Location and characterization of subsurface anomalies using a soil conductivity probe

An electrical conductivity probe, designed for use with direct push technology, has been successfully used to locate buried drums, contaminant plumes, and to precisely locate and characterize a previously installed permeable reactive iron wall. The conductivity probe was designed to characterize various soil and sediment types as it was driven through the dry and saturated soil matrix; however, its ability to locate and characterize subsurface anomalies may also prove to be a valuable asset. The probe uses an electrical field that works like and mimics the results from an oil-field engineering tool called Wenner array. This electrical field array penetrates into the soil matrix to measure the electrical conductivity of the soil matrix surround the probe to a radius of about two to four inches. This tool has allowed operating personnel to verify the location of manmade or natural subsurface anomalies with precision.