Award Winning Project in New Mexico
In 2010 Directed Technologies Drilling, Inc. (DTD) installed horizontal remediation wells beneath county offices in Sante Fe, New Mexico. The project garnered design engineer Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc. (DBS&A) an Engineering Excellence Award (EEA) from the American Council of Engineering Companies New Mexico (ACED NM). The award is for State Lead Remediation Services performed at the Santa Fe County Judicial Complex (SFCJC) in historic, downtown Santa Fe. Awarded annually, ACEC NM EEA’s recognize engineering firms for project that demonstrate a high degree of achievement, value, and ingenuity. Projects are rated on the basis of: uniqueness and originality; future value to the engineering profession and perception by the public; social, economic, and sustainable development considerations; complexity; and successful fulfillment of client/owner’s needs.*
Judicial Complex with rig and mud system visible at base of retaining wall
As a part of the project, DTD installed three horizontal wells beneath existing structures. The drilling site geology and logistics were challenging. The wells were drilled from a 30’ deep excavation located, with the bores trending beneath adjacent occupied office buildings and exiting in a neighboring parking lot. The building and infrastructure at the surface created massive interference, greatly complicating the borehole navigation. Navigation was further complicated by the difficult drilling conditions as soils unexpectedly included sand, gravel and boulders, making it difficult to steer. Although the original well design called for blind installations, it quickly became clear that this would be impossible due to the ground conditions. The installations were completed as doubled-ended wells.
Drill rig at base of retaining wall
Key features of the treatment systems included two horizontal soil vapor extraction wells and one horizontal hot-air injection well capable of delivering 400-degree-Fahrenheit air to the subsurface for thermally enhanced volatilization of contaminants. Since the plume extends beyond the site, the state of New Mexico will continue to operate two soil vapor extraction systems on adjoining properties. As of April 2011, more than 16,000 gallons of gasoline have been removed and treated by the systems designed by DBS&A.
For additional information on the Sante Fe project, contact Jim Doesburg: [email protected]
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*Blair, S., Engineering News Record. March 2011. McGraw-Hill, New York.