Elliott Andelman, P.G.

Drilling Down: Using Horizontal Directional Drilling Pilot Studies to De-Risk and Optimize Full-Scale Remediation

Elliott Andelman, P.G., Environmental Project Manager, Directional Technologies, Inc.

Background/Objectives: 

The remediation requires significant capital investment and long-term operational commitment. While Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) offers a proven, less intrusive, and highly effective method for installing long, screened intervals for in-situ remediation (e.g., injection, extraction, or ISCO), the upfront costs and uncertainty regarding subsurface heterogeneity can pose a significant barrier for site owners and regulators. Our primary objective is to demonstrate the critical role of well-designed HDD pilot studies as a risk-reduction tool and economic gatekeeper to reliably predict the technical performance and costs of a full-scale horizontal well network. By establishing clear pilot data, stakeholders can confidently transition to full-scale implementation or pivot to alternative strategies, thus avoiding costly project failures and accelerating site closure.    

Approach/Activities:    

This presentation will detail HDD pilot studies. Our approach involves:  1. Precision Planning and Installation  2. Performance Baseline Establishment  3. Cost Analysis  4. 

Results/Lessons Learned:

We will present a comparative analysis of three example projects:    Case A (Go): A former industrial site where the pilot ROI confirmed favorable geology and the calculated full-scale network delivered a cost-effective solution, leading to successful implementation.  Case B (No-Go/Pivot): A complex urban site where the pilot ROI was unexpectedly low, revealing that the resulting full-scale well count made the HDD approach financially unviable.   Case C (Wait): A former manufacturing site where the pilot bore is successful “enough” to withhold immediate next steps.    The primary value of the pilot isn't just technical performance; it's de-risking the entire project for the client from a feasibility and financial standpoint.  

Mr. Andelman is an Environmental Scientist and Licensed Professional Geologist who works for Directional Technologies, Inc. (DTI), a company that specializes in the design, drilling, and installation of horizontal remediation wells. He now works with environmental consultants to assess how horizontal remediation wells may benefit their more challenging remediation projects.