Michael Pitterle Email & Phone Number

Las Vegas, Nv (Nevada National Security Site)

Site supervisor for deep (up to 4,000 ft) geologic drilling in volcanic terrains at the Nevada Test Site to characterize the subsurface geology, hydrology and contaminant migration. In addition to the collection of geologic and water quality samples, drilling parameters and fluid production were monitored regularly. He also supports well completion activities, including the development and testing of up to three aquifers in a single well. He is also responsible for completing the data reports for drilling and testing activities.

Las Vegas, Nv & Los Alamos, Nm

Served as the Lead Field Geologist for the R-25b monitoring well installation at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico. He was responsible for managing the drill site, sampling and lithologic logging of core and cuttings, and perched water detection.Supported the drilling and completion of a monitor well with a five point, Westbay completion system for Nye County, Nevada. He was responsible for maintaining depth control, collecting cuttings samples, ensuring well screens were set to the planned depths, tracking drilling/completion materials, and the QA documentation of all drilling and development activities.

Yucca Mountain Site, Nye County, Nv

Supervised up to fifteen geologists in the documentation of drilling engineering and sampling activities for the Repository Facilities Drilling Program in support of the license application for the Yucca Mountain Site. Approximately 100 exploratory boreholes were drilled using air-rotary, coring and/or vibratory sonic drilling methods to characterize the geology and structural framework of the repository facilities area. Boreholes ranged from 250 to 1100 feet in depth. The work involved daily interactions with DOE site representatives, principal investigators, drill crews, safety and health personnel, and quality assurance staff to coordinate field activities and resolve quality and safety issues. All work was performed in accordance with QA procedures. Other duties included lithologic logging of core and cuttings, and support of workovers on five deep (5000 ft) wells.

Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nv

Responsible for supervising the collection of core and cuttings samples for use in characterizing the geology and hydrology in support of the license application for the Yucca Mountain Project. Provided support in the drilling of approximately 250 surface boreholes up to 3000 feet in depth, and over 700 underground core holes from several feet to over 200 feet in length. Core ranged from NQ (1.8”) to 12” in diameter. Surface and underground boreholes were generally cored dry to preserve the in-situ conditions (i.e., hydrochemistry, moisture content) of the volcanic tuffs. Some deep surface boreholes were cored and then over-reamed up to 12” in diameter using the reverse circulation rotary method of drilling. Screens were set below the water table in many boreholes for long term sampling and monitoring activities. Also compiled and integrated borehole sampling requirements from the USGS and several national labs, made recommendations for revisions to QA procedures, developed and implemented field training programs for new staff, and supervised the development and technical review of geologic and structural logs for submittal to the Technical Data Management System.