Environmental Consulting - testing, soil gas survey, soil vapor survey, direct-push sampling, direct push sampling, geoprobe, methane gas, certified mobile laboratory, soil-gas survey & analysis

SOIL GAS SURVEYING SOIL GAS MONITORING	Soil and groundwater contamination by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can often be identified by analyzing trace gases in soils just below ground surface. Soil gas surveying is a fast, preliminary monitoring technique for the detection of VOCs in soil and groundwater. Soil gas surveys are routine tasks on many site investigations and hazardous waste site characterization studies. Kirk A. Thomson, RG, CHG, REA II and President of EST, has extensive experience in the use of soil gas surveying techniques. Beginning in 1981, Mr. Thomson was involved in the development of production-style soil gas surveying while a graduate student at the University of Arizona, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources. Mr. Thomson has over 24 years of experience in soil gas sampling projects. He has managed soil gas sampling projects for three major environmental contractors and is considered an authority in the field. Field gas chromatography (GC) analyses of soil, soil gas, and groundwater may be used to aid in assessing subsurface site conditions and aid in evaluating the performance of site remediation activities. EST field GC services include the analysis of volatile hydrocarbons by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS), GC-photo-ionization (PID)/electrolytic conductivity detector (ELCD), and total petroleum hydrocarbons and methane by GC-flame ionization detector (FID). Soil gas surveys are commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of vapor extraction systems operating to remove soil contamination by VOCs. Field laboratory services are designed to meet the needs of any field investigation project. Click here for more information.

DIRECT-PUSH SOIL & GROUNDWATER SAMPLING	EST performs soil and groundwater sampling using both limited access and truck-mounted hydraulic/percussion-drive equipment. Continuous-coring or discrete soil sampling can be performed to depths in excess of 30 feet (depending on subsurface geologic conditions, i.e. refusal). Hydraulic/percussion-drive soil sampling techniques minimizes the costs associated with the containment, transport, treatment or disposal of investigation-derived wastes. Soil samples may be analyzed in EST's California-certified mobile laboratory to provide real-time evaluation of sample concentrations, thus eliminating the wasted time and expense of unnecessary sampling and analysis. Data compilation is computerized on-site for rapid turnaround. EST also performs groundwater sampling using the hydraulic/percussion-drive equipment. Groundwater samples may be collected using a drop-out well screen sampler or by installing a temporary one-inch PVC well in an open two-inch borehole created using hydraulic/percussion-drive coring techniques. Click here for more information.

MOBILE LABORATORY SERVICES	EST is a California-certified mobile environmental laboratory specializing in the analyses of soil gas, soil, and groundwater for VOCs. EST is certified for EPA Method 8021 (halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons in soil or waste water), EPA Methods 601/602 (halogenated and aromatic VOCs in waste water), and DHS LUFT Manual (Method 8015 modified) for fuel hydrocarbons in soil or groundwater. Click here for more information.

HYDROGEOLOGIC INVESTIGATION AND MONITORING	Hydrogeologic investigation and monitoring form the basis of most environmental assessments, site characterization studies, remedial investigation/feasibility studies, and site remediation projects. EST provides specialty services in routine hydrogeologic monitoring methods including soil sampling, well installation, aquifer testing, and routine groundwater sampling programs. EST will design and implement environmental programs to serve the needs of our clients and provide the information necessary to solve environmental problems to satisfy regulatory agencies. EST can integrate computer modeling of groundwater flow systems with contaminant transport modeling to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of groundwater recovery and treatment systems.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SERVICES	Underground storage tank (UST) services range from supervision of UST removal operations to the investigation and remediation of potential product releases. UST site characterization techniques include soil vapor surveying to trace contaminant plumes, soil and groundwater sampling, laboratory analysis of samples, and preparation of technical reports. EST will perform a feasibility study to evaluate potential remedial action alternatives, if necessary. If remedial action is necessary, EST will design and manage the construction of recovery and remedial treatment systems. Click here for more information.

SITE REMEDIATION	Site remediation services include the design, installation, and monitoring of soil and groundwater recovery and treatment systems. Such systems include soil vapor extraction, soil bioremediation, and groundwater recovery and treatment systems. Treatment technologies employed include air and water stripping, catalytic oxidation, activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange, and incineration. EST specializes in the routine monitoring of soil and groundwater remediation systems. Services include routine treatment system sampling, flow monitoring, and efficiency monitoring. EST follows stringent sample handling and custody protocols to assure sample integrity and safe delivery for analytical laboratory testing by USEPA methods. Click here for more information.

SERVICES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR DRY CLEANING FACILITIES	EST conducts environmental audits to evaluate the operation and compliance of dry cleaning facilities. Audits include an on-site inspection, business owner interview, inventory of compliance confirmation records, and preparation of a facility audit report. SOIL & GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT When it is necessary to assess the extent of a chemical leak or spill EST has the in-house capability to collect and analyze soil and groundwater samples. With state-of-the-art equipment, EST can perform the sampling and analysis on-site and provide test results the same day. Soil gas surveys offer a fast and effective means of assessing the possible presence and extent of dry cleaning solvent in soil beneath a dry cleaning facility. In less than one day and with little or no site disruption, EST can provide an assessment of soil conditions and make recommendations for preventive measures or site remediation.

CONTAMINANT SOURCE INVESTIGATIONS	Existing contaminant sources in soil or groundwater will prolong remediation of a site and may extend associated liabilities. EST specializes in the identification, definition, and remediation of existing contaminant sources. Contaminant source investigations typically involve the sampling and analysis of soil gas, soil, groundwater, and surface water to assess the origin of pollutants. EST will develop and implement sampling programs to aid in evaluating the sources of contamination and provide our clients with the most effective means of site remediation. Potential contaminants may include petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and toxics such as cyanide.

REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION/ FEASIBILITY STUDIES	Remedial investigation/feasibility studies (RI/FSs) are site characterization studies that follow a particular format as outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Similar surveying and hydrogeologic testing techniques, used in RI/FSs, are used in other site investigations or property assessments. A typical RI/FS involves the preparation of Work Plans (WPs), Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs), and Health and Safety Plans (HSPs). Each document must meet specific criteria outlined in USEPA guidance documents. EST personnel have extensive experience in the preparation of various plans and implementation of RI/FSs.

LANDFILL ASSESSMENTS	EST provides expertise in services required for compliance with the California Solid Waste Assessment Test (SWAT) program for landfills. Applicable services include hydrogeologic investigation and monitoring, soil gas sampling, site remediation technologies, and preparation of landfill closure assessments and closure plans. EST provides specialty landfill services in the areas landfill gas migration studies and hydrogeologic investigation and monitoring. EST uses field operable gas chromatography equipment and approved air toxics sampling techniques to conduct ambient air and landfill gas migration assessments. EST performs vadose zone monitoring to evaluate the unsaturated flow characteristics of landfill cover and the surrounding soil profile. Vadose zone monitoring techniques include infiltration testing, pore-liquid sampling, and the measurement of soil moisture content. EST will design and implement exploratory drilling and groundwater monitoring programs.