How do you manage the environmental and social impacts of borehole drilling and waste disposal?

It's important to begin with careful planning and site selection. Engaging local communities and assessing risks early ensures smoother operations. Once the site is selected through geophysical studies, sealing the boreholes with bentonite helps prevent groundwater contamination, and backfilling with appropriate materials stops water leakage. Waste from the drilling process should be disposed of responsibly to protect the surrounding environment. Finally, restoring the site by cleaning spills, replanting vegetation, and monitoring it for long-term sustainability ensures minimal environmental impact while maintaining positive community relations.

In my time carrying out this operation, you are boring a 150mm hole, samples taken at defined intervals in tubes, for testing in the lab . The log is made of density type water level. Borehole can be lined to stop water egress. Backfilled with materials from hole.

In managing borehole drilling and waste disposal, practical steps are key. Initially, we conduct desk studies and site visits to understand the area's geography and minimize unnecessary drilling. Stakeholder engagement is crucial; we hold meetings with local communities and authorities to address concerns and incorporate their feedback. Risk assessments help us identify and mitigate potential environmental and social impacts early on, choosing drilling methods that reduce harm and planning for waste disposal that adheres to strict environmental standards. Throughout, quality checks ensure the data's integrity and the project's minimal impact on the environment and community.

We carried out blanket grid pattern of boreholes that were related to a plan of each areas topography. Plus what the land was going to be used for.

In practical terms, site selection and preparation for borehole drilling involve conducting comprehensive surveys to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact. We start with geophysical surveys to map subsurface conditions, avoiding unforeseen drilling obstacles. Topographic surveys help us understand the terrain, crucial for planning access and managing runoff. Geotechnical surveys inform us about soil, rock, and groundwater conditions, guiding our choice of drilling methods and equipment. Clearing the site of vegetation and debris is done with an eye towards environmental preservation, ensuring we disturb the site as little as possible. Demarcating the site clearly defines our work area, keeping operations safe and contained.

We used percussionist drilling machines, tripod engine and weights to thrust the tubes into the ground. I have used hand boring equipment plus smaller 50mm tubes. Unconfined triaxial testing. Etc.

In managing borehole drilling impacts, selecting the appropriate drilling method is crucial, each with its specific advantages depending on site conditions: Rotary Drilling: Ideal for soft soil conditions, it offers speed and efficiency. However, it may not be suitable for hard rock or where precise sample integrity is critical. Percussion Drilling: Effective in hard rock formations, this method can penetrate tough layers but may be slower and less efficient in softer soils. Sonic Drilling: Known for its precision and minimal environmental disturbance, sonic drilling is versatile across different soil types but can be more expensive and requires specialized equipment.

All tubes were transported by land rover to lab where all materials were tested and any waste were taken to landfill tip. No retesting was needed as all were completed as per the BSI standards.

Planejar: estudo ambiental, projeto do po?o, equipamentos adequados, plano de resíduos. Controlar: eros?o, uso da água, tratamento de água, ruído, produtos químicos. Monitorar: ambiente, auditorias, comunica??o. Considerar comunidade: envolvimento, mitiga??o de impactos, plano de comunica??o, oportunidades. Adotar tecnologias: perfura??o de baixo impacto, tratamento de água, monitoramento ambiental.

One of the most important consequence of a borehole is that it creates a shortcut for the surficial ground-water to reach the main aquifer quickly. Considering that surficial ground water is likely to be more contaminated, this results in the contamination of our precious groundwater resource. Therefore, after the borehole operation is completed, the borehole should be sealed tightly with the help of bentonite pellets.

Pissometers were used. No damage to area and reinstatement to as was before but areas now built on. Testing logged and noted.

Effective waste management in borehole drilling operations involves a systematic approach to minimize environmental impacts. Key steps include waste characterization to understand the types and quantities of waste, segregation into hazardous and non-hazardous categories, and proper storage in appropriate containers to prevent leaks and spills. Transportation must adhere to regulations, ensuring safe delivery to disposal sites or facilities. Finally, waste should be treated, recycled, or disposed of according to best practices and local guidelines. Implementing these measures, not only ensures compliance with environmental standards but also promotes sustainability by reducing the volume of waste and its potential harm to the environment.

You need to carry out a full study of site before any actions. Only carry out what’s needed to get results that are required by engineers that are designing what is to be built. No needless testing and waste of recourses.