Bedrock sites often present the most complex and costly remediation challenges—but they don’t have to. AST Environmental’s Bedrock Remedial Design Characterization (RDC) transforms uncertainty into a precise, actionable Conceptual Site Model (CSM). By integrating historical site data with advanced geophysical surveys, detailed geological assessments, and high-resolution hydraulic testing, we give you a clear picture of contaminant pathways and storage zones—so you can design an effective, targeted remediation strategy.

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High-Resolution Bedrock Characterization

Our process begins by reviewing historical investigation data, then augmenting it with new, site-specific information:

  • Surface geophysical surveys – Electrical resistivity and induced potential (ER/IP) and multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) reveal lithology, potential fluid transport zones, biological activity, and non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) storage areas that guide placement of multi-purpose Bedrock Characterization/Injection Points (BCIPs)
  • Downhole geophysical profiling – Tools like 3-arm caliper, fluid temperature and conductivity, ER/IP, natural gamma, and flowmeter mapping provide detailed insight into rock structure and groundwater movement.

This combination delivers a layer-by-layer understanding of the subsurface—essential for targeted in-situ treatment.

Rock Core Analysis & Custom Sampling Technology

Before committing to and installing open borehole wells, we advance dedicated rock cores to collect rock core samples to assess lithology, porosity, and collect rock matrix samples to determine contaminant presence and magnitude. Once rock core holes are completed, BCIP boreholes are installed, which allows AST to deploy a custom short-interval straddle packer assembly—engineered in-house—to collect discrete groundwater samples within narrow 18-inch vertical intervals. Unlike off-the-shelf systems, this method isolates individual fractures or transmissive features, enabling surgical remediation planning.

Hydraulic Conductivity & Contaminant Mass Distribution

During discrete sampling, changes in hydrolic head within the pumping well and adjacent monitoring wells are data-logged to measure vertical and horizontal hydraulic conductivity across the site. This high-resolution data:

  • Assists with defining contaminant mass fate and transport distribution within the bedrock matrix and fractures
  • Identifies transmissive and storage zones for precise amendment placement
  • Provides high-resolution inputs for injection design and dosing

The ROI of Precision Bedrock Characterization

By interrogating the bedrock geology at a granular scale, AST delivers a roadmap for remediation that is more efficient, more predictable, and more cost-effective. The result is fewer surprises in the field, reduced remediation timelines, and a higher probability of site closure.

Bedrock Characterization Insights: Related Webinars

Our Core Product Line

How It Works BOS 100® is a Trap & Treat® in situ remediation technology specifically designed to degrade chlorinated solvents. It is a unique material manufactured from high grade virgin…
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How It Works BOS 200® is a high-performance, carbon-based amendment specifically designed to treat petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater and soil. It utilizes a proprietary blend of activated carbon and support…
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How It Works BOS 200+ is a patented in-situ remediation amendment that expands on the proven BOS 200 platform. It enhances performance at challenging petroleum-contaminated sites through advanced sorption, microbial…
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How It Works CAT 100® combines the proven BOS 100® platform with engineered biotechnology to create a next-generation in-situ remedy capable of degrading significantly more contaminant mass per unit dose.…
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How It Works FLUOROSORB is a proprietary, NSF-certified sorbent engineered by CETCO for high-capacity, long-life PFAS adsorption. It works by selectively binding a wide range of PFAS compounds—both long- and…
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How It Works FerroBlack is a family of reactive, abiotic form of ferrous sulfide (FeS) mineral with a “mackinawite” structure. It is formulated in a controlled reactor system which produces…
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AST has delivered successful in-situ remediation at hundreds of sites across the U.S., including:

• EPA Superfund and Brownfield sites
• State Voluntary Remediation Programs (VRPs)
• Military installations
• Private industrial and commercial sites

Our products and strategies are:

✅ Backed by years of field data and peer-reviewed research
✅ Used by top-tier environmental consultants and engineers
✅ Recognized and approved by regulatory agencies nationwide
✅ Supported by performance monitoring and defensible data


"We don’t just sell products — we partner with your team to help design, execute, and document a successful remediation plan."

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We’ve helped consultants, regulators, and site owners across the country achieve cleanup goals faster, safer, and more cost-effectively — and we can do the same for you.

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