Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Geotechnical & Environmental Services in Los Angeles
Founded in 1985, Applied Earth Sciences has established itself as a leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental investigations, and wastewater management solutions across Southern California. Our team of certified engineers and geologists brings decades of combined experience to every project, utilizing advanced methodologies and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver precise, reliable results. With a focus on innovation and client satisfaction, we provide tailored services including landslide assessments, seismic hazard evaluations, and methane testing, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.Our commitment to technical excellence is underscored by our ISO 9002-certified processes and a track record of serving both public and private sector clients. From initial site characterization to final remediation recommendations, we prioritize transparency, accuracy, and environmental stewardship in every engagement.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Engineering Geology
Environmental Investigations
Onsite Wastewater Systems
Seismic Hazard Assessment
Landslide Investigations
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized expertise in Southern California geotechnical conditions
- Our in-house laboratory provides rapid, accurate soil and water quality analysis
- Certified methane barrier inspectors and deputy grading inspectors on staff
- We maintain direct partnerships with top drilling contractors for complex site access
- Client-focused approach with transparent reporting and mitigation recommendations
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9002
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical engineering services include soil testing, foundation analysis, and subsurface exploration. We utilize advanced drilling equipment and laboratory analysis to assess soil properties for construction projects. Our team provides detailed reports for residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
Environmental Investigations
We conduct comprehensive environmental site assessments and chemical testing for contamination. Our Phase I/II evaluations identify potential hazards and provide remediation recommendations. Services include groundwater monitoring and methane testing in accordance with regulatory standards.
Onsite Wastewater Systems
Our engineers perform percolation testing and design septic systems meeting Los Angeles County requirements. We evaluate soil absorption capacity and create customized wastewater treatment solutions for properties without municipal sewer access.
Seismic Hazard Assessment
We assess seismic risks including fault rupture potential and landslide hazards. Our evaluations incorporate trenching studies and radiometric dating to determine historical seismic activity for property development projects.
Engineering Geology
Our geological services include rock strata analysis, slope stability evaluations, and fault mapping. We provide detailed geology reports using aerial photography and field exploration data for construction and land development projects.
People
Caro Minas
Founder/President
Civil engineering expert with 40+ years experience, including nuclear power plant projects. Holds BS and MS in geotechnical engineering from CSU Los Angeles. Oversees all engineering operations at AES.
Shant Minas
Managing Director
PG-certified engineering geologist with 20+ years experience. Specializes in methane mitigation and hydrogeology. Holds degrees in economics and environmental science from USC.
Lilian Avak
Office Manager
ISO 9002-certified auditor with 12+ years managing operations at AES. Holds BA in Language Arts and German-Farsi translation from Azad University in Tehran.
Wahick Mehrabian
Staff Geologist
Registered deputy methane barrier inspector with 10+ years experience. Holds BS in Geology from University of Tehran and AS in Architectural Design from Glendale Community College.
Suresh Basnet
Design Engineer
EIT-licensed engineer specializing in methane barrier systems. Holds Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Institution of Engineers, India. Certified inspector for waterproofing and methane barriers.
Questions
What geotechnical services do you offer?
We provide soil testing, landslide investigations, earthquake fault studies, and seismic hazard assessments using industry-leading methodologies.
Do you handle environmental contamination assessments?
Yes, we conduct Phase I/II environmental site assessments, chemical testing, and remediation consulting for contaminated properties.
Can you design onsite wastewater systems?
Our team performs percolation testing and designs septic systems compliant with Los Angeles County regulations.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.
Are your staff certified for methane barrier inspections?
Yes, we have registered deputy methane barrier inspectors with extensive experience in passive and active mitigation systems.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Bob Ferguson
Nov 01, 2020
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Their engineers and geologists are extremely rude and the work is subpar at best. Be ready for a lot of back and forth with their team while they are trying to squeeze more money from you. They don't treat you as a valued customer and more like a child with a very condescending undertone. If you are a residential customer avoid them at all costs as they clearly don't care about smaller projects. They will even tell you as much after you have paid the initial fees.
S. K.
Jun 07, 2019
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Terrible company. Will take advantage of home owners and prices are astronomical. Once they have you locked in, they gouge you for every penny.
Rolf Nader
Apr 21, 2019
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Terrible, terrible, terrible. They show up to your property, destroy it, and then leave. No consideration for anyone else. Just get their work done is all that matters. Rude, condescending attitudes abound! If I could give negative stars I would, but since 1 is the lowest then I will have to settle for that.
Alex Balaban
Feb 01, 2018
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One of the best Soil engineers in town. I have been working with them for more than 2 years as a real estate developer. Great service and very professional.
Michelle Cohen
Apr 08, 2017
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The geologist working for this company is a brash, mean, condescending individual who doesn't know how to treat people. I called with an inquiry and was talked down to as though I was ignorant. I called a second time, after getting disconnected, and the geologist basically told me to go F*** myself and HUNG UP on me. The customer. I got my soils report from a different engineer and he did beautiful work.
As part of my research, I pulled a soils report from public record does by Applied Earth. The geologist I hired was stunned by the low quality of the work they do, saying that it wasn't very thorough. To avoid any question that my review is being written by the geologist I hired, I will not disclose the name of the wonderful individual who walked me through the survey of my land. I will just say, DO NOT do business with these people if you want a courteous person who does quality work. Your home is an investment, always do your due diligence.
As part of my research, I pulled a soils report from public record does by Applied Earth. The geologist I hired was stunned by the low quality of the work they do, saying that it wasn't very thorough. To avoid any question that my review is being written by the geologist I hired, I will not disclose the name of the wonderful individual who walked me through the survey of my land. I will just say, DO NOT do business with these people if you want a courteous person who does quality work. Your home is an investment, always do your due diligence.
