GEOTEK ENGINEERING & TESTING SERVICES, INC.

909 East 50th Street NorthSioux Falls, SD 57104

Phone: 605-335-5512Toll Free: 800-354-5512Fax: 605-335-0773

www.geotekeng.com

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

SUMMER 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

• Construction Materials LabAccreditation Program Page 2

• Sanford Fieldhouse Page 2

• GeoTek Completes BrownfieldsProject in Aberdeen Page 2 & 5

• Uptown & Downtown Sioux FallsRe-Development Page 3

• Bel Brands USA Cheese Plantin Brookings Page 4

• Fugitive Emissions Page 4

• Iowa Environmental CleaupPage 5

• Respiratory Protection & OSHAPage 5

This year, GeoTekEngineering & Testing Services,Inc. is celebrating its 25thanniversary. The company wasfounded in March 1988 by Mr.Ralph E. Lindner, PE, and Mr.Garry Scholz.Over the years, GeoTek has

provided services in the areas ofgeotechnical engineering,construction materials testing,environmental consulting, andindustrial hygiene. Theseservices have been providedprimarily in South Dakota,Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.Our staff has grown to 40employees, which includesengineers, geologists, chemists,technicians and support staff.Originally, the company

focused on providinggeotechnical exploration andconstruction materials testing forarea customers.Some of the first employees

hired were secretary Ms. KathyKroon and drill crew chief Mr.Ray Hagedorn. Theiremployment and efforts werecritical to the early success ofthe company.The early years of the

company saw tremendousgrowth. In fact, in October1993, GeoTek was listed #151of the fastest growing privatecompanies in America. Also in1993, Mr. Garry Scholz left thecompany, leaving Mr. Ralph E.Lindner, PE, the sole owner.Due to the tremendous

volume of environmentalprojects and testing requirementsfrom underground storage tankprojects in the early years of thecompany, an analyticalchemistry laboratory was

established in 1991. Initially,only water samples wereanalyzed, but the lab quicklyexpanded into soils and airanalysis. Analytical parameterswere volatile and semi-volatilesubstances (i.e. gasoline, dieselfuel, and motor oil).The company was originally

located in leased space on E. 52ndStreet North, in the industrialpark located northeast of theSioux Falls Airport. The early1990s saw multiple expansions tothat leased space, but weeventually ran out of room toexpand. In 1993, the company

bought a nearby spec buildingfrom the Sioux Falls DevelopmentFoundation. After the interior ofthe 30,000 square feet buildingwas constructed/ finished toGeoTek’s needs, the companymoved in on August 26, 1994.The first drill rig (Mobile B-

50) was purchased in May 1988.Due to an increasing backlog ofdrilling projects, a second drillrig (Mobile B-57) was purchasedand a second crew was hired in1996. A third drill rig (anotherMobile B-57) was purchased in1998, and the B-50 wasrelegated to back-up duty.Recently, additional drilling

capabilities have been added forspecial project conditions.Increasing staff numbers and

project demands were theprimary factor in Mr. DanHanson, PE, being promoted toGeneral Manager of thecompany in 2005.In 2007, Mr. Jason Cook met

the education and experiencerequirements to become thecompany’s first CertifiedIndustrial Hygienist.Today, the single largest

segment of our business isconstruction materials testing,led by Mr. Shane Lindner.

Environmental testing projectsin South Dakota and Iowa arethe second and third largestsegments, respectively.Geotechnical explorationprojects, led by Mr. JaredHaskins, PE, are also asignificant portion of theoverall business.We are very proud of our

hard working and dedicatedemployees, and extremelygrateful for our many loyalcustomers from across theregion. We look forward toproviding engineering andtesting services for the next 25years and beyond!

GEOTEK 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

GEOTECHNICAL • CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS/NDT • ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING • INDOOR AIR QUALITY

GeoTek is celebrating 25 years.This was our Ribbon Cutting in 1988.

GEOTEK ENGINEERING & TESTING SERVICES, INC.

As the demand forconstruction materials testinghas increased over the years, wehave taken the effort to maintainour testing laboratory at levelsthat meet or exceed industrystandards. One way weaccomplish this is by allowingour laboratory to be reviewed bynational agencies. In 2012, ourlab was visited byrepresentatives of both the USArmy Corps of Engineers andthe Cement and ConcreteReference Laboratory (CCRL, adivision of the AASHTOMaterials Reference Laboratory(AMRL)).During the lab assessment,

the agency will typically reviewvarious items to assurecompliance with nationalstandards. First, they willobserve the performance ofselect test procedures. Then theywill examine the equipmentused to perform the selectedprocedures and verify that theproper calibration procedures

are being followed anddocumented. Finally, theagency will review our policies,procedures, and documentationdetailed in our laboratoryquality manual. At the end ofthe assessment, we are providedfeedback on areas whereupdates, if necessary, should bemade to our quality system.In addition to the laboratory

assessments, we also participatein a national proficiency testingprogram through AMRL andCCRL. Currently, weparticipate in proficiency testingrelated to soils, aggregates(course and fine), concrete, andhot mix asphalt.AMRL/CCRL provides asample of a select material toevery participating lab. Thelabs are asked to prepare andperform the related testprocedures according tonational standards (AASHTOor ASTM). A few weeks aftersubmitting our results, we areable to see how close our results

compared to a national average.These are just a few of many

examples to help illustrate thetype of conscientious testingprogram GeoTek maintains. Ifthere are any questions inregards to our accreditations,please feel free to contact ouroffice for more information.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS LABACCREDITATION PROGRAM

The Sanford Fieldhouse is a62,000 square foot premierindoor sports facility for local,regional and national athletictraining, soccer, baseball,softball, football, co-ed sportsleagues and POWER fitnessprograms. The Fieldhouse islocated at the Sanford YouthSports Complex in Sioux Falls,South Dakota.The facility is a slab-on-grade

structure with pre-cast andstructural steel framing. It wasconstructed by FiegenConstruction Company in 2012.GeoTek’s initial role for the

project was to perform testborings as part of a geotechnicalexploration program.Laboratory tests wereperformed on select samples toaid in determining the indexand strength properties of theunderlying soils at the site. Thetests included moisture content,dry density, Atterberg limits(liquid and plastic limits) andunconfined compressivestrength. A report was thenprepared containing the resultsof the field and laboratory testsas well as our geotechnicalengineering opinions and

recommendations regarding theconstruction of the facility.GeoTek provided services for

excavation observations,compaction testing of fillmaterials, concrete testingduring placement of thefootings, foundation walls andfloor slabs, moisture emissiontesting on the floor slab,structural steel inspection andmasonry inspection. GeoTekalso performed visual inspectionon the concrete steelreinforcement and weldablesteel reinforcement installedwithin the grade beams.

SANFORD FIELDHOUSE

GEOTEKCOMPLETESBROWNFIELDSPROJECT INABERDEENPlans are underway for the

City of Aberdeen to redevelopthe former Bethlehem LutheranSchool property into a new citylibrary. In 2011, the City ofAberdeen applied to the SouthDakota Department ofEnvironment and NaturalResources (DENR) BrownfieldsProgram for assistance inaddressing suspected contaminantsas part of the redevelopment plans.The DENR utilized BrownfieldsSection 128(a) to fund theassessment, characterization, andremediation activities outlinedbelow to facilitate redevelopment.In December 2011, GeoTek washired by DENR to conduct theTargeted Brownfields Assessment.

Former Bethlehem Lutheran Property,Aberdeen, SD.

The site consisted of a two-storybrick building, with about 10,000square feet per floor. Built in 1955,the interior consisted of formerclassrooms, restrooms, halls, aboiler room, and other areas.A former site church buildingwas razed in 2005. The City ofAberdeen is the property owner.The Brownfields work included

a Phase I Environmental SiteAssessment, an asbestos survey,surficial soil sampling for possiblelead concentrations, and asubsurface assessment of soiland groundwater for potentialpetroleum concerns. The Phase IEnvironmental Site Assessment

Continued on page 5

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GEOTEK ENGINEERING & TESTING SERVICES, INC.

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The downtown area of SiouxFalls has been undergoingsignificant redevelopment in thepast 15 to 20 years. The newer“uptown” area in the PhillipsAvenue corridor, north of 5thStreet, has also had significantredevelopment since the extensionof Phillips Avenue. Historical usehas created a host of environmentalchallenges for renovation andredevelopment in these areas. Butwhether it’s uptown or downtown,GeoTek’s environmental team canhelp define and manage thesechallenges.Releases from several former gas

stations, drycleaners, and autorepair shops have resulted in anarea of subsurface petroleumimpacts in portions of downtown.Contaminated groundwater hasaffected foundation dewateringdrain lines in existing buildings.Newer buildings that are usinggroundwater for building heatingand cooling have encounteredsolvents in groundwater and havehad to modify or add additionalpermits to their geothermalsystems. Dewatering of excavationsfor new construction is complicatedby contaminated groundwaterpermitting and discharge testing ortreatment. Contaminated soiltesting and disposal has also been

part of many new constructionprojects in the area.Do you remember the old

Sportsman Bar, the multi-coloredCarpet Market building, or formerWingler’s Auction building alongNorth Main Avenue? Renovationor demolition of buildings canencounter asbestos materials, lead-based paint, or mold that must beaddressed as part of renovation ordemolition. Excavations for newbuildings have encounteredpetroleum tanks, contamination,and rubble.How about the “Zip that didn’t

tip”? The concrete Zip Feed Millalong East 6th Street wasdemolished in 2005, partially byexplosives, and partially by craneand wrecking ball. Asbestosbuilding materials were definedand removed before demolition.The Cherapa Place office building(occupied by Howalt-McDowellInsurance, CorTrust Bank, WildSage Grille, and others) was thenconstructed on the west edge of theformer Zip Feed Mill property.There have also been many new

public building projects completed,including the Minnehaha CountyCourthouse building in 1996 (plustwo new floors in 2007-2008), theMinnehaha County Health andHuman Services Building, the

City of SiouxFalls policedepartmentbuilding, andthe 33-unit SafeHome at 3rd &Minnesota.Public buildingrenovationsinclude theMinnehahaCounty Sheriff/Jail building, theColiseum/MulticulturalCenter, theWashingtonPavilion of Artsand Science,the city’sCarnegieBuilding, andmany others.In 1991, therewas a visionthat the

downtown area of Sioux Fallsshould be connected to the city’snamesake – Falls Park! However,there was no direct route betweendowntown and the falls. Thus, the“Phillips to the Falls” concept wasborn. One major property nearFalls Park was the former PittsSalvage Yard, a 17-acre site thathad been used for scrap metaloperations for 81 years. Part ofthe operations included lead-acidbattery storage and recycling. In2001, the City of Sioux Fallspurchased the Pitts Salvage Yard.An EPA Brownfields assessmentgrant was awarded to the City ofSioux Falls in 1996, with most workoccurring after purchase in 2001. ABrownfields grant for cleanup wasawarded in 2004, and a $900,000cleanup effort was conducted. Newdevelopment in the area is assistedby planning construction away fromheavier impacts or by finding themost cost effective cleanup strategy.The Schoeneman’s Lumber

property has also been redeveloped.In 2011, the Lumber ExchangeBuilding (occupied by CNA Surety,Lloyd Companies, Josiah’sCoffeehouse & Café, Lindquest &Vennum attorneys, and others) wasconstructed on the south end of theformer lumberyard. Now, a multi-story Hilton Hotel building is underconstruction on the north part ofthe former lumberyard. Challengeshave included permitting andtreatment of impacted constructiondewatering groundwater andimpacted soil testing and disposal.

There have also been manychanges along the Big Sioux River.The Central Main Sewer Line wasreplaced along the river front overthe 2010 and 2011 constructionseasons. In 2011 and 2012,significant landscaping wasconstructed along portions ofthe river’s east bank. In 2012,the River Ramp parking garagestraddling the Big Sioux River wasdemolished. The Raven Industriesbuilding on East 6th Street by theBig Sioux River is currentlyundergoing a $15 millionrenovation, and there are alsoplans for riverfront and pedestrianwalkway renovation in the area.Semi-volatile contaminants fromthe upstream former coalgasification plant at Fawick Parkhave required testing and disposalof soils along the river banks inthese areas.In the near future, there

is planned removal of railroadtracks/switching yards forsubsequent redevelopment. Federalfunds were designated for theproject in 2006, with negotiationsnow nearing completion.Whether it is environmental

testing and permitting, geotechnicalengineering, or constructionmaterials testing, GeoTekEngineering & Testing Services,Inc. has had some level ofinvolvement in each of theabove projects and many morein downtown Sioux Falls. Inretrospect, uptown and downtownare thriving in Sioux Falls.

UPTOWN & DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS RE-DEVELOPMENT

GEOTEK ENGINEERING & TESTING SERVICES, INC.

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As the seasons change, so doesthe Bel Brands site in Brookings,SD. GeoTek Engineering is proudto be part of the new Bel Brandsfacility under construction.

GEOTEK’S ROLEGeoTek’s initial role for

the project was to perform testborings as part of a geotechnicalexploration program. Laboratorytests were performed on selectsamples to aid in determining theindex and strength properties ofthe underlying soils at the site.The tests included moisturecontent, dry density, Atterberglimits (liquid and plastic limits) and

unconfined compressive strength.A report was then preparedcontaining the results of the fieldand laboratory tests as well as ourgeotechnical engineering opinionsand recommendations regardingthe construction of the buildingand pavement areas. GeoTek waslater hired to perform excavationobservations, compaction testingof the fill materials and concretetesting during the placement of thefootings, foundation walls andslabs. This year, GeoTek willprovide observations and testingof the subgrade soils in thepavement areas. Testing of thepavement will also be performed.

ABOUT THE PROJECTBel Brands USA, headquartered

in Chicago, is investingapproximately $100 million tobuild a new 170,000-square footMini Babybel manufacturingfacility on a 48-acre site along34th Avenue near the I-29 corridorin Brookings, SD. Bel Brandsmanufactures and markets TheLaughing Cow cheese wedgesand Mini Babybel – America’s #1branded snacking cheese, as wellas Boursin, Merkts, Kaukauna andother natural and gourmet cheesespreads. Bel Brands USA currentlyhas two other production facilities

in the US, located in Leitchfield,KY, and Little Chute, WI.Bel Brands expects to hire

more than 200 employees whenthe first phase of the plantbecomes fully operational by mid-2014. Phase 1 of the project willhave a production capacity ofapproximately 22 million poundsor 10,000 metric tons of MiniBabybel. The second phase ofthe plant, which is contingenton anticipated increased marketdemands, is envisioned to be builtin 2016-2017 and will bringanother 200 jobs to the area.

BEL BRANDS USA CONSTRUCTS CHEESE PLANT IN BROOKINGS

June 6, 2012 October 2, 2012 November 16, 2012 January 7, 2013

In October 2012, GeoTekEngineering was contacted byan out-of-state manufacturerof specialty clothing and otherfabric products. The companyhad recently started operating anewly purchased laser fabric cutterin their manufacturing facility.The laser cutter uses a high energycarbon dioxide laser to cut precise(often intricate) patterns in fabricmaterials. Employees hadexpressed concerns that emissionsfrom the cutting of special fabricsmay be exposing them topotentially harmful chemicals.Due to the proprietary nature

of the materials being cut with thisdevice, very limited informationwas publically available on whatcombustion products werepotentially being generated inthis process. GeoTek personneldesigned a sampling plan thatwould measure employee exposureto selected chemicals as well asscan the instrument (while

operating) for fugitive emissionsof smoke (as airborne particulates).The laser cutter was alreadyequipped with local exhaustventilation; however, employeesnoted a distinct odor duringoperation and a light haze inthe air after prolonged use.One employee was outfitted

with a personal sample pump andmedia to conduct sampling andanalysis for potential chemical

emissions. Sampling wasconducted during normaloperation of the laser cutter.During laser operation, GeoTek

personnel monitored the areafor ultra-fine particulates using aTSI P-Trak direct reading meter.The P-Trak measures airborneparticulates (<0.1 um in size)and is very effective at detectingsmoke and vehicle exhaust etc.The ultra-fine particulate

monitoring resulted in thediscovery of fugitive emissionsescaping from the vented cuttingtable in several locations duringthe cutting process. Somerecorded particulate levelsexceeded 335,000 pt/cc(particles/cubic centimeter).Typical indoor ultra-fineparticulate levels (within homeand office environments) generallyrange from 2,000-5,000 pt/cc.Upon being informed of theresults, the company re-engineeredthe local exhaust ventilation forthe laser cutter to more thoroughlycapture and remove fume andvapor emissions, and reduceemployee exposure.

FUGITIVE EMISSIONS

GEOTEK ENGINEERING & TESTING SERVICES, INC.

In November 2012, GeoTekassisted with the completion ofa petroleum contaminated soilexcavation at a former gasolinestation. Prior to the excavation,GeoTek completed anenvironmental assessment tomeet the requirements of theIowa Department of NaturalResources (IDNR). Theassessment activities includedthe advancement of soil borings,installation of groundwatermonitoring wells, and the

collection and analysis of soiland groundwater samples. Theresulting soil and groundwateranalytical data was used tocomplete Risk Based CorrectiveAction (RBCA) modeling. Thisdata is used to estimate riskassociated with the identifiedcontamination as it relates toreceptors of concern at or nearthe site. Free phase petroleumproduct (gasoline) was identifiedin the subsurface soils at the site.Subcontractors were used for

the soil removal and disposal.The excavation resulted in theremoval of approximately 7,000cubic yards of contaminatedsoil. The petroleumcontaminated soil was“landfarmed” in accordancewith IDNR regulations.Activities at the site in 2013 willinclude the installation ofreplacement monitoring wellsand groundwater monitoring todetermine if regulatory limitshave been achieved.

IOWA ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP BROWNFIELDSPROJECTContinued from page 2

concluded that soil with petroleumconcentrations may remainon-site from a former heating oilunderground storage tank (UST);however, some items in thebuilding required removal andproper disposal because ofPolychlorinated Biphenyls ormercury concentrations. Theasbestos survey identified friableasbestos materials in the building,including an area of spray-onceilings, much pipe insulation,and vermiculite insulation. Leadconcentrations in surface soildid not exceed residential orcommercial use screening levels.Soil borings and groundwater

monitoring wells were conductedas part of the assessment, and lowlevel petroleum concentrationswere detected in one soil boringand in groundwater from four testwells. Site screening levels werenot exceeded, potential soil andgroundwater receptor pathwayswere considered incomplete, andpotential receptor risks were notindicated. With this data, theBrownfields assessment wasconsidered complete.Required asbestos materials

were removed from the buildingin September 2012 by an asbestosabatement contractor workingdirectly for the City of Aberdeen.In December 2012, the buildingwas demolished.

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Excavation activities Backfilling after excavation

Did you know that respiratoryprotection (29 CFR1910.134)violations were one of thetop 5 citations issued by theOccupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) toemployers in 2012? Airmonitoring and respiratoryprotection go hand in hand.All employers must be able todefend their decision to requireemployees to utilize respiratoryprotection or not. In order todetermine whether employeesare being exposed toconcentrations above OSHApermissible exposure limits(PELs), air monitoring must bedone. If OSHA visits a facility,they will likely ask for airmonitoring records. GeoTek isprepared to help you with yourair monitoring needs.GeoTek employs the only

consulting Certified IndustrialHygienist in the state of SouthDakota, Jason Cook, CIH. Jasonis an expert in indoor air qualityand air monitoring. GeoTek hasaccess to air monitoring

equipment that can be utilizedfor virtually any project orconcern. We can detectparticulates ranging from0.02-25 micrometers in size,measure the concentration ofparticulates, and quantify basicindoor air quality parameters(e.g. carbon monoxide,temperature, volatile organiccompounds, and othercontaminants). We can alsoperform area and personalsampling and design airmonitoring sampling plansto fit a client’s needs.Did you know that a human

can inhale particulates from0.01-100 micrometers? Thenose can filter particulates thatare 5 micrometers and larger,but smaller particulates can passthrough the nose and potentiallysettle deep in the lungs.Breathing hazardousparticulates can cause allergicrespiratory symptoms, irritation,and even cancer (depending onthe chemical makeup of thecontaminant). We will be able

to tell you what size particulatesyour employees are breathingand likely determine wherethey are coming from.Air monitoring does not

always have to be scheduledin response to complaints orperformed at facilities thathave hazardous processes. Beingproactive can help with employeemorale and avoid substantialOSHA fines. We have completedperiodic air monitoring for largeoffice facilities to ensure thattheir air exchange systems areadequate for the buildingoccupants and equipment,and are working properly.Don’t assume that your

air quality is fine because youhaven’t had any problems. Backup your claims with a defensiblereport or lab analysis to proveto your employees that theyare breathing clean air. We’dlove to hear from you. Call605-335-5512 or email Jasonat jcook@geotekeng.com foryour air monitoring needs orinquiries.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION & OSHA

First drilling attempt in 1988.

Geotechnical drilling in 1988.

GEOTEK ENGINEERING & TESTING SERVICES, INC.

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909 East 50th Street NorthSioux Falls, SD 57104

GEOTECHNICAL STAFF CHANGES

Gary Scholz and Ralph Lindner

celebrating five years.

First display at South Dakota Architect’s

Convention in 1988.

Jeff Christensen, PE, leftGeoTek in August 2012, afterover 22 years of exemplaryservice. Jeff's new job is adesign engineer with GroundImprovement Engineering inSioux Falls, including designingRammed Aggregate Pier (RAP)Systems using GeopierTechnology. We wish Jeffthe best in his new position.Jared Haskins, PE, was

promoted to fill the positionpreviously held by JeffChristensen. Jared leadsthe geotechnical engineeringservices team including thesupervision and scheduling ofengineers, technicians and drillcrews. His duties include projectmanagement, engineeringanalysis and report preparation.Jared began working for GeoTekin 2003 and has 10 yearsof experience in geotechnicalengineering and construction

materials testing.Matt Thompson, PE, was

recently promoted to a projectmanager for geotechnical andconstruction materials testing.His duties include projectmanagement, engineeringanalysis and report preparation.Matt joined GeoTek in 2010as a staff engineer afterspending 5 years with BraunInterTec of St. Paul, Minnesota.He has over 9 years experiencein geotechnical engineering andconstruction materials testing.Brennen Ahlers, EIT,

is a staff engineer in ourgeotechnical engineering andconstruction materials servicesarea and has been re-focused togeotechnical projects. His dutiesinclude project management,on-site observations and testingof earthwork operations andfoundation installation alongwith report preparation.

Brennen began working forGeoTek in 2007 and has over5 years of experience ingeotechnical engineering andconstruction materials testing.Shawn Maassen, EIT,

was recently hired as an entrylevel staff engineer in ourgeotechnical engineering andconstruction materials servicesarea. His duties include on-siteand laboratory testing of soil,aggregates and concrete. Shawnis a native of Canton, SouthDakota and is a recent graduateof SDSU with a master's degreein Civil Engineering.The above engineering staff

are supported by the companyowner and president, RalphLindner, PE, with over 38years of experience and generalmanager Dan Hanson, PE,with over 28 years ofexperience.

GeoTek 25 Year Anniversary