Western Geo-Engineers

(530) 668-5300; Fax (530) 662-0273; wege@cal.net

A FULL SERVICE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING COMPANY

Soil Probe Surveys^TM

WHAT IS A SOIL PROBE SURVEY^TM AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM CONVENTIONAL INVESTIGATIONS OF VOC CONTAMINATION?

The key to the flexibility and superior response of the SOIL PROBE SURVEY (SPS) ^TM method is the immediate feedback capability of the portable on-site laboratory coupled with the significantly reduced times necessary to obtain samples. In the SPS^TM, soil, vapor, and groundwater samples are not obtained by drilling but rather by driving specially graduated and tempered steel rods to the desired sampling depth. Soil samples are retrieved in small clean brass cylinders with a specially designed down-hole-sampling device. Vapor and groundwater samples are retrieved through clean, flexible poly tubing. The soil and groundwater samples are analyzed immediately on-site in a portable laboratory. Identification of contaminating compounds and VOC concentrations are determined on the spot along with a geological contouring of contaminated soils and aquifers. The continuing collection and analysis of soil and groundwater samples during the SPS is directed by real-time analysis of the samples on-site. The sampling rods are withdrawn from the soil using a hydraulically powered retrieving device, and no soil cuttings are generated in the process.

The advantages of using a SOIL PROBE SURVEY (SPS^TM) over conventional methods in delineating soil, vapor, and groundwater VOC contamination plumes are numerous:

• Greater coverage of area of investigation per unit cost.
• Immediate feedback from on-site laboratory investigative team
• Ability to follow-up and delineate hot spots and point sources of contamination.
• Lightweight and mobile equipment can reach locations that are difficult to sample with conventional means and is less apt to impede ongoing business activities.
• Generates no cuttings i.e. no disposal problem.