Soil Testing & Soil Sampling

Integrity and accuracy is the cornerstone of the standards-based soil sampling approach that Apex has utilized for nearly two decades. Apex realizes no two jobs are quite the same and variations at times need to be made. Only with a solid standards-based foundation has Apex been able to keep the big picture of representative sampling, personnel safety, cross-contamination elimination and chain of custody on the forefront while adapting to variable soil types, site conditions and accessibility issues. Agencies and property owners can rest assured that Apex will collect soil samples accurately with uncompromised integrity.

Apex pre-plans all soil sampling efforts; researching, recognizing, and taking all factors, including the governing body (agency), into account before stepping onsite will enable the best decision making possible. Knowing to what extent the soil is to be sampled and planning beforehand ensures the correct sampling methods will be employed and the right equipment and personnel will be onsite and ready to go. A key element to the standards-based approach is Apex's training program. All Apex professionals have OSHA's 40 hour HAZWOPER certification and are capable of assessing site conditions and appropriate levels of protection for all involved workers. Practical training is another element that does not get overlooked. Every piece of sampling equipment at Apex's disposal has unique operational functions and associated techniques that are second nature to Apex's professionals working in the field. Soil sampling equipment will always be used correctly and effectively.

A primary problem associated with soil sampling is the potential for cross-contamination of samples. This occurs when sampling equipment introduces contamination to a sample as a result of the operator not properly cleaning and decontaminating the equipment in between uses. Apex makes cross-contamination a non-issue by impeccably following guidelines mandating steam-cleaning or washing and double rinsing equipment in between sampling sites. The same applies to all rental equipment and owner-operators that subcontract with Apex. Representative soil sampling is at the heart of Apex's foundation and will always be the guiding force.

The integrity of each soil sample is maintained at the highest of levels through strict chain of custody procedures and test method appropriate preservation. Generally, a soil sample interval will consist of three to four soil samples that are representative of one another. One portion is utilized for screening on -site with either a portable photo ionization detector (PID), flame ionization detector (FID), or a combustible gas detector. Another portion will be used by Apex's Professional Geologists to classify the soil sample's physical characteristics and description according to the Unified Soil Classification System. The remaining portions are hermetically sealed and cooled, and in the event the samples cannot be submitted to the analytical soil testing laboratory the same day they are collected, they will be refrigerated until the first opportunity for submittal.

Upon arrival at the analytical soil testing laboratory, each sample will be assigned a unique log number that will be recorded on chain of custody documents and used to identify each sample throughout the soil testing and reporting processes. Apex believes there is no substitute for adhering to strict guidelines and makes no exception when sampling and classifying soil.