Diverse Groundwater Samplers Collect High-quality Data

By DJ Wardwell

The Geoprobe^® line of Direct Image^® and traditional groundwater samplers have transformed how Discovery Drilling conducts geotechnical and environmental investigations. Alaska’s diverse and often unforgiving geology demands versatile solutions, and the array of Geoprobe^® tools ensures Discovery can collect high-quality data regardless of subsurface challenges.

"The blend of Geoprobe^® Direct Image^® and traditional tools has empowered Discovery to tackle Alaska’s subsurface complexities and meet diverse client needs," DJ Wardwell, manager, said. "Whether it’s detailed groundwater profiling or discrete sampling, having the right Geoprobe^® tool ensures we deliver — no matter the project or terrain."

Operating across Alaska, often in remote sites many miles from their Anchorage base with no road access, Discovery relies on these groundwater samplers for countless projects.

Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT)

"HPT has proven a game changer for both geotechnical and environmental applications. It shines where traditional water sampling falls short, providing detailed insights clients demand," Wardwell said.

At one site with groundwater heavily influenced by tidal swings, HPT mapped migration zones where free product moved through loose, sandy layers interspersed with firm silts. This precision guided the placement and screening of monitoring wells, turning what was once a guessing game into a data-driven process. Both the client and project owner were thrilled with the results.

"The real value lies in the wealth of data from a single HPT push," Wardwell said. "With dissipation tests, we log injection pressure, relative formation permeability, absolute piezometric pressure, and even hydraulic conductivity (K)—all with minimal investigation-derived waste (IDW) compared to conventional methods. Clients love the detailed post-event-logs, and we’re eager to share them."

GWP 1.75 Groundwater Profiler

Discovery first encountered this tool at a Geoprobe^® Open House Direct Image^® Workshop, attended by Wardwell and Keeter Brown, Discovery president.

"We were hooked by its ability to deliver HPT-level data while also collecting multiple high-quality water samples in a single push at varying depths in permeable zones—without cross-contamination risks," Wardwell said. "It’s since become a staple for investigations like PFAS or LNAPL sampling, where multiple depth-specific samples are needed at one location."

By reducing mechanical sampling drives and IDW, GWP 1.75 Groundwater Profiler system boosts production rates, cuts costs (often significantly), and elevates data quality for their clients.

Screen Point 19 Groundwater Samplers (SP19)

Discovery historically relied on the SP16 for single-drive groundwater sampling, either from the surface or ahead of advanced tooling.

"Upgrading to SP19, which uses the same 1.75-inch probe rods as HPT and GWP 1.75, streamlined operations by eliminating multiple toolstrings," Wardwell said. "The sturdier rods also handle tougher materials with less risk of bending or breaking, enabling water sampling in permeable zones beneath challenging geology that might otherwise require pre-drilling."

Simple to operate, maintain, and cost-effective, SP19 remains a go-to for discrete environmental water sampling. Like its Direct Image^® counterparts, it generates minimal IDW, further reducing client costs.