Geological Survey Program
Missouri Geological Survey
P.O. Box 250
Rolla, MO 65402-0250
United States
Missouri Geological Survey
fact sheetMissouri Geological Survey
Director: Carey Bridges, RGThe term “geotechnical boring” is used to cover numerous types of excavations. The purpose of this fact sheet is to clarify the types of geotechnical borings that are regulated by Missouri Well Construction Rules (MWCR).
A geotechnical boring is a temporary monitoring well used to collect or evaluate subsurface data to determine the properties of geologic materials such as type, chemical composition, compressibility, strength, thickness or structure.
Soil borings are the most common type of geotechnical boring. Soil borings are regulated as temporary monitoring wells by the MWCR.
A non-restricted monitoring well drilling permit is required to install geotechnical borings that are not specifically exempted. See 10 CSR 23-1.090 for all drilling activities that require a permit.
A restricted monitoring well permit is required to contract work that is not specifically exempted. The company doing the actual work must hold a non-restricted monitoring well drilling permit.
Geotechnical borings must be plugged within 30 days. Exceptions to this are:
If uncertain whether a boring must be plugged, please contact the Well Installation section for clarification before proceeding.
Geotechnical borings that are not exempted must be reported. The registration report and fee must be submitted within 180 days of plugging the first boring. Submit reports online using our Well Information Management System tool. Alternately, they may be submitted via email using Form MO 780-2161, or they may be mailed to us at the address below.
If you have questions or would like assistance, please contact us at 573-368-2165 or email us at welldrillers@dnr.mo.gov.
Nothing in this document may be used to implement any enforcement action or levy any penalty unless promulgated by rule under chapter 536 or authorized by statute.
Missouri Geological Survey
P.O. Box 250
Rolla, MO 65402-0250
United States