Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc.

How EBT conducts field operations

The first step to conducting an EBT MET survey is to define the area that the client wants surveyed. Once this area is defined and a signed contract is in place, EBT then contacts a local landsman and begins the permitting process. The lead time for permitting should be at least three weeks prior to EBT personnel beginning survey work.

Field Sampling Process

EBT collects samples using three different means of transportation. We use a combination of trucks, ATVs, or walking to collect samples. The truck is used almost exclusively to collect road samples, however, it can be used to collect samples in open fields and in pasture areas. The ATV is used almost everywhere except in areas with standing or swathed crops. Areas that are heavily forested and crop areas must be walked. The time factor for each method of collection varies greatly, so areas with difficult terrain could take longer to collect than those with open field.

For Canadian surveys, labor for the projects is outsourced to Canadian companies that have been partners with EBT for three years running. EBT has a field crew coordinator that initiates the project in country and then oversees it to the finish. Most of the field support equipment is rented from Canadian companies as well.

Whether walking, driving, or riding the ATV, all of the soil samples are collected in the same manner. The sampler digs down in the soil to a depth of approximately 10 inches and retrieves a sample from the bottom of the hole. The sample is then sealed in a plastic bag to ensure that no moisture is lost. The bag is then labeled and prepared for shipment at the end of the day. A GPS unit is used to mark sample locations. Generally, samples are collected at 1/4 mile intervals. After the day's samples are collected the GPS waypoints are downloaded to a laptop computer and stored on its hard drive and onto a floppy disk for backup. These coordinates and soils samples are then sent to our home office/laboratory in California for processing and analysis.

For surveys outside of North America, an EBT field crew manager hires and trains local field support personal. Generally, other exploration activities are on going and we share field support base camps, helicopters, boats, etc. as needed with the seismic crews. Samples are shipped via commercial carriers or overnight delivery companies to California for processing.

The lab analysis process is quick and results can be available within two weeks of receipt of the last soil samples. Contour maps of the data are created and presented to the company in a formal presentation.

Please see what a MET report includes for more information.

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Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc.
969C Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070-4117 USA
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