Frequently Asked Questions
- What industries do you work with?
We work with civil, mining, agricultural, wastewater, power, oil & gas and many other industries. We work together with municipalities, federal and local government agencies, golf resorts, desalination facilities to detect leaks whether there is a known problem or they just want assurance they have a leak-free installation.
- Can you test double lined ponds as well as single lined ponds?
We can test both double and single lined ponds, landfills, impoundments, tanks, etc. The technology is the same for both tests, we just set the project up differently. The liner system can have multiple layers; however, only the primary geomembrane, top most geomembrane, is tested for leaks.
- Can you test with liquids containing high levels of salt in the pond?
Yes we can. It is very common for us to test ponds that contain brine. We even test many ponds with varying levels of other chemicals.
- Does the geomembrane have to be conductive for you to test it?
No it does not need to be conductive geomembrane for us to survey it. We only require the media above and below the geomembrane being tested to be conductive. The electrical leak location method only requires a conductive media; such as water, soil, or geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), above and below the geomembrane being tested. Conductive geomembrane would only be necessary if we are surveying the primary slopes of a double lined system and there is no way to get a conductive media beneath it.
- Where are you willing to travel to do a leak location survey?
Most of our work is within the US, but we regularly travel all over North and South America. LLSI has successfully conducted leak location surveys in 28 foreign countries. We are willing and able to travel wherever necessary to help our clients.
- I have never heard of geomembrane leak location surveys, do you actually find damage in geomembranes?
LLSI has surveyed more than 500,000 million square feet of geomembrane and located more than 14,000 leaks. If we didn’t find leaks, we wouldn’t be in business.
- We never had to do a leak location survey before, why do we have to do one now?
Many federal, state and local government agencies are requiring leak location surveys for geomembranes to ensure the health and safety of the general public. Leaks in geomembranes could contaminate ground water, endangering people, wildlife, ecosystems, and property.
- I thought geomembranes were impermeable, why does it have to tested for leaks?
Geomembranes are a very low permeable synthetic membrane made from thin continuous polymeric sheets. It’s very common for leaks to occur during the manufacture, installation, placement of cover material, and operation processes because it’s a relatively thin material. Therefore, it’s extremely important to hire a reputable geomembrane manufacturer, installer and leak location company.
- Couldn’t I just have the QA/QC company perform the leak location survey?
A third-party leak location company perform the geomembrane leak location survey ensures there is no conflict of interest. The QA/QC firm should understand the general principals and ASTM standards for leak location surveys so they can ensure the work is being performed appropriately; however, if the QA/QC is performing the leak test there is no one to ensure they are performing the survey to the applicable standards.
HAVE A QUESTION FOR US?
- Couldn’t I just have the QA/QC company perform the leak location survey?
A third-party leak location company perform the geomembrane leak location survey ensures there is no conflict of interest. The QA/QC firm should understand the general principals and ASTM standards for leak location surveys so they can ensure the work is being performed appropriately; however, if the QA/QC is performing the leak test there is no one to ensure they are performing the survey to the applicable standards.