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Installation of water and gas-sampling wells in low-level radioactive-waste burial trenches, West Valley, New York

Open-File Report 78-718
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr78718

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Abstract

A low-level radioactive-waste burial site, West Valley, N.Y., operated from 1963 to 1975, contains 12 refuse-filled trenches about 20 feet deep in till. Twenty-eight wells, 1.25 inch in diameter, were driven to selected depths in 11 of the 12 trenches to obtain gas and water samples for chemical and radiochemical analysis, water-level measurements for evaluation of trench-cover permeability. Gas from unsaturated refuse above the trench water level was detected in nearly all wells. Rapid water-level response in most wells to pumping of water from trench sumps 20 to 275 feet distant showed the refuse to be highly permeable. Described in detail are the methods and equipment used to (1) install the wells, (2) collect gas and water samples, and (3) monitor radiation and methane concentrations while driving wells into trenches. A record of each well driven into the burial trenches is included. (Woodard-USGS)

Suggested Citation

Prudic, D.E., 1978, Installation of water and gas-sampling wells in low-level radioactive-waste burial trenches, West Valley, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 78-718, vi, 72 p. :ill., map ;27 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr78718.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Installation of water and gas-sampling wells in low-level radioactive-waste burial trenches, West Valley, New York
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 78-718
DOI 10.3133/ofr78718
Year Published 1978
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Geological Survey,
Description vi, 72 p. :ill., map ;27 cm.
Additional publication details