hazardous waste site sampling basics · pdf filedump sites; abandoned ... location, number,...

December 2004United States Department of the Interior • Bureau of Land Management

Hazardous Waste Site Sampling BasicsTechnical Note 414

Hazardous Waste Site Sampling BasicsTe

chni

cal N

ote

414

Production services provided by:BLM National Science and Technology CenterBranch of Publishing ServicesKathy Rohling, editing; Janine Koselak, layout and design

Technical Note 414BLM/ST/ST-04/001+1703

This document is available on the National Science and Technology Center website atwww.blm.gov/nstc

http://www.blm.gov/nstc

Hazardous Waste Site Sampling BasicsTechnical N

ote 414

By:

Pamela S. InnisEnvironmental EngineerNational Science and Technology CenterDenver, Colorado

Hazardous Waste Site Sampling BasicsTechnical Note 414

December 2004United States Department of the Interior • Bureau of Land Management


chni

cal N

ote

414

Suggested citation:

Innis, Pamela S. 2004. Hazardous Waste Site Sampling Basics, Technical Note 414. Bureau of LandManagement, Denver, Colorado. BLM/ST/ST-04/001+1703. 35 pages.

Hazardous Waste Site Sampling Basics

i

Technical Note 414

AbstractThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for addressing releases ofhazardous substances on public lands under their jurisdiction. This technical noteprovides technical guidance to those responsible for overseeing or conductingenvironmental sampling activities; provides information and references to assist fieldpersonnel in implementing technically consistent and responsive analytical samplingprograms at hazardous waste sites; introduces the concepts and issues related toanalytical sampling at hazardous waste sites; and provides a quick reference towebsites and documents that can assist field personnel in implementing a sitecharacterization plan.


iii

Technical Note 414

Table of ContentsAbstract ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------iIntroduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1Existing Site Information -----------------------------------------------------------------------3

Historical Research -------------------------------------------------------------------------3Environmental Information ---------------------------------------------------------------3

Data Quality Objectives-------------------------------------------------------------------------5Work Plan Development ------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Field Sampling Plan ------------------------------------------------------------------------7Quality Assurance Plan --------------------------------------------------------------------9

Sample Design ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------15Sampling Considerations and Techniques -------------------------------------------------19

Soil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19Sediment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19Surface Water ------------------------------------------------------------------------------24Groundwater -------------------------------------------------------------------------------24Air --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25Drums or Containerized Waste---------------------------------------------------------25Waste Piles ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------26Sludges and Slurries ----------------------------------------------------------------------26Biota -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26Soil Gas Surveys---------------------------------------------------------------------------27

Analytical Methods-----------------------------------------------------------------------------29Sample Preservation----------------------------------------------------------------------29Holding Times------------------------------------------------------------------------------30

Work Plan Implementation -------------------------------------------------------------------31Additional Information and Technical Support -------------------------------------------33

The Bureau of Land Management-----------------------------------------------------33The Environmental Protection Agency------------------------------------------------34

References ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------35

Figures and TablesFigure 1—Work Plan Checklist ---------------------------------------------------------8Figure 2—Chain-of-Custody Form ---------------------------------------------------13Table 1—Method-Specific Requirements ------------------------------------------10Table 2—Field Sampling and Collection Techniques----------------------------20


1

Technical Note 414

IntroductionThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administersover 260 million acres of public lands. As part of itsstewardship of these public lands, BLM is responsiblefor managing abandoned mine sites; illegal trespass/dump sites; abandoned facilities that used, stored,or disposed of hazardous substances; retired mili-tary areas; oil and gas production sites; and otherpotential hazardous waste sites. With this respon-sibility comes the necessity of characterizing thetype of contaminants released at these sites.Sampling at hazardous waste sites is generallyconducted to:

• Determine the immediate hazards to responders andthe public

• Determine the short- and long-term risks tohuman and ecological receptors

• Determine if there is a need for an immediate(emergency) action or if an action is needed at all

• Determine the type of contaminants that havebeen introduced into the environment and thearea that has been impacted by the release ofthe hazardous substance(s)

• Determine the Federal and State rules, regula-tions, and specific standards that will drive theneed for cleaning up the site

• Determine the appropriate cleanup alternatives to mitigate current or potentialthreats

The field investigation that is selected for a sitedepends on the current level of knowledge aboutthe site and the purpose of the sampling activities.Factors to consider when determining the methodsfor collecting and analyzing data are based onthe quality of the data required. This documentwill not cover hazard categorization and fieldanalytical methods. It should be recognized,however, that field analytical methods, such asthe X-ray fluorescence spectrometer widely usedwithin BLM for detection of elemental metals,are invaluable in supplementing laboratoryanalytical data during hazardous waste sitecharacterization. This technical note will introducethe concepts and issues related to analyticalsampling at hazardous waste sites and provide aquick reference to websites and documents thatcan assist field personnel in implementing a sitecharacterization plan.

Further information concerning field analytical methods may be found in Field Analytical and SiteCharacterization Technologies—Summary of Applications, EPA-542-R-97-001, November 1997.


3

Technical Note 414

Existing Site InformationTo adequately prepare for a field sampling effort, areview of existing site information is necessary. Siteinformation can be obtained through sources suchas past or present operators, government agencies,public citizens, databases, and libraries. The moreinformed the project team is prior to developingthe sampling scheme, the more relevant the workplan will be.

Historical ResearchThe primary purpose of historical research is tocomplete a comprehensive review of availableinformation concerning the site and to documentevidence of the use, handling, and disposition ofchemical products or waste materials, which mayhave caused a potentially adverse impact to thesoil, surface water, or groundwater in the vicinity.Specifically, the intended result is to developsufficient information from which a professionalopinion can be made regarding the potential for arelease of a hazardous substance into the envi-ronment and to identify areas requiring furtherinvestigation. Sources of historical data can include:

• Aerial photographs• Preliminary assessments• Phase I and II environmental site assessments• Fire district records• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) docu-

mentation, such as environmental assessments(EAs) and environmental impact statements (EISs)

• Newspaper articles• Claim, permit, and lease information• Historical U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) papers

• Maps• State water resource or environmental agencies• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Comprehensive Environmental Response,Compensation, and Liability InformationSystem (CERCLIS) State list (http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/cursites)

EnvironmentalInformationSignificant information may be available regardingthe geologic, hydrologic, biotic, and atmosphericconditions at or expected at the site. A search ofthe specific State environmental or waterresources website may reveal databases that areavailable for the region in question. Some usefulwebsites include:

• Stream gauging station data (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis)

• Regional climate information(http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/index.html)

• Soil survey manuscripts(http://soils.usda.gov/survey)

• Well log records (State Water ResourceDepartment websites)

• Local and regional geology(http://www.usgs.gov)

• Earth Resources Observation System (EROS)Data Center (http://edc.usgs.gov)

• National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) (http://www.noaa.gov)

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/cursites

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis

http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/index.html

http://soils.usda.gov/survey

http://www.usgs.gov

http://edc.usgs.gov

http://www.noaa.gov


chni

cal N

ote

414

4

A field visit to the site is valuable in determining thesampling required. Information to obtain duringthe field survey should include the following:

• General site layout• Property boundaries• Site access requirements and restrictions

• General site conditions concerning surface water,soils, and air

• Potential receptors and contaminant migrationpathways

• Visible sources of potential contamination• Stressed vegetation• Potential sources of offsite contamination


5

Technical Note 414

Data Quality ObjectivesThe Data Quality Objective (DQO) process is a plan-ning approach that is used to prepare for samplingactivities. The DQO process establishes specificobjectives for an environmental study or samplingprogram and focuses data collection and analysisto meet those objectives. Appropriate use of theDQO process achieves two major objectives: itensures that the type, quantity, and quality of datacollected are appropriate for the decision at hand,and it eliminates the collection of unnecessary,redundant, and overly precise data.

The DQO process should be implemented early inthe developmental stages of any project thatrequires data collection. It can apply to any sizeproject, but the depth and detail of the process willvary depending upon the complexity of the project.

Key stakeholders should be involved with the DQOprocess. Stakeholders may include the project lead,contractors, State and Federal regulators, potentiallyresponsible party (PRP) representatives, technicaladvisors, and managers.

The initial step in the DQO process is to define thequestions, which should reveal the conditions andissues that must be resolved during the investigation(EPA 1994). Examples of this include:

• Is this a release as defined by section 101(22) ofthe Comprehensive Environmental Response,Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

• Does the contaminant concentration exceed theState water quality criteria?

• Do the concentrations of metals exceed theResource Conservation and Recovery Act(RCRA) hazardous waste criteria?

• Does the contaminant concentration exceedsite background levels?

From these questions, the scope of the projectcan be defined and broken down into specificcomponents that will define data collectionconstraints and methods. The components arebasic and include:

• The physical boundaries of the site• The source(s) of contamination• The potential contaminants• The characteristics of the contaminant (e.g.,

persistency, mobility, toxicity)• The potential impacted media (e.g., air, surface

water, groundwater, soil),• Federal and State standards applicable to the site• The impacts of the physical environmental

system (e.g., geology, hydrology)• The time frame in which the study will happen• The potential receptors (targets)

It is necessary to define these components inorder to proceed with the investigation. Thestakeholders must agree on the definitions inorder to eliminate unnecessary sampling andanalysis, thereby reducing any reiterations duringwork plan development.

In addition to the decisions listed previously,other elements determined during the DQO


chni

cal N

ote

414

6

process include the required detection level forthe contaminants of concern and the probabilityand relevance of false positive and false negativeerrors in the analytical results.

A false positive error occurs when the hypothesisfor a site is rejected when in fact it is true. Forexample, if a decision maker presumes thatcontaminant concentrations at a specified levelindicate that there is no risk, a false positiveerror would occur when the decision makerdetermines, based on the sampling results, thatthere is still a risk remaining at the site when infact there is not.

A false negative error would occur when the deci-sion maker determines, based on the samplingresults, that there is no risk when in fact there is arisk remaining.

Specifying limits on the probability of committingfalse positive and false negative errors reflect thedecision maker’s tolerable limits for making anincorrect decision. This will help determine theanalytical methods to be applied in the work planand the applicability of the various field screeningmethods. Stakeholders must also agree on theoptimum number and location of samples.

For further information on the DQO process, the following EPA guidance is recommended: EPA Guidance for theData Quality Objectives Process, EPA QA/G-4. EPA/600/R-96/055. September 1994.


7

Technical Note 414

Work Plan DevelopmentSampling and Analysis Work Plans document thedecisions made during the DQO process. Theseplans must be developed before field activities areconducted. The two main components of aSampling and Analysis Work Plan are the FieldSampling Plan (FSP) and the Quality AssurancePlan (QAP). The work plan may not specificallydifferentiate between the two, but it is importantto recognize the significance of each and ensurethat the elements described in the following twosections are included within the document. Achecklist showing the key components is includedas Figure 1.

Field Sampling PlanThe Field Sampling Plan is the portion of the workplan that describes how field personnel will actually

perform the work. Specific elements of an FSP include:

Site description. As an introduction, a briefdescription of the site should be provided. Anyrelevant site history and pertinent site conditionsthat may affect the sampling should be discussed.

Location, number, and type of samples.A summary of the results of the DQO processshould be provided in this section to give therationale for the prescribed effort. An area mapshowing the site location and a refined mapshowing sample location detail should beincluded. If field screen methods are going tobe used, detail should be included. Furtherinformation is provided in the Sample Designsection of this technical note.


chni

cal N

ote

414

8

Figure 1. Work Plan Checklist

Work Plan Checklist

1. Field Sampling Plan

a. Site Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b. Location, Number, and Type of Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

c. Sample Collection Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

d. Equipment Decontamination Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

e. Record Keeping and Documentation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

f. Laboratory Quality Assurance Plan (as an attachment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Quality Assurance Plan

a. Technical Procedures for Sampling and Conducting Field Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b. Quality Control Samples

i. Field Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii. Laboratory Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

c. Corrective Action Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

d. Chain-of-Custody Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

e. Instrument Calibration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

f. Internal/External Inspection Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

g. Personnel Qualifications/Training Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

h. Records/Logbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

i. Analytical Reports/Data Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

j. Data Verification/Validation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


9

Technical Note 414

Sample collection methods. A detaileddescription of the equipment, techniques, andprocedures for collecting, labeling, preserving,packaging, and shipping samples should be provided. A field sampling summary table shouldbe included for quick reference. The table shouldspecify the number of samples per parameter permatrix, the preservatives, appropriate samplecontainers, and sample volumes. Table 1 providesan example of a method summary table.

Equipment decontamination procedures. Animportant part of any sampling effort is ensuringthat field sampling equipment is properly cleanedand prepared. Failure to properly decontaminateequipment can introduce error into analyses throughcross-contamination of samples. Laboratories cansupply bottles and limited sampling equipmentthat are certified clean by the lab. This is a preferredoption as the decontamination takes place in acontrolled environment and it reduces the amountof investigation-derived waste.

The use of disposable or dedicated samplingequipment is also another consideration. In theevent that field decontamination is necessary, aprescribed procedure for each type of samplingequipment should be provided. A typical procedurefor hand-held sampling equipment is to remove grosscontamination by rinsing with distilled water. Asolution of anionic powdered detergent (e.g., Alconox)in distilled water is used to wash the equipmentclean. If necessary, the use of brushes may beimplemented to assist in removal of the material. Thedetergent wash is then followed by triple rinsingwith distilled water. The final rinse is conducted withlaboratory prepared deionized water. Clean equipmentis then allowed to air dry and is placed in plasticbags for protection from further contamination.

Record keeping and documentationprocedures. A discussion of the appropriatedocumentation for the project should be pro-vided or referenced. The process for documentingchanges to the approved sampling plan due tounforeseen field conditions should be detailed.Chain-of-custody and logbook documentation isfurther discussed in the next section.

Laboratory quality assurance plan. A copyof the analytical laboratory’s internal qualityassurance plan should be attached as an appendixto the FSP.

Quality Assurance PlanThe Quality Assurance Plan is the portion of thework plan that ensures sampling activities areperformed with a high degree of confidence suchthat the resulting data will be representative ofconditions found in the field. Specific elementsof a QAP include:

Technical procedures for sampling andconducting field work. A complete descriptionof the method-specific requirements for thesamples should be provided. This should includesample bottle specifications, sample preservationrequirements, sample shipping requirements, andholding times. Sample container labelingrequirements should be identified. Containerlabels typically include the project name, date,and time of collection, specific analysis, preserva-tive information, a unique sample identificationnumber, and the sample initials or name.


chni

cal N

ote

414

10

Table 1. Method Specific Requirements

Met

hod

Spec

ific

Requ

irem

ents

Ana

lyte

Bott

leN

umbe

r of

Hol

ding

Met

hod

Gro

upRe

quir

edBo

ttle

sPr

eser

vati

veTi

me

Labo

rato

ry

WAT

ER

624

VOCs

40 m

l am

ber

vial

s3

asco

rbic

aci

d,H

CL14

day

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

625

SVO

Cs

1 lit

er a

mbe

r gl

ass

2so

dium

sul

fite,

HCl

7 da

ysXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

608

PCBs

and

Pes

t1

liter

am

ber

glas

s2

sodi

um t

hios

ulfa

te7

days

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

200.

7/20

0.9

Met

als

500

ml p

oly

or g

lass

1ni

tric

aci

d6

mon

ths

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

245.

1M

ercu

ry50

0 m

l pol

y or

gla

ss1

nitr

ic a

cid

28 d

ays

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

200.

8Se

lect

Met

als

for

SW50

0 m

l pol

y or

gla

ss1

nitr

ic a

cid

6 m

onth

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

SM35

00 C

RDH

exav

alen

t

Chro

miu

m50

0 m

l pol

y or

gla

ss1

none

24 h

ours

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

300.

0Ch

lori

de50

0 m

l pol

y or

gla

ss1

none

28 d

ays

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

300.

0Su

lfate

500

ml p

oly

or g

lass

1no

ne28

day

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

SM 4

500S

Sulfi

de50

0 m

l pol

y or

gla

ss1

NaO

H +

zin

c ac

etat

e7

days

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

353.

2N

itra

te/N

itri

te50

0 m

l pol

y or

gla

ss1

none

48 h

ours

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

354.

1N

itri

te50

0 m

l pol

y or

gla

ss1

none

48 h

ours

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

SM92

21B

Feca

l Col

iform

100

ml b

acti

1so

dium

thi

osul

fate

6 ho

urs

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

405.

1BO

D 5

day

1 lit

er H

DPE

1no

ne48

hou

rsXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

4500

NH

3A

mm

onia

500

ml p

oly

or g

lass

1su

lfuri

c ac

id28

day

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

SED

IMEN

T

8260

BVO

Cs16

oz

glas

s1

none

14 d

ays

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

8270

BSV

OCs

16 o

z gl

ass

1 no

ne14

day

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

8081

APe

st16

oz

glas

s1

none

14 d

ays

XYZ

Ana

lyti

cal

8082

PCBs

16 o

z gl

ass

1no

ne14

day

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

6010

AM

etal

s16

oz

glas

s1

none

6 m

onth

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

7471

AM

ercu

ry16

oz

glas

s1

none

6 m

onth

sXY

Z A

naly

tica

l

Carb

435

Asb

esto

s4

oz g

lass

1no

neno

neXY

Z A

naly

tica

l


11

Technical Note 414

Quality Control Samples. Quality control sam-ples ensure that the sampling methods producerepresentative samples of environmental media;confirm that laboratory analyses are reliable; verifythat the quality of reported results is suitable tosupport decisions based on the environmentalmonitoring data; and provide a means to measureand document the uncertainty in analytical data.Specific quality control samples are discussed below.

Field Samples. A number of field quality con-trol samples should be taken during waste sitecharacterization. The stakeholders should agreeto the specific quantity of quality control samplesprior to the start of field activities.

• Duplicate samples are intended to identify vari-ability in the analytical results associated withfield and laboratory methods and the inherentheterogeneity of the media. Samples are taken atthe same location employing the same collectionmethods.

• Split samples are used to identify variabilitybetween sampling handling methods or betweenlaboratories. The sample material is homogenizedin the field and placed into two separate samplecontainers for submittal to two separate labs.

• Rinse blanks or equipment field blanks analysesare used to assess the efficiency of equipmentdecontamination procedures in preventing cross-contamination between samples. The rinse blankwill be analyzed for the same parameters as theinvestigative samples.

• Trip blanks provided by the laboratory willaccompany the volatile organic samples collectedeach day in the field. The bottles should besealed by the lab and are to remain closed untilthey reach the laboratory again. Trip blanks will

be analyzed for volatile organic compounds(VOCs) employing the same method used forthe investigative sample and to help determineif contamination of the samples occurredenroute to the lab.

• Temperature blanks are containers of waterthat are shipped along with the samplesenroute to the laboratory. The laboratory willmeasure the temperature of the blank uponreceipt. This is used to verify that samples aremaintained at less than 4 ˚C, which is necessarywith many methods.

Laboratory Samples. The laboratory shouldinclude an internal quality assurance program.Laboratory reagent blanks (commonly calledmethod blanks) are used to assess contamina-tion during all stages of sample preparationand analysis. A laboratory fortified sample matrix(commonly called a matrix spike) should beused to evaluate the effect of the samplematrix on the recovery of the compound(s)of interest. One sample per batch should besplit in the laboratory and analyzed in dupli-cate to provide an estimate of analyticalprecision. Duplicate analyses also are useful inassessing potential sample heterogeneity andmatrix effects. An alternative to a sampleduplicate is a matrix spike duplicate.

Corrective action plans. A discussion shouldbe included within the QAP concerning correctiveactions that will occur if a failure in the sampling/analysis process occurs. It should also identifywho is responsible for implementing the correctiveaction. For example, if a senior reviewer deter-mines in the review of field notes that a juniorgeologist incorrectly identified a soil horizon,


chni

cal N

ote

414

12

additional training may be recommended and itscompletion should be documented in the siteand personnel files.

Chain-of-custody procedures. The term“chain-of-custody” refers to the standard way oftracing the possession and handling of samplesas they progress from the field to the analyticallaboratory. It provides a record of when the sam-ples were taken and through whose hands thosesamples passed along the way. A description ofthe procedures and requirements for sample cus-tody, starting with sample collection throughacceptance at the laboratory, should be provided.This should include methods for verifying samplecontainer integrity, such as use of custody sealsand chain-of-custody forms. The laboratory willsupply chain-of-custody forms. Figure 2 providesa blank chain-of-custody form for reference.

Instrument calibration procedures. TheQAP should identify the equipment used for per-forming data collection in the field. A descriptionof or reference to the recommended calibrationprocedures and frequency of calibration for eachfield instrument should be provided. Methods forrecordation of calibration for each instrumentshould be specified.

Internal/external inspection reports.Projects that require “critical” supplies shouldhave acceptance criteria for the materials. Ashort description of the acceptance criteria forsupplies and consumables from both internal andexternal sources should be provided. These criti-

cal items may include laboratory bottles, deionizedwater, reagents, calibration gases, and disposableequipment. The criteria could include provisions forcertificates of cleanliness, testing, and purity.Acceptance would be based on the condition of thesamples when received.

Personnel qualifications/training records.Any special training requirements or certificationsrequired for personnel performing the specifiedtasks should be noted.

Records/logbooks. Each project should have afield logbook to accurately and completely docu-ment all field activities. Since field records are thebasis for later written reports, language should beobjective, factual, and free of personal feelings orother terminology that might prove inappropriate.Once completed, the field logbook becomes part ofthe project file. Information/observations to docu-ment within the field logbook include pertinent sitedescriptions, weather conditions, field data (e.g.,pH, DO), including field equipment identificationand calibration information, sample numbers andlocations, sample descriptive information and rele-vant comments (e.g., odor, color, texture), clientand supervisor instructions, visitor names and affili-ations, and photo logs.

Analytical reports/data packages. A briefdescription of the data management proceduresshould be included or referenced. This includes datagenerated as part of the project, as well as datareceived from other sources.

Figure 2. Chain-of-Custody Form


13

Technical Note 414

LABORATORY NAME CHAIN OF CUSTODY

LABORATORY ADDRESS

Report to:

Name: Address:

Company:

E-mail: Telephone:

Copy of report to:

Name: Address:

Company:

E-mail: Telephone:

Invoice to:

Name: Address:

Company:

E-mail: Telephone:

Project Information Analyses Requested

Quote #:

Project/PO#:

Shipping Co.:

Tracking #:

Reporting State for compliance testing:

Sample Identification Date/Time Matrix

Matrix: SW (Surface Water) – GW (Groundwater) – DW (Drinking Water) – SL (Sludge) – OL (Oil) – Other (Specify)

Remarks

Relinquished by: Date/Time Received by: Date/Time

Num

ber o

f Con

tain

ers


chni

cal N

ote

414

14

Data verification/validation procedures. Adescription of the data verification/validationprocedures should be provided. Criteria shouldbe included for acceptance, rejection, or qualifi-cation of data based on elements including:

• Chain-of-custody records• Laboratory quality assurance• Compliance with sample handling, preservation,

and analytical procedures

For further information on quality assurance, the following EPA guidance documents are recommended:

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Guidance for Removal Activities, Sampling QA/QC Plan and Data ValidationProcedures. Interim Final. EPA/540/G-90/004. April 1990.

Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans, (QA/G-5), EPA/240/R-02/009. U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency. Washington D.C., December 2002.

A BLM Instruction Bulletin is available that provides technical guidance for characterizing abandoned mine sites:

Information Bulletin No. RS-99-108 (07/14/99), Site Characterization for Abandoned Mine/Mill Sites can be foundat: http://www.blm.gov/nhp/efoia/narsc/1999/IB/RSIB1999-108.pdf.

http://www.blm.gov/nhp/efoia/narsc/1999/IB/RSIB1999-108.pdf


15

Technical Note 414

Sample DesignThe design of the sampling plan is based on infor-mation gained during the development of the dataquality objectives and on site-specific conditions. Bycarefully determining the sampling strategy, variabilitywithin the site can be determined and the datawill be representative of actual site conditions. Thelocation and frequency of sampling should beprovided in detail within the sampling plan.

There are several sampling approaches that maybe implemented at a site. The intent behind theselection of one sampling approach over another isto ensure that the sample reflects the characteristicsof the population or media being sampled.

Biased/authoritative sampling involves theselection of locations based on knowledge ofcontaminant distribution and properties (such ashomogeneity). Sample locations and quantities arebased on the experience of the investigator. Rationalefor sample selection must be well documentedand defensible, particularly if the intent is to pro-vide data in support of regulatory compliance.Biased sampling is often done if a population hasobvious localized areas of high contamination todetermine the “worst case” concentration of a con-taminant(s). It is also used for screening purposesto determine if a release from a site has occurred.It must be understood that authoritative samplingwill not accurately estimate the variance withinthe population or the extent of contamination and

generally will not be acceptable to the regulatorycommunity to demonstrate compliance.

Composite sampling consists of taking multiplesamples over a temporal or spatial range, physi-cally combining equal portions (or aliquots), anddrawing one or more subsamples for analysis. Itcan provide improved precision in the samplingeffort, while reducing the required number ofsamples. Composite samples are taken primarilywhen an average concentration is sought andthere is no need to detect peak concentrations.Composite samples are most valuable in largestudy areas with sampling grids that cover areasfrom 100 to 500 feet per side. It must be under-stood, however, that the integrity of volatile organiccompounds (VOCs) will likely be compromisedduring the mixing of the sample. Compositesamples for VOCs are generally not recommendedfor soil matrices.

Grab samples are samples taken from a par-ticular location at a distinct point in time. Theyare valuable when a biased sample location isselected, particularly when determining “hotspots” or background.

Unbiased/random sampling is based onmathematical and statistical theories. Randomsampling is typically applied to waste sites withunknown or variable concentrations.

For further information on composite sampling, a detailed discussion is provided in the Standard Guide forComposite Sampling and Field Subsampling for Environmental Waste Management Activities (ASTM 6051-96).


chni

cal N

ote

414

16

The sample locations are determined through thedevelopment of a sample unit grid for the site.The area of each unit within the grid is based onthe area of the site and the quantity of samplesdetermined within the DQO process.

There are three basic patterns for selection ofrandom sampling locations: simple, stratified,and systematic.

Simple—In simplerandom sampling,all potential samplelocations in a wasteunit are identifiedand given a number.A suitable numberof sample locationsare selected through the use of a randomnumber generator. Each unit in the population isselected with equal probability. The investigatorshould make an estimate in the potential vari-ability of the population. A more heterogeneousunit would likely require more sampling locations.

Stratified—Environmental mediaor populations maybe separated tempo-rally or spatially andhave properties thatare different from anadjacent portion. Instratified sampling, areas of non-uniformproperties or concentrations are identified and

segregated. For example, a waste site may bestratified based on particle size or color. Simplerandom samples are collected from each stratum.The number of samples per stratum can be basedon factors such as size of the strata, accessibility tothe strata, or apparent variability within the strata.

Systematic—In sys-tematic sampling, thefirst sampling point israndomly selected andall subsequent samplelocations are at fixedintervals from thatpoint. This method isoften preferred as it is easy to implement in thefield and contamination patterns are more readilyidentified. To improve on the randomness of thesampling design, the sample location within theindividual grid unit can be varied.

Background samples are samples collected at ornear the waste site in areas not influenced by sitecontamination. It demonstrates the ambient con-centrations of a substance from both naturallyoccurring and anthropogenic non-site sources.Background samples are collected from each mediaof concern: soil, sediment, surface water, ground-water, and air. The sample locations should havethe same basic characteristics as the medium atthe site. The number of background samples is sitespecific and dependent on the media sampled, thetype of contaminant, and the availability of back-ground sample locations. The number of samplesshould, however, be sufficient enough to reduce or

For further information, several references are available through EPA that will assist in the development of thesampling plan for the site. Other references on environmental sampling can be requested from the BLM Library.

Subsurface Characterization and Monitoring Techniques: Desk Reference Guide, Volumes 1 and 2.EPA/625/R-93/003 a, b. May 1993.

Abandoned Mine Site Characterization and Cleanup Handbook. EPA530-C-01-001. March 2001.

Site Characterization for Subsurface Remediation. EPA/625/4-91/026. November 1991.

RCRA Waste Sampling Draft Technical Guidance – Planning, Implementation and Assessment. EPA530-D-02-002,August 2002.


17

Technical Note 414

eliminate the potential determination that concen-trations of a constituent at the site are higher thanbackground when in they in fact fall within therange. It should be understood that a difference in

the concentration of background samples andsite samples should not, in itself, trigger a cleanupaction at the site. It indicates that furtherevaluation of the data must be completed.


19

Technical Note 414

The proper selection of a sampling methodologymust be done to ensure that the samples will berepresentative of the site. The methods are matrixdependent. In some situations, there may be severaloptions to consider. For others, the analyte or siteconditions may dictate a specific sampling method.A list of sample collection methods is provided inTable 2, Field Sampling and Collection Techniques.

One issue to consider when sampling for a varietyof analytes is the composition of the equipmentused in the sampling. Equipment composed of thesame material as the analyte that is being sampledfor may influence the data. Consideration shouldbe given to using glass, Teflon, or stainless steelsampling equipment when analyzing for traceorganic compounds, and to using Teflon, plastic, orglass equipment when sampling for trace metals.

SoilThe selection of soil sampling equipment is basedon site-specific conditions and the nature of thecontaminant of concern. For example, the sensitivenature of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)requires special consideration. Equipment thatdisrupts the sample material may cause a releaseof volatiles into the ambient air. The optimumsample collection device will allow field personnelto collect minimally disturbed samples and willenable them to provide an accurate field descriptionor log of the lithology.

Another consideration in the sampling of soils isthe homogeneity or heterogeneity of the media.Many contaminants, particularly organics andradionuclides, bond differently to different soiltypes or particle sizes. In a heterogeneous samplearea, there may be considerable variability incontaminant concentrations. Additionally, in mediawith large disparity in the size fraction, the tendencymay be to collect the smaller fraction. This mayintroduce error in the overall concentration of themedia. These situations should be well documentedand considered in the analysis of the data.

SedimentSediment sampling in surface water offersmany challenging aspects. Suspended particles arecarried in surface water until turbulent intensityno longer exceeds particle fall velocity. If a con-taminated media is introduced, intermixed layersof native material and waste material will char-acterize the stream bottom. These layers may ormay not be consistently located. During times ofvariable flow, the areas of ebbing flow maychange and solids may be resuspended.

One must evaluate the capability of samplingequipment to extract a representative sample froma saturated environment. Capturing the finermaterial, when collecting a sample, is difficult inthat it may be carried away with outflowingwater from the sampler.

Sampling Considerationsand Techniques


chni

cal N

ote

414

20

Table 2. Field Sampling and Collection TechniquesTe

chni

que

Ana

lyte

Med

iaCo

mm

ents

Dri

lling

Met

hods

Hollo

w S

tem

Aug

er1–

11+

-+

--

--

-Hi

gh10

0’N

ot a

pplic

able

to c

onso

lidat

ed fo

rmat

ions

.Soi

l sam

ple

is a

dist

urbe

d sa

mpl

e.Di

fficu

lt dr

illin

g in

sat

urat

ed s

oils

or

soils

with

cob

bles

.

Mud

Rot

ary

1–11

+-

+-

--

--

High

1000

’Po

tent

ial l

oss

of d

rillin

g flu

ids

in fr

actu

red

or u

ncon

solid

ated

form

atio

ns.N

ot re

com

men

ded

for d

rillin

g in

con

tam

inat

ed

zone

s du

e to

IDW

gen

erat

ion.

Air R

otar

y2,

4–11

+-

+-

--

--

Med

>10

00’

Cutt

ings

may

pre

sent

a c

onta

min

atio

n/he

alth

haz

ard.

Hydr

ocar

bons

use

d du

ring

drilli

ng m

ay co

ntam

inat

e sa

mpl

es.

Soni

c1–

11+

-+

--

--

-Lo

w<

500

’M

etho

d m

ay b

e m

ore

expe

nsiv

e th

an o

ther

s.Co

ntin

uous

core

use

ful i

n lit

holo

gic

desc

riptio

n.

Cabl

e To

ol2,

4–11

+-

+-

--

--

High

< 5

000’

Min

imum

siz

e ca

sing

is 4

inch

es.V

OC

sam

ples

may

be

com

-

prom

ised

.Har

d to

olin

g co

mpr

omis

es li

thol

ogic

des

crip

tion.

Diam

ond

Drill

ing

2,4–

11+

-+

--

-M

ed>

100

0’Pr

imar

ily u

sed

in c

onso

lidat

ed fo

rmat

ions

.Sol

id c

ore

usef

ul

in d

etec

tion

of fr

actu

re z

ones

and

lith

olog

ic c

hang

es.

Dri

ve M

etho

ds a

nd O

ther

Met

hods

Cone

Pen

etro

met

er1–

11-

--

-+

+-

-Lo

w<

100

’N

ot a

pplic

able

in c

onso

lidat

ed fo

rmat

ions

.

Dire

ct P

ush

Sam

pler

1–11

--

--

++

--

Low

< 1

00’

Not

app

licab

le in

con

solid

ated

form

atio

ns.

Back

hoe

1–14

++

+-

--

-+

High

25’

Pers

onne

l can

not e

nter

pits

dee

per t

han

3 fe

et w

ithou

t

shor

ing

and

conf

ined

spa

ce tr

aini

ng.E

xpos

ure

to a

nd

spre

ad o

f con

tam

inat

ion

incr

ease

d.Pr

ior k

now

ledg

e of

subs

urfa

ce c

ondi

tions

use

ful.

Liqu

id/W

ater

Col

lect

ion

Met

hods

Blad

der P

ump

1–12

--

-+

+-

++

Med

100’

+Bl

adde

r may

bre

ak.L

arge

vol

umes

of c

ompr

esse

d ga

s

requ

ired

for d

eep

or p

rolo

nged

sam

plin

g.

Iner

tia P

ump

1–11

--

-+

+-

+-

Med

< 1

00’

Diffi

cult

to o

pera

te in

larg

er/d

eepe

r wel

ls.M

anua

lly

inte

nsiv

e op

erat

ion.

Baile

r1–

12-

--

++

-+

+Hi

gh20

0’Di

fficu

lt fo

r dee

per w

ells.

Vola

tiles

may

be

lost

.Lim

ited

in

volu

me

colle

cted

at o

ne ti

me.

Dept

h sp

ecifi

c sa

mpl

es

diffi

cult

to o

btai

n.

Soil

Sludge

Sediment

Surface Water

Ground Water

Soil Gas/ Air

Drums/ Containers

Biota

IDW Volume

Depth


21

Technical Note 414

Table 2. Field Sampling and Collection Techniques (continued)

Tech

niqu

eA

naly

teM

edia

Com

men

ts

Subm

ersi

ble

Pum

p1–

11-

--

++

-+

-M

ed<

100

’Ch

emis

try

alte

red

at h

igh

pum

ping

rate

s.Fl

ow ra

te c

anno

t

be c

ontr

olle

d.

Peris

talti

c Pu

mp

1–12

--

-+

+-

++

Med

25’

Low

pum

ping

rate

s m

ake

purg

ing

wel

ls d

iffic

ult.

Vola

tiles

may

be

lost

.

Gea

r-driv

en P

ump

1–11

--

-+

+-

+-

Med

< 1

00’

Cons

tant

flow

rate

(not

var

iabl

e).H

igh

susp

ende

d so

lids

caus

e ge

ar w

ear.

Gas

-Driv

en

Dedi

cate

d pu

mp

for w

ells.

Disp

lace

men

t Pum

p1–

11-

--

++

-+

-M

ed<

100

’Di

ffusi

ve B

agSa

mpl

er1,

3-

--

++

--

-Lo

w20

0’CO

LIW

ASA

1–11

-+

-+

--

+-

Low

-Ty

pica

lly u

sed

for c

onta

iner

ized

was

te.D

iffic

ulty

in

sam

plin

g hi

ghly

vis

cous

liqu

ids.

Wei

ghte

d-Bo

ttle

Can

colle

ct d

epth

spe

cific

sam

ples

.Com

patib

ility

of l

iqui

d

Sam

pler

1–11

--

-+

+-

+-

Low

100’

with

sam

pler

con

stru

ctio

n m

ater

ial m

ust b

e ve

rifie

d.

Kem

erer

/Van

Dor

nDi

fficu

lt to

ope

rate

at d

epth

.Cro

ss-c

onta

min

atio

n m

ay

Dept

h Sp

ecifi

c oc

cur a

s sa

mpl

er is

low

ered

to d

esire

d de

pth.

Activ

atin

g

Sam

pler

1–11

--

-+

+-

++

Low

200’

mec

hani

sm p

rone

to m

alfu

nctio

n an

d da

mag

e.

Pneu

mat

ic D

epth

Larg

e vo

lum

e sa

mpl

e re

quire

men

ts d

iffic

ult t

o ac

quire

.

Spec

ific

Sam

pler

s1–

11-

--

++

--

-Lo

w20

0’Su

spen

ded

solid

s m

ay c

ause

pro

blem

s w

ith s

eal.

Baco

n Bo

mb

May

aer

ate

sam

ple,

com

prom

isin

g VO

Cs.B

rass

con

stru

ctio

n

Sam

pler

1–11

--

-+

+-

+-

Low

100’

inco

mpa

tible

with

som

e liq

uids

.

Stra

tifie

d Sa

mpl

eTy

pica

lly u

sed

for c

onta

iner

ized

was

te.P

last

ic c

onst

ruct

ion

Thie

f1–

11-

+-

--

-+

-Lo

w-

mat

eria

l may

not

be

com

patib

le w

ith s

ome

subs

tanc

es.

Dept

h In

tegr

atin

gTy

pica

lly u

sed

to o

btai

n a

disc

harg

e-w

eigh

ted

sam

ple

Sam

pler

1–11

alon

g th

e st

ream

cro

ss s

ectio

n

Han

d-H

eld

Met

hods

Scoo

p/Sp

oons

/ VO

Cs m

ay b

e co

mpr

omis

ed

Shov

els

1–14

++

+-

--

-+

Low

Nea

r Sur

face

Hand

Aug

er1–

14+

++

--

--

+M

ed<

10’

VOCs

may

be

com

prom

ised.

Lith

olog

y id

entif

icat

ion

diffi

cult.

Driv

e Tu

bes

1–14

++

+-

--

-+

Low

< 1

5’Sa

mpl

e m

ay b

e lo

st in

wet

con

ditio

ns.S

ampl

e co

llect

ion

diffi

cult

in la

rge

grav

els

and

cobb

les.

Soil

Sludge

Sediment

Surface Water

Ground Water

Soil Gas/ Air

Drums/ Containers

Biota

IDW Volume

Depth


22


Soil

Sludge

Sediment

Surface Water

Ground Water

Soil Gas/ Air

Drums/ Containers

Biota

IDW Volume

Depth

Tech

nica

l Not

e 41

4Te

chni

que

Ana

lyte

Med

iaCo

mm

ents

Enco

re S

ampl

er1–

6+

++

--

--

-Lo

wSu

rface

Used

for s

ubco

ring

sam

ples

for c

olle

ctio

n of

VOC

s an

d SV

OCs.

Bott

le/B

ucke

t Gra

b1–

14+

++

+-

-+

+Lo

wSu

rface

Sam

ples

Gra

in S

ampl

er1–

11+

--

--

-+

-Lo

w5’

Use

ful f

or s

ampl

ing

gran

ular

or p

owde

red

mat

eria

l.

Gas

/Air

Col

lect

ion

Met

hods

Soil

Gas

Pro

be1,

3+

--

--

+-

-Lo

w10

0’Re

sults

dep

ende

nt o

n so

il m

atrix

con

ditio

ns.P

robe

s m

ay

clog

but

can

be

clea

red

with

wire

.

Myl

ar/T

eflo

n/1–

9-

--

--

+-

-Lo

w-

Moi

stur

e m

ay a

ffect

resu

lts.P

umps

use

d in

com

bina

tion.

Tedl

ar B

agBa

g se

lect

ion

base

d on

resi

stan

ce to

ads

orpt

ion

and

perm

eatio

n of

con

tam

inan

t of c

once

rn.

Cani

ster

1–9

--

--

-+

--

Low

-M

oist

ure

may

affe

ct re

sults

.

Pass

ive

Soil

Gas

1,3

+-

--

-+

--

Low

25’

Vert

ical

pro

file

use

is li

mite

d.Co

ncen

trat

ions

are

a

Sam

pler

baro

met

rical

ly d

epen

dent

and

ave

rage

d ov

er ti

me.

Cons

tant

Flo

w1–

9-

--

--

+-

-Lo

w-

Type

of p

ump

is d

epen

dent

on

phys

ical

pro

pert

ies

of th

e

Sam

pler

cont

amin

ant,

the

colle

ctio

n m

ediu

m,a

nd th

e flo

w ra

tes

Vacu

um P

ump

1–9

--

--

-+

--

Low

-re

quire

d fo

r the

spe

cifie

d m

etho

d.

Sam

pler

Pass

ive

Air S

ampl

er1–

9-

--

--

+-

-Lo

w-

Part

icul

ate

Sam

pler

s1–

9-

--

--

+-

-Lo

w-

Use

d fo

r col

lect

ion

of s

ampl

es fo

r dis

pers

ed li

quid

s

and

Cass

ette

san

d PM

10(m

ists

and

fogs

) and

sol

ids

(dus

t,fu

mes

,sm

oke)

.

Impi

nger

s/Bu

bble

rs1–

9-

--

--

+-

-Lo

w-

Biot

a Sa

mpl

ing

Met

hods

Elec

trof

ishi

ng1–

11,

--

--

--

-+

Low

Use

ful i

n ar

eas

with

une

ven

bott

oms.

Dow

nstr

eam

15co

llect

ion

may

be

nece

ssar

y.

Snor

kelin

g/An

glin

g1–

11,1

5-

--

--

--

+Lo

wN

ets

1–12

,-

--

--

--

+Lo

wN

ets

can

beco

me

clog

ged.

Tow

ing

spee

ds s

houl

d be

low

14,1

5w

hen

usin

g ne

ts to

avo

id d

iver

sion

effe

cts.

Dred

ge/G

rab

Sam

pler

2,+

+-

--

-+

High

Desc

ent o

f too

l may

dis

turb

fine

s.Po

ssib

le lo

ss o

f mat

eria

l

4–14

whe

n pu

lling

sam

ple.

Jaw

s m

ay b

ecom

e lo

dged

ope

n.

Mod

ified

from

Nav

al F

acili

ties

Engi

neer

ing

Com

man

d an

d th

e U.

S.En

viro

nmen

tal P

rote

ctio

n Ag

ency

,199

8,Fi

eld

Sam

plin

g an

d A

naly

sis T

echn

olog

ies M

atrix

and

Ref

eren

ce G

uide

(App

endi

x D)

,Firs

t Edi

tion.


23

Technical Note 414

LEGEND+ Applicable technology- Not an applicable technology

Analytes/Biota Type1. Non-halogenated volatile organics2. Non-halogenated semi-volatile organics3. Halogenated volatile organics4. Halogenated semi-volatile organics5. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons6. Pesticides/herbicides7. Metals8. Radionuclides9. Other inorganics (asbestos, cyanide, fluorine)10. Explosives11. Total Petroleum hydrocarbons12. Plankton13. Bacteria and other periphyton14. Benthos15. Fish

Depth LimitationsThe limitations sited are maximum depth in ideal conditions.Site-specific conditions may reduce the efficiency of the method.



chni

cal N

ote

414

24

Surface WaterSurface water environments encountered on BLMland can generally be put into three groupings:rivers, streams, and creeks; lakes and ponds; andsurface impoundments and lagoons. The type ofsample collection technique must be adapted tothe specific conditions of the water body.Conditions to consider include flow, depth, turbu-lence, and vertical stratification due to tempera-ture gradients. In rivers, streams, and creeks,samples should be collected immediately down-stream of turbulent areas or downstream of anymarked physical change in the channel to ensurerepresentativeness (EPA 1996). Care should betaken to minimize the disturbance of sedimentwhen taking samples. Sampling of lakes, ponds,impoundments, and lagoons is dependent on thesize of the basin as well as the number of tribu-taries. Vertical composites along a cross-sectionof larger water bodies should provide adequatecoverage of the area. In small water bodies, onecomposite sample may be considered sufficient.Vertical composites should not, however, be takenfor VOCs. For this analysis, separate grab samplesshould be taken.

The USGS National Field Manual for theCollection of Water-Quality Data is a thoroughdocument that covers both surface water andgroundwater sampling. It is targeted “specificallytoward field personnel in order to (1) establishand communicate scientifically sound methodsand procedures, (2) provide methods that mini-mize data bias and, when properly applied, resultin data that are reproducible within acceptable

limits of variability, (3) encourage consistent use offield methods for the purpose of producing nation-ally comparable data, and (4) provide citable docu-mentation for USGS water-quality data-collection pro-tocols. It informs field personnel of the major stepsneeded to prepare for water-quality data-collec-tion activities, select surface-water sampling sites,make reconnaissance visits to ground-water sam-pling sites and select wells that will meet scientificobjectives, and set up electronic and paper files.”The manual can be found at: http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual.

GroundwaterWhen sampling groundwater, prior knowledge ofthe well conditions and construction is necessary.This includes identification of the lithology of thearea. Information can be gained by reviewingdrilling logs and previous sampling records.Variations in well construction and lithology willhelp determine the amount of water that must bepurged from the well. The purpose of well purgingis to remove stagnant water in the wellbore andadjacent sand pack in order to get a sample that isrepresentative of the surrounding formation.

Selection of the well sampling device will depend onmany factors, such as depth of the well, diameter ofthe well, and yield of the formation. In someinstances, it may be appropriate to implementdepth-specific sampling. If the contaminant ofinterest is a VOC, care must be taken in selecting amethod to assure that aeration/degassing of thewater does not occur.

Further information on sediment and surface water sampling can be found in Chapter A8 of the USGS NationalField Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data at: http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/Chapter8/index.html.

http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual

http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/Chapter8/index.html


25

Technical Note 414

AirAir monitoring is done at a hazardous waste site fortwo purposes: to monitor the potential exposure toonsite workers, and to monitor the potential expo-sure to surrounding populations. The significantdifference in monitoring the two is that potentialexposure at the workplace occurs for approximately8 hours, 5 days a week, whereas potential exposureto surrounding populations is continuous through-out the week. The monitoring program must reflectthis difference.

Air monitoring methodologies can be divided intoseveral categories. In general, monitoring is done ateither a fixed station or via personal air monitors.Fixed or stationary station monitors are often locat-ed at the boundaries of a waste site to measurethe potential migration of a contaminant off thesite. This method is often implemented continuouslyduring cleanup activities. Personal air monitors areused primarily for workers during the time they arein the contaminated area.

Air monitoring can be further subdivided intoactive or passive methods. Active methods employthe use of pumps or vacuum devices, whereby theair sample is mechanically entrained within a speci-fied media or contained in a bag or canister thatwill be submitted for analysis. The sorbent mediaused is specific to the contaminant of interest. Aflow meter or valve is used to ensure that air iscollected at a constant rate over a specified periodof time. Passive methods either require air move-ment across the device or simple diffusion or per-meation of a compound to equilibrium with thesurrounding conditions.

Drums orContainerizedWasteHealth and safety is paramount when samplingdrums or containerized waste and should beperformed by experienced hazardous wastetechnicians. Old, deformed, or bulging containersindicate a potentially unstable situation.Attempts should not be made to sample drumsand containers until the internal pressure is atequilibrium with the atmospheric pressure. Theconditions of a drum may also dictate overpackingprior to sampling. Air monitoring should occurduring sampling of drummed or containerizedwaste.

In situations where numerous containers arepresent, verifiable information may be used toreduce the number of containers that are sam-pled. If such information is not available, eachcontainer should have a discrete sample.

Sampling of containerized solids is done via agrab sample or a composite sample, dependingon the size of the container and the samplingobjective.

When sampling containerized liquids, the poten-tial for layering exists. The use of samplingdevices that take this potential into account isrecommended. The stratified sample thief orComposite Liquid Waste Sampler (COLIWASA)are designed to address layering of liquids.Depending on the objective of the samplingevent, a composite of the liquid may bedesired or a discrete sample of each layer maybe preferred.


chni

cal N

ote

414

26

Waste PilesWaste piles are frequently encountered onabandoned mine lands and processing facilities.When determining the sampling protocol to beemployed for waste piles, several factors must beconsidered.

Initially, the volume of the waste pile should bedetermined. State or Federal regulations mayrequire a certain number of samples per unitvolume. Unless significant background informa-tion is available regarding the processing usedat the site, waste piles should be consideredheterogeneous. Exposure to the elements mayalso cause variability within a waste pile. Thesampling strategy should take into accountvertical and lateral changes.

Several sampling methods may need to beimplemented to adequately characterize wastepiles. As with soils, site-specific or contaminant-specific conditions may dictate the selectedmethodology.

Sludges and SlurriesSludges and slurries are a mixture of solids andliquids. Generally, sludge consists of more solidsor a more viscous liquid such as crude oil. Whensampling sludges and slurries, it is necessary toascertain whether the material is layered. This isparticularly true of surface impoundments. Largersurface impoundments may require grab samplesat several locations and depths, whereas drumsand small pits may call for only one sample.

When sampling sludges and slurries, the nature ofthe material will dictate the type of samplingequipment. The more solid materials can be sampledwith soil or sediment sampling equipment, whileliquid samplers may be more appropriate for someslurries. It is prudent to consider disposable equip-ment when sampling the more viscous sludges.

BiotaIndigenous species can be used as an indicator ofthe biological effects of pollutants more accuratelythan predictions from chemical analyses. Theeffects of contaminants can occur directly orthrough bioaccumulation. For instance, examiningthe biodiversity of a river or stream can provideinsight into the overall health of that environment.The larvae of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, andtrue flies have been used to identify point sourcesof environmental hazards in streams and otherwetlands. It is important to clearly define theobjective of biota sampling in the DQO process.

Biological data are highly variable. Informationgained from biota sampling is more valuable ifthere is a direct correlation, both spatially andchronologically, to sampling of other media.Sample locations should be as near as possible tosoil, sediment, or surface water sample locations.The analysis of the information from the samplingwill require a multidisciplined individual or team ofindividuals.

Artificial substrates may be considered for samplingperiphyton and benthos in aquatic environments.These substrates may result in a more representa-

For current information on emerging technologies, consult the Field Analytical Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE)website, developed jointly by EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers, which provides up-to-date information aboutcharacterization technologies. This can be found at http://FATE.CLU-IN.ORG.


27

Technical Note 414

tive sampling as variation induced through directsampling are lowered and the method is relativelystraightforward.

When taking plant samples, the entire plant shouldbe collected if size and conditions allow. If this isnot possible, field personnel should emphasize col-lection of complete leaves, reproductive structures,and stem sections. Sample size, preservation, andstorage criteria depend on the material sampled,the environment of origin, and the requestedanalysis.

The recordation of field observations during thecollection of biota is important. Field personnelshould note any variation in conditions that exist inthe potentially contaminated area compared to thesurrounding area. Theses variations include the exis-tence of plants that appear stressed, reduced oreliminated species populations, or any other condi-tions that could be considered abnormal.

Soil Gas SurveysSoil gas surveys are used for detection of VOCs inthe area between the surface and groundwaterknown as the vadose zone. They are used to helpdelineate the boundaries of a contaminant plumeboth in the groundwater and vadose zone andare useful in finding potential sources.

As with ambient air monitoring, soil gas monitor-ing methods employ the use of active methodsand passive methods. The use of pumps or vacu-um devices is applied when pipe probes or gaspiezometers are installed. The sample is thencollected in a contaminant- specific media, abag, or a canister. Passive methods utilize simplediffusion or permeation of a compound into asorbent material until equilibrium with thesurrounding conditions is achieved.

http://FATE.CLU-IN.ORG


29

Technical Note 414

Analytical MethodsThe selection of the analytical method for thewaste stream or media depends on several factors.Many of these factors will be determined in theData Quality Objective (DQO) process. Availableinformation regarding the site and the known orpotential contaminants will help guide the methodselection.

In considering contaminants that have more thanone analytical method, it is valuable to examinethe method detection limits (MDL). The Code ofFederal Regulations (40 CFR Part 136) provides thedefinition of MDL as "the minimum concentrationof a substance that can be measured and reportedwith 99 percent confidence that the analyte con-centration is greater than zero and is determinedfrom analysis of a sample in a given matrix contain-ing the analyte." Some methods may not achievethe level required by regulatory levels or necessary for risk analysis. There are situationswhere enforceable water quality limits are belowthe MDL. Early communication with the regulatorycommunity is advisable in these instances.Communication with the selected laboratory is alsoimportant. The methods implemented at laboratories

vary. If lower detection limits are required forcertain analytes, the use of several labs may benecessary.

The nature of the material being sampled mayalso dictate the analytical method to be used.Methods that apply specifically to drinking waterstandards may not directly apply to the waterbeing sampled at the site. When sampling todetermine if a waste is regulated as a ResourceConservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) toxicitycharacteristic waste, the method to be imple-mented is the Toxicity Characteristic LeachingProcedure or TCLP.

SamplePreservationSample preservation is done to minimize anychanges, either physical or chemical, that mayoccur between sample collection and laboratoryanalysis. Without preservation, sample concentra-tions may not be representative of the actualconditions at the site.

The EPA publication SW-846, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods, is the Officeof Solid Waste's official compendium of analytical and sampling methods that have been evaluated and approvedfor use in complying with the RCRA regulations. SW-846 functions primarily as a guidance document setting forthacceptable, although not required, methods for the regulated and regulatory communities to use in responding toRCRA-related sampling and analysis requirements. Online access to the test methods is available through the EPAat http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm.

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm


chni

cal N

ote

414

30

The appropriate method of preservation isdependent on the physical characteristics of thesample, the concentration of the analytes in thesample, and the analytical method. You shouldconsult with the laboratory concerning theaddition of chemical preservatives. Many labo-ratories will supply preservatives for the specificsample. The preservatives may be premeasuredand placed in the sample containers or a sepa-rate preservative may be supplied for addition tothe sample bottle.

Holding TimesSample concentrations can degrade over time. Tominimize this, the specific analytical methods havedesignated holding times. Samples that are ana-lyzed outside of their specified holding times areconsidered qualified and can only be used todemonstrate whether a concentration exceeds aregulatory threshold, such as water quality criteriaor hazardous waste designation levels. They cannotbe used to demonstrate compliance.


31

Technical Note 414

Work PlanImplementationOnce the work plan is developed, additional sup-port activities are necessary prior to actual sam-pling plan implementation. These activities include:

• Ensuring site access• Procurement of subcontracts (e.g., drilling con-

tractor, analytical laboratory)• Coordinating shipment of sample containers and

chain-of-custody forms from the laboratory• Procurement of field equipment (personal protec-

tive equipment or PPE, sampling equipment)• Calibration of field monitoring equipment

Prior to performing any field sampling, a siteHealth and Safety Plan (HASP) must be devel-oped. The HASP shall comply with the Office ofSafety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards

for hazardous waste site operations (40 CFR§1920.120) and shall specifically address the fol-lowing: health and safety policies, key personnelhealth and safety responsibilities, employeeresponsibilities, PPE, standard work practices,medical monitoring, exposure monitoring,health and safety program documentation, andthe personnel training program.

As the information about the current conditionsof the site may be limited, flexibility in the fieldmay be required. It should be expected that thenumber and location of samples specified in thework plan might need to be modified based onchanges in the field. Documentation of all fieldchanges should be completed.

A recommended reference for use in the field is Description and Sampling of Contaminated Soils: A Field PocketGuide (EPA/625/12-91/002, November 1991). The guide provides procedures and site characterization informationthat is valuable when performing reconnaissance or a detailed investigation of a site.


33

Technical Note 414

Additional Informationand Technical SupportAs stated earlier, the purpose of this technical noteis to introduce the concepts and issues related tosampling at hazardous waste sites and to provide aquick reference to websites and documents that canassist field personnel in implementing a site charac-terization plan. Several recommendations are listedto assist field personnel in developing the skillsnecessary to oversee or perform hazardous wastesampling.

The Bureau of LandManagementThe BLM’s National Science and TechnologyCenter (NSTC) provides senior technical servicesand support to BLM offices in the following areas:

• Evaluation and cleanup of hazardous substance releases

• Cost recovery/cost avoidance associated with thecleanup/restoration and resource injury resultingfrom releases of hazardous substances

• Air and water quality issues related to the publiclands

• Compliance with environmental laws and regulations

NSTC personnel can assist in the developmentand implementation of a site-specific work plan,provide contracting assistance, or provide techni-cal oversight for field activities. Call NSTC at 303-236-2772 or visit the website atwww.blm.gov/nstc for more information.

The BLM’s National Training Center (NTC) pro-vides training related to hazardous waste sitesand abandoned mine site investigation. Furthertraining is suggested for those personnel new tothe field of environmental investigations. Someof the courses include:

• Characterization of Abandoned Mine Lands(1703-14)

• Environmental Site Assessment (1703-13)• Hazardous Materials Management—The Basics

(1703-00)• Law Enforcement in Environmental Compliance

and Pollution Prevention (1703-10)

Call NTC at 602-926-5500 or visit the website atwww.ntc.blm.gov.

http://www.blm.gov/nstc

http://www.ntc.blm.gov


chni

cal N

ote

414

34

The EnvironmentalProtection AgencyThe EPA’s National Service Center forEnvironmental Publications (NSCEP) maintains anddistributes EPA publications in hardcopy, CDROM, and other multimedia formats. Each month,NSCEP produces a list of new titles availablefrom the Center. There are a number of ways toget this information or to order publications.

• Internet: Access at http://www.epa.gov/ncepi-hom.

• Phone: Call 1-800-490-9198 or (513) 489-8190. You can speak to an operatorMonday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,EST. You can leave an order 24 hours a day.

• Fax: Send your order 24/7 to 513-489-8695

• Mail:U.S. EPA/NSCEPP.O. Box 42419Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-0419

There is an electronic list server for people whowant to keep current with new EPA publications.To receive the new titles listing by e-mail, accessthe link provided or send an e-mail with a subjectline of “Subscribe to [email protected].”Subscriptions can also be called in to the toll-freenumber or e-mailed to [email protected] with theSubject listed as Subscribe and a note stating thatyou would like to subscribe to the NSCEP New EPAPublications List Serve. The new titles list can alsobe accessed at: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ncepihom/nsCatalog.nsf/newpubs?OpenView&Start=1>yosemite.epa.gov/ncepihom.

http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom

http://yosemite.epa.gov/ncepihom/nsCatalog.nsf/newpubs?OpenView&Start=1>yosemite.epa.gov/ncepihom


35

Technical Note 414

ReferencesKeith, Lawrence H. 1996. Principles of

Environmental Sampling, Second Edition.American Chemical Society. Washington, DC.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency. 1998. FieldSampling and Analysis Technologies Matrix andReference Guide, First Edition.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Guidancefor Quality Assurance Project Plans, [QA/G-5].EPA/240/R-02/009. Washington, DC.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2002b. RCRAWaste Sampling Draft Technical Guidance—Planning, Implementation and Assessment.EPA530-D-02-002.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1998.Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans[QA/R-5]. Washington, DC.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1996.Engineering Support Branch, StandardOperating Procedures and Quality AssuranceManual. Region IV, Environmental ServicesDivision.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1994.Guidance for the Data Quality ObjectivesProcess [QA/G-4]. EPA/600/R-96/055.

Environmental Protection Agency. 1990. QualityAssurance/Quality Control Guidance forRemoval Activities: Sampling QA/QC Plan andData Validation Procedures. Interim Final.EPA/540/G-90/004.

Weiner, Scott. 1992. Field Sampling ProceduresManual. New Jersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection and Energy.

The mention of company names, trade names, or commercialproducts does not constitute endorsement or recommendationfor use by the Federal Government.

hazardous waste site sampling basics · pdf filedump sites; abandoned ... location, number,...

Documents