• Expert geotechnical, environmental and sonic drilling

    Serving Vancouver, Fraser Valley and the rest of British Columbia since 1988.

    SEE WHAT WE DO

About

Downrite Drilling Ltd has been in operation since 1988 in the beautiful Fraser Valley. We specialize in environmental and geotechnical drilling, providing our clients with exceptional expertise with our knowledge of the drilling industry. The company began with a young and energetic entrepreneur, Bill Tuytel. After gaining valuable drilling experience on complex projects in Western Canada, Bill started his own company, Downrite Drilling, at the age of 26. Downrite soon gained a reputation for knowledgeable, dependable service across the lower mainland.
Outside of the business Bill is involved in the BC Ground Water Association, having served as the association’s President. He is also part of the team that has worked with the Ministry of Environment and ITA to organize and set up a Geo/Enviro drillers course to qualify young drillers wishing to further pursue work in the industry.

Ground Water Association
eRail Safe
Work Safe BC
Safety Training
ISN
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safety

Our devotion to proper training and safe work procedures helps to ensure our team and those around us go home safe and your project stays on track. Here are some of the certifications our employees keep up to date with:

  • Certified Well Drillers
  • Ground Disturbance
  • St. John’s Emergency First Aid
  • H2S Alive
  • CN Contractor/E-Rail Safe
  • Confined Space Entry
  • WHMIS
  • PSSP
  • Forklift Training
  • POST
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Services

START THINGS OFF RIGHT

Good project planning sets up a foundation for success. We have a strong technical background with years of field experience to draw upon and can respond to complex requests under tight timelines.

EFFECTIVE PROJECT EXECUTION

We tailor each project to meet technical, time, and budget objectives and continue to further our outstanding record of fulfilling project requirements. Many of these projects often involve difficult geological and climatic conditions, validating that we understand the environments, sensitivities and regulations needed to execute projects in remote locations, while minimizing environmental impacts.

DRILLING CAPABILITIES

  • Auger Truck Drilling
  • Auger Track Drilling
  • Low Clearance/Limited Access Drilling
  • Sonic Drilling
  • Odex available with all rigs

DRILLING METHODS

HOLLOW-STEM AUGER

This method is used to give you a cased drill hole without the use of drilling fluids. This is a superb way to SPT samples for there is no caving in of the drill hole. Sample wells are also installed through the hollow stem to permit the placing of sand or pea-gravel and bentonite at strategic levels.

CONTINUOUS FLIGHT AUGERING

In Geotechnical research, it is always important to acquire an accurate profile of the soil. To obtain the necessary information for such a profile, a corkscrew method of five to ten-foot bites is used to display all soil including any low bearing layers such as peat or organic silts. This procedure provides a near-perfect sample of the soil content. Drilling depth should be noted when ordering a drill unit so we can reach your goal if conditions determine this. We have reached depths of 150 ft. with a standard auger.

ENVIRONMENTAL DRILLING

Environmental drilling has played an important role in the drilling industry.

We at Downrite Drilling are ready and able to take on these jobs for you. We have been involved in a large number of these programs. We have the proper equipment and supplies to completely fill your needs, including steam cleaners, large SPT’s, drums, etc.

ODEX

ODEX is an excellent option when unconsolidated formations are too dense or cobbly for Auger Drilling. ODEX is a down-hole air hammer system that is designed to advance casing during drilling. Once a desired depth is reached, the bit can be retrieved leaving the casing in place for sampling or installations.

Advantages include:

  • Rapid removal of cuttings;
  • No use of drilling mud;
  • High penetration rate, especially in resistant rock formation (e.g. basalt);
  • Easy soil and groundwater sampling during drilling
  • Possible to measure yield estimate at selected depth in the formation (e.g. filtration testing or pump testing).
  • Advantageous in unconsolidated formations with a high risk of caving (this is probably the most important feature).

Testing Services

  • General services
  • CPT (Cone Penetration Test)
  • DCPT
  • Vane Testing
  • Shelby Tubes
  • Vapor Probe Installations
  • Monitoring Wells
  • Slope Indicators
  • Percolation Testing
  • Soil Remediation
  • Vibrating Wire Piezometer
  • Sub-slab Vapor Installation
  • Archeological Drilling
  • Dewatering Wells
  • Injection Wells

Equipment

We have a variety of truck and track mounted sonic and auger drill rigs, mini augers for limited access scenarios and support trucks to employ.
All of our rigs are available with Odex Drilling capabilities.

B54 Auger

SONIC RIG AMS

SONIC MAX

ATLAS MR MINI AUGER DRILL

SONIC TRUCK DRILL

TRACK AUGER DRILL

B53 TRUCK MOUNT AUGER

Learning Centre

Drilling can be a complex topic. We are here to make it easier. We’re not only interested in performing quality work but also helping our customers to make educated decisions and get the most out of their investment. Jump over to our parent company’s website, Friesen Drillers, for FAQs and helpful information on drilling.

LEARNING CENTRE Friesen Drillers Logo

Careers

We’re always on the lookout for talented, dedicated people to join our team. Check back often for our latest openings.

WE OFFER:

  • Excellent earnings and overtime potential
  • Full time permanent employment
  • Comprehensive training
  • Cost shared group health benefits
  • Company paid meals and lodging while traveling
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Geo/Enviro DrillersDecember 31, 2024We are looking for a career minded individual with the...

Contact

Downrite Drilling

8599 Aitken Road
Chilliwack, BC V2R 3W8

Phone: 1-604-793-1999

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday through Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

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