Standard Practice for Design and Installation of Ground Water Monitoring Wells in Aquifers

1.1 This practice considers the selection and characterization (that is, defining soil, rock types, and hydraulic gradients) of the target monitoring zone as an integral component of monitoring well design and installation. Hence, the development of a conceptual hydrogeologic model for the intended monitoring zone(s) is recommended prior to the design and installation of a monitoring well.

1.2 These guidelines are based on recognized methods by which monitoring wells may be designed and installed for the purpose of detecting the presence or absence of a contaminant, and collecting representative ground water quality data. The design standards and installation procedures herein are applicable to both detection and assessment monitoring programs for facilities.

1.3 The recommended monitoring well design, as presented in this practice, is based on the assumption that the objective of the program is to obtain representative ground water information and water quality samples from aquifers. Monitoring wells constructed following this practice should produce relatively turbidity-free samples for granular aquifer materials ranging from gravels to silty sand and sufficiently permeable consolidated and fractured strata. Strata having grain sizes smaller than the recommended design for the smallest diameter filter pack materials should be monitored by alternative monitoring well designs which are not addressed in this practice.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.