When planning a new development or purchasing land, what lies beneath the surface matters just as much as what goes above it. Contaminated soil can lead to regulatory headaches, construction delays, and environmental hazards. At Quality Testing & Engineering (QTE), we help you mitigate those risks by identifying and assessing common soil contaminants through rigorous environmental testing.
Why Soil Contamination Matters
Contaminated soil poses threats to public health, groundwater, surrounding ecosystems, and your bottom line. Whether you’re developing commercial property, preparing a residential site, or investing in land reuse, understanding the condition of the soil is critical for safety and regulatory compliance.
Top Soil Contaminants Found in Site Assessments
Here are some of the most frequent culprits we detect during soil evaluations:
1. Heavy Metals
Examples: Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and chromium
Sources: Industrial manufacturing, paint, fuel, and metal plating
Risks: Toxic to humans and wildlife; can leach into water supplies
2. Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Examples: Gasoline, diesel, motor oil
Sources: Leaking underground storage tanks, gas stations, auto shops
Risks: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can migrate to air and groundwater
3. Pesticides & Herbicides
Examples: DDT, glyphosate, atrazine
Sources: Agricultural runoff, former farms or orchards
Risks: Long-lasting in soil; linked to health and ecological damage
4. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Sources: Old electrical equipment, transformers, hydraulic systems
Risks: Known carcinogens; can bioaccumulate in animals and humans
5. Asbestos
Sources: Demolition debris, industrial waste
Risks: Exposure can cause serious respiratory illnesses
6. Solvents & Industrial Chemicals
Examples: Trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, toluene
Sources: Dry cleaning, metal degreasing, chemical production
Risks: Groundwater contamination and vapor intrusion into buildings
How QTE Detects and Assesses Soil Contamination
At QTE, we follow industry-standard protocols and offer comprehensive soil testing services as part of our Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA).
🔍 Phase I ESA
A visual and historical assessment of a property’s environmental condition
Helps identify the potential for contamination based on current or past land use
🧪 Phase II ESA
Involves actual sampling and laboratory analysis of soil, groundwater, and vapor
Determines the type and extent of contamination present
🧰 Our Soil Testing Process Includes:
Site reconnaissance and drilling
Soil core sampling
On-site field screening using portable instruments
Laboratory testing for contaminants (following EPA and ASTM standards)
Detailed reporting with risk assessments and regulatory guidance
Protect Your Project from Environmental Surprises
Whether you’re developing commercial real estate or planning new construction, QTE helps you move forward with confidence. Our expert team ensures compliance with environmental regulations and identifies soil contamination risks early—before they impact your budget or timeline.
Need environmental testing or a Phase I/II ESA? Contact QTE today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team.