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1.1 This standard practice describes standard procedures for using a conductive geotextile with electrical methods to locate leaks in exposed geomembranes and geomembranes covered with water or earth materials containing moisture.

1.2 This standard practice provides guidance for the use of appropriate conductive geotextile used in leak location surveys on geomembranes. This guide includes all types of conductive geotextiles with sufficient conductivity for the particular electrical leak location method. A conductive geotextile is applicable to all types of geoelectric surveys when there is otherwise not a conductive layer under the geomembrane.

1.3 This standard practice is intended to ensure that leak location surveys can always be performed with a reasonable level of certainty. This standard practice provides guidance for the use of appropriate conductive geotextiles used in leak location surveys on geomembranes.

1.4 Leak location surveys can be used on nonconductive geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells, landfill caps, other containment facilities, and building applications such as in parking garages, decks, and green roofs. The procedures are applicable for geomembranes made of nonconductive materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, bituminous material, and other electrically insulating materials. Leak location surveys involving conductive or partially conductive geomembranes are not within the scope of this document.

1.5 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 earth material and earth ground, or any grounded conductor. These procedures are potentially VERY DANGEROUS, and can result in personal injury or death. Because of the high voltage that could be involved, and the shock or electrocution hazard, do not come in electrical contact with any leak unless the excitation power supply is turned off. 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.

1.6 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.

1.7 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.

5.1 With the increased use of geomembranes as a barrier material to restrict liquid migration from one location to another, a need has been created for standardized tests by which the continuity of the installed geomembrane, including the seams, can be evaluated. This practice is intended to meet such a need whenever the subgrade soil is nonconductive, or a geomembrane is installed on a nonconductive material.

5.2 The use of a suitably conductive geotextile installed between a nonconductive soil or material and the geomembrane will permit electrical leak location survey to be conducted.

5.3 The compatibility of a conductive geotextile and leak location equipment shall be assessed for each leak location technique considered (covered or exposed, when applicable). A realistic small-scale test shall have been conducted by the supplier of geotextile and/or leak detection equipment to demonstrate their mutual compatibility for a given leak detection technique.