ASTM D5980-16(2024)

1.1This guide covers the use of existing wells for environmental site characterization and monitoring. It covers the following major topics: criteria for determining the suitability of existing wells for hydrogeologic characterization and groundwater quality monitoring, types of data needed to document the suitability of an existing well, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of existing large- and small-capacity wells.

1.2This guide should be used in conjunction with Guide D5730, that provides a general approach for environmental site investigations.

1.3This guide does not specifically address design and construction of new monitoring or supply wells. Refer to Practices D5092/D5092M and D5787.

1.4This guide does not specifically address groundwater sampling procedures. Refer to Guide D5903.

1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6This 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This guide cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This guide 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 guide be applied without consideration of a 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.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.