EXHIBIT 99


                       NOTICE OF UPCOMING BLACKOUT PERIOD
         LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANY HOURLY 401(K) RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
         ---------------------------------------------------------------

To:      Directors and Executive Officers
From:    Layne Christensen Company
Date:    February 16, 2004

1.       This notice is to inform you that the Layne Christensen Company Hourly
         401(k) Retirement Savings Plan ("Hourly Plan") will be merging into the
         Layne Christensen Company Capital Accumulation Plan.

2.       As a result of this change, former plan participants in the Hourly Plan
         will temporarily be unable to access, direct or diversify investments
         in their individual accounts, obtain loans from the plan, or obtain
         distributions from the Hourly Plan. This period is called a "Blackout
         Period."

3.       The Blackout Period for the plan is expected to begin during the
         calendar week of March 15, 2004 and end during the calendar week of
         March 29, 2004. During these weeks, you may obtain, without charge,
         information as to whether the blackout period has begun or ended by
         calling Merrill Lynch Customer Service at (800) 229-9040.

4.       Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Regulation BTR
         promulgated thereunder, you are prohibited from directly or indirectly
         purchasing, selling, or otherwise acquiring or transferring any shares
         of common stock of Layne Christensen Company during the Blackout
         Period, if those shares were acquired in connection with your service
         or employment as a director or executive officer. There are certain
         limited exceptions to this prohibition including, but not limited to,
         acquisitions pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans and
         purchases or sales pursuant to a trading arrangement that satisfies the
         affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934.

5.       If you have any questions concerning this notice or any particular
         exemption to the prohibition that may be applicable to you, please
         contact Steven F. Crooke, Vice President--General Counsel of Layne
         Christensen Company at (913) 677-6864.