ASTM D5299-99(2005)
(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
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.
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 smal...
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Designation: D5299 − 99(Reapproved 2005)
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.
NOTE 3—Details on the decommissioning of multiple-screened wells
1. Scope
are not provided in this guide due to the many methods used to construct
1.1 This guide covers procedures that are specifically re-
these types of wells and the numerous types of commercially available
latedtopermanentdecommissioning(closure)ofthefollowing multiple-screenedwellsystems.However,insomeinstances,themethods
presentedinthisguidemaybeusedwithfewchanges.Anexampleofhow
as applied to environmental activities. It is intended for use
this guide may be used is the complete removal of the multiple-screened
where solid or hazardous materials or wastes are found, or
wells by overdrilling.
where conditions occur requiring the need for decommission-
1.3 Most monitoring wells and piezometers are intended
ing. The following devices are considered in this guide:
primarily for water quality sampling, water level observation,
1.1.1 A borehole used for geoenvironmental purposes (see
or soil gas sampling, or combination thereof, to determine
Note 1),
quality. Many wells are relatively small in diameter and are
1.1.2 Monitoring wells,
used to monitor for hazardous chemicals in groundwater.
1.1.3 Observation wells,
Decommissioning of monitoring wells is necessary to:
1.1.4 Injection wells (see Note 2),
1.1.5 Piezometers, 1.3.1 Eliminate the possibility that the well is used for
1.1.6 Wells used for the extraction of contaminated
purposes other than intended,
groundwater, the removal of floating or submerged materials
1.3.2 Prevent migration of contaminants into an aquifer or
other than water such as gasoline or tetrachloroethylene, or
between aquifers,
other devices used for the extraction of soil gas,
1.3.3 Preventmigrationofcontaminantsinthevadosezone,
1.1.7 A borehole used to construct a monitoring well, and
1.3.4 Reduce the potential for vertical or horizontal migra-
1.1.8 Any other vadose zone monitoring device.
tion of fluids in the well or adjacent to the well, and
1.2 Temporary decommissioning of the above is not cov-
1.3.5 Remove the well from active use when the well is no
ered in this guide.
longer capable of rehabilitation, or has failed structurally; no
longerrequiredformonitoring;nolongercapableofproviding
NOTE1—Thisguidemaybeusedtodecommissionboreholeswhereno
contamination is observed at a site (see Practice D420 for details); representative samples or is providing unreliable samples; or
however, the primary use of the guide is to decommission boreholes and
required to be decommissioned; or to meet regulatory require-
wells where solid or hazardous waste have been identified. Methods
ments.
identified in this guide can also be used in other situations such as the
decommissioning of water supply wells and boreholes where water
NOTE 4—The determination of whether a well is providing a represen-
contaminated with nonhazardous pollutants (such as nitrates or sulfates)
tativewaterqualitysampleisnotdefinedinthisguide.Examplesofwhen
are present. This guide should be consulted in the event that a routine
a representative water quality sample may not be collected include the
geotechnical investigation indicates the presence of contamination at a
biological or chemical clogging of well screens, a drop in water level to
site.
below the base of the well screen, or complete silting of a tail pipe.These
NOTE 2—The term “well” is used in this guide to denote monitoring
conditions may indicate that a well is not functioning properly.
wells, piezometers, or other devices constructed in a manner similar to a
well.Someofthedeviceslistedsuchasinjectionandextractionwellscan 1.4 This guide is intended to provide information for effec-
be decommissioned using this guide for information, but are not specifi-
tivepermanentclosureofwellssothatthephysicalstructureof
cally covered in the text.
thewelldoesnotprovideameansofhydrauliccommunication
betweenaquifersorreactchemicallyinadetrimentalwaywith
the environment.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rockand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and
1.5 The intent of this guide is to provide procedures that
Vadose Zone Investigations.
when followed result in a reasonable level of confidence in the
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2005. Published February 2005. Originally
integrityofthedecommissioningactivity.However,itmaynot
approved in 1092. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as D5299–99. DOI:
10.1520/D5299-99R05. be possible to verify the integrity of the decommissioning
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5299 − 99 (2005)
procedure. At this time, methods are not available to substan- 3.1.6 cement,API, ClassA—acementintendedforusefrom
tially determine the integrity of the decommissioning activity. the surface to a depth of 6000 ft (1828 m). This cement is
similar to ASTM Type I cement.
1.6 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for 3.1.7 cement,API, Class B—acementintendedforusefrom
information only.
the surface to a depth of 6000 ft (1828 m) when conditions
require moderate- to high-sulfate resistance. This cement is
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
similar to ASTM Type II cement.
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.8 cement, API, Class C—this cement is intended for use
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
from the surface to a depth of 6000 ft (1828 m) when
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
conditionsrequirehighearlystrength.Thiscementissimilarto
1.8 This guide offers an organized collection of information
ASTM Type III cement. Also available as a high sulfate
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
resistant type.
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
3.1.9 cement, API, Class G—this cement is intended for use
experienceandshouldbeusedinconjunctionwithprofessional
from the surface to a depth of 8000 ft (2438 m). It can be used
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
with accelerators or retarders to cover a wide range of well
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
depths and temperatures. No additions other than calcium
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
sulfateorwater,orboth,canbeintergroundorblendedwiththe
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
clinker during manufacture of the cement. Also available as
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
several sulfate-resistant types.
unique aspects. The word“ Standard” in the title of this
document means only that the document has been approved 3.1.10 cement, API, Class H—this cement is intended for
through the ASTM consensus process. use from the surface to a depth of 8000 ft (2438 m). It can be
NOTE 5—If state and local regulations are in effect where the decom-
used with accelerators or retarders to cover a wide range of
missioning is to occur, the regulations take precedence over this guide.
well depths and temperatures. No additions other than calcium
sulfateorwater,orboth,canbeintergroundorblendedwiththe
2. Referenced Documents
clinker during manufacture of the cement. Also available as a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sulfate-resistant type.
C150Specification for Portland Cement
3.1.11 cement,API, Class J—thiscementisintendedforuse
D420GuidetoSiteCharacterizationforEngineeringDesign
from depths of 12000 to 16000 ft (3658 to 4877 m) under
and Construction Purposes (Withdrawn 2011)
conditionsofextremelyhightemperaturesandpressures.Itcan
D4380Test Method for Density of Bentonitic Slurries
beusedwithacceleratorsandretarderstocoverarangeofwell
D5088Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
depths and temperatures. No additions of retarders other than
Used at Waste Sites
calcium sulfate, or water, or both, can be interground or
D5092Practice for Design and Installation of GroundWater
blended with the clinker during manufacture of the cement.
Monitoring Wells
3.1.12 cement bond (sonic) log—aboreholegeophysicallog
3. Terminology
thatcanbeusedtodeterminetheeffectivenessofacementseal
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
of the annular space of a well.
3.1.1 abandonment—see decommissioning.
3.1.13 channeling—the process of forming a vertical cavity
3.1.2 attapulgite clay—a chain-lattice clay mineral. The
resulting from a faulty cement job in the annular space.
term also applies to a group of clay minerals that are light-
weight, tough, matted, and fibrous.
3.1.14 curing accelerator—a material added to cement to
decrease the time for curing. Examples are sodium chloride,
3.1.3 borehole television log—a borehole or well video
calcium sulfate (gypsum), and aluminum powder.
record produced by lowering a television camera into the
borehole or well. This record is useful in visually observing
3.1.15 curing retarder—a material added to cement to
downhole conditions such as collapsed casing or a blocked
increase the time for curing. Sodium chloride in high concen-
screen.
trations is an example.
3.1.4 blowout—a sudden or violent uncontrolled escape of
3.1.16 decommissioning (closure)—the engineered closure
fluids or gas, or both, from a borehole.
of a well, borehole, or other subsurface monitoring device
3.1.5 caliper log—a geophysical borehole log that shows to
sealed with plugging materials. Decommissioning also in-
scalethevariationswithdepthinthemeandiameterofacased
cludes the planning and documenting of all associated activi-
or uncased borehole.
ties. A synonym is abandonment.
3.1.17 decontamination—the process of removing undesir-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
able physical or chemical constituents, or both, from equip-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ment to reduce the potential for cross-contamination.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3.1.18 fallback—shrinkage, settlement, or loss of plugging
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. material placed in a borehole or well.
D5299 − 99 (2005)
3.1.19 fire clay—a silicious clay rich in hydrous aluminum shouldnotdamagethestructuralintegrityofthewell.Plugging
silicates. materials consist of sand, bentonite, or other easily removed
materials.
3.1.20 flow log—a borehole geophysical log used to record
verticalmovementofgroundwaterandmovementofwaterinto
4. Summary of Guide
or out of a well or borehole and between formations within a
4.1 Information is provided on the significance of properly
well.
decommissioning boreholes and wells at sites containing or
3.1.21 geophysical borehole log—a log obtained by lower-
formerly containing solid or hazardous waste or hazardous
inganinstrumentintoaboreholeandcontinuouslyrecordinga
materials or their byproducts, or that may be affected by solid
physical property of native or backfill material and contained
or hazardous waste materials or their byproducts in the future.
fluids. Examples include resistivity, induction, caliper, sonic,
Thisguidemaybeusedinsituationswherewaterqualityinone
and natural gamma logs.
aquifer may be detrimental to another aquifer either above or
3.1.22 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
3.1.23 grout pipe—a pipe or tube that is used to transport monitoringdevicesothatthenaturalmigrationofgroundwater
or soil vapor is not significantly influenced. Decommissioned
cement,bentonite,orotherpluggingmaterialsfromtheground
surface to a specified depth in a well or borehole.The material boreholes and wells should have no adverse influence on the
local environment than the original geologic setting.
may be allowed to flow freely or it may be injected under
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
land use, chemicals encountered, and the regulatory environ-
3.1.24 hydraulic communication—the migration of fluids
ment for successful decommissioning to occur.
from one zone to another, with reference to this guide;
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
negative attributes for decommissioning.Ageneralized proce-
3.1.25 multiple-screened wells—two or more monitoring
wellssituatedinthesameborehole.Thesedevicescanbeeither dure is provided that discusses the process from planning
throughimplementationanddocumentation.Examplesoftypi-
individual casing strings and screen set at a specific depth, a
well with screens in more than one zone, or can consist of cal practices are provided in the appendix.
devices with screens with tubing or other collecting devices
attached that can collect a discrete sample. 5. Significance and Use
5.1 Decommissioning of boreholes and monitoring wells,
3.1.26 native material—in place geologic (or soil) materials
and other devices requires that the specific characteristics of
encountered at a site.
each site be considered. The wide variety of geological,
3.1.27 overdrilling—theprocessofdrillingoutawellcasing
biological,andphysicalconditions,constructionpractices,and
and any material placed in the annular space.
chemicalcompositionofthesurroundingsoil,rock,waste,and
3.1.28 perforation—a slot or hole made in well casing to
groundwater precludes the use of a single decommissioning
allow for communication of fluids between the well and the
practice.Theproceduresdiscussedinthisguideareintendedto
annular space.
aid the geologist or engineer in selecting the tasks required to
plan,choosematerialsfor,andcarryoutaneffectivepermanent
3.1.29 permanent plugging—a seal that has a hydraulic
decommissioning operation. Each in
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