Certerra Subsurface
Subsurface Services

Our Subsurface Services

Integrated subsurface services combining geophysics, drilling, utility investigation, and imaging to deliver field-verified data that supports confident project decisions.

Geophysical Characterization

Geophysical characterization uses non-invasive measurement techniques to evaluate subsurface materials, structure, and moisture conditions. Surface and borehole methods are applied based on site objectives to define layering, depth, variability, and structural features. The result is field-acquired data that supports planning, investigation design, and informed decision-making.

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Field technicians conducting a geophysical survey for bedrock depth mapping using resistivity equipment to determine depth to bedrock and evaluate subsurface conditions for site design and stability analysis. Field technicians conducting a geophysical survey for bedrock depth mapping using resistivity equipment to determine depth to bedrock and evaluate subsurface conditions for site design and stability analysis.
Bedrock Depth Mapping

Defines depth to bedrock and subsurface layering to support planning, excavation, and foundation decisions.

Field crew conducting excavation rippability analysis using seismic hammer testing to evaluate subsurface rock strength and mechanical response, supporting excavation planning, equipment selection, and cost estimation decisions. Field crew conducting excavation rippability analysis using seismic hammer testing to evaluate subsurface rock strength and mechanical response, supporting excavation planning, equipment selection, and cost estimation decisions.
Excavation Rippability Analysis

Evaluates material strength and fracture conditions to estimate excavation effort and equipment requirements.

Field technician deploying cables and electrodes for fracture mapping survey to identify subsurface fractures, structural discontinuities, and fluid pathways using non-invasive geophysical methods. Field technician deploying cables and electrodes for fracture mapping survey to identify subsurface fractures, structural discontinuities, and fluid pathways using non-invasive geophysical methods.
Fracture Mapping

Maps subsurface fracture patterns and orientations to understand structural conditions and fluid pathways.

Field technician carrying geophysical cables across grassy terrain during soil characterization survey to evaluate subsurface soil variability, material contrasts, and site conditions for development and environmental planning. Field technician carrying geophysical cables across grassy terrain during soil characterization survey to evaluate subsurface soil variability, material contrasts, and site conditions for development and environmental planning.
Soil Characterization

Characterizes soil layering and material properties to support geotechnical evaluation and site planning.

Technician conducting subsurface profiling along a dam embankment to map internal layers, structural variations, and subsurface anomalies using non-intrusive geophysical methods. Technician conducting subsurface profiling along a dam embankment to map internal layers, structural variations, and subsurface anomalies using non-intrusive geophysical methods.
Subsurface Profiling

Profiles subsurface conditions along defined alignments to identify layering, variability, and structural features.

Field technician evaluating streambank conditions during groundwater exploration survey to assess surface water interaction, subsurface flow pathways, and hydrogeologic features influencing groundwater occurrence and movement. Field technician evaluating streambank conditions during groundwater exploration survey to assess surface water interaction, subsurface flow pathways, and hydrogeologic features influencing groundwater occurrence and movement.
Groundwater Exploration

Identifies aquifer depth, structure, and saturation zones to guide groundwater investigation and well planning.

Geophysicist conducting void and karst detection survey in mountainous terrain using surface-based geophysical equipment to identify subsurface cavities, dissolution features, fractured zones, and groundwater flow pathways. Geophysicist conducting void and karst detection survey in mountainous terrain using surface-based geophysical equipment to identify subsurface cavities, dissolution features, fractured zones, and groundwater flow pathways.
Void And Karst Detection

Detects subsurface voids, cavities, and karst features that may affect stability and infrastructure performance.

Field crew installing geophysical electrodes in shallow soil to investigate subsurface geohazards and identify potential risks to infrastructure and ground stability. Field crew installing geophysical electrodes in shallow soil to investigate subsurface geohazards and identify potential risks to infrastructure and ground stability.
Geohazard Characterization

Evaluates subsurface conditions associated with instability, settlement, and other geologic hazards.

Utility Investigation Services

Utility investigation services combine locating, mapping, and direct verification to clarify underground conditions. Field-based methods are selected based on site constraints and project needs. The result is documented, defensible utility information that supports safer excavation, improved coordination, and reduced project risk.

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Worker in safety gear using a metal detector outdoors. Worker in safety gear using a metal detector outdoors.
Buried Pipe Location

Surface locating technologies detect and map buried pipelines, providing accurate horizontal positioning to support excavation planning, maintenance activities, and infrastructure management.

Pipe inspection robot with wheels and camera on a hook near a roadside. Pipe inspection robot with wheels and camera on a hook near a roadside.
CCTV Pipe Inspection

Closed-circuit television inspections provide visual documentation of pipe interiors, revealing cracks, offsets, sediment buildup, and other conditions affecting system performance.

Technician deploying geophysical cables in desert terrain for plume mapping survey, supporting subsurface contamination delineation, groundwater monitoring, and environmental remediation planning through non-invasive geophysical investigation methods. Technician deploying geophysical cables in desert terrain for plume mapping survey, supporting subsurface contamination delineation, groundwater monitoring, and environmental remediation planning through non-invasive geophysical investigation methods.
Cable Location

Surface-based cable locating technologies detect energized or traceable lines underground, helping crews understand utility layouts and avoid damage during construction.

Two construction workers in orange vests and helmets study blueprints outdoors. Two construction workers in orange vests and helmets study blueprints outdoors.
Underground Storage Tank Location

Geophysical locating methods identify buried underground storage tanks and associated infrastructure, helping confirm locations before removal, investigation, or redevelopment activities.

Worker in safety gear uses equipment near utility truck on roadside. Worker in safety gear uses equipment near utility truck on roadside.
Potholing

Carefully controlled potholing verifies the precise location and depth of buried infrastructure, reducing uncertainty and supporting safe project execution.

Worker in safety gear inspecting a yellow fire hydrant on a grassy area. Worker in safety gear inspecting a yellow fire hydrant on a grassy area.
Utility Clearance

Comprehensive utility clearance investigations confirm the absence or presence of buried infrastructure, helping reduce risk before drilling, excavation, or construction begins.

Geophysics for Mining Operations

Geophysical technologies provide powerful tools for understanding subsurface conditions across mining operations. From heap leach performance and tailings stability to mineral exploration and airborne mapping, these methods deliver reliable subsurface data that supports operational monitoring, resource evaluation, and improved mine planning.

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Technician walks across heap leach pad deploying survey cables for Heap leach characterization, collecting geophysical data on moisture distribution, flow pathways, and internal structural variability within engineered rock piles. Technician walks across heap leach pad deploying survey cables for Heap leach characterization, collecting geophysical data on moisture distribution, flow pathways, and internal structural variability within engineered rock piles.
Heap Leach Characterization

Geophysical surveys map heap structure, moisture distribution, and fluid pathways, helping operators understand leach behavior and improve metal recovery efficiency.

Surface view of tailings dam used in Tailings Dam Characterization to assess saturation distribution, internal material behavior, and potential fluid migration pathways using geophysical methods for subsurface stability and environmental monitoring. Surface view of tailings dam used in Tailings Dam Characterization to assess saturation distribution, internal material behavior, and potential fluid migration pathways using geophysical methods for subsurface stability and environmental monitoring.
Tailings Dam Characterization

Surface geophysics maps internal conditions within tailings dams, revealing saturation patterns and material variability that support stability evaluation and monitoring.

Person in orange gear bends over water in rocky area, creating ripples. Person in orange gear bends over water in rocky area, creating ripples.
Geophysical Mapping

Geophysical surveys map subsurface geology, structures, and material contrasts, providing valuable information for exploration programs, engineering investigations, and mining.

Technician installs monitoring line during Metallurgical monitoring, collecting subsurface data on hydraulic performance, pressure response, and internal behavior to support process optimization and informed operational adjustments within engineered mining materials. Technician installs monitoring line during Metallurgical monitoring, collecting subsurface data on hydraulic performance, pressure response, and internal behavior to support process optimization and informed operational adjustments within engineered mining materials.
Metallurgical Monitoring

Time-lapse geophysical surveys monitor evolving heap conditions during leaching, providing insight into fluid movement and metallurgical performance.

Technician carries geophysical survey cable through rugged terrain during Mineral exploration, supporting subsurface mapping of structures, boundaries, and anomalies to guide drilling priorities and reduce exploration uncertainty. Technician carries geophysical survey cable through rugged terrain during Mineral exploration, supporting subsurface mapping of structures, boundaries, and anomalies to guide drilling priorities and reduce exploration uncertainty.
Mineral Exploration

Geophysical exploration surveys detect geological structures and physical property contrasts associated with mineralization, guiding drilling programs and resource evaluation.

Technician inspects injection and monitoring lines during Enhanced metal recovery, collecting subsurface data on fluid distribution, pressure response, and under-leached zones to support optimization and improved resource extraction. Technician inspects injection and monitoring lines during Enhanced metal recovery, collecting subsurface data on fluid distribution, pressure response, and under-leached zones to support optimization and improved resource extraction.
Enhanced Metal Recovery

Geophysical monitoring evaluates subsurface conditions influencing fluid movement within heaps, helping operators optimize leach performance and enhance metal recovery.

Technician carries geophysical instrument across mine surface during Seepage and ARD mapping, collecting subsurface data to identify preferential flow paths, saturation zones, and conditions linked to acid rock drainage. Technician carries geophysical instrument across mine surface during Seepage and ARD mapping, collecting subsurface data to identify preferential flow paths, saturation zones, and conditions linked to acid rock drainage.
Seepage and ARD Mapping

Surface geophysics detects moisture and conductivity variations that indicate seepage movement, supporting environmental assessment and monitoring programs.

Helicopter lifting equipment over a rugged, stepped landform against a clear blue sky. Helicopter lifting equipment over a rugged, stepped landform against a clear blue sky.
Airborne Surveys

Airborne geophysical surveys rapidly map large areas, identifying geological structures and property variations that support regional exploration and resource evaluation.

Integrated Drilling Services

Drilling services provide direct access to subsurface conditions for investigation, monitoring, and project development. Our teams support environmental, geotechnical, and monitoring programs with safe, efficient drilling operations, reliable sampling, and specialized downhole services that deliver the information needed to guide site decisions.

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Workers operate a drilling rig in a desert landscape under a clear sky. Workers operate a drilling rig in a desert landscape under a clear sky.
Environmental Drilling

Environmental drilling provides subsurface access for groundwater studies, site investigations, and remediation projects through well installation and soil borings.

Workers in safety gear operate equipment at a construction site. Workers in safety gear operate equipment at a construction site.
Geotechnical Drilling

Geotechnical drilling provides soil and rock information needed for engineering design, foundation studies, and infrastructure development.

Close-up of geophysical electrodes and cables on rocky ground used for void and karst detection, measuring subsurface resistivity contrasts to identify cavities, fractures, and dissolution features. Close-up of geophysical electrodes and cables on rocky ground used for void and karst detection, measuring subsurface resistivity contrasts to identify cavities, fractures, and dissolution features.
Instrumentation Services

Instrumentation services install and maintain monitoring systems that track groundwater levels, movement, and subsurface conditions over time.

Technician lowers probe into borehole during Downhole geophysical imaging, collecting in-situ measurements to identify fractures, lithology, groundwater conditions, and structural features for geotechnical and environmental characterization. Technician lowers probe into borehole during Downhole geophysical imaging, collecting in-situ measurements to identify fractures, lithology, groundwater conditions, and structural features for geotechnical and environmental characterization.
Downhole Geophysical Imaging

Downhole geophysical imaging uses geophysics tools to evaluate subsurface conditions around boreholes, providing detailed insight into geology and structure.

Worker in a hard hat and neon vest operates drilling equipment outdoors. Worker in a hard hat and neon vest operates drilling equipment outdoors.
Well Monitoring Services

Well monitoring programs collect groundwater level and condition data that supports environmental compliance and resource management.

Worker in safety gear examining a sample jar beside a cooler outdoors. Worker in safety gear examining a sample jar beside a cooler outdoors.
Sampling Services

Sampling services collect soil, rock, and groundwater samples that provide laboratory data supporting environmental and geotechnical investigations.

Worker in safety gear stands on rocky terrain with mountains in the background. Worker in safety gear stands on rocky terrain with mountains in the background.
Injection

Injection services use controlled subsurface delivery methods supported by geophysics to distribute treatment materials within targeted zones.

Leak Detection Services

Leak detection technologies identify fluid loss from critical infrastructure such as ponds, pipelines, and dams. Using advanced geophysical methods, these investigations locate leak pathways and zones of seepage, helping operators protect water resources, maintain infrastructure performance, and make informed decisions about repair and maintenance.

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Person in a red jacket and hat climbing a steep white surface beside a dark water body. Person in a red jacket and hat climbing a steep white surface beside a dark water body.
Pond Leak Detection

Liner leak location surveys locate leaks in industrial lined ponds and reservoirs, helping operators quickly identify leak pathways and plan effective repairs.

Construction workers discussing road markings on a city street. Construction workers discussing road markings on a city street.
Pipeline Leak Detection

Subsurface geophysical methods detect fluid associated with leaking pipelines, supporting rapid leak identification and targeted repair planning.

Technician conducting dam leak detection survey along an embankment to evaluate seepage pathways and assess structural integrity using geophysical methods. Technician conducting dam leak detection survey along an embankment to evaluate seepage pathways and assess structural integrity using geophysical methods.
Dam Leak Detection

Geophysical surveys locate seepage pathways and leak zones within dams and embankments, supporting dam safety evaluations and maintenance planning.

Environmental Monitoring

Geophysical methods provide powerful tools for monitoring environmental conditions and detecting subsurface changes over time. These non-invasive technologies map contamination, groundwater conditions, and subsurface infrastructure, helping environmental teams understand site conditions, guide remediation strategies, and support long-term environmental management.

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Plume mapping survey using surface-based geophysical equipment to delineate subsurface contaminant zones, detecting electrical property contrasts in soil to define plume extent and support groundwater investigation and environmental planning. Plume mapping survey using surface-based geophysical equipment to delineate subsurface contaminant zones, detecting electrical property contrasts in soil to define plume extent and support groundwater investigation and environmental planning.
Plume Mapping

Geophysical surveys map subsurface conductivity variations associated with contaminant plumes, helping environmental teams understand plume extent and migration.

Groundwater monitoring survey conducted along a reservoir to assess subsurface conditions and aquifer behavior using geophysical methods. Groundwater monitoring survey conducted along a reservoir to assess subsurface conditions and aquifer behavior using geophysical methods.
Groundwater Monitoring

Geophysical monitoring tracks subsurface changes related to groundwater movement, helping evaluate aquifer conditions and long-term water resource behavior.

Sunset over industrial site with cranes, fenced area, and utility boxes in the foreground. Sunset over industrial site with cranes, fenced area, and utility boxes in the foreground.
Subsurface Tank Monitoring

Surface geophysics monitors electrical property changes around buried tanks, providing insight into subsurface conditions and environmental performance.

Person in high-visibility clothing sits outdoors with equipment, working on a laptop in a desert-like area. Person in high-visibility clothing sits outdoors with equipment, working on a laptop in a desert-like area.
Landfill Characterization

Geophysical surveys map landfill boundaries, internal conditions, and fluid movement, supporting environmental monitoring and site management.

Infrastructure Integrity

Infrastructure systems require reliable information about hidden conditions before maintenance, repair, or construction begins. Our investigation services evaluate structural elements, pavements, and subsurface conditions using non-destructive technologies that help teams understand asset performance, plan repairs, and support long-term infrastructure management.

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Engineer with laptop and safety gear in mountainous, snowy landscape. Engineer with laptop and safety gear in mountainous, snowy landscape.
Void Detection

Surface geophysics identifies underground voids and subsurface anomalies beneath foundations, pavements, and structures, supporting infrastructure stability assessments.

Pavement Evaluation

Pavement evaluation technologies assess layer structure and material conditions, supporting maintenance planning and long-term roadway performance.

Man using handheld scanner on wall, holding notebook and pen, wearing headset and sunglasses. Man using handheld scanner on wall, holding notebook and pen, wearing headset and sunglasses.
Wall/Floor Scanning

Scanning technologies locate embedded utilities, reinforcement, and structural features within walls and floors, supporting safe drilling and modification.

Dam Characterization

Understanding internal dam conditions is essential for maintaining safety and long-term performance. Geophysical investigations provide insight into embankment structure, seepage pathways, and subsurface conditions without disturbing the dam. These methods support dam safety programs, monitoring efforts, and engineering decisions related to maintenance and risk management.

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Worker in a safety vest uses a sledgehammer on rocks near construction site. Worker in a safety vest uses a sledgehammer on rocks near construction site.
Dam Integrity Assessment

Geophysical surveys evaluate internal dam structure and material conditions, supporting engineering assessments and long-term dam safety programs.

Technician carries geophysical instrument across mine surface during Seepage and ARD mapping, collecting subsurface data to identify preferential flow paths, saturation zones, and conditions linked to acid rock drainage. Technician carries geophysical instrument across mine surface during Seepage and ARD mapping, collecting subsurface data to identify preferential flow paths, saturation zones, and conditions linked to acid rock drainage.
Dam Seepage Mapping

Surface geophysics detects moisture variations associated with seepage movement, helping characterize water flow through dam embankments.

Riprap-covered dam slope monitored during Dam non-invasive monitoring, using geophysical methods to track internal moisture changes, seepage conditions, and structural performance without disturbing the dam structure. Riprap-covered dam slope monitored during Dam non-invasive monitoring, using geophysical methods to track internal moisture changes, seepage conditions, and structural performance without disturbing the dam structure.
Dam Non-Invasive Monitoring

Time-lapse geophysical surveys monitor internal dam conditions, providing insight into structural behavior and subsurface moisture changes.

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