Guide
polar regions produce a layer of frozen ground or permafrost
D5730, provides direction to the selection of the various
that remains frozen through the summer. Permafrost is a
ASTM standards that are available for the investigation of soil,
phenomenon of the polar and subpolar regions of the world.
rock,thevadosezone,groundwater,andothermediawherethe
About 20 % of the world’s land is underlain by permafrost.
investigations have an environmental purpose and are con-
Permafrost and permafrost hazards uniquely affect most activi-
ducted in cold regions of the world. It is intended to improve
ties in the cold regions, and permafrost and associated hazards
consistency of practice and to encourage rational planning of a
must be considered in the planning of all environmental site
site characterization program by providing information to
characterization operations.
assist in the design of an environmental reconnaissance or
5.4.1 Many permafrost areas of the world are not in equi-
investigation plans. This guide is intended to provide informa-
librium with the existing climate.Any small disturbance of the
tion that will help reduce as much as possible the effect of site
thermal regime of the permafrost, such as a tire track or drill
investigation operations on areas of frozen ground or perma-
hole, may result in a drastic change in the underlying perma-
frost and increase the safety of environmental operations in
frost.Therefore,extremecaremustbegiventopreventdamage
cold regions.
to the environment when conducting characterization opera-
4.2 This guide presents information and references for site
tions in areas underlain by permafrost.
characterization for environmental purposes in cold regions of
5.4.2 Permafrost acts as a natural barrier in some areas,
the world.
containing aquifers not usually exposed to surface conditions.
Penetration of the permafrost layer into underlying groundwa-
5. Special Problems of Cold Regions
ter during installation of monitoring wells or collection of deep
5.1 Safety—When working in very cold temperatures safety
coresamplescanincreaseandexacerbatethefateandtransport
is of utmost importance. Weather is volatile and unpredictable.
of environmental contaminants. This can, in turn, change a
Thedifficultyofworkingunderarcticconditionstendstocause
relatively small, contained site into a much larger area of
frustration and increases the chance of injury. Freezing of
contamination with greater environmental impact in a region
exposed flesh and hypothermia can occur very quickly under
with fragile, highly specialized flora and fauna.
winter conditions. Specific training in arctic survival tech-
niques is recommended for anyone expected to work in these 5.5 Seepage Icings—Groundwater that seeps or flows at
ground surface often results in the formation of disruptive
conditions.
icings. Because many of these seepage sites are located along
5.2 Tundra—All operations in areas of tundra must be
road cuts the icings may result in loss of use of the roadway.
undertaken with special care. What causes a minor impact in a
Seepage icings from uncontrolled artesian well flow have been
temperate region from a small environmental site characteriza-
known to cause disruptions. Seasonal frost moves downward
tion study will have a greater impact on tundra or areas
morequicklyalongroadwaysthanitdoesadjacentundisturbed
underlain by permafrost. Special care and attention during the
areas.At times, seasonal frost will move downward to contact
planning process must be given to field operations to prevent
the underlying permafrost and form a frost dam within the soil
damage to the tundra surface and vegetation. Winter field
that impedes the flow of groundwater. Hydrostatic pressure
operations when tundra is protected by snow and ice are less
will then increase, forcing water to the surface forming an
damaging than summer operations but increase difficulties
icing. Special attention must be given when undertaking
created by very cold temperatures (see 5.3).
environmental site investigations in cold regions to prevent the
5.2.1 Give special attention to all operations using any form
occurrence of icings, unless specifically created by design for
of vehicle in tundra areas. Because of the fragile nature of
construction of winter haul roads.
tundra only a single vehicle pass or aircraft landing can cause
uncontrolled degradation of the vegetation and underlying 5.6 Frost Heaving—Inareasoffine-grainedsediments,such
permafrost. as silt and clay, frost heaving along with loss of bearing
D5995 − 18
strength is a major problem that must be considered when physical testing methods, such as seismic refraction, electro-
installing recorder sites for monitoring operations in cold magneticinduction,andground-penetratingradarmayenhance
regions. Frost heaving may distort structures, collapse well sampling programs and selection of locations for monitoring
casings, and cause changes in casing elevations of wells. If not well installations.
corrected,changesincasingelevationmayresultinwaterlevel
6.2.3 A site investigation plan in cold regions usually will
measurements that are not correct. During design, siting or require a subsurface temperature monitoring system to help
construction of structures, frost heaving must be considered
assess natural seasonal changes in ground conditions and
and taken into account. document impacts of disturbance on tundra ecosystems.
5.7 Transient Artesian Conditions—During drilling
7. Field Methods
operations, special attention must be given to possible artesian
groundwater conditions below any existing permafrost layers.
7.1 All field procedures shall be documented by identifying
Drilling operations in cold regions must include plans for
time, date, location, meteorological conditions, and personnel
dealing with the artesian pressures and blow-out prevention,
involved.PracticeD5254/D5254MandGuidesD5408,D5409/
such as the use of forward rotary drilling equipment and mud
D5409M, and D5410 identify minimum and additional data
additives to increase the specific weight of the drilling fluid
elements for identifying a groundwater site, and can serve as
duringdrilling.GuideD5783ondirectrotarydrillingshouldbe
checklists so that important information is not omitted.
consulted for information on use of drilling fluid additives.
Samples collected shall be assigned a unique descriptor num-
ber to specifically identify sample location and for reference to
6. Site Investigation Plan
field log data.
6.1 Review objectives of the investigation prior to final
7.2 Practice D4083 presents a procedure for the description
development of a detailed site investigation plan, involving
of frozen soils based on visual examination and simple manual
individuals or organizations with experience working in such
tests.
regions. The detailed site investigation plan should clearly
7.3 Equipment Selection—When several alternatives are
identify the types of data that are necessary to meet the
available to achieve a given objective, all factors should be
objectives of the investigation. Considerations for identifying
consi
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5995 − 98 (Reapproved 2010) D5995 − 18
Standard Guide for
Environmental Site CharacterizationInvestigation in Cold
Regions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5995; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Understanding environmental processes that occur in soil and rock systems in cold regions of the
world depends on adequate characterization of not only the physical, chemical, and biological
properties of soil and rock but also the climatic factors under which they exist. Processes of interest
may include, but are not limited to, surface and subsurface hydrology, contaminant mobilization,
distribution, fate and transport, chemical and biological degradation of wastes, geomorphological, and
ecological processes in general.
1. Scope
1.1 Understanding environmental processes that occur in soil and rock systems in cold regions of the world depends on adequate
characterization of not only the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and rock but also the climatic factors under
which they exist. Processes of interest may include, but are not limited to, surface and subsurface hydrology, contaminant
mobilization, distribution, fate and transport, chemical and biological degradation of wastes, geomorphological, and ecological
processes in general.
1.2 Use this guide This guide should be used in conjunction with Guide D5730.
1.3 This guide describes special problems to be considered when planning field investigations in cold regions. The primary
focus of this guide is presenting the special problems and concerns of site characterization in the cold regions of the world.
1.4 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater samples is specified by other ASTM standards that are not specifically
discussed in this guide. Laboratory methods for measurement of physical properties relevant to environmental investigations are
included in Guide D5730.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.6 This guide emphasizes the care that must be taken by all field personnel during operations in tundra and permafrost areas
of the world.
1.7 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course
of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment.
Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace
the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied
without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the
document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface
Characterization.
Current edition approved May 1, 2010Dec. 15, 2018. Published September 2010December 2018. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20042010
as D5995–98(2004).D5995–98(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D5995-98R10.10.1520/D5995-18.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5995 − 18
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D4083 Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
D5254D5254/D5254M Practice for Minimum Set of Data Elements to Identify a Groundwater Site
D5408 Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe a Groundwater Site; Part One—Additional Identification Descriptors
D5409D5409/D5409M Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe a Groundwater Site; Part Two—Physical Descriptors
D5410 Guide for Set of Data Elements to Describe a Groundwater Site;Part Three—Usage Descriptors (Withdrawn 2016)
D5730 Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone and
Groundwater (Withdrawn 2013)
D5781D5781/D5781M Guide for Use of Dual-Wall Reverse-Circulation Drilling for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the
Installation of Subsurface Water Quality Monitoring Devices
D5783 Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water-Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the
Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
D6001 Guide for Direct-Push Groundwater Sampling for Environmental Site Characterization
D7099 Terminology Relating to Frozen Soil and Rock
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions: Definitions of terms used in this guide are in accordance with Terminology D653.
3.1.1 GuideFor D5730 identifies major references from a range of disciplines that can be used asdefinitions of common
technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology standards D653 additionaland D7099sources for definitions of terms
that are related to environmental site characterization. .
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 active layer, n—the top layer of ground above the permafrost table that thaws each summer and refreezes each fall.
3.2.2 alpine permafrost, n—permafrost developed in temperate climate mountainous areas of the world.
3.2.3 continuous permafrost, n—permafrost occurring everywhere beneath the exposed land surface throughout a geographic
regional zone, with the exception of widely scattered sites, such as newly deposited unconsolidated sediments, where the climate
has just begun to impose its influence on the ground thermal regime that will cause the formation of continuous permafrost.
3.2.4 discontinuous permafrost, n—permafrost occurring in some areas beneath the ground surface throughout a geographic
regional zone where other areas are free of permafrost.
3.2.5 icing, n—a sheet-like mass of layered ice, either on the ground surface or on the surface of river ice. Aufeis (German),
Naled (Russian).
3.2.6 permafrost, n—the thermal condition in earth materials where temperatures below 0 °C persist over at least two
consecutive winters and the intervening summer; moisture in the form of water and ground ice may or may not be present. Earth
materials in this thermal condition may be described as perennially frozen, irrespective of their water and ice content.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide, when used in conjunction with Guide D5730, provides direction to the selection of the various ASTM standards
that are available for the investigation of soil, rock, the vadose zone, groundwater, and other media where the investigations have
an environmental purpose and are conducted in cold regions of the world. It is intended to improve consistency of practice and
to encourage rational planning of a site characterization program by providing information to assist in the design of an
environmental reconnaissance or investigation plans. This guide is intended to provide information that will help minimize reduce
as much as possible the effect of site characterizationinvestigation operations on areas of frozen ground or permafrost and increase
the safety of environmental operations in cold regions.
4.2 This guide presents information and references for site characterization for environmental purposes in cold regions of the
world.
5. Special Problems of Cold Regions
5.1 Safety—When working in very cold temperatures safety is of utmost importance. Weather is volatile and unpredictable. The
difficulty of working under arctic conditions tends to cause frustration and increases the chance of injury. Freezing of exposed flesh
and hypothermia can occur very quickly under winter conditions. Specific training in arctic survival techniques in accordance with
the Department of the Army or comparable training is recommended for anyone expected to work in these conditions.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
D5995 − 18
5.2 Tundra—All operations in areas of tundra must be undertaken with special care. What causes a minor impact in a temperate
region from a small environmental site characterization study will have a greater impact on tundra or areas underlain by permafrost.
Special care and attention during the planning process must be given to field operations to prevent damage to the tundra surface
and vegetation. Winter field operations when tundra is protected by snow and ice are less damaging than summer operations but
increase difficulties created by very cold temperatures (see 5.3).
5.2.1 Give special attention to all operations using any form of vehicle in tundra areas. Because of the fragile nature of tundra
only a single vehicle pass or aircraft landing may be all that is required to can cause uncontrolled degradation of the vegetation
and underlying permafrost.
5.2.2 Give special attention to any operation using a motorized or heat producing unit (for example, drilling equipment). These
items must be insulated in order to protect permafrost or frozen surface layers against heat transfer, which can result in irreversible
degradation of the vegetation and underlying permafrost.
5.3 Very Cold Temperatures—Field operations during seasons of very cold temperatures requiredemand special planning and
concern. Work elements that would requiretake only an hour or so to perform in temperate climates may requiretake several days
to perform under the winter temperatures of cold regions. Site investigation planning should take into consideration and allow
sufficient time to perform all steps of the investigation. Some procedures, such as tactile methods for visual-manual classification
of soils, may not be feasible during cold weather.
5.4 Permafrost—The cold winters and short summers of the polar regions produce a layer of frozen ground or permafrost that
remains frozen through the summer. Permafrost is a phenomenon of the polar and subpolar regions of the world. About 20 % of
the world’s land is underlain by permafrost. Permafrost and permafrost hazards uniquely affect most activities in the cold regions,
and permafrost and associated hazards must be considered in the planning of all environmental site characterization operations.
5.4.1 Many permafrost areas of the world are not in equilibrium with the existing climate. Any small disturbance of the thermal
regime of the permafrost, such as a tire track or drill hole, may result in a drastic change in the underlying permafrost. Therefore,
extreme care must be given to prevent damage to the environment when conducting characterization operations in areas underlain
by permafrost.
5.4.2 Permafrost acts as a natural barrier in some areas, containing aquifers not usually exposed to surface conditions.
Penetration of the permafrost layer into underlying groundwater during installation of monitoring wells or collection of deep core
samples can increase and exacerbate the fate and transport of environmental contaminants. This can, in turn, change a relatively
small, contained site into a much larger area of contamination with greater environmental impact in a region with fragile, highly
specialized flora and fauna.
5.5 Seepage Icings—Groundwater that seeps or flows at ground surface often results in the formation of disruptive icings.
Because many of these seepage sites are located along road cuts the icings may result in loss of use of the roadway. Seepage icings
from uncontrolled artesian well flow have been known to cause disruptions. Seasonal frost moves downward more quickly along
roadways than it does adjacent undisturbed areas. At times, seasonal frost will move downward to contact the underlying
permafrost and form a frost dam within the soil that impedes the flow of groundwater. Hydrostatic pressure will then increase,
forcing water to the surface forming an icing. Special attention must be given when undertaking environmental site investigations
in cold regions to prevent the occurrence of icings, unless specifically created by design for construction of winter haul roads.
5.6 Frost Heaving—In areas of fine-grained sediments, such as silt and clay, frost heaving along with loss of bearing strength
is a major problem that must be considered when installing recorder sites for monitoring operations in cold regions. Frost heaving
may distort structures, collapse well casings, and cause changes in casing elevations of wells. If not corrected, changes in casing
elevation may result in water level measurements that are not correct. During design, siting or construction of structures, frost
heaving must be considered and taken into account.
5.7 Transient Artesian Conditions—During drilling operations, special attention must be given to possible artesian groundwater
conditions below any existing permafrost layers. Drilling operations in cold regions must include plans for dealing with the artesian
pressures and blow-out prevention. This may require prevention, such as the use of forward rotary drilling equipment and mud
additives to increase the specific weight of the drilling fluid during drilling. Guide D5783 on direct rotary drilling should be
consulted for information on use of drilling fluid additives.
6. Site Investigation Plan
6.1 Review objectives of the investigation prior to final development of a detailed site investigation plan. In cold regions this
requires the involvement of plan, involving individuals or organizations with experience working in such regions. The detailed site
investigation plan should clearly identify the types of data that are requirednecessary to meet the objectives of the investigation.
Consideratio
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