Richmond Hill Well Installation

Highlands Environmental Solutions contracted IET for a focused shallow well installation project in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The project utilized probe rig technology for efficient installation of three 2-inch monitoring wells.

Monitoring well installation is a fundamental environmental drilling service that creates dedicated groundwater sampling points for long-term site monitoring, contaminant plume tracking, and regulatory compliance. Each well consists of a PVC screen and riser pipe installed in a drilled borehole, with a filter pack (graded sand) placed around the screen and a bentonite or cement grout seal above the filter pack to prevent surface water infiltration and cross-aquifer communication.

For this Richmond Hill project, IET installed three 2-inch diameter monitoring wells to 15 feet below ground surface, totaling 45 linear feet of well material. The probe rig used for installation is a direct push platform that advances casing and screen into the ground using hydraulic pressure — a method ideal for shallow monitoring well installations where rapid, low-impact deployment is needed. Surface completions were installed at each wellhead to protect the casing and provide secure access for groundwater sampling.

The 15-foot well depth targets the shallow groundwater zone — appropriate for monitoring near-surface contamination from surface releases or shallow source zones. The three-well network provides spatial coverage for plume delineation and groundwater flow direction characterization, giving the environmental consultant (Highlands Environmental Solutions) the data needed for site assessment and regulatory compliance monitoring.

Richmond Hill, Georgia is located in Bryan County within the Coastal Plain physiographic province. The shallow geology consists of Quaternary-age unconsolidated sediments — predominantly sand, silt, and clay — overlying Tertiary-age marine deposits of the Floridan Aquifer System. The shallow water table in this area is typically at 5–15 feet bgs, making the 15-foot well depth appropriate for characterizing the uppermost groundwater-bearing zone.

The February 2024 completion and $6,296 project cost reflect the efficiency of IET's probe rig operations for shallow monitoring well installations. PM Joe Beaman coordinated the project, with the single-day installation demonstrating IET's rapid mobilization capability for environmental assessment projects in the Georgia coastal region. The surface completions ensure the wells remain accessible for long-term monitoring while protecting the wellheads from damage and tampering.