Field Investigation Tips Volume IV: Mud

As a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, let’s take a look at what’s just around the corner and how to prepare for it: Mud.  Much like our previous topics (Field Investigation Tips Vol. I: Working in the Rain, and Vol. III: Extreme Cold), there are inherent difficulties when working in or around mud, but there are always solutions… you just need to be creative & resourceful. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are a few tips (in no particular order) that could be used by environmental practitioners that need to work in the slop.  As always, safety is paramount!  

 ·       Tip #1: Plan ahead! Will the conditions impact the project and/or results? Should you postpone? 

·       Tip #2: Is your Health & Safety Plan (HASP) up to date?  Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; make sure you have that tailgate safety meeting before commencing work; don’t rush.

·       Tip #3: Expect your backhoe, excavator, Geoprobe®, or drill rig to make a real mess.  Talk to your subcontractor about matting down ahead of time…especially for your residential projects!

·       Tip #4: Choose a “dry area” to set-up a work station…if possible.  And keep supplies clean and off the ground (e.g. sample jars, field books, PIDs, etc.).

·       Tip #5: Try to channel water away from the area you need to investigate.  This could be as easy as getting a shovel out, or setting up a temporary berm.  It’s worth the effort.  

And finally….

·       Tip #6: When working in tidal flats, or areas of deep mud, invest in Mudders®.  I haven’t worked in those conditions in several years, but those things are fantastic and worth the investment!  See mudderboot.com for details. 

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.

Field Investigation Tips Volume III: Extreme Cold

As the temperature dips into the frigid range on the east coast, and as a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another salient concern when working in the elements: extreme cold.  Much like our previous topics (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain, and Vol. II: Subsurface Utilities), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in frigid temperatures. My personal cut-off is about 20°F, just based on experience. At that point things start to get interesting and/or more challenging.  So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (in no particular order) that could be used by environmental practitioners working outside this time of year.  As always, safety is paramount!  

Cold Weather Tips:

·  Tip #1: Plan ahead! Can the work be postponed? Plan to have this conversation early on.

·  Tip #2: Is your Health & Safety Plan (HASP) up to date?  Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; make sure you have that tailgate safety meeting before commencing work; don’t rush.

·   Tip #3: Layer up! Also invest in some good coveralls, wool socks, good gloves, under-armor, etc.

·  Tip #4: Purchase hand and foot warmers.  This is an inexpensive option, and effective.  Stuff ‘em in your boots and pockets. (note: make sure they’re not outdated or 3 yrs old!).

·   Tip #5: Take safety breaks to warm up in a car, shed, etc.  BUT…keep the heat relatively low as going back and forth from hot to cold is a bad idea!

·   Tip #6: Know the signs of hypothermia and cold stress… and look out for your fellow colleagues and subcontractors working alongside you.

· Tip #7: PIDs & other meters (e.g. DataRams) may not be rated for frigid temperatures, so be sure to check with your supplier in advance.  

· Tip #8: When conducting monitoring well sampling, expect your tubing to freeze, along with an array of other things malfunctioning or freezing…including pumps.   

· Tip #9: Expect your backhoe, excavator, Geoprobe®, or drill rig to have some difficulty in the upper three (3) feet as they need to get through the frost layer.

·  Tip #10: Drink plenty of water!! Cold weather increases your risk of dehydration.

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us. tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com , www.cardinalLSRP.com 

Field Investigation Tips Volume II: Subsurface Utilities

As a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another (incredibly important) concern when conducting a (subsurface) field investigation: buried utilities.  Much like our previous topic (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in “congested” areas where you see mark-out paint all over your investigation area.  But don’t be fooled…buried utilities have a sneaky way of turning up in less obvious areas too. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (some obvious / some less obvious) that could be used by most practitioners (environmental, geologic, engineering, etc.) to hopefully help avoid common pitfalls when installing borings, wells, test pits, etc.  As always, Safety is paramount for any subsurface investigation.

 Obvious Tips:

·   Tip #1: Get a utility mark-out.  It’s the law in most states.  Don’t rush in.  

·  Tip #2: Hire a private utility mark-out service.  This is an “easy” solution for private properties and highly recommended where you anticipate having subsurface obstructions and/or utilities. GPR services are often worth the extra expense.

·   Tip #3: Schedule to have your locations pre-cleared to a specified depth using a “soft-dig” approach.  Some clients and facilities (e.g. refineries) may require this already, so use this option if warranted.

·   Tip #4: Be prepared to ask your client, site operators, or any other individual if they have specific knowledge of buried utilities, and/or if they have as-builts or other site figures they could supply.  Also have them physically point out where the utility conflicts may be, prior to commencing work.  

·  Tip #5: Make sure your firm is under contract before conducting any intrusive work, and the contract language addresses subsurface utilities.  Also…make sure you’re insured. Really. Get insurance.

·   Tip #6: Maintain a safe distance from all utility mark-outs…generally this means >3ft.  

Less-Obvious Tips:

·  Tip #1: Utility mark-outs may fade or get washed away.  If warranted, be prepared to postpone a project until a new mark-out can be completed.  Also get a new mark-out if your ticket has expired!

·  Tip #2: Be wary of pipe bedding or other common backfill materials when advancing a test pit, borehole, etc.  If encountered, chances are you may on top of, or near, a subsurface utility.  Be prepared to off-set if your location if needed. 

·  Tip #3: After obtaining utility clearance (and not opting to soft dig), pay attention to your drill or geoprobe rig (or excavator) as it approaches the infamous 4ft depth.  This is a common depth where utilities may be located, as it’s generally below the frost line in the Eastern U.S. If the equipment is having difficulty advancing, shaking, or lifting, and boulders, concrete, deleterious material (for example) were not expected, take time to re-evaluate your location…don’t force it. You may be on a utility.  

·   Tip #4: Don’t solely rely on old plans.  They have a tendency of being wrong.   

·  Tip #5: Trust your gut!  If you think something is off, whether it’s a mark-out or plan specifications, don’t hesitate to stop work and get the answers you need and “re-assurances” before commencing work.  People’s lives could be at risk, so avoid making hasty decisions, and don’t let a project schedule or budget dictate your level of safety.  

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com  or www.cardinalLSRP.com