ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the issues associated with long-term groundwater control systems, which are to be in operation for so long that they can be considered ‘permanent’. The vast majority of groundwater control applications are temporary. Dewatering or groundwater exclusion is carried out for a defined period, typically for the construction period of a structure or the production period of a mine or underground facility. Barrier systems are used to exclude groundwater in order to reduce, and in some cases to effectively eliminate, seepage of groundwater into structures or other infrastructure that is below ground level. Long-term control of groundwater, using pumping and exclusion technologies, can form part of schemes to remediate or contain contaminated groundwater. A fundamental aspect of permanent dewatering systems is that they will be in operation long enough that every mechanical, electrical or other active part of the system will require significant maintenance, and probably replacement, during the system’s life.
