We sometimes need to use a small-diameter soil sampling system when drilling in limited access areas with small equipment. One example being the DT22 system, commonly used on small direct-push rigs like our MiniProbe. This drill has become very popular for projects involving the new “Excess Soils” regulation as it is extra efficient at collecting a lot of samples from modest depths.

Although using small-diameter tooling helps us reach greater depths, it is sometimes challenging to get enough samples to fill the sample jars provided by the laboratories. 

When encountering a thin zone of impact when sampling with this tooling or in split spoons, it is sometimes necessary to leave the sample jar partly empty or fill it up with less impacted soil. Using smaller jars would reduce/eliminate that need.

For PHC analysis, it may be advantageous for you to use two 25mL wide-mouth jars instead of two 60mL wide-mouth jars commonly supplied by labs. We have reached out to labs, who confirm they can accommodate these smaller jars, which also meet the requirements of the laboratory protocol specified by 153/04. The smaller jars are more in the spirit of Ministry sampling recommendations, two small, narrow zones of maximum impact rather than wide zones across the core.

Your lab should be able to provide you with the smaller jars. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-cleaned, certified jars directly from SystemsPlus, the primary supplier to many Ontario labs.