ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING

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ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING
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The EPA has published a guidance document that is
specific to environmental sampling and analysis.
It can be found on line at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/ha
zwaste/test/main.htm
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office
of Solid Waste (EPA or the Agency) has compiled
this methods manual in order to provide
comprehensive guidance to analysts, data users,
and other interested parties regarding test
methods that may be employed for the evaluation
of solid waste and other testing specified in
regulations issued under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Except
where explicitly specified in a regulation, the
use of SW-846 methods is not mandatory in
response to Federal testing requirements.
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The Agency does not intend to restrict the use of
new analytical techniques. Advances in
technologies applicable to the sampling and
analysis of environmental media and hazardous
wastes outpace the ability of the Agency to
promulgate revisions to this manual. In addition,
given the large number of manufacturers and
vendors of scientific equipment, glassware,
reagents, and supplies, it is not feasible to
cite all possible sources for these materials.
Thus, the mention of trade names or commercial
products in this manual is for illustrative
purposes only, and does not constitute an
endorsement or exclusive recommendation for use
by EPA.
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Sampling Plan SW 846 - Chapter 9

• Responsive to regulatory objectives
• Responsive to scientific objectives

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EPA and State Regulations require Representative
Samples represent average properties of
material sampled which can be compared to
regulatory thresholds. RBC, Drinking Water
Standards, TCLP, etc.
http//www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/risk/index.htm
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Sampling plan must demonstrate the variability of
the contaminants over time and space. This may
require a statistical approach to determining the
number and distribution of the samples to be
collected.
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How do we get an accurate sample? It must be one
that accurately represents our material.
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Sampling accuracy is usually obtained using a
random sampling technique.
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Simple Random Sampling
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Stratified Random Sampling
1 to 2 feet in depth
2 to 4 feet in depth
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Systematic Random Sampling
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Real World Sampling

• Sampling locations and number based on site
  conditions
• Surface and groundwater flow paths
• Known distributions of wastes
• Evidence of contamination
• Site access
• Historical data
• Cost

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Sampling Plan Components

• 1) Background Information
• Facility Location
• Facility Description
• History
• General Site Geology, Hydrology, and Hydrogeology
• Known Nature and Extent of Contamination

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• 2) Sampling Procedures
• Health and Safety Consideration
• Media-Specific Sampling Procedures
• Media-Specific Sample Handling Procedures
• Record Keeping and QA/QC
• Investigation Derived Waste Procedures

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Health and Safety Considerations
Toxicity Characteristics of Contaminants Hazardous
Site Conditions Equipment Hazards Natural
Hazards PPE
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Media-Specific Sampling Procedures
Solids vs Liquids Sampling Equipment Specific
Instructions for each type of sampling Specific
Instructions on sample containers type, size,
and quantity QA/QC Samples duplicates, field
blanks, equipment blanks, etc. (typically 10 of
total sample number)
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Media-Specific Sample Handling Procedures
Sample Holding - temperature, holding time,
preservatives, etc. Sample Shipping - mode of
shipping
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Record Keeping and QA/QC
Field Log Sample Labels Chain-of-Custody
Records Container Seals
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Sample Label
Project ________________________________ Collector
______________________________ Sample Number
______ Sample Date ___________ Time
___________ Sample Location ______________________
__ Analysis Required _______________________ Prese
rvatives Used _______________________
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Investigation Derived Waste Procedures

• Waste materials generated in the process of
  sampling a site many times become a regulated
  waste and must be handled as such. These IDW
  items include
• Drilling cuttings
• Purge water
• Protective gear
• Decontamination Solutions

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