Sampling is a key part of NovelE's services. We do it all - clean samples and contaminated samples. Check out our focused Capability Statement just for this task!

soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water sampling


​Soil Sampling
 
NovelE observes all State and Federal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when collecting soil samples for field screening and/or laboratory analysis. Proper safety precautions are observed when collecting soil samples.  Precautions are taken during the collection of soil samples. Special care is taken not to contaminate samples, and samples remain in sealed custody during storage and shipment. Field notes, recorded in a bound field logbook, as well as chain-of-custody documentation are generated as described in the applicable State and Federal SOPs.  NovelE's collection methodology adheres to the applicable State and Federal SOPs for the analysis required.  
 
Soil samples may be recovered using a variety of methods and equipment. These are dependent on the depth of the desired sample, the type of sample required (disturbed vs. undisturbed), and the soil type. Samples of near-surface soils may be easily obtained using a spade, stainless-steel spoon, trowel, or scoop. Sampling at greater depths may be performed using a hand auger; a power auger; or, if a test pit is required, a backhoe. All sampling devices are cleaned using pesticide-grade acetone (assuming that acetone is not a target compound) or methanol, then wrapped in clean aluminum foil, and custody sealed for identification. The sampling equipment remains in this wrapping until it is needed. Each sampler should be used for one sample only. However, dedicated tools may be impractical if there is a large number of soil samples required. In this case, samplers are cleaned in the field using standard decontamination procedures as outlined in applicable State and Federal SOPs for sampling equipment decontamination. Split spoon sampling methods are used primarily to collect shallow and deep subsurface soil samples. All split spoon samplers, regardless of size, are basically split cylindrical barrels that are threaded on each end. The leading end is held together with a beveled threaded collar that functions as a cutting shoe. The other end is held together with a threaded collar that serves as the sub used to attach the spoon to the string of drill rod. Two basic methods are available for use, including the smaller diameter standard split spoon, driven with the drill rig safety hammer, and the larger diameter continuous split spoon, advanced inside and slightly ahead of the lead auger during hollow stem auger drilling.

Soil sampling varies on the objective desired. If gravel, concrete, etc. is present at or near the surface, it is removed before the sample is collected. The depth measurement for the sample begins at the top of the soil horizon, immediately following any removed materials. Turf grass is not typically removed prior to sampling with these devices. A drill rig is used to advance a borehole to the target depth. The drill string is then removed, and a standard split spoon is attached to a string of drill rod. Split spoons used for soil sampling are constructed of stainless steel and are typically 2.0-inches OD (1.5-inches ID) and 18-inches to 24inches in length. Other diameters and lengths are common and may be used if constructed of the proper material. After the spoon is attached to the string of drill rod, it is lowered into the borehole. The safety hammer is then used to drive the split spoon into the soil at the bottom of the borehole. After the split spoon has been driven into the soil, filling the spoon, it is retrieved to the surface, where it is removed from the drill rod string and opened for sample acquisition. Sometimes a Direct Push Technology (DPT) rig is used in the collection of subsurface soil samples. DPT soil collection involves the advancing of a clear acetate liner to the required depth. This method is appropriate only for unconsolidated materials.  The sampling depth that can be achieved varies depending on the rig and the lithologies that are encountered. The choice of soil sampling method also depends heavily on the desired achieved depth and lithology encountered. Reliable and consistent collection of representative groundwater samples can be expected from our team at NovelE. 
  
Sediment Sampling

There are two common purposes for sediment sampling. The first is to look at the quantity and diversity of invertebrates living within the sediment (aka: those beautiful benthic bugs). Many education and ecological studies perform sampling for this purpose because species composition of sediment is a strong indicator of environmental quality. The other purpose for sediment sampling is to determine which chemicals are being stored in or released from the sediment. The other purpose for sediment sampling is to determine which chemicals are being stored in or released from the sediment. When considered in conjunction with chemical processes within the water column, sediment chemistry provides a much more thorough assessment, especially in watersheds with significant runoff and where oxygen depletion occurs.

Once you have determined a purpose and the type of sediment sampling that needs to occur, it’s time to select the proper equipment. Typically, for ecological sampling it is preferred to use a device that collects a sample of known surface area or volume, and one that can be used to retrieve a sample with minimal loss. If chemical analysis is required, then a sampler that limits exposure to ambient air should be used. These are often similar to soil core samplers, designed to “drill” into the sediment and have samples collected within removable liners which can then be sent to a laboratory. The physical location of the investigator when collecting a sample may dictate the equipment to be used. Wading is the preferred method for reaching the sampling location, particularly if the stream has a noticeable current (is not impounded). However, wading may disrupt bottom sediments causing biased results; therefore, the samples should be collected facing upstream. If the stream is too deep to wade, the sediment sample may be collected from a platform such as a boat or a bridge. To collect a sediment sample from a water body or other surface water conveyance, a variety of methods are used including scoops and spoons, dredges, coring devices, ponar grab samplers, and electronic tube drivers. Regardless of method used, precautions should be taken to ensure that the sample collected is representative of the water body or conveyance. 
 
Groundwater Sampling
 
Groundwater monitoring networks are constructed to meet regulatory requirements, perform site monitoring, ambient groundwater quality monitoring, and to collect data to develop groundwater aquifers or initiate site remediation. The design of groundwater monitoring networks must consider the objectives of the monitoring program, materials for well construction, drilling and installing wells, well development, maintenance and rehabilitation of installed wells, and data collection and interpretation. There are several factors that affect each of the above activities. Additionally, the activities can be completed using a number of available techniques. NovelE's understanding of the relative strengths, weaknesses, and factors affecting their performance is the key to our design of effective monitoring networks.
 
NovelE recognizes that aquifers are valuable sources of water supply for various purposes including domestic, commercial, and industrial use. Additionally, dewatering of groundwater aquifers is sometimes necessary to alleviate flooding or enable quarrying. Groundwater monitoring for contamination by processes, such as leaking underground fuel tanks, accidental spills, industrial discharges, leaking landfills and sewer systems, and land use activities, may be required. The primary purpose of groundwater monitoring systems is to monitor the flow characteristics and/or the quality of groundwater. Periodic water level measurements at various locations are essential for assessing the flow characteristics. Information on flow direction, flow velocity, and temporal water table fluctuation is necessary for groundwater modeling. Similarly, water quality monitoring is performed to assess the magnitude of contamination or the rate of contaminant migration in groundwater. Geologic and hydrogeologic data are key to the design of a good groundwater monitoring system. Geologic data provide information on the types of rock and soil formations and their water-bearing properties. Hydrogeologic data provide information on the movement of water in the formations. These data normally are obtained from field investigations or from published surveys. Historical reviews of preliminary site investigations consisting of geophysical surveys and groundwater quality, and subsequent data analysis can provide additional information.
 
Once a monitoring well or wells are installed and developed, NovelE can be sample the well(s) for laboratory analysis deemed necessary. Prior to collection of groundwater samples, a method of removing water from the well is selected. The basic considerations in selecting a pumping device are collection of a representative sample, its function for the application and depth/aquifer it is being used and for the EPA Method(s) collected for, the pump lift of the water from the water level in the well to the surface, and the required rate sufficient to purge the well properly prior to sampling. Sampling of monitoring wells is performed by our experienced personnel and reliable collection of representative groundwater samples can be expected from the team at NovelE.

Surface Water Sampling

During surface water sampling, NovelE follows all required SOPs for site’s jurisdiction in order to consistently collect representative surface water samples. Each collection event is performed so that samples are neither contaminated nor altered from improper handling. The choice of acceptable equipment and construction materials and procedures on the standard grab, depth-specific and depth-composited surface water sampling techniques are key to collection of quality surface water samples. When using watercraft, the samples are taken from the bow, away and upwind from any gasoline outboard engine. Watercraft are oriented so that the bow is positioned in the upstream direction. All surface water is sampled downstream to upstream. Proper safety precautions are always observed when collecting surface water samples. EPA suggests adherence to the Safety, Health and Environmental Management Program (SHEMP) Procedures and Policy Manual and any pertinent site-specific Health and Safety Plans (HASP) for guidelines on safety precautions. These guidelines are used to complement the judgment of our experienced professionals at NovelE.

project highlight

NovelEsolutions conducted surface water sampling to support the Water Quality Team objectives of the Louisville District Water Quality Program in 2020 & 2021. NovelEsolutions was contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Louisville District, to complete work activities consisting of four major components including scheduling, aquatic physical/chemical/biological data and sample collection, quality control, and reporting.

71,540 data readings across 84,360 acres of reservoirs along with 2,626 laboratory samples
All during a pandemic!  

This was a competitive Small Business Award to NovelEsolutions as Prime Contractor.