Our Services
What we offer
Geotechnical and Environmental Test Borings:
Geotechnical and environmental test borings are common investigative techniques used supporting Phase II environmental assessments and remedial designs as well as designs for building foundations and slabs, bridge foundations and pavements, environmental assessments, and geological studies. These borings involve advancing holes below the surface to collect soil and rock samples and gather important information about subsurface conditions. Key points about geotechnical and environmental soil borings include:
Geotechnical borings are conducted to assess soil or rock type properties such as composition, density, moisture content, and strength. Environmental borings are used to investigate petroleum and chemical impacts to the soil, bedrock and groundwater.
Test borings are typically performed using a rig that can penetrate the ground to depths of up to several hundred feet. Soil samples are collected at specified intervals and analyzed in a laboratory to determine their properties.
Empire’s drilling equipment includes hollow-stem augers, and casing, or direct-push technology, depending on the project's requirements.
Environmental Impact: Proper disposal of drilling spoils and adherence to Federal, State and Local regulations are essential to prevent cross-contamination and minimize environmental waste impacts.
Bedrock Coring:
Bedrock coring involves core samples of competent bedrock from beneath the shallow ground surface. This process is critical in environmental and geotechnical investigations.
Purpose: Bedrock coring helps geologists and engineers understand the characteristics of bedrock beneath the overburden soil. It is often used in construction projects, quarry and gravel pit exploration, and geological studies.
Core Samples: Bedrock core is extracted during the coring process to provide information about the rock's composition, structure, and mechanical properties.
Equipment: Empire drill rigs are employed, equipped with diamond-tipped core bits capable of cutting through hard rock. These rigs can drill vertically or at an angle, depending on the project's requirements.
Analysis: Core samples are carefully logged and analyzed in laboratories to determine rock type, porosity, permeability, bedding thickness and fracturing.
Applications: Information obtained from bedrock coring is used to make informed decisions in construction projects, estimate groundwater flow, and identify potential contaminant transport pathways.
Groundwater Monitoring Well Installations:
Installing groundwater monitoring wells is critical in environmental assesments and hydrogeological studies. Groundwater wells are installed at depths below the groundwater table, allowing for regular sampling and monitoring.
Purpose: Groundwater monitoring wells are installed to assess groundwater quality, levels, and flow direction. They are critical for identifying and monitoring contamination, assessing aquifers, and evaluating water resources.
Wells are typically installed by augering and installing casing or spinning casing into the subsurface to prevent contamination from surface water. Monitoring equipment can then be placed within the well.
Sampling: Groundwater samples are collected at regular intervals to analyze water quality parameters, including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and contaminants like heavy metals or volatile organic compounds.
Data Collection: Data from monitoring wells help environmental professionals and environmental protection agencies assess and develop remedial approaches toremediation, contamination plume migration, and sustainable water resource management.
Regulations: Installation and maintenance of groundwater monitoring wells often adhere to strict regulatory (i.e. NYSDEC, EPA guidelines to ensure accurate data collection and protection of groundwater resources.
Gas Probe Installations:
Gas probe installations involve the placement of gas sampling probes into the ground to monitor subsurface gas concentrations. This is crucial for assessing soil and groundwater contamination, as well as detecting the presence of hazardous gases.
Gas probes are used to collect samples of gases, such as methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and radon, from below the surface. This helps in assessing potential risks to human health and the environment as well as assessing vapor intrusion in buildings.
Installation: Gas probes are typically inserted into the ground through boreholes or direct-push technology. The probes are designed to capture gas samples at various depths within the subsurface.
Monitoring: Gas samples collected from probes are analyzed to determine the type and concentration of gases present. Continuous monitoring can reveal trends and changes over time.
Applications: Gas probe installations are used in various settings, including landfills, industrial sites, and areas with historical contamination, to assess the extent and movement of subsurface gases.
Safety: Safety measures are paramount when working with potentially hazardous gases. Proper training and equipment are essential to protect workers and prevent gas leaks.
The Results
“Unfortunately, soils are made by nature and not by man and the products of nature are always complex.”
— Karl Von Terzachi - Father of Soil Mechanics
