Abstract: An apparatus and method for discrete soil gas and saturated liquid permeability measurements with direct push emplacement systems (such as a cone penetrometer rod). A modified direct push emplacement system having at least one injection port and at least two measurement ports is first engaged to penetrate the soil to a predetermined depth. Gas or liquid is then injected into the soil at a predetermined location on the penetrometer rod. Next, a pressure response is recorded from each measurement port, which is at a known distance from the injection port (on the same penetrometer rod). This differential pressure response data allows calculation of the soil permeability directly by using a one-dimensional, spherical, steady state, porous flow model to measure the effective permeability of the soil, without substantial disturbance of the surrounding soil. The present invention minimizes false indications of reduced permeability as a result of soil compaction during the penetrometer emplacement.