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1.1 These practices cover standard procedures for using electrical methods to locate leaks in geomembranes covered with water or earthen materials. For clarity, this practice uses the term “leak” to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks, and similar breaches in an installed geomembrane (as defined in 3.2.9).

1.2 These practices are intended to ensure that leak location surveys are performed with a standardized level of leak detection capability. To allow further innovations, and because various leak location practitioners use a wide variety of procedures and equipment to perform these surveys, performance-based protocol are also used that specify minimum leak detection criteria.

1.3 The survey shall then be conducted using the demonstrated equipment, procedures, and survey parameters. In the absence of the minimum signal strength during leak detection distance testing, a minimum measurement density specification is provided. Alternatively, the minimum measurement density may simply be used.

1.4 Separate procedures are given for leak location surveys for geomembranes covered with water and for geomembranes covered with earthen materials. Separate procedures are given for leak detection distance tests using actual and artificial leaks.

1.5 Examples of methods of data analysis for soil-covered surveys are provided as guidance in Appendix X1.

1.6 Leak location surveys can be used on geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells, landfill caps, and other containment facilities. The procedures are applicable for geomembranes made of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, bituminous material, and other electrically insulating materials.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 (Warning—The electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location could use high voltages, resulting in the potential for electrical shock or electrocution. This hazard might be increased because operations might be conducted in or near water. In particular, a high voltage could exist between the water or earthen material and earth ground, or any grounded conductor. These procedures are potentially VERY DANGEROUS, and can result in personal injury or death. The electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location should be attempted only by qualified and experienced personnel. Appropriate safety measures must be taken to protect the leak location operators as well as other people at the site.)

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

4.1 Geomembranes are used as impermeable barriers to prevent liquids from leaking from landfills, ponds, and other containments. The liquids may contain contaminants that, if released, can cause damage to the environment. Leaking liquids can erode the subgrade, causing further damage. Leakage can result in product loss or otherwise prevent the installation from performing its intended containment purpose. For these reasons, it is desirable that the geomembrane have as little leakage as practical.

4.2 Geomembrane leaks can be caused by poor quality of the subgrade, poor quality of the material placed on the geomembrane, accidents, poor workmanship, manufacturing defects, and carelessness.

4.3 The most significant causes of leaks in geomembranes that are covered with only water are related to construction activities, including pumps and equipment placed on the geomembrane, accidental punctures, and punctures caused by traffic over rocks or debris on the geomembrane or in the subgrade.

4.4 The most significant cause of leaks in geomembranes covered with earthen materials is construction damage caused by machinery that occurs while placing the earthen material on the geomembrane. Such damage also can breach additional layers of the lining system such as geosynthetic clay liners.

4.5 Electrical leak location methods are an effective final quality assurance measure to detect and locate leaks. If any of the requirements for survey area preparation is not adhered to, then leak sensitivity could be diminished. Optimal survey area conditions are described in Section 6.