Drilling and sampling procedures to minimize borehole cross-contamination

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6224780

Russell, B. F.; Hubbell, J. M.; Minken, S. C.

Drilling and sampling procedures have been developed by scientists from the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) to minimize the potential of cross-contamination within the borehole or from airborne contaminants. These procedures employ off-the-shelf wireline drilling equipment, including a Lexan inner core barrel. The procedures have been used in both air and mud rotary operations. Downhole quality assurance steps include the introduction of samarium oxide and/or perfluorocarbon tracers. The procedures were initially developed to support subsurface investigation at a low-level radioactive waste management complex in Idaho and have since been modified and used for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act/Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (RCRA/CERCLA) investigations in California and Idaho. Most recently, the procedures were employed in a research investigation in South Carolina to collect microorganisms from the deep subsurface. The procedures can be modified to reflect specific drilling objectives. Overall, the procedures have been effective in the minimization or elimination of cross-contamination. This approach to sampling represents the latest technology in hazardous waste subsurface investigations. 4 refs., 3 figs.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 6224780
• Report Number(s): EGG-M-88494; CONF-8905127-1; ON: DE89011127
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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