Before purchasing or developing a piece of land, it's vital that you have a full picture of the potential hurdles involved. Since some of the largest risks are hidden below the surface, developing a full assessment can be challenging. Fortunately, geoscientists can conduct environmental testing to target and identify hidden issues. Here's a closer look at what you need to know about the process.

Environmental Testing FAQ

What is it?

Environmental testing is an umbrella term that covers a variety of services. Soil and groundwater sampling are two of the most common practices. The goal of these evaluations is to determine the chemical and physical makeup of the ground and water supply and identify potential imbalances, contaminants, or hazards. 

How does it work?

In most cases, high-powered tools are utilized to take samples from deep beneath the water or soil. Once retrieved, the samples are fully analyzed by a geoscientist on-site or taken to an off-site lab. The findings are then used to make decisions or track changes.

What tools are used?

This depends on the type of testing and the required depth under the surface. Drilling tools, like Macro-Core® and Screen Point systems, are commonly used, but there are also digital assessors, like Geoprobe®, that can take readings from the surface.

Even when drilling is required, modern variations are less invasive than older models and require very little environmental disturbance. They're also designed with portability in mind, so geoscientists are able to access remote areas more easily. 

Who benefits from it?

Whether you’re building a new home or a highway, you likely want to save money. Environmental testing helps by providing valuable insight into the makeup of the land. From the information provided, you can avoid investing in land that doesn't meet your project’s standards. Or, if deficiencies are found in an already purchased property, you can plan for additional steps to be taken to rectify the problem before it gets worse. 

If you’re planning a new commercial, industrial, public, or residential project, contact the team at GeoTek Alaska. Since 2002, the Anchorage-based business has provided dependable subsurface analysis to clients across the state. From soil to groundwater, the geoscientists utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure accuracy. Learn more about their environmental testing processes online, and schedule a service today at (907) 569-5900.