EXPERT ARTICLE
Direct Push Drilling: Changing the World of Site Characterization
OUR RIG
Olympus’ Geoprobe 7822DT direct push drill rig is an extremely cost-effective tool for completing various types of site investigations. Projects range in size from delineating small roadside releases to conducting large-scale investigations at major industrial facilities. Using direct push technology we can collect soil, water, and soil vapor samples from a single sample location, allowing for a cost-efficient and comprehensive delineation and characterization of subsurface environmental conditions. The Geoprobe is also compatible with many subsurface imaging systems, including laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), UV-induced fluorescence, and fuel fluorescence detection, further adding to the site investigation toolset.
OUR CREW
Olympus’ drilling crew is experienced and safety-oriented. We drill in a variety of lithologies, conditions, and locations. We pride ourselves on maintaining a high degree of professionalism, keeping updated on the latest training and technology, and providing a quality and cost-effective service while keeping safety as our number one priority. We think you’ll agree that our crew is our greatest asset.
SAMPLING SYSTEMS
Our MC-5 and MC-7 single tube sampling systems maintain a high degree of sample integrity. We minimize the potential for cross-contamination by using disposable PVC sample liners at each interval, which can be set from two to five feet. The PVC sleeves also eliminate delays in drilling that could result from differences in the rate at which sampling and drilling can be accomplished.
Minimum impact
The discrete nature of direct push sampling and the configuration of the Geoprobe minimizes the impact to ground cover at the sample location. This reduces the impact of site investigations and minimizes the need for surface cover restoration. Direct push drilling also reduces the amount of cuttings, water, and other investigation-derived waste (IDW) generated during investigations compared to auger and other drilling systems. The reduction in contaminated material requiring handling and disposal not only reduces cost but has proven to be enormously beneficial when working on sites with a small amount of operating and stockpiling space or where minimizing impacts is paramount.
Accessibility
Our track-mounted probe has proven to be very capable in rough terrain, allowing us to drill in conditions that would prevent larger rigs from completing work for weeks or even months while waiting for conditions to improve. Using heavy lifting equipment, we have been able to place the Geoprobe into areas not accessible to larger machines. Through the advancement of borings and the installation of monitoring wells in these hard-to-reach areas, we’ve been able to close data gaps and characterize sites more effectively.
Service
We offer affordable, high-quality drilling across the Northern Rocky Mountain and Northern Plains regions. You can view our full list of environmental consulting services by visiting our website. If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact our friendly team of professionals today. We look forward to speaking with you!
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SAFE, TIMELY, AND EFFICIENT
“Olympus Technical Services was great to work with. They established safe perimeters for their work zone, communicated well with the city, and completed the work in a timely and efficient manner. We would highly recommend Olympus!”
Lorette Carter
City of Shelby, Montana

RECEPTIVE, ADAPTABLE, AND PROACTIVE
“We worked with Olympus to demolish, dispose, and backfill two buildings containing hazardous materials. Olympus’ crew was receptive to our requests, adapted to changing site conditions, suggested ways to increase efficiency, and didn’t sway from their proposed cost. Together we changed the site from dilapidated hazardous buildings to a clean construction-ready property.”
Michael P. Kelly
NewFields

WORK WAS PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY AND PROFESSIONALLY
“We used Olympus Technical Services to do a remediation project and some extensive concrete demolition and backfill work. The work was performed flawlessly and professionally, and the field staff was great to work with. When site challenges presented themselves, Olympus was intuitive and creative in solving them. They were a great company to deal with.”
Mike Heisey
Bonner Property Development, LLC

PROFESSIONAL, FLEXIBLE, AND MADE SOUND RECOMMENDATIONS
“Olympus Technical Services won a major demolition bid with FCEDA. The bid was fair and the work started on time and finished in advance of our deadline. It was a difficult job with several unknowns that caused delays, change orders, and equipment breakdowns. Throughout, the team from Olympus was professional, flexible, and made sound recommendations. They were great partners on a difficult project. Because of this experience, we have recommended them to many of our partners.”
Christy Cummings Dawson
Flathead County Economic Development Authority

ONE OF THE FOREMOST AUTHORITIES
"Simply put, as a consultant to the retail fueling industry, Olympus Technical Services is one of the foremost authorities in terms of environmental regulations, permits, emergency response and petroleum cleanup."
Trent Biggers
Town Pump, Inc.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED, RESPONSIVE, AND INNOVATIVE
“The company motto for Olympus Technical Services, Inc. should be ‘We are here to do whatever it takes to get the job done.’ The team of professional personnel at Olympus are each highly qualified, responsive, and innovative. Their problem-solving methods and can-do attitudes create results."
Catherine LeCours
Pacific West Technologies