This guide covers how direct (straight) rotary-drilling procedures with water-based drilling fluids may be used for geoenvironmental exploration and installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices.
Note 1 – The term direct with respect to the rotary-drilling method of this guide indicates that a water-based drilling fluid is pumped through a drill-rod column to a rotating bit. The drilling fluid transports cuttings to the surface through the annulus between the drill-rod column and the borehole wall.
Note 2 – This guide does not include considerations for geotechnical site characterization that are addressed in a separate guide.
Direct-rotary drilling for geoenvironmental exploration and monitoring-device installations will often involve safety planning, administration and documentation. This standard does not purport to specifically address exploration and site safety.
