GPR can locate a variety of objects underground, such as gas or water lines, sewer lines, septic tanks, underground storage tanks, foundations, or areas that have been previously excavated and filled. Greenstar Environmental Solutions, LLC also uses electromagnetic (EM) locating equipment to determine the precise locations and depths of utility lines. Using both GPR and EM together provides the highest level of precision for utility line detection. Many clients who are completing excavation or boring projects will request that we clear the boring locations for utilities before starting work. Since OneCall services do not mark private property, we provide private property utility location services for many clients.

GPR can determine target locations and depths with an accuracy of 1 feet, both vertically and horizontally. Greenstar Environmental Solutions, LLC can provide a letter report summarizing the methods and findings, and we also have GPS equipment that can map each target with high precision.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an imaging method used to identify subsurface elements. GPR can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It reveals various types of utilities, including electrical conduits, steam pipes, telecommunications lines, gas and oil lines, water lines, and sewer and storm pipes. GPR works by sending a radio signal into the ground and reading the “bounce.” The radio wave bounces off any material it encounters, creating a reading that displays signal returns on a computer screen. Greenstar Environmental Solutions, LLC uses GPR in combination with other underground imaging technologies, such as electromagnetic (EM) locating, to identify subsurface targets.

The maximum depth at which GPR can detect an object is 3 to 7 feet, although this depends entirely on the soil composition in the area and the material from which the object is constructed. For every foot of depth penetration with the GPR equipment, the object must be at least 1 inch in diameter to be located. For example, at a depth of 4 feet, the pipe or utility must be 4 inches or larger to be detected. Larger targets, such as tanks or foundations, can be visible up to 10 feet deep under the right conditions.