Your Trusted Partner for Hydrocarbon Forensics Investigations
Pace® offers extensive experience supporting the largest, most demanding, and high-profile forensic hydrocarbon investigations globally. What sets us apart is our unique blend of top-tier analytical capabilities and the capacity to process large sample volumes efficiently—all while meeting those tight deadlines your projects demand.
What is Hydrocarbon Forensics?
Hydrocarbon forensics is a field that involves using advanced analytical techniques to investigate the source and fate of petroleum and petroleum-related products in the environment. When these substances are released, whether through spills, leaks or improper disposal, they begin to undergo complex biochemical and physical changes almost immediately. These transformative processes can significantly alter the chemical composition and properties of the original material.
To unravel this complexity and accurately trace the origin and impact of hydrocarbon contamination, scientists have developed a wide array of sophisticated analytical methods. These powerful tools allow experts to collect key chemical and physical data from field samples, which can then provide valuable insight into site-specific issues.
Who We Serve
TPH analysis can help monitor and manage hydrocarbon contamination at industrial sites, such as refineries, petrochemical plants, and fuel storage facilities.
TPH contamination from leaks in Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) can lead to soil and groundwater contamination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented regulations for UST systems storing petroleum products to prevent releases and clean up contaminated sites.
Regular testing enables companies to identify potential leaks, spills, or other sources of contamination, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing the risk of costly cleanups and penalties.
Pace® provides testing services for environmental consulting projects, such as environmental site assessments for Brownfield properties where identifying and quantifying TPH contamination is necessary for determining the appropriate cleanup measures.
Mitigating Risks and Protecting the Environment
Pace® provides Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) testing and TPH forensic analysis of soil, water, and air through our nationwide network of environmental labs. We’re NELAC and DOD certified, as well as certified in every state that offers a lab accreditation program for petroleum analysis.
Our experienced team of scientists routinely gets involved in a wide range of projects, including:
- Emergency response
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Litigation support, including forensic analysis
- Remediation effectiveness assessments
- National Resource Damage (NRD) claims
Pace® Hydrocarbon Forensics Capabilities
We support our partners for forensic hydrocarbon investigation and risk assessment applications for air, aqueous, soil, sediment, tissue, and non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) with the following analyses.
- Petroleum hydrocarbon fingerprint identification
- Saturated hydrocarbons
- Alkylated polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
- Geochemical biomarkers
- PIANO and air-phase PIANO analysis.
- Whole oil chromatogram
- Organic lead
Additional Resources
Need to find a lab that can handle your unique requirements?
Contact us directly or download our list of environmental certifications across our network.