Monticello Oil Site Wells

S&ME contracted IET to install two Type II groundwater monitoring wells at the Monticello Oil Site. The wells feature flush-mounted completions with concrete pads, ideal for maintaining a low profile at the site.

This Monticello project involved the installation of two 2-inch diameter Type II monitoring wells to approximately 30 feet below grade, with flush well cover completions and 2' x 2' concrete pads at each wellhead. Type II monitoring wells are constructed per ASTM D5092 standards, with PVC screen and riser pipe, filter pack, bentonite seal, and grout — providing a dedicated groundwater sampling point that meets regulatory requirements for long-term environmental monitoring.

The 30-foot well depth targets the shallow groundwater zone appropriate for monitoring near-surface contamination. Flush well cover completions are installed at ground level, allowing the wells to be accessed for sampling while not interfering with surface access — a critical design consideration for sites where surface operations, vehicle traffic, or aesthetic considerations require the wellhead to be at or below grade. The 2' x 2' concrete pads provide a stable surface platform around the flush cover, preventing settlement and protecting the wellhead from damage.

The on-site spreading of soil cuttings reflects the project's regulatory status — the cuttings were determined to be non-hazardous and could be managed on-site rather than containerized and disposed of as IDW. This approach reduces project costs by eliminating drum rental, transportation, and disposal fees, while still complying with state environmental regulations for cuttings management.

Monticello, South Carolina is located in Fairfield County within the Piedmont physiographic province. The shallow geology consists of Precambrian and Paleozoic-age metamorphic rocks — predominantly gneiss, schist, and granite — overlain by residual soil (saprolite). The 30-foot well depth is typical for Piedmont monitoring well installations, targeting the saprolite zone where shallow groundwater occurs in the weathered rock matrix.

The January 22, 2024 completion and $3,489 project cost reflect the efficiency of IET's drilling operations for shallow monitoring well installations in the Piedmont region. PM Wayne Watterson coordinated the project for client S&ME (Project No. 4358-17-031 Phase 05), with the two-well network providing the spatial coverage needed for the Phase 05 assessment program. The flush cover completions and concrete pads ensure the wells remain accessible and protected for long-term monitoring throughout the project lifecycle.