Recent RDR 8-Month Project: New Natural Gas Well Pad
RDR was awarded an 8-month natural gas well pad construction project in West Virginia that involves more than 150,000 cubic yards of earthwork and a fully engineered access road.
Considerations in Well Pad Construction
The location of underground oil or natural gas reserves dictate where wells need to be drilled. Flat ground is used whenever possible, but in hilly regions that are normal in the RDR service area, pads often need to be placed on slopes/elevated terrain. Flat or elevated, RDR often hired for slip repair, deeply understands and plans for the impact of erosion control on the environment that includes the well pad site.
RDR's Precise Well Pad Construction Steps
For single-pad or multi-site well pad construction, RDR follows precise steps that meet the timelines of our energy sector clients. In the construction of something as massive and complex as a well pad, RDR follows a set of safety-first steps that mix environmental accountability (both state and federal standards), and executional consistency to keep projects on track.
- Install E&S controls
- Clear and grub site
- Strip topsoil and stockpile
- Install toe keys on access road and well pad
- Excavate and place structural fill for access road and well pad
- Grade site and prep for topsoil
- Replace topsoil on slopes and fine grade for seeding
- Place base and cap stone on access road and well pad
- Seed and Curlex finished slopes
- Complete asphalt paving and guardrail where required
Install E&S Controls–Step #1
In step #1 RDR installs E&S controls to minimize the impact of construction-based erosion on the environment. So before major earthwork begins, RDR will stabilize the access points where the construction site meets public roads with crushed rock or geotextile fabric. Where needed RDR will install perimeter controls–silt fences, filter socks or even diversion ditches to manage surface runoff, protect nearby waterways, and ensure the well pad will be in regulatory compliance.
Clear and Grub Site–Step #2
Clearing and grubbing prepares the site for excavation and grading. All above ground vegetation and obstacles are removed. Trees, brush and shrubs, tall grasses and debris such as old fences or surface rocks are cleared. In the grubbing process root systems and organic material beneath the ground are removed. This prevents future settling or unwanted regrowth.
Strip Topsoil and Stockpile–Step #3
Next the topsoil–the 6-12 inches of soil that is rich in organics–is stripped. The topsoil is stockpiled separately for final grading or site restoration.
Install Toe Keys on Access Road and Well Pad–Step #4
Toe keys help “anchor” or reduce sliding and settlement of access roads and of the well pad location itself. Depending on specs, 2 to 4 feet deep trenches are cut along the bottom of a planned fill slope.The trenches are filled with compacted structured fill, which is placed and compacted in thin layers.
Excavate and Place Structural Fill for Access Road and Well Pad–Step #5
- Excavating excess soil from high areas to to reach subgrade
- Raising low areas with engineered fill, which is spread in layers and compacted with rollers or tampers to meet density specs.
Grade Site and Prep for Topsoil–Step #6
In this step RDR shapes and refines the final pad and road to spec. If additional drainage control features are needed they are added at this time.
Replace Topsoil on Slopes and Fine Grade for Seeding–Step #7
In this step RDR prepares the slopes for revegetation/more erosion control. The crew pulls the topsoil from stockpiles (set aside during cleaning and grubbing) and spreads it evenly over disturbed slopes. Graders and/or dozers smooth and shape the surface so it is uniform, drainable and ready for seed.
Place Base and Cap Stone on Access Road and Well Pad–Step #8
Before seeding, the final layer of stone is spread on the access road and well pad. A durable crushed rock (typically limestone) creates a load-bearing layer. Cap stone is a finer top layer that is added, shaped with a grader, and compacted with rollers to tighten the surface, and provide a smoother, more stable driving surface.
Seed and Curlex Finished Slopes–Step #9
To further stabilize the soil and establish grass growth quickly, seed is spread according to spec. Curlex, a rolled erosion control mat made of shredded wood is laid over seeded slopes, and stapled or pinned into place. The Curlex improves germination by holding in moisture, and also helps to prevent erosion even before the vegetation is ready.
Complete Asphalt Paving and Guardrail Where Required–Step #10
Then to ensure that the road is in safety compliance, RDR asphalt paves the entrance and road segments or turnouts as required by spec. Guardrails are installed along high fill areas or at culverts and embankments. Entrance paving is usually the first thing that inspectors and operators see, demonstrating care in construction and adherence with regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
Whether developing a single pad, or fitting-out a multiple well pad site expansion, RDR brings a safety-first culture, environmental accountability and executional consistency that keeps our energy sector client’s projects on track.
