Kodiak Drilling https://kodiak.ca/ Thu, 29 May 2025 19:02:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://kodiak.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/favicon.png Kodiak Drilling https://kodiak.ca/ 32 32 Where It All Began: Kodiak’s Beginning in Photos https://kodiak.ca/where-it-all-began-kodiaks-beginning-in-photos/ https://kodiak.ca/where-it-all-began-kodiaks-beginning-in-photos/#respond Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:18:47 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=8446 Take a look back with us as we share a collection of photos from Kodiak’s early days, highlighting just how far we’ve come over the past 30 years! Watch Randy as he reacts to some of these throwback moments in our video here. Then, take a moment to browse the gallery yourself and discover the […]

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Take a look back with us as we share a collection of photos from Kodiak’s early days, highlighting just how far we’ve come over the past 30 years!

Watch Randy as he reacts to some of these throwback moments in our video here. Then, take a moment to browse the gallery yourself and discover the stories behind these memorable snapshots.

 

Our first major challenge took us to a remote drilling site accessible only by float plane. To get the job done, we relied on split spoon soil sampling and augering…no easy feat in such an isolated location! These early obstacles ultimately led us to Texas and to investing in the Big Beaver.

This might be the smallest space we’ve ever drilled in, way back in our early years. The project required us to work inside a tank vault, with access limited to a tiny 1-foot by 1-foot hatch. Every piece of equipment and every team member had to squeeze through that opening. Now that’s what we call limited access!

In 1999, the Kodiak crew celebrated five years in business. What began with just three of us had grown to a team of five by that milestone year. Fast forward to today and we’re proud to say our team is now 16 strong!

This photo from 1994 features two of Kodiak’s original team members, Randy and Graham, working with our very first Pionjar drill. The site they were on is now covered by Highway 407. While we’ve retired the old Pionjar, we still use the same drilling method today, only now with a much cleaner and more efficient electric machine.

Two of the Kodiak originals using the Big Beaver in it’s early days! This machine is still a popular choice among clients.

This was our very first office where all Kodiak operations were run. Attached to it was a small warehouse, just big enough to fit our trailer and equipment at the time. 

Here, Randy and Graham are jacking out a split spoon sampler driven in with our one and only drill at the time, the trusty Pionjar, which traveled in the small trailer you see in the background. While we developed efficient systems around this method, it came with its fair share of limitations. Fast forward 30 years, and we’ve completely redefined what it means to use small drills in the field.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Purpose and Progress https://kodiak.ca/celebrating-30-years-of-kodiak/ https://kodiak.ca/celebrating-30-years-of-kodiak/#respond Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:13:13 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=8439 Kodiak began in 1994, founded by a group of site assessment professionals with backgrounds in geology, environmental science, and a shared enthusiasm for drilling equipment. With just a small office, shop, truck, trailer, and a single Pionjar drill, we got our start not as drillers who worked their way up, but as technical specialists. We […]

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Kodiak began in 1994, founded by a group of site assessment professionals with backgrounds in geology, environmental science, and a shared enthusiasm for drilling equipment. With just a small office, shop, truck, trailer, and a single Pionjar drill, we got our start not as drillers who worked their way up, but as technical specialists. We understood soil and groundwater long before we understood drilling.

Today, that technical foundation still runs deep. Our current management team includes five science degrees and two college diplomas, with two of us registered as Professional Geoscientists (P.Geo) in Ontario.

Our specialty is limited access drilling, which many assume means indoor drilling only. While indoor spaces like basements and utility rooms are certainly part of what we do (and areas where we excel), limited access goes far beyond that.

We’re just as likely to be found drilling outdoors on sites like soccer fields, parks, or boulevards, where traditional drilling rigs can’t reach or could damage the landscape. For us, limited access means any location where space, terrain, or surface conditions call for compact, maneuverable drilling equipment.

“Our vision for Kodiak has remained the same for all these 30 years… boreholes and monitoring wells with small drills. Within the past 30 years, I am most proud of our ability to be innovators and problem solvers to realize that vision.”                                        Randy Goodwin, Kodiak Drilling Manager

 

An integral part of our 30 years of operations is our commitment to ensuring the highest standard of safety training and protocols. We have grown substantially since our early days with just the Pionjar and pickup truck, but our overall dedication to safety and efficiency has remained constant. 

It’s hard to believe now, but it was common for drillers not to check locates years ago. Kodiak and Geo-Environmental Drilling were pioneers in insisting on complete locates and all Kodiak employees have extensive locate training. We believe in the importance of this training so strongly that we will pay for our client project managers and field technicians to take it. 

We’ve developed what we believe is the most effective tailgate safety process in the industry—recognized by its feature in the Ontario Ground Water Association magazine (You can read the full article on our website here).


At its core, our system is built around two key components that make it both practical and impactful in the field.

1)  Tailgate Safety Checklist: A single-page, checklist-style form completed at every job site. It covers specific safety topics across each component of the site analysis, ensuring nothing is overlooked.                                                                                                                                  

2)  Health and Safety Plan – Field Work: This detailed document outlines the ten components referenced in the checklist. It provides site personnel with the guidance needed to complete thorough, site-specific safety assessments.

With 30 years under our belt, we take pride in our innovation and progress in tackling complex challenges. Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of our journey—we’re excited for what lies ahead!

Learn more about the technology used and our eight kinds of small drills in our article, here

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Celebrating 30 Years of Kodiak – Video https://kodiak.ca/celebrating-30-years-of-kodiak-video/ https://kodiak.ca/celebrating-30-years-of-kodiak-video/#respond Sat, 28 Sep 2024 07:12:17 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=8916 Highlighting the milestones and evolution that shaped Kodiak into the company it is today. This short video features archival photos, early drilling equipment, and reflections from our journey, celebrating the people, projects, and progress that have defined our first 30 years.  

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Highlighting the milestones and evolution that shaped Kodiak into the company it is today. This short video features archival photos, early drilling equipment, and reflections from our journey, celebrating the people, projects, and progress that have defined our first 30 years.

 

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Where It All Began: Kodiak’s Beginning in Photos – Video https://kodiak.ca/where-it-all-began-kodiaks-beginning-in-photos-video/ https://kodiak.ca/where-it-all-began-kodiaks-beginning-in-photos-video/#respond Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:10:59 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=8918 Take a look back with us as we share a collection of photos from Kodiak’s early days, highlighting just how far we’ve come over the past 30 years.

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Take a look back with us as we share a collection of photos from Kodiak’s early days, highlighting just how far we’ve come over the past 30 years.

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Meet the Fleet: Kodiak’s Small Drills Through the Years https://kodiak.ca/meet-the-fleet-kodiaks-small-drills-through-the-years/ https://kodiak.ca/meet-the-fleet-kodiaks-small-drills-through-the-years/#respond Fri, 02 Aug 2024 09:13:21 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=8449 The Pionjar was a staple in our day-to-day operations for a few years until the Big Beaver joined our fleet in 1996, marking the beginning of a new era in drilling capabilities. Fast forward to 2024, and Kodiak now operates with eight different types of small drills, each tailored to meet specific project needs. Read […]

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The Pionjar was a staple in our day-to-day operations for a few years until the Big Beaver joined our fleet in 1996, marking the beginning of a new era in drilling capabilities. Fast forward to 2024, and Kodiak now operates with eight different types of small drills, each tailored to meet specific project needs.

Read on to explore our lineup, from the oldest workhorses to the newest innovations.

Pionjar: 1994

Kodiak’s first drill works by driving a standard 2″ split spoon into the ground through rapid percussion. As sampling continues, additional rods are added to reach greater depths. While it performs best up to 15 feet, it’s capable of pushing past 20 feet when needed. Its biggest advantage is mobility, going nearly anywhere a person can, including basements, slopes, remote sites, tight spaces around machinery, up or down stairs, and other areas out of reach for larger equipment. Curious about what the Pionjar (pronounced “Pun-Yar”) can do? Find out more here

    Big Beaver(s): 1996, 2020

The Big Beaver was the first machine we used that went beyond the capabilities of a jackhammer or Pionjar. It introduced a level of performance we hadn’t experienced before and helped us continue our mission: using tools compact enough to go where big machines can’t. The Big Beaver uses a 140-pound hammer to drive a 2-inch split spoon sampler, while augers bore the hole. Later, we converted a Big Beaver into a new model called the Track Beaver, essentially a tracked version that offers added mobility and other advantages. Both Beavers are commonly used indoors for soil sampling and groundwater monitoring, typically at depths of 8 to 40 feet. Learn what makes the Beaver a standout in our lineup here

                     MiniMole(s): 2005, 2018, 2021

The Minimole has been a trusted part of our fleet since 2005, when we first introduced the original unit (M2) which is still going strong today. In 2018, we expanded our capabilities with a newer model (M3), followed by a third addition in 2021 (M4). It’s safe to say the Minimole has earned its place as a favourite among both our team and clients. Custom-built by a specialized shop to meet our unique limited-access needs, these drills combine exceptional versatility with impressive power. With a drill head torque ranging from 2,200 to 4,000 foot-pounds, they approach the capabilities of many truck-mounted rigs—all within a compact footprint. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, Minimole units are perfectly suited for boreholes ranging from 15 to 50 feet deep. Explore what sets the Minimole apart, and why it continues to be a standout performer in our fleet here.

MiniProbe: 2012

The MiniProbe stands out for its exceptional direct push sampling power, all packed into a remarkably compact rubber track carrier. At first glance, it might resemble a toy drill due to its size but don’t be fooled. This small but mighty machine features a robust 201 ft-lb direct push hammer, capable of driving conventional dual-tube probe-style tooling. That means you can achieve reliable, cased-hole soil sampling to depths that often exceed 25 feet, meeting and even surpassing the demands of many job sites. When groundwater sampling is needed, we can install monitoring wells within the dual-tube tooling. Plus, with a quick changeover, the MiniProbe easily transitions from direct push sampling to augering, offering even greater versatility. Discover more of what makes the MiniProbe such a uniquely capable addition to our fleet here.

GeoProbe 420: 2012

The GeoProbe 420 is the smallest drill and the most compact direct push machine in our fleet. Despite its size, it’s a capable tool often deployed on sites where the Big Beaver might also be considered. Though, each has distinct advantages depending on the project’s needs. Explore the unique capabilities of the GeoProbe 420 and find out where it shines here.

GeoProbe 6620: 2016

At Kodiak, our largest drill is the GeoProbe 6620. A compact yet powerful machine that combines the capabilities of larger rigs with the agility to navigate tight spaces and limited access areas. Equipped with a 140lb automatic drop hammer and direct push systems, the GeoProbe 6620 is perfectly suited for both geotechnical and environmental investigations.Thanks to its efficiency and versatility, many of our clients choose this drill for projects in areas where a truck-mounted or larger drill might not fit. Want to discover what sets the GeoProbe 6620 apart? Learn more about its unique advantages here

GeoTool: 2020

The GeoTool is revolutionizing the industry with its innovative design, moving away from traditional auger-based methods. Instead, it utilizes a hammer-driven system to efficiently drive soil samplers. What truly sets the GeoTool apart is its ability to collect Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) through split spoon sampling in areas with very low head clearance; places where other drills simply can’t reach. Discover more about our newest drill and its groundbreaking capabilities here.

 

 

 

 

 

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Locate Administrator https://kodiak.ca/locate-administrator/ https://kodiak.ca/locate-administrator/#respond Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:00:32 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=7502 You may have seen our article about Utility Infrastructure Awareness Training, discussing the importance of education for people in the subsurface investigation sector. If not, click here to see it. If you are the person who is responsible for obtaining utility locates for your company projects, you may also be interested in the course prepared […]

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You may have seen our article about Utility Infrastructure Awareness Training, discussing the importance of education for people in the subsurface investigation sector. If not, click here to see it.

If you are the person who is responsible for obtaining utility locates for your company projects, you may also be interested in the course prepared by Ontario OneCall, known as the Professional Locate Administrator Course (PLAC). The course helps guide you through processes involved in obtaining and managing utility locates.

The syllabus for the course can be found by clicking here.

Instead of us describing the course, you can get the details straight from Ontario One Call by clicking here.

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Close Call https://kodiak.ca/close-call/ https://kodiak.ca/close-call/#respond Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:56:46 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=7481 The post Close Call appeared first on Kodiak Drilling.

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It’s “interesting” when we get to a drilling site and see current locate paint marks in the vicinity of existing borehole locations. It is clear that someone has drilled there previously, but it makes you wonder… did they not get locates?!

Check out these images taken from three different sites, where it looks like some people got very lucky:  

 

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Private Locates https://kodiak.ca/private-locates/ https://kodiak.ca/private-locates/#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:56:39 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=7498 The post Private Locates appeared first on Kodiak Drilling.

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We all spend a lot of time on public utility locates – learning, talking, planning, arranging, interpreting, and so much more. We have discussed the topic in our articles before but have yet to bring up the world of private locates.

Limited access drilling is our expertise; private utility locates are very important to us; however, they are not our area of proficiency. The best information we have encountered on this topic is the “Private Utility Locate Guideline” prepared in 2020. This document was prepared by Own Your Safety, a company specializing in providing information and training related to working in the vicinity of underground utilities.

You can access this excellent document by clicking here.

 

A proliferation in companies offering private utility locate services has come with increased awareness of private utilities. It has become evident to us that there is a very large discrepancy in the quality of these services. With on-the-job experience, we have identified companies that provide quality in their field inspections, their choice of equipment, and the documentation they provide. We are drillers, not geophysicists, so we cannot advise on the best methods for you to use, but it is incumbent on those hiring the private locator to ensure they are hiring someone competent. The Own Your Safety document referenced above should help you with that process.

 

We have reviewed and rejected several bad private utility locate reports in the past. It can be quite frustrating to everyone when we are at a site ready to drill, and the private locates are so poorly done that we cannot proceed with drilling.

Although we won’t publish those bad locates, we have enclosed an example of what we believe is a good private locate report, click here to access it.

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MiniProbe Video https://kodiak.ca/miniprobe-video/ https://kodiak.ca/miniprobe-video/#respond Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:18:02 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=8364 The MiniProbe is a unique machine providing exceptional direct push sampling power on a small rubber track carrier. Check out this video to learn more about the drill – which is so small it almost looks like a toy!  

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The MiniProbe is a unique machine providing exceptional direct push sampling power on a small rubber track carrier. Check out this video to learn more about the drill – which is so small it almost looks like a toy!

 

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Shallow Wells and RSCs https://kodiak.ca/shallow-wells/ https://kodiak.ca/shallow-wells/#respond Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:08:40 +0000 https://kodiak.ca/?p=7508 The post Shallow Wells and RSCs appeared first on Kodiak Drilling.

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Many of the groundwater monitoring wells we install are being used to fulfill the groundwater monitoring and sampling requirements for submitting a Record of Site Condition (RSC). There are provisions in Regulation 903 (Water Well Regulation) offering exemptions for wells that are considered shallow works. Please note that taking advantage of those exemptions makes the work derived from testing these wells invalid with respect to their use in an RSC.

This is from (153/04):

22 (4) The provisions of the Ontario Water Resources Act and of Regulation 903 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Wells) made under that Act, that would apply to a test hole but for section 1.1, and subsections 13 (2), 14.1 (2), 14.2 (3), 14.3 (2), 14.4 (4) and 14.5 (3) of that regulation, apply to a monitoring well installed for the purpose of,

(a) a phase one environmental site assessment; and

(b) a phase two environmental site assessment.  O. Reg. 511/09, s. 14.

This is from “Ontario Test Holes and Dewatering Wells – Requirements and Best Management Practices”:

Starting on July 1, 2011, O. Reg. 153/04 prescribes that the provisions of the Ontario Water Resources Act and of Regulation 903 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Wells) made under that Act, that would apply to a test hole but for section 1.1, and subsections 13 (2), 14.1 (2), 14.2 (3), 14.3 (2), 14.4 (4) and 14.5 (3) of that regulation, apply to a monitoring well installed for the purpose of,

(a) a phase one environmental site assessment; and

(b) a phase two environmental site assessment.

Implications for the Qualified Person: 

The qualified person shall ensure that the phase one and phase two environmental site assessments (ESAs) are conducted in accordance with the requirements stated above.

Implications for Shallow Works: 

The shallow works exemption contained in section 1.1 of the Wells Regulation does not apply to a monitoring well that is constructed as part of a phase one or two ESA for a record of site condition.

The above requirement in the Records of Site Condition regulation also affects other obligations such as casing material and annular space size and filling for monitoring wells. See Chapter 6: Constructing the Hole, Casing & Covering the Test Hole or Dewatering Well and Chapter 7: Annular Space & Sealing for further information.

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