BR-0160 - BEMC Bore Update_Report

From:Giles, Jon W
To:Steffens, Thomas A CIV USARMY CESAW (USA); Sprinkle, Hannah H; Lane, Stephen
Cc:Westphal, Anneliese; Herndon, T. Mason; Law, Anthony W; Gingrich, Sophia E; Jetton, Joseph C; Pratt, Joshua T
Subject:BR-0160 - BEMC Bore Update/Report
Date:Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:15:50 AM
Hannah, Stephen & Tom,

The boring operation from subject project began on 20230413. They hit rock on 20230414, the
operator pulled back the cutter head and replaced it with a rock cutter head and increased the
depth of the bore to between 34’& 35’. They cleared the rock and continued to push forward at a
distance of 380’ from the entry pit and at 34’ deep a small seep of bentonite appeared below the
NHW and above the NLW, this resulted in a small release of material, operator estimated that
approximately 5 gallons of gel was lost, but on the surface, it only appeared to be less than that that
made it the surface.
The cutter head was approximately 50’ past where the frac out occurred. This happened
approximately 125’-150’ into the tidal zone. After discussions with Mason and Stephen, NCDOT
determined that this was a minimal loss and the efforts to recover the frac material would cause
more impacts than the actual loss, considering this material will likely flush away after the next flood
tide cycle. The operation was allowed to resume and will continue to monitor and update if there
are any more issues.

Please advise you have any additional concerns.

Sincerely,

Jon

Jon W. Giles Jr.
Division Environmental Officer – Division 3
North Carolina Department of Transportation

910 341 2000 Office
910-902-0244 Mobile
910 675 0143 Fax
[e-mail]

5501 Barbados Blvd.
Castle Hayne, NC 28429

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