VAP Soil Classification, Description, and Logging Short Course

Yesterday, Cox-Colvin & Associates hosted a very successful soil classification, description, and logging short course. The short course, which was provided free of charge by Jeff Martin of Ohio, EPA, was well attended by not only Cox-Colvin staff, but by a number of other area consulting firms. The course was meant as an introduction/refresher on proper techniques for completing soil descriptions during drilling and investigation activities. Participants were introduced to ASTM Standard D 2488-Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) which is based on USCS soil description methods. The USCS method was also compared to the USDA soil texture method preferred by soil scientists, as well as Ohio EPA vapor intrusion regulators. Afternoon activities included a texturing exercise with calibrated soils and a drilling demonstration by EnviroCore Inc., to allow the class to test the soil description methods from the morning sessions. Overall, the class was very well presented and received, and I think everyone came away with a better understanding of how to use both the USCS and USDA systems to complete accurate soil descriptions in the field.