1.1 This practice is based on recognized methods by which direct push monitoring wells may be designed and installed for the purpose of detecting the presence or absence of a contaminant, and collecting representative groundwater quality data. The design standards and installation procedures herein are applicable to both detection and assessment monitoring programs for facilities.

1.2 The recommended monitoring well design, as presented in this practice, is based on the assumption that the objective of the program is to obtain representative groundwater information and water quality samples from aquifers. Monitoring wells constructed following this practice should produce relatively turbidity-free samples for granular aquifer materials ranging from gravels to silty sand.

1.3 Direct push procedures are not applicable for monitoring well installation under all geologic and soil conditions (for example, installation in bedrock). Other rotary drilling procedures are available for penetration of these consolidated materials for well construction purposes (Guide D5092). Additionally, under some geologic conditions it may be appropriate to install monitoring wells without a filter pack (1, 2)2. Guide D6724 may be referred to for additional information on these and other methods for the direct push installation of groundwater monitoring wells.

1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units presented in brackets are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of the project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.