Soil & Water

Shallow Vapour Soil Surveys

Shallow vapour soil surveys provide a rapid and cost effective method of mapping the horizontal distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)in shallow soil and groundwater. Soil vapour surveys can be used to explore petroleum refining, storage and distribution facilities and other installations that have used or stored fuels, solvents or other petroleum based chemicals.

Shallow vapour soil surveys include collecting a grid of samples over the area of interest and analysis for VOCs, C5+ gasoline range hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents and other compounds of concern. Results can be used to select drilling and monitor well locations that will be required to determine the horizontal and vertical distribution of contaminants in soils and ground waters.

Soil Sampling

Conventional drilling and soil sampling programs can be utilized to obtain representative soil samples for laboratory analysis of petroleum constituents, trace metals and other contaminants of concern. Soil sampling programs should be planned after a soil vapor study or other screening tool is used so that borings are placed to fully define the horizontal extent of contaminants.

Monitoring Well Installation and Ground Water Sampling

The horizontal extent of ground water contamination can be determined with an appropriate number of ground water monitoring wells. Wells are typically sampled for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), trace metals and other water quality parameters.

Final Report

The final interpretive report provides a comprehensive assessment of the type, composition, vertical and horizontal distribution of potential contaminants of soil, ground water of the site. Results can be used for planning more extensive site investigations to further define pollutants or as confirmation of levels prior to site purchase or development.