In the latest installment of the “Ask Brock” series—formerly delivered via video—veteran field expert Brock shares practical advice on how to maintain a clean, professional drilling site in even the most logistically challenging urban settings.

According to Brock, the key to staying clean begins before the first bit hits the ground. A well-thought-out drilling program sets the tone for the entire project. That means understanding the depth and diameter of every hole, planning where cuttings will go, knowing your entry and exit points, and identifying a reliable water source from the beginning.

“Planning upfront keeps surprises to a minimum,” Brock explains. “If you know what you’re getting into, you can stay ahead of the mess.”

Lessons From the Field: Chicago

Brock points to a past project in downtown Chicago where rigs, Bobcats, water trucks, and a solid control unit were all in motion—each with the potential to cause major disruption. Despite the intensity of the operation, the site remained under control due to the tight plan laid out from day one.

“There were a lot of moving parts,” Brock recalls, “but we kept it contained because we had a game plan, and everyone stuck to it.”

Don’t Skimp on Site Containment

If there’s one takeaway, Brock says, it’s this: get a VAC truck.

That alone, he emphasizes, can make or break the professionalism of your site. “Containment needs to be professional,” Brock advises. “You need a team that can come in, remove that waste, and get it offsite. And yes—you bill for it. That’s part of being the expert. You don’t have to eat that cost.”

Urban drilling is inherently disruptive, but it doesn’t have to look like it. Brock compares it to a “surgical military operation”—precise, clean, and executed with discipline.

Train Your Team to Respect the Site

Clean operations don’t just come from the plan—they come from the crew. Make sure your team knows the importance of the procedures you’ve set up. That includes staying on mats, avoiding ruts, and minimizing impact wherever possible.

“If we use the right mats, follow the plan, and understand the full scope of the project,” Brock says, “then restoration becomes easier and cheaper in the long run.”

Whether you’re operating in downtown Chicago or a smaller urban zone, Brock’s message is clear: plan like a pro, execute like a surgeon. Urban drilling will always pose challenges, but a smart, disciplined approach can keep your site clean, safe, and respected by the public and your clients.

Got a question for the next installment of Ask Brock? And stay tuned for more every week.