Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D5408-93 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🌍 Introduction and Scope of ASTM D5408
ASTM D5408 −93 (Reapproved 2010)´1 defines the Standard Guide for the Set of Data Elements to Describe a Groundwater Site, specifically addressing Part One: Additional Identification Descriptors. Developed to be used alongside Practice D5254, this guide establishes a comprehensive framework for describing a groundwater data collection or sampling site, extending well beyond the minimum required set of data elements.
Per the standard, a groundwater site is defined as “any source, location, or sampling station capable of producing water or hydrologic data from a natural stratum from below the surface of the earth.” This broad definition encompasses wells, springs, seeps, drains, tunnels, and even excavations, ponds, or sinkholes that demonstrate hydraulic connection to groundwater. The terminology is derived from standard hydrogeologic references, including the Glossary of Geology and USGS Water Resources Division publications.
💡 Modifying Code Lists: The component and code lists provided with many data elements in this guide are not rigid requirements. According to the standard, these lists “can be modified, expanded, or reduced for the purpose intended by the company or agency maintaining the groundwater data file,” allowing for significant flexibility in implementation.
🗺️ Guide Architecture and Data Element Groups
ASTM D5408 is the foundational part of a three-guide series for groundwater site documentation. Part One focuses explicitly on Additional Identification Descriptors, which includes data elements related to map identification, permitting facts, and supporting information. Part Two (Guide D5409) covers physical descriptors like construction and geology, while Part Three (Guide D5410) addresses usage descriptors such as monitoring and decommissioning.
An important principle is that no single site requires every data element. While specific records have mandatory elements (e.g., the date for an ownership record), these are only required when that particular record group is selected for collection.
| 🟦 Guide | 📏 Category | 📐 Data Element Count |
|---|---|---|
| D5408 (Part 1) | Additional Identification | Several record groups (map ID, permitting) |
| D5409 (Part 2) | Site Characteristic | 7 |
| Construction | 56 | |
| Lift | 16 | |
| Geologic | 26 | |
| Hydraulic | 20 | |
| Spring | 11 | |
| D5410 (Part 3) | Monitoring | 77 |
| Irrigation | 4 | |
| Waste Site | 9 | |
| Decommissioning | 8 |
⚙️ Implementation and Key Requirements
Many of the data elements and codes in D5408 are directly based on those established by the USGS Water Resources Division for use in the National Water Information Systems (NWIS) database, promoting data interoperability. The standard emphasizes that values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard—a clarification made editorial in a 2010 revision that fully removed inch-pound units. The guide serves as a critical reference for hydrogeologists and database managers looking to standardize the collection of site identification data for permanent records.
📌 Mandatory Context within Records: A key technical nuance is that data elements are grouped into records. While the standard does not mandate every element for every site, it stipulates that “each record (group of related data elements) for a site has mandatory data elements.” For example, if an ownership record is created, the date of that record is a mandatory element. This structure ensures that any collected data is always traceable to a specific point in time or context.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of the data elements defined in ASTM D5408?
This guide suggests data elements to provide additional identification descriptors for a groundwater site. It covers information beyond the “Minimum Set of Data Elements,” including map identification, permitting facts, and supporting information, for entry into any type of permanent file.
💡 How do the three parts of this groundwater site guide work together?
Part One (D5408) focuses on additional identification. Part Two (D5409) details physical descriptors covering construction and geology (totaling 136 elements across 6 categories). Part Three (D5410) covers usage descriptors like monitoring and irrigation (totaling 98 elements). Together, they provide a complete framework for describing a site.
⚡