Soil Core Sampling (Discrete or Continuous)
Soil core sampling is accomplished in two ways; continuously advancing and retracting the core barrel, or discrete, per interval samples using either a dual tube method or discrete sampler. Macro-Core®, DT-21, DT-32, Large-Bore and RS60 samplers range from 2-feet up to 5-feet in length and can sample from 4-ounce up to 16-ounce volumes. Samples are captured within a clear PVC liner for geotechnical evaluation while remaining sealed from the atmosphere to avoid the loss of volatile organics.
Continuous soil core sampling with a Geoprobe® system has proven successful to depths in excess of 100 feet. Specialized sample holders allow for soil sample collection in unconsolidated materials such as fill or sandy soils.
Remote Controlled Soil Sampling
In 2003 PSA was asked to provide remote controlled soil sampling capabilities for the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant located in De Soto, Kansas. The US Army Corps of Engineers and PSA's client had concern of a potential pressure sensitive explosive detonating under percussion of the Geoprobe® GH41 Hammer (30 hertz). PSA then upgraded our Geoprobe® 54DT track unit to allow remote operation of drive, probe mast and hammer operation. In January of 2004 PSA conducted full remote sampling of soil to a depth of 14.5-feet.
This type of capability has limitless applications on DOD, DOE, and other high level contaminant sites around the country.
Manual Soil Core Sampling (Discrete or Continuous)
Manual soil sampling is performed with a Large-Bore soil sampler in two ways; discrete, two-foot intervals; or, continuous two-foot intervals. Samples are collected within a clear, acetate liner for geotechnical evaluation while remaining sealed from the atmosphere to avoid loss of volatile organic compounds. This sampler collects a 1-inch by 2-foot soil core and can be advanced to the target depth as a discrete, per-interval sampler.
Active Soil Vapor Surveys
PSA is a soil vapor specialty company with equipment to hydraulically advance probes to depths of one hundred feet (subsurface dependent) to acquire soil vapor samples. Soil vapor screening techniques are used to quickly determine the extent a plume has migrated through the subsurface. These intrusive surveys provide valuable information about the permeability of soils and aid in the planning of future soil borings, ground water sampling, or monitoring well placement.
Well Installations / Piezometer / Abandonments
PSA installs one-inch monitoring wells using our 6600 series unit via direct push as an alternative to 2-inch wells installed using an auger drill rig. One-inch wells can be installed rapidly to depths in excess of 50 feet (subsurface dependent) to acquire large quantities of groundwater or for long-term monitoring. Ten to fifteen wells can be installed per day at a cost substantially lower than traditional drill rigs. Wells can be installed with a "J" plug lockout and a seven-inch manhole cover can set in concrete, or with a "stick-up" completion and protective bumper posts, depending on site conditions. Well variances are granted in both Kansas and Missouri for these installations. To date no request for variance has been denied.
Due to the industry needs changing PSA has upgraded our 6600 unit to install 2-inch monitoring wells. Using either 4.25-inch hollow stem or 6-inch solid flight augers PSA can install 2-inch monitoring wells in nearly any lithology, i.e., clays, silts sands and some fill materials. PSA utilizes the highly efficient Macro-Core® Soil sampler to acquire lithology prior to setting the well saving time while augering to depth.
PSA also offers abandonment and refurbishment of monitoring wells with one-inch to four-inch casing.
Groundwater Sampling (Open Hole or Discrete)
Groundwater samples are acquired by two techniques; a stainless steel screen point sampler; or, installation of temporary PVC in the open borehole. The screen point sampler is used for acquiring large volume ground water samples without the use of a monitoring well and is a discrete, per interval sampler.
Remedial Injections
PSA specializes in the various bio and Fenton Reagent reaction remedial injection product applications. Since 1997 PSA has applied Regenesis' products Oxygen Release Compound, ORC®, Hydrogen Release Compound, HRC® and RegenOx®. PSA also specializes in injecting Hydrogen Peroxide, up to 17% concentration. PSA has injected the SOYGOLD 5000 product, Dextrose Corn Syrup, ABC® Redox Solution and many others in recent years.
Vapor Monitoring Implants
Vapor monitoring implants can be installed with the Geoprobe® system by hydraulically advancing probe rods to the desired depth. The implants are constructed with a stainless steel mesh screen to ensure optimum vapor movement. Implants can be installed for long-term vapor extraction, sampling or remediation strategies.
Electro Conductivity Logging
Electro conductivity logging is a tool to determine soil type and strata. PSA conducts electro conductivity logging using Geoprobe®'s FC4000 software system with various types of polar probe tips for given lithological composition. Currently PSA holds the depth record for this method of sampling at 152.0 feet bgs.
Operation and Maintenance
PSA has over eight years of experience with operation and maintenance of a moderately sized air sparging/soil vapor extraction system located in Kansas City, KS. Our experience also includes grounds and building maintenance and biweekly DNAPL recovery of a former wood treatment facility. PSA worked as a subcontractor to perform weekly vapor readings, site inspection and maintenance, RCRA investigative derived waste characterization and disposal and quarterly monitoring of over 35 monitoring wells.
Concrete Coring
PSA has the equipment and training to core concrete or asphalt surfaces for a variety of client needs. The coring equipment is commonly used by PSA to install flush mounted manhole covers in paved areas. This unit is a separate stand-alone system that can be mobilized in any of the support vehicles for any of our clients' needs. Special situations in basements or other areas inaccessible to probe equipment make coring a viable alternative.