Soil vapour sampling is a common and integral part of contaminated sites investigation process. This mini-series is intended to de-mystify the sampling process and provide you with practical information and tips needed to carry out a successful soil vapour investigation program.

The soil vapour training will be delivered by seasoned professionals. Our approach is to cover sampling principles using practical examples and demonstrations, so you can immediately apply learnings to your work. This mini-series is a fit if you want to understand practical fundamentals of soil vapour sampling. You might be a field person at the start of your career, or a project manager who would like to plan and execute projects with more confidence and technical skill.

This virtual soil vapour training will be held in January and February 2026 (dates below), building on the highly successful GeoEnviroPro mini-series held on groundwater and hydrogeology in 2025. Note that an advanced 4-part hydrogeological on-line course will be offered in February and March, see separate posting coming soon.

Each session will be 1.5 hour long, consisting of an hour-long presentation followed by an optional ½ hour demonstration, Q&A and discussion.

Session One – Developing a Sampling Focussed CSM – Dr. Ian Hers, HEC/GeoEnviroPro – January 13, 2026 – 12:00pm – 1:30pm PT

• Conceptual site model basics
• Example sampling objectives and designs (petroleum hydrocarbon and dry cleaner site)
• Site and building surveys
• Preferential pathways

Session Two – Soil Vapour Sampling – Key Steps and Demonstration – Al Robison, KelTech – January 27, 2026 – 12:00pm – 1:30pm

• Getting ready for sampling
• Probe design and installation
• Sampling steps and protocols
• Field screening
• Live demonstration including leak testing, purging and sorbent tube sampling

Session Three – Laboratory Analysis and QA/QC – Darlene Hoogenes-Stastny followed by panel discussion – February 10, 2026 – 12:00pm – 1:30pm

• Conducting laboratory analysis program (canisters, sorbent tubes)
• QA/QC (including collection of duplicates) and data validation
• Brief introduction to broader toolkit of methods (pressure, building tests)
• Basic data interpretation (partitioning, application of attenuation factors) with reference to example sites