4.1 The application of direct air-rotary drilling to geoenvironmental exploration may involve sampling, coring, in situ or pore-fluid testing, installation of casing for subsequent drilling activities in unconsolidated or consolidated materials, and for installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices in unconsolidated and consolidated materials. Several advantages of using the direct air-rotary drilling method over other methods may include the ability to drill rather rapidly through consolidated materials and, in many instances, not require the introduction of drilling fluids to the borehole. Air-rotary drilling techniques are usually employed to advance drill hole when water-sensitive materials (that is, friable sandstones or collapsible soils) may preclude use of water-based rotary-drilling methods. Some disadvantages to air-rotary drilling may include poor borehole integrity in unconsolidated materials without using casing, and the possible volitization of contaminants and air-borne dust.

4.2 The subsurface water-quality monitoring devices that are addressed in this guide consist generally of a screened or porous intake and riser pipe(s) that are usually installed with a filter pack to enhance the longevity of the intake unit, and with isolation seals and a low-permeability backfill to deter the movement of fluids or infiltration of surface water between hydrologic units penetrated by the borehole (see Practice D5092). Inasmuch as a piezometer is primarily a device used for measuring subsurface hydraulic heads, the conversion of a piezometer to a water-quality monitoring device should be made only after consideration of the overall quality of the installation to include the quality of materials that will contact sampled water or gas.

1.1 This guide covers how direct (straight) air-rotary drilling procedures may be used for geoenvironmental exploration and installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices.