Rail Yard Former Fueling Area - Mississippi
Project Description
In 2009, EWI’s consulting and drilling staff worked together to install soil borings and groundwater monitoring wells at a former fueling area in a rail yard. This work was being conducted under the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ); a representative from MDEQ was onsite for a portion of the work.
The scope of work was extensive and involved the following tasks:
- Installation of 28 soil borings with depths ranging from 15 to 23 feet below ground surface
- Continuous soil sampling conducted during soil boring installation
- Conversion of 8 of the borings to 2-inch groundwater monitoring wells
- Completion of the wells as flush mount to meet the rail carrier’s requirements
- Development of the 8 groundwater monitoring wells
- Proper disposal of cuttings, development water, and decon materials per the rail carrier’s requirements
This project also involved drilling near live tracks, so the rail carrier’s MOW Safety Rules for obtaining track and time were followed.
Project Accomplishments
EWI’s drilling expertise, and our extensive knowledge of the rail carrier’s rail yard operations, allowed the project to proceed on schedule and on budget, even though the investigation was conducted near live tracks.
The investigative area is also located in a “heaving sands” area, which can be a challenge when installing wells. Our staff was able to quickly install the wells in this environment, while still meeting the well construction standards required by MDEQ.