Vibracore Sediment Sampling
Waterborne and portable vibracore systems for pre-dredge characterization, contamination assessment, and USACE regulatory compliance.
Trusted Since 1986
Vibracoring & Marine Sediment Sampling Since 1986
Precise field data for dredging, remediation, and environmental projects across the Northeast — from coastal harbors to inland rivers, Navy installations to wind energy infrastructure.
About Us
Who We Are
TG&B Marine Services specializes in vibracore sediment sampling, bathymetric surveys, and marine environmental data collection. We provide the precise subsurface information that dredging contractors, environmental engineers, and regulators rely on — from pre-dredge characterization and remediation assessment to infrastructure siting and dam removal planning.
A family-owned operation with over 40 years of industry experience, we work as trusted subcontractors to the region's leading environmental and engineering firms — including AECOM, GEI, Foth, Haley & Aldrich, GZA, and dozens more. We've built our reputation on accurate data, reliable field execution, and getting it right the first time.
Our Services
What We Do
Remediation & Environmental Sampling
Sediment cores, grab samples, porewater sampling, and bioassay-ready collection in support of Superfund, CERCLA, and state remediation programs.
Bathymetric & Hydrographic Surveys
RTK GPS-referenced depth surveys with dual-frequency sonar. Deliverables include XYZ data files, 3D contour drawings, and sub-bottom profiles.
Instrument Deployment & Recovery
DART probes, ADCP current meters, water level monitors, and porewater wellpoints — installation and recovery with precise GPS positioning.
Remote & Shallow-Water Access
Our portable catamaran platform deploys by pickup truck in 45 minutes — no boat ramp needed. Ideal for landlocked ponds, narrow rivers, and dam removal sites.
Buoy Deployments & Marine Support
Buoy installations, mooring inspections, vessel support for marine surveys, and ROV/instrument platform tending across New England and beyond.
Adaptive Solutions
Remote Access Sampling
Over the years, TG&B has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of our clients, developing new platforms and techniques to tackle a wide range of sampling challenges. Our smaller, highly maneuverable platforms are designed to collect samples in areas where access is limited and boat ramps are unavailable.
For unique situations, we can design and build customized platforms to meet your specific requirements.
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How It Works
Process Snapshot
Step 1
Collection
A hollow polycarbonate liner inside a steel tube is vibrated into the seabed or riverbed using a pneumatic or mechanical vibrating head, capturing an undisturbed sediment sample up to 20 or more feet in length.
Step 2
Retrieval
The sealed sample is carefully lifted, capped, and secured for transport.
Step 3
Delivery
Samples are carefully packaged and delivered to certified analytical laboratories for testing and reporting.
The Fleet
Our Fleet of Vessels
Specialized boats and platforms equipped for sampling in any environment.
- 25' Parker — Seaquel
- 25' Carolina Skiff — Coring Carolina
- 12' Lund — Lulu
- 10' & 14' Inflatables
Where We Work
Project Footprint
From coastal New England harbors to inland Superfund rivers — TG&B has operated across the region for four decades.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything engineers, project managers, and regulators ask us before the first field day.
What is vibracore sediment sampling?
Vibracore sediment sampling is a method of collecting undisturbed sediment cores from the bottom of water bodies — harbors, rivers, estuaries, ponds, and coastal areas. A hollow polycarbonate liner is placed inside a steel tube that is vibrated into the sediment using a pneumatic or mechanical vibrating head, then carefully retrieved to capture an undisturbed column of sediment up to 20 or more feet in length. The cores preserve the layered stratigraphy of the sediment and are used for pre-dredge characterization, contamination assessment, environmental baseline studies, and USACE regulatory compliance.
Why is vibracore sampling required for dredging projects?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires sediment characterization before issuing permits for dredging in navigable waterways. Vibracore sampling provides the subsurface sediment data needed to determine whether dredged material can be placed in open water, confined disposal facilities, or must be treated as contaminated waste. Without this data, dredge permits cannot be issued.
What areas does TG&B cover?
TG&B Marine Services is based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and serves the entire Northeast United States — including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. We are fully mobile and have deployed to remote inland rivers, coastal harbors, Navy installations, Superfund sites, and offshore nearshore environments from Maine to West Virginia.
Can TG&B sample in areas without a boat ramp?
Yes. TG&B operates a purpose-built portable catamaran platform called LuLu that loads onto a standard pickup truck and deploys in under 45 minutes — no boat ramp needed. LuLu has been deployed at landlocked ponds, narrow urban rivers, dam removal sites, and shallow estuaries where conventional vessels cannot access. It collects cores up to 15 feet in depth in soft to medium sediments.
Is TG&B HAZWOPER certified?
Yes. All TG&B Marine Services field crew hold OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification, required for work at contaminated sites, Superfund locations, and hazardous material investigations. This allows TG&B to work at PCB-contaminated Superfund rivers, petroleum-impacted harbor sites, and other regulated environments.
What types of firms hire TG&B?
TG&B works primarily as a subcontractor to large environmental and geotechnical engineering firms — including AECOM, GEI Consultants, Foth, Haley & Aldrich, Anchor QEA, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Tetra Tech, Stantec, Geosyntec, and dozens more. These firms hire TG&B to perform field sampling and marine operations on Army Corps of Engineers, EPA Superfund, Navy, and state agency projects.
Does TG&B perform bathymetric surveys?
Yes. TG&B conducts RTK GPS-referenced bathymetric and hydrographic surveys using dual-frequency sonar (200/24 kHz). Our inflatable survey platforms are equipped with Novatel RTK GNSS and an Innerspace 456 dual-frequency survey sounder and deliver XYZ depth data files, 3D contour drawings, AutoCAD DXF files, and sub-bottom sediment depth profiles.
How long has TG&B been in business?
TG&B Marine Services was founded in 1986 — over 40 years of continuous operation. It is a family-owned business based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with more than 1,000 projects completed and 150+ client firms served across the Northeast United States.