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Contractor Licensing · S.17

Louisiana Contractor Environmental Wells Trade Examination Practice Test

The Louisiana Contractor Environmental Wells Trade Examination (S.17) concerns field work on environmental wells, including monitoring-well installation, development, water-level measurement, and groundwater sampling. Practice questions sample decisions about filter packs and seals, well protection, sampling equipment, and field safety. These tasks require careful measurement and consistent handling of equipment and samples.

Exam overview

Exam providerLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Exam codeS.17
CategoryContractor Licensing

About the Louisiana Contractor Environmental Wells Trade Examination Exam

Environmental-well work involves maintaining a reliable path from the screened interval to the surface while limiting the movement of water or contaminants between formations. Field decisions can include selecting a consistent surveyed reference point for water-level readings, calculating groundwater elevation from depth-to-water measurements, and assessing whether well development is removing sediment and improving sample access. Sampling tasks call for attention to pump-intake placement, equipment cleanliness, and whether a project method requires filtration in the field. Installation and maintenance considerations include setting filter pack and bentonite seal materials, protecting casing openings from surface water, and locating buried utilities before drilling or excavation. Crews also need to recognize hazards associated with hoisting casing and potential confined-space entry, and select controls appropriate to the task.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

A crew is sampling a well for dissolved metals and the project method calls for field filtration. When should filtration generally occur?

  1. AAs soon as practicable after collection, following the specified method
  2. BOnly after the sample has been stored for several days
  3. CAfter adding any preservative, regardless of method requirements
  4. DAfter the laboratory has completed analysis
Show answerCorrect answer: A

When dissolved metals are defined by filtration, filtering promptly in the field generally separates dissolved constituents from suspended particles before those particles can change the result. The project method and laboratory instructions govern the exact procedure and preservation sequence.

Question 2

A crew is preparing to develop a newly installed monitoring well. Which result best indicates that development is progressing appropriately?

  1. AWater becomes less turbid and accumulated fines are reduced
  2. BThe well is pumped dry repeatedly without recording observations
  3. CThe screen openings become coated with drilling mud
  4. DWater is introduced from an unverified source to increase the level
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Well development removes drilling fluids and fine materials near the screen and filter pack. Reduced turbidity and fewer fines in discharge can indicate improvement, alongside project-specific criteria.

Question 3

When measuring groundwater elevation in a monitoring well, why should the measurement be tied to a consistent surveyed reference point?

  1. AIt allows water levels from different wells or visits to be compared on a common elevation basis
  2. BIt eliminates the need to record the measurement date
  3. CIt determines the chemical composition of the groundwater
  4. DIt prevents the water level from changing during measurement
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A consistent elevation datum and reference point make groundwater elevations comparable across wells and sampling events, supporting evaluation of hydraulic conditions.

Question 4

After placing the filter pack, a crew installs a bentonite seal above it. What is the seal intended to do?

  1. ALimit vertical movement of water along the annular space
  2. BIncrease the yield of the screened formation by enlarging the screen openings
  3. CProvide a surface platform for sampling equipment
  4. DReplace the well casing below the ground surface
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The annular seal helps limit water movement between different intervals along the outside of the casing, reducing the risk of creating a pathway for cross-flow.

Question 5

A monitoring well is being installed near a utility corridor. What should the crew do before beginning excavation or drilling at the location?

  1. AConfirm underground utilities have been located and the work area has been cleared under applicable procedures
  2. BAssume utilities are absent if none are visible at the surface
  3. CBegin drilling and stop only if a utility is encountered
  4. DUse the well casing as a probe to locate buried lines
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Locating and clearing underground utilities before intrusive work helps prevent damage, service interruptions, and injury. The crew should follow applicable notification and site-clearance procedures.

Question 6

A well casing is damaged and its opening is no longer reliably protected from surface water. What is the most appropriate general response?

  1. AReport the damage and arrange repair or replacement so the well remains protected and usable
  2. BCover the opening loosely with soil until the next sampling event
  3. CContinue sampling without noting the condition
  4. DPour sealant into the casing to block all water movement
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Damaged well components can allow surface water or debris to enter and can compromise sampling or well function. The condition should be documented and corrected using an appropriate repair plan.

Question 7

A field technician measures depth to water from a well reference point. The measured depth is 12.4 feet, and the reference point is at elevation 105.0 feet. What is the groundwater elevation?

  1. A117.4 feet
  2. B105.0 feet
  3. C92.6 feet
  4. D12.4 feet
Show answerCorrect answer: C

Groundwater elevation is calculated by subtracting depth to water from the reference-point elevation: 105.0 − 12.4 = 92.6 feet.

How to use this practice test

The free practice session presents up to 20 random questions from the 50-question bank and shows results afterward. Use the questions to check your reasoning on well construction, groundwater measurements, sampling procedures, and field safety; revisit any missed concepts before another session.

Preparation tips

  • Practice converting depth-to-water readings into groundwater elevations using the surveyed measuring-point elevation, and keep the sign convention consistent.
  • Review the purpose and placement of a monitoring-well screen, filter pack, and bentonite seal, including how poor placement can compromise the well.
  • Compare field sampling steps for dissolved metals, including when filtration is called for by the project method and how sampling equipment is handled.
  • Before drilling, excavation, casing lifts, or possible confined-space work, identify the relevant hazards and the controls needed for that specific task.
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