This 1-day course provides individuals who have little or no geophysical exploration experience with practical information on the strengths and limitation of the three most used geophysical techniques on hazardous waste sites. It is intended to introduce the students to the magnetics, electromagnetics, borehole geophysics and ground penetrating radar methods for site characterization and waste location. It is intended for personnel responsible for inspections, site characterization, site investigations, and removal and remedial actions at Superfund sites. The course focuses on simple plan design, types of equipment suitable for hazardous waste site characterization and equipment operation for the three methods and characteristic data displays.
The course is designed to be consistent with the EPA protocol and guidance documents entitled, Compendium of ERT Soil Sampling and Surface Geophysics Procedures, A Compendium of Superfund Field Operations Methods, and Data Quality Objectives Process for Superfund.
Instructional methods include: lectures, group discussions, and outdoor field exercises that give the students a chance for some hands-on use of the more common geophysical instruments.
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the various geophysical methods available for shallow environmental characterization
- Describe the advantages and limitations of the magnetic, electromagnetic, and ground-penetrating radar methods in environmental applications
- Operate geophysical instrumentation under field conditions
This course requires a classroom and an outdoor area with pipes, conduits, sewer, or other buried utilities that can act as targets for geophysical instruments.
This course includes a half-day outdoor exercise, using the instruments outside of the hosting facility. Participants should dress for field work. The exercise is conducted regardless of weather.
Continuing Education Units: 0.7
THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*