Chapter 3: Field Operations
Anchor: #BGBIEHAISection 1: Drilling
Anchor: #i1008568Overview
Consider the following items before starting core drill operations:
- Core drill equipment
- Drill rig
- Site preparation
- Access
- Utility clearance
- Traffic control
- Barge work
- Drill hole filling
Access
Ensure that permission to enter private property has been secured before drilling.
Anchor: #i1010215Utility Clearance
All locations proposed for drilling must be cleared for utilities before the core drill team arrives. When utilities are present, their exact location should be clearly marked by the utility company.
The number to phone for utility clearance is 1-800-545-6005. Calls to this number automatically rotate to the three notification centers. Obtain utility clearance at least 48 hours and no more than 14 days before starting core drilling. The three notification centers may be contacted directly as follows:
- Texas Excavation Safety System (TESS) 1-800-344-8377
- Lone Star Notification Center 1-800-669-8344
- Texas One Call 1-800-245-4545
Traffic Control
Provide traffic control in accordance with Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Drill Hole Filling
Drill holes must be filled or plugged to prevent injury to livestock or people in the area and to minimize the entry of surface water into the bore hole. If surface contamination of lower aquifers or cross contamination is a concern, backfill the hole with bentonite pellets or grout. This is especially important in urban areas where ground contamination from leaking underground storage tanks is common.