ECA Geophysics

ECA Geophysics designs / performs Electrical Resistivity (RES), Seismic Refraction (SEIS), such as Standard (Vp) profiling and ReMi (Vs) IBC Site Class surveys, Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) scans for buried tanks and utiities, Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) and Magnetometer (MAG) surveys.

We provide geophysical consulting services in the States of Arizona, Alaska, Idaho, California, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and nationwide, as needed.

Brett D. Smith (ECA Geophysics) recently appeared as a guest Geophysicist on the Discovery Channel’s Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, Season 2, Episode 6 (The Void). At the end of the episode, Brett and his “new crew” performed a Seismic Refraction (Vs) survey, hoping to locate a void (cave or tunnel) beneath the Ranch. Tune in, to see if we got lucky!

Season 2 is up and running!

Chad, Brett, Duane and Eric reviewing the SEIS data display.
Duane (Ranch owner), Brett (ECA Geophysics) and Eric (Series geologist).

Geotechnical Geophysics
Determining the IBC / NEHRP Site Classification (Vs 30)
Mapping depth to bedrock
Determining Vs / Vp of subsurface soils, to derive Poisson’s Ratio and Young’s Modulus

Construction Geophysics
Utility and rebar locating
Locating buried infrastructure and voids
Mapping depth to bedrock

Environmental Geophysics
Delineating contaminant plumes
Locating buried trash and debris piles

Groundwater Geophysics (Hydrogeophysics)
Locating groundwater or water-bearing zones
Mapping depth to bedrock

In 2014, USA TODAY voted the Colorado School of Mines the Number 1 engineering college in the USA. ECA Geophysics personnel have taught or have earned graduate geophysics degrees from this top-ranked school.

Feedback from satisfied clients

ECA Geophysics was hired to perform an electrical resistivity survey for a site in Colorado where we were overseeing a hydrogeological characterization study.  ECA Geophysics performed the field survey in a safe and efficient manner. The data collected allowed us to better interpret the depth of the aquifer across the site, which supported refinement of the conceptual model and assisted us with locating future monitoring locations.  We look forward to working with ECA Geophysics again on future projects.

 Leah Wolf Martin PE, PG – Hydrogeologist with AJAX Ltd.

Mr. Smith (ECA Geophysics) was hired by the Columbia Generating Station (nuclear facility) to provide ground (penetrating) radar (GPR) detection services for a 16-acre evaporation pond project for which I was the lead engineer. Mr. Smith worked with the project schedule that required him to use GPR to survey rolling terrain that was the 30-year old construction preparation site for the nuclear plant. Mr. Smith worked alone crisscrossing the site in over 100 °F heat for over a week locating all the buried debris and electrical wiring that served the old trailers. Mr. Smith was conscientious and timely, as well as flexible when areas of concern were further investigated. The resultant location of the hidden obstructions was very helpful as the multiple pond construction project was carried out. I would not hesitate to re-hire Mr. Smith, if GPR services were again required.
Steve J. Strecker, PE – Contract Engineer for the Columbia Generating Station

“ECA Geophysics has done excellent work for Black & Veatch on our US Air Force range site. The geophysical data set collected in the field by ECA Geophysics was utilized to locate buried debris and anomalies and was considered very thorough and complete. The knowledge and experience ECA Geophysics provided helped guide the investigation and proved invaluable.


Jennifer Canfield, PG – Geologist with Black & Veatch Special Projects Corporation

AECOM conducted an RFI at Galena, Alaska.  Galena is located in a remote part of Alaska and due to its remote, harsh environment fieldwork must be completed efficiently as possible, including “one-time, get it right” equipment mobilization.   ECA Geophysics was selected to perform geophysical surveys during the Summer of 2009.  ECA Geophysics was up to the call and provided timely, cost effective  and efficient survey results at a most challenging jobsite.

Collen J. Brownlow, PE – Project Manager with AECOM Technical Services

ECA Geophysics is a registered subsidiary of Environmental Compliance Associates, LLC, with an office in Boise, Idaho. We design and perform GPR, electromagnetic induction, magnetic, electrical resistivity, seismic refraction, gravity and VLF surveys throughout the United States, including Arizona, Alaska, Idaho, California, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

SOLUTIONS FOR GEOLOGISTS and ENGINEERS Geophysics improves your environmental or construction project with “fill-in” information between exploratory borings. Geophysics is highly effective in the following areas:

  • Drum / tank / debris detection for remedial excavation projects with 80% cost reductions
  • Delineating boundaries for landfill closure projects
  • Bedrock depth and rock rippability for construction projects
  • International Building Code (IBC) site classification (NEHRP seismic stability) for construction projects
  • Soil property (Vs/Vp) data for geotechnical (ie, foundation depth design) projects

We eliminate costly manual grids, by utilizing DGPS guided surveys based upon coordinate systems such as WGS 84 or UTM. Our georeferenced data seamlessly incorporate into your GIS and AutoCAD databases.