Groundwater & Hydraulic Barriers
Invented in the 1920s, directional drilling or Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), as it is now known, is a trenchless technology that was originally used in oil fields to increase oil production.
TALK TO AN EXPERT
Experience
Protecting Groundwater and Controlling Subsurface Flow with Horizontal Wells
Directional Technologies designs and installs horizontal groundwater recovery and hydraulic control systems that provide long-term containment and treatment of contaminated groundwater. Our approach combines precision directional drilling with advanced environmental engineering to achieve maximum hydraulic control while minimizing surface disruption.
Horizontal wells are ideal for Superfund sites, landfills, and complex remediation projects where vertical systems have failed or are not feasible due to geology, accessibility, or cost.
Challenges in Groundwater Control
Traditional vertical groundwater recovery networks can lose efficiency over time due to mineral buildup, fine-grained formations, or changing subsurface conditions. These issues often lead to:
Reduced hydraulic capture zones
Inconsistent groundwater recovery
Blockages and maintenance challenges
Increased operational costs
Incomplete protection of off-site receptors
Our Horizontal Groundwater Solution
When an existing vertical groundwater recovery system at a Superfund site began to fail, Directional Technologies engineered a horizontal leachate collection well to replace and improve hydraulic control.
The project involved installing an 800-foot horizontal stainless steel well approximately 36 feet below ground surface, designed to intercept and extract contaminated groundwater and landfill leachate. The well was equipped with a pumping system that directed recovered fluids to an on-site pretreatment facility before discharge to a publicly owned treatment works (POTW)
Engineering and Field Performance
Before activation, the horizontal well underwent an extensive development phase to remove drilling fluids and maximize yield.
Due to the unique formation characteristics and screen design, Directional Technologies’ environmental drillers applied advanced development techniques that increased well yield by more than 600%, significantly improving hydraulic performance and long-term recovery capacity.
Advantages of Horizontal Groundwater Recovery Systems
Continuous hydraulic control over extended subsurface areas
Greater contact with target contamination zones
Reduced surface footprint and operational impact
Ideal for landfills, industrial facilities, and Superfund sites
Compatible with leachate collection and groundwater recovery systems
Proven effectiveness in fine-grained and mineralized formations
Why Directional Technologies
Directional Technologies has over 30 years of experience designing and installing horizontal wells for groundwater and vapor control. Our team has completed thousands of projects across North America, providing innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges.
We partner with consultants, engineers, and regulators to ensure every system meets performance, safety, and compliance objectives.