Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to construct artesian (flowing) aquifer bores. This includes designing, constructing and developing artesian aquifer bores, disinfecting bores and equipment and decommissioning bores.
This unit applies to those working in operational, supervisory or technical specialist roles. They generally perform tasks involving a broad range of varied activities most of which are complex and non-routine and are responsible for the quantity and quality of the output of others.
Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and Industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer bores | 1.1 Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply artesian (flowing) aquifer bores construction documentation and confirm work activity is compliant 1.3 Identify hazards and environmental issues, assess the risks and implement control measures in line with workplace procedures 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activities 1.5 Communicate with other personnel at site according to work requirements and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received 1.6 Discuss scope of work with client and give technical advice, cost structure, workmanship warranty, quantity and quality of materials, construction standards and methods to be used and gain general agreement on drilling plan 1.7 Complete required reports and provide reports, samples and strata logs, pump and development test results to relevant authorities as required |
2. Design bores for artesian aquifer systems | 2.1 Determine required construction methods and drilling fluid program according to down-hole conditions and anticipated pressures 2.2 Design bore according to environmental and work requirements 2.3 Select a bore site that will prevent contamination and minimise interference with other bores 2.4 Select likely water entry mechanism from the formation to the bore including open hole, slotted casing screens, gravel packs 2.6 Calculate required artificial pack design parameters, and recommended annular thicknesses required 2.7 Undertake calculations to determine appropriate screen/slot design parameters, including for diameter, length, aperture size 2.8 Select required bore/surface casing types, size, strength and wall thicknesses for the anticipated ground/water quality and pressure conditions and any construction requirements 2.9 Confirm all necessary materials anticipated for the job are available and on site prior to commencement of construction phase |
3. Construct bores in artesian aquifer system | 3.1 Carry out any pre-start and start up procedures according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 3.2 Select, slot, assemble and insert casing and screens suitable for the formations in which they are deployed 3.3 Select, mix and place grout or seal surface according to legislative and company requirements and manufacturer specifications 3.4 Construct bore according to legislative requirements and workplace procedures 3.5 Use, maintain, test and record nontoxic, removable drilling fluids and additives according to manufacturer specifications and environmental requirements 3.6 Maintain plumbness and alignment of the hole within the required limitations and carry out a plumbness test where required 3.7 Prepare for and recognise any symptoms of a formation kick and take action to control the bore 3.8 Collect, store, record, label and transport formation and water samples according to licensing requirements 3.9 Arrange for geophysical logging tools to be run in bore if required 3.10 Determine aquifer formation grain size distribution from sieve analysis and interpret appropriate gravel pack and screen slot aperture dimensions for gravel packed wells 3.11 Select and place artificial pack materials 3.12 Remove drilling fluids from the bore to allow subsequent development 3.13 Maintain tool string inventories according to workplace procedures |
4. Construct bore headworks | 4.1 Construct headworks for bore including isolation valves to retain/control artesian flow and to permit independent testing of both pressure and flow without interference to reticulation system 4.2 Identify and protect headworks of the bore 4.3 Construct headworks to seal and cap the bore from surface water pollutants, environmental concerns and damage 4.4 Dispose of and neutralise wastewater or hazardous materials from site as required and complete restoration of the bore site camp facilities |
5. Develop bore | 4.1 Use development techniques with care to prevent collapsing of casing or screens 4.2 Undertake development until a continuous, clean supply if water is obtained according to site, contractual and regulatory requirements 4.3 Measure/calculate and record standing and drawdown water levels 4.4 Perform pump and/or development tests to estimate the sand content and sustainable yield of the bore |
6. Disinfect/decontaminate bore and drilling equipment | 6.1 Determine and monitor potential contaminants of drilling equipment 6.2 Disinfect and decontaminate bores and installed equipment constructed for potable supplies as required |
7. Carry out bore maintenance and rehabilitation | 7.1 Carry out and shutdown procedures and secure according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 7.2 Undertake a process of diagnosis to determine likely cause of bore deterioration 7.3 Devise a rehabilitation program according to environmental requirements |
8. Decommission artesian wells with flowing and/or non-flowing elements | 8.1 Determine suitable decommissioning procedures and select required materials 8.2 Carry out the decommissioning (abandonment) of artesian aquifer bores 8.3 Place cement bridges at the top of the surface casing and at the surface casing shoe 8.4 Verify position/location of hole for future reference 8.5 Dispose of drill and other fluids safely according to environmental requirements and workplace procedures 8.6 Record entire decommissioning procedure and details of bore cementing according to workplace procedures 8.7 Complete bore completion report and submit to State/Territory Water Authority 8.8 Carry out housekeeping requirements according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:
construct artesian (flowing) aquifer bores on at least two occasions, including:
designing the bore to ensure the exclusion of unsuitable waters
identifying and applying appropriate headworks design for class 3 bore applications
selecting a bore site to prevent contamination and minimise interference with other bores
selecting a water entry mechanism from the formation to the bore, including:
open hole
slotted casing screens
gravel packs
assembling and inserting casing and screens
selecting, mixing and placing grout or otherwise seal surface casing from 10 m into competent impermeable strata and back to the surface with a minimum sheath thickness of 20mm above maximum shoe of coupling joint diameter size
grouting to seal intermediate and/or inner production casing strings with a 15mm minimum thickness grout sheath or to seal selected zones so that the water from the production bore is drawn from one primary formation only (unless otherwise allowed by the permit)
maintaining, testing and recording fluid properties including viscosity, mud weight, filtration and sand content
maintaining plumbness and alignment of the hole
developing the bore until a continuous, clean supply of water is obtained
testing pumps and developments to estimate the sand content and sustainable yield of the bore.
During the above, the candidate must:
locate and apply relevant standards, legislation, documentation, policies and procedures
implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for constructing artesian (flowing) aquifer bores, including:
selecting and wearing required personal protective equipment
plotting and interpreting sieve analysis results onto graphs preventing the inter mixing of aquifers with different water quality and/or Standing Water Level
communicate clearly and concisely with clients, co-workers and management to receive and clarify work instructions and coordinate work activities prior to commencing
comply with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures work.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:
key legislation required to construct artesian (flowing) aquifer bores
key policies, procedures and established requirements for constructing artesian (flowing) aquifer bores, including those for:
Minimum Construction Requirements (MCR)
work health and safety
environmental issues
accidents and emergencies
safety data sheets (SDS)
fishing operations in regard to types of drilling being undertaken
housekeeping
key site information, including:
basic geological formations which permit groundwater movement, including soil and rock classifications
factors affecting groundwater quality for aquifer systems, including drillability and stability
key factors affecting work activities described in performance evidence above, including:
objectives of bore development
equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
safety hazards and sources of contamination when siting a bore
the necessity of having a signed agreement/contract with the client
the appropriate casing materials for various applications
wire-wound screens
drilling fluids, including testing and conditioning
grout placement methods and procedures including pressure grouting
results of sieve analysis
applications for natural pack, stabilising fill and artificial pack completion techniques
screen design parameters to ensure appropriate entrance velocities
characteristics of ‘good samples’ required for water well construction
ways in which sampling errors can occur
types of pathogens and contaminants including bacteria
key calculations for constructing artesian (flowing) aquifer bores, including those for:
hole, annular fill or pack materials and mud pit volume in cubic metres or litres
required artificial pack design parameters and recommended annular thickness required
appropriate screen/slot design parameters, including for diameter, length, aperture size.
Assessment Conditions
Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:
include access to:
personal protective equipment
equipment required to conduct artesian (flowing) aquifer bores
be conducted in a safe environment
be assessed in context of this sector's work environment
be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed
confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.
Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:
vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed
current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided
current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment
formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment
having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes
possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge
having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces
demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and
the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.
It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:
Industry sector | AQF indicator level*** | Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure | 1 | 1 year |
2 | 2 years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure | 3-6 | 3 years |
Other sectors | Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. | |
*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the RII implementation guide located on VETNet.
**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.
*** While a Unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.
Foundation Skills
Reading | Identifies and interprets information from workplace procedures, policies and documentation |
Numeracy | Identifies and comprehends relevant mathematical information in relation to constructing artesian (flowing) aquifer bores Estimates, accurately measures and calculates quantities of fluid volumes, up hole velocity, flow rates, density and viscosity |
Oral communication | Presents information to others involved in work activity using industry specific vocabulary |