GeoKinetics has extensive experience in the investigation and mitigation of subsurface methane gas. The presence of methane gas in the subsurface is common where organic material - such as grass, leaves, wood, manure, or petroleum hydrocarbons - are present in the soil. Quantities of organic material sufficient to generate methane gas are often entrained within the "fill" soils during the grading of a property. Methane is generated by the bacteriological digestion, or biodegradation, of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Methane gas is common and can be found in the soil beneath a relatively high percentage of developments. Methane is not toxic, however it is combustible and potentially explosive at concentrations above 53,000 ppm. Methane is lighter than air and therefore has a natural tendency to rise to the ground surface where it typically dissipates into the atmosphere. As methane migrates to the ground surface, the potential exists for its accumulation beneath the foundation of a structure. The gas may then enter the structure through cracks or perforations in the floor slab. The presence of subsurface methane associated with the biodegradation of low levels of organic material in the soil is normally not problematic. The rate at which the organic material is decomposed, and methane is generated, is slow enough such that the gas dissipates naturally under typical circumstances. However, as a precaution, most jurisdictions in Southern California require mitigation measures where subsurface methane concentrations exceed 5,000 ppm.

GeoKinetics has performed subsurface methane investigations and interior air quality monitoring at thousands of residential and/or commercial structures in the Southern California area. These investigations have involved both existing and planned structures. Where regulated levels of methane have been identified, GeoKinetics has implemented appropriate mitigation measures under regulatory oversight. These mitigation measures have included "monitoring only" solutions as well as the installation of passive and active subsurface ventilation systems, the installation of "enhanced" visqueen vapor/gas barriers, and/or the installation of Liquid-BootTM and
other types of gas membrane barriers.

GeoKinetics is a certified Liquid BootTM applicator and has been responsible for the installation of several hundred thousand square feet of membrane on residential and commercial projects in Southern California. GeoKinetics provides a full range of services with respect to methane barrier installations including sub-slab vent excavation / installation, membrane installation, membrane testing and certification, vent riser installation, and conduit seal / utility trench seal installation and certification. GeoKinetics has developed and applied for a patent on a unique smoke testing procedure to confirm the integrity of completed membrane installations. This testing procedure insures that tears, perforations, pin-holes, and improperly sealed seams or penetrations are not present in the membrane at the completion of the installation. GeoKinetics is the only firm in the United States certified by Liquid BootTM for smoke testing of its membrane installations.