EPA/540/G-91/0103
Directive No. 9835.1 (c)
GUIDANCE ON OVERSIGHT OF
POTENTIALLY RESPONSIBLE PARTY
REMEDIAL INVESTIGATIONS AND
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Final
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Waste Programs Enforcement
Washington, D.C. 20460
VOLUME 1
Printed on Recycled Paper
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This document was developed by the Guidance and Evaluation Branch of the CERCLA
Enforcement Division in EPA's Office of Waste Programs Enforcement. Matthew
Charsky served as EPA's Project Coordinator. The project was directed by Sally
Mansbach, Acting Director CERCLA Enforcement Division, with the assistance of
Arthur Weissman, Guidance and Evaluation Branch Chief.
The following Regional, State, and Headquarters individuals provided significant input in
the development and review of this document:
Susan Cange
Perry Katz
Patricia Tan
Donald Guinyard
Rick Karl
Pauletta France-Isetts
Jeff Rosenbloom
Wayne Grother
Kevin Cabbie
John Rotert
Tony Diecidue
Carrie Capuco
Patty Bubar
Rashalee Levine
Steve Hooper
Steve Golian
Phil King
Sandra Couriers
EPA, OERR
EPA, Region H
EPA, Region m
EPA, Region IV
EPA, Region V
EPA, Region VH
EPA, Region IX
EPA, Region X
EMSL-LV
EMSL-LV
EPA, OWPE
EPA, OWPE
EPA, OWPE
EPA, OWPE
EPA, OWPE
EPA, OERR
EPA, OERR/AZ State
EPA,OECM
This handbook was produced by PRC Environmental Management, Inc., under EPA
Contract No. 68-01-7331. Paul Dean served as Project Manager for PRC Environmental
Management, Inc.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
B OVERSIGHT OF SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES ............... B-1
B.I INITIAL OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES . . B-1
B.I.I Preparation . B-1
B.I.2 Preliminary On-site Activities B-4
B.2 MEDIA SPECIFIC SAMPLING ACTIVITIES B-6
B.2.1 Surface Water B-6
B.2.2 Ground Water . B-17
B.2.3 Soil Water B-23
B.2.4 Surface Soil . . . . . B-31
B.2.5 Subsurface Soil B-35
B.2.6 Soil Vapor B-37
B.2.7 Sludge and Slurry B-41
B.2.8 Containerized Waste (Drums, Tanks, Hoppers, Bags, Waste Piles) . . . B-48
B.2.9 Ambient Air , . B-52
B.3 COMMON SAMPLING ACTIVITIES B-56
B.3.1 Containers B-57
B.3.2 Labels/Tags B-59
B.3.3 Preservation/Handling B-60
B.3.4 Chain-of-Custody Information B-64
B.4 POST-SAMPLING ACTIVITIES . B-66
B.4.1 Packaging B-66
B.4.2 Shipping B-69
B.4.3 Decontamination B-72
B.5 QUALITY REVIEW ACTIVITIES .... B-74
B.5.1 Quality Review Samples B-74
B.6 DOCUMENTATION OF SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES B-78
B.6.1 Oversight Team Field Activity Report/Logbook B-78
:.-' B.6.2 Oversight Team Photographic/Video Log B-80
C OVERSIGHT OF WELL DRILLING AND INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES C-l
C.I INITIAL OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES C-l
C.2 BOREHOLE ADVANCEMENT C-3
C.2.1 Drilling Activities C-3
C.2.2 Soil Sample Collection C-13
C.2.3 Decontamination C-16
111
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Section
Page
C.3 WELL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION . . . .... C-l:?
C.3.1 Well Design C-l?
C.3.2 Well Installation C-23
C.3.3 Well Completion C-24
C.4 POST INSTALLATION -...-.... .r. C-25
C.4.1 Well Development .... . C-25
C.4.2 Ground-Water Sampling .". . C-27
C.5 DOCUMENTATION OF WELL DRILLING AND INSTALLATION
ACTIVITIES ,. C-28
C.5.1 Oversight Team Field Activity Report/Logbook C-28
C.5.2 Oversight Team Photographic/Video Log C-29
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Table "_ ' " -:-'/',-' ' .- :;,'.-'- -li ' '] """' ;''.;' '' "''::'" Page
B-l. SAMPLE BOTTLES RECOMMENDED BY SAMPLE TYPE ... ,'. . , . . , . , ,,'.,', B-5$
B-2. SAMPLE PRESERVATION PROCEDURES ,':. . ,'.-.'.' , ... ..... B-63
C-1. DRILLING METHODS SUMMARY -, , ,; .... .,.........,..;.,,,.... C-6
O-! SOIL DENSITY/CONSISTENCY . . . . ........: ., . . , : . V C-17
C-3. WELL DEVELOPMENT TECHNIQUES .,.,,..-,:'... ,;. . . ... .,.,..,, .. ,', ,. C-26
.-'". , LIST OF
Figure ' - '.':.'
B-L COMMON SURFACE WATER SAMPLERS . . . . . . , . . :\ . '. .,. ... . . .., , , . B-10
B-2. COMMON SURFACE WATER SAMPLERS .,,....... . . , . .-. . . .... . . ...,.., B-1J
B-3. COMMON SEDIMENT SAMPLERS .'/. . , . . . . .", . ,..'. . :,. . , , B.-13
B-4. GROUND-WATER SAMPLERS ,.,,..;...... . . , . .,., , . . . B-,20
B-5. DIVISIONS OF SUBSURFACE WATER . .,...,., . . . /.....,..., B-25
B-6. LYSIMETERS . ,'.: . . . . ... '.'....,'. .,_. : < , ,,,, B-27
B-7. SUCTION SAMPLERS ....... . ,...,.,.., , . . , ; ,,.....,, . B-29
B-8. COMMON SOIL SAMPLES y. ...;.. ,....;. , . . , . . . ,.', ... ; . ,,..., B-33
B-9. SPLIT SPOON SAMPLER ..,,,.. . . . , . .'.".".,.;. , ,-'X...r ,....,,,;...,',. B-36
BrlO. SLUDGE AND SLURRY SAMPLERS : f:'. V. ',',;. -,',-, .-..,'. ,-'. . .', .', ..,,, «., , , - B-44
B^ll. TYPICAL SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION TAG ....................... B-61
B-12. CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY RECORD ...... . , , ,,.,.,, B-65
B-13. CUSTODY SEALS AND BILL OF LADING ..,.'., ..,....,,..,,, B-71
C-l. AUGERS ....... . ,,>,..,.,,..,.,,,..,,.,.,,,., C-8
C-2. MUD AND WATER ROTARY DRILLING . , ...'. . , , . , v. . . . , , . , ? < C-9
C-3. CABLE TOOL STRING ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS . . . . . , ... ? C-ll
C-4. SOIL BORING LOG . . , ..... . ..>.,/. . .;,,,. s ,.;. .,,.,... ..,.,,,,.,., C-14
C-5. SOIL CLASSIFICATION CHART C-15
C-6. TYPICAL GROUND-WATER MONITORING WELL CROSS-SECTION C-2Q
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
AA
AD
AERIS
AOC
ARARs
ARCS
ATSDR
ATTIC
BBS
BTAG
CA
CD
CDC
CEAM
CEPP
CERCLA
CERCLIS
CLP
COLIS
CORA
CRP
DOC
DOD
DOE
DOI
DOJ
DOL
DOT
DQO
EA
ECAO
EECA
EEM
EIS
E-MAIL
EMSL
EPA or "the Agency"
ERGS
ERIS
ERL
ERT
ESD
EST
FEMA
FIT
FFA
FMO
FSP
HSCD
HEAST
Assistant Administrator
Air Division
Aid for Evaluating the Redevelopment of Industrial Sites
Administrative Order on Consent
Applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements
Alternative Remedial Contract Strategy
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Alternate Treatment Technology Information Center
Bulletin Board System
Biological Technical'Assistance Group
Cooperative Agreement
Consent Decree
Center for Disease Control
Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling
Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Information System
Contract laboratory program
Computerized On-Line Information Systems
Cost of Remedial Action
Community relations plan
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Department of Transportation
Data quality objectives
Ecological/environmental assessment
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis
Environmental Evaluation Manual
Environmental impact statement
Electronic mail system
Environmental Monitoring System Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Emergency Response Contracting Strategy
Expert Resources Inventory System
Environmental Research Laboratory
Environmental Response Team
Environmental Services Division
Eastern Standard Time
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Field Investigation Team
Federal facility agreement
Financial management office -
Field sampling plan
Hazardous Site Control Division
Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables
VI
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HHEM
HHS
HRS
HSP
HWCD
IAG
IFMS
IMC
IRIS
LDR
MCL
MCLG
NCC
NCP
NEIC
NOAA
NPDES
NPL
NPTN
NRC
OE
O&M
OECM
OERR
OFFE
OGC
OHEA
ORC
ORD
OSHA
OSWER
OWPE
PA
PC
PRGs
PRP
PWS
QA/QC
QAPjP
RAGS
RAS
RCRA
RD/RA
REM
RFD
RI/FS
RME
ROD
RPM
RREL
RSKERL
SAP
SAS
LIST OF ACRONYMS
(continued)
Human Health Evaluation Manual
Health and Human Services
Hazard Ranking System
Health and safety plan
Hazardous Waste Collection Database
Interagency agreement
Information Management Systems
Information Management Coordinator
Integrated Risk Information System
Land Disposal Restriction
Maximum contaminant Jevel
Maximum contaminant level goal
National Computer Center
National Contingency Plan
National Enforcement Investigations Center
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Nationalpollutant discharge elimination system
National Priorities List
National Pesticides Telecommunications Network
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Enforcement
Operation and maintenance
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring
Office of Emergency and Remedial 'Response
Office of Federal Facilities Enforcement
Office of General Counsel
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment
Office of Regional Counsel
Office of Research and Development
Occupational Safety and Health,Administration
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Office of Waste Programs Enforcement
Preliminary assessment
Personal computer
Preliminary remediation goals
Potentially responsible party
Public Water Supply
Quality assurance/quality control
Quality Assurance Project Plan
"Risk Assessment Guidance for Super fund
Routine analytical sampling
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Remedial design/remedial action
Remedial Engineering Management
Reference dosage .
Remedial investigation/feasibility study
Reasonable maximum exposure
Record of decision
Remedial Project Manager
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Sampling and analysis plan
Special analytical sampling
vn
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
(continued)
SCAP
SCEES
SEAM
SFWS
SGS
SHPO
SI
SIF
SITE
SMOA
SNL
SOP
SOW
SPO
SRI
START
TAP
TAT
TSCA
TES
TIX
TRIS
TS
TST
UAO
UIC
USCOE
USDA
USFWS
USGS
WD
WMD
WP
Superfund Comprehensive Action Plan
Site Cost Estimate and Evaluation Study
Superfund Exposure Assessment Manual
State Fish and Wildlife Service
State Geological Survey
State Historic Preservation Office
Site inspection
Site Information Form (CERCLIS)
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation Program
Superfund Memorandum of Agreement
Special notice letter
Standard operating procedures
Statement of Work
State Project Officer
Superfund Remediation Information '
Superfund Technical Assistance Response Team
Treatability Assistance Program
Technical Assistance Team
Toxic Substances Control Act . ;
Technical Enforcement Support
Technical Information Exchange
Toxic Release Inventory System
Treatability Study
Technical Support Team "~
Unilateral Administrative Order
Underground Injection Control
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
United States Department of Agriculture ,
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
United States Geological Service '>'' '
Water Division
Waste Management Division
Work Plan
vin
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VOLUME 2
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
Intended
Audience
Volume 2 of this document describes the oversight of sampling and analysis
activities (Appendix Bl) and of well drilling and installation activity
(Appendix Cl) conducted during a Remedial Investigation (RI) by potentially
responsible parties (PRPs) at Enforcement-lead sites addressed under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as
amended (CERCLA). Checklists to assist in the documentation of sampling
and analysis activities are contained in Appendix B2 while documentation of
well drilling and installation activities are contained in Appendix C2. The
information presented in Volume 2 is consistent with the references listed at
the end of Appendices B and C.
Volume 1 parallels activities described in the "Guidance for Conducting
Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA" (OSWER
Directive No. 9355.3-01, October, 1988, referred to here as the "RI/FS
Guidance") and the "Model Statement of Work for a Remedial Investigation
and Feasibility Study Conducted by Potentially Responsible Parties" (OSWER
Directive No. 9835.8, June 2, 1989, referred to here as the "Model SOW for
PRP-lead RI/FSs"). It provides project managers with the procedures required
to organize and perform appropriate oversight duties and responsibilities. This
document is guidance only; it is not a binding set of requirements and does not
create rights for any party.
For a more in-depth discussion of the entire Superfund Enforcement Program
including removal and remedial actions, refer to the "Enforcement Project
Management Handbook" (OSWER Directive No. 9837.2-A, January 1991).
The handbook addresses the remedial planning and implementation process
from the point of the baseline PRP search (generally conducted after the site is
placed on the National Priorities List (NPL)), to the point of completion of
remedial activity and the site's deletion from the NPL.
The intended audience for this document is remedial project managers
(RPMs), although it can be adapted for use by other parties such as States,
PRPs, contractors and other persons involved in the RI/FS process.
IX
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Summary of
Appendices
Appendix B Appendix B, "Oversight of Sampling and Analysis Activities" describes the
activities that the oversight team should conduct during field activities. The
appendix discusses initial oversight activities such as plan reviews and
preliminary on-site activities as well as specific sampling oversight activities
for the following nine media:
Surface Water
Ground Water
Soil Water
Surface Soil
Sub-surface Soil
Soil Vapor
Sludge and Slurry
-""
Containerized Waste (Drums, Tanks, Hoppers, Bags, and Waste
Piles)
Ambient Air
The appendix describes sampling locations, equipment, and techniques as well
as field analytical techniques for each media. The appendix also discusses
sample containers, labels, preservation, chain-of-custody, packaging shipping,
and quality review.
Appendix C Appendix C, "Oversight of Well Drilling and Installation Activities" describes
the activities that the oversight team should conduct during well drilling and
installation activities such as well location, geologic units, type of drilling,
drilling fluids, drilling waste, and decontamination as well as soil sample
collection and logging. The appendix also describes well design, installation,
completion and development.
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APPENDIX B
OVERSIGHT OF SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES
In accordance with CERCLA Section 104(b), sampling and analysis activities
may be conducted by the potentially responsible parties (PRPs). This appendix
describes the activities that an oversight assistant should conduct and the
factors to be considered during oversight of PRP sampling and analysis
. activities. , '
. . ..'' ^ *
This appendix is based on other, more complete sampling and analysis
guidance documents and should not be considered a substitute for them.
Specifically, this appendix includes information on:
Initial oversight activities;
Media-specific sampling activities;
Common sampling activities;
Post-sampling activities; and
Quality review activities.
The organization of this chapter corresponds to the Field Activity Report for
oversight of sampling and analysis (see Section B.6.1 in this Appendix).
B.I
INITIAL OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
There are a number of activities that the oversight assistant should perform
before beginning the sampling and analysis plan (SAP). These activities will
help the oversight assistant to: become familiar with the planned site activities,
including the health and safety, requirements;-organize and plan the resources
for oversight; coordinate with other parties involved at the site; and make the
necessary preliminary observations at the site.
B.1.1
Review
Sampling and
Analysis Plan
Preparation
Preparation for conducting oversight involves reviewing the site Work Plan,
the SAP, and the health and safety plan; securing the necessary oversight tools;
and coordinating with the appropriate parties before arriving at the site.
The SAP consists of the field sampling plan (FSP) and the quality assurance
project plan (QAPjP). The content and purpose of these plans are discussed in
greater detail in Volume 1, Chapter 3 and in EPA's "Guidance for Conducting
Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA" (U.S. EPA,
1988 Chapter 2 and Appendix B).
The RPM and oversight assistant should review the SAP to become familiar
with the media that will be sampled; the location, number and type of samples
that will be collected; the equipment, techniques, and procedures that are
planned for collecting, labeling, preserving, packaging, and shipping samples;
the procedures for recordkeeping and documentation; and the quality
B-l
-------
Review Health
and Safety
Requirements
assurance built into the plan to achieve project data quality objectives. The
oversight assistant should review the names and backgrounds of field personnel
as well. Familiarity with the details of the SAP will allow the oversight ,
assistant to focus dn observing the activities at the site.
To determine the objective of the planned sampling activities, the RPM and
oversight assistant should focus on the following information when reviewing
the SAP:
The site background and the history of previous activities at or concerning
the site;
The suspected contaminants*' the types of contaminated media, and the
reason for concern (for example, health effects, surrounding population,
and migration of contamination); and .
The quality and types of data needed to characterize the site.
' ' f ' ' i
:The RPM and oversight assistant should review the PRP's health and safety
plan (HSP) to become familiar with the health and safety procedures and
protocols that will, be used by the contractors at the site. The RPM and
oversight assistant should pay particular attention to the following sections:
the known Or suspected contaminants at the site; and the suspected location
and concentration of contaminants -- including the hazards associated with
each contaminant (such as toxicity and health effects) and the action levels
that would require upgrading personal protective equipment or abandoning the
site. The oversight assistant should become familiar with the site emergency
procedures, the type of protective equipment to be wbrn by field personnel
during each activity, the location of the designated work areas and clean areas,
the location of the nearest medical facility, and the procedures and equipment
for monitoring the work area, for potentially hazardous materials.
Detailed information on health and safety requirements for hazardous waste
sites is found in EPA Order No. 1440.2, "Health and Safety Requirements of
Employees Engaged in Field-Activities" (U.S. EPA, 1981), and OSHA
regulations in 29 CFR 1910.120 (see Federal Register 45654. December 19,
1986). More detailed guidance directed specifically at health and safety
activities is described Under the media-specific sampling technique sections of
this manual.
Secure
Oversight
Tools
The tools needed to ensure effective oversight include both the equipment for
collecting oversight samples and providing health and safety protection for
field personnel, and the equipment for documenting site activities.
The equipment arid materials deeded, to collect, contain, label, preserve,
package, and ship the oversight samples is discussed in greater detail in the
following Sections: ;
Sampling equipment for each medium to be sampled (Section B.2);
Sample containers (Section B.3.1);
Labels and tags (Section B.3.2); ,
B~2
-------
Coordinate
with
Personnel
Preservative materials (Section B-3.3);
,-. - - i -- * ,-~;.-. >r > ...rt=.. -- - /.,. '-'":-;?>-*/?u'ri
Packaging and shipping materials (Sections B.4.1 and B.4.2);
Quality review (Section B.5). ,
The oversight assistant should refer to: the PRP's Work Plan schedule and the
SAP to determine the specific equipment that will be needed for each day's
activities. The required equipment is supplied by the oversight team itself,
except for decontamination equipment (usually, the oversight team uses the
PRP's equipment). The oversight assistant should contact the PRP to confirm
this arrangement before going to the site. If the PRP is not^willing to share
decontamination equipment, the equipment should be secured by the oversight
team. ' . '.'
The tools used for documenting the sampling and analysis field activities
include the following (see Section B.6): ' : '
Field Activity Report for assisting the oversight assistant in focusing on
the key aspects of the sampling and analysis activities in term's of '
oversight, and for recording details of these activities;
' Field logbook for the RPM to'record facts regarding: the site conditions,
- field measurements, location and type of samples collected, and dates and
'; ' times of sampling activities; and
Photographic Or video/camera for obtaining a visual record of the site
and sampling activities. , ,
Preparing for field oversight of sampling and analysis activities requires
extensive coordination with all of the parties involved. These parties usually
include:
. . , .; -Jr- , .:->-. . : - , ' .'- > ' " . > V '.- '. , ' ; -'-
The PRP's primary representative to EPA;
The PRP's field supervisor;
The Federal, State, and local assistants (as identified by the RPM); and
The oversight team's laboratory representative.
In many cases,'other parties are involved, including the following:
i > . " -'-->, "" " " . - L . " ^ *''",'" ,> * " "'"'
The PRP''s contractor if other than field supervisor;
The oversight team's contractor;
The EPA coordinator for the Contract Laboratory Program (CLP); and
The PRP's facility5 representative (if other than'the PRP's primary
representative). . . . , . ^.
The RPM or oversight assistant should communicate with the relevant parties
(usually by telephone) on a' regular basis' regarding the'pianned activities at the
site. It is especially important for the oversight assistant to obtain a
B-3
-------
commitment from the laboratory that will analyze the split, duplicate, and
blank samples (see Section B.5) several weeks in advance of the scheduled site
activities. Laboratory scheduling is the most common obstacle in coordinating
oversight activities. If the laboratory analysis is arranged through the CLP,
the oversight assistant should contact the CLP coordinator at least 4 to 6 weeks
before the planned sampling date. Arranging private laboratory services
generally requires less notice, but still requires adequate planning.
B.1.2
Review
Personnel
Qualifica-
tions/Respon-
sibilities
Preliminary On-site Activities
The RPM and oversight assistant should acquaint themselves with the names,
responsibilities, and general qualifications of the personnel designated in the
SAP. They should realize, however, that frequently the PRP's staffing plans
change; personnel substitutions are routine and should not alarm the RPM or
oversight assistant. If staffing changes are made, the oversight assistant should
make a note in the field activity report and determine informally if the
substitution seems reasonable (either by observing the individual's activities or
by communicating with him/her). In making this determination, the oversight
assistant should use his/her professional judgment, keeping in mind that the
PRP has no incentive to send an unqualified individual to the field. The -
oversight assistant should not delay the PRP's activities to verify personnel
substitutions. If the PRP has substituted an unqualified individual to perform
field work, the oversight assistant should be able to tell by observing that
individual as sampling activities proceed. In this case, the oversight assistant
should notify the RPM.
Review
Location and
Number of
Samples
The oversight assistant should be familiar with the planned location and
number of samples designated in the SAP and should compare the plan with
the actual number and location of samples collected in the field. The oversight
assistant should not delay the PRP's activities to check compliance with the
SAP; rather, the assistant should gather information by observing of
conversing with the PRP briefly at the beginning of each day. If the field
supervisor holds a briefing or safety meeting at the start of each day, this is a
good time for the oversight assistant to gather information.
Frequently, sampling locations will be modified in the field, usually when
access to a planned sampling location is obstructed by an unforeseen physical
barrier. The oversight assistant should make a note in the field activity report
of any changes in the sampling location and should use his/her judgment to
evaluate whether the change is reasonable (see Section B.I.I). To make this
evaluation, the oversight assistant should consider the objectives of the
sampling and analysis activities, as described in the SAP. A change in ;
sampling location that the oversight assistant feels might adversely affect the
outcome of the sampling effort should first be discussed with the PRPs' field
supervisor. If the disagreement cannot be resolved, inquiry should be made to
the RPM at the first available moment.
Review
Sampling
Equipment
The oversight assistant should be familiar with the media and types of
sampling equipment designated in the SAP and should compare the equipment
at the site and the equipment that was designated in the SAP for each medium
to be sampled. The oversight assistant should focus his/her attention on the
major types of equipment, such as split spoon samplers for collecting
undisturbed soil samples, bailers for collecting groundwater samples, or pumps
B-4
-------
for purging monitoring wells before sampling. Details such as the size of
bailers, the type of bailer wire, or the type of pump tubing during the
preliminary on-site activities are generally of minor concern. The oversight
assistant should refer to Section B.2 of this manual if there are any questions
concerning the application and use of sampling equipment for each medium.
If the major equipment the PRP has at the site is different than designated in
the SAP, the oversight assistant should refer to the detailed information for the
media-specific sampling activities (Section B.2) to evaluate the validity of the
equipment substitution. The oversight assistant should pay special attention to
the sampling activities when the equipment is used. The oversight assistant
: . should not delay the PRP's activities to'determine if the equipment is
~ acceptable. A discussion should be held with the field supervisor if the--
oversight assistant feels that the equipment is not acceptable'for some reason. '
If the disagreement cannot be resolved, an inquiry should be made to the RPM
" at the first available moment. ^
Check Layout of the decontamination and clean areas at the site should be one of the
Decontamina- first activities that the PRP's contractors should perform before beginning
tion Area/ , sampling and analysis. Locations for these areas should be designated in the
Clean Area SAP. The oversight assistant should be familiar with the general location and
configuration planned for these areas, and should check to see that the areas
are placed according to the SAP. ' '
Tour of Site Before sample collection begins, the oversight assistant and his/her team
should conduct a walking tour of the site. The walking tour serves two
functions: 1) to familiarize oversight personnel with the site and the
surrounding area (the oversight team should be sufficiently familiar with the
site to find their way in the event of an-emergency), and 2) to identify general
background site conditions that might affect sampling activities or sample
results. ' ,
.... - - '.( - " : '' ' ' " '' ' ' '
The effect of background site conditions on the sampling activities and sample
results varies with each sample medium and type Of sample. Detailed
information on the effects of background site conditions on sampling activities
and sample results is provided for each sample medium in Sections B.2.1
through B.2.9. The oversight assistant should note any background site
conditions that he/she observes during the walking tour and should pay special
attention to these conditions affecting a particular area of sampling.
Calibration of
Equipment
Field analytical equipment must be calibrated regularly in order to provide
reliable measurement's. The method and frequency of calibration vary with
different instruments, but the sampling team should, at a minimum, calibrate
equipment daily either upon arriving at the site or prior to its use. A
calibration check after use or at day's end will determine any drift in
instrument measurement. The oversight assistant should know what type of
field analytical equipment will be used at the site and how often the
equipment should be calibrated, as designated in the SAP.
B-5
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B.2
B.2.1
MEDIA SPECIFIC SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
One of the primary functions of oversight is to verify that the PRPs' sampling
team is complying with the requirements of the SAP, and that the samples are
representative of the contaminated media. Collecting representative samples
depends on proper sampling locations, equipment, and techniques as well as
proper handling, preservation, labeling, and shipping.
This_ section discusses the sampling procedures that apply to specific sample
media. The nine sample media discussed are: (1) surface water, (2) ground
water, (3) soil water, (4) surface soil, (5) subsurface soil, (6) soil vapor, (7)
sludge and slurry, (8) containerized wastes, and (9) ambient air. Each of these
media are discussed in a separate subsection.
Surface Water
Surface water is generally characterized by one of four types of environments:
(1) rivers, streams, and creeks; (2) lakes and ponds; (3) impoundments and
lagoons; and (4) estuaries. Sediments are often sampled in conjunction with
surface water, and are considered an integral part of the surface water
environment since each type of surface water is in contact with sediments.
Because surface waters can exhibit a wide range of general characteristics,
such as size or flow, the collection technique must be adapted to site-specific
conditions.
Sampling
Locations
The oversight assistant should verify that the actual surface water sampling
locations are consistent with those specified in the SAP. Surface water
sampling locations will vary with the size of the water body and the amount of
mixing (turbulence). For example, the number and location of samples needed
to characterize river or stream contamination will differ greatly from the
number and location of samples needed to characterize a lake. Best
professional judgment should be utilized to evaluate whether changes in
sampling locations are reasonable and consistent with the objectives of the
sampling and analysis activities (see Section B.I.I). The oversight assistant
should record sampling locations on a site map or drawing and compare actual
sampling points and those specified in the SAP.
Rivers,
Streams, and
Creeks
To ensure representativeness, samples should be collected immediately
downstream of a turbulent area, or downstream of any marked physical change
in the stream channel (U.S. EPA, 1986c). In the absence of turbulent areas,
the oversight assistant should verify that the sample location is clear of
immediate point sources of pollution such as tributaries or industrial and
municipal effluents. Samples should also be located roughly proportional to
flow that is, closer together toward mid-channel, where most of the flow
travels, than toward the banks, where the proportion of total flow is smaller.
Unless a stream is extremely turbulent, it is nearly impossible to measure the
effect of an immediately upstream waste discharge or tributary. This is
because the inflow of a liquid from an upstream waste frequently remains near
the bank with little initial lateral mixing. Therefore, the oversight assistant
should note if at least three locations between any two points of major change
in a stream (such as waste discharge or tributary) are sampled to adequately
represent the stream.
B-6
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If the effect of a waste discharge or tributary on a water body is to be
quantified, the oversight assistant should check that the samples are collected
both upstream and downstream from the discharge or tributary. The sample
location on a tributary should be as near its mouth as possible without
collecting water from the main stream that may flow into the mouth of the
tributary on either the surface or bottom (because of density differences due
to temperature, dissolved salts, or turbidity).
When the sampling team collects several samples along a stream, the samples
should be located at time-of-water-travel intervals; that is, the distance that
the water travels in a given time period. A general rule of thumb is to collect
;' a total of six samples at successive intervals that are one-half water-travel day
apart (U.S. EPA, 1986c).
Typically, sediment deposits in streams collect most heavily in river bends,
downstream of islands, and downstream of obstructions in the water.
Generally, the oversight assistant should check if sediment samples are
. ' collected along a cross-section of a river or stream bed. A common practice is
, to sample at quarter points along the cross-section of the site. The sampling
. . . team.should not take sediment samples immediately upstream or downstream
from the confluence of two streams or rivers because of possible backflow and
inadequate mixing.
-. /$(( :
Lakes and Because of reduced (or no) flow, lakes and ponds have a much greater
Ponds tendency to stratify than rivers and streams. The relative lack of mixing
requires the sampling team to obtain more samples to represent present water
conditions. For example, if stratification is caused by water temperature
differences (such as cooler, heavier river water entering warmer lake water)
the sampling team should sample each layer of the stratified water column
separately. If a lake is in spring or fall overturn, vertical composites may not
be necessary. Stratification can be determined with temperature, specific
conductance, pH, and dissolved oxygen vertical profiles. The oversight
assistant should check if the sampling team has made a vertical profile of the
water column or used visual observation to detect different layers.
The number of water sampling locations on a lake or pond will vary with the
size and shape of the basin as well as other factors such as discharges,
tributaries, and land use characteristics that could affect water quality. In
ponds, a single vertical composite at the deepest point may be representative.
In naturally formed ponds, the deepest point is usually near the center. In
lakes, the sampling team should take several vertical composite along a transect
or grid to ensure the samples are representative (U.S. EPA, 1986c). However,
vertical composites samples should not be collected for volatiles; separate grab
samples at each composite point should be collected.
The oversight assistant should check if sediment samples in lakes, ponds, or
reservoirs are collected approximately at the center of water mass where
contaminated fines are most likely to collect. Generally, coarser-grained
sediments are deposited near the headwaters of a reservoir, while bed
sediments near the center of the water mass will be composed of fine-grained
materials. :
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Impoundments
and
Lagoons
Estuaries
Impoundments and lagoons generally will contain more concentrated wastes
than lakes and ponds, and thus be a source (as well as a sink) of
contamination. In addition, impoundments and lagoons are more likely to
contain sludges as opposed to sediments (for information on sludge sampling,
see Section B.2.7).
As with lakes and ponds, the number of water sampling locations for
impoundments and lagoons will vary with the size and shape of the
impoundment or lagoon as well as other factors such as the location and flow
characteristics of inlets and discharges. In small impoundments, a single
vertical composite at the deepest point may be representative; the deepest
point is usually near the dam. In larger impoundments, the sampling team*f
should take several vertical composites along a transect or grid to ensure ;:
samples are representative (U.S. EPA, 1986c).
Due to the dynamics of estuaries, preplanned sampling locations typically must
be changed after initial sampling. (Initial sampling may only test assumptions
regarding sample locations). In addition, because estuary dynamics cannot
normally be determined by a single-season study, estuary sampling is usually
two-phased, conducted during wet and dry seasons.
The oversight assistant should note if samples in estuaries are collected at mid-
depth where depths are less than 10 feet, unless the salinity profile indicates
the presence of a halocline (salinity stratification). In that case, the sampling
team should collect samples from each stratum. For depths greater than 10
feet, the sampling team may collect water samples at 1-foot depth, mid-
depth, or 1 foot from the bottom. Sampling in estuaries is normally based on
tidal phases, with sampling on successive slack (low flow) tides.
Biota
Biota sampling may occur when questions exist about the presence or absence
of measurable impacts both onsite and offsite or to assist in preparing an
ecological assessment. In surface waters, biota are often sampled incidentally
to water or sediment sampling. In other media, or for bioassays, specific
equipment and detailed project plans are employed. Biota sampling can help
better determine the effect of contaminants on natural systems, either directly
or through food-chain accumulation.
General
Surface Water
Conditions
The oversight assistant should note the general conditions of the water body
(and sediments).. Water turbidity and turbulence are of particular interest for
obtaining representative surface water samples. (Turbulence affects mixing,
while turbidity is an indication of sediment/water mixing). In addition, the
oversight assistant should observe the water to detect the presence of any
stratification (layers) or the presence of petroleum products or surface sheen.
The oversight assistant should also document other conditions which could
affect sampling activities or sample quality. These conditions include the
presence and relative locations of any discharges or tributaries, any
obstructions or_ islands, and any change in channel width or direction as well as
weather conditions. Refer to the general site conditions paragraphs of Section
B.2 for more detail and additional considerations. r
B-8
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Sampling ,.. Generally, any sampling equipment that preserves the integrity of.the sample, ,
Equipment and produces a sample that is representative of the sample location, is
. . acceptable. The oversight assistant, however, should note if the sampling '
.-;,. team's equipment is consistent with the equipment listed in the SAP. To
reduce the possibility of cross-contamination, the sampling team should collect
samples with glass, plastic, or Teflon-coated samplers for trace metals analysis.
, Likewise, stainless steel, glass, or Teflon samplers are used to collect samples
for. trace organic compounds analysis.
Water , For sampling at a specific depth, the sampling team may use a standard
Sampling Kemmerer or Van Dorn sampler (U.S. EPA, 19873). The Kemmerer sampler
Equipment:;, ,;, (Figure B-l) is a brass cylinder with rubber stoppers that leave the ends open
while the cylinder is being lowered in a vertical position to allow free passage
of water through the cylinder. The Van Dorn sampler (Figure B-l) is similar
to the Kemmerer, but is plastic and is lowered in a horizontal position. The
oversight assistant should check whether the sampling team uses the Kemmerer
, : metallic sampler for trace organic compounds or the plastic Van Dorn sampler
.. ;. for trace metals (some Van Dorn samplers are Teflon-coated and therefore can
.be .used for both organic compounds and metals).
When using a Kemmerer or Van Dorn sampler, the sampling team sends a
,_ 5-ounce messenger (weight) down the rope, or activates an electrical solenoid
.when the sampler reaches the designated depth, causing the stoppers to close
ithe cylinder. The .sample is raised and removed through a valve to fill sample
. , _ bottles.
, ,, . , , The sampling team may also use modifications of the basic Kemmerer and Van
Dorn samplers. TWO of these are the Nansen Bottle and the Niskin Bottle.
The Nansen Bottle, available in a 1.5-liter size, consists of a brass tube with
rotary valves at each end. The Niskin Bottle sampler is available in sizes
. ranging from 1.7 to 30 liters and is designed primarily for deep-water
sampling.
As with the Kemmerer, the Nansen bottle is lowered with the valves open. A
-.:; , messenger weight releases a catch mechanism, allowing the bottle to invert,
. . and closing the .valves. The Niskin Bottle, unlike the Kemmerer, can be
opened and closed at any depth. This allows the bottle to penetrate surface
contamination (such as oil slicks) with minimal risk of contaminating the
internal sample area.
Another type of sampler (U.S. EPA, 1987a) is the weighted-bottle sampler
(Figure Bt2). When using the weighted-bottle sampler, the sampling team
lowers the samples to .the desired depth and pulls the stopper, allowing the
bottle, to fill. Unlike :the Kemmerer, the bottle is raised uncapped, allowing
: the sample to mix with water from other depths.
>:.. The sampling team may also use small peristaltic pumps to sample surface
water (Figure B-2). With peristaltic pumps, the sample is drawn through
heavy-wall Teflon tubing and pumped directly into the sample container (U.S.
EPA, 1987a). This method permits sampling from a specific depth or
; sweeping the width of narrow streams. These pumps should not be used for
sampling volatile organics or oil and grease; volatile stripping can occur and oil
and grease can adhere to the tubing.
B-9
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Figure B-1. Common Surface Water Samplers
Kemmerer Sampler
Van Dorn Sampler
B-10
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Figure B-2. Common Surface Water Samplers
Washer
Pin
Nut
Weighted Bottle Sampler
1000-ml(l -quart) weighted-
bottle catcher
Peristaltic Pump
B-ll
-------
The sampling team may use a sampling device resembling a dust pan to sample
an immiscible floating phase (for example, petroleum). The device has a large,
shallow surface area that skims the water surface more readily than a cup with
a smaller, deeper surface area. Alternatively, the sampling team can use an
absorbent boom or roll to gather the floating material into a deeper pool for
sampling directly, or absorb the material to be wrung into sample cpntainers.
Sediment
Sampling
Equipment
To collect a sediment sample, the sampling team will generally use one of
three methods: dredging, coring, or scooping.
Dredging:
Coring
For routine analyses, the Peterson dredge is preferable when the surface water
bed is rocky, very deep, or when the stream velocity is high (U.S. EPA,
1986c). The Eckman dredge has only limited usefulness. It performs well
where bottom material is unusually soft, as when covered with organic sludge
or light mud. It is unsuitable, however, for sandy, rocky, and hard bottoms
and is too light for use in streams with high velocities.
The Ponar dredge is one of the most effective samplers for general use on all
types of substrate. The Ponar dredge (Figure B-3) is a modification of the
Peterson dredge and is similar in size and weight. It has been modified by the
addition of side plates and a screen on the top of the sample compartment.
The screen over the sample compartment permits water to pass through the
sampler as it descends, thus reducing the "shock wave" created by the descent
of the dredge into the sediment.
If a historical analysis of sediment deposition is desired, the sampling team
may use core samplers to sample vertical columns of sediment. Core samplers
are better than dredges for this type of analysis because they preserve the
sequential layering of the deposit. The sampling team may use different types
of coring devices depending on the depth of water from which the sample is to
be obtained, the nature of the bottom material, and the length of core to be
collected. These coring devices vary from hand push tubes (Figure B-3) to
weight- or gravity-driven devices. To reduce sample contamination, the
sampling team should use glass or Teflon core liners. With core liners, the
samples are easily delivered to the lab for analysis in the tube in which they
were collected. The disadvantage of coring devices is that a relatively small
surface area and sample size is obtained, therefore requiring additional
sampling by the sampling team to obtain the required amount for analysis.
The oversight assistant should check if the coring tube is long enough and has
the proper diameter to ensure a representative sample. The sampling team
should use a coring tube that is approximately 12 inches long if recently
deposited sediments (8 inches or less) are needed. Longer tubes should be used
when the sediments exceed 8 inches in thickness (U.S. EPA, 1986c). Because
coarse or unconsolidated sediments such as sands and gravel tend to fall out of
the tube, the sampling team should use a tube with a small diameter (a tube
about 2 inches in diameter is usually the best size). Since soft or semi-
consolidated sediments adhere more readily to the inside of the tube, the
sampling team may use larger diameter tubes for mud or clay. The wall
thickness of the tube should be about 1/3 inch for either Teflon or glass. The
inside wall may be filed down at the bottom of the tube to more easily pierce
the substrate.
B-12
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Figure B-3. Common Sediment Samplers
Ponar Dredge
61 -100 cm,
(24-40 in.) "
V
1.27-2.54 cm (1/2 in.-1 in.)
Hand Push Tube
Grain Sampler
B-13
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Scooping
If the stream has a significant flow and is too deep to wade, the sampling team
may scoop some sediment with a BMH-60 sampler (U.S. EPA, 1986c). The
BMH-60 is not particularly efficient in mud or other soft substrates because
its weight will cause penetration to deeper sediments, which may not be
desired. The sampling team may use the BMH-60 for sampling if subsamples
that have not been in contact with the metal walls of the sampler are taken.
Sample Type There are two types of surface water samples that may be collected: a grab
sample and a composite sample. Grab samples are taken at a single location.
It may be necessary to collect material from a location in successive "grabs" to
accumulate the required amount, of sample; the sample is still, however, a grab
sample. Composite samples are combined from different locations, or from
different times. A continuous sample would also be a composite sample. For
example, grab samples combined 'from 1 foot below the .water surface, at mid-
depth, and 1 foot above the bottom would constitute a vertical composite. A
peristaltic pump collecting water from mid-depth at the center of a stream
channel over a period of time would yield a time composite sample.
Generally, water samples with different temperatures or conductivities, may
be composited (U.S. EPA, 1986c) as these properties (as opposed to
composition) are subject to change once the sample has been collected.
Sediment samples of dissimilar composition or samples collected for volatile
organic analysis should not be composited, but instead stored for separate
analysis. . . ".
The size of the sample collected is determined by the requirements for
analysis, and is specified in the SAP. For example, water samples analyzed for
purgeable organic compounds should be stored in 40 mL septum vials with no
head space (air) remaining. Sediment samples for purgeable organic
compounds analysis should completely fill a 4-ounce (120 mL) sample
container; again, no head space should remain in the sample containers. For
trace organic compounds and metals, 4 to 8 ounces (120-240 mL) of sample
are usually collected. ,
The SAP should specify the order in which samples should be collected.
Generally, samples should be collected in the order of decreasing volatility;
volatile contaminants should :be sampled before nonvolatile contaminants (U.S.
EPA, 1986a). A preferred collection order would be:
Volatile organics; : .
Purgeable organics (generally,not volatile at ambient conditions);
Total organics; .
Metals;
Phenols; ,
Cyanide; and
Metal anions (for example, sulfate, chloride, nitrate).
B-14
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Sampling The oversight assistant should be aware of other-factors, such as water velocity
Technique and accessibility, that may affect sampler selection and technique. For
:' example, the sampling team should collect surface water samples from the
shore of the water body (possibly with an extension pole), a small boat, a pier,
or by wading"in streams. Wading, however can cause bottom deposits to rise
and bias the sample. For this reason wading is not acceptable for lakes and
streams without a noticeable current. When wading, sampling personnel
should face upstream and collect the skmple with the container pointing
upstream. Likewise, when sampling beneath the water surface, care should be
' taken not to stir up the bottom sediment and thus bias the sample.
The sampling team can collect water samples from shallow depths by
submerging the sample container directly into the water. Alternatively, they
' ; can use a bucket or dedicated collection vessel (bailer, beaker, or other
sampler) to transfer the water sample to a container. However, when a
transfer vessel is used, 'the sampling team should avoid aeration and loss of
volatile organic compounds. The team should also not disturb the bottom
sediment and should decontaminate the transfer vessel between sample
locations.
For deeper samples, the sampling team should attach a rope to the dedicated
sampler. The oversight assistant shoul'd note if the sampling team uses either a
nylon rope or Teflon-coated wire to lower all samplers into the water; other
rope/cable materials may introduce contaminants. The rope should be
properly discarded or decontaminated between sampling locations.
When sampling from highly contaminated surface water (for example, from a
surface impoundment) the sampling team should take care to minimize splash
hazards which could spread contamination as well as result in unintended
exposure. Similarly, if the sampling' team will be collecting extremely
contaminated sediment, preliminary decontamination may be necessary before
leaving the sampling location. Typically, this will involve placing
contaminated boots and sampling equipment into plastic bags for transfer to
the decontamination area. This will prevent spread of contamination. As
noted;in Section B.4.3, full decontamination is not done in locations adjacent
to surface water where runoff to the water can occur.
Field
Analytical
Techniques
Field analytical techniques for screening surface water (and ground water) can
be broadly outlined in six categories:
pH meters;
Conductivity meters;
Thermometers; ' .
Dissolved oxygen meters;' ' '
Inorganic compounds kits/instruments; and
Organic compounds instruments.
Except for self-purging instruments (for'example; gas chromatographs), the
oversight assistant should notfe whether the sampling team decontaminates the
analytical equipment between samples to avoid cross contamination.
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pH Meters The sampling team can obtain the pH of a water sample from either a pH
meter or calorimetric pH paper (U.S. EPA, 1986c, 1976b). The oversight
assistant should verify that the pH meter is calibrated, at a minimum, on a
daily basis to standard solutions and to temperature (if the pH meter does not
have temperature compensation capability). If calorimetric pH paper is used,
the oversight assistant should note the shelf-life expiration. ,
The sampling team obtains the pH of a sample by immersing the (clean) pH
meter electrode in the water sample and reading the instrument display. The
oversight assistant should note the presence of oily material or particulate
matter, since this material or matter can impair electrode response. If the
sampling team uses pH paper, a drop of water should be put on the paper
since immersing pH paper will contaminate the sample.
Conductivity Conductivity is a function of the number of ions in solution, and is therefore a
Meters relative indication of water contamination. The sampling team should
calibrate a conductivity meter against a test solution of known conductivity
before use. Because surface waters contain many natural salts, the sampling
team should compare field measurements to an upgradient or uncontaminated
baseline. Because conductivity is also a function of temperature, the sampling
team should measure samples at the same temperature, or should use a
temperature-compensating instrument.
Thermometers
The sampling team can measure water temperature with any high-quality
mercury-filled thermometer or thermistor with an analog or digital readout
device (U.S. EPA, 1986c). Although it is not necessary to calibrate on a daily
basis, thermometers should be periodically calibrated against a National
Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) traceable standard thermometer.
The sampling team should insert the (clean) thermometer in situ when
possible, or into a collected sample. The oversight assistant should check that
the sampling team allows the temperature to equilibrate before taking the
reading.
Dissolved
Oxygen Meters
The sampling team can measure dissolved oxygen content in water samples
with a dissolved oxygen meter or with the Winkler method (U.S. EPA, 1986c).
The meter measures dissolved oxygen content directly upon immersion of the
probe, whereas the Winkler method is a titration involving five reagents. The
sampling team should calibrate the dissolved oxygen meter against the Winkler
method before use on samples free of interferences, or otherwise according to
manufacturer's instructions. Since temperature affects dissolved oxygen
readings, the oversight assistant should check if the sampling team's meter is
equipped with a temperature compensator. Dissolved oxygen probe
performance is also affected by dissolved inorganic salts and by reactive gases
such as chlorine and hydrogen sulfide.
Inorganic Various field test kits and instrumentation exist for field analysis of inorganic
Compound compounds (U.S. EPA, 1987a). The kits are calorimetric tests that require the
Kits/Instru- sampling team to add reagents to a portion of the sample. To obtain the
ments results, the sampling team compares the sample with a color chart or uses a
spectrophotometer, colorimeter, or other instrument that will measure color
B-16
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intensity. If the sampling team uses a field atomic absorption spectrometer,
the oversight assistant should check if the operator has been trained to avoid
interference and contamination problems.
Organic Although there are many organic compound instruments that the sampling and
Compound analysis team may operate in a van, trailer, or building, the oversight assistant
Instruments will generally encounter portable instruments (U.S. EPA, 1987a, 1987b). The
most easily portable units are battery-powered gas chromatographs (GCs).
There are also mass spectrometers (MS) and combination GC/MS units which
require 120 volts of AC power, either from regular utility lines or from
generators.
Generally, the battery-powered GCs are suitable only for detecting volatile
compounds. The AC-powered units can detect semi-volatiles, and can be
temperature programmed or can have capillary column capability, both of
which considerably enhance GC selectivity. The oversight assistant should be
aware that effective use of these analytical instruments requires a high level of
operator experience and expertise. The oversight assistant should note the type
of equipment that the sampling team uses and the experience of the
operator(s). .
B.2.2
Ground Water
Ground water is usually defined as the water present in the saturated soil
zone that is, the subsurface soil zone in which the pore space .between the
soil grains (or rock fractures) Is filled with water. Although water is present
in the unsaturated zone in the form of films and vapors, it is often referred to
as soil water in this case and is distinct from saturated ground water (U.S.
EPA, 1987a). This is* an important distinction because the techniques for well
installation and sampling differ significantly between ground water and soil
water.
Well Location/
Condition
The sampling team will typically sample ground water through an in-place
well that is either temporarily (if approved) or permanently installed.
However, the team may also sample ground water anywhere it is present, such
as in a pit or hole dug to the water table (U.S. EPA, 1986c).
The oversight assistant should check if the actual sampling locations are
consistent1 with those specified in the SAP. However, site-specific conditions
may require modifications in well location. The oversight assistant should rely
on best professional judgment to evaluate whether changes in well locations
are reasonable and consistent with the objectives of the SAP (see Section
B.I.I). The oversight assistant should note the location of all wells in the field
log and on a map. A comparison of the actual well locations and the intended
locations should be noted.
The oversight assistant should also check that the well is covered by a locked
protective casing. The protective casing should be set in grout or concrete to
prevent its movement. 'The well casing should be capped to prevent foreign
matter from entering the well. '.',.''..'.'.''*
B-17
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Well Design Monitoring well casings are available in a wide range of sizes and are made of
various materials. Both the size of casing and the type of casing material are
critical factors for sampling and analysis. '
The oversight assistant should note the diameter of the casing (well diameter)
because of its effect on measurement of immiscible fluids in the well. The
measured thickness of immiscible hydrocarbons in a well is greater than the
actual thickness of the immiscible lens floating on the water table. The lens in
a small diameter well (for example, 2-inch diameter) will be approximately 4
times thicker than on the water table (U.S. EPA, 1987b).
The oversight assistant should also note the type of casing material because of
its effect on the quality of the water samples. The casing material may both
release and absorb water contaminants. Some organic compounds and acids
react aggressively with casing materials and actually destroy well integrity.
When selecting an appropriate casing material, the sampling team should
consider the type of contaminant being investigated. Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
pipe is acceptable for samples,for trace metals analysis, but may not be
acceptable for trace organic analysis because it has been shown to release and
absorb trace amounts of various organic constituents. Stainless steel is
acceptable for trace organics but may not be acceptable for trace metals.
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic has recently been used for trace organics because
it does not absorb or release contaminants as much as PVC does.
General
Ground Water
Conditions
The general conditions of the ground water are important for sample quality.
The oversight assistant should note if the sampling team checks the depth to
standing water, the depth to the bottom of the well, the presence of an
immiscible layer, and the turbidity of the water (although turbidity cannot be
detected until the water is sampled). Measuring the water depth in a well is
important to characterize the aquifer and to determine the volume of water
that should be purged (removed) from the well before sampling.
Measurements to determine the depths should be made with respect to a
surveyed reference point(s) instead of the top of the casing. Measuring the
depths in this manner, however, is more important for characterizing the
aquifer than purging the well. The sampling team may measure depth to
standing water and depth to the bottom of the well with any of several
measuring devices. The oversight assistant should note if the sampling team
uses chalked steel tape, electric sounders, poppers, or some other method.
Chalked steeltape with a weight attached to the lower end is one of the most
accurate procedures for measuring water levels. The line where the chalk
color changes on the tape indicates the length of tape that was immersed in
water. Electric sounders may also be used to measure the depth to water in
wells. Most sounders are powered with flashlight batteries, and immersing the
sounder in water closes the circuit and registers on a meter or sounds a buzzer.
A popper a metal cylinder with a'concave undersurface attached to a steel
tape is another method for measuring the depth to the water. When the
popper is dropped to hit the water surface, it makes a distinctive "pop."
Poppers are not effective if the water surface is in contact, with the well
screen, or if there is significant background noise (such as pump operation).
The sampling team may determine the presence of a nonaqueous-phase
hydrocarbon lens floating on the water :table or pooled at the bottom of the
aquifer by using hydrocarbon-detection pastes^ bailers, or interface probes.
Hydrocarbon-detection pastes change color when contacted by hydrocarbons,
but do not change in water. The paste is applied to a rod or tape and lowered
B-18
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into the well until it comes into contact with the water. The rod or tape is
then withdrawn from the well. A color change indicates that a body of
nonaqueous-phase hydrocarbon is present. Although, this method can detect a
layer of hydrocarbon less than 1-mm thick, it does not permit direct
measurement of the thickness of the layer. The sampling team can use a bailer
- to measure the thickness of the layer.
Sampling Generally, any sampling equipment that preserves the integrity of the sample
Equipment and.produces a sample that is representative of the sample location is
acceptable. The most common methods involve either bailing or pumping.
The oversight assistant should note if the sampling team's equipment is
consistent with the equipment listed in the SAP.
Bailers
Bailers are divided into three groups: (1) top-filling, (2) bottom-filling, and
(3) thief. The sampling team may use a thief bailer to collect a sample from a
particular zone. The thief bailer (for example, a Kemmerer bottle; see Figure
B-l) has check valves or mechanical stops on each end.
Because the top-filling bailer is open only at the top, the oversight assistant
should check that it is completely submerged to permit filling. The oversight
-assistant should also note if the sampling team is trying to determine the
'presence of a nonaqueous-phase liquid. It may be difficult to identify
nonaqueous-phase liquids with a top-filling bailer because the bubbling action
caused by the water filling the bailer may emulsify the two liquid phases (U.S.
EPA, 1987b). .- '
The bottom-filling bailer (Figure B-4) has a one-way check valve at the
bottom and an open top. As the bailer is lowered, it fills from the bottom.
The oversight assistant should make sure the bailer is lowered slowly for
.nonaqueous-phase layers, so that they can be easily identified and separated
for analysis.
As a thief bailer is lowered, water and nonaqueous-phase liquids can flow
. completely through the bailer. When the desired collection level is reached,
the stops can be closed, or the check valves will be activated when the bailer is
drawn up.
In general, the sampling team should use plastic or Teflon-coated bailers to
collect samples for trace metals analysis, and stainless steel or teflon-coated
bailers to collect samples for trace organic compounds analysis. (Contaminant
leaching!from the bailer is generally infinitesimal except under aggressive and
extremely contaminated conditions, such as nonaqueous-phase layers for
plastic and low pH combined with nitrates for stainless steel. Thus, either
material may be acceptable for collecting for both organic'compounds and
metals analysis depending on concentration and constituents of concern.)
Pumps
The sampling team may use a variety of pumps for sampling ground water.
Pumps are classified as (1) suction-lift, (2) submersible, (3) air-lift, (4)
bladder, or (5) gas-driven piston. These pumps are discussed below.
Regardless of the type, the oversight assistant should check that the pumps
used for purging the well are not used for sampling without decontamination
(U.S. EPA'1987a). ; V/ :, ' ..' "....;;"
B-l 9
-------
Figure B-4. Ground-Water Samplers
I I
Stiinliii Still Win Cibli
or Monofllimint Llni
Top May Bi Cloud
orOpin
1-1/4" O.D. x 1" I.D. T«flon
Extrudid Tubing,
18" to 36" Long
3/4" Diamotir
Glass Mirbli
1" Dlimitir Teflon
Extruded Rod
5/16" Dlimrtir
Holi
Prwium gaug*
Quick «ir ho«*
couptw
Qround ourteea
iVorlVz piMtte
Bottom-filling Baler
Air-lift Pump
B-20
-------
Suction-lift Suction-lift pumps include centrifugal pumps, hand-operated diaphragm
pumps, and peristaltic pumps. The sample is drawn into and up the pump
discharge line by the repeated creation of a partial vacuum in the pump. The
oversight assistant should be aware that suction pumps generally are not
practical at surface depths greater than 25 feet and suction pumps are not
suitable for sampling for purgeable organic compounds since suction can strip
volatile compounds.
Submersible The sampling team may use submersible pumps to depths of several hundred
' feet. The sample is brought into the pump by a series of impellers or blades,
and is forced to the surface as more fluid is brought into the pump. The ,
oversight assistant should be aware that submersible pumps are difficult to
transport and decontaminate, and may emulsify any nonaqueous-phase liquids
and volatilize dissolved organic compounds. They are therefore generally
better suited for purging than for sampling.
Airlift
The sampling team will rarely use air-lift pumps since significant oxidation,
emulsification, and degassing may occur. Air-lift pumps also are not suitable
for pH-sensitive parameters such as metals. Air-lift pumps (Figure B-4) use
air pressure to force samples into and up the discharge tube. The air pressure
can be generated by hand, but a small air compressor is more commonly used
for this purpose. ' ;
Bladder
Bladder pumps may be used in wells as small as 2 inches in diameter and are
acceptable for the sampling of all contaminants (although they are difficult to
properly decontaminate). Bladder pumps consist of a collapsible membrane
inside a rigid housing. Compressed gas (which does not come in contact with
the sample) is used to inflate or deflate the collapsible membrane (bladder)
from the outside. This draws the sample into the bladder and forces it to the
surface. - ,
Gas-driven In small-diameter wells, the sampling team may also use recently developed
piston piston pumps. Compressed gas is used to activate the pistons to bring the
sample into the pump. The sample is pumped without coming in contact with
the gas. Although these devices can pump to depths in excess of 500 meters^
pumping rates are'low. , , ; '-..,.-
Sample Type As with surface water, there are two types of samples that may be collected: a
grab sample or a composite sample (see Section B.2.1).
Generally, ground water samples are grab samples, although separate samples
could be composited. Alternatively, ground water may be sampled
continuously as in a ground water recovery or treatment system. The size of
the sample collected is determined by the requirements for analysis, and is
specified in the SAP. For example, water samples analyzed for purgeable
organic compounds should be stored in 40 mL septum vials with no head space
(air) remaining. Water samples for metals or cyanide analysis may fill a 16-
ounce or 1-liter bottle. Larger amounts of water (up to 4 liters) may be
collected for low-concentration water samples that are analyzed for extractable
organics.
B-21
-------
The SAP should specify the order in which samples should be collected.
Generally, samples should be collected in the order of decreasing volatility;
volatile contaminants should be sampled before nonvolatile contaminants (U.S.
EPA, 1986a). See Section B.2.1 for a preferred collection order of
contaminants.
When sampling with bailers, the bailer is lowered into the well on a clean
nylon rope or Teflon-coated cable and permitted to fill with ground water. If
the sampling team is collecting organic samples, the bailer should be lowered
so that it does not enter the water with a splash. Splashing or agitating the
water can strip volatile compounds and stir up collected sediment.
Before taking samples, the sampling team must purge wells to remove stagnant
water which has been standing in the well casing and may not be
representative of aquifer conditions. The sampling team may purge wells with
either an appropriate pump (depending on well depth) or a bailer. The
equipment used to purge the well should be inert and compatible with the
study objectives. The specific purging procedures should be described in the
SAP.
The standard method of purging is to pump the well until three to five times
the volume of standing water in the well has been removed. The sampling
team may also pump the well until the specific conductance, temperature, and
pH of the ground water stabilizes (U.S. EPA, 1987a). Alternatively, a
combination of the two methods can be used. The oversight assistant should
be aware that pumping a well dry also constitutes an adequate purge and the
well can be sampled following well recovery (U.S. EPA, 1986c), although the
purge rate should be reduced, if possible, to remove the necessary volume of
water.
The sampling team must know the volume of the water in the well before the
team can properly purge the well. (The volume of water in the well may
fluctuate with the season and the weather.) The oversight assistant should note
the volume that is purged from each well; the purged volume should
correspond to the observed well water volume.
The oversight assistant should check that the sampling team lowers the
pump/hose assembly or bailer into the top of the standing water column (not
deep into the column). This is done so that the purging will draw water from
the ground-water formation into the screened area of the well and up through
the casing so that the entire static volume can be removed (U.S. EPA, 1986c).
If the sampling team places the pump or bailer deep into the water column,
the water above the pump or bailer may not be removed, and the subsequent
samples collected may not be representative of the ground water.
Regardless of which method is used for purging, the sampling team should
place new aluminum foil or plastic sheeting on the ground surface beside the
well to prevent additional contamination. The sampling team should keep any
hoses that come into contact with the ground water on a spool to further
minimize contamination during transport (U.S. EPA, 1986c).
The oversight assistant should note the time between the well purging and
sample collection. The sampling team should collect samples as soon as a
volume of water sufficient for the intended analytical purpose reenters the
well. Exposing the water entering the well for periods longer than 2 to 3
hours may result in unrepresentative samples.
B-22
-------
Field
Analytical
Techniques
When sampling from a ground-water well, the sampling team should exercise
caution when first uncapping the well particularly if, the well is unvented.
This is because contaminant gases may have collected in the well. Moreover,
if the water table has risen since capping an unvented well, the air space above
the well will be pressurized.
Once the well is uncapped, the sampling team should check the ambient air
around the well for the presence of hazardous vapors with an air monitoring
instrument before purging or sampling. The sampling team should approach
the well from the upwind side. Based on this initial hazard assessment, it may
be necessary to don more/better protective equipment, or even evacuate. The
oversight assistant should consult the site health and safety plan(s) for the
appropriate action levels before arriving at the site. In addition, if hazardous
atmospheres are encountered, the sampling team should try to identify the
gases/vapors, and verify that the site health and safety plan has specified
applicable and appropriate contingencies.
Field analytical techniques for screening ground water (and surface water) can
be broadly outlined in six categories:
pH meters;
Conductivity meters;
Thermometers;
Dissolved oxygen meters;
Inorganic compounds kits/instruments; and
Organic compounds instruments.
These instruments are discussed in detail in Section B.2.1, Surface Water
Sampling. Except for self-purging instruments (for example, gas
chromatographs), the oversight assistant should check that the sampling team
decontaminates the analytical equipment between samples to avoid cross-
contamination.
B.2.3
Soil Water
Water present in the unsaturated (vadose) zone in the form of films and vapors
'is often referred to as soil water (U.S. EPA, 1987a). Most hydrogeology texts
distinguish between water near the surface and water in deeper unsaturated
zones by the fact that water near the surface (so-called soil water) is subject to
evaporation and plant transpiration, as well as to climatic effects. However,
for the purposes of oversight, this guidance will refer to all water in the
unsaturated/vadose zone as soil water because the sampling equipment and
techniques for the entire vadose zone are essentially the same.
B-23
-------
Figure B-5 shows a hypothetical cross section of the subsurface, illustrating
the vadose and saturated zones. The term vadose zone (or zone of aeration) is
preferred to the term unsaturated zone because saturated conditions are
frequently encountered above the saturated zone in response to surface
flooding (Everett, et.al., 1984). The principal transport mechanisms of soil
water in the vadose zone are infiltration, percolation, redistribution, and
evaporation.
Sampling As water in the vadose zone does not exist in a saturated state, wells and open
Locations cavities (such as test pits) cannot be used to collect soil-water samples. The
sampling team samples soil water from either a temporarily (if approved) or
permanently installed emplacement hole. An emplacement hole is distinct
from a well and is a hole for installation of a soil-water sampler. The
oversight assistant should be aware that in addition to sampling soil water
directly, there are a number of indirect methods, such as electrical resistance
blocks, for detecting fluid flow in the vadose zone. However, these methods
provide only qualitative evidence of contamination, producing no actual
sample for analysis. These methods therefore will not be examined in this
guidance.
The oversight assistant should note the location of all emplacement holes in the
field log and on a map, comparing actual locations with intended locations.
The oversight assistant should also check to see if the actual sampling locations
are consistent with those specified in the SAP. The oversight assistant should
be aware, however, that site-specific conditions may require modifications in
sampling locations. For example, an obstruction may necessitate moving a
sampling location. The oversight assistant's best professional judgment should
be used in evaluating whether changes in emplacement location are "reasonable
and consistent" with the objectives of the SAP (see Section B.I.I).
General Soil General soil conditions are important for obtaining representative soil-water
Conditions samples. Soil texture (or particle size) affects operation of soil-water samplers.
For example, when divisions of subsurface water soils are very coarse, such as
when gravels are present, good contact between the finer pores and the
sampler may be difficult to produce (for this reason, the space between the
soil-water sampler and the surrounding soil is usually filled with silica flour -
- a transmissive material). Thus, particle size distribution may affect sample
representativeness.
Soil structure (referring to the arrangement of textural units) affects the flow
of soil_ water (Everett, 1984). Well-structured soil, or soil containing fractures
or cavities,_ allows soil water to flow rapidly through interconnected soil pores
or conducting channels. Because soil-water samplers collect water from the
finer (smaller) soil pores, the resultant samples may not be representative of
bulk flow. Consequently, soil-water samplers may be inappropriate in well-
structured soil for determining the quality of water flowing to the. water table.
If determined by a sampling team geologist, the oversight assistant should
record soil type and particle size. The oversight assistant should also record
visible stains, dark residues, or dead or stressed vegetation, indicating possible
soil contamination.
B-24
-------
Figure B-5. Divisions of Subsurface Water
Ground surface
00
N I
ol
1
Soil-water
zone
\
t
Interm
i
ediate
vadoie
ZOI
<
Cap
zc
\
le
llary
ne
If
//////////////////////////,
Water table
Impermeable rock
1
I"
ii
*.a
B-25
-------
Sampling Soil-water samplers that collect soil-water flows in the vadose zone under
Equipment suction (negative pressures) are called suction samplers (Wilson, 1980). The
most common of these suction soil-water samplers involve either ceramic-
type samplers, such as lysimeters or filter candles, or cellulose-acetate filters.
These are described in more detail below. The oversight assistant should note
whether the sampling team equipment is consistent with the equipment listed
in the SAP.
Sampling units employing filter candles (also described as "vacuum extractors")
are installed in troughs below plant roots to sample irrigation return flow.
They are generally of little use at hazardous waste sites. In addition, cellulose-
acetate hollow fibers are likewise generally not useful for hazardous waste
field studies, but are more suited to laboratory studies (Wilson, 1980). Porous
cup lysimeters and membrane filter samples are the most common soil-water
samplers at hazardous waste sites.
Lysimeters Lysimeters uses a porous ceramic cup to collect soil water. When in contact
with the soil, soil water in the pore space is free to move into and equilibrate
with the pores in the ceramic cup. By drawing a vacuum on the inside of the
porous cup, soil water flows into the cup for collection.
There are three types of lysimeters: (1) vacuum-operated, (2) vacuum-
pressure, and (3) vacuum-pressure with check valves. Each type essentially
consists of a ceramic cup mounted on the end of a small-diameter PVC tube.
A rubber stopper is mounted on the other end of the PVC tube. Tubing is
inserted through the stopper to apply a vacuum to the cup and to remove
collected soil water.
The upper end of a vacuum-operated lysimeter (Figure B-6) projects above
the soil surface and contains a single outlet tube through which vacuum
pressure or suction is applied to draw water into the porous cup. To collect
the sample, a small-diameter tube is inserted through the outlet tube and a
hand pump draws the sample to a collection flask. Vacuum-operated
lysimeters are generally used to sample to depths of 6 feet.
Vacuum-pressure lysimeters (Figure B-6) are used to collect samples from
depths greater than the suction lift of water (roughly 25 feet). The body tube
of the sampler is generally about 2-feet long and can hold 1 liter of sample.
The vacuum-pressure lysimeter contains two tubes extending through a two-
hole rubber stopper. One tube (the discharge tube) extends to the base of the
ceramic cup and connects to a sample bottle; the other tube extends a short
distance below the rubber stopper and connects to a vacuum-pressure pump.
The vacuum-pressure lysimeter operates by drawing a vacuum with the
discharge tube clamped. The sample is collected by opening the discharge
tube and applying air pressure, which forces the sample into the sample bottle.
One limitation to vacuum-pressure lysimeters is that the pressure that lifts the
sample to the surface also forces some sample back through the porous cup
into the formation. In addition, more pressure is required as sample depth
increases. Consequently, vacuum-pressure lysimeters are suitable for depths
of no more than 50 feet.
B-26
-------
Figure B-6. Lysimeters
PLASTIC TUBE
VACUUM TEST HAND PUMP
2-WAY PUMP
PLASTIC TUBE
AND CLAMP
VACUUM PORT
AND GAUGE v
COPPER
TUBE*
PLASTIC TUBE
AND CLAMP
TAPE
PRESSURE _
VACUUM IN
COLLECTED SOIL WATER SAMPLE
3ENTONITE
3/16-INCH
COPPER TUBE
PLASTIC PIPE
24 INCHES LONG
6-INCH HOLE
WITH TAMPED
SILICA SAND~
BACKFILL
POROUS CUP
BENTONITE
'^yP /SAMPLE BOTTLE
DISCHARGE TUBE
Vacuum Operated Lysimeter
Vacuum Pressure Lysimeter
B-27
-------
Modifying the vacuum-pressure lysimeter with check valves (Figure B-7)
prevents the device from forcing a portion of the sample back into the
formation. The modified vacuum-pressure lysimeter is divided into two
chambers connected by tubing containing a check valve. Both check valves
open upwards. When a vacuum is applied, the lower check valve opens while
the upper check valve closes, and soil water is drawn through the porous cup
and into the upper chamber. When air pressure is applied, the lower check
valve closes, and the sample is forced to the surface. Generally, nitrogen gas
is used to lift the sample to the surface, although using compressed air will not
significantly change sample chemistry (Peters and Healy, 1988).
An additional advantage of the modified vacuum-pressure lysimeter is that the
check valves allow high pressures to be applied without damaging the ceramic
cup. Also, this sampler can be used to a depth of 150 feet.
One major limitation of lysimeters is that samples cannot be obtained over the
entire range of soil-water pressures. Lysimeters will not collect samples once
the soil-water suction is great enough (about 0.8 bar) to cause an air bubble to
enter the cup instead of soil water. However, although lysimeters are effective
only over a small part of the range of suctions encountered in the subsurface
environment, lysimeter suctions of 0 to 0.8 bar include most of the soil-water
range (Everett, 1984).
Membrane Membrane filter samplers (Figure B-7) use polycarbonate or cellulose-acetate
Filter filters in conjunction with glass fiber "wicks" and collectors. In operation,
Samplers capillary action draws soil water through the glass wick and membrane filter
for collection. Advantages of the membrane filter sampler are that the
collector sheets can contact a large area of soil and maintain a favorable
collection rate when the collector becomes blocked with fine soil. Membrane
filter samplers can be used to a depth of about 12 feet. There are two types of
soil-water samples that may be collected: a grab sample or a composite sample
(see Section B.2.1). Generally, soil-water samples are grab samples, although
separate samples from different depths, locations, or times could be
composited.
The size of the sample collected is determined by the requirements for
analysis, and is specified in the SAP. For example, water samples analyzed for
purgeable organic compounds should be stored in 40 mL septum vials with no
head space (air) remaining. Water samples for metals or cyanide analysis may
fill a 16-ounce or 1-liter bottle. The size of the sample collected, however,
may be limited by the amount of soil water present in the porous cup.
Provisions for compositing successive samples to obtain a sufficient volume of
soil water to perform the required analysis should be specified in the SAP.
The SAP should also specify the order in which samples should be collected.
Generally, samples should be collected in the order of decreasing volatility;
volatile contaminants should be sampled before nonvolatile contaminants (U.S.
EPA, 1986a). See Section B.2.1 for a preferred collection order of
contaminants.
B-28
-------
Figure B-7. Suction Samplers
-VACUUM-AIR PRESSURE LINE '
-UPPER CHECK VALVE
4MPLE DISCHARGE LINE
,UPPER CHAMBER
-LOWER CHECK VALVE
-TUBING
-LOWER CHAMBER
-SUCTION CUP
SAMPLING TUBE
FILTER SUPPORT/BASE
FILTER HOLCCT
MEMBRANE FILTER
GLASS FIBER f»REFILTER
.^--GLASS FIBER "WICK"
SOIL
Vacuum Pressure Lysimeter
with Check Valves
Membrane Filter Sampler
B-29
-------
Sampling
Technique
Field
Analytical
Techniques
The amount of vacuum applied to a lysimeter and the corresponding intake
rate have a significant effect on sample quality (Wilson, 1980). Specifically,
fast-rate samplers collect most of the sample at the beginning of the sampling
interval. Consequently, unless the soil-water quality is not changing with
time, the collected sample may not be representative. Therefore, in order to
collect a sample that is representative of the soil water draining to the water
table, the rate of sample collection should correspond to the pore water
drainage rate. , .
The oversight assistant should be aware that soil-water techniques are not
appropriate for sampling for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes with
greater than 10 carbons, pentachlorophenol, and other chemicals with an
octanol water partition coefficient (log K ) of 4 or larger (Brown, 1986).
Such compounds preferentially adsorb to the soil and will generally not be
found in soil water; soil core samples should be used to detect these
compounds. Chemicals having log Kow values of 3 or less will generally be
found in soil-water samples, .while chemicals with octanol water partition
coefficients between 3 and 4 may be detected by either soil-core or soil-
water techniques. ;
The oversight assistant should also be aware that trace-metal concentrations
can be significantly affected by soil-water collection techniques if the total
dissolved solids concentration of the soil-water is less than 500 ppm (Peters
and Healy, 1988). In such dilute soil-water solutions, the sample may not be
representative of the trace-metals concentration. In addition, although the use
of ^nitrogen as the pressurant in lysimeters is prudent and will preclude
oxidation of chemical constituents, the use of air causes little difference in
soil-water chemistry (Peters and Healy, 1988).
Field analytical techniques for screening soil water (and ground and surface
water) can be broadly outlined in six categories: , -
pH meters;
Conductivity meters;
Thermometers;
Dissolved oxygen meters;
Inorganic compounds kits/instruments; and
Organic compounds instruments.
These ^instruments are discussed in detail in Section B.2.1, Surface Water
Sampling. Except for self-purging instruments (for example, gas
chromatographs), the oversight assistant should check that the sampling team
decontaminates the analytical equipment between samples to avoid cross-
contamination. . .
B-30
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B.2.4
Sampling
Locations
Surface Soil
This section discusses methods for sampling surface soil. Although the
distinction between surface soil and subsurface soil is variable and site-
specific, surface soil is generally, considered to be soil that can be sampled
using hand tools (that is, less than about 3-feet deep).
Sampling locations for soil should be specified in the SAP. While the oversight
assistant should check if the actual sampling locations are consistent with those
listed in the SAP, the oversight assistant should also be aware that site-specific
conditions may dictate a modification in sampling location. Sampling locations
will vary with surface features such as rock outcrops, drainage patterns, fill
areas, and depositional areas. The guidelines outlined in Section B.I.I should
be followed to determine if a new sampling location is "reasonable and
consistent" with the sampling objectives, and is therefore acceptable or not.
Sampling locations should be recorded on a site map or drawing; a comparison
should be made between the actual sampling locations and those specified in
the SAP. The oversight assistant should also note the general soil sample
location, such as soil taken from a field, a drainage ditch, or beside an
impoundment.
The oversight assistant should note if the sampling team takes any samples
from depositional areas such as outwashes or previously flooded areas. For
screening purposes, the sampling team usually samples in depositional areas on
the periphery of the study area, and primarily at the downstream or
downgradient po'rtion(s). This is not appropriate for investigative purposes
because it will bias the results toward elevated concentrations.
General Soil The general conditions of the soil and vegetation are important to surface soil
and sampling as they may provide information on potential contamination. The
Vegetation oversight assistant should be particularly interested in stains, dark residues,
Conditions and dead or stressed vegetation that may indicate soil contamination. The
oversight assistant should record the general conditions of the soil being
sampled at each location if determined by a sampling team geologist. Of
particular interest are soil moisture, soil type, particle size, and color.
Sampling Generally, any sampling equipment that preserves the integrity of the sample
Equipment and produces a sample that is representative of the sample location is
acceptable. The oversight assistant should note if the actual sampling
equipment is consistent with the sampling equipment listed in the SAP.
The sampling team should collect surface soil samples using clean trowels,
scoops or spoons, grain samplers, sampling triers or hand augers, or corers.
Soil sampling equipment used for sampling for trace contaminants should be
constructed of stainless steel. For sampling trace organic compounds, brass or
carbon steel is acceptable in addition to stainless steel. The sampling team
should never .use chromium, cadmium, or galvanized-plated or -coated
equipment for soil sampling operations. Similarly, the sampling team should
not use painted equipment unless all paint and primer is removed from the
equipment by sandblasting or other means before the equipment is used for
collecting soil samples. If the sampling team uses gasoline-powered
equipment, the oversight assistant should note if the equipment is downwind
B-31
-------
Sample Type
to avoid cross-contaminating the surface soil samples with volatile organic
compounds.
For samples that are less than 5 inches below the surface, the sampling team
may use trowels or spoons. Garden-type trowel blades are usually about 3 by
5 inches long with a sharp tip. A laboratory scoop is similar, but the blade is
usually more curved and has a closed upper end to contain materials. Scoops
come in different sizes and are made of various materials. Trowel size should
be selected depending upon the volume and depth of the sample to be taken;
the material should be selected based on the type of contaminant. (Remember:
galvanized-plated trowels should never be used).
A grain sampler (Figure B-8) consists of two slotted telescoping tubes, usually
made of brass or stainless steel. The outer tube has a conical, pointed tip that
permits the sampler to penetrate the soils. Grain samplers are 24 to 40 inches
long by 0.5 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and are best for collecting dry, granular,
or loose soils with particles no greater than 0.25 inches in diameter (soils
classified by the Unified Soil Classification System as coarse sands or finer).
Grain samplers are of limited use for moist, co'mpressed, and large-particle
soils.
A typical sampling trier is a stainless steel tube about 24 to 40 inches long and
0.5 to 1 inch in diameter, with a wooden handle and a slot that extends its
entire length (see Figure B-8). The tip and edges of the tube slot are
sharpened to enable the trier to cut a core when rotated in the soil. Sampling
triers (as well as hand augers) are used to sample moist, compressed soils,
although the sampler often has difficulty removing the sample that has been
cut with the trier.
The sampling team may use corers to obtain a relatively undisturbed surface
soil sample, and to obtain a quantitative measurement of soil contamination.
Thin-walled corers (known as push tubes or Shelby tubes) can be used
manually or^with power equipment. Manual push tubes are straight tubes
generally 2 inches in diameter or less and are of varying length. Larger
diameter push tubes require power equipment. A tapered nosepiece acts as the
cutting edge of the tube. They are generally constructed of chrome-plated
steel or stainless steel and can usually be adapted to hold brass or
polycarbonate plastic liners.
The Shelby tube is a stainless steel tube approximately 12 inches long and 2
inches in diameter. The edges are beveled into a cutting edge at one end of
the tube. The other end can be mounted on an adapter that allows attachment
to the end of the hand auger. The Shelby tube is particularly useful for
undisturbed samples, since the sample may be shipped intact within the tube
directly to the laboratory for analysis. A split-spoon sampler may also be used
to collect undisturbed samples, but is more typically used in subsurface soil
applications.
One method of obtaining a disturbed-surface sample is by using an ordinary
post hole digger. The sampling team may use the post hole digger to obtain a
sample of surface soils to approximately 3 feet below grade.
Surface soil samples may be either grab or composite samples. Grab samples
are samples taken at a single location (see Section B.2.1).
B-32
-------
Figure B-8. Common Soil Samplers
61 -100cm,
(24 - 40 in.) '
V
1.27-2.54 cm (1/2 in.-1 in.)
61-100 cm
(24 - 40 in.)
1.27-2.54cm(1/2ln.-1in.)
Grain Sampler
Sampling Trier
B-33
-------
The size of the sample collected is determined by the requirements for
analysis, and is specified in the SAP. For example, soil samples for purgeable
organic compounds analysis should completely fill a 4-ounce (120 mL) sample
container; no head space should remain in the sample containers. For trace
organic compounds and metals, 4 to 8 ounces (120-240 mL) of sample are
usually collected.
The SAP should specify the order in which samples should be collected.
Generally, samples should be collected in the order of decreasing volatility
(U.S. EPA, 1986a). See Section B.2.1 for a preferred contaminant collection
order.
Sampling The oversight assistant should be aware that many of the techniques used to
Technique collect soil samples disturb the sample, and therefore provide only semi-
.quantitative or qualitative results. Before sampling, the sampling team should
remove leaves, grass, and surface debris from the sampling location by
brushing or scraping it aside. Samples are obtained using any of the
equipment described in Section B.2.4.
Composite samples should be thoroughly mixed. The SAP should describe the
specific mixing procedures. Except for volatile organic samples, the sampling
team generally removes the soil from the sampling device and places it in a
cooking-glass pan or a stainless steel pan. The soil in the pan should be
scraped from the sides, corners, and bottom of the pan, rolled to the middle of
the pan, and mixed (a Teflon-coated or stainless steel spoon should be used).
The sample should then be quartered and moved to the four corners of the
container. Each quarter of the sample should be mixed individually. Each
quarter is then rolled to the center of the pan and the entire sample is mixed
again (U.S. EPA, 1986c). To assist compositing, dry soil may also be sieved
prior to or during mixing.
Volatile organic soil samples should never be mixed in the field since this
results in significant loss of volatile constituents. Rather, volatile organic
samples should be composited by the analytical laboratory. If subsamples or
samples from different locations are to be composited, aliquots should be
collected into the same container with compositing subsequently performed in
the laboratory.
Dust control is of primary concern when sampling soils -- particularly at
highly contaminated sites. Dust generated by heavy construction equipment or
dry conditions can spread the contamination and create off-site health hazards.
The site HSP may, require the sampling team to cover spoils piles or institute ';
other dust control measures such as spraying water or constructing perimeter
barriers. The oversight assistant should consult the site HSP and note
conditions (such as high winds) that might spread contamination from the
sampling locations.
Field
Analytical
Techniques
Field analytical techniques are generally limited to ground water, soil water, or
soil vapor. For detailed information on ground-water field analytical
techniques, see Section B.2.1. For detailed information on soil vapor field
analytical techniques, see Section B.2.6. '"'
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B.2.5
Subsurface Soil
This section discusses methods for sampling subsurface soils, Although the
depth of subsurface soils is variable and site-specific, subsurface soil may
generally be considered soil that is more than 3-feet deep.
Sampling
Locations
Sampling locations for subsurface soil samples should be specified in the SAP
(see Section B.2.1 for considerations in sampling locations). The sampling
locations should be recorded on a site map or drawing by the oversight
assistant. The agreement between the actual sampling locations and those
specified in the SAP should be noted.
General Soil
and
Vegetation
Conditions
Subsurface stains or residues should be noted as they could result from
underground leaks or lea'chate migration. As with surface soil, if a sampling
team geologist determines the .subsurface soil type, particle size, and other
characteristics, the oversight assistant should record such information.
Sampling Generally, any sampling equipment that preserves the integrity of the sample
Equipment and produces a sample that is representative of the sample location is
acceptable. The oversight assistant should check that the actual sampling
equipment is the same as the equipment listed in the. SAP.
The .oversight assistant should verify that all soil sampling equipment used for
sampling for trace contaminants is consistent with the parameters set forth in
Section B.2.4. ' . '
Disturbed Soil
Samples
Many of the techniques used to collect soil samples disturb the sample,
providing only semi-quantitative or qualitative results. When disturbed soil
samples are satisfactory, the sampling team may use soil augers to collect a
subsurface sample. There are three general types of machine-driven augers:
(1) helical augers from 3 to 16 inches in diameter, (2) disc augers up to 42
inches in diameter, and (3) bucket augers up to 48 inches in diameter. Soil
augers work best in loose, moderately cohesive, .moist soils, but are generally
limited to sampling soils above the water table and must be sized according to
the amount and maximum size of gravel, cobbles, and boulders present,
Undisturbed The sampling team will use a split spoon sampler most often to obtain
Soil Samples undisturbed soil samples (U.S. EPA, 1987a). A split spoon sampler is made of
heavy steel tubing that can be split into two equal halves to reveal the soil
sample (Figure B-9).
Sample Type Sample types for surface and subsurface soil are the same. Refer to Section
B.2.4 for a detailed discussion on soil sample types. ... :
Sampling Before sampling, the sampling team should remove leaves, grass, and surface
Technique debris from the sampling location by brushing or scraping it aside. Composite
samples should be thoroughly mixed, as outlined in Section B.2.4.
B-35
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Figure B-9. Split Spoon Sampler
Drive Cap
Barrel
Shoe
B-36
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Generally, the sampling team will collect subsurface samples through two
procedures: (1) subsurface soils are exposed and are then sampled using
surface sampling equipment, or (2) samples are taken directly from the
subsurface using augers or split spoons. A split spoon sampler is attached to a
drill rod and advanced into the soil at the bottom of the borehole. The split
spoon is removed from the hole and opened, revealing the sample. The
sampling team should discard the top 2 or 3 inches of sample because it is
usually disturbed by the process.
The sampling team may expose the subsurface soil by using either an ordinary
post hole digger or by constructing test pits. Whenever these methods are
used, the oversight assistant and the sampling team should monitor the exposed
soil with an explosimeter or organic vapor analyzer (OVA) to avoid the danger
of explosion or fire (see Sections B.2.9 and B.2.6, respectively).
The sampling team may construct a test pit or trench to provide a continuous
exposure of the ground along a given line or section. The sampling team will
usually excavate a pit as a continuous line, or as a series of short pits spaced at
appropriate intervals. Test pits may be hand-dug with shovels or may be dug
with equipment such as backhoes. Test pits are generally no deeper than a few
feet below the water table. The minimum recommended cross-section for a
hand-dug pit is 3 by 5 feet. All hand-dug pits should be cribbed, normally
with 3- to 6-inch lumber. Dragline, backhoe, clamshell, caisson drilling or
auger equipment, and bulldozer pits are usually more economical than hand-
dug pits, but are not practicable where a depth of more than 15 feet is desired.
Dust control is of primary concern when sampling soils particularly at
highly contaminated sites. Dust generated by heavy construction equipment or
dry conditions can spread the contamination as well as create off-site health
hazards. The site HSP may require the sampling team to cover spoils piles or
institute other dust control measures such as water spraying or perimeter
barriers. The oversight assistant should consult the site HSP and note
conditions which might spread contamination from the sampling locations.
Field Field analytical techniques are generally limited to ground water, soil water, or
Analytical soil vapor. For detailed information on ground-water field analytical
Techniques techniques, see Section B.2.1. For detailed information on soil vapor field
analytical techniques, see Section B.2.6.
B.2.6
Soil Vapor
Soil vapors are gases contained in the soil pore spaces in the vadose or
unsaturated zone of the earth's upper surface. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon
dioxide, water vapor, and smaller amounts of other chemical vapors naturally
occur in the soil. Due to contamination, other chemical vapors may also have
been introduced to the soil. These soil vapors may arise from chemicals spilled
on the surface of the ground or poured in wells or bore holes; from chemicals
in leaking impoundments or other basins; from chemicals in leaking
underground tanks and associated plumbing or pipes; or from volatilization of
chemicals in contaminated ground water. The concentrations of these
chemicals in the soil vapor will depend upon a number of parameters such as
the quantity and concentration of the source of contamination, the proximity
of the contamination to the location being monitored, the vapor pressure, the
solubility and vapor density of the contaminant, and the mobility of the
B-37
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contaminant through the soil. Volatile organic compounds and occasionally
mercury and radon are normally the only constituents analyzed in soil vapor
samples.
Sampling
Locations
Sampling locations and depths for soil vapor samples should be specified in the
SAP. The oversight assistant should note whether the actual locations are
consistent with the locations that are listed in the SAP, but should also be
aware that site specific conditions, such as obstructions or lack of access to the
sampling location, may dictate a modification in the sampling locations. The
oversight assistant should use his/her best judgment to evaluate whether
changes in sampling locations are reasonable and consistent with the objectives
of the sampling and analysis activities (see Section B.I.I).
The oversight assistant should record all information pertinent to the location
and depth of each soil vapor sampling point on a site map or drawing. The
agreement between the actual sampling points and those specified in the SAP
should also be noted.
General Soil
and
Vegetation
Conditions
If determined by a sampling team geologist, the oversight assistant should
record the general conditions of the soil being sampled in each soil vapor
sampling location. Items of particular interest include the amount of soil
moisture and the soil type, particle size, and color. The approximate organic
content of surface soil samples may also be noted. If the sample is being
collected from a borehole, the oversight assistant should verify that the
sampling team geologist is maintaining a well log, copies of which should be
made available to the oversight assistant.
The oversight assistant should also note soil background conditions. It is
important to know whether the sample is being collected under an industrial
area or in an area where waste material is or was stored or disposed. Any
conditions which could affect sampling activities or sample quality should be
documented.
In addition, the general nature and condition of the vegetation in the vicinity
of each soil vapor sampling location should be documented. Special attention
should be paid to stressed or dead vegetation which may be an indication of
environmental contamination of the soil.
Sampling Soil vapor sampling equipment should be chosen to preserve ;the integrity of
Equipment the sample and thus to yield a sample which is representative of soil vapor
found at the sample location. Various types of soil vapor collection and
storage methods are available. Glass, Teflon, or stainless steel samplers,
including gas sample lines or containers, should be used to collect and store
soil vapor samples.
Sample
Collection
Methods
Soil vapor samples may be collected by a variety of methods. These methods
include the direct collection of a soil sample or soil core using soil or
subsurface soil collection methods listed in Sections B.2.4 and B.2.5,
respectively, with subsequent vapor analysis, or the direct collection of soil
vapor by the use of soil vapor collection probes.
B-38
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Sample
Storage or
Analysis
Methods
The technique used to collect the soil sample should keep the sample intact to
prevent loss of soil vapors to thfe air. Samples collected with a split spoon
sampler are ideal "(see Section B.2.5). The use of augers (see Section B.2.5)
should be avoided as this technique does not keep the soil sample intact.
Although the use of split spoons is easy to perform in the field, it allows for
the loss of some soil vapor before the sample is sealed in the sample bottle.
Alternatively, soil vapors may be collected directly by the use of a soil gas
probe. Soil gas probes consist of a long tubular probe containing holes that is
driven into the undisturbed, or minimally disturbed, soil to be sampled. The
major advantages of this type of sampling system are that it is quick and that
the sampled soil is undisturbed.
Some soil vapOr sample analysis methods require that the soil or soil vapor
sample be stored for analysis, while other methods allow direct analysis of the
sample with no storage required.
Three types of storage are available when sample storage is required prior to
analysis. The first of these involves the collection of the entire soil sample.
Once collected, an entire soil sample may be placed in an appropriate
container (Section B.3.1)'for shipment to a laboratory for analysis of the soil
vapors. Alternatively, soil vapors may be collected directly into a suitable
container (gas collection bag) using one of the probes discussed above. The
soil vapor may then be analyzed in the field by the use of calorimetric tubes,
by the use of field analytical instrumentation described for subsurface
sampling (Section B.2.5), or by the use of other, more sophisticated
instrumentation such as a gas chromatograph. The third storage technique
involves the sorption of the soil vapors onto an adsorbent material such as
activated carbon or commercially available adsorbent resins. The activated
carbon or resins are then sent to an analytical laboratory for extraction and
analysis.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these techniques. Direct
collection and analysis of the soil vapor using sophisticated instrumentation is
the most representative method, but requires the use of delicate equipment in
the field. The use of calorimetric tubes, on the other hand, is simple but not
considered qualitative. The soil vapor is passed through the appropriate
calorimetric tube or tubes and the concentration of the chemicals estimated by
the change in color of the material in the tube(s). The reading of the color
change in the tubes is subjective and subject to interferences.
The collection of samples in a Teflon bag is a relatively uncomplicated method
to determine the chemicals that are present in the soil as vapor. The bags,
however, may leak. In addition, certain compounds are known to penetrate
Teflon and, if the bags are exposed to light, photochemical reactions may
occur, causing the sample to be somewhat less representative.
Direct collection of soil into a bottle for laboratory analysis of the soil vapors
is also relatively uncomplicated. Unfortunately, the soil vapors collected in
this manner may hot be representative of soil vapors occurring in the
environment. For example, a contaminated soil sample could be collected
from the capillary zone where soil vapors would be minimal. But once that
sample was placed in a bottle and allowed to equilibrate with air head-space,
the contaminants would begin to partition into the air a slow process in the
saturated zone. Thus, samples collected in this manner may provide good
information about what contamination is actually present in the soil but may
B-39
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not be representative of the ambient soil vapor. Also, the method of collecting
and transferring the sample to the sample bottle for this method may result in
the loss of some of the soil vapor.
Adsorption of the soil vapors onto an adsorbent material during collection is
the most complicated detection method. The soil gas must be passed through
an adsorbent material, allowing any gases to be adsorbed. The adsorbent must
be sealed and shipped to a laboratory where the gases are removed either by
heat or a solvent and then analyzed. Some chemical reactions may occur on
the adsorbent or when the material is heated or treated with solvent. Also,
some of the adsorbed materials are much harder to remove from the adsorbent
than others. The adsorbent tube is, however, easier to package, ship, and
preserve than the collection containers for the other two methods.
Sample Type Soil vapor samples are gas samples collected from locations below the surface
of the earth. They are usually collected as grab samples for the relative ease
of the analysis of these samples and also the location-specific information
which is desired from the samples.
Sampling If the sampling team uses soil sampling equipment, the oversight assistant
Technique should ensure that the soil sample is kept intact; if the sample breaks apart, the
soil vapor will escape. The sampling team will usually use a split spoon
sampler to collect the sample. To collect the sample for soil gas analyses, the
sampling team should open the split spoon sampler as soon as possible after
sample collection. The sampling team should remove a sample of soil from the
center section of the core of the split spoon sampler using a stainless steel or
Teflon-coated spatula, and immediately place it in a sample vial. The
sampling team should fill the container to minimize head space.
If the sampling team uses a soil gas probe, the team should drive the probe
into undisturbed or minimally disturbed soil. When the probe is in place at the
desired location and depth, the sampling team uses an air pump to draw gases
from the ground and into the sampler through a sample tube and pump, and
then directly to an analytical instrument, the appropriate calorimetric tube, or
a sampler storage container. The oversight assistant should check that the
sampling team operates the system for sufficient time to allow the standing air
to purge from the system before sampling. This length of time depends upon
the internal volume of the soil gas probe, the length and inside diameter of the
sample tube, and the pumping rate of the pump. An adequate length of time
can be determined by continuous sampling of contaminated soil. The gas
exiting from the sample pump should be monitored with a suitable instrument,
such as a photoionization detector, until its reading reaches a steady value,
after which the pump is allowed to run for several more minutes. At that
time, the sample may be collected. A purging time of approximately 10
minutes with a pumping rate of 4 liters per minute is usually adequate to
purge most systems.
Field
Analytical
Techniques
Field analytical techniques appropriate for screening soil vapor include:
Organic vapor detectors, and
Colorimetric tubes.
B-40
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Organic Vapor
Detector
Several types of organic vapor detectors are available for use in the field. The
most common of these are referred to as the Flame lonization Detector (FID)
of which the Foxboro organic vapor analyzer (OVA) is an example, and the
photoionization detector (PID) of which the HNu is an example. The FID uses
a hydrogen-oxygen flame to ionize organics; the PID uses an ultraviolet light
source. Both offer real-time readout in parts per million based upon the
calibration gas. Both detectors, as commonly used, are capable of determining
that organic compounds are present but not of specifically identifying the
organic compounds. FID attachments are available that allow organics to be
separated and tentatively identified. The PID is more simple than the FID to
use but both are capable of detecting organic compounds in the low ppm
range. Neither instrument works well at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius.
The PID should not be used in very humid environments (such as rain,
although some specially modified instruments are designed to remove water
vapor before the sample reaches the detector). The PID can, by changing its
photoionization source, be made to respond to most organic compounds (except
methane and hydrogen cyanide) and some halogenated hydrocarbons. The FID
is sensitive to methane but relatively insensitive to many halogenated organics.
Colorimetric Colorimetric tubes, commonly known as Drager or MSA tubes, are used in
Tubes- conjunction with an air pump to draw a known amount of gas through an
indicator tube. These tubes are usually specific to a certain chemical over a
.,-,-. certain concentration range. The detector tubes may also be sensitive to other,
.... : similar chemicals; thus, their specific instructions should be carefully read.
-,.: , , v,;-. After the tube is opened and an appropriate amount of gas is drawn through
the sample tube, the length of material in the tube which has changed color is
, - : read from a scale etched into the side of the tube to determine the
approximate concentration of the vapor in the air. Tubes are available that are
sensitive to a variety of chemicals at various concentrations; however, because
a subjective judgment about the length of the color change in the tube is
required, their accuracy is low; in-addition, some tubes are sensitive to more
than one chemical. If the upper range of the tube is exceeded, it is usually
. - '.... possible to repeat the experiment using a smaller air sample. Tubes should be
-'-- . read immediately after sampling. High humidity and sensitivity to chemicals
other than that for which the tube was intended may cause interferences.
B.2.7
Sludge and Slurry
Sludges and slurries are part solid and part liquid. They range in consistency
from dewatered solids to watery, low-viscosity liquids. A slurry is typically a
liquid containing relatively small amounts of suspended solids which tend to
settle out of the solution rather slowly. A sludge is also a mixture of solids
and liquids which generally has larger amounts of solids or more viscous
(thicker) liquids. While slurries are typically uniform in consistency, sludges
tend to separate with a low density or liquid layer forming on top and more
dense material, usually including solids, settling to the bottom. Sludges and
slurries may be present in impoundments, lagoons, or ponds; in storage tanks,
( drums, or other containers; in settling or drying/dewatering beds; or directly
on the ground as in a landfarm.
Sampling
Locations
Sampling locations for sludges or slurries should be specified in the SAP. The
oversight assistant should rely on best professional judgment to evaluate
B-41
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whether any changed sampling locations are reasonable and consistent with the
sampling objectives (see Section B.I.I). Sampling locations should be recorded
on a site map or drawing and compared to actual locations listed in the SAP.
If the sludge or slurry to be sampled is contained in a tank, drum, or other
container, a single grab or a composite sample (see Section B.2.7) that is
representative of the contents of the container is adequate. If a thin layer of
overlying liquid is present, the sampling team should include a portion of this
with the sample because it is representative of the actual material and will
prevent drying or oxidation of the sample before analysis.
If the sludge or slurry is contained in an impoundment, pond, or lagoon
(collectively referred to as lagoons), the number of samples to be taken will
vary with the size and shape of the lagoon as well as other factors such as the
depth of the sludge or slurry, the location of inlets or discharges, and the rate
of accumulation or addition of the sludge or slurry to the lagoon. If the sludge
or slurry is deep, grab (discrete) samples may be collected at several depths
and at various locations throughout the lagoon. If the sludge or slurry is less
the 8 inches deep, a single sample at each sampling location is usually
adequate. In cases where the lagoon is unlined, sampling of the underlying
soil and ground water may also be required to determine the extent of
contamination.
Sludges or slurries may also be placed in drying beds, landfarms, or directly on
the ground for disposal (if it complies with land disposal restrictions (LDRs)).
In these cases the sampling locations for the sludge or slurry should be
determined by the size and depth of the area covered. Again, if the depth of
the material is less than 8 inches, usually one sample representative of the
sludge or slurry is collected at each of the sampling locations. For deeper
beds, grab samples should be collected at several depths and at various
locations throughout the body of material.
General The oversight assistant should document the manner in which the sludge or
Sludge and slurry is stored (containers, lagoons, or directly on the ground). The general
Vegetation conditions of the containers, lagoons, or areas where the sludge or slurry is
Conditions contained or deposited should also be described. This description should
contain an estimation of the areal extent covered by the sludge or slurry as
well as the approximate depth of the actual sludge or slurry and the depth of
any water or liquid covering the sludge or slurry. Any sources to or outfalls
from the area containing the sludge or slurry should be recorded. Background
conditions including abnormal vegetative conditions should also be noted.
Sampling The sampling equipment must be chosen to preserve the integrity of the
Equipment sample to yield a sample that is representative of the sludge or slurry found at
the sampling location. The condition of the sludge or slurry, the viscosity of
the sample, and depth at which the sample will be collected will affect the
choice of sampling equipment. Stainless steel, glass, or Teflon-coated samplers
should be used to collect samples for trace organic compound analysis, while
plastic, glass, or Teflon-coated samplers should be used to collect samples for
trace metals analysis. The oversight assistant should check the sampling
equipment to verify that it is equivalent to that listed in the SAP and that it is
suitable to fulfill the sampling requirements of the project.
B-42
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Sampling
Equipment for
Solid or
Nearly Solid
Sludge
Sampling
Equipment for
Non-Viscous
Sludge or
Slurry
For the purposes of this discussion, sampling equipment for sludges and
slurries has been divided into: (1) sampling equipment for solid or nearly solid
sludges, and (2) sampling equipment for nonviscous sludges and slurries.
Solid or semi-solid sludges can be considered materials that are nonliquid.
This category would include solid or dried sludge, thick sludge, and tar or
gelled liquids. When the sludge to be sampled is solid or nearly solid, it should
be sampled using either soil sampling equipment or modifications of soil
sampling equipment.
Appropriate soil or sediment sampling equipment includes: trowels, scoops,
and spoons; corers; and dredges. The use of trowels, scoops, and spoons and
corers is discussed in Section B.2.4, surface soil sampling. The use of dredges
is discussed in Section B.2.1, surface water and sediment sampling.
Nonviscous sludges or slurries may have a consistency ranging from that of
water to that of thick mud. This material may contain suspended materials,
some of which may have settled to the bottom of the container. Liquid sludge
or slurry may be sampled by the use of:
Glass tube samplers;
Composite liquid waste samplers;
Bacon bomb samplers;
Pumps;
Weighted bottle samplers; and
Kemmerer or Van Dorn samplers.
Samples may be collected from drums, other containers, or lagoons that do not
contain more than approximately a 1-meter depth of liquid material by the use
of glass sampling tubes, composite liquid waste samplers, or peristaltic pumps.
Deeper containers, containers that are hard to reach due to location or
obstructions, or lagoons will probably be sampled by pumps, weighted bottle
samplers, bacon bomb samplers, or Kemmerer samplers.
A glass tube sampler (also known as a drum thief) may be used to collect
samples from drums or other shallow containers or lagoons. Glass tube
samplers collect a grab sample that, when collected over the entire depth of
the container or lagoon being sampled, may be representative of the material
in the container or lagoon. The length of the tube is generally determined by
the depth of the container or lagoon to be sampled. Tubes of 48-inch length
and 0.25- to 0.63-inch inside diameter are commonly used to sample drums.
Samplers of this type may also be constructed of Teflon or PVC tubing. The
disadvantage of this type of sampler is that it is easy to lose some sample
material when the tube is withdrawn from the medium being sampled.
Alternatively, a composite liquid waste sampler (COLIWASA, Figure B-10)
may be used to sample sludges or slurries in drums, other containers, or
lagoons. A composite liquid waste sampler is a glass tube sampler with a rod
running through the tube's center that can be used to open or close a stopper
B-43
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Figure B-10. Sludge and Slurry Samplers
Stopper
T Hindi«
locking
block
132
C60")
SAMPLING rasmaK
2.86 e> (1 1/8")
17.8 e» <7")
,10.16 c» (*")
COLIWASA
CLCMI
V
Bacon Bomb Sampler
.P1p«(tran$lucent PVC or glass)
4.13 c« (1 8/8") 1.0.
4.'26 en (1 7/8") 0.0.
Stooptr rod(PVC or Teflon)
0.95 on (3/8") 0.0.
Stoowtntopwie), *9, taptr^d:
lock nut and wwh«r(PVC or T#f1on).
0.95 01 (3/8*)
B-44
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on the bottom of the tube. The composite liquid waste sampler is superior to
the glass tube sajnpler because it traps the sample in the tube so that none is
lost when the sampler is withdrawn from the sludge or slurry. The length of
the tube is determined by the size of the container to be sampled. For drum
sampling, a 60-inch tube length is standard. Tube diameters of about 1.5
inches are commonly used. Samplers of this type may also be constructed of
Teflon, PVC tubing, or stainless steel.
Tanks or lagoons may be sampled at discrete depths (usually at the top,
middle, and bottom) by using a weighted bottle sampler, a bacon bomb
sampler, or a Kemmerer sampler. If desired, samples from various depths can
be composited. ,
A bacon bomb sampler (Figure B-10) consists of a cylindrical container with a
valve at the bottom to allow the sample to enter when opened, and attachment
points for the trip line and sample line at the top. The container can be made
of various materials and is available in various size's. This sampler also works
best with low viscosity-liquids but will also work with.viscous liquids. This
sampler collects grab samples and may be used at any depth (NUS, 1987).
Sampling techniques are described below for both solid or nearly solid sludges
and slurries and liquid sludges and slurries. These techniques relate to the
sampling equipment described in Section B.2.7. If,the sludge or slurry is
contained in a-drum or container which must be" opened, the, sampling team,
'including the oversight assistant, should ensure that all*health and safety
procedures 'are strictly enforced. (S.ee Section B.2.8for additional information
on drum opening procedures.)
Sample Type Sludge and slurry samples may be .composited or may be collected as discrete
grab samples. Generally, grab samples are collected and analyzed from drums
or small containers. Grab safnples may also be collected from larger containers
or lagoons and may or may not be composited prior to analysis. The types of
samples to be collected will be specified in the SAP.
Sampling Sludges and slurries are generally concentrated by nature. When sampling
Technique sludges and slurries, the sampling team should avoid spreading contamination
such as by splashing, overspilling, or transporting sample material away from
the sample location. For example, contaminated sampling equipment should
, not be placed or dragged on the ground. The sampling team should place all
contaminated equipment into plastic bags for transfer to the decontamination
area. If the sampling team, is decontaminating sampling equipment between
sampling locations, care should be taken to ensure the proper handling and
disposal of all contaminated materials (see Section B.4.3).
Sampling techniques are described .below for both solid or nearly solid sludges
, and slurries and liquid sludges and slurries. These techniques relate to the
sampling equipment described in Section B.2.7. If the sludge or slurry is
contained in a drum or container which must be opened, the sampling team,
including the oversight'assistant, should erisure that all health and safety
, . procedures are strictly enforced. (See Section B.2.8 for additional information
on drum opening procedures.)
B-45
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Sampling Solid or nearly solid sludges and slurries may be sampled with a trowel, scoop,
Solid or or spoon to a depth of approximately 20 inches. This method may also be used
Nearly Solid if a thin water layer (less than several centimeters) is present above the sludge.
Sludges and To use this technique, simply collect the desired amount of sample at the
Slurries desired depth, and transfer it to the appropriate sample bottle. The oversight
assistant should note, however, whether the sampling team performing
sampling causes disturbances at the interface of the water and material. If no
water layer is present, it is acceptable to remove the top several centimeters of
material before collecting the sample (NUS Corporation, 1987).
A corer (Figure B-3) may be used to sample a solid or nearly solid material.
Corers have an advantage over scoops because they can collect a sample that is
equally representative of all depths of the material being sampled as they
"punch" through the material. A sample should be collected with a
decontaminated corer by pushing it evenly into the sludge to the desired depth.
The sample is then retracted with a smooth, continuous motion. If the corer
has a removable nosepiece, it should be removed after collecting the sample.
The samples are then transferred directly to the sample bottles.
A gravity corer may be used to sample solid or nearly solid samples that are
located at the bottom of a pond, lagoon, or impoundment or in a tank or other
container. Gravity corers are similar to other corers except that they are
designed for use under the surface of liquids at depths where a regular corer
may not reach. They penetrate the sludge because of their weight rather than
being physically pushed into the material. Gravity corers are fitted with a
check valve at the top to allow the release of liquid while the corer is passing
through the liquid layer. Plastic or brass inserts should be used to avoid
contact between the sample and potentially incompatible material in the corer
walls. The oversight assistant should also note the depth to which the corer is
lowered and whether the corer is withdrawn smoothly to, prevent sample loss.
A ponar dredge (Figure B-3) may also be used to sample under a layer of
liquid. The sampler should be lowered, especially the last 1/2 meter above the
surface, at a very slow rate to prevent disturbance of the surface. Once the
surface is touched, the sampling team should release several more centimeters
of sample line to allow the mechanism to release and close the clamshell.' The
sampler should be slowly raised to the surface and the sample transferred to
sample bottles.
Sampling
Liquid Sludges
and Slurries
Liquid sludges and slurries in drums, other containers, or lagoons may be
sampled by the use of a length of glass tubing. To collect a sample, the glass
tube is slowly lowered into the drum or container, allowing the levels of liquid
inside and outside of the tube to remain equal, until the tube just touches the
bottom. The tube is then capped with safety-gloved thumb or stopper and
removed from the drum or container. The lower end of the tube is placed in
the sample container and the thumb or stopper is carefully and slowly removed
to allow the material to flow into the sample bottle. The glass tube, with the
permission of the RPM, may then be carefully broken and placed in the drum
which it sampled. If lined tanks or lagoons were sampled using this technique,
the glass tubing should be disposed of with other potentially hazardous
materials. Glass samplers should be used with; great-care in lagoons with liners
as the tube could damage the lining. .
B-46
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Open drums, other containers, or lagoons may also be sampled by the use of a
composite liquid waste sampler (Figure B-10). To collect a sample, the
sampler slowly lowers a decontaminated composite liquid waste sampler, in the
open position, into the drum or container, allowing the levels of liquid inside
and outside of the tube to: re main equal, until the sampler just touches the.
bottom. The sampler tube is then pushed down to insert a stopper and close
the tube. The entire sampler can then be slowly removed from the material
being sampled; excess material should be wiped off as the tube is removed.
The lower end of the sampler is placed in the sample container and the
sampler is slowly opened, allowing the sample to flow into the sample bottle.
Disposal options for the glass outer tube of the sampler are the same as for the
glass tube sampler described above.
Containers or lagoons deeper than approximately 3 feet may be sampled by
lowering, at a predetermined rate, a vacuum line from a peristaltic pump
(Figure B-2). Without priming, this technique is limited to surface depths of
10 to 20 feet from the pump, and is not suitable for sampling for purgeable
organic compounds since suction can strip volatile compounds. Alternatively,
a submersible pump may be used to perform this sampling if it has been
determined that the contents of the container will not react with the pump.
To use these techniques, the sampler turns on the pump; then, the
decontaminated Teflon sampling tube or, alternatively, the submersible pump,
is lowered into the container or lagoon at a constant rate which will produce
sufficient volume of sample. When the bottom of the container is reached, the
pump is turned off, and the apparatus is withdrawn. If samples are desired
only at certain depths, the sample tube or the submersible pump is lowered to
that depth and turned on. The sample line is allowed to purge for a short time
and then the sample is collected.
A-weighted bottle sampler (Figure B-2) may also be used to sample large
containers or lagoons. This sampler is used to obtain samples at discrete
depths (usually at the top, middle, and bottom). This apparatus consists of a
-weighted glass bottle, a bottle stopper, and a sampling line for opening the
bottle and for lowering and retrieving the sample bottle. The sampler should
slowly lower the weighted bottle sampler into the material being sampled.
Care must be taken not to tug on the sample line until the sampler is at the
desired location. At that point, the sample line should be given a quick tug to
unseat the cork and allow sample to enter the bottle. After several minutes,
when the sample bottle is full, it should slowly be pulled to the surface. The
outside of the sampler should be wiped or rinsed and allowed to drain to
prevent contamination of the sample with materials collected at other depths.
The sample may then be poured directly from the sampler to the sample
bottles. ' ....' ' , ' ' ' :
Like a weighted bottle sampler, the bacon bomb sampler is used to collect
, nonpurgeable samples at'discrete depths. To use the sampler, both a sample
line and a trip line must be attached to a previously decontaminated bomb.
The bomb is then slowly lowered to the desired depth by the use of the sample
line.; At the desired depth, the trip line is pulled, allowing the bomb to open.
1 After a few minutes, the trip line is released to seal the bomb. The bomb is
then retrieved using the sample line. The outside of the bomb should be
wiped or allowed to drain to prevent contamination of the sample with
materials collected at other depths. The sample may then be transferred
directly to the sample bottles.
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Field
Analytical
Techniques
B.2.8
A Kemmerer sampler or Van Dorn sampler (Figure B-l) is also useful in the
collection of grab samples at discrete'depths: 'To use a decontaminated
Kefnmerer or. Van Dorn sampler, the mechanism is opened and the sample
drain closed. The sampler is slowly lowered to the desired depth. The
messenger weight is then placed on'the sample line and released. Once the
messenger weight falls and causes the sampler to close, the sampler should be
slowly withdrawn. The outside of the sampler should be wiped or rinsed and
allowed-to drain to prevent contamination of the sample. The drain valve may
then be opened .and the sample transferred directly to the sample bottles. If
the-sampler has no drain valve, the top stopper should be lifted up and the
sample poured directly into the sample bottle. ;
Field analytical techniques for screening sludge and slurry samples include:
Organic vapor detector;
Calorimetric tubes; -
Combustible gas meter or explosimeter;
Oxygen meter;
Radiation survey meter;
pH meter or pH paper;
Thermometer; .
Inorganic compound detection kit/instrument; and
Organic compound detection instruments. "
Organic vapor detectors and calorimetric tubes may be used to detect volatile
compounds emanating from the samples, arid are discussed in detail in Section
B.2.6 on soil vapor sampling. Combustible gas indicators, oxygen meters, and
radiation survey meters are discussed in Section B.2.9 on ambient air sampling.
The pH meters and pH paper, thermometers, inorganic compound detection
kits/instruments, and organic compound detection instruments are discussed in
detail in Section B.2.1 on surface water sampling.
Containerized Waste (Drums, Tanks, Hoppers, Bags, Waste Piles)
Containerized wastes are usually contained in drums, tanks, hoppers, bags, or
other containers (riietal, plastic, fiber, or cardboard) but may also be placed
directly.on the ground as in solid waste piles. Due to chemical degradation,
chemical reactions with the atmosphere (including moisture), and gravitational
settling and separation, the composition of the containerized waste may have
changed over time and may vary within the body to be sampled. For this
reason, the waste material may not be homogenous. -
General Site
and Waste
Description
The oversight assistant should document and, if possible, photograph the
condition of the containerized waste at the site. Items of concern include the
presence of any identification markings on the containers; the number of tiers
B-48
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of, drums or Bother containers and approximate amount of material present; the
general condition of the containers including the presence of openings, rust,
leaks, overpacking; the presence of any protection from the environment (rain,
wind, and runon/runoff); whether the containers are stored outdoors; public
accessibility to the site; the presence of other waste .materials at the site; and
the presence of potential hazards to workers at the site.
. The oversight assistant should note any abnormal vegetation conditions. Such
conditions would include dead or stressed vegetation. These conditions are an
indication of chemical contamination that might be due to leaking containers
or previous waste handling practices.
Sampling ; . The oversight assistant should verify that the locations for containerized waste
Locations sampling are those specified in the SAP or, if changed, are reasonable and
consistent with the objectives of the sampling and analysis activities (see
Section B.I.I). Sampling locations (approximate depth the sample was taken
from, location within a waste pile) should be recorded.
If the containerized waste is in a drum, tank, bag, or waste pile, a single grab
sample (or a composite sample that is representative of the contents of the
containerized waste) is usually adequate (see Section B.2.8). If a thin layer of
overlying liquid is present at the top of any containers, it is preferable to
include a portion of this liquid with the container contents because it is
representative of the actual sample and also will prevent drying or oxidation of
the sample before analysis.
If the containerized waste is in a large tank or hopper, the number of samples
to be taken will vary with the size and shape of the tank or hopper, as well as
other factors such as the depth and homogeneity of the waste material. If the
waste material is deep, grab samples may be collected at several depths and at
various locations.
.;, ,-.,,., , .Waste may also be contained in piles directly on the ground. In this case, the
sampling locations for the waste should be determined by the quantity and
,:, , . t homogeneity of the waste material. .For deeper deposits, grab samples should
'..''.[ , ; , *. be collected at several depths and at various locations throughout the body of
, .,' .material. When the waste material has been placed directly upon the ground,
u,/ ,, -sampling of the underlying soil and ground water may also be required to
determine the extent of contamination.
Sampling ; The sampling equipment must be chosen to preserve the integrity of the
Equipment sample to yield a sample that is representative of the containerized waste
. , . .., found, at the sampling location. The condition of the containerized waste, the
'...... '',.'-. ,: : viscosity of the sample, and the depth at which the sample will be collected
. _ i-, , , will affect the sampling team's choice of sampling equipment. The sampling
;. , ,;....; team .should use stainless steel, glass, or Teflon-coated samplers to collect
"",' . , samples for trace organic compound analysis. Plastic, glass, or Teflon-coated
, :'. ; samplers should be used to collect samples for trace metals analysis. The
oversight assistant should verify that the sampling equipment is equivalent to
that listed in the SAP and is suitable to fulfill the sampling requirements of
the project.
B-49
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For the purposes of this discussion, sampling equipment for containerized
waste has been divided into: (1) sampling equipment for solid or nearly solid
waste materials, and (2) sampling equipment for waste liquids.
Sampling
Equipment for
Solid or
Nearly Solid
Containerized
Waste
Solid or semi-solid containerized waste materials includes materials such as dry
powdered or granular material, hard materials such as solids, ores or slag, thick
sludge, or tar or gelled liquids. When the containerized waste material to be
sampled is solid or nearly solid, it should be sampled using soil sampling
equipment or modifications of soil sampling equipment. If the sampling team
intends to sample solid or nearly solid material, the team may use soil sampling
equipment. This equipment includes: trowels, scoops, and spoons; corers;
triers; and grain samplers. The use of this sampling equipment is discussed in
Section B.2.4 on surface soil sampling.
Sampling
Equipment for
Containerized
Waste
Liquids
Containerized waste liquids may have a consistency ranging from that of water
to that of thick mud. This waste material may contain suspended materials,
some of which may have settled to the bottom of the container. The sampling
team may collect waste liquids by using:
Glass tube samplers;
Composite liquid waste samplers;
Bacon bomb samplers;
Pumps;
Weighted bottle samplers; and
Kemmerer or Van Dorn samplers.
The use of glass tube samplers, composite liquid waste samplers, and bacon
bomb samplers is discussed in Section B.2.7 on sludge and slurry sampling; the
use of pumps is discussed in Section B.2.2 on groundwater sampling; and the
use of peristaltic pumps, weighted bomb samplers, and Kemmerer or Van
Dorn samplers is discussed in Section B.2.1 on surface water sampling.
Sample Type Samples collected from containerized storage may range from liquids to solids
with any combination of these present. Sealed drums may also contain trapped
gases. Both grab and composite samples may be taken from containerized
waste. However, due to possible suspended or settled materials in
containerized waste and the typically high concentrations of chemicals present
in the material, vertical composite samples are usually collected within each
container or storage unit. In the cases of glass tube samplers or composite
liquid waste samplers, a single grab sample is actually collected but it, in
reality, is a composite of material represented at all depths in the container.
Sampling When sampling containerized waste, the sampling team should avoid spreading
Technique contamination (such as by minimizing splashing), overspilling, or transporting
sample material away from the sample location. For example, contaminated
sampling equipment should not be placed or dragged on the ground. The
sampling team should place all contaminated equipment into plastic bags for
B-50
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Sampling
Solid or
Nearly
Solid
Containerized
Wastes
transfer to the decontamination area. If the sampling team is decontaminating
sampling equipment between sampling locations, the team should take care to
ensure the proper handling and disposal of all contaminated materials (see
Section B.4.3).
If the containerized waste is in a drum or container that must be opened, the
oversight assistant should ensure that all health and safety procedures are
strictly enforced. Dermal or inhalation exposure to vapors, dermal exposure to
splashed or spilled chemicals, and explosions or flash fires from drums that are
not electrically grounded are all possible dangers. The contents of a sealed
drum may also be under pressure. When dealing with unknown or extremely
hazardous chemicals, the sampling team should use remote drum-opening
equipment. For a detailed description of drum-opening equipment and
techniques the oversight assistant should consult one of the following
references:
U.S. EPA, n.d., Drum Opening Techniques and Equipment, in Sampling at
Hazardous Materials Incidents. U.S. EPA Training Manual, U.S. EPA,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
NUS Corporation, n.d., Drum Opening and Sampling. NUS Operating
Guidelines Manual, Procedure No. 4.28.
Once opened, the sampling team should use an air monitoring instrument (such
as explosimeter or a PID or FID) to determine the presence and nature of
potentially hazardous atmospheres. The sampling team should approach the
container from the upwind side. Based on this initial hazard assessment, it
may be necessary to don more/better protective equipment, or even evacuate.
The oversight assistant should consult the site HSP(s) for the appropriate action
levels before arriving at the site. In addition, if hazardous atmospheres are
encountered, the sampling team should try to identify the gases/vapors, and
verify that the site health and safety plan has specified applicable and
appropriate contingencies.
Sampling techniques are described below for both solid or nearly solid
containerized waste materials and containerized liquids. These techniques
relate to the sampling equipment listed in Section B.2.8.
The use of trowels, scoops, and spoons, and corers for sampling similar waste
materials is discussed in Section B.2.7 and should be referred to by the
oversight assistant.
The sampling team may also sample solid or semi-solid (nonliquid) material
with a trier (Figure B-8). A sample is collected with a decontaminated trier
by inserting it into the waste material and rotating it for several rotations. If
the material to be sampled is dry and free flowing, the trier should be used in
a horizontal or nearly horizontal position. If the material is moist and sticky,
the trier may.be used at any angle as long as the sample is not lost when the
sampler attempts to retrieve it. The trier should then be slowly withdrawn
with the slot facing upward.
The sampling team may use a grain sampler or grain thief (Figure B-8) to
sample dry powdered or granular waste materials. A grain thief consists of
two concentric tubes that can be rotated to align openings in both tubes,
allowing sample to be collected or further rotation to Close the openings. The
B-51
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Sampling
Containerized
Liquid
Materials
Field
Analytical
Techniques
B.2.9
sampling team member performing sampling should close the outer tube and
insert a decontaminated sampler into the material to be sampled. The grain
thief works best if inserted at an angle but it may also be inserted vertically.
The team member should rotate the inner tube of the sampler to the open
position and wiggle or shake the grain thief several times to help material
enter the device. The sampler should then be closed and withdrawn. The
sampling team member should then carefully remove the outer tube and
transfer the sample directly to the sample bottles.
Techniques for the use of glass sampling tubes, composite liquid waste
samplers, pumps, weighted bottle samplers, bacon bomb samplers, and
Kemmerer and Van Dorn samplers for sampling similar liquid waste materials
are discussed in Section B.2.7, to which the oversight assistant should refer.
Field analytical techniques appropriate for screening containerized materials
include: .
Organic vapor detectors;
Colorimetric tubes;
Combustible gas indicator or explosimeter;
Oxygen meter;
Radiation survey meter; ;
pH meter or pH paper;
Conductivity meter;
Thermometer;
Inorganic compound detection kit/instrument; and
Organic compound detection instruments.
Organic vapor detectors and colorimetric tubes may be used to detect volatile
compounds emanating from the samples, and are discussed in detail in Section
B.2.6 on soil vapor sampling. Combustible gas indicators, oxygen meters, and
radiation survey meters are discussed in Section B.2.9 on ambient air sampling;
pH meters and pH paper, conductivity meters, thermometers, inorganic
compound detection kits/instruments, and organic compound detection .,
instruments are discussed in detail in Section B.2.1 on surface water sampling.
Ambient Air
There are two similar but distinct types of collection activities for ambient air.
The first of these is air monitoring; the second is air sampling. Both air
monitoring and air sampling are used to detect the presence of volatile organic
chemicals that have high vapor pressures and thus exist as a vapor or gas in the
atmosphere. These techniques may also be used to detect other organic
B-52
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chemicals, radiation, or radioactive chemicals such as radon, mercury and
other volatile inorganics, metals, and airborne paniculate matter.
Air monitoring can be defined as the "real time" or immediate collection and
analysis of air samples. Air monitoring is typically used to alert workers or
others of immediate dangers from unexpected chemicals, chemical releases, or
high dust/particulate levels. Air monitoring usually yields qualitative results.
Air sampling is the collection of air samples, usually for analysis at a later
time, and usually yields quantitative results. The type of information obtained
from air sampling (as opposed to air 'monitoring) is usually used to identify
and quantify the normal releases from the site. The results of air sampling
may be used to perform exposure and risk assessments or to quantify actual
releases.
Sampling
Locations
Air monitoring may be performed at predetermined geographic locations.
More commonly, however, air monitoring is performed at activity-related
locations such as at a well head, in the breathing zone of the workers, near a
split spoon sampler as it is opened, in the vicinity of drum-opening activities,
or in the vicinity of excavation of potentially contaminated areas. Areas of
potential exposure are usually determined in the field and may not be
specified in the SAP. The SAP, however, should indicate the types of
activities that require air monitoring and the chemicals or hazards that should
be monitored. This monitoring is used to alert workers, as well as residents in
the immediate area, of possible dangers that may result in an evacuation.
Air sampling is usually designed to sample emissions from an entire site or a
specified area of a site. The sampling team will typically establish sampling
locations both upwind (background air) and downwind of this area. Samples
are usually collected at 1.5 or 2 meters above ground, which is approximately
the human breathing zone (U.S. EPA, 1987a).
Sampling locations for air sampling should be specified in the SAP. The
oversight assistant should note the actual locations and check to see if they are
consistent with the locations listed in the SAP. The oversight assistant should
evaluate whether changes in sampling locations are "reasonable and consistent"
with the sampling objectives. All information pertinent to the location of each
monitoring or sampling location should be recorded. The agreement between
the actual monitoring locations and those specified in the SAP should also be
noted. : ' ,-.:
General Knowledge of background'conditions is critical for air'monitoring and air
Background sampling. Background conditions include meteorological conditions (such as
Conditions' ' wind speed, wind direction, temperature, or rain fall) for the area. It is
important to know the direction of prevailing winds in the area to be sampled
or monitored to be able to determine which direction is upwind and which is
downwind. This information can usually be obtained for a variety of
reporting periods from the nearest airport with a Federal weather station.
It is also necessary to-be able to separate any concentrations of pollutants in
the background air from those arising from the site or activities at the site. If
air is being monitored in an area where:drums are being opened and this area
is surrounded by chemical plants, it is important-to know which pollutants are
B-53
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coming from which source.
would be necessary.
In this casej additional background monitoring
Sampling The sampling team should use air sampling and monitoring equipment that will
Equipment preserve the integrity of the sample and thus yield a sample that is
representative of air found at the sampling or monitoring location. The
oversight assistant should verify that the actual monitoring and the sampling
equipment is consistent with the equipment listed in the SAP. To minimize
reactions or contamination, the sampling team should use clean glass, Teflon,
or stainless steel equipment for air sample collection and storage. Although air
monitoring equipment is usually constructed of these materials, the
requirements for air monitoring are less rigid as the sample is usually analyzed
immediately. , .
Air Monitoring
Equipment
The choice of monitoring instruments depends upon the potential hazards
encountered at the site. When monitoring volatile organics in the air, the
sampling team will usually use a self-contained, battery-powered organic
vapor detector such as an FID or PID (see Section B.2.6). Combustible gas
indicators or explpsimeters will be used to detect levels of organics that are
potentially explosive. Oxygen meters will detect dangerously low oxygen
levels. Radiation survey meters detect high levels of radiation.
The sampling team may also use colorimetric tubes for air monitoring (see
Section B.2.9). Colorimetric.tubes are frequently referred to as MSA or
Draeger tubes. Colorimetric tubes are available that are sensitive to a variety
of chemicals at various concentrations (NUS Corporation, 1987: U.S. EPA,
1987a).
Results obtained from air monitoring equipment can Usually be characterized
as qualitative or useful for screening purposes only. If potential hazards are
detected, the sampling team may need to perform more quantitative air
sampling to determine actual levels of contamination.
Air Sampling
Collection
Equipment for
Organic
Vapors
Air samples, are usually collected by pumping air into a sample container such
as a Teflon bag, by drawing it through a sampling tube containing an
adsorbent, or by introducing it directly to an analytical instrument. Probes, air
lines, pumps, and any storage containers or equipment should, whenever
possible, be constructed of glass, Teflon, or stainless steel to minimize possible
reactions or contamination (U.S. EPA, 1987a).
When sample storage or preservation is required prior to analysis, several types
of storage are available. One of these involves the collection of air in a
portable container for analysis later in a laboratory. Alternatively, the air
sample may be collected and analyzed in the field by analytical
instrumentation. Another type of storage technique involves the sorption of
the chemicals in the air sample onto an adsorbent material such as activated
carbon or commercially available adsorbent resins such as Tenax. The
activated carbon or resins are then sent to the analytical laboratory for
extraction and analysis. -. , .
Air sampling equipment is also available for chemicals other than volatile
organic compounds. As it is less common to sample for other chemicals or
B-54
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materials such as particulate matter or radiation, the appropriate manuals for
this eauioment should be reviewed.
.J11XLIC1 laio ouvii do 1^0.1 uvuiuiv **it*vi.v*
this equipment should be reviewed.
Sample Type There are two types of air samples which may be collected. These include
-.'- grab samples, and. composite or continuous samples. Grab samples are samples
taken at a single location at a single time. Samples collected over a short time
..,,.; , . . period, such as .several minutes, are still considered grab, samples. A sample
;. . collected during the.opening of a drum would be considered a grab sample.
. , !, . :. . - Composite samples may be either combined grab samples from different
locations or samples collected at different times and then composited.
; Continuous samples are a type of composite air sample that is collected
-: , ;;,-... , , continuously over a predetermined period. A particulate sample collected over
a work day would be considered a composite or continuous sample. Both air
monitoring and air sampling activities may be performed as either grab or
continuous sampling.
Sampling : The sampling techniques for both air monitoring and air sampling are
Technique : discussed in the following sections. .
Air Monitoring
The sampling team may perform air monitoring with dedicated instruments or
by the use of colorimetric tubes. Dedicated monitoring instruments contain a
sampling probe or sampling system, an analysis system, and a direct readout.
Some also contain a warning system that sounds an alarm to signify dangerous
levels. The battery in the unit must be charged and most instruments must be
calibrated before use. As calibration and use are fairly complex, the oversight
assistant should refer to the manuals supplied with this equipment. Typically,
a calibrated instrument is turned on and continually carried by one or more
Workers on each sampling team while work is being performed. Background
as,well as all monitoring readings should be recorded. The use of colorimetric
tubes is described in Section B.2.6.
Air Sampling Air samples are usually collected at the established sampling location by
pumping air either into, a sample container such as a Teflon bag, by drawing it
.; .-'. : 'through a sampling tube containing an adsorbent, by drawing it through a
. filter, or by introducing it directly to an analytical instrument. Probes, air
......... lines, internal pump surfaces, and any storage containers or equipment should,
.whenever possible,'be constructed of glass, Teflon, or stainless steel. If
samples are collected and must be preserved for subsequent analysis, they
should be appropriately labelled and stored (see Sections B.3 and B.4) (U.S.
..,.., . ' , EPA, 1987a). :.-. ... :
. ..-.- The oversight assistant should.check that the sampling team runs the system
. . for sufficient time to allow standing air to purge from the system before
.. -sampling. This length of time depends upon the internal volume of the
system^ including the probe, sample line, and pump, as well as the pumping
' :rate of the pump. Once the system is adequately purged, the sample may be
, .collected. A purging time of approximately 5 minutes with a pumping rate of
4 liters per minute is usually adequate to purge most systems.
B-55
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Field
Analytical
Techniques
Field analytical techniques for screening ambient air include:
Organic vapor detectors;
Colorimetric tubes;
Combustible gas indicators or explosimeters;
Oxygen meters; and
Radiation survey meters.
Organic vapor detectors and colorimetric tubes are described in detail in
Section B.2.6 on soil vapor sampling.
Combustible
Gas
Indicator or
Explosimeter
A combustible gas indicator, also known as an explosimeter, determines the
concentration of organic vapors present in the air as a percentage of the lower
explosive limit of the gas used for calibration of the instrument. The lower
explosive limit is the lowest concentration of an organic vapor that will burn
or explode at room temperature in air that contains a normal amount of
oxygen (O,) when an ignition source is introduced. This instrument must be
calibrated frequently. The combustible gas meter works only when the air
being sampled contains 19.5 percent to 25 percent oxygen. Many chemicals,
such as those containing silicon, acids, and leaded gasoline, cause
interferences. Combustible gas indicators are usually used with oxygen
detectors and some manufacturers offer both in the same instrument. This
instrument may be calibrated and then allowed to continuously monitor the
environment where work is being performed. Some models contain an alarm
that sounds when adverse conditions arise.
Oxygen
Detector
An oxygen detector measures the percent of oxygen in the air by means of a
galvanic cell. Oxygen-detectors are frequently combined with explosive gas
meters and referred to as LEL/O2 meters. Acid mists will ruin the probe.
When used at elevations significantly above sea level the meter will read low
relative to sea level calibration, due to atmospheric pressures of less than 1
atmosphere. When used in the presence of strong oxidizers, the meter may
read high. This instrument may be calibrated and then allowed to
continuously monitor the environment where work is being performed. Some
models contain an alarm that sounds when adverse conditions arise.
Radiation
Survey Meter
Radiation survey meters are available to monitor for alpha, beta, and gamma
radiation. A meter which measures all three of these types of radiation is
desirable, as is a model which contains an alarm which sounds when dangerous
levels of radiation are encountered.
B.3
COMMON SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
Regardless of the medium sampled, a number of activities and considerations
are important for proper handling and preservation of the sample until it is
shi5Pe.d for analysis- The sample should be placed in a suitable container, in
sufficient volume, and if necessary, filtered or mixed with preservatives so
that when analyzed, the sample is representative of the medium sampled. In
B-56
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addition, sample labels, sampling records, and chain-of-custody ;
documentation should be adequately, completely, and correctly maintained, as
they could be used as evidence during litigation. Failure to take steps to
ensure sample representativeness and accountability can render sample
collection and subsequent analysis meaningless.
B.3.1
Container
Type
Containers
Sample containers should be of a suitable material that is chemically
compatible with the sample; that is, they should not contaminate or degrade
the sample. The container should also hold a volume of sample sufficient to
. perform all required analyses. Thus, the choice of containers depends upon
the analysis required. In addition, containers should be free of contaminants
before use.
The most important factors in container selection are chemical compatibility .
and volume. Containers should not degrade, react, leach, or leak as a result of
contact with the sample. It is therefore important to have some idea of the
composition of the sample. The SAP should refer to the specific analytical
method in "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste-Physical/Chemical
Methods" (SW-846) (U.S. EPA, 1986) that designates an acceptable container
for the specific type of analysis. The selection of containers,, lids, and linings
should be coordinated with the laboratory, which may specify a particular
container for certain analyses.
Plastic and glass containers are generally used for sample collection. Glass
containers are relatively inert to most chemicals and can be used to collect
almost all hazardous material samples. (Two exceptions are strong alkali
solutions and hydrofluoric acid.) When organics are the analytes of interest,
glass bottles with fluorocarbon resin-lined (Teflon-lined) screw-on caps should
be used (U.S. EPA, 1986a).
When metals are the analytes of interest, fluorocarbon resin (Teflon)
containers, glass containers with Teflon-lined screw-on lids, or polyethylene
containers with polypropylene screw-on lids should be used (U.S. EPA, 1986a).
Fluorocarbon resin containers are the most inert and thus have the widest
range of,application. Polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride are
also commonly available plastic containers, and should be used only when the
constituents of the sample are known not to react with plastic. Plastic bottles
are usually provided with screw caps made of the same material as the bottles;
liners are usually not required. Table B-l summarizes the types (and sizes) of
bottles, recommended for each type of sample (U.S. EPA, 1987a). The choice
. of container size depends upon the required analyses. The volume of sample
collected should be sufficient to perform all required analyses with an
additional amount collected (if required by the lab or the sampling plan) to
provide for quality control needs, split samples, or repeat examinations.
(Usually, 40 mL, VOA vial samples are collected in replicate pairs to provide
additional sample material for the laboratory in case one sample is not properly
extracted.) The sample volume required for each analysis is the volume of the
appropriate container less the ullage (head space) required for sample mixing
by the lab! Generally, at least 10 percent ullage should be allowed in every
sample container, except for samples containing volatile organics or dissolved
gases, which should have no head space (U.S. EPA, 1986c).
B-57
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Table B-1. Sample Bottles Recommended by Sample Type
CONTAINER DESCRIPTION
8-oz amber glass bottle with Teflon-lined
black phenolic cap
40-mL glass vial with Teflon-lined, silicon
septum and black phenolic cap
1-liter high-density polyethylene bottle with
white poly cap
120-mL wide-mouth glass vial with white
poly cap
16-oz wide-mouth glass jar with Teflon-
lined black phenolic cap
8-oz wide-mouth glass jar with Teflon-lined
black phenolic cap
SAMPLE TYPE
4-oz wide-mouth glass jar with Teflon-lined
black phenolic cap
1-liter amber glass bottle with Teflon-liiied
black phenolic cap
32-oz wide-mouth glass jar with Teflon-
lined black phenolic cap
4-liter amber glass bottle with Teflon-lined
black phenolic cap
Extractable organics- -Low-concentration
water samples
Volatile organicsLow- and medium-
concentration water samples
Metals, cyanideLow-concentration water
samples
Volatile organicsLow- and medium-
concentration soil samples
Metals, cyanide--Medium-concentration
water samples
Extractable organicsLow- and medium-
concentration soil samples
Metals, cyanideLow- and medium-
concentration soil samples
Dioxin-'-Soil samples
Organics and inorganicsHigh-
concentration liquid and solid samples
Extractable organicsLow- and medium-
concentration soil samples
Metals, cyanideLow- and medium-
concentration soil samples
DioxinSoil samples
Organic and inorganicHigh-concentration
liquid and solid samples
Extractable organicsLow-concentration
water samples
Extractable organics-^-Medium concentration
water samples
Extractable organicsLow-concentration
water samples
B-58
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Container Besides specifying the container ..type, the SAP should specify the procedures
Condition used to ensure that sample containers are free of contaminants prior to use.
. .^.. .,.,-.,..,,-Sample containers obtained from reputable vendors (such as I-Chem, Eagle-
Picher, or Environmental Sampling Supply) have been specially precleaned and
.are generally suitable for use without further cleaning. For sample containers
not certified clean by the vendor (or optionally for trace contaminant
sampling) the containers; lids, and liners should be washed with'a
., - npnphosphate, detergent, rinsed in tap water, and rinsed in, distilled water (i.e.,
water having a cpndu'ctiyity of less than 1 /imho/cm at 25°C). In addition, if
the containers are fo"be used for organic analysis, they should have a final
,. rinse of spectrographic grade solvent, such-as he.xane or methanql (U.S. EPA,
i'986a;.nv 1987). Alternatively, for sample containers for metals' analysis, a
1:1 (acid:water) nitric acid rinse and 1:1 hydrochloric acid rinse may precede
. .,: the tap water and distilled.-water rinses,,Respectively.. The cleanliness of
sample containers, pre-cleaned or cleaned, may be verified by bottle blanks.
B.3.2
Labeling
Procedure
Labels/Tags, . ^ » ' >> ",:
Sample container labels and tags are documents that identify and inventory
samples. Labeling procedures and information are hot only'important for
preventing misidentificatibn of samples, but also are accountability documents,
forming part of the sampling records. As such, sample labels and tags may be
used as evidence in litigation. Therefore, it is essentialthat'sample labels and
tags are adequately, completely, and correctly filled out and affixed to the
proper sample container,
Labels or ta,gs should be firmly affixed to the sample container. Labels are
gummed and may be preattached (as for sample bottles from the Superfund
,.'.; repository)' or affixed in the field. The container should be dry enough to
'securely attach the label. Alternatively, sample tags may be attached to the
sample container jf gummed labels are .not available or .applicable. Tags are
often preferred'fo;r handling extremely contaminated samples because the
sarrtple' container'must often be decontaminated before packing and shipping.
Use of tags obviates container contamination/ decontamination problems.
Labels and tags should oe filled out using waterproof ink (no felt tip pens) so
they remain, legible even when wet. To minimize the handling of sample
containers, labels and'fags'may be filled out prior to sample collection. If
filled out prior to sampling, care should be taken to affix the correct label or
tag to the proper sample'container. If possible, one member of the sampling
team should fill out'the tags or labels while another member does the sampling
(U.S. EPA, 1986c). , . ,, .,... ,, ....... , .
Sample tags or labels are' distributed as needed to field personnel by the field
supervisor (or designated representative). Personnel are accountable for each
' tag 'assigned"to them1 until it has been filled out, attached to a sample, and
transferred to another individual, along with the corresponding chain-of-
custody. Tags (or labels).bearing EPA serial numbers should not be discarded
'as they arei accountabledocuments. L'o'st, voided, or damaged tags should be
noted in the field logbook.'
B-59
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Labeling
Nomenclature/
Information
Sample labels or tags should, at a minimum, include the following information:
Serial number The first digit (or digits) of the serial number should
correspond to the EPA Region where the site is located (see Figure B-8);
Sample identification number or station number A unique identifying
number assigned to a specific sampling point and listed in the SAP. (The
number for a blind duplicate should not infer that the sample is a
duplicate);
Name of Collector Including his/her signature;
Date and time of collection ~ The date is a six-digit number indicating
month/date/year; time is a four-digit number using the 24-hour clock
notation;
Place of .collection or station location The location or station description
(for example, well No. 5) as specified in the SAP (more than one sample,
each with a unique identification number, may be collected from the same
location); '
Analysis The type of analysis requested; and
Preservative ~ Whether a preservative is used and the type of
preservative.
Additional information that should be included, but is not required, are the
contractor project code number, a lab sample number (reserved for lab use),
and any information such as split samples, special analytical procedures, and
CLP case or sample numbers (if appropriate). Figure B-ll illustrates an
example of a sample tag. ;
B.3.3
Preservation/Handling .
Once the sample has been collected, chemical and biological changes can
occur, altering the composition and thus the representativeness of the sample.
For example, the pH may change significantly in a matter of minutes, sulfides
and cyanides may be oxidized or evolve as gases, and hexavalent chromium
may slowly be reduced to the trivalent state. la addition, certain cations, such
as iron and lead, may be lost to adsorption on the walls of the sample
containers, microorganisms may' grow in certain constituents, or volatile
compounds may be lost. For best analytical results, samples should therefore
be analyzed as soon as possible after collection. If samples are not
immediately taken to a laboratory they should, be filtered or preserved and
stored such that these changes are retarded or prevented until the sample
reaches the laboratory.
Sample
Filtering
Filtering may be recommended for the inorganic analysis of samples because
acid, used either as a preservative or during analysis, can release inorganic
constituents held on suspended solids (thereby changing the constituent
chemistry of the solution); However, filtered samples may not be acceptable
for risk assessment purposes since total metal analysis requires unfiltered
samples. Thus, collected samples for metal (inorganic) analysis should either
be acid-preserved without filtering, or split into two portions: dne portion
B-60
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Figure B-11. Typical Sample Identification Tag
Ix
OP
o
&
^ta>
I i
I £
1
km
if
Preservative:
NoP
ANALYSES
BOO Anions
SolidS (TSS) (TOS) (BS)
COD, TOC. Nutrients
Phenolics
Mercury
Metals
Cyanide
Oil and Grease
Organics GC/MS
Priority Pollutants
Volatile Organics
Pesticides
Mutagenicity.
Bacteriology
Remarks:
TiQNo.
4-19851
Ub Scmphi No.
Region 4 Sample Tag
Note: The obverse side of the sample tag bears and EPA logo and the appropriate
regional address. . ,
B-61
-------
Sample
Preservatives
acid preserved without filtering, the second.portion filtered before trje
addition of acid preservative (resulting in a sample that contains only the '
dissolved constituents).
Filtration through a 0.45-micron membrane filter is the most common field
method to remove suspended solids. For extremely turbid samples, large
particles can be removed with a coarse filter before the 0.45 micron filter is
used (U.S. EPA, 1987a). Samples for analysis of organic compounds should
never be filtered as many organic constituents adhere to suspended solids (U.S.
EPA, 1986a,c).
Methods of sample preservation are relatively limited and are intended
generally to: (1) retard biological action, ,(2) retard hydrolysis of chemical
compounds and constituents, (3) reduce constituent volatility, and (4) reduce
sorptidn effects; 'Preservation methods are generally limited to pH control,
chemical addition, refrigeration, and protection from light. The oversight
assistant should refer to "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste Physical
Chemical Methods" (SW-846) (U.S..EPA, 1986) for the specific preservation
method that should be used for the constituent in the sample.
Samples requiring analysis for volatile, semivolatile, and nonvolatile organics,
(including pesticides)-should be refrigerated,.or iced (4°C). Low-ppncentration
or environmental water samples (contaminants less then 10 ppm) should be
acidified until the pH is less than 2 with 2 mL (1+1) of nitric acid. Cyanide
samples should be preserved with sodium hydroxide to a pH greater than 12,
iced, and if oxidizing agents are, present, (as indicated with potassium iodide-
starch test paper) mixed with 0.6 g of ascorbic acid per liter of sample.
Table B-2 summarizes sample preservative techniques used for some common
analyses-(U.S. EPA, 1986a). ' ..,.'....,,.
j -' '
[In addition, it-has recently been demonstrated that a 1:1 methanol to soil ratio
(volume to weight) significantly, decreases volatile loss for soil samples (U.S.
EPA, 1991). Methanol may soon, become a required preservative for soil
volatile'samples.]' :' ' i '
Oversight assistants should note thatregionrspecific variances in sample
preservation exist. For example,, Region IV requires that samples collected for
volatile analysis be preserved with hydrochloric acid. Specifically, four drops
of concentrated HOhare added to each VOA vial before it is filled with sample
(U.S. EPA, L987a). Region-specific variances may become.dated; the
sampling team should contact the EPA or the RPM regarding regional
practices or requirements before writing the SAP. ' '
Not all samples require preservation, including soil or sediment samples and
medium-and-high concentration water samples (10 ppm to 150,000 ppm
contaminant and greater than 150,000 ppm, respectively), although in practice,
all samples are usually iced particularly volatile soil samples. The addition
of preservative to samples whose constituents are unknown should generally
not be practiced because of the possibility of an adverse chemical reaction
between the preservative and the sample. Preservatives may not only alter the
physical and chemical composition of a sample, but also may be highly
reactive and hence unsafe.
B-62
-------
Table B-2. Sample Preservation Procedures
Analysis
TOC
TOX
Chloride
Phenols
Sulfatc
Nitrate
Colifora Bacteria
Cyanide
Oil and Grease
Volatile, Semi-Volatile, and Non-Volatile
Organics
Iron
Manganese
Sodium
Total Metals
Dissolved Metals : '.
Radium
Gross Alpha
Gross Beta
Cooled to 4
Deg. C
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Field
Acidified to
pH <2
With Nitric
Acid
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
field ,
Acidified to
ptt <2wth
Sulfuric
. Acid
X
X
1 -
Field
Acidilted to
pH <2with
Sulfuric Acid
or>
Hydrochloric
Acid
X
Pres erred
wHh Iralof
U W ,
Sodium .
Sulfite !
X
Prtserved
with Sodium
Hydroxide
' to pH^li
X
pH
Adjustment to
be Between 6
and 8 with
Sodium
Hydroxide or
Sulfuric Acid
X
B-63
-------
Sample
Storage
Metals samples and samples not requiring preservation, such as soil samples, do
not require special handling or storage. However, such samples should be
stored in a safe and secure manner to prevent disturbance and contamination.
Samples requiring cooling to 4°C should be refrigerated or kept on ice in a
cooler. For information on storage requirements for sample shipment, see
Section B.4.1.
B.3.4
Chain-of-
Custody
Record
Chain-of-Custody Information
Chain-of-custody records and sample traffic reports allow sample tracking and
provide a permanent record for each sample collected. Proper completion of
chain-of-custpdy information is important to help ensure sample quality
during collection, transportation, and storage for analysis. , ,:
An adequate chain-of-custody record allows tracing of possession and
handling of individual samples from the time of field collection through
laboratory analysis. The chain-of-custody record should be included in the
shipment of each sample and should contain the following information:
Sample number;
Signature of collector;
Date and time of collection;
Sample station location; . , . ..
Number of containers;
Signatures of people involved in the chain of possession; and .
Inclusive dates of possession.
Figure B-12 shows a sample chain-of-custody record. The original chain-
of-custody form accompanies the sample shipment, while the copies are
retained by the sampling team. When samples are split, the event should'be :
noted in the "Remarks" section of the chain-of-custody record. The oversight
team should complete a separate chain-of-custody record for custody and
shipment of the split samples.
Generally, as few people as possible should handle the samples to minimize the
possibility of disputed or unclear custody. Frequently, one person is
designated to be responsible for sample custody. Field personnel in possession .
of the samples are personally responsible for the care and custody of the
samples until the sample is transferred or dispatched properly. A sample is in
someone's "custody" if:
It is in one's actual possession;
It is in one's view, after being in one's physical possession;
It is in one's physical possession and then locked up so that no one can
tamper with it; and
B-64
-------
Figure B-12. Chain-of-Custody Record
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Enforcement
PROJ. NO. f
CHAIN OF CUSTODY RECORD
ROJECT NAME
SAMPLERS: ISifuninl
rr». NO.
OATI
TIME
8
<
GC
(9
Relinquiihed by: menu*!
Relinquilhed by: fSpwvret
Relinquilhed by: ISIfaninl
Distribution:
STATION LOCATION
Out
-
.
OlU
Dili
Time
Tim*
Time
NO.
OF
CON-
TAINERS
Received by: liifaturti
Received by: ls,*t*ni-*>
Received for laboratory by:
tSignttofft
REGIONS
Curtfi Mdg.. fth A Wilnut Su.
PtlllMWttflll Pfnnylvenle 19108
/////// REMARKS
Relmquiihed by: ISiftMtvrtl
Relinquished by: tSirwuiil
Dm /Time f
Original AccomfMnict Sriiomam. Copy to Coordm»toi Fuld FI)«I
emiifks
Dele
Out
Time
'Time
Received by: Wrnnw.1
Received by: tsitnttunt
3-23022
B-65
-------
It is kept in a secured area, restricted to authorized personnel only.
When transferring samples, the individuals relinquishing and receiving them
should sign, date, and note the time on the form.
Traffic
Reports
If a CLP laboratory is used for sample analysis, sample traffic reports are
required to provide a permanent record for each sample collected (US EPA,
1987a). Sample traffic reports are four-part carbonless forms printed with a
unique sample identification number. The sampling team should complete a
traffic report for each sample. The report should include the following
information: site name and location, type of laboratory analysis requested, date
of sample collection, and shipment and classification of sample concentration,
The number of containers and the total volume of each container should also
be entered for each analytical parameter. The oversight assistant should refer
to the CLP guidance (EPA, 1986b) for detailed guidance on traffic reports,. ..
B.4
POST-SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
Post-sampling activities include packaging and shipping samples and
decontaminating them after they are collected in the field. The procedures,
methods, and requirements for these activities are described in the following
sections. .
B.4.1
Methods
Packaging
Following collection and preservation of samples in the field, the samples are
packaged for shipment to the laboratory. Packaging the samples involves
following standard procedures to ensure that the samples arrive at the
laboratory intact; that is, without breakage, leakage, or spoiling. The oversight
assistant should follow the procedures described in this section for packaging
oversight samples (see Section B.5) and should also observe the sampling team
members to check their packaging methods. The following section describes
the methods and materials recommended by EPA's Sample Management Office
for packaging samples.
EPA's Sample Management Office recommends specific packaging methods
based on classification of the samples as either: 1) low-concentration samples,
2) medium-concentration samples, or 3) high-concentration samples. This
classification is based on the expected or estimated contaminant concentration
of the sample as determined by the field supervisor. The following definitions
should be used to aid in sample classification (U.S. EPA, 1987):
Low-concentration sample The contaminant of highest concentration is
present at less than 10 ppm; , .-.
Medium-concentration sample The contaminant of highest
concentration is present at a level greater than 10 ppm and less than 15
percent (150,000 ppm); and ,,; : : .
High-concentration sample --.At least one contaminant.is present at a
level greater than 15 percent. Samples from drums and tanks are assumed
to be high-concentration unless available information indicates otherwise.
B-66
-------
If the expected contaminant concentration is unknown, the sample should be
handled as a high-concentration sample.
'H . " ' -. ' '-
The packaging requirements for the medium- and high-concentration sample
classifications build on the requirements for packaging low-concentration
samples. Therefore, this document first describes the packaging methods
common to all classifications and then describes the remaining methods
specific to medium-and high-concentration samples. The following
packaging method should be used for all sample classifications:
« A sample tag should be attached to each sample container;
All bottles except volatile organic analysis (VOA) .vials should be taped
closed;
VOA vials should be wrapped with paper and sealed in plastic bags. One
pair of VOAs should be placed in each bag. (Generally, VOA samples are
collected in pairs to provide an extra sample for the laboratory in case one
is not extracted properly). The plastic bags should be packed and sealed in
another sample container such as a clean paint can, marked with
directional arrows indicating which way is "up;"
Each sample container (except for paint cans for VOA samples) should be
sealed in a plastic bag, squeezing as much air as possible from the bag;
The sample containers should be placed in a lined, insulated shipping
container (such as an ice chest) and surrounded with packing material (at
least 1 inch of packing material in the bottom). See Section B.4.1 for a
' "description of acceptable packaging materials;
The appropriate refrigeration agents should be placed in the shipping
container (see Section B.3.3); -
The lining of the shipping container should be sealed shut;
The paperwork for the laboratory, such as chain-of-custody forms and
traffic reports (see Section B.4), should be sealed in a plastic bag and taped
to the inside lid of the shipping container;
The shipping container should be locked or taped shut;
At least two signed custody seals (see Section B.4.2) should be placed on
the shipping container, one on the front and one on the back. Additional
seals may be used if necessary; and
The shipping container should be personally handed over to the carrier
(usually an overnight carrier).
For packaging medium and high-concentration samples, the following steps
should be followed instead of, or in addition to, those mentioned above.
Each sample container should be sealed in a plastic bag and packed in a
clean paint can or similar container before being placed in the shipping
container;
B-67
-------
Even though sample containers should be individually wrapped in plastic
bags when packaged", samples of high contaminant concentration should be
shipped in a dedicated cooler to prevent the possibility of contaminating
samples with low contaminant concentration;
Each paint can or similar container should be marked with the appropriate
Department of Transportation (DOT) shipping information (see Section
B.4.2) and packed in the shipping container;
. Each shipping container should be marked with the appropriate DOT
shipping information (see Section B.4.2); and
Each shipping container should be sent with a restricted-article airbill (see
Section B.4.2).
Materials
EPA's Sample Management Office recommends specific materials for
packaging samples for shipment to the laboratory. The primary function of
the packaging materials is to protect the sample containers from leakage,
breakage, and spoiling. EPA recommends the following materials for
packaging samples:
Shipping containers EPA recommends using hard plastic or metal picnic
coolers. The cooler provides a sturdy container for shipment to prevent
breakage of sample containers and provides an insulated vessel for keeping
samples refrigerated with ice (to prevent spoiling). The coolers can be any
size, although the sampling team should beware of very large coolers, as
they are heavy when filled with samples, ice, and packing materials. Aside
from the obvious problem in moving the heavy container, most commercial
carriers will not accept a package heavier than 100 pounds for standard
delivery. As a guideline, a 15-gallon cooler filled with samples, ice, and
packing material will probably weigh close to 100 pounds;
Shipping container liners -- EPA recommends using a plastic bag such as a
trash bag. Plastic bags can be sealed easily with electrical tape and will
contain leaks and spills from sample containers if they occur inside the
bag. Otherwise, a leak or spill could seep out of the cooler. Similarly, ice
(used as a preservative) can be contained in a plastic bag to prevent
leakage as ice melts;
Packing material EPA recommends using asbestos-free vermiculite to
protect sample containers from breakage. Perlite, styrofoam beads, or
bubble-wrap for individual samples may also be used but are not water-
absorbent. These materials are used for absorbing any impacts and
keeping sample containers from jostling during shipment;
Paint cans EPA recommends using clean paint cans for storing medium-
and high-concentration samples to keep samples isolated from each other.
In case of leakage or breakage, this would prevent contaminants from
mixing and reacting with each other in the shipping container; and
Paperwork packaging EPA recommends placing the chain-of-custody
and traffic reports in plastic bags to keep the papers dry in case of
breakage or leakage from sample containers or melting ice.
B-68
-------
Other
Prescribed
Specifications
Other prescribed specifications may apply to sample packaging, depending on
the specific types of samples collected. The Sampling team should investigate
special packaging requirements by discussing'suspected contaminants with the
laboratory that will do the analysis as well as with the sample carrier. For
example, dioxin samples or samples suspected of containing dioxin
contamination should be labeled as such and packaged as if they were high-
concentration samples (including DOT shipping requirements). Laboratory
personnel should be notified in advance that a dioxin sample is being shipped
so they can make arrangements for receiving and analyzing the sample. In
addition, it is important to notify laboratories of suspected contamination
because some laboratories are not equipped to handle the analysis of certain
samples (such as dioxin).
B.4.2
timely
Shipping
Shipping
'. Once the sample containers have been packaged, they are ready for shipment
to the laboratory. Standard procedures for shipping samples should be
followed to: ensure timely shipment to the laboratory, document possession of
the samples, ensure that the laboratory is prepared to. receive the samples, and
comply with DOT regulations. The oversight assistant should follow these
procedures for shipping oversight samples and should also check the sampling
, team's shipping procedures for all samples.
Timely shipping is critical to maintaining the integrity (original volume and
composition) of the samples collected in the field. Samples should be analyzed
as soon as possible after sampling, if samples are analyzed in the laboratory
(rather than in the field), they must be analyzed within designated holding
times for the specific sample media and contaminants of concern, or the
composition of the samples can change. EPA's Sample Management Office
mandates the following laboratory holding times for some common samples:
VGA
Base Neutrals/
Acids
Pesticides
Cyanides
14 days
5 days
.5 days
14 days
Soil
10 days
10 days
10 days
14 days
Sediment
10 days
10 days
10 days
14 days
The holding time is measured from the time the sample is received by the
laboratory (not shipped) until the time the sample is extracted for analysis.
Additionally, the samples must meet technical holding times as specified in the
Federal Register. The technical holding times (which include the laboratory
holding times) are longer than the laboratory holding times to allow time for
shipping. Detailed information regarding holding times for other samples is
described in the "User's Guide to the Contract Laboratory Program" (U.S.
EPA, 1986b). ;'" .V
In order to allow the laboratory adequate time to analyze the samples within
the designated technical holding times, the samples must be shipped promptly.
Samples should be shipped the same day as collected, usually for next-day
B-69
-------
delivery. Even if the holding time is not likely to be exceeded, samples should
not be collected on a Friday or Saturday unless special arrangements have been
made with the laboratory to receive the sample on Saturday or Sunday.
Additionally, the sampling team should check with the carrier before
collecting samples on a Friday or Saturday to ensure that the carrier provides
overnight delivery on weekends. This step is important for ensuring that
custody of the samples is maintained and that samples are kept refrigerated
until they are received by authorized personnel at the lab (ice will not last
more than a few days, even in a cooler). Similarly, samples should not be
collected the day before a holiday unless special arrangements have been made
with the carrier and the lab.
Copies of
Chain-of
Custody Form
to
Laboratory
The chain-of-custody record allows tracing of the possession and handling of
samples from the time of collection through laboratory analysis. All sample
shipments to the laboratory should be accompanied by a chain-of-custody
form identifying their contents. The original form should accompany the
sample shipment, and the copies should be retained by the sampling team.
The chain-of-custody form should be placed in a plastic bag to keep it dry
and taped to the inside cover of the shipping container (cooler). Detailed
information regarding the information contained on the chain-of-custody
form is described in Section B.3.4.
Custody Seals
Custody seals are adhesive strips that the sampling team fastens across the
opening of the shipping container to demonstrate that the container has not
been opened before arriving at the laboratory. Usually, the sampling team
places at least two custody seals on the shipping container. The custody seals
should be signed and dated by the sampling team when applied to the shipping
container. An example of a custody seal is shown in Figure B-13.
Bill of Lading
A bill of lading (or airbill) is the form that accompanies the sample shipping
container to provide the shipping information for the carrier.. The information
contained on the bill of lading includes the destination (recipient's name,
company, address), the origin of the shipment (sender's name, company,
address), the airbill number (for tracing the shipment), the sender's billing
information, and the delivery and special handling service required (such as
Saturday delivery or restricted article service for high-concentration samples).
An example of a bill of lading is shown in Figure B-13. The sampling team
should retain a copy of the bill of lading as part of the chain-of-custqdy
record (see Section B.3.4) for tracing possession and handling of the shipment.
Notification of
Shipment
to Laboratory
A few days before samples are collected, the sampling team should notify the
laboratory of all sample shipments and the type of analysis required in order to
confirm the arrangements made during the initial activities (see Section B.l.l).
Confirmation will ensure that an authorized individual is available to receive
the samples,-and allow the laboratory time to arrange for analysis of the
samples before holding times are exceeded. The laboratory should be apprised
of the number of samples and the type of analysis required for each, especially
if there are any changes in the original requirements. As discussed in Section
B.4.2, the sampling team should make special arrangements with the laboratory
before collecting samples on a Friday, Saturday, or the day before a holiday.
Many laboratories are willing to accept Saturday deliveries if notified in
advance, although most laboratories do not accept Sunday or holiday deliveries
in addition, most carriers will not deliver on Sundays or holidays).
Laboratories should also be notified in advance of any shipments requiring
special handling, such as dioxin samples.
B-70
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B-71
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DOT
Requirements
B.4.3
DOT requirements apply to shipment of medium- and high-concentration.
samples, for both the interior sample containers (paint cans or similar
containers see Section B.4.1) and the shipping containers (usually coolers -
- see Section B.4.1) (U.S. EPA, 1987).
The interior containers should be marked with the proper DOT shipping name
and identification number designated in 49 CFR Part 171-177 for specific
sample types. If the sample is a liquid of uncertain nature, it should be
marked with the name "FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S." and identification
number UN1993. If the sample is a solid of uncertain nature, it should be
marked with the name "FLAMMABLE SOLID, N.O.S." and identification
number UNI 325.
The shipping containers (coolers) should be marked with the DOT shipping
name and identification number, the shipper's or consignee's name and
address, an arrow or label indicating "this end up" for liquid hazardous '
materials, and the DOT Hazard Glass. These requirements are contained in the
following Title 49 CFR citations:
Parts 100-177 Shipper Requirements and Hazardous Material Table;
Parts 178-199 Packaging Specifications; and .''
Section 262.20 Hazardous Waste Manifest.
The sampling team should refer to these regulations for more detailed
information on DOT shipping requirements.
Decontamination
Site control and decontamination are essential for maintaining health and
safety as well as for preventing cross-contamination. Two general methods of
contamination control are: (1) establishing site work zones (site control), and
(2) removing contaminants from people and equipment (decontamination).
Decontamination consists of either physically removing contaminants or
changing their chemical nature to innocuous substances. The level of
decontamination depends on a number of factors, the most important being the
type of contaminants involved. The more harmful the contaminant, the more
extensive and thorough decontamination must be. '
Equipment A variety of equipment and materials are suitable for decontamination of
sampling and personnel protection equipment. Decontamination equipment is
generally selected based on availability, ease of equipment decontamination,
and disposability. Typical decontamination equipment includes: soft-bristle
scrub brushes or long-handle brushes to remove contaminants; water in
buckets or garden sprayers for rinsing; large galvanized wash tubs, stock
tanks, or plastic basins to hold wash and rinse solutions; large plastic garbage
cans or other similar containers lined with plastic bags to store contaminated
clothing and equipment; metal or plastic cans or drums'to temporarily store
contaminated liquids; and other miscellaneous gear such as paper or cloth
towels for drying protective clothing and equipment.
B-72
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Method
Personnel protective equipment, sampling tools, and other equipment are ,
usually decontaminated by scrubbing with detergent water such as Alconox,
using a soft-bristle brush, followed by rinsing with copipus amounts of water.
Alternatively, equipment (especially large equipment) can ,be cleaned using a
pressure hose or pressurized water or steam sprayer. Adhered organics may be
removed with clean tissue or rinsed with solvents, which should be collected
for disposal. Sampling equipment is further decontaminated analogous to
cleaning sampling containers (see Section B.3.1). That is, sampling equipment
used for;organic samples should be rinsed with spectrographic-grade acetone,
then with spectrographic-grade methylene chloride or hexane. The solvent
should be retained for safe disposal (IT, 1987). Sampling equipment used for
metal-containing samples should be rinsed with dilute nitric or hydrochloric
acid, followed by distilled water.
Location
Location of decontamination areas depends on site-specific establishment of
zones of decreasing contamination and site access control points. Essentially,
the site is divided into three zones to reduce the migration of contaminants
from the sampling area: 1) the exclusion zone, which is the area of the site
where contamination does or could occur (including the sampling area); 2) the
contamination reduction zone, which provides a transition between
contaminated and clean zones; and 3) the clean zone. Decontamination areas
are located at the boundary between the exclusion and contamination reduction
zones. .' ?...'
The size :and shape of each zone (and thus the distance from the sampling area)
are based on site-specific conditions. Considerable professional judgment is
needed to assure that the distances between zone boundaries are large enough
to allow room for the necessary operations, provide adequate distance to
prevent the spread of contaminants, and eliminate the possibility of injury due
to explosion or fire. The criteria used for establishing area dimensions and
boundaries include (but are not.limited to): ,
Physical and topographical site features; ......
Weather conditions; .'.'. . . . .-
; Air dispersion calculations;
Contaminant toxieological characteristics; and :
Dimensions of the contaminated area.
Frequency Sampling and analysis.equipment should be free of contamination before
,._ ;- reuse.i either at separate sample locations or sample points within the same
sample location, depending on the sampling objective. Typically, dedicated
sampling equipment is used on either a daily or even a project basis, reducing
.... . the need for frequent decontamination. Equipment may be disposable (such as
... ;./ gloves) and, therefore, not require decontamination. Some sampling teams
, .;. . even find disposal of the.sampling equipment itself (such as trowels) to be cost
, competitive compared to adequate decontamination. ,
B-73
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Cross-
Contamination
Prevention
The most effective means of preventing cross-contamination during sampling
and analysis activities is use of dedicated equipment for each sample location.
If dedicated sampling equipment is not available for each sampling location, it
should be thoroughly decontaminated between locations. Ideally, equipment
blanks should be taken using the decontaminated equipment after each day's
work to verify that cross-contamination has not occurred (see Section B.5.3).
In any case, equipment rinse blanks should be collected at least once a week.
The QAPjP dictates the frequency of equipment blanks. Another method of
preventing cross contamination, if dedicated sampling equipment is not used,
is to sample regions of lower contamination first, proceeding to progressively
more, contaminated locations. .-.'
Still another consideration in preventing cross-contamination is the exterior
contamination of sample containers from handling with contaminated gloves.
As mentioned in Section B.3.2, capped containers with samples of high
contaminant concentration may require decontamination before packing. This
may involve successive washes of the sample containers, in detergent solution
and deionized water. In addition, high-concentration samples should be
packaged as described in Section B.4.1 to lessen the chance of cross-
contamination.
Off-site
Disposal
Generally, decontamination solutions and contaminated equipment must be
manifested for disposal, and taken to a licensed hazardous waste disposer.
Policy differs from region to region, however; off-site disposal should be
detailed in the sampling team's SAP or HSP and approved by the RPM.
All equipment that cannot be decontaminated and any spent decontamination
solutions must be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.
Clothing, tools, brushes, and other sampling equipment that cannot be
decontaminated should be secured in drums or other containers, and either
labeled and shipped offsite for disposal or held for disposal of as a part of the
planned remedial activity. Likewise, spent decontamination solutions should
be transferred to drums that are labeled prior to disposal. Clothing and other
equipment that will be decontaminated offsite should be secured in plastic
bags before removal from the site.
B.5
B.S.1
QUALITY REVIEW ACTIVITIES
In addition to monitoring the progress of site activities, the oversight assistant
and his/her team members are responsible for reviewing the PRP's sampling
activities and QA/QC program. The oversight assistant should conduct quality
review activities distinct from the PRP's QA/QC activities. That is, the
oversight assistant may observe the PRP's QA/QC program, including the
collection of samples.
Quality Review Samples ,
The samples that may be collected by the oversight assistant include blank,
split, and replicate samples. The following sections explain the nature of each
of these samples are, including their purpose, and discuss the general
procedures for collecting them.
B-74
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Trip Blanks
A trip blank consists of one or more sample bottles filled with pure,
uncontaminated material similar to that which is being collected for the field
samples. The purpose of the trip blank is to check for the presence of sample
bottle or sample contamination over the course of an entire sampling event.
The presence of any contamination in the trip blank upon analysis may
invalidate the presence of the same contaminants at similar concentrations in
the field samples. (All available information should be considered when
evaluating the QA samples.) For water sampling, the trip blank must be
prepared from distilled deionized water. A minimum of one set of trip blanks
should be collected over the time period of each sampling event.
The trip blank should be prepared before commencing field activities. The
oversight assistant does not collect the set of trip blanks in the field, but
prepares the trip blanks prior to sampling and analysis, or, alternatively, may
obtain .these samples from the RPM or the laboratory performing the chemical
.analyses for the U.S. EPA. The trip blank samples should be brought into the
field with the empty sample bottles that will be used for the collection of other
samples. The trip blanks are subsequently placed in a sample cooler and
shipped to the analytical laboratory with the field samples when all sampling is
completed. One trip blank (two vials for volatile organics) should be prepared
in each of the appropriate sample containers for each analytical parameter that
will be analyzed. Trip blanks do not have to be treated as blind samples
(samples that are not identified to the laboratory as blanks). But there is no
reason that the analytical laboratory must know which samples are or are not
trip blanks.
As ah example, a trip blank for a ground-water or surface water sample is a
sample bottle (or set of sample bottles) of distilled and deionized,
;,contaminant-free water, which is prepared in the laboratory and sent out to
the field. The bottle(s) stays in the field during sample collection activities
without ever being opened. When sample collection is completed, the bottles
are returned to the laboratory for analysis as if they were field samples. If
acetone is detected in the trip blank that corresponds to the samples being
analyzed for volatile compounds, this would indicate trip blank contamination
, and possible field sample contamination. If acetone contamination is also
found in the field samples at similar concentrations, the acetone results for the
field samples would not be used, as the presence of acetone may be due to
contamination either from the laboratory or from the sample container itself
(U.S. EPA, 1985c).
.Trip blanks are not commonly used for soil, sludge, or sediment samples due
to the difficulties of obtaining clean material that is nearly identical in
composition to the sampled soil, sludge, or sediment. Sometimes a distilled,
deionized water sample is used as a trip blank for these media. Other times a
background sample (see Section B.5.1), previously shown to be contaminant-
free, may be relied on for information on possible field or laboratory
contamination (NUS Corporation, 1987; U.S. EPA, 1986a).
Field Blanks A field blank is similar to a trip blank except that it is prepared in the field
'';,.-. during the course of field activities, rather than in the laboratory prior to field
activities. The number 5f field blanks prepared will 'depend upon the
conditions at the site. Typically, a field blank is collected on each day of
sampling activity. Field blanks are Used to assess whether contamination has
, been introduced to the samples during the field sample collection and handling
activities. Like trip blanks, the presence of any contamination in the field
B-75
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blank invalidates the presence of the same contaminants at similar
concentrations in the associated field samples.
To prepare a field blank, the oversight assistant should carry a container of
contaminant-free material similar to that being sampled to one of the sampling
locations being used on that specific day, and transfer this material into sample
bottles of the same types and from the same lot numbers as those being used to
collect field safnples. Once prepared, the sample should be placed in one of
the sample coolers and treated the same as the field samples. 'One set of field
blanks should be prepared in the appropriate sample containers for each
analytical parameter that will be analyzed.
Like trip blanks, field blanks are not commonly used for soil, sludge, or
sediment samples due to the difficulties of obtaining clean material that is
nearly identical in composition. In some cases, a distilled; deionized water
sample is used for a field blank for these media. In other cases, a background
sample, previously shown to be contaminant-free, may be relied on for
information on possible field or laboratory contamination (NUS Corporation,
1987; U.S. EPA, 1986a).
Equipment An equipment blank is similar to a field blank except that' the material
Blank collected in the blank bottles is transferred with decontaminated sampling
equipment of the type to be used to collect the field samples; The number of
equipment blanks to be collected depends on the types of field equipment and
decontamination procedures being used. Typically, one equipment blank is
collected for each batch of decontaminated equipment. Equipment blanks are
used to determine whether contamination has been introduced to the field
samples during their contact with the sampling equipment, which may have
been inadequately decontaminated. The presence of any contamination in the
equipment blank may invalidate the presence of the same contaminants at
similar concentrations in the associated field samples; (All information should
be considered when evaluating QA samples.)
The oversight assistant usually collects equipment blanks at the equipment
staging area or field trailer/operations center, but these samples may also be
collected in the field. An equipment blank for water samples is collected by
running distilled, deionized, contaminant-free water over or through pumps,
samplers, or other equipment that is used in the field and which may come in
direct contact with the field samples. An equipment blank for soil samples
may consist of a sample of contaminant-free soil, introduced to the sample
bottle with the appropriate sampling equipment. More commonly, distilled,
deionized water is used as the sample media for solid as well as liquid samples.
Like trip and field blanks, one set of equipment blanks should be prepared in
the appropriate sample containers for each analytical parameter to be analyzed.
Once collected, the equipment blank(s) should be treated as field samples (U.S.
EPA, 1986a). ' '"".
Background The oversight assistant may collect background samples to characterize the
Sample innate level of suspected contaminants at the site (the level of contaminants
not directly associated with the site and its contamination). The oversight
assistant should collect (or split with the PRP) background samples in an
uncontaminated area upstream, upgradient, or upwind at a sufficient distance
from the area being sampled so that contamination from 'the same source is
unlikely. Background samples may be collected prior or during the collection
B-76
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of other field samples. The oversight assistant should collect the background
samples using the same media-specific and general techniques and equipment
as used to collect other field samples (see Section B.2). Once collected, the
background samples should be treated as field samples.
If the background sample also will serve as a source for blank material, the
background material should be as nearly identical in physical characteristics to
the material to be sampled as. is possible. In this case, the background sample
.material must also be analyzed prior to use as a source of blank material to
determine whether it is contaminant-free.
Split Samples
The sampling team, along with the oversight assistant, may collect split
samples to compare the analytical results from the PRP's laboratory with those
from the EPA laboratory. Split samples are identical samples that are collected
at a single place and time, and, as necessary, divided into two or more
portohs. Split samples may be collected for one analyte, for a group of
analytes, or for all analytes that are being quantified. The number of split
samples to be collected is determined by the RPM, and usually is a percentage
of all samples collected by the PRPs (see Section B.5.3).
Most samples collected by the oversight assistant/sampling team will be split
samples because field samples collected by the oversight assistant/sampling ' ', .
team (with the exception of those discussed in Section B.5.1) are primarily
used to,check or verify the results of the PRP- analyzed samples. Samples
may also be split to compare the analytical results of different laboratory
techniques, or methods to determine whether the different techniques or
methods are generally equivalent.
Typically, split samples are collected by the sampling team, at the request of
the oversight assistant. .The sample for the oversight assistant is collected into
an appropriate container or containers provided by the oversight assistant, and
then relinquished to the oversight assistant. Split samples are not always
placed in identical sample containers for use by both the oversight assistant
and the PRP due to the possibility of differing quantity requirements of the
.analytical laboratories or different sources of bottles.
, It is difficult to accurately split a heterogeneous sample such as a soil sample.
Ideally,, the,sampling team or oversight assistant should distribute the sample as
it is collected from the sampler equally between the split sample bottles, filling
the sample, container for one analyte at a time. If the sample collection device
contains only sufficient sample to fill one sample bottle for one analyte, an
equal portion of the sample should be placed in each of the split sample
bottles. Additional sample should then be collected to fill the bottles.
Replicate
Samples
Th'e sampling team along with the oversight assistant may collect replicate
samples to compare the analytical precision or variability of the analytical
laboratory. Replicate samples are two or more samples collected at the same
time, in the same location, with the same equipment, and deposited in
identical sample bottles. These samples will then be analyzed by the same-
laboratory to determine the laboratory's precision. Like split samples, replicate
samples may be collected for one analyte, a group of analytes, or for all
.analytes that are being quantified at the site. The number of replicate samples
to be, collected is determined by the RPM (see Section B.5.3). For the same
B-77
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reasons that replicate field samples are collected, a percentage of blank
samples may also be collected in replicate.
The oversight assistant should collect the samples with the same media-specific
techniques described in Section B.2. Replicate samples should be collected in
the appropriate quantities and in appropriate sample containers for each
analytical parameter to be evaluated.
The sampling team or oversight assistant should distribute the replicate sample
in the same manner as that described above for split samples.
Replicate samples, due to their use as an evaluation of laboratory precision,
must be provided to the laboratory as blind samples. That is, the laboratory
must not know that they are replicates (NUS Corporation, 1987, U.S. EPA
1986a, 1987a).
Field Samples
Field samples may be collected by the oversight assistant in addition to those
collected by the PRP sampling team. These samples may be collected in
locations other than those sampled by the PRP sampling team. One reason for
collecting these field samples would be to provide information about suspected
contamination at a location other than where the PRPs are sampling. The
oversight assistant should collect the samples with the same media-specific
techniques described in Section B.2.
B.6
B.6.1
DOCUMENTATION OF SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES
The oversight assistant is responsible for the documentation of field activities.
Recordkeeping practices should include documenting the day's activities in a
field logbook or on the field activity report as well as maintaining a
photographic or video record of events. In addition, documentation may be
used during litigation to verify the quality of the data collected. Therefore, it
is essential that the oversight team keep detailed records of field activities, and
thoroughly review all notes to verify that they are accurate before leaving the
site.
Oversight Team Field Activity Report/Logbook
The oversight team field activity report and logbook provide daily records of
significant events, observations, and measurements during field oversight. The
field activity report and field logbook should provide sufficient data and
observations to enable the oversight team to reconstruct events that occurred
during sampling and analysis and to refresh the memory of oversight assistants
if called upon to give testimony during legal proceedings. .Because oversight
field records (if referred to and admitted as evidence in a legal proceeding) are
subject to cross examination, checklist and logbook entries should be factual,
detailed, and objective.
Field activities may be recorded in either a field logbook or on the field
activity report. The advantage of the field activity report is a consistent
method of documentation for all sampling and analysis activities. If the
oversight assistant chooses, the field activity report may be used to augment or
complement the field logbook.
B-78
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The field activity report is a tool that has been developed specifically to assist
the oversight assistant in the field. This report is in a checklist format, which
is structured to remind the oversight assistant of the critical elements of the
sampling and analysis activities while also providing a convenient means for
documenting the field activities. The field activity report is used in
conjunction with the SAP as a tool for reminding the oversight assistant of the
specific planned activities, and for keeping a record of any activities that are
not conducted according to the plans or that the oversight assistant considers
noteworthy.
The field activity report consists of six sections including:
Cover sheet;
Initial activities;
Media-specific sampling activities;
Common sampling activities;
Post-sampling activities; and
Sampling QA/QC.
The field activity report cover sheet provides a format for documenting facts
concerning the general types of activities planned for the day, the personnel
present onsite, the general conditions at the site (such as weather) and any
changes in the plans for that particular day. A separate cover sheet is filled
out for each day.
The initial activities section of the report provides a checklist of activities that
the oversight assistant can use before arriving at the site to prepare for field
oversight. This section also outlines preliminary activities that the oversight
assistant should conduct at the site before sample collection. The media-
specific sampling activities section is divided into nine different sampling
media, so the oversight assistant can use only the specific subsection(s) that
he/she is interested in. Each subsection provides the oversight assistant with
an outline of the key elements of that medium. The section on common
sampling activities describes those activities that occur during sample
collection, including: sample containers, labels and tags, preservation and
handling methods, and recordkeeping requirements. The section on post-
sampling activities includes sample packaging and shipping, and
decontamination procedures. The final section included in the checklist
outlines the key elements of QA/QC sampling, which includes collecting the
oversight quality review samples as well as observing the PRP's QA/QC
program. Appendix B has been developed to correspond to the field activity
report and discusses the elements of the checklist in a manner that will assist
personnel in conducting oversight activities.
The field activity report is structured so that individual sections can stand
alone and the oversight assistant can select the sections he is concerned with
for a particular trip or day onsite. For example, if the only sampling planned
for a trip is ground-water and surface water sampling, the oversight assistant
can obtain the relevant information on ground water and surface water from
the SAP, remove the ground-water and surface water sampling sections from
the field activity report, and bring only those sections to the field. The
B-79
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sections on common sampling activities and post sampling activities are needed
in the field most of the time since they cover a broad range of daily sampling
and post-sampling activities. .-. ,
The oversight assistant may choose to use separate copies of some of the ...
individual media checklists (perhaps one for each sampling source) depending
on the nature of the sampling. For example, if surface water sampling is
planned for two different bodies of water (i.e., a lake and a stream), the
oversight assistant might use a separate checklist for each body of water.
Similarly, the oversight assistant may use a separate copy of the sludge/slurry
checklist for sampling different lagoons or impoundments, and a separate .copy
of the soil checklist for sampling gardens and yards at private residences. It
probably is not practical, however, to use a separate ground-water checklist
for each monitoring well, as the number of wells sampled in 1 day is probably
not more than five to eight (which should not be too cumbersome for the space
on the checklist). The checklists are designed to be a flexible tool for the
oversight assistant allowing for as much or as little use as required to best '.
serve the site-specific situation.
The oversight assistant should transfer important information from the SAP to
the field activity report form (using the "comments" space) before leaving for
the site. The assistant should then use the form to compare the planned
activities or expected conditions with the actual events in the field (using the .
"Consistent With Plan" space) while at the site. Activity reports should
subsequently be summarized into a progress report for RPM review (see
Section B.I.3). In addition, copies of the logbook or the field activity report
should be made available for RPM review.
B.6.2
Oversight Team Photographic/Video Log
The oversight team should document some of the more critical field activities
with a photographic or video camera. If a Polaroid camera is used for this
purpose, the photographed activity, location, date, and time should be
recorded directly on the photograph. If film must be sent out for development
(or if videotape is used), the pertinent information should be recorded in the
field logbook by exposure number, preferably in the order the pictures were
taken. Because a camera exposure number may not exactly correspond with
the film exposure, maintaining a separate sequential photograph log as part of
the field logbook may help prevent confusion when matching the photograph
to the appropriate activity. Developed photographs should be maintained in an
album to prevent damage and preserve photographic quality. In addition,
photographs should be arranged in sequential order, or grouped by sampling or
analysis activity.
B-80
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FIELD ACTIVITY REPORT
COVER SHEET
Site Name:
Location:
Oversight Personnel:
Date:
PRP Field
Personnel:
Weather Conditions:
Planned Activities:
Approved Changes in Work Plan:
Important Communications:
Hours Oversight Official and Staff On-site:
Oversight Official's Initials:
B-81
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Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
B.I INITIAL ACTIVITIES
B.1.1 PREPARATION
1. Review Field Sampling Plan for:
a. Sample media
b. Location and number of samples
c. Sampling methods and equipment
d. Field personnel responsibilities/
qualifications
2. Health and Safety Requirements
a. Review health and safety plans
(PRPs and oversight officials)
b. Review health and safety.
standard operating procedures
c. Review exposure limits/
action levels
d. Protective gear
e. Other considerations
NOTES:
B-82
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
3. Oversight Equipment
(Bring the following)
a. Oversight checklists
b. Field logbook
c. Camera *
d. Sampling equipment (for
splits/duplicates)
e. Protective gear
f. Other' ~ *
4. Coordination with:
a. PRPs
b. Sampling contractors
c. State~0r local environmental
authorities (if appropriate)
d. Laboratory (if appropriate)
e. EPA (if appropriate)
NOTES:
B-83
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
B.I.2 PRELIMINARY ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
1. Review Personnel Qualifications
a. Field personnel qualifications
2, Record Location and Number
of Samples
a. Sampling locations
b. Number of samples
c. Other considerations
3. Record Sample Equipment
a. Sample Equipment
b. Appropriate equipment
c. Other considerations
4. Record Decontamination Area/
Clean Area
a. Decontamination area
Physical location
Proximity to sampling
locations
NOTES:
B-84
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
Number of
decontamination areas
b. Clean area
Physical location
Proximity to sampling
locations
Number of clean areas
5. Tour of Site
6. Equipment Calibration
Field analytical equipment
calibrated (see Appendix A3
Field Analytical Techniques
7. Other
NOTES:
B-85
-------
NOTES:
Bate* _
Site Name:
Initials: ^_
iPage # ,..,.
Consistent
With iPlatt
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B*2.1 SURFACE WATER
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Surface Water
Conditions
3. Sampling Locations
a. Water (depths)
b. Sediment
c. Biota
4. Sample Equipment
5. Sample Type
a. Grab
b. Composite or cbntihuous
6. Sample Technique
8^86
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page # .
of
'Consistent
ih Plan
Comments
7. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
b, Calibration of equipment
. ..Standardized-calibration
procedures
Calibrated before use
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
d. Decontamination
e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
, ,. Logbook ..,,....... -,.-,. .-
Duplicate verification
f. Action level response
NOTES:
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
8. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
amber glass, plastic)
b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition
(new, decontaminated before use)
9. Labels/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b; Labeling information
lO.Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
NOTES:
B-rSS
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
"'(Y/N)
Comments
d. Frequency
Sampling team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
Oversight team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
,. Oversight team ... .
g. Off-site disposal .
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
NOTES:
B-89
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
.%< inconsistent
.*! with Plan
.'?:' (Y/N)
Comments
11. Preservation/Handing
a. Sample filtering ,
b. Sample preservation
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from .light
12. Rccordkeeping
a. Chain-of-Custody information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
Photographs
c. Oversight team checklist/logbook
Checklists
Logbook ' -..
Possession
NOTES:
B-90
-------
.... ,... ,
Site Name: ., J
Initials! ; '
Page # ; of,
wllli
Comments
d. Oversight tea,m photographs
Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
13. Other considerations
NOTES;
-------
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B.2.2 GROUND WATER
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Ground-water
Conditions
a. Depth to water table
b. Direction/velocity of flow
3. Well Location/Condition
4. Sampling Equipment
a. Ground water
b. Vapor
5. Sample Type
a. Grab
b. Composite or continuous
NOTES:
B-92
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
6. Sampling Technique
a. Purge volume/well volumes
b. Purge disposal
c. Collection technique
7. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
b. Calibration of equipment
Standardized calibration
procedures
Calibrated before use
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
Duplicate verification
d. Decontamination
e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
Logbook
f. Action level response
NOTES:
B-93
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
. Comments
8. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
amber glass, plastic)
b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition
(new, decontaminated before use)
9. Label/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b. Labeling information
10. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
NOTES:
B-94
-------
i
Bat
ite:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
d. Frequency
- Sampling team - :
- Sampling equipment
* Protective clothing
Oversight team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
Oversight team
g. Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirement
DOT requirements ..
NOTES:
B-95
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
' (Y/N)
Comments
11. Preservation/Handling
a. Sample filtering
b. Sample preservation
- . >'_. * rt < -. * *«*, .«..
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from light
12. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-custody information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
Photographs
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists
Logbook
Possession
NOTES:
B-96
-------
Consistent
*MJ> Plaji
(V/N)
Date: '",
Site Name;
initials; ;;
of
Comments
d. Oversight team photographs
- -Subject/activity
' Labeling - -
- Possession-
(photographs and negatives)
13. Other Considerations
NOTES:
-------
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B.2.3 SOIL WATER
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Soil Conditions & Types
3. Sampling Locations
4. Sampling Equipment
5. Sample Type
a. Grab
b. Composite
6. Sampling Technique
7. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
b. Calibration of equipment
Standard calibration
procedures
NOTES:
B-98
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
Calibrated before use
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
d. Decontamination
e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
Logbook
Duplicate verification
f. Action level response
8. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
amber glass, plastic)
b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition
(new, decontaminated before use)
9. Labels/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b. Labeling information
NOTES:
B-99
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
.Consistent
With Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
10. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
d. Frequency
Sampling team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
Oversight team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
Oversight team
NOTES:
-------
Consistent
Plan
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Comments
g, Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
11. Preservation/Handling
a. Sample filtering
b;---Sample preservation -
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice -
Protection from light
..-. - .,",/- - , - ''.-'.i <-* .:-.-..'?
12. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-qustqdy inforniation
(see Post-sampling-Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
- Method : ; > =
-..-.- Photographs - j:- / !
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists '--
Logbook
NOTES:
-------
Date; -
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
Of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
Possession
d. Oversight team photographs
Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
Maintenance of negatives
13. Other Considerations
NOTES:
B-1,02
-------
"J ''Consistent
", '*.^fth Plan
"'(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Comments
B.2.4 SURFACE SOIL
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Vegetation Conditions
3. General Soil Conditions & Types
4. Sampling Locations
5. Sampling Equipment
6. Sample Type
a. Grab
b. Composite
7. Sampling Technique
B.2 SAMPLING
NOTES:
B-103
-------
NOTES:
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
" Consistent
.^^itti Plan
5 (Y/N)
Comments
8. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
t t " * * .-,' . -' '
b. Calibration of equipment
Standardized calibration
procedures
Calibrated before use
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
d. Decontamination
e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
Logbook
Duplicate verification - -
f. Action level response
B-104
-------
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
Comments
9. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
' amber glass, plastic)
v b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition
(new, decontaminated before Use)
10. Labels/Tags
a. -Labeling procedure
b.- Labeling information
11. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface watef
Proximity to population
d. Frequency
Sampling team
- Sampling equipment
NOTES:
EM 05
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
- Protective clothing
Oversight team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
Oversight team
g. Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
12. Preservation/Handling
a. Sample filtering
b. Sample preservation
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from light
NOTES:
B-106
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
13. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-custody information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
Photographs
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists
Logbook
Possession
d. Oversight team photographs
Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
Maintenance of negatives
14. Other Considerations
NOTES:
B-107
-------
Consistent
with Plan
Date: _
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page # ,
of
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B.2.5 SUBSURFACE SOIL
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Vegetation Conditions
3. General Soil Conditions &
4. Sampling Locations
5. Sampling Equipment
6. Sample Type
a. Grab
b. Composite
7. Sampling technique
NOtES:
B-108
-------
; Consistent
7 irirti Plan
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Comments
8. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
b. Calibration of equipment
Standardized calibration
procedures
- Calibrated before use
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
d. Decontamination
e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
Logbook
Duplicate verification
f. Action level response
9. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
amber glass, plastic)
b. Container size (volume)
NOTES:
-------
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name;
initials: ^_
Page*
Comments
of
c. Container condition
(new, decontaminated before use)
10. Labels/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b. Labeling information
11. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
d. Frequency
Sampling team -
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
NOTES:
B'-llO
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page*
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
e. Cross contamination prevention
" T. On-site" waste 'storage
Sampling team
Oversight team
g. Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
12. Preservation/Handling
a. Sample filtering
b. Sample preservation
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from light
NOTES:,
B-lll
-------
Date: ..'. ... .
Site Name:
Initials: __
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
13. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-custody information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
Photographs
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists
Logbook
Possession
d. Oversight team photographs
Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
Maintenance of negatives
14. Other Considerations
NOTES:
B-112
-------
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B.2.6 SOIL VAPOR
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Soil Conditions & Types
3. Sampling Locations
4. Sampling Equipment
5. Sample Type ,
a. Grab
6. Sampling Technique
7. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
b. Calibration of equipment
Standardized calibration
procedures
Calibrated before use
NOTES:
B-113
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
\Vith Plan
;'" '(Y/N)
Comments
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation ...
d. Decontamination <-
e. Recording/reporting -
Instrument hard-copy output
Logbook " ......
Duplicate verification
f. Action level response
8. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
amber glassy plastic)
b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition : - >
(new, decontaminated before use)
9. Labels/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b. Labeling information
NOTES:
B-114
-------
Date: _,
Site Name:
Initials:
Page # .:. "
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
10. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
d. Frequency
Sampling team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
Oversight team
NOTES:
B-115
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
With Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
g. Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
11. Preservation/Handling
a. Sample filtering
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from light
12. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-custody information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
Photographs
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists
Logbook
Possession
NOTES;
B-116
-------
Consistent
with Plan
;.-V (Y/N)
Date: ;
Site Name: ____
Initials: :
Page # __'_' of
Comments
d. Oversight team photographs
Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
13. Other Considerations
NOTES:
B-117
'' " \ .-,. .
-------
NOTES:
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B.2.7 SLUDGE/SLURRY
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Soil Conditions
& Types
3. Sampling Locations
4. Sampling Equipment
5. Sample Type
a. Grab
6. Sampling Technique
7. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
b. Calibration of equipment
Standardized calibration
procedures
B-118
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
^Consistent
with Plan
' (Y/N)
Comments
Calibrated before use
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
d. Decontamination
- e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
Logbook
Duplicate verification
f. Action level response
'8; Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
amber glass, plastic) "
b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition
(new, decontaminated before use)
NOTES:
B-1'19
-------
9. Labels/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b. Labeling information
10. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
d. Frequency
Sampling team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page # .
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
NOTES:
B-120
-------
Date:
Site Name;
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
.with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
Oversight team
g. Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
11. Preservation/Handling
af Sample filtering
b. Sample preservation
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from
light
12. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-custody Information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
NOTES:
B-121
-------
NOTES:
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Comments
Photographs
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists
Bound logbook
Possession
d. Oversight team photographs
Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
13. Other Considerations
B-122
-------
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page # .
of
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B.2.8 CONTAINERIZED WASTE
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Description of Containers
3. Sampling Equipment
4. Sample Type
a. Grab
b. Composite
5. Sampling Technique
6. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment '
b. Calibration of equipment
Standardized calibration
procedures
Calibrated before use
NOTES:
B-123
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
d. Decontamination '
e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
Logbook
Duplicate verification '
f. Action level response
7. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
amber glass, plastic)
b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition ~"
(new, decontaminated before use)
8. Labels/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b. Labeling information
NOTES:
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
9. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
d. Frequency
Sampling team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
Oversight team...... _
NOTES:
B-125
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
g. Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
10. Preservation/Handling
a. Sample filtering
b. Sample preservation
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from light
11. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-custody information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
Photographs
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists
Logbook
NOTES:
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page f
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/1S!)
Comments
,.-^Possession
.-.- d. Oversight team photographs
~. Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
12. Other Considerations
NOTES:
-B-121
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
B.2 SAMPLING
B.2.9 AMBIENT AIR
1. General Site Conditions
2. General Background Conditions
3. Sampling Locations
4. Sampling Equipment
5. Sample Type
a. Grab
b. Composite or continuous
6. Sampling Technique
7. Field Analytical Techniques
a. Equipment
b. Calibration of equipment
Standardized calibration
procedures
NOTES:
B-128
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
.with Plan
; (Y/N)
Comments
Calibrated before use
Label/log certifying
calibration
c. Operation
, d. Decontamination -:
e. Recording/reporting
Instrument hard-copy output
-Logbook, ...... - .-,-
Duplicate verification
f. Action level response
8. Containers
a. Container type (clear glass,
., ..- amber glass, plastic)
b. Container size (volume)
c. Container condition
(new, decontaminated before use)
NOTES:
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
9. Labels/Tags
a. Labeling procedure
b. Labeling information
10. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface water
Proximity to population
d. Frequency
Sampling team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
Oversight team
- Sampling equipment
- Protective clothing
e. Cross contamination prevention
NOTES:
B-130
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
f. On-site waste storage
Sampling team
Oversight team
g. Off-site disposal
RCRA/State requirements
DOT requirements
11. Preservation/Handling
a. Sample filtering
b. Sample preservation
c. Sample storage
Refrigeration/ice
Protection from light
12. Recordkeeping
a. Chain-of-custody information
(see Post-sampling Activities)
b. Sampling team field record
Method
Photographs
NOTES:
B-131
-------
Consistent
with Plan
; ' (Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Comments
c. Oversight team field record
Checklists
Logbook
Possession
d. Oversight team photographs
Subject/activity
Labeling
Possession
(photographs and negatives)
13. Other Considerations' "
NOTES:
B-132
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
B.3 POST-SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
B.3.1 PACKAGING
1. Methods
2. Materials
3. Other Prescribed Specifications
r. f ?
B.3.2 SHIPPING/CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY
a. Timely shipping
b. Number of copies of
chain-of-custody form to
laboratory
c. Custody seals
Sample containers
Shipping container
d. Bill of lading
e. Notification of shipment to
laboratory
f. DOT requirements
NOTES:
B-133
-------
Date:
Site Names
Initials: ..
Page # ^
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
B.4 QA/QC
B.4.1 SAMPLING QUALITY REVIEW
I. Calibration (see Appendix A3,
Field Analytical Technique)
2. Trip Blanks
a. Location
b. Sampling procedure (see
appropriate sampling section)
3. Field Blanks
a. Location
b. Sampling procedure (see
appropriate sampling section)
4. Background Sample
a. Location
b. Sampling procedure (see
appropriate sampling section)
NOTES:
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
With Plan
' (Y/N)
Comments
5. Split Samples
a. Location
b. Sampling procedure (see
appropriate sampling section)
6. Duplicate Samples
a. Location
b. Sampling procedure (see
appropriate sampling section)
NOTES:
-------
v.». :
-------
APPENDIX B
REFERENCES
Camp, Dresser, and McKee, undated, Basic Health and Safety Training Course Manual,
CDM150.4
Federal Register, 1984, 40CFR Part 136 Vol 49, No. 209, October 26.
IT Corporation, 1987, Manual of Sampling and Analytical Methods for Petroleum Hydrocarbons
in Groundwater and Soil.
NUS Corporation, 1987, Hazardous Materials Handling Training Manual, NUS Corporation,
Waste Management Services Group.
Planning Research Corporation, 1986, Protocol for Groundwater Inspecting at Hazardous Waste
Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities. Planning Research Corporation, Chicago, IL.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (May 1978) Revised November 1984: NEIC Policies and
Procedures. EPA-33-/9-78-001R.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1980a, Samplers and Sampling Procedures for Hazardous
Waste Streams. EPA-600/2-80-018.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1980b, "Total Organic Halide, Interim Method 450.1."
ORDEMSL, Cincinnati, OH
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1981, NEIC Manual for Groundwater/Subsurface
Investigations at Hazardous Waste Sites. EPA-600/2-85/104.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986a, RCRA Ground-Water Monitoring Technical
Enforcement Guidance Document. OSWER-9950.1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986b, User's Guide to the Contract Laboratory Program.
Office of Emergency and Remedial Response.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986c, Engineering Support Branch, Standard Operating
Procedures and Quality Assurance Manual. Region IV, Environmental Services Division.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986d, REM II Health and Safety Assurance Manual.
999-HSI-RT-CGSY-1.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1987a, A Compendium of Superfund Field Operations
Methods, two volumes. EPA-540/P-87/001, OWSER Directive 9355.0-1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1987b, DRAFT Site Sampling and Field Measurements
Handbook for Underground Storage Tank Releases.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991, Soil Sampling and Analysis for Volatile Organic
Compounds, T. Lewis, et al.
-------
-------
APPENDIX C
OVERSIGHT OF WELL DRILLING AND INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES
Drilling and installation of groundwater monitoring wells at suspected and
known hazardous waste sites is generally done to characterize the sites in terms
of the presence and types of ground water contaminants, their concentrations
and corresponding locations, their fate and transport, and ultimately the risk to
the surrounding environment and human health. In accordance with CERCLA
Section 104(a), well drilling and installation activities may be conducted by
potentially responsible parties (PRPs). This chapter describes the activities
that an oversight assistant should conduct and the factors to be considered
during oversight of PRP well drilling and installation activities.
This chapter is not intended to provide a comprehensive description on how to
drill and install^ground-water monitoring wells, but is a limited discussion of
specific activities and considerations that are important from an oversight
perspective. This chapter is based on other, more complete well drilling and
installation technical documents and should not be considered a substitute for
such documents. Specifically, this chapter includes information on:
Initial oversight;
Borehole advancement;
Well installation and design; and
Post-installation.
The organization of this chapter corresponds to the field activity report for
oversight of well drilling and installation activities (see Section C.5 in this
Appendix). This chapter discusses the elements of the checklist in a manner
that will support oversight assistants with varying experience in conducting
effective field oversight.
C.I
INITIAL OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
There are a number of activities that the oversight assistant should perform
before well installation begins. These activities will help the oversight
assistant become familiar with the planned drilling activities as well as the
health and safety requirements. In addition, initial oversight activities will
help the oversight assistant to organize and plan the resources for oversight,
coordinate with other parties involved at the site, and make the necessary
preliminary observations at the site.
The initial oversight activities for well drilling and installation are generally
the same as those described for sampling and analysis activities. These
activities include preparing for oversight by reviewing the appropriate
documents such as the work plan, the sampling and analysis plan (SAP), and
the health and safety plan (HSP); securing the necessary oversight tools;
coordinating plans and schedules with key personnel; and conducting
preliminary on-site activities such as identifying the location, number, and
type of wells that will be drilled; the equipment, techniques, and procedures
that are planned for well drilling and installation; and the procedures for
recordkeeping and documentation. Additional preliminary on-site activities
C-l
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include touring the site, checking the decontamination area/clean area and
calibrating field analytical equipment.
Detailed guidance on conducting most of these activities is presented in
Appendix B, Oversight of Sampling and Analysis Activities. For well drilling
the oversight assistant should focus attention on the objectives of the drilling '
program and, when conducting oversight activities, follow the same general
approach for making judgments in the field as detailed in Appendix B As an
example, if a characterization objective is to determine the horizontal extent
of ground-water contamination downgradient of a manufacturing facility the
oversight assistant should not allow a well location to be moved upgradient of
the facility regardless of the reason. To make this decision, the oversight
assistant should also be familiar with the site conditions, such as the general
direction of ground-water flow. To determine the objectives of the drilling
program, the oversight assistant should refer to the work plan, SAP, and
drilling specifications and should consider the following:
Site background and the history of previous activities at or concerning the
site; ,
Suspected contaminants.and the reason for concern (for example, health
effects, surrounding population, or migration of contamination);
Delineation of contamination and possible pathways of migration; and
Physical characteristics of the soil or bedrock such as grain-size
distribution, permeability, and cohesiveness.
Other initial oversight activities specific to well drilling and therefore not
described in Appendix B include reviewing the location and number of
boreholes and the type of drilling equipment specified. ,
The oversight assistant should be familiar with the planned location and
number of boreholes designated in the work plan and should compare the plan
with the actual number and,location of boreholes drilled in.the field. A site
visit by all parties to select boring locations is strongly;suggested The
oversight assistant should not delay the PRP's activities to check compliance
with the work plan, but rather should gather information by observing the
rr C °r-by conversinS with the field supervisor at the beginning of each day
11 the held supervisor gives a briefing and safety meeting at the start of each
day, this is a good time for the oversight assistant to gather information.
Frequently, borehole locations will be modified in the field, usually when
access to a planned well location is obstructed by an unforseen physical
barrier. For example, unexpected utilities or refusal may be encountered
during drilling. Also, changes in weather conditions may make a planned
drilling location inaccessible to a drill rig. The oversight assistant should make
a note in the field activity report of any changes in the drilling location and-
should use his/her judgment to evaluate whether the change is reasonable To
make this evaluation, the oversight assistant should consider the objectives of
the well drilling and installation activities as described in the work plan and
the SAP. PRP suggestions for changes in borehole locations may require
additional wells if the PRP changes result in inadequate data.
If the oversight assistant feels that a change in borehole location might > - -:
adversely affect the integrity or usefulness of the well, a discussion should be
C-2 -
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held with the field supervisor and the outcome reported to the RPM at a
reasonable time thereafter. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the oversight
assistant should follow up with the RPM at the first available moment.
Conversely, preliminary data gathered from previous boreholes might suggest
better locations for determining the extent of contamination.
Before arriving onsite, the oversight assistant should be familiar with the types
of well drilling and installation equipment designated in the work plan and
should compare this equipment to the equipment being used at the site. The
oversight assistant should focus attention on the major types of equipment,
such as the type of drill rig, casing diameter, type and length of well screen
and risers, and filter pack and annular sealant materials. The size of the drill
bit or the type of drill rod coupling should be compatible with the well design
criteria and specification in the work plan, but are of minor concern during
preliminary on-site activities.
If the major type of equipment the PRP has at the site is different from what
was expected, the oversight assistant should refer to the detailed information
on well drilling and installation sampling activities (Section C.2) to evaluate the
validity of the equipment substitution, and should notify the RPM. The
assistant should also pay attention to the use of the equipment during drilling
and installation activities. If the oversight assistant feels that the equipment is
not acceptable, a discussion should be held with the field supervisor and the
outcome reported to the RPM at a reasonable time thereafter. If the dispute
cannot be resolved, the oversight assistant should follow up with the RPM at
the first available moment.
C.2
C.2.1
BOREHOLE ADVANCEMENT
Installation and placement of a ground-water monitoring well is preceded by
drilling a borehole. Advancing the borehole consists of drilling the borehole,
: and includes sampling subsurface formations to define site stratigraphy (and
soil contamination) as well as taking steps to prevent contaminated soil zones
from contaminating other zones. To help ensure that the objectives of a
ground-water monitoring well program are met, the essential elements
involved in borehole advancement should be performed effectively.
Specifically, unless site conditions require changes, the drilling activities
should be conducted in accordance with the approved work plan, SAP, and
drilling specifications. In addition, as with any contaminated site, drilling and
sampling equipment must be properly decontaminated to prevent cross-
contamination, and drilling waste must be properly managed.
Drilling Activities
Drilling activities include finalizing borehole location, selecting the
appropriate drilling method, mobilizing the necessary equipment, and
conducting the drilling. In addition, drilling activities include properly
managing drilling wastes such as drill cuttings or drilling muds, as well as
reducing the potential for spread of contamination between stratigraphic
. layers. . '
Well Location
The planned location and number of wells designated in the work plan, SAP,
, or drilling specifications are usually the result of a geological reconnaissance or
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Geologic Units
a preliminary borehole program. A geological reconnaissance program is a
general exploratory survey of the main features of a region, conducted to
define the geology beneath the site area as well as identify ground-water flow
paths. This study is usually preliminary to a more detailed survey and thus
determines potential pathways of contaminant migration.
Geological reconnaissances depend on the existing database for a particular site
and involve direct field methods such as boring programs as well as indirect
methods of geologic investigation such as geophysical surveys. Sites having
little existing information concerning site setting and relevant geologic features
may require more detailed work than sites with a considerable database. Thus,
the PRP's work plan, SAP, or drilling specifications may rely heavily on
existing reports, maps, and available literature to characterize the
hydrogeology of the site. If more information is necessary to determine
suitable groundwater monitoring well locations, boring programs or
geophysical surveys will be conducted prior to the initiation of drilling
activities (however, it is not unusual for geophysical surveys to be conducted
in conjunction with drilling activities). Thus, preliminary well locations are
determined before oversight of well drilling and construction activities,
although they may be modified on the basis of geophysical surveys after the
oversight assistant has arrived at the site.
Geophysical surveys employ such indirect (instrument) methods as resistivity,
electromagnetic conductivity, gradiometers and magnetometers, seismic
reflection, and ground penetrating radar. Geophysical methods are used
primarily to supplement direct information such as continuity of stratigraphy
between boreholes, and to locate buried metallic objects such as drums or
reinforced concrete. Magnetic methods detect metallic interference whereas '
seismic and radar devices detect strata structural discontinuities such as
boulders or clay layers. Geophysical surveys can also detect contaminant
plumes if resistivity or surface- soil- gas probes are used (although soil- gas
monitoring, defining vertical and horizontal plume dimensions, may be
regarded as a direct field method).
Geophysical surveys may be conducted in conjunction with a geological
reconnaissance, or just prior to drilling. In either case, geophysical surveys
may help to ensure that the preliminary well locations are suitable for drilling
activities. If refusal is encountered (that is, a buried object stops drilling), or
if the survey indicates that the well could be better placed, the well may
generally be moved 5 to 10 feet (preferably downgradient) without
constituting a change in well location (although the relocation of the well
should be reported to the RPM). Beyond a 10-foot move, however, the well
location should be respotted, with RPM approval, in accordance with the well
program objectives.
The oversight assistant should observe that as a borehole is drilled, the PRP's
driller or qualified scientist maintain a detailed and sequential record of the
progress of drilling through the geologic units encountered. The depths and
thicknesses of the earth materials penetrated, soil description and
classification, and unusual or significant conditions should be recorded in a
boring log. (See Section C 1.2.2 for information on field screening and
logging.)
The geologic units encountered are important for determining the potential
pathways and retention of contamination. Geologic units are also important
C-4
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for well construction and. operation. And, although documenting the depths
and thicknesses of geologic units is generally more important for the PRP or
its drillers, the oversight assistant should note the geologic units encountered
during borehole advancement as a check on the information recorded in the
site drilling log.
Depth of
Borehole
The borehole depth is generally specified in the work plan, SAP, or drilling
specifications and is determined by the geological reconnaissance or other
. ground-water elevation data so that the screened interval (or intake) of the
well reaches the desired water-bearing unit. However, it may be necessary to
deepen the borehole if the aquifer of interest is deeper than expected due to
pumping from nearby production or treatment wells, temporal variations in
recharge patterns from tidal effects or river stages, or drought.
Generally, .the borehole should be deep enough so that the screened interval of
the monitoring well is within the water-bearing unit of inter.est, regardless of
periodic changes in water-level elevation. Exceptions to this are shallow or
perched aquifers, and cases when it is desirable to have an immiscible layer in
contact with the well screen for sampling or recovery. .The oversight assistant
should record borehole depth and any reasonable changes in borehole depth
from the work plan. Significant deviations from the work plan (such as a
borehole that stops short of the aquifer of interest) should be brought to the
attention of the PRP field supervisor, and if not corrected, to-the attention of
the RPM. . . .
Type of
Drilling
The oversight assistant should be aware that a variety of well-drilling methods
can be used in the installation of ground-water monitoring wells; the following
are the most common methods: auger, rotary, and cable tool. Depending on
the purpose of the well drilling program, one or more drilling methods may be
employed for installing the .same well. For example, if soil sampling is not
required, rotary drilling may be preferred because it rapidly advances the
borehole; however, cuttings lifted to the surface by a drilling fluid are
generally sampled only for stratigraphy, and not for contamination. Sampling
ahead of the borehole requires removing the drill string, and may be
complicated by the presence of drilling fluid. By comparison, hollow-stem
augers remain in place during sampling. Alternatively, cable tool drilling
allows the collection of excellent formation samples, but is relatively slow.
Table C-l summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of-the common
drilling methods.. ..-,.--. , . ,--.;.
The selection and implementation of the actual drilling method(s) is a function
of site-specific geologic conditions and sampling and analysis objectives. The
drilling contractor will best know his/her own capability for successfully
completing a well to the design depth. The drilling contractor, however, is
generally not the best one to assess the associated sample representativeness.,
-Regardless of the drilling method selected, it should minimize disturbance of
subsurface materials and not contaminate the subsurface or ground water.
(U.S. EPA, .1986a), For example, lubricant, should not be used on drill rods.
Hollow-stem Hollow-stem augers are among the most frequently used,tools .when advancing
Augers a borehole in unconsolidated materials especially when soil sampling is
-..' ..... ^ . required. The hollow-stem auger consists of a'section,of seamless steel tube
,.,.,,;. t ; with a spiral: flight, an attached finger-type cutter head, and a center drill
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TABLE C-L DRILLING METHODS SUMMARY1
Drilling Technique
Depth Limitation (ft)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Auger
Hollow Stem
Solid Stem
150-300
100-150
Ease of soil sampling. Drilling fluids
normally not used.
Well can be constructed inside auger; acts as
casing.
Good in moist, mainly cohesion-less soils,
and medium-soft to stiff cohesive soils.
Not suitable for drilling through upper or
perched aquifers.
Not suitable for consolidated formations.
Transports contamination downward.
Not suitable for undisturbed soil samples or
Not suitable for undisturbed soil
determining stratigraphy.
Not suitable hi caving formations without
casing,, nor in very hard or cemented soils
(e.g., containing boulders).
Mud Rotary
5000+
O
i
Rapid drilling.
Can leave boring open during drilling.
Good cutting samples.
Mud may plug or be lost to permeable zone.
Slow or difficult for formations containing
coarse gravel, or numerous stones and
boulders. Mud can affect chemistry or
borehole and grpundwater samples, and
operation of well without proper
development.
Air Rotary
5000+
No drilling fluid contamination of ground
water.
Fast in hard rock and other consolidated
formations.
Containment of drilling returns difficult;
potential health and safety concern
Strips volatiles.
Not suitable for drilling through
unconsolidated soils.
Cable Tool
1000+
Only small amounts of water added and
removed from borehole.
Suitable for caving,, and gravel or boulder
formations.
Good for sampling.
Slow.
Casing must be used (does not seal off
upper aquifers).
Cable tool rigs may not be readily available.
1 U.S. EPA, 1986a, 1987a
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Solid-stem
Augers
stem composed of drill rods with an attached center plug at the bottom (see
Figure C-l). The hollow-stem auge.r is configured with adapters at the top of
the drill stem and auger flight, .allowing the auger to advance with the plug in
place. This arrangement forqes cuttings to the .surface around the exterior of
the auger during drilling, leaving .the interior? of the auger free of soil.
To obtain a soil sample, the center stern and.pl'u'g are removed, and the :;
appropriate sampler (for example,',a-split spoon) is driven ahead of the auger.
Samples taken in this'way are; essentially undisturbed, since the disturbance
caused by advancing the auger1 is less than, that .caused' by driving casing (U.S.
EPA, 1987a). Cuttings brought to'the surface By_'-the auger may also be ;
sampled, although as disturbed samples, cuttings only; pfpvide.ari',
approximation'.-of. subsurface stratigraphy.;'"'. ," . . . ;'".. :
Augerdrilling, is usually limited, to' depths of- approximately 150'feei (U.S.
EPA, 1986a) in unconsolidated sands, and-.can "bind,up">t shallower depths in
clays. Hollow-stem augers are generally not 'used in formations with large
boulders; .however, small obstructions can often be, moved ,or broken by, hitting
with a split spoon. Holl'ow-stem augers are also useful in drilling below the
water table; the auger flights act as a casing in which the well may be placed.
In heaving or flowing sand conditions, a fluid of known chemical quality
(usually water) may be pumped down the, inside of the-hollow-stem auger, the
weight of which-produces a positive .pressure head that may be sufficient to
displace unconsolidated material from the auger. Hollow-stem augers should
not, however, be used to drill through a confining layer unless the overlying
aquifer is known to be uncontaminated. Unless a confined aquifer can be
properly cased off (see Section C1.2ii), contaminated aquifers may : :
communicate with (contaminate) lower stratigraphic units. :
The use, of-solid-stem augers (Figure;C-l) for monitoring well installation is
generally limited to uiiconsolidatecl,materials that will^maintain an open
bbreho^le or consolidated sediments; (unless casing is used to prevent caving in
unstable soil when the auger is removed.).! The method is similar to hollow-
stem augers except that the augers.must be removed from thfe ground to
sample, [qr to insert the well casing ahd-screen. Solid-stem augers may be
advanced to a- depth of 100 to 1-50. feet-,- depending on soil conditions. -As with '
hollow-stem augers, solid-stem augers transport disturbed soil samples to-.the
surface with the auger blade, and should not be used to drill through confining
layers without first casing off the overlying aquifer. l
Mud and Water
Rotary
In rotary drilling, thej-borehole is advanced by rapid rotation of the drilling bit
which cuts, chips, and grinds the material at the bottom of the hole^ The ;
cuttings are removed by pumping drilling fluid (mud or water) down through
the drill rods, out vents in the bit, and up; the annular space between the , "
borehole wall and drill rpds (see Figure C-2). The drilling fluid also cools and
lubricates, the drilling. bit,;and .serves to stabilize-the borehole.- Drilling fluid is
pumped from a pit or tank, through a mud pump and the drill rods. The fluid
returns to a settling pit,-where the cuttings settle out from the slowed drilling
fluid. The settling pit may contain several gates or divisions to enhance ^
separation.; The cuttings are periodically removed from the settling pit for;
disposal*, and to lessen cross contamination from reintroduction of drilling '
fluids into the borehole.; (In addition, fesffjicient removal of cuttingsjalso -'-
extends'the, service life of the drill rig mud pump.) .-^ .. ;..; :
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Figure C-l. Augers
Double-Flight Earth Rock Auger
Hollow Stem Auger Assembly
High-Spiral Auger
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Figure C-2. Mud and Water Rotary Drilling
Swivel
Kelly
Power unit
Controls
Sheave
~ Crown block
Mast
Hoisting drum
Mud pump
Hose
1 RM,,rn rfitrh \ ~*\ \ -Drilling fluid
Setting pit i^~" , _
! Mud pit
:. " uncased hole
'
I
U* - Bit
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Air Rotary
Cable Tool
Air rotary drilling operates in the same manner as mud or water rotary
drilling, except air is the drilling fluid. Air rotary drilling is best suited for .v "*
use in hard rock formations; casing is required to keep the borehole open when
drilling in soft, unconsolidated formations. Because air is used as the drilling
fluid, an important advantage of using air rotary drilling with proper well
development is that it is less likely to affect the long-term quality of the
ground water. In addition, since formation water is blown out of the hole
along with cuttings, it is possible to determine when the first water-bearing
zone is encountered. Where significant water inflow is encountered,
noncontaminating foaming agents (such as nonphosphate detergents) may be
added to help remove cuttings from .the borehole (U.S. EPA, 1987a).
Formation sampling may be accomplished by collecting cuttings blown to the
surface, or by removing the drill string and sampling the hole directly. One
problem with air rotary drilling is that the forced air will strip volatiles and
many senii-volatiles. Indeed,-air, rotary drilling can present significant health
and safety problems because contaminated air and cuttings blown out of the
hole can be .difficult to contain. Therefore, when air rotary is used, shrouds,
canopies, or directional pipes should be used to contain and direct drill
cuttings (U,S. EPA, I986a),, In addition, cuttings should not be sampled for
chemical analysis, and the well should be properly developed before sampling.
(As With other type.s of drilling, generally a confined aquifer should be cased
off; see Section C.2.1.)
Cable tool .drilling (or percussion or churn drilling) uses a heavy, solid steel,
chisel-type drill bit suspended on a steel cable that, when raised and dropped
repeatedly; chisels or pounds a hole through soil and rock (see Figure C-3).
Although relatively slow, cable tool drilling is satisfactory for all formations,
but is best suited, for .large, caving, gravel-type formations with cobbles or
boulders such as glacial till, or for formations with large cavities above the
water table "such'as karst (weathered limestone) terrain. Casing following the
drill bit is needed when advancing a borehole through these formations and
other unconsolidated materials to prevent cave-in.
Small amounts of water must be added to the hole as drilling progresses until
ground water is encountered. The added water creates a slurry, which is
periodically removed with a sand bailer or mud pump. Because only small
amounts of water are required^ for cuttings removal (and no drilling muds are
used), the cable tool method generates only modest amounts of drilling waste.
Cable tool drilling also permits the collection Of excellent (undisturbed)
formation and chemical, samples. Sampling is accomplished by removing the
drill string, bailing the cuttings, and using the appropriate downhole sampler.
(See Section B.2.fi 'on subsurface sampling techniques).
Drilling Fluid
Drilling fluids are used'For.aCyariety of drilling methods and for a variety of
purposes. These Fluids are-used to cool the drill bit In rotary drilling, help
carry away drill cuttings,inrota'ry:and cable,tool drilling, and keep the
borehole open in certain mud or "water rotary drilling and hollow-stem auger
conditions/Drilling fluids for groynd-water monitoring installation include
water, drilling mud additives, air, "and foahiing solutions. The exact drilling
fluid setectioiTand proportioning will'depend" orfthei"particular drilling method
and site stratigraphy. For example, in mud rotary drilling, a satisfactory
drilling fluid may be made by mixing water with suitable native clays (for
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Figure C-3. Cable Tool String Assembly Components
Crown
sheave
Shock
absorber
Casing and sand
line sheaves
Spudding beam
Heel sheave
Pitman
Truck-.
mounting
bracket
Engine
Drill bit
C-ll
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example, downhole) or commercial mud-forming products, consisting
primarily of bentonite and various chemicals added to control dispersion,
thixotropy, viscosity, and gel strength.
Regardless of the type of drilling fluid used, it is important that the drilling
fluid does not affect the chemistry of ground-water samples, samples from the
borehole, or the operation of the well. Only those drilling fluids approved in
the Work Plan should be used. For air rotary drilling, the air from the
compressor on the drill rig should be filtered to prevent oil from the
compressor from entering the borehole. Drilling water or mud should be
uncontaminated. (For instance, "city" water is preferable to surface waters of
uncertain purity). If there is any doubt about its purity, drilling water or mud
should be collected at the plumbing connection on the back of the drill rig and
analyzed to eliminate the possibility of introducing contamination into the
borehole. In addition, drilling muds may be,lost to permeable or cavernoiis
formations, potentially reducing effective porosity (and thereby well yield), as
well as affecting local ground-water pH. Judicious selection of drilling mud
additives and proper well completion and development can significantly lessen
adverse effects of mud invasion into a formation.
Drilling Waste
One important aspect of oversight of drilling activities is management of
drilling waste. Drilling waste consists of drill cuttings and materials removed
from a borehole, including drilling fluids and well development water. :
Whether the drilling waste is known to be contaminated or not, native soils and
waters should not be returned to the borehole (see Section C.3.1 for proper
well completion procedures). In addition, if drilling fluids were used to
advance a borehole through a contaminated horizon, the drilling fluid should
be disposed appropriately as waste and replaced with clean drilling fluid
before proceeding through cleaner zones (see Section C.2.1, Reducing Spread
of Contamination).
Unless otherwise specified in the Work Plan, waste from drilling activities
should be containerized (drummed) for proper disposal. Depending on the
methods specified in the Work Plan, drilling waste may be stored onsite,
pending the results of waste material sampling, surveyed using field analytical
methods as described in Section B.2.8, or disposed as hazardous. Alternatively,
if the drilling waste material is from a stratigraphic zone subject to removal
and treatment, the waste may be stored pending the remedial action, subject to
RPM approval.
Reducing
Spread of
Contamination
It is important during drilling activities to reduce the spread of contamination
both at the well head and between stratigraphic layers. Reducing the spread
of contamination at the well head involves properly managing contaminated
drilling^ wastes; that is, containerizing for disposal drilling wastes suspected of
contamination. In addition, drilling wastes can be directed and contained with
directional pipes, and dedicated open tanks or lined pits can be used for
drilling mud/cuttings to further reduce the spread of contamination.
Reducing subsurface spread of contamination requires good drilling practices
to keep contaminated horizons (particularly aquifers) from contaminating
lower stratigraphic layers. Specifically, this may involve casing off a borehole
before continuing to drill through a confining layer, and disposing and
replacing drilling fluids that have been used to advance the borehole through a
contaminated horizon. Casing off a borehole consists of grouting the annular
C-12
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space between the casing and the borehole sidewalls (see Section C.3.1).
Casing off upper aquifers before further drilling is good drilling practice, even
if the upper aquifer is known to be uncontaminated. (An exception is non-
discrete aquifers or water-bearing zones of similar or compatible chemistry.)
C.2.2
Soil Sample Collection
Soil samples are collected in conjunction with borehole advancement for
lithologic description, chemical analysis, or physical testing. While a number
of physical and chemical samples must be sent for laboratory analysis, most
can be screened and logged in the field.
Collection During borehole advancement, formation samples are typically collected every
Interval 5 feet or when a change in stratigraphy is observed. (PRPs may be required to
submit continuous samples, however.) Each geologic unit encountered should
be sampled for lithology because of the effect a unit may,have on contaminant
fate and transport. Soil samples for chemical analysis should be collected in
accordance with the objectives of the Work Plan and SAP.
Sample Field
Screening and
Logging
Geological logging includes keeping a detailed record of drilling and a
geological description of the materials encountered on a prepared form.
Although field screening and logging in conjunction with well drilling
activities is the responsibility of the PRP or its drillers, the oversight assistant
should note the salient information regarding screening and logging, such as
soil color, moisture, and consistency, as a check on the PRP's drilling log.
When drilling in soils or unconsolidated deposits, the PRP will usually record
soil screening information on a standard soil boring log form (see Figure C-4).
The soil boring log form to be used by the PRP should be submitted with the
Work Plan and approved prior to conducting field work. In addition to basic
information such as boring number and location, drilling equipment and
method, and time and date, the PRP should record.the following technical
information for samples collected for physical testing or chemical analysis:
Depth of sample below surface;
Sample interval;
Sample type and number;
Length of sample recovered; .
Standard penetration test (ASTM-D1586) results, if applicable; and
Soil description and classification.
In addition, all pertinent observations about drilling rate, equipment operation,
or unusual conditions should be noted (U.S. EPA, 1987a).
Soil description and classification is normally done in accordance with the
United Soil Classification System (USCS), as described in ASTM D2487 (see
Figure C-5), the Visual-Manual identification procedure (ASTM D2488), or
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Figure C-4. Soil Boring Log
PROJECT NUMilH
tOMINO NUMMM
SHEET
Of
SOIL BORING LOG
PROJECT .
ELEVATION
DRILLING METHOD AND EQUIPMENT.
WATER LEVEL AND DATE
. LOCATION
. DRILLING CONTRACTOR ,
.S1AHT
FINISH
.LOGGER .
UI
III
-
SAMPLE
INTERVAL
TYPE AND
NUMBER
RECOVERY
STANDARD
PENETRATION
TEIT
RESULTS
6"-«"-fl"
(Nl
SOIL DESCRIPTION
NAME. GRADATION OR PLASTICITY.
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION, COLOR.
MOISTURE CONTENT. RELATIVE DENSITY
OR CONSISTENCY. SOIL STRUCTURE.
MINERALOGY. USCS GROUP SYMBOL
-
So
53
COMMENTS
DEPTH OF CASING
DRILLING RATE.
DRILLING FLUID LOSS.
TESTS AND
INSTRUMENTATION
C-14
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Soil Classification Chart
Soil Classification
O
i.
Criteria (or Assigning Group Symbols and Group Names Using Laboratory Tests*
Coarse-Grained Soils
More than 50 X retained on No.
200 sieve
Fine-Grained Soils
50 X or more passes the No.
200 sieve
Gravels
More than 50 X of coarse
fraction retained on No. 4
sieve
Sands
50 X or more of coarse
.fraction passes No. 4 sieve .
SHIs and Clays
UquMRmlt toss than SO
SHIS and Clays
Liquid Hmtt 50 or more
Clean Gravels
Less than 5 X fines0
Gravels with Fines More
than 12 X fines0
Clean Sands
Less than 5 X fines °
Sands with Fines
More than 12 X fines0
Inorganic
organic
Inorganic
Cu a 4 and 1 < Cc < 3E
Cu < 4 and/or 1 > Co 3E -
Fines classify as ML or MH
Fines dasslfy as CL or CH
Cu a 6 and 1 < Cc £ 3e
Cu < 6 and/or 1 > Co 3E
Fines classify as ML or MH
Fines classify as CL or CH
PI > 7 and plots on or above "A" linej
Pl< 4 or plots below 'A" line1'
Liquid limit - oven dried
Liquid limit - not dried "^ a75
PI plots on or above "A" line
PI plots below *A" line r : ;,
GW.
GP
GM
GC
SW
SP
SM .
SC
CL
ML
OL
CH
MH
Well-graded graveif
Poorly graded graved
: Silty graveiF-°'"''
.Clayey gravel"
Well-graded sand
, Poorly graded sand'
Silty sand°Aj
.Clayey sand0-"-'
,Lean day"-1"**
Si|,K.L.M
Organic aayK-LMH
Organic silt*-1--*'-0
r Fat day"-1-"
., Elastic silt"-'--'1' .
organic
Liquid limit - oven dried
Liquid limit - not dried
<0.75
OH Organic clay*-'--*';''
Organic silt*-1
Highly organic soHs
Primarily organic matter, dark In color, and organic odor
PT
Peat
* Based on the material passing the 3-fn. (75-mm)
sieve.
8 If field sample contained cobbles or boulders, or
both, add "with cobbles or boulders, or both' to
group name. - -
0 Gravels with 5 to 12 X fines require dual
symbols:
GW-GM well-graded gravel with sHt
GW-GC weR-graded gravel with day
GP-GM poorly graded gravel with silt
GP-GC poorly graded gravel with day
"Sands with 5 to 12% fines require dual
symbols:
SW-SM well-graded sand with silt
SW-SC well-graded sand with day
SP-SM poorly graded sand with sit
SP-SC poorly graded sand with day
Cu
(Pao)2
D,0 X Da,
r If soil contains s 15 X sand, add "with sand* to
group name.
0 If fines classify as CL-ML, use dual symbol
GC-GM, or SC-SM.
H If fines are organic, add "with organic fines' to
group name. \ ,"<
'If soil contains 2 15 X gravel, add 'with gravel'
to group name.
J If Atterberg Omits plot tn hatched area, soH is a
CL-ML, sHty day.
* If son contains 15 to 29 X plus No. 200. add
'with sand" or 'with gravel," whichever Is pre-
dominant.
1 If sol contains > 30 X plus No. 200, pre-
dominantly sand, add 'sandy* to group name.
Mll soil contains a 30 X plus No. 200, pre-
dominantly gravel, add "gravelly" to group name.
" PI > 4 and plots on or above "A" line.
0 Pl< 4 or plots .below 'A" line.
p PI plots on or above "A' fine.
0 PI plots below *A" line.
00
c
. (t>
00
o
Q
en
g
I
f
-------
by the Burmeister system. Although it is not necessary for the oversight
assistant to be thoroughly familiar with these soil description methods, the
oversight assistant should nevertheless note major soil differences (such as
clays, sands, and gravels) during formation sampling. The oversight assistant
should also note the basic color, moisture content (described as dry, moist, or
wet), and relative density or consistency of the soil as determined by standard
penetration tests (see Table C-2).
The purpose of noting basic soil properties, from an oversight perspective, is
not to duplicate the PRP's drilling log. Rather, basic soil properties can
provide direct evidence of contamination, unanticipated or perched aquifers,
and confining layers. For example, soil discoloration may indicate
contamination, whereas wet soil may indicate the presence of an aquifer.
Additionally, clay encountered beneath an aquifer, as determined by visual
inspection, would suggest the presence of a confining layer. As indicated in
Section C.2.1, it is generally good practice to case off the borehole before
drilling through a confining layer. ..
C.2.3
Decontamination .-,..-.,
Two general methods of contamination control are: (1) establishing site work
zones (site control), and (2) removal and decontamination. These methods are
essential for maintaining health and safety as well as for preventing cross-
contamination. Decontamination consists of either physically removing
contaminants or changing their chemical nature to innocuous substances. The
level of decontamination depends on a number of factors, the most important
being the type of contaminants involved and the use of the equipment being
cleaned. The more harmful the contaminant and the more directly the
equipment contacts the sample, the more extensive and thorough
decontamination must be.
Equipment A variety of equipment and materials are suitable for 'decontamination of
drilling and personnel protection equipment. Decontamination equipment is
generally selected based on availability, ease of equipment decontamination,
and disposability. Typical decontamination equipment includes high-pressure
steam generators ("steam jenny"); soft-bristle scrub brushes or long-handle
brushes to remove contaminants; water in buckets or garden sprayers, for
rinsing; large galvanized wash tubs, stock tanks, or children's wading pools to
hold wash and rinse solutions; large plastic garbage cans or other similar
containers lined with plastic bags to store contaminated clothing and
equipment; metal or plastic cans or drums to temporarily store contaminated
liquids; and other miscellaneous gear such as paper or cloth towels for drying
protective clothing and equipment.
Method
Personnel protective equipment, sampling tools, and other equipment are
usually decontaminated by spraying with 'high-pressure steam, or scrubbing
with detergent-water such as Alconox, using a soft-bristle brush, followed by
rinsing with copious amounts of water. Drilling equipment (particularly the
back and undercarriage of the drill rig and all downhole equipment) can be
cleaned using a pressure hose or pressurized water or stream sprayer. Steam
jennies are very effective at removing dirt and oils while generating minimal
waste water. Special attention should be paid to the wheel wells and
undercarriage of drilling rigs and other equipment, where large amounts of
C-16
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Table C-2a. Soil Density\Consistency
Blows/Ft
Relative Density of Noncohesive Soil
Relative
Density
Field Test
0-4 yery ioose Easily penetrated with 1/2-inch steel rod pushed by hand
5-10 Loose Easily penetrated with 1/2-inch steel rod pushed by hand
11-30 Medium Easily penetrated with 1/2-inch steel rod driven with 5-lb
hammer
31-50 Dense Penetrated a foot with 1/2-inch steel rod driven with 5-lb
hammer
>50 Very dense Penetrated only a few inches with 1/2-inch steel rod driven
with 5-lb hammer
Table C-2b. Consistency of Cohesive Soil
Blows/Ft Consistency
<2 Very soft
2-4 Soft
5-8 Firm
Pocket
Penetrometer
(TSF)*
<0.25
0.25-0.6
0.50-1.0
Torvane
(TSF)
<0.12
0.12-0.25
0.25-0.5
Field Test
Easily penetrated several
inches by fist
Easily penetrated several
inches by thumb
Can be penetrated several
9-15 Stiff
16-30 Very stiff
>30 Hard
1.0-2.0
2.0-4.0
>4.0
0.5-1.0
1.0-2.0
>2.0
inches by thumb with
moderate effort
Readily indented by
thumb but penetrated
only with great effort
Readily indented by
thumbnail
Indented with difficulty
by thumbnail
* TSFTons per square foot.
C-17
-------
mud tend to accumulate. Sampling equipment used for organic contaminant
samples should be rinsed with methanol or other suitable solvent, followed by
distilled water. (Hexane is often used for PCB contamination.) The solvent
should be saved for safe disposal (IT, 1987). Sampling equipment used for
metal-containing samples should be rinsed with dilute nitric or hydrochloric
acid, followed by distilled water. , . , ,.,;V-. I1.
Location Location of decontamination areas depends on site-specific establishment of
zones of decreasing contamination and site access control points. Essentially,
the site is divided into three zones to reduce the migration, of contaminants
from the sampling area: (1) the exclusion zone, which is the area of the site
where contamination does or co.uld occur (including the borehole); (2) the
contamination reduction zone, which provides a transition between
contaminated and clean zones; and (3) the clean zone. Decontamination areas
are located at the boundary between the exclusion and contamination reduction
zones.
The size and shape of each zone (and thus the distance from drilling activities)
is based on site-specific conditions. The oversight assistant should recognize
that considerable judgment is needed to assure that the distances between zone
boundaries are large enough to allow room for the necessary operations,
provide adequate distance to prevent the spread of contaminants, and eliminate
the possibility of injury due to explosion or fire outside the exclusion zone.
The criteria used for establishing area dimensions and boundaries include but
are not limited to, the following: ,
Physical and topographical site features;
Weather conditions;
Air dispersion calculations;
Contaminant toxicological characteristics; and
Dimensions of the contaminated area.
Frequency Downhole drilling equipment should be decontaminated between each borehole
location, while sampling equipment should be decontaminated before each use.
In the case where drilling fluid used to advance a borehole through a very
contaminated horizon is disposed, the mud tank or pit, mud pump, and all
downhole equipment should be decontaminated before the addition of fresh
drilling fluid. Some equipment (such as gloves) may be disposable and,
therefore, will not require decontamination^ -, '.
Cross
Contamination
Prevention
The most effective method of preventing cross-contaniinatipn is to thoroughly
decontaminate drilling and formation sampling equipment before each use.
For downhole drilling equipment, this consists of decontamination between
borehole locations, whereas sampling equipment should be decontaminated "
between sampling locations. Another method of preventing cross-
contamination, if practical, is to-drill the boreholes in formations of low
contamination first (such as upgradient locations), proceeding to progressively
more contaminated locations. (To prevent contamination due to borehole
(C-18
-------
sidewall sloughing and contamination between stratigraphic layers, see Section
'
Off-site
Disposal
Generally, decontamination solutions and contaminated drill cuttings, drilling
fluids, and material classified as a hazardous waste must be manifested for
disposal and taken to a licensed hazardous waste disposer. Since this policy
differs from region to region (U.S. EPA, 1986d), the oversight assistants
should be familiar with the applicable requirements. However, offsite disposal
methods should be detailed in the drilling team's Work Plan and HSP and
should be approved by the RPM.
All equipment that cannot be decontaminated, and any spent decontamination
solutions, must be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.
Clothing, tools, brushes, and other sampling equipment that cannot be
decontaminated should be secured in drums or other containers, and either
labeled and shipped offsite for disposal, or disposed of as a part of any
planned remedial activity. Likewise, spent decontamination solutions should
be transferred to drums that are labeled prior to disposal. Clothing and other
equipment that will be decontaminated offsite should be secured in plastic
bags before removal from the site.
C.3
WELL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
Once the well borehole has been advanced to the appropriate depth, as
specified in the Work Plan, SAP, or drilling specifications, the ground-water
monitoring well is installed. Well design and installation consists of selecting
and installing construction materials that are durable enough to resist chemical
and physical degradation and do not interfere with the quality of groundwater
sampling. In addition, well design and installation must prevent contaminant
migration between strata.
Specific well components involved in well design and installation include well
casings, well screens, filter packs, and annular seals or backfills. Figure C-6
illustrates the design of a typical groundwater monitoring well. Competent
well design, materials selection, and well installation and completion are
essential to achieving the goals of a ground-water monitoring program.
C.3.1
Well Design
* Well design consists of selecting suitable materials for well construction,
including well screens, well risers, and annular space sealants. The well
materials must not degrade, absorb contaminants, or otherwise interfere with
ground-water quality while in service. In addition, the specified materials
must be designed to seal the borehole such that contaminated soil horizons
cannot communicate with other horizons.
Well Screen Well screen selection is important for collecting representative ground-water
samples. A well screen allows water to enter a well, and also acts in
conjunction with the sand or filter pack as a filtering device to keep sediment
out of a well.' (Sediment-laden water can lengthen filtering times and create
chemical interferences with collected samples.) Normally, the open area of the
screen should approximate the natural porosity of the formation.
C-19
-------
Figure C-6. Typical ground-water monitoring well cross-section
GAS VENT TUBE
V GAS VENT
WELL CAP
STEEL PROTECTOR CAP WITH LOCKS
SURVEYOR'S PIN (FLUSH MOUNT)
CONCRETE WELL APRON
(MINIMUM RADIUS OF 3 FEET
AND 4 INCHES THICK)
CONTINUOUS POUR CONCRETE CAP
AND WELL APRON (EXPANDING CEMENT)
CEMENT AND SODIUM
BENTONITE MIXTURE
BOREHOLE DIAMETER « 10" TO 12"
(NOMINAL DIMENSION)
FILTER PACK (2 FEET OR
LESS ABOVE SCREEN)
POTENTIOMETRIC SURFACE
C-20
-------
Well Riser
Screen slot openings should retain a high percentage of the sand or filter pack
and be uniformly distributed around the circumference of the screen for
effective development of the well. Ideally, slot openings should widen inward
so that finer formation materials are pulled through the screen during
development. Slots that are cut straight through the casing, or those of the
gauze type, will tend to plug with fine material during development,
significantly reducing the open area of the screen.
Commercially manufactured well screens typically work best provided the
proper slot size is chosen. Generally, customized screens should not be used
because these screens limit reproducibility of ground-water data. In addition,
the oversight assistant should be aware that most EPA regions prohibit the use
of screens containing slot openings sawed or torch-cut by the driller.
The oversight assistant should recognize that well screen length is a function of
both the transmissivity (yield) of the aquifer and the objective of the
monitoring program. Low-yield aquifers may require greater screen lengths to
permit the collection of adequate sample volumes in a timely manner. Screens
used for sampling discrete intervals are typically 2 to 5 feet in length. Screens
that monitor to the top of the water table are typically 5 to 10 feet in length.
Depending on the anticipated long-term changes in ground-water elevation,
some of the screen is always above the water table. Thus, the screen will allow
hydrocarbons or other low^density substances that float on the surface of the
water ("floaters") to enter the well.
The oversight assistant may also observe the installation of a sump at the
bottom of a monitoring well. A sump aids in collecting fine-grain sediments
and results in prolonging the operating life of the screen. An additional
benefit of using a sump is for collection of intermittent dense-phase
contaminants ("sinkers"). A sump may also be used as a sampling cup in low-
yield aquifers.
Well risers are lengths of well casing that are joined together rising from the
well screen to the surface. The oversight assistant should note that the method
of joining screens to casing and of assembling the well string (screens and
casing) is done so as to prevent contamination of the samples. That is, glue,
solvents, or lubricant are not to be used. Clean screens and casing should be
joined mechanically by threads and couplings, or flush threads. Joints may be
made water-tight by wrapping with Teflon tape or by placing an O-ring in the
joint.
A gas vent at the top of the well string is generally specified in the Work Plan,
SAP, or drilling specifications. Typically, a vent is installed by drilling a hole
or cutting a slit with a hacksaw in the uppermost well riser. The vent
equalizes pressure in the well when the ground-water level changes. For
example, a drop in the water table would create a partial vacuum in a well
without a vent, making the removal of a slip cap very difficult. Conversely,
as a rise in the ground-water level could produce a puff of well vapors upon
removal of the well cap, well vent installation represents a good safety
practice.
Annular Space
Once the well string has been installed, the annular space should be a
minimum of 2 inches completely around the inner casing. The space is then
backfilled with: (1) filter pack over the screened interval, (2) annular sealant to
C-21
-------
prevent migration of contaminants to the sampling zone, and (3) cement or
bentonite grout to the frost line. Before installation of the well string, filter
pack may be added to the borehole to adjust the final elevation of the well and
the screened interval. Drill cuttings should not be used to backfill the annular
space. As the annular space is backfilled a few feet at a time, any temporary
drilling casing is removed, allowing the backfill to completely occupy the
annular space.
Generally, filter pack is selected to roughly match the grain-size distribution
of the screened interval formation. (The grain-size distribution curve for the
filter pack is obtained by multiplying the 70-percent retained size of the finest
formation sample by three or four.) Selection of too fine a pack reduces the
yield of the well, causing longer sampling times, whereas selection of too
coarse a pack allows fine silts, sands, and clays to enter the well. Coarse
gravel and coarse sand are common filter pack materials. The oversight
assistant should note that the pack material is chemically inert (non-
carbonate), and has been obtained from reputable suppliers who have properly
cleaned and bagged the material. Fabric filters should not be used as filter
pack materials. Generally, filter pack is not washed or decontaminated before
placement, although some investigators may require it. (The PRP may wish to
collect and chemically analyze a sample of the filter pack in the event
questions are raised regarding possible contamination from the pack.)
Filter pack is added to the annulus a few feet at a time. If pthe screened
interval is entirely beneath the water .table, the use of a treniie tube in placing
the filter pack is recommended. If temporary drilling casing has been used to
keep the borehole open, it is removed with each addition of filter pack,
permitting the pack to completely fill the borehole. Failure to remove casing
in a timely manner may bury it in place, rendering the well useless without
subsequent removal of the well string and filter pack. Filter pack should
generally be added until it is 2 feet or less above the screen (U.S. EPA, 1986a).
The filter pack must cover the entire screen, even if substantial amounts of
pack are lost to cracks or voids in the formation. Thus, the actual; amount of
filter pack required may exceed the amount calculated to cover the screen.
Conversely, if substantially less than the calculated amount of pack appeals to
cover the screen, bridging or borehole cave-in has probably occurred. Unless
specified in the Work Plan and screened as such, the filter pack should
generally not extend into a different overlying layer in the formation because
this would permit seepage (and sampling) of different horizons. Each backfill
horizon should be confirmed in the field with a tape measure.
The oversight assistant should observe the placement of approximately 2 feet
of annular sealant above the filter pack. The annular sealant should prevent
migration of contaminants to the sampling zone. The sealant should be
chemically inert and have a permeability 10 to 100 times less than .the
surrounding formation. Generally, sodium bentonite pellets are placed
immediately over the filter pack especially in the saturated zone. Pellets
are most effective in the saturated zone because they will penetrate the water
column; coarse grit sodium bentonite may hydrate and bridge before reaching
the filter pack.
Although either bentonite or cement grout may be used to seal the annular
space just below the frost line, cement grout should generally be used in the
unsaturated zone above the annular sealant because the grout is less subject to
cracking. Often, bentonite is added in the amount of 2 to 5 percent by weight
C-22
-------
to the cement grout to help reduce shrinkage and to control the time of setting.
The oversight assistant should ensure that the grout is prepared using clean
water and, if necessary, placed in the borehole using a tremie pipe. Use of a
tremie pipe minimizes particle separation and bridging, and ensures good
sealing of the borehole from the bottom. ,
C.3.2
Well Installation
The major elements of well installation consist of:
' Well screen and casing installation;
Filter pack placement; and
'."" Annular sealant placement. .
To prevent contamination of ground-water samples^ suitable well materials
must be selected. In addition, all materials placed in the borehole must be
clean and free of contamination.
Method of Ground-water monitoring wells may be installed in open boreholes in
Well consolidated formations, or inside casing or hollow-stem augers in
Completion unconsolidated formations. In either case, the oversight assistant should note a
spacing differential of 2 to 5 inches between the outer diameter of the well
' ', , casing and the inner diameter of the auger/casing or the surface of the
borehole. This annular space is necessary to ensure an adequate volume and
proper placement of filter pack and annular sealants. . A smaller annular space
may result in a filter pack volume insufficient to prevent turbid and
unacceptable ground-water samples, or may lead to bridging of filter pack and
annular sealants, resulting in open spaces in the borehole that could allow
migration of contaminants between strata. See Section C.3.2 for information
on the calculated (and actual) volume of filter pack and sealant required.
Well Material
A variety of materials may be used ,for well screens and risers (well casing),
including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, mild or galvanized steel,
stainless steel, cast iron, teflon, other fluorocarbons (such as fluorinated
ethylene propylene (FEP)'), epoxy biphenyl, and polyethylene. The oversight
assistant should make sure that ;the well screens and casing used are consistent
with those specified the Work Plan. The oversight assistant should also be
aware, however, that the type of material used for monitoring well casing may
significantly affect the quality of ground-water samples. Steel casing may
corrode, leaching iron, manganese, chromium, cadmium, or zinc. PVC,
polyethylene, and polypropylene may release and absorb trace amounts of
various organic constituents. In addition, solvent cement should not be used to
attach sections of plastic casing because it has been shown to.release
significant quantities of organic compounds.
In general, the following factors should be considered when selecting screen
and casing materials:
Contaminants to be sampled;
Chemical reactivity/inertness;
C-23
-------
Strength of material; and
Ease of installation.
Generally, in the saturated zone, only inert (or noninterfering) materials
should be used; in the unsaturated zone noninert materials may be used (U.S.
EPA, 1986a). Teflon and glass are among the most inert materials for
monitoring well installation. (However, glass is very difficult and expensive to
use under most field conditions, and non-stick teflon may not form a water-
tight seal with grout and annular sealants.) When monitoring for volatile
organics, Teflon (fluorocarbons), stainless steel, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic
generally are recommended. If trace metals or nonvolatile organics are the
contaminants anticipated, PVC or plastic well casing and screens may be used.
Site-specific conditions, however, may affect well material selection. For
example, low pH may degrade metallic wells. The oversight assistant should
refer to the Work Plan to note if the specified well material is being used.
Regardless of the material used for well construction, the material should be
kept covered and clean. In addition, all well casing and screens should be
clean before construction and placement in the borehole. Material selection
may determine method of decontamination. For example, fluorocarbon casing
should never be steam cleaned (see Section C.2.3 for more information
regarding decontamination).
C.3.3
Well Completion
Once the annular space has been grouted to just below the frost line, the well
is completed by constructing a surface seal and installing a protective surface
casing.
Surface Seal To minimize damage caused by frost heaving, the oversight assistant should
observe that the remaining annular space is sealed with an expanding cement
(grout) cap or surface seal. Frost heaving can be a major problem for wells
installed in cold climates (particularly for plastic wells). As the soil freezes
during the winter, it expands upward, occasionally pulling the casing apart.
The surface seal should extend from below the frost line to the ground surface.
If there is no frost line, or the frost line is essentially at the ground surface,
the cement grout may be poured to the surface in lieu of a surface seal.
Surface
Casing
Before the surface seal has set, a protective metal surface casing should be
placed in the surface seal around the monitoring well. A concrete well apron
should then be poured around the surface casing. The apron should have a
minimum radius of 3 feet and be at least 4 inches thick. In addition, the
apron should be inclined away from the well and surface casing to divert
rainwater. The oversight assistant should note that the concrete well apron is
poured using the same expanding cement as used for the concrete cap. In fact,
with the exception of surface casing placement, the concrete cap and well
apron should be poured continuously.
C-24
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C.4
POST INSTALLATION
Post-installation activities consist of well development and ground-water
monitoring. Well development is especially important for ground-water
monitoring wells, because drilling fluid residues remaining in the borehole will
affect the chemistry of the water samples. Well development also removes
, sediments and increases the well yield so that representative samples can be
collected quickly. Adequate development must be verified before ground-
water samples may be collected. (Collecting samples from a ground-water well
and measuring ground-water~parameters are discussed in Section B.2.2).
C.4.1
Method of
Development
Development
After the ground-water monitoring well has been constructed, the well must
be developed before sampling to restore the natural hydraulic conductivity of
the formation, and to remove sediments as well as all traces of drilling fluids
from the formation. Well development is accomplished by applying some form
of energy (such as water surging) to the screen and formation. Well
development is confined mainly to the zone immediately adjacent to the well,
where the formation materials have been disturbed by well construction
procedures or affected by the drilling fluid. -Noting and managing the volume
of development water is as important as noting the method of well
development.
The oversight assistant should be aware that a variety of techniques are
available for well development. Table C-3 lists some common development
procedures. For example, the well may be overpurnped (or pumped at a
higher rate than when purged and sampled). However, because overpumping
produces water flow in only one direction, sediments or fines may bridge (or
clog) in the filter pack, restricting flow into the screen. In addition, if
bridging subsequently becomes unstable and collapses, sediment may enter the
well and affect sample quality. Effective well development procedures should
cause reversals of water flow through the screen that will agitate the sediment
and remove the finer fraction.
One widely used method of well development is to force water to flow into
and out of the well screen by operating a plunger up and down in the casing,
similar to a piston in a cylinder. The tool normally used is called a surge
block. Before starting to surge, the oversight assistant should note that the
well has been bailed to make sure water will flow into it.
The surge block is normally lowered beneath the water table, above or at the
top of the screen. The initial surging motion should be gentle, allowing any
material blocking the screen to break up, go into suspension, and then move
into the well. As water begins to move easily both into and out of the screen,
the surge block is lowered in steps, with the force of the surging increasing as
, the block is lowered. Development should begin above or at the top of the
screen and move progressively downward to prevent the surge block from
becoming sand-locked. The surge block should periodically be removed from
the well during development, to remove (bail or pump) silt and fines from the
well. Surging and cleaning should continue until little or no sediment can be
pulled into the well (see Section C.4.1, Volume of Development Water).
C-25
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Table C-3. Well Development Techniques
Technique
Use
Comments
Surge Block
Block moved up and down, imparting
a surging action to screen and
formation.
Good, non-contaminating technique.
May clog formation, screen, or filter
pack if used when clay streaks, mica,
or angular particles are present.
Air lift
Compressed air injected into well,
lifting water to surface.
Strips volatiles; must wait 48 hours to
sample. Can induce metallic oxide
formation/precipitation, clogging
formation/pack.
Hydraulic
jetting
High pressure water sprayed inside
screen through jet nozzle.
Normally restricted to production.
For very low yielding wells; water
added to formation must be removed
prior to sampling.
Pumping
Well is pumped until water clears,
then turned off. Repeated with
higher discharge until only clear water
appears. '
May lead to bridging, particularly if
done without a swab, or at high
discharge. Usually a finishing
procedure following another
development technique.
Acid1
Hydrochloric acid added to open
borehole in limestone or dolomite
formations to increase formation
porosity (hydrofluoric and may be
used in silicate formations.)
Must return to ambient aquifer pH
before sampling; normally followed
by another development method.
Explosives1
Detonation of explosives in boreholes
in rock formations.
Enlarges borehole. Increases rock
fractures.
Not common for monitoring wells.
C-26
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The oversight assistant should be aware that surge blocks sometimes produce
unsatisfactory results in certain formations, especially when the aquifer
contains many clay streaks: surging can cause the clay to plug the formation,
;>.>.:':' < reducing well yield. Surge blocks-are also less useful if large amounts of mica
or angular particles are present because they can align themselves ,, ;
" perpendicular to the direction of flow, clogging the well screen or filter pack.
; . ' Clogging can be minimized by gentle surging and avoiding overdevelopment
,. .h ; " -. , when mica is present in the aquifer (Driscoll, 1987).,
; Another common method of well development is air lifting or air surging,
-'-' although there is considerable controversy as to its appropriateness. In air -
,«, - -. surging, air is injected into the well, to lift the water to the surface. After the
. , c 'f water reaches the top of the casing, the air .supply is .shut off, allowing the
,. ' - .water column, to fall. The well is periodically pumped (usually by air-lift
pumping) to remove sediment from the well. Air surging is controversial from
an oversight perspective, because it strips volatiles. Samples for volatile
: organics should not be collected for at least 48 hours after developing wells by
i - air surging. ., < ,..-.
}. _ *
.Volume of In addition to developing the well until little or no sediment can be pulled into
Development the well, a sufficient volume of development water should be removed.
Water Specifically, the oversight assistant should note that_at least 3 to 5 well
volumes plus the volume of water lost to the formation during drilling are
removed; some regions require the removal of five well volumes. In addition,
if water or acid has been used to develop the well, the well must be developed
until ground-water parameters have returned to ambient conditions. That is,
... . pH, conductivity, and temperature should be measured. When the parameters
. have stabilized (and no sediment enters the well), a sufficient volume of
development water has been removed from the well (it is also good practice to
monitor ground-water parameters as a check on the sufficiency of three to
five well volumes plus water lost to the formation). When developing a well
by air surging, an eductor and discharge pipe may be used to direct and
contain development water. If a discharge pipe is not used or if the aquifer
has an extremely low yield, ground-water parameters may be monitored in lieu
of removing three to five .well volumes during development.
Management Management of development water should be detailed in the Work Plan,.SAP,
of Develop- or drilling specifications. Generally, development water should be
ment Water containerized for analysis and disposal if classified as a hazardous waste. If
large volumes of contaminated development water are anticipated, the water
may be treated onsite, depending on the nature and expected concentration of
the contaminants. For example, a granulated-activated charcoal filter may be
used to strip development water of organics, allowing development water to be
discharged (assuming organics are the only type of contamination). Such
treatment would require laboratory support to monitor effectiveness and
proper filter disposal. Alternatively, contaminated development water may be
pumped to a treatment plant, or to the ground for percolation/recharge with
RPM approval. The oversight assistant should consult Section C.2.1, Drilling
Waste, for more information regarding management of development water.
C.4.2
Ground-Water Sampling
Once the well has been properly developed, samples may be collected.
, C-27
-------
c.s
C.5.1
Collecting samples from a ground-water well and measuring ground water
parameters are discussed in Section B 1.2.2. If, after development of the well is
complete, it continues to yield turbid ground water (that is, greater than 5
nephelometric turbidity units), the well should be redeveloped. If after
redevelopment, the well still yields turbid ground water containing no
organics, and the turbidity is due primarily to silt and clay, the well may have
been improperly constructed (or developed), and may be unsuitable for
ground-water monitoring (U.S. EPA, 1986b). Alternatively, the silt or clay
unit may be low yielding.
DOCUMENTATION OF WELL DRILLING AND INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES
The oversight assistant is responsible for the documentation of field activities,
including but not limited to well drilling and installation. Recordkeeping
practices should include documenting the day's activities in a field logbook or
on the field activity report as well as maintaining a photographic/video record
of events. In addition, documentation may be used during litigation to verify
the quality of the data collected. Therefore, it is essential that the oversight
team keep detailed records of field activities, and thoroughly review all notes
to verify that they are accurate before leaving the site.
Oversight Team Field Activity Report/Logbook
The oversight team field activity report and logbook provide daily records of
significant events, observations, and measurements during field oversight. The
field activity report and field logbook should provide sufficient data and
observations to enable the oversight team to reconstruct events that occurred
during well drilling and installation and to refresh the memory of oversight
assistants if called upon to give testimony during legal proceedings. Because
oversight field records (if referred to and admitted as evidence in a legal
proceeding) are subject to cross examination, checklist and logbook entries
should be factual, detailed, and objective.
The field activity report may be used in conjunction with the field logbook, or
not at all. The advantage of the field activity report is a consistent method of
documentation for all well drilling and installation activities. The field
activity report may be used to augment or complement the field logbook.
The field activity report is a tool that has been developed specifically to assist
the oversight assistant in the field. This report is in a checklist format, which
is structured to remind the oversight assistant of the critical elements of the
well drilling and installation activities while also providing a convenient means
for documenting the field activities. The field activity report is used in
conjunction with the SAP as a tool for reminding the oversight assistant of the
specific planned activities, and for keeping a record of any activities that are
not conducted according to the plans or that the oversight assistant considers
noteworthy.
The well drilling and installation field activity report consists of five sections,
including:
Cover sheet;
Initial activities;
C-28
-------
C.5.2
Method of borehole advancement;
Monitoring well construction and design; and
Post-installation activities.
The field activity report cover sheet provides a format for documenting facts
concerning the general types of activities planned for the day, the personnel
present onsite, the general conditions at the site (such as weather), and any
changes in the plans for that particular day. A separate cover sheet is filled
out for each day.
The initial activities section of the report provides a checklist of activities that
the oversight assistant can use before arriving at the site to prepare for field
oversight. This section also outlines preliminary activities that the oversight
assistant should conduct at the site before well drilling. The method of
borehole advancement section includes drilling activities as well as soil sample
collection and decontamination methods. The section on monitoring well
construction and design details the materials used for well construction and
completion. The final section outlines well development and ground-water
monitoring.
The field activity report is structured so that individual sections can stand
alone and the oversight assistant can select the sections he is concerned with
for a particular trip or day onsite. For example, if the only activity planned
for a trip is drilling, the oversight assistant can remove the borehole
advancement section from the field activity report and bring only the drilling
section to the field.
The oversight assistant should transfer important information from the SAP or
drilling-specifications to the field activity report form (using the "comments"
space) before leaving for the site. The assistant should then use the form to
compare the planned activities or expected conditions with the actual events in
the field (using the "Consistent With Plan" space) while at the site. Activity
reports should subsequently be summarized into a progress report for RPM
review. In addition, copies of the logbook or the field activity report should
be made available for RPM review.
Oversight Team Photographic/Video Log
The oversight team should document some of the more critical field activities
with a photographic or video camera. If a Polaroid camera is used for this
purpose, the photographed activity, location, date, and time should be
recorded directly on the photograph. If film must be sent out for
development, the pertinent information should be recorded in the field
logbook by exposure number, preferably in the order the pictures _were taken.
Because a camera exposure number may not exactly correspond with the film
exposure, maintaining a separate sequential photograph log as part of the field
logbook may help prevent confusion when matching the photograph to the
appropriate activity. Developed photographs should be maintained in an
album to prevent damage and preserve photographic quality. In addition,
photographs should be arranged in sequential order, or grouped by well
drilling or installation activity.
C-29
-------
FIELD ACTIVITY REPORT
COVER SHEET
Site Name:
Location:
Oversight Personnel:
Date:
PRP Field
Personnel:
Weather Conditions:
Planned Activities:
Approved Changes in Sampling Plan:
Important Communications:
Hours Oversight Assistant and Staff On-site:
Oversight Assistant Initials:
C-30
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page # __^_
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
C.I.I PREPARATION
1. Workplan
Review
a. Location and number of wells
b. Specified equipment
c. Field personnel qualifications/
responsibilities
2. Health and Safety Requirements
Review
a. Health & safety plans
(PRP's & oversight
assistant's)
b. Health & safety standard
operating procedures
c. Exposure limits/action
levels
d. Protective Gear
e. Other considerations
NOTES:
C-31
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
of
Comments
3. Oversight/Equipment
Bring equipment:
a. Oversight checklists
b. Field logbook
c. Camera
d. Protective gear
e. Other
4. Coordination
Confirm schedules with:
a. PRPs
b. Drilling contractors
c. State or local environmental
authorities (if appropriate)
d. EPA (if appropriate)
e. Other
NOTES:
C-32
-------
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Comments
C.I.2 PRELIMINARY ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
1. Review Personnel Qualifications
2. Record location and number of
boreholes
3. Decontamination Area/Clean Area
a. Decontamination area
Number of
decontamination areas
Physical location
Proximity to drilling/well
locations
b. Clean area
Number of clean areas
Physical location
Proximity to drilling/well
locations
c. Check decontamination
protocol
NOTES:
C-33
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
4. Tour of Site
5. Equipment Calibration
Field analytical equipment
calibrated (if appropriate)
6. Other
NOTES:
C-34
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
' (Y/N)
Comments
C.2 METHOD OF BOREHOLE ADVANCEMENT
1. Drilling Activities
a. Name of drilling company
b. Borehole number
c. Type of drilling
d. Well location
e. Elevation of location
f. Diameter of borehole
g. Type of drilling fluid
h. Amount of drilling fluid lost
to formation
i. Management of drilling waste
Drilling fluids
Cuttings
j. Well construction or boring log
NOTES:
O-35
-------
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
Comments
of
k. Methods to reduce spread of
contamination at well head
1. Anticipated geologic units
(composition and thickness)
m. Anticipated depth to ground
water
n. Total depth of borehole
2. Soil Sample Collection
(See checklist on subsurface soil sampling for specific handling and shipping requirements.)
a. Sample retrieval method
b. Collection interval/depth for
physical sample
c. Collection interval/depth for
chemical sample
d. Field screening samples for
analysis
Organic vapors
(OVA, HNu, etc.)
Discoloration (heavy metals)
Geiger - Muehler (radiation)
Other
NOTES:
C-36
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
- Consistent
with Plan
Comments
e. Physical parameters measured in
the field
Moisture content
Plasticity (approximate)
Consistency
Grain size
Sorting
Other
f. Borehole logging method
3. Decontamination
a. Equipment
b. Method
c. Location
Proximity to surface
water or drilling
activities
Proximity to population
NOTES:
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
f .Consistent
with Plan
' . (Y/N)
Comments
d. Frequency s, - , '
Rig and downhole equipment
Sampling equipment
e. Cross contamination prevention
Well risers, screens, casings
f. Decontaminated fluids management
On-site storage
Off-site disposal (meets
RCRA/DOT/State requirements)
NOTES:
C-38
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
C.3 MONITORING WELL CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
1. Well Construction
a. Method of well completion
b. Well material kept covered and
clean
2. Well Design
a. Well screen
Material/size (ID)
Slot size
Screen length
Sump length
Depth of screened interval
(bottom/top)
Geologic unit over screened
interval
b. Well riser
Material/size (ID)
Method of joining sections
Length of well riser
NOTES:
C-39
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
Elevation of top of riser
c. Annular space completion
Filter pack material
Method of implacement
Depth of filter pack
(bottom/top)
Volume of filter pack
Thickness of bentonite seal
Volume of bentonite
Type of annular sealant above
bentonite
Volume of annular sealant
3. Well Completion
a. Type of surface seal
Three-foot diameter surface
pad
b. Depth of surface seal
Below frost line
NOTES:
C-40
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials:
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
' (Y/N)
Comments
c. Surface casing
Material/size (ID)
Method of implacement
Depth of surface casing
Half length of surface casing
Number of guard posts
NOTES:
C-41
-------
Date:
Site Name:
Initials: _
Page #
of
Consistent
with Plan
(Y/N)
Comments
C.4 POST INSTALLATION
1. Well Development
a. Method of development
b. Amount of water retrieved
from well
c. Management of development
water
2. Ground-water Monitoring
(see also sampling & analysis
checklist)
Turbidity
PH
Specific conductance
Temperature
Other
NOTES:
C-42
-------
APPENDIX C REFERENCES
Camp, Dresser, and McKee, undated, Basic Health and Safety Training Course Manual,
CDM150.4 " ' '
Driscoll, Fletcher, G., Groundwater and Wells. 2nd ed., Johnson Division, (St. Paul 1986).
IT Corporation, 1987, Manual of Sampling arid Analytical Methods for Petroleum Hydrocarbons
in Groundwater and Soil.
NUS Corporation, 1987, Hazardous Materials Handling Training Manual, NUS Corporation,
Waste Management Services Group.
Planning Research Corporation, 1986, Protocol for Groundwater Inspecting at Hazardous Waste
Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities. Planning Research Corporation, Chicago, II. ;
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (May 1978) Revised November 1984: NEIC Policies and
Procedures. EPA-33-/9-78-001R. , -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1980a, Samplers and Sampling Procedures for Hazardous
Waste Streams. EPA-600/2-80-018. ,, ,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1981, NEIC Manual for Groundwater/Subsurface
- Investigations at Hazardous Waste Sites. EPA-600/2-85/104.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986ai RCRA Ground-Water Monitoring Technical
Enforcement Guidance Document. OSWER-9950.1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986c, Engineering Support Branch, Standard Operating
Procedures and Quality Assurance Manual. Region IV, Environmental Services Division.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986d, REM II Health and Safety Assurance Manual.
999-HSI-RT-CGSY-1.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1987a, A Compendium of Superfund Field Operations
Methods, two volumes. EPA-540/P-87/001, OWSER Directive 9355.0-1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1987b, Site Sampling and Field Measurements Handbook
for Underground Storage Tank Releases. DRAFT
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1989, Handbook of Suggested Practices for the Design
and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells, EPA 600/4-89/034.
-------
KEY WORDS
Administrative Order (AO)
Administrative Record
Airbill
Alternative Remedial Contracts Strategy (ARCS)
Ambient air
Analytical techniques, ambient air
- Colorimetric tube
- Explosimeter
- Organic vapor analyzer (OVA)
- Oxygen detector
- Radiation survey meter
Analytical techniques, ground/soil/surface water
- Conductivity meter
- Dissolved oxygen (DO) meter
- Inorganic compounds detection
- Organic compounds instruments
- pH meter
Analytical techniques, soil vapor
- Colorimetric tube
- OVA
Annular space
ARARs
1-3, 1-19/1-26, 2-1,2-lQ
3-5
B-70
1-11,2-3
B-52, B-55
B-56
B-41
B-37, B-52, B-56
Br41
: B-56
B-48, B-52, B-56
''' B-15, B-23, B-30
B-16
B-16
B-16
B-17
B-16
B-40
B-41
B-41
C-12, C-21, C-22
4-3, 7-4
Baseline Risk Assessment
- Exposure assessment
- Toxicity assessment
- Risk characterization
Bench-scale tests
Bill of lading
Borehole advancement
Borehold depth
1-2, 3-10, 3-13, 4-7, 4-8, 5-1, 5-6, 6-2, 7-4
4-7, 5-3, 5-6
... 5-4
- " '' ' ' ' '5-4
6-3
B-70
C-3,C-13
'' C-5
Chain-of-custody record
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Information System (CERCLIS)
Community Relations > >«
Consent Decree (CD)
Containerized waste
Contract Laboratory Program (CLP)
Cooperative Agreement (CA)
Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army (COE)
Cost recovery
Cross contamination prevention
Custody Seals
B-64.B-70
1-1, 3-6, 3-8, 7-4,;8-4
' 1-lp, 3-6
' ' ' - 1-3, 2-1
B-48
, B-3, B-69
1-13
1-11, 2-5, 3-12, 4-7, 5-7, 6-10, 7-6, 8-4
3-5
B-74, C-18
B-70
Decontamination
Department of Justice (DOT)
Dispute resolution
Drilling
- Auger
- Cable tool
B-5, B-72, C-16
2-6
C-7
C-10
-------
KEY WORDS
PAGES
- Drilling fluid
- Drilling waste
- Rotary
C-5, C-10
, C-12
C-7
Environmental Response Team (ERT)
Environmental Services Division (ESD)
, , 2-5, 7-6, 8-4
1-31, 2-5, 2-13, 3-12, 4-3, 4-7, 5-7, 6-8, 7-6, 8-4
Feasibility Study (FS)
Field sampling plan (FSP)
Financial Management System (FMS)
Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. (FWS)
1-1, 3-4, 7-1, 7-3, 8-1, 8-3
B-l
3-6
.''" - -. 2-5
Geological logging
Geological reconnaissance
Geological surveys
Geologic unit
Ground water
C-13
C-4
C-4
C-4
B-17
Health and safety plan
Health assessment
Holding times
3-1, 3-9, 3-11, B-2
4-3, 4-7, 5-4, 6-2
B-69
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
5-5
National Contingency Plan (NCP)
National Priorities List (NPL)
1-3,1-9
1-1, 1-3, 1-13,2-3
.Octanol-water partition coefficient
Office Of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR)
Office of Waste Programs Enforcement (OWPE)
Organic vapor analyzer ,
Organic vapor detector /, , .->'.'
- Flame ionization detector (FID)
- Photoionization detector (PID)
Oversight tools
, - Field activity report
' - Photographic log
Oxygen detector .
B-30
1-15
1-15
B-37, B-41
B-41,B-58
B-41,6-54
B-41,B-54
B-2
B-2, B-81, C-30
B-80, C-29
B-56
Pilot-scale study
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP)
Preliminary Assessment (PA)
6-2
1-1,2-13
1-14
Quality assurance project plan (QAPjP)
Quality review activities
3-9,B-l
1-30, B-l, B-74
-------
KEY WORDS
PAGES
Record of Decision (ROD)
Remedial action (RA)
Remedial design (RD)
Remedial Investigation (RI)
Remedial Project Manager (RPM)
.1-10,2-13
1-29, 3-4, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1
6-1
1-1, 1-29, 2-1, 4-5, 4-6, 5-1, 6-1
1-1, 1-9
Sample containers
Sample labels
Sample packing
Sample preservation
Sampler, ambient air
Sampler, ground water
- Bailers
- Pumps
Sampler, liquid sludge/slurry
- Bacon bomb sampler
- Coliwasa
- glass tube
Sampler, sediment (and nearly solid sludge/slurry)
- BMH-60
- Grain sampler
- Hand push tube
- Ponar dredge
Sampler, soil vapor <
- Soil gas probe
Sampler, soil water
- Lysimeter
- Membrane filter sampler
Sampler, subsurface soil
- Split spoon
Sampler, surface soil
- Sampling trier
Sampler, surface water
- Kemmerer or Van Dorn sampler
- Weighted bottle sampler
- Peristaltic pump
Samples, quality review
- Trip blanks
- Field blanks
- Equipment blank
- Background sample
- Split sample
Sampling and analyses plan (SAP)
- Field sampling plan (FSP) - *
- Quality assurance project plan (QAPjP)
- Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
Shipping
Site characterization
Site file
Site inspection (SI)
Sludge/slurry
Soil vapor
Soil water
State Project Officer (SPO)
Statement of Work (SOW)
-B-57
B-59
' B-66
B-60
B-54, B-55
B-19, B-22
B-19, B-22
B-45, B-47
B-43, B-47
B-43, B-46
B-14
B-12, B-32, B-51
B-14
B-12, B-46
B-40
B-26
B-28
B-35
B-32
B-ll
B-9, B-48
B-9, B-47
B-9, B-47
B-79
B-75
B-75
B-76
B-76
B-77
1-21, 1-29, 2-10, 3-1, 3-9, B-l
3-9, B-l
3-9, B-l
1-13, 3-1,4-6
B-69
2-10, 4-1, 7-2
2-5
1-14
B-41
B-37
B-23
1-15
1-9, 1-28, 2-1, 2-10
-------
KEY WORDS
Sub-surface soil
Superfund Memorandum of Agreement (SMOA)
Surface casing
Surface seal
Surface soil
Surface water
PAGES
B-35
1-13
C-24
C-24
B-31
B-6
Technical Support Team
Technical Enforcement Support (TES)
Traffic reports
Treatability studies
2-1, 2-5
1-3
B-66
1-28, 4-2, 6-1, 6-3
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
2-3, 2-5
Vadose zone
B-24
Well completion
Well design
Well development
Well installation
Work Plan
C-24
C-19
C-25
C-23
1-10, 2-1, 3-1, 3-4, 3-9, 3-11, 5-2
*U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE:1991 -St8.
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