ASTM D5299-99(2012)e1
(Guide)Standard Guide for Decommissioning of Groundwater Wells, Vadose Zone Monitoring Devices, Boreholes, and Other Devices for Environmental Activities
Standard Guide for Decommissioning of Groundwater Wells, Vadose Zone Monitoring Devices, Boreholes, and Other Devices for Environmental Activities
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Decommissioning of boreholes and monitoring wells, and other devices requires that the specific characteristics of each site be considered. The wide variety of geological, biological, and physical conditions, construction practices, and chemical composition of the surrounding soil, rock, waste, and groundwater precludes the use of a single decommissioning practice. The procedures discussed in this guide are intended to aid the geologist or engineer in selecting the tasks required to plan, choose materials for, and carry out an effective permanent decommissioning operation. Each individual situation should be evaluated separately and the appropriate technology applied to best meet site conditions. Considerations for selection of appropriate procedures are presented in this guide, but other considerations based on site specific conditions should also be taken into account.Note 6—Ideally, decommissioning should be considered as an integral part of the design of the monitoring well. Planning at this early stage can make the decommissioning activity easier to accomplish. See Practice D5092 for details on monitoring well construction.
5.2 This guide is intended to provide technical information and is not intended to supplant statutes or regulations. Approval of the appropriate regulatory authorities should be an important consideration during the decommissioning process.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers procedures that are specifically related to permanent decommissioning (closure) of the following as applied to environmental activities. It is intended for use where solid or hazardous materials or wastes are found, or where conditions occur requiring the need for decommissioning. The following devices are considered in this guide:
1.1.1 A borehole used for geoenvironmental purposes (see Note 1),
1.1.2 Monitoring wells,
1.1.3 Observation wells,
1.1.4 Injection wells (see Note 2),
1.1.5 Piezometers,
1.1.6 Wells used for the extraction of contaminated groundwater, the removal of floating or submerged materials other than water such as gasoline or tetrachloroethylene, or other devices used for the extraction of soil gas,
1.1.7 A borehole used to construct a monitoring well, and
1.1.8 Any other vadose zone monitoring device.
1.2 Temporary decommissioning of the above is not covered in this guide. Note 1—This guide may be used to decommission boreholes where no contamination is observed at a site (see Practice D420 for details); however, the primary use of the guide is to decommission boreholes and wells where solid or hazardous waste have been identified. Methods identified in this guide can also be used in other situations such as the decommissioning of water supply wells and boreholes where water contaminated with nonhazardous pollutants (such as nitrates or sulfates) are present. This guide should be consulted in the event that a routine geotechnical investigation indicates the presence of contamination at a site.Note 2—The term “well” is used in this guide to denote monitoring wells, piezometers, or other devices constructed in a manner similar to a well. Some of the devices listed such as injection and extraction wells can be decommissioned using this guide for information, but are not specifically covered in the text.Note 3—Details on the decommissioning of multiple-screened wells are not provided in this guide due to the many methods used to construct these types of wells and the numerous types of commercially available multiple-screened well systems. However, in some instances, the methods presented in this guide may be used with few changes. An example of how this guide may be used is the complete removal of the multiple-screened wells by overdrilling.
1.3 Most monitoring wells and piezometers are intended primarily for water quality sampling, water level observation, or soil gas sampling, or combination thereof, to determine quality. Many wells are relatively s...
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation: D5299 − 99 (Reapproved 2012)
Standard Guide for
Decommissioning of Groundwater Wells, Vadose Zone
Monitoring Devices, Boreholes, and Other Devices for
Environmental Activities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5299; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in February 2012.
be decommissioned using this guide for information, but are not specifi-
1. Scope
cally covered in the text.
1.1 This guide covers procedures that are specifically re-
NOTE 3—Details on the decommissioning of multiple-screened wells
latedtopermanentdecommissioning(closure)ofthefollowing are not provided in this guide due to the many methods used to construct
these types of wells and the numerous types of commercially available
as applied to environmental activities. It is intended for use
multiple-screenedwellsystems.However,insomeinstances,themethods
where solid or hazardous materials or wastes are found, or
presentedinthisguidemaybeusedwithfewchanges.Anexampleofhow
where conditions occur requiring the need for decommission-
this guide may be used is the complete removal of the multiple-screened
ing. The following devices are considered in this guide:
wells by overdrilling.
1.1.1 A borehole used for geoenvironmental purposes (see
1.3 Most monitoring wells and piezometers are intended
Note 1),
primarily for water quality sampling, water level observation,
1.1.2 Monitoring wells,
or soil gas sampling, or combination thereof, to determine
1.1.3 Observation wells,
quality. Many wells are relatively small in diameter and are
1.1.4 Injection wells (see Note 2),
used to monitor for hazardous chemicals in groundwater.
1.1.5 Piezometers,
Decommissioning of monitoring wells is necessary to:
1.1.6 Wells used for the extraction of contaminated
1.3.1 Eliminate the possibility that the well is used for
groundwater, the removal of floating or submerged materials
purposes other than intended,
other than water such as gasoline or tetrachloroethylene, or
1.3.2 Prevent migration of contaminants into an aquifer or
other devices used for the extraction of soil gas,
between aquifers,
1.1.7 A borehole used to construct a monitoring well, and
1.3.3 Preventmigrationofcontaminantsinthevadosezone,
1.1.8 Any other vadose zone monitoring device.
1.3.4 Reduce the potential for vertical or horizontal migra-
1.2 Temporary decommissioning of the above is not cov-
tion of fluids in the well or adjacent to the well, and
ered in this guide.
1.3.5 Remove the well from active use when the well is no
longer capable of rehabilitation, or has failed structurally; no
NOTE1—Thisguidemaybeusedtodecommissionboreholeswhereno
longerrequiredformonitoring;nolongercapableofproviding
contamination is observed at a site (see Practice D420 for details);
however, the primary use of the guide is to decommission boreholes and representative samples or is providing unreliable samples; or
wells where solid or hazardous waste have been identified. Methods
required to be decommissioned; or to meet regulatory require-
identified in this guide can also be used in other situations such as the
ments.
decommissioning of water supply wells and boreholes where water
contaminated with nonhazardous pollutants (such as nitrates or sulfates) NOTE 4—The determination of whether a well is providing a represen-
are present. This guide should be consulted in the event that a routine
tativewaterqualitysampleisnotdefinedinthisguide.Examplesofwhen
geotechnical investigation indicates the presence of contamination at a a representative water quality sample may not be collected include the
site.
biological or chemical clogging of well screens, a drop in water level to
NOTE 2—The term “well” is used in this guide to denote monitoring below the base of the well screen, or complete silting of a tail pipe.These
wells, piezometers, or other devices constructed in a manner similar to a
conditions may indicate that a well is not functioning properly.
well.Someofthedeviceslistedsuchasinjectionandextractionwellscan
1.4 This guide is intended to provide information for effec-
tivepermanentclosureofwellssothatthephysicalstructureof
thewelldoesnotprovideameansofhydrauliccommunication
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoilandRock
betweenaquifersorreactchemicallyinadetrimentalwaywith
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and
Vadose Zone Investigations.
the environment.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2012. Published December 2012. Originally
1.5 The intent of this guide is to provide procedures that
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D5299–99(2005).
DOI: 10.1520/D5299-99R12E01. when followed result in a reasonable level of confidence in the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
D5299 − 99 (2012)
integrityofthedecommissioningactivity.However,itmaynot borehole or well. This record is useful in visually observing
be possible to verify the integrity of the decommissioning downhole conditions such as collapsed casing or a blocked
procedure. At this time, methods are not available to substan- screen.
tially determine the integrity of the decommissioning activity.
3.2.4 blowout—a sudden or violent uncontrolled escape of
1.6 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded fluids or gas, or both, from a borehole.
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
3.2.5 caliper log—a geophysical borehole log that shows to
information only.
scalethevariationswithdepthinthemeandiameterofacased
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
or uncased borehole.
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.6 cement,API, ClassA—acementintendedforusefrom
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the surface to a depth of 6000 ft (1828 m). This cement is
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
similar to ASTM Type I cement.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.7 cement,API, Class B—acementintendedforusefrom
1.8 This guide offers an organized collection of information
the surface to a depth of 6000 ft (1828 m) when conditions
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
require moderate- to high-sulfate resistance. This cement is
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
similar to ASTM Type II cement.
experienceandshouldbeusedinconjunctionwithprofessional
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
3.2.8 cement, API, Class C—this cement is intended for use
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
from the surface to a depth of 6000 ft (1828 m) when
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
conditionsrequirehighearlystrength.Thiscementissimilarto
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
ASTM Type III cement. Also available as a high sulfate
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
resistant type.
unique aspects. The word“ Standard” in the title of this
3.2.9 cement, API, Class G—this cement is intended for use
document means only that the document has been approved
from the surface to a depth of 8000 ft (2438 m). It can be used
through the ASTM consensus process.
with accelerators or retarders to cover a wide range of well
NOTE 5—If state and local regulations are in effect where the decom-
depths and temperatures. No additions other than calcium
missioning is to occur, the regulations take precedence over this guide.
sulfateorwater,orboth,canbeintergroundorblendedwiththe
2. Referenced Documents
clinker during manufacture of the cement. Also available as
several sulfate-resistant types.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C150Specification for Portland Cement
3.2.10 cement, API, Class H—this cement is intended for
D420GuidetoSiteCharacterizationforEngineeringDesign
use from the surface to a depth of 8000 ft (2438 m). It can be
and Construction Purposes (Withdrawn 2011)
used with accelerators or retarders to cover a wide range of
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
well depths and temperatures. No additions other than calcium
Fluids
sulfateorwater,orboth,canbeintergroundorblendedwiththe
D4380Test Method for Density of Bentonitic Slurries
clinker during manufacture of the cement. Also available as a
D5088Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
sulfate-resistant type.
Used at Waste Sites
3.2.11 cement,API, Class J—thiscementisintendedforuse
D5092Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater
from depths of 12000 to 16000 ft (3658 to 4877 m) under
Monitoring Wells
conditionsofextremelyhightemperaturesandpressures.Itcan
beusedwithacceleratorsandretarderstocoverarangeofwell
3. Terminology
depths and temperatures. No additions of retarders other than
3.1 Definitions:
calcium sulfate, or water, or both, can be interground or
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms in this
blended with the clinker during manufacture of the cement.
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2.12 cement bond (sonic) log—aboreholegeophysicallog
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
thatcanbeusedtodeterminetheeffectivenessofacementseal
3.2.1 abandonment—see decommissioning.
of the annular space of a well.
3.2.2 attapulgite clay—a chain-lattice clay mineral. The
term also applies to a group of clay minerals that are 3.2.13 channeling—the process of forming a vertical cavity
lightweight, tough, matted, and fibrous. resulting from a faulty cement job in the annular space.
3.2.3 borehole television log—a borehole or well video
3.2.14 curing accelerator—a material added to cement to
record produced by lowering a television camera into the
decrease the time for curing. Examples are sodium chloride,
calcium sulfate (gypsum), and aluminum powder.
3.2.15 curing retarder—a material added to cement to
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
increase the time for curing. Sodium chloride in high concen-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on trations is an example.
the ASTM website.
3.2.16 decommissioning (closure)—the engineered closure
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. of a well, borehole, or other subsurface monitoring device
´1
D5299 − 99 (2012)
sealed with plugging materials. Decommissioning also in- 3.2.31 plugging material—a material that has a hydraulic
cludes the planning and documenting of all associated activi- conductivity equal to or less than that of the geologic forma-
tion(s) to be sealed. Typical materials include portland cement
ties. A synonym is abandonment.
and bentonite.
3.2.17 decontamination—the process of removing undesir-
3.2.32 pre-conditioning—an activity conducted prior to
able physical or chemical constituents, or both, from equip-
placing plugging material into a borehole in order to stabilize
ment to reduce the potential for cross-contamination.
the hole.
3.2.18 fallback—shrinkage, settlement, or loss of plugging
3.2.33 temporary decommissioning—theengineeredclosure
material placed in a borehole or well.
of a well intended to be returned to service at some later date
3.2.19 fire clay—a silicious clay rich in hydrous aluminum
(generally no more than six months). Temporary plugging
silicates.
shouldnotdamagethestructuralintegrityofthewell.Plugging
materials consist of sand, bentonite, or other easily removed
3.2.20 flow log—a borehole geophysical log used to record
materials.
verticalmovementofgroundwaterandmovementofwaterinto
or out of a well or borehole and between formations within a
4. Summary of Guide
well.
4.1 Information is provided on the significance of properly
3.2.21 geophysical borehole log—a log obtained by lower-
decommissioning boreholes and wells at sites containing or
inganinstrumentintoaboreholeandcontinuouslyrecordinga
formerly containing solid or hazardous waste or hazardous
physical property of native or backfill material and contained
materials or their byproducts, or that may be affected by solid
fluids. Examples include resistivity, induction, caliper, sonic,
or hazardous waste materials or their byproducts in the future.
and natural gamma logs.
Thisguidemaybeusedinsituationswherewaterqualityinone
aquifer may be detrimental to another aquifer either above or
3.2.22 grout—material consisting of bentonite, cement, or a
below the aquifer. The primary purpose of decommissioning
cement-bentonite mixture.
activities is to permanently decommission the borehole or
3.2.23 grout pipe—a pipe or tube that is used to transport
monitoringdevicesothatthenaturalmigrationofgroundwater
cement,bentonite,orotherpluggingmaterialsfromtheground
or soil vapor is not significantly influenced. Decommissioned
surface to a specified depth in a well or borehole.The material
boreholes and wells should have no adverse influence on the
may be allowed to flow freely or it may be injected under
local environment than the original geologic setting.
pressure. The term tremie pipe is frequently used interchange-
4.2 It is important to have a good understanding of the
ably.
geology, hydrogeology, well construction, historic and future
3.2.24 hydraulic communication—the migration of fluids
land use, chemicals encountered, and the regulatory environ-
from one zone to another, with reference to this guide;
ment for successful decommissioning to occur.
especially along a casing, grout plug, or through backfill
4.3 Various materials suitable for decommissioning bore-
materials.
holes and wells are discussed, including their positive and
3.2.25 multiple-screened wells—two or more monitoring negative attributes for decommissioning.Ageneralized proce-
dure is provided that discusses the process from planning
wellssituatedinthesameborehole.Thesedevicescanbeeither
throughimplementationanddocumentation.Examplesoftypi-
individual casing strings and screen set at a specific depth, a
cal practices are provided in the appendix.
well with screens in more than one zone, or can consist of
devices with screens with tubing or other collecting devices
5. Significance and Use
attached that can collect a discrete sample.
5.1 Decommissioning of boreholes and monitoring wells,
3.2.26 native material—in place geologic (or soil) materials
and other devices requires that the specific characteristics of
encou
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.