Testing for Soil and Groundwater Contamination
Did you know that 22% of groundwater samples in the United States contained concerning levels of contamination? Groundwater contamination poses a health risk for you and your family. The best course of action is to invest in groundwater testing and soil testing.
Continue reading to learn more about your area’s groundwater and soil contamination testing.
Soil Testing
Soil contamination is a leading cause of pollution. Most soil contamination is caused by humans. For example, oil spills, pesticides, and the disposal of hazardous materials all contribute to soil contamination.
You should consider testing for soil contaminants if you plan to garden, have small children that might play in or eat the dirt, or want to build on the property. Digging up the soil to any degree can expose you to contaminants.
Soil testing is a straightforward process. There are three easy steps.
Step 1: Site History
Site history can give you insight into what contaminants may be in the soil. If the area used to be a landfill, you would likely see contamination. Use city archives to determine what industries used to exist in your area.
During this process, you can also research if the site has had contamination in the past and what steps were taken to reduce it.
Step 2: Soil Samples
Take soil samples from at least 16 inches down and at least four different spots around the site. Put the samples in resealable bags and send them to your local environmental contractors.
Step 3: Analysis
Analysis by a lab can inform you if your soil is contaminated and with what. Common soil contaminants include:
- Lead
- Copper arsenate
- Creosote
- Radon
- Asbestos
The lab can also help advise you on dealing with and remediate contamination.
Groundwater Testing
Groundwater testing is of the utmost importance, especially if you get drinking water from a well. Water that looks and tastes fine may be home to contaminants like heavy metals, petroleum residues, and high levels of nitrates. Nitrates can be especially harmful to infants.
Rely on environmental contractors for groundwater testing. A team of experts will visit your property to conduct an on-site investigation. This will include collecting water samples from temporary monitoring wells.
In some cases, a deep well is dug to determine if petroleum contamination has reached the water table.
Remedial investigation can measure the concentrations of contaminants in your water. Common groundwater contaminants include:
- Chloride
- Aluminum
- Dioxin
- Arsenic
- Chlorinated solvents
Your local environmental experts can work with you to create an individualized and site-specific solution to any contamination they might find.
Getting Started with Groundwater and Soil Contamination Testing
It is scary to learn there may be contaminants in your groundwater or soil. However, soil testing and groundwater testing can help determine if you have contaminants.
There’s no need to worry. The knowledgeable folks at All American Environmental in New Jersey can test your soil and water and help create a solution. Contact us today!
The New Jersey counties we provide NJ Soil and Groundwater Contamination Testing are Morris, Bergen, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Essex, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren County NJ.
