Scenic Backdrop for Erie Lake Project

Drilling Engineers in Fort Collins, CO, designed a barge, specifically for their Geoprobe® 7822DT to complete a pre-feasibility study on Erie Lake Reservoir in Erie, CO, to examine the potential for the construction of a new dam. The geotechnical investigation will also help determine if future expansion of the reservoir is feasible.

According to Rick Rogers, Owner of Drilling Engineers, “The 7822DT and barge setup worked beyond our expectations.”

The purpose of the study was to obtain samples of soils and bedrock inside the existing footprint of the reservoir in order to evaluate whether the material was suitable for building a new dam. “Core rods were used as spud bars to hold the barge in place while we drilled,” Rick explained. “We used our 7822DT and advanced 3.25-in. ID hollow stem augers to approximately 30- to 40-feet in depth or 10 feet into the underlying claystone bedrock.” Soil samples were obtained with split spoon and other samplers.

Drilling Engineers designed the barge so it could be transported with their equipment carrier. They can unload, assemble and load the drill in one day. The barge is equipped with a five horsepower engine. 

“Because of its small size and light weight, we can complete multiple projects that could not be accessed with a truck mounted rig,” Rick added. As well as the geotechnical barge drilling project, Rick said they hope to complete river/estuary sediment sampling with the 7822DT/barge combo for environmental investigations in the coming year.

“Drilling Engineers purchased our 7822DT in 2009, and we’ve found it to be versatile in its design for both Environmental and Geotechnical drilling projects. Because of its small size and light weight, we can complete projects that can’t be accessed with truck-mounted rigs.”

Rick Rogers • Owner
Drilling Engineers • Fort Collins, CO