Landfill Gas Sampling Program
Direct push technology for rapid landfill gas characterization
SCS Engineers
Project Overview
IET provided specialized direct push technology (DPT) services for a landfill gas sampling program at Camp Lejeune military installation in North Carolina. The project required rapid, minimally invasive subsurface vapor characterization to assess landfill gas migration patterns.
Scope of Work
- Approximately 17 landfill gas sampling points to 10 feet below ground surface
- Direct push technology deployment for rapid, minimal-disturbance sample collection
- Experienced 2-person crew with specialized DPT rig
- Complete field services including mobilization, sampling, and site restoration
Technical Approach
Direct Push Technology
IET deployed specialized direct push equipment capable of rapidly advancing sampling probes to the target depth of 10 feet. This method minimizes surface disturbance and allows for efficient sample collection across multiple locations.
Landfill Gas Assessment
The shallow gas sampling program was designed to characterize potential landfill gas migration, providing critical data for vapor intrusion risk assessment and long-term site monitoring strategies at the military installation.
Why IET for Military Installations?
Rapid Deployment
Quick mobilization and efficient field operations minimize disruption
Experienced Personnel
Qualified crews familiar with military site protocols and safety requirements
Specialized Equipment
Advanced DPT rigs designed for vapor sampling and shallow investigations
Turnkey Services
Complete project management from mobilization through completion
Site Geology & Military Installation Context
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is located in Onslow County, North Carolina, within the Coastal Plain physiographic province. The shallow geology consists of Quaternary-age barrier island and back-barrier deposits — predominantly sand, silt, clay, and shell hash — overlying the Tertiary-age Castle Hayne and Peedee formations. These formations are characterized by high permeability and shallow water table conditions (typically 3–10 feet bgs), making them susceptible to contaminant migration from historic landfill operations.
Landfill gas (LFG) sampling at 10-foot depth targets the vadose zone and shallow cap interface where methane, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds generated by waste decomposition accumulate. The 17 sampling points across the landfill footprint provide spatial coverage needed to evaluate LFG migration pathways and vapor intrusion risks for nearby base facilities. IET's DPT rigs are specifically configured for shallow vapor sampling with dedicated gas sampling probes and Tedlar bag collection systems that preserve sample integrity for laboratory analysis.