Hills and rivers contribute to our beautiful environment. Occasionally, Mother Nature overflows the rivers, and once in a while, even shakes the earth. LACO’s Geologists–including Geotechnical Engineers, Certified Engineering Geologists, and Certified Hydrogeologists– can mitigate damage in advance via seismic hazard evaluation, landslide mapping, soil analysis, and hydrogeologic studies.
Our hydrogeologists can help you site new water supply wells or help you fulfill state requirements for demonstrating that your existing well is not connected to surface water bodies. We can evaluate your springs for applicability with water rights laws for personal or agricultural use and work with our planners on helping you to apply for a diversion.
Whether you are developing plans for a new structure or identifying potential hazards that threaten your project, exploration and analysis of subsurface conditions will minimize your risk and protect your investment. Our work has been reviewed and approved by the California Geologic Survey, City and County chief building officials, State Office of Mining and Reclamation, and Regional Water Quality Control Board staff. We have the resources and hands-on skills to conduct all testing, including our in-house materials laboratory, and creative use of technology. Our comprehensive services include:
- Engineering geology
- Soils and foundation engineering
- Permitting support
- Geologic hazards assessments
- Geologic mapping
- Slope instability evaluations and landslide mitigation
- Earth retention systems design
- Geotechnical reports
- Grading observations
- Liquefaction analyses
- Retaining wall recommendations
- Soil stabilization/winterization design recommendations
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and Monitoring Inspections
- Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments
- Brownfields Site Investigation and Remediation
Hydrogeology
- River underflow studies
- Wastewater effluent fate and transport studies
- Water resource evaluations
- Water well design and siting
- Aquifer characterization
- Master Site Plans
Fault Characterization
- Paleoseismic fault assessments
- Alquist-Priolo fault hazard assessments
- Fault rupture setback assessments
Geotechnical Characterization
- Subsurface analyses
- Liquefaction evaluations
- Foundation evaluations
- Site development recommendations
- Aquifer characterization
- Geotechnical reports
- Grading observations
- Retaining wall recommendations
- Soil stabilization/winterization design recommendations
Engineering Geology
- Landslide mapping and monitoring
- Alquist-Priolo fault hazard investigation
- Slope stability analyses
- Timber harvest plan engineering geologic studies
- Naturally occurring asbestos evaluations
- Hard rock quarry evaluations
- Sediment and erosion control
- Septic system investigations and septic suitability evaluations
- Reconnaissance level geohazards review
- Aerial photo and LiDAR interpretation and analysis
