Soil testing is the analysis of soil samples from a property to assess characteristics relevant to construction feasibility or environmental contamination. Soil testing serves two distinct purposes: geotechnical testing evaluates soil bearing capacity and composition for new construction, while environmental soil testing, typically part of a Phase II ESA, checks for contamination.
Geotechnical vs environmental soil testing
| Testing type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Geotechnical soil testing | Assess bearing capacity and composition for construction design |
| Environmental soil testing | Check for contamination, typically as part of Phase II ESA |
What to watch for before committing
Correct testing type for your purpose
Confirm whether you need geotechnical testing (for construction) or environmental testing (for contamination), since these serve different purposes.
Qualified testing firm engagement
Engage a qualified geotechnical engineering firm or environmental consultant appropriate to your specific testing need.
Sampling location adequacy
For environmental testing, confirm sampling locations adequately cover areas identified as higher risk during a Phase I assessment.
Construction design implications
For geotechnical testing, understand how soil characteristics might affect foundation design and construction cost for new development.
Timeline and cost expectations
Get realistic timeline and cost estimates, since soil testing, particularly with laboratory analysis, can take several weeks.
Regulatory reporting requirements
Understand any regulatory reporting obligations triggered by environmental soil testing results.
When you need to know this
- Ground-up construction or development — assessing soil bearing capacity for foundation design
- Following up on Phase I ESA findings — confirming or ruling out contamination through environmental soil testing
- Purchasing land for future development — understanding construction feasibility and cost implications from soil conditions
- Properties with historical industrial use — investigating potential contamination through environmental soil testing
Frequently asked questions
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