Complete Groundwater and Surface Water Services
Our sampling staff routinely performs surface water, groundwater, and wastewater sampling services using a wide range of techniques, which include low-flow, traditional bailing, and submersible pumps. We follows strict quality assurance protocol and quality control measures; and, we have close working relationships with a diverse network of certified laboratories that provides us with the options and capabilities to meet our client’s analytical requirements. Whether it's long-term monitoring, permit sampling or sampling at any stage of remedial action, our staff has sampled hundreds of groundwater wells and surface waters.
Groundwater Monitoring Network Design and Installation
In addition to sampling, AGES specializes in the design and installation of monitoring well networks, development and implementation of groundwater sampling and analysis plans, and data trend analysis. Our professional groundwater services also extend to landfills and surface impoundments under the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Rule.
Pre-Construction & Pre-Drill Water Sampling
For drillers, utility companies and landowners alike, pre-construction and pre-drill water supply sampling is a crucial step of both oil & gas exploration (hydraulic fracturing - aka fracking) and pipeline construction in residential areas. Without pre-drill characterization of nearby water resources, it is difficult to prove if drilling or pipeline operations have or have not impacted the local water quality. Because many chemical contaminants from the drilling and pipeline construction processes also occur naturally at varying levels, their detection in the water after construction is not clear proof of recent impacts to water sources. Therefore, legally-defensible, pre-construction (baseline) sampling of local water resources provides all parties with analytical results, which can be compared to post-construction samples to determine trends and suspect impacts. Residential water resource sampling is best completed by a qualified, personable, organized and experienced third-party, rather the landowner or companies themselves. AGES has coordinated and executed numerous pre- and post-construction water sampling projects, which have included hundreds of residential homes and businesses.
Pond Profiling
In situations where earth-moving construction needs to occur in residential areas, such as pipeline construction, there is a concern that construction activities may affect the health of nearby residential ponds through excessive sedimentation. Companies can establish pre-construction pond conditions and reduce their liability by depth profiling all ponds within a certain distance from the construction zone. With our pond profiling service, AGES will visit with the pond owner, conduct a questionnaire, measure pond turbidity and profile the pond using a remote-controlled catamaran equipped with an echo sounder system, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and a data collector. The results of the questionnaire and a bathymetric map of the pond will be submitted to the client with the final report.
NPDES Permitting & Sampling
As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. After determining impacts to groundwater and installing a treatment system, AGES handles all aspects of NPDES permitting and sampling for your facility. We will work with the state government to allow for the discharge of treated groundwater by completing the NPDES permit application, obtaining all approval signatures and submitting all required testing data to the state. After securing the permit, our staff will conduct outfall sampling for the required parameters, as well as complete and submit all results and monitoring reports (DMRs) to the state in a timely manner. AGES will continue until impacts are reduced below the applicable action levels and the permit is terminated.
Stormwater and Process Water Drain Line Investigation
To older industrial and commercial facilities, subsurface drain lines associated with the property can be both mysterious and, ultimately, troublesome. AGES offers a drain line investigation service where we identify the contents, locations, interconnections and potential release points (leaks) associated with subsurface process water and stormwater drain lines at your site. If applicable, results of this initial evaluation will be used to develop a more detailed work scope, which could include soil sampling (where releases may have occurred), reconnections, diversions or, with the support a civil engineering company, a re‑design and install of the drain line system.
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