Although they are not used anymore Underground Hydraulic Hoists were very common in vehicle servicing centres such as motor vehicle dealerships and other mechanical workshops. These hoists ran hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump and tank in metal lines under the workshop floor to the buried hydraulic rams which lifted the vehicles on the hydraulic hoist. With the metal hydraulic lines and hydraulic rams being underground any leaking of hydraulic fluid would often go largely unnoticed unless it was a major failure leading to the malfunction of the hydraulic hoist. Repairs to the underground hydraulic lines and the rams they supplied was a major operation which involved concrete cutting and excavation in order to carry out any required repairs. As such leaks were often not repaired unless it was impacting the operation of the hoist. It was generally the practice that the hydraulic tank was just topped up to keep the system running rather undertaking the disruptive and expensive repairs. A small leak if left over many years can result in a large volume of hydraulic fluid contaminating the soil unseen under a concrete slab in a vehicle workshop. This can result in both soil and sometimes groundwater contamination.  Hydraulic piles and ram removal from one of our job sites are shown below.

As Environmental Consultants we undertake a range of Phase 1 ESA and Phase 2 ESA Assessments for our clients throughout Alberta, BC, Sask and Ontario.  Why not give us a call today to discuss your project.  We are also Environmental Drillers in Alberta and have our own drilling equipment which is suitable for sampling on many sites.  We also utilise a range of other drillers with specialized equipment where necessary.