Principle and application
Monitoring wells are permanent installations that track the level and quality of groundwater over time. With casing, a screened section and a sanitary seal that isolates the well from the surface, they are the backbone of contaminated land management, supporting the environmental diagnosis and the follow-up of remediation.
Damasco Penna's drilling rigs install monitoring and remediation wells more than 100 m deep, in soil and rock, using different drilling techniques according to the geological formation.
The service in stages
Drilling the borehole
The borehole is advanced to the target aquifer, controlling any drag of contaminants.
Well installation
Casing and screen positioned at the target elevation, with a sand pre-filter.
Sanitary seal
Bentonite and cement isolate the well from the surface, preventing cross-contamination.
Development
The well is cleaned so that readings and sampling are representative.
As per NBR 15495
| Water table | Depth and variation of the groundwater |
|---|---|
| Quality | Samples for physical and chemical analysis |
| Flow | Direction and gradient of the groundwater flow |
| Time series | Follow-up across the sampling campaigns |
Quality and field operation
Data quality
- Materials and sealing in line with good CLM practice.
- Control to prevent cross-contamination between layers.
- Well development before the first sampling.
- Chain of custody of the samples to the laboratory.
Site standard
- Qualified for high-compliance areas: mining, industry and ports.
- Organised, signed work front with an HSE procedure in place.
- Own crews and fleet, including night shifts.
The deliverable
| As-built profile | Well diagram with screens, seals and elevations |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | Location and levelling of the well head |
| Field record | Levels, parameters and sampling conditions |
| Typical lead time | According to the number of wells and depth |
Sectors and project types
Frequently asked questions about Monitoring Wells
What are monitoring wells used for?
Monitoring wells are permanent installations that track the level and quality of groundwater over time. With casing, a screened section and a sanitary seal that isolates the well from the surface, they are the backbone of contaminated land management, supporting the environmental diagnosis and the follow-up of remediation.
What is contaminated land management (CLM)?
It is the process of investigating, diagnosing and controlling areas with environmental liabilities in soil and groundwater, following the stages required by the environmental agencies.
Direct Push or monitoring well?
Direct Push is fast for investigating and sampling; the monitoring well remains installed for follow-up over time. The two are often used in sequence.
Monitoring wells: an installation that does not contaminate
Technical bulletin on sanitary sealing and the prevention of cross-contamination.
Monitoring Wells for your project
Tell us about your project and we will prepare the investigation plan and the quote.