Firm Foundations: Sampling Basics

Whether you’re new to environmental services or are only just beginning to consider it as a career path, there’s a lot to learn in this industry and it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’re launching our new blog series, Firm Foundations. Each post will provide you with the resources you need to develop a basic understanding of topics like…

• Drilling
• Sampling
• Site characterization
• Remediation
• Evaluating contractors
• Career development in environmental services
• Improving industry recruitment and retention

Today’s post is about environmental and geotechnical sampling. We’ve collected our best educational content from sampling experts all over the country, and are sharing it here.

This article is divided into two sections: core learning and additional resources. The core learning section covers the essentials—everything you need to know to have a baseline understanding about sampling. The second section provides helpful information that will fill in gaps, answer common questions, and generally make it easier for you to work with and talk to your sampling contractors.

Core Learning

Sampling 101: Methods of Collecting Environmental Samples During Drilling

The data you collect during sampling sets the foundation for your entire environmental project, so it’s important to understand the different technologies and when to utilize them. In this on-demand webinar, you’ll learn about the most common methods of environmental sampling, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and the lithologies where each is most suited.

Sampling 102: 4 Ways to Collect Deep Groundwater Samples During Drilling

Collecting groundwater samples is a different beast than collecting soil samples, as the potential for cross contamination can be far greater. This blog post covers four of the most popular groundwater sampling methods used with casing advanced drilling systems.

Sampling 103: Methods of Collecting Samples During Geotechnical Drilling

Sampling isn’t just for environmental projects—geotech and infrastructure projects require subsurface data, too! This on-demand webinar walks through the sampling methods used for geotechnical applications, their strengths, and how to know which one to use for your project.

Sampling 104: An Introduction to Groundwater Sampling

Groundwater sampling is something you can’t afford to get wrong, so it’s important to understand the technologies available and when to choose each one. In this on-demand webinar, our sampling experts cover the major types of groundwater sampling methodologies, the drilling technologies used, and how to select the option that’s best for your site.

Sampling 201: When, Why and How to Use Telescoping When Sampling Aquifers

Cross contamination is a real danger when sampling aquifers, but it can be prevented by using telescoping. In this on-demand webinar, our experts explain how multi-zone aquifer sampling works, the drilling methods capable of accomplishing it, when the technique should be used, and other project planning considerations.

Additional Resources

3 Things to Know Before You Begin Your Groundwater Sampling Project

Before you begin sampling groundwater on your project site, you need to know three things: the kind of aquifer you’ll be sampling, the kind of formation you’ll be drilling through, and the type of chemicals you expect to find in your samples. In this blog post, you’ll learn how and why these elements should shape your groundwater sampling efforts.

How to Know if DPT is Your Best Option

This blog post provides a list of questions to help you decide if DPT may be right for your project. You can use it as a cheat sheet checklist next time you’re wondering if it might be a good fit.

3 Common Questions About Groundwater Sampling

If you don’t have a lot of experience with groundwater sampling, you may have questions you’re too nervous to ask—it seems like everyone already has all the answers. Our experts get these questions regularly (so you’re not alone!), and in this blog post answer three of the most common.

How Does Heat Affect VOC Sampling in Sonic Core Samples?

Our sonic drilling experts are frequently asked whether the heat generated during sonic drilling can impact the temperature of the core sample—and therefore, the contents of the sample, like VOCs. In this blog post, we address this concern.