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Standard Operating Procedures <br /> Subsurface Soil Sampling using Direct <br /> Push Technology Methods <br /> 1.0 INTRODUCTION <br /> 1.1 Purpose and Applicability <br /> This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describes the methods available for collecting subsurface soil <br /> samples using commercially available direct-push technology(DPT) systems or other similar soil probing <br /> equipment. Subsurface soil samples may be obtained using this system for purposes of determining <br /> subsurface soil conditions and for obtaining soil samples for physical and/or chemical evaluation. <br /> The purpose of this SOP is to provide a description of a specific method or procedure to be used in the <br /> collection of subsurface soil samples using the GeoprobeTM system. Subsurface soil is defined as <br /> unconsolidated material which may consist of one or a mixture of the following materials: sand, gravel,silt, <br /> clay, peat(or other organic soils), and fill material. Subsurface soil sampling,conducted in accordance with <br /> this SOP will promote consistency in sampling and provide a basis for sample representativeness. <br /> This SOP covers subsurface soil sampling using DPT equipment; specifically,the Macro-Core Soil Sampler, <br /> and the Large Bore Sampler. Use of this sampling equipment requires use of hydraulically-powered <br /> percussion/probing machine. DPT sampling is usually performed by subcontractors, although rental <br /> equipment is available for use by trained operators. <br /> The DPT sampling methods covered in this SOP are applicable to unconsolidated soil/fill materials. Sampling <br /> depths are greatly dependent upon soil density as the hydraulically-powered probing unit has power <br /> limitations. Sample recovery is also somewhat dependent on grain size as very coarse gravel, cobbles, and <br /> boulders will occasionally cause premature refusal of the sampler. It is generally preferable to have some prior <br /> knowledge of site soil conditions if sampling activities are proposed where equipment limitations may become <br /> a factor. <br /> Other types of equipment and sampling methods are available for use in obtaining samples of unconsolidated <br /> materials; and include split-spoons, Shelby tubes, and continuous core barrel samplers. Information on these <br /> and other soil sampling devices may be found in other ENSR SOPs, ASTM procedures,drilling handbooks, <br /> and respective state and/or federal agency technical guidance documents. <br /> 1.2 General Principles <br /> Soil sampling using the DPT requires use of the hydraulically-powered percussion/probing machine and either <br /> the Macro-Core Soil Sampler or the Large Bore Sampler soil sampling devices. The percussion/probing <br /> machine is typically mounted onto the bed of a pickup truck or van so that a stable working platform is <br /> established. The percussion/probing machine,through its hydraulic operation, pushes and hammers the soil <br /> sampling equipment vertically into the ground within the targeted sampling interval. The soil sampler is then <br /> extracted from the ground to recover the sample. <br /> Page 4 of 14 <br />