Sonic Drilling – Overburden & Bedrock Wells

Project Overview:

A large US-based environmental firm engaged Summit to complete a large-scale sonic drilling and well installation program at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Charlestown, RI. The objective was to install overburden and bedrock wells across variable subsurface conditions to support environmental characterization and ongoing site evaluation. The project involved drilling more than 30 overburden wells and setting multiple deep steel casings, followed by rock coring to significant depths.

Challenge/Conditions:

Subsurface conditions varied widely across the site, creating unexpected fluctuations in drilling depths and casing requirements. These variations demanded real-time adjustments, flexible tooling, and rapid decision-making to maintain production. The federal project environment also required strict adherence to safety, documentation, and communication standards.

Services Provided:

• Sonic drilling of 30 overburden wells between 30 and 100 feet
• Installation of 14 steel casings between 20 and 80 feet, set 5–10 feet into competent bedrock
• Rock coring inside casing strings to depths of up to 150 feet
• Continuous subsurface characterization across variable geological conditions
• Onsite management of extra materials, casing, and tooling to prevent delays
• Professional communication with customer and U.S. Army Corps project representatives

Solutions/Approach:

To handle unpredictable bedrock elevations and rapidly changing borehole conditions, Summit mobilized with surplus casing, tooling, and sonic consumables. This proactive planning allowed the crew to adjust drilling depths, switch methods, and install casings without schedule interruption. The team executed the program with precision, documenting subsurface variability for the customer while maintaining field efficiency. Strong coordination between drilling staff and the customer's project manager ensured smooth workflow and immediate adaptation to evolving site needs.

Outcome/Results:

Summit completed all drilling, casing installations, and rock coring without delays despite significant variations in subsurface conditions. The customer provided exceptional feedback, noting that in more than 20 years of field oversight, this was one of the best drilling crews they had ever worked with. Professionalism, communication, preparedness, and technical execution were cited as key strengths. The project met all Army Corps requirements and delivered high-quality geological data across the full program area.