Development and pilot testing of a portable subsurface penetration unit for light induced fluorescence hydrocarbon plume characterization at remote sites

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SCG Industries Limited utilizes an innovative technology for the spatial characterization of free phase petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and groundwater called UVOST® (UltraViolet Optical Screening Tool). This technique adapts Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy, a powerful optical analytical method, for in-situ environmental assessment purposes. The technology involves slowly driving a fluorometric probe into the subsurface (1-2cm/sec) while concurrently gathering fluorescence-based data. The spectral data recovered provides information on the spatial distribution, type and relative concentration of the petroleum liquids in the subsurface. Contaminated site issues are abundant in Canada. For example there are over 22,000 contaminated sites listed in the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory (as of 2012). Due to its large aerial span Canada is unique in that many contaminated sites across the country are only accessible by helicopter or small payload planes during the summer months. Although SCG's UVOST® offers substantial analytical and cost benefits, compared to traditional sampling methodologies, it is hampered by physical limitations in its use. In order to advance the probe into the subsurface a drill rig must be deployed. Due to these limitations currently SCGs innovative technology cannot be easily applied to many remote sites across Canada. As hydrocarbons are the most common contaminant in the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory, the development of a deployable tool capable of functioning in remote environments would expand the practical capabilities of this technology. The goal of this project is to design, build, and pilot test a collapsible hand based drilling/driving unit to allow for the application of SCGs UVOST® technology at Sable Island (in cooperation with Park's Canada Agency). Development of this technology will allow for UVOST® application in areas of Canada not previously accessible and help provide for a cleaner Canadian environment giving Canadians assurance that their drinking water and environment will be sustained for future generations.