Piezometric Cone Penetration Testing (CPTU) and penetrometer ground water sampling were used to locate a volatile organic contaminant plume at an industrial site in southern Ohio. Nine CPTU tests (soundings) were performed to determine site hydrostratigraphy in real-time. On-site chemical analysis of penetrometer ground water samples provided near real-time detection of contaminants. These results were used to define subsequent monitor well locations. Using this investigation approach, drilling operations to set monitor wells began as penetrometer exploration ended. Program quality increased, while exploration costs decreased by using this combination penetrometer-drilling rig approach.