Environmental Investigations uses drilling units capable of  direct push sampling and/or conventional hollow-stem augering. This drill can be used with augers, standard drill rods and split spoons to conduct geotechnical investigations with standard penetration testing (SPT), collect soil samples for environmental assessments or install  monitoring wells. In direct push mode, the rig allows for soil sampling probing for rock or shallow water, or obtaining in-situ soil vapour or groundwater samples at discrete depths by using slotted probe rods and small diameter sampling tubes. Another benefit to the direct push unit is its ability to quickly drill through existing asphalt or concrete to access underlying soils.

Environmental Investigations engineering group uses these capabilities to provide rapid preliminary site evaluations and to complete geotechnical evaluations or foundation studies of existing structures or paving. The Environmental Services group also benefits from the flexibility of the combination probe/auger in planning and performance of subsurface investigations.