-------
The individual sludge samples that should be collected at
this imaginary POTW are as follows:
Sample fl - Aerobically digested sludge from the
centrifuge and belt press #1: Both the centrifuge and belt
press #1 are dewatering the same type of sludge. A grab
sample would be collected from each machine and combined to
form a single representative sample.
Sample *2 - Aerobically digested sludge from the drying
bed: This is a separate sample. Aerobically digested
sludge in Sample #2 is being dewatered in a radically
different way than in Sample #1. Drying beds reduce the
moisture content of a sludge much more than centrifuges and
belt presses. Also chemical and physical changes in the
sludge occur due to the long holding time and exposure to
elements while on a drying bed. Grab samples of different
areas of the drying bed (as described in Section 3.2.1.C)
would be collected and combined to form a representative
sample.
Sample #3 - The chemical and aerobically digested
sludge mixture dewatered on belt press #2: This is a
different sludge type from Samples #1 and #2. A separate
grab sample would be collected.
-------
Sample f4 - The chemical and aerobically digested
sludge mixture hauled away as a liquid: This is the same
sludge as in Sample #3, except in liquid form. The liquid
is treated as a different sludge type, and a grab sample is
collected.
Sampling points for the above samples are shown in Figure 1.
3.1.2 Sample Collection Point Selection
The following procedures should be followed to select the
appropriate collection point necessary for representative grab
samples once each individual sludge type has been identified.
Appendix A, taken from the U.S. EPA POTW Sludge Sampling and
Analysis Guidance Document, contains additional information on
commonly used sludge sampling points.
Solid Sludge Collection Point
Samples of solid sludge should be collected directly from the
final sludge treatment processes. These processes include, but
are not limited to, belt filter press (continuous), plate and
frame sludge press (batch), centrifuge, vacuum filter, compost
pile and drying beds (sand beds, cement pads, drying lagoons,
vacuum assisted drying beds).
A. Belt Filter Press/Centrifuge/Vacuum Filter: Each
process dewaters sludge continuously. The sample
should be collected from the sludge discharge chute.
-------
B. Sludge Press (plate and frame): This is a batch
process and discharges sludge cake intermittently.
Sludge is dewatered in the press until plates are full.
The unit is then opened and sludge cake is dropped into
a bin. Samples should be collected directly from the
storage bin.
C. Drying Beds (drying lagoons, cement pads, sand beds,
vacuum assisted drying beds): Drying beds are also a
batch process. Each bed should be divided into
quarters. One grab sample should be collected from the
center of each quarter and all grabs combined from all
beds to form a complete sample. Sludge should not be
sampled until ready for removal from beds. The
criteria for removal vary from facility to facility.
Sludge should be collected from beds which are ready
for clearing, as deemed by the facility's manager.
Drying beds are normally encountered at smaller POTWs,
where sludge production is variable. Therefore, sample
scheduling must be coordinated to take place when
sludge is available and ready for removal.
D. Compost Piles: This is an additional conditioning
process in which the dewatered sludge (from one of the
previous processes) is mixed with a bulking agent such
as wood chips, aerated in large piles, and allowed to
stabilize. This process takes a few weeks. The sample
should be collected from piles which have completed
composting and are ready for disposal. A
representative sample scheme should be determined
through discussions with the compost facility manager.
Liquid Sludge Collection Point
Liquid sludge normally is transported off the POTW site in tanker
trucks. The sampling point should be as close to the truck
loading point as possible. The ideal liquid sludge sample point
would be at the end of the hose or pipe that is used to fill the
tanker truck. If this is inaccessible, optional sampling points
such as taps on sludge process piping should be used. When
locating a sampling point within the process piping, the
10
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following procedures should be followed to ensure that
representative samples are obtained.
A. In sludge treatment process trains the most represent-
ative sample typically is obtained from a tap on the
discharge side of sludge pumps. Flow at this point in
the system is turbulent and the sludge is well mixed.
B. If a sample is drawn from a tap on a pipe containing
sludge that is distant from the sludge pump, the
average flow velocity of the sludge in the pipe should
be determined. Average velocities of less than 2 feet
per second are likely to result in solids separation
and settling, with an attendant effect on sample solids
content, depending on the location of the tap (top,
side or bottom of the pipe). Given a choice, a tap on
the side of the pipe is preferable.
3.2 Sample Collection Procedures
The following general steps are to be taken by the sampling team
for proper sample collection:
A. The sampling team leader, through consultation with the
POTW Manager, should establish the number of sludge
types leaving the plant for final disposal and the
sample points for each sludge type as designated in
Section 3.1. The percent solids of each type also must
be established. Sludges with solid contents more than
2 percent should use the sample volumes shown in Table
1; sludges with solid contents less than 2 percent
should use the sample volumes listed in Table 2. This
information, along with contacts, phone numbers,
facility address, directions to facility, and necessary
safety equipment required (hard hat, safety shoes,
etc.), should be written up in a pre-sampling report.
One copy each should go to the project manager, sample
team, and file.
If unexpected difficulties are encountered on site when
locating sludge sample points, or if sampling is
impossible, the project manager should be notified
immediately and sampling plan modifications made.
B. To remove any sample contamination potential, all
sampling equipment is to be made of polyethylene or
polypropylene, used only once, and discarded.
11
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TABLE 1
SAMPLE CONTAINER DESCRIPTIONS
Sludge Samples Containing >2% Solids
SAMPLE TYPE
GC/MS for:
Semi-volatile Org
Volatile Organics
GC/MS for:
Dioxin/Furan
GC for:
Pesticides/PCBs
Herbicides
ICP & AA for:
27 IFB metals
Non-conventionals:
Fluoride
TKN
Nitrate
Nitrite
Phosphorous
% Solids
Cyanide
G - glass
P - polyethylene
VOLUME REQUIRED
2 each 500ml
2 each 4oz
500ml
2 each 500ml
500ml
500ml
4 each 500ml
TYPE OF
CONTAINER
G
G
G
G
12
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TABLE 2
SAMPLE CONTAINER DESCRIPTIONS
Sludge Samples Containing <2% Solids
TYPE OF
SAMPLE TYPE VOLUME REQUIRED CONTAINER
GC/MS for:
Semi-volatile Org 4 each 500ml G
Volatile Organics 4 each 4oz G
GC/MS for:
Dioxin/Furan 500ml G
GC for:
Pesticides/PCBs 4 each 500ml G
Herbicides 2 each 500ml G
ICP & AA for:
27 IFB metals 500ml P
Non-conventionals: 4 each 500ml P
Fluoride
TKN
Nitrate
Nitrite
Phosphorous
% Solids
Cyanide
G - glass
P - polyethylene
13
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Polyethylene gloves also must be worn to prevent sample
contamination and to provide for worker safety.
C. Prior to sample collection, each sample container
should be labeled with a sample number. A set of
sample numbers (all identical) should be used for one
sample point and discarded. Each sample number label
should have the sample type written on it (i.e.,
metals, classicals, dioxin/furan, extractables, VOA
unpreserved, VOA unpreserved duplicate, VOA trip blank,
VOA trip blank duplicate, pesticides/PCB's or
herbicides). Some labels are preprinted; others will
require the sample type to be written in. After the
sample number is applied to the container, a piece of
wide clear type should be applied to protect the label
from dirt and liquids. If a label is mis-marked, it
should be replaced; do not write over a mistake.
Dioxin/furan samples should be labeled on both the
inside glass sample container and outside plastic
secondary container. Only one metals sample is
collected and the label used may say ICP or AA.
D. At each sampling point, the required amount of sample
should be collected, following procedures as described
in this document.
E. Fifteen percent of the samples are to have duplicates
collected. Duplicate samples are to be identified with
a new sample number. There should be no written
reference to the duplication of samples on traffic
reports.
F. Organic volatile trip blanks should be used to
determine the extent of contamination, if any, arising
from sample container handling and field conditions
encountered during the POTW visits. Trip blanks are
organic-free samples of reagent grade water prepared by
a designated laboratory before the sampling trip.
These blanks are to be handled and shipped with the
collected sludge samples to the laboratory for
analysis. These blanks should not be opened until
arrival at the laboratory. One set of two trip blanks
will be used at 15 percent of the sites.
G. All sample containers (including trip blanks) should be
sealed by applying a piece of clear wide tape around
the top, thus preventing the lid from popping off or
unscrewing. Each glass sample container should be
wrapped with a piece of bubble wrap. The bubble wrap
should be secured with a piece of shipping tape.
14
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H. After all containers have been taped and wrapped, they
should be packed into their respective coolers. All
material (except one layer of bubble wrap on the bottom
of the cooler) should be removed from the cooler and
the cooler lined with a large trash bag. Each sample
container then should be packed into the cooler, and
ice should be applied to the samples. All ice should
be packed in zip-lock bags to help prevent any leaking
during shipment. With sample containers and ice inside
the cooler, the trash bag should be tied closed (also
to help prevent leaks). More bubble wrap should be
added to fill the remaining space in the cooler, the
pink and gold copies of trip report enclosed on top,
and the cooler closed and wrapped with shipping tape.
I. Refer to Appendix B for instructions on completing
traffic reports and other pertinent information about
the Sample Control Center.
J. Each cooler should be shipped via overnight delivery
service. The Sample Control Center should be called
to provide them with sample collection information.
K. The sampling team also will record site information.
These data will be recorded on a preprinted log sheet
and will include at least: date, POTW name and
address, name of POTW contact, sample identification
number and sample point description, basic descriptions
of POTW sludge treatment processes and final sludge
disposal method(s).
3.2.1 Solid Sludge Sample Collection
At the sample point(s), a sample of solid sludge will be
collected using a polyethylene pail and polypropylene scoop.
A. Belt Press/Centrifuge/Vacuum Filter: These sludge
dewatering processes are continuous. When one or a
combination of these dewaterinq devices are encountered
and used to dewater the same sludge type, then only one
sample is collected.
1. If just one dewatering unit is present, a
sufficient amount of solid sludge is collected
(refer to sample amounts in Table 1) in the
polyethylene pail directly from the sludge
discharge chute. The sample is thoroughly mixed
with the polypropylene scoop and/or coring device
(Figure 2). The sludge should be transferred to
15
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FICUftE 2. Coring
*These devices do very well at roixinq and reducing
particle size of samples, as well as the actual sample
collection.
16
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the required sample containers by means of the
polypropylene scoop as described in Section 3.2.2.
2. If two or more dewatering units (any combination)
machines are present (dewatering the same sludge
type), equal amounts of solid sludge are to be
collected from each discharge point and combined
in the polyethylene pail, the sample thoroughly
mixed with the polypropylene scoop and/or coring
device, and the sludge transferred to the required
sample containers by means of the polypropylene
scoop as described in Section 3.2.2.
B. Sludge Press (plate and frame): To collect a
representative sample, at least four points within the
sludge bin must be selected. An equal amount of sample
is collected (refer to Table 1) from each point and
combined in the polyethylene pail. The sample is
thoroughly mixed with the polypropylene scoop and/or
coring device, and the sludge is transferred to the
required sample containers by means of the
polypropylene scoop as described in Section 3.2.2.
C. Drying Beds: The sludge must be sufficiently dry
before sampling may take place. The sludge dryness
will vary based on the particular POTW's circumstances.
The sampling visit should be scheduled to coincide with
a POTW's decision that a drying bed is ready for
cleaning. Sludge should be collected from only those
beds deemed ready for cleaning. The POTW Manager's
assistance should be used for scheduling.
1. To collect the sample, the bed is divided into
quarters and equal amounts of sample are grabbed
from the center of each quarter using a coring
device. Enough sample should be collected to fill
the sample containers (refer to Table 1). The
sample should include the entire depth of sludge
on the bed. Care must be taken not to include
large amounts of the drying bed sand when the
sample is collected. A small amount of sand is
allowable though, as this would be representative
of the fact that during normal sludge removal,
small amounts of sand are usually taken. The four
grabs should be combined in the polyethylene pail,
the sample thoroughly mixed with the polypropylene
scoop and/or coring device, and the sludge
transferred to the required sample containers by
means of the polypropylene scoop as described in
Section 3.2.2.
17
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2. If more than one drying bed is used to dewater the
same sludge type, the above sampling technique
should be used on each bed. All the samples
should be combined in the polyethylene pail, the
sample thoroughly mixed with the polypropylene
scoop and/or coring device, and the sludge
transferred to the required sample containers by
means of the polypropylene scoop as described in
Section 3.2.2.
D. Compost Pile: A grab sample should be collected from a
compost pile or piles that are ready for disposal using
the polyethylene pail, scoop and corer (refer to Table
1 for total amount of sample needed). The compost pile
should be divided into equal sections. Using the
coring device, equal amounts of sample should be
collected from each section to form a complete grab
sample. The sample should be thoroughly mixed with the
polypropylene scoop and/or coring device and the sludge
transferred to the required sample containers by means
of the polypropylene scoop as described in Section
3.2.2.
3.3.2 Solid Sludge Handling
The following describes the procedures for the handling of solid
sludge samples and filling of sample containers. Refer to
Table 1 for sample volumes.
A. Organic Volatiles/Semi-volatiles: The sludge should be
thoroughly mixed in the sample pail, using the
polypropylene scoop, and the labeled sample container
filled. The sludge should be carefully packed into the
container so as to avoid air spaces. Covering one's
hand in a clean polyethylene glove and packing the
sludge with the fingers seems to be the easiest method.
The labeled container should be filled to overflowing,
and the lid screwed on, wrapped, and sealed with clear
tape.
B. Dioxin/Furan: The sludge should be thoroughly mixed in
the sample pail, Busing the polypropylene scoop, and the
labeled sample containers filled to four-fifths full.
This is to enable expansion of the samples when they
are stored at <0°C. Storing at <0°C preserves the
samples and prevents biological activity that may
change the chemical characteristics of the sludge. Air
18
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spaces are of no concern. The lid should be wrapped
and sealed with clear tape. These samples are to be
frozen to facilitate a longer holding time before
analysis.
Pesticides/PCBs/Herbicides, Metals and Non-
Conventionals: The sludge should be thoroughly mixed
in the sample pail, using the polypropylene scoop, and
each labeled sample container filled to within 1/2 inch
of top. This provides room for expansion should there
be any gas production due to biological activity. Air
spaces within the sludge are of no concern. The lid
should be wrapped and sealed with clear tape.
3.2.3 Liquid Sludge Sample Collection
At the sample point, liquid sludge should be collected directly
into the 14-quart polyethylene pail. Enough sample should be
collected to fill the sample container (refer to the appropriate
table, Table 1 or Table 2). When drawing the liquid sludge from:
A. Completely Mixed Tank:
1. The POTW operator should start and run the pump
for 5 minutes to clear the line of stagnant
sludge.
2. Sludge must be allowed to flow for several seconds
from the tap (or sample outlet) prior to sampling
in order to flush out stagnant sludge and solids
that may have accumulated in the tap.
3. The polyethylene pail should then be filled.
B. Unmixed Tank:
1. An unmixed tank will have a sludge layer and
supernatant layer; the sludge pump must draw from
the sludge layer.
2. The POTW operator should start and run pump for 5
minutes to clear the line of stagnant sludge.
19
-------
Sludge must be allowed to flow for several seconds
from the tap (or sample outlet) prior to sampling
in order to flush out stagnant sludge and solids
that may have accumulated in the tap.
The polyethylene pail should then be filled.
Before transferring liquid sludge into sample containers (see
Section 3.2.4), the liquid sludge should be manually agitated in
the pail with a polyethylene ladle until thoroughly mixed.
3.2.4 Liquid Sludge Handling
The following describes the procedures for the handling of liquid
sludge samples and filling of sample containers. Refer to Table
1 or Table 2 for sample volumes (this will be based on the
expected percent solids of the sample).
A. Organic Volatiles/Semi-volatiles: The sludge should be
thoroughly mixed in the sample pail, using the
polyethylene ladle, and each labeled sample container
filled. The sludge should be carefully side-poured
into the container so as to avoid entrapping air within
the sample. The container should be filled to
overflowing and the lid screwed down. The sample
should be checked for air bubbles. To do this, the
container is turned up-side-down and the lid tapped.
If air bubbles rise up, the container should be opened
and filled with additional sample. When there are no
further air bubbles, the container should be wrapped
and the lid sealed with clear tape.
B. Dioxin/Furan: The sludge should be thoroughly mixed in
the polyethylene pail, using the polyethylene ladle,
and each labeled sample container filled to four-fifths
full; this allows for sample expansion at <0°C.
Storing at <0°C will preserve the samples and prevent
any biological activity. Air spaces in the sample
container are of no concern. The lid should be wrapped
and sealed with clear tape. These samples are to be
frozen to facilitate a longer holding time before
analysis.
20
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1
t
C. Pesticides/PCBs/Herbicides, Metals and Non-
Conventionals: The sludge should be thoroughly mixed
in the polyethylene pail, using the polyethylene ladle,
and each sample container filled to within 1/2 inch of
the top. This will provide room for expansion should
there be any gas production due to biological activity.
Air spaces in the sample containers are of no concern.
The lid should be wrapped and sealed with clear tape.
4.0 SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY
This section describes the procedures for sample handling and
shipment.
4.1 Sample Handling
Except for mixing of samples in the sample pail, no modifications
to the structure or content (removal of plastics, paper, etc.) of
the samples will be performed. Sample transfer will be kept to a
minimum. The sludge will be placed in polyethylene or glass
sample containers which have been analyzed for quality control by
the supplier and which are certified to meet U.S. EPA cleanliness
specifications.
4.2 San>ple Preservation
Once a sample is collected, steps will be taken to preserve the
chemical and physical integrity of the sample during transport
and storage prior to analysis. All samples will be immediately
cooled to a temperature of 4°C or less using regular (wet) ice
(which has been purchased and sealed in zip-lock bags prior to
the sampling visit) and shipped promptly to the designated
21
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laboratories. Upon arrival at the laboratories, samples will be
preserved further or analysis begun as appropriate within 48
hours of the sample collection.
4.3 Sample Shipment
All samples will be shipped from the field on the day of
collection using an overnight commercial delivery service. If
circumstances prohibit this, samples will be kept on ice and
shipped in the most expedient method available.
The shipment box will be of sturdy construction and insulated to
provide the proper environment for preserving the samples at <4°C
(in this case a regular, 28-quart cooler). Each sample container
will be sealed with clear tape to prevent lid removal or leakage.
All glass sample containers will be enclosed in bubble wrap. All
sample containers will be securely packed in the shipment box
with additional bubble wrap. On the outside of the shipment
container the following should be placed: 1) a shipping label
with the complete address of the receiving laboratory including
the responsible laboratory person receiving the samples, 2) a
designated box number to indicate to the receiver exactly how
many sample boxes are included in the shipment, and 3) "Fragile"
and "This End-Up" labels.
22
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4.4 Field Custody Procedures
Each sample container will have a label attached (Figure 3) and
covered with clear plastic tape to prevent solvent attack.
Shipment record forms will be written for each group of samples
shipped to a particular laboratory. These forms will be the
standard Sample Control Center Organics Traffic Report, Metals
Traffic Report, and (generic) Sample Traffic Report shown in
Figures 4, 5 and 6. The pink and gold copies of each form will
accompany sample shipment to the laboratory. The yellow copy of
each form will remain in the custody of the sample team. The
white copy will be delivered directly to the Sample Control
Center. Additional details are provided in Appendix B.
5.0 SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
This section lists the sampling supplies and equipment to be used
by the sampling team while in the field. Two sets of clean
equipment will be saved for an equipment blank analysis. The
study will consist of soaking each piece of equipment for 72
hours in laboratory water and analyzing the water for
contaminants which may have leached from the sample equipment.
5.1 Sampling Equipment
-Sample kit (to be prepared prior to sampling visits)
Sampling kits will be prefabricated and ready for use
before sampling begins. The kits will contain:
-High impact plastic coolers with lids
-Sample containers (see Table 1 and/or Table 2)
23
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EXAMPLE OF SAMPLE NUMBER LABELS
16272-c
Composite
16272-cB
Composite Blank
16272.8
Grab
16272-V1
VOA Preserved
16272-V2
VOA Preserved Dup
16272-V3
VOA Unpreserved
16272.V4
VOA Unpreserved Dup
16272.VB1
VOA Trip Blank
16272.VB2
VOA Trip Blank Oup
16272-Other
16272
16272
16272
1G272
16272
1627'2
16272
16272
16272
16272
16272.M1
Metals ICP
16272.M2
Metals AA
16272-other
16272
16272
16272
Figure 3.
24
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USEPA INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
SAMPLE CONTROL CENTER
PO. BOX 1407
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22313
703/557-5040 / FTS-8-557-5040
EPISODE NO:
RANGE OF SAMPLE NOS:
ORGANICS TRAFFIC REPORT
INDUSTRIAL FIRM SAMPLED
CITY .
STATE
INDUSTRIAL CATEGORY
CONFIDENTIAL YES NO
SAMPLING OFFICE
SAMPLER
SAMPLING DATE
BEGIN
END
SHIPPING INFORMATION
SHIP TO
ATTN
CARRIER
AIRBILL NO:
DATE SHIPPED
SAMPLE POINT DESCRIPTION
SAMPLE TYPE
SAMPLE
NUMBER
RAW WATER
(CITY, RIVER. WELL)
IN LINE PROCESS
UNTREATED EFFLUENT
(RAW WASTE WATER)
TREATED EFFLUENT
OTHER
(SPECIFY)
ADDITIONAL SAMPLE
DESCRIPTION
PH LEVEL
SAMPLE POINT FLOW
UNITS
_ COMPOSITE
C (EXTflACTABLE OHGANICS)
CB COMPOSITE BLANK
_ GRAB I
u (£XTRACTABLE ORGANICS) |
V1 VOA PRESERVED j
uo VOA PRESERVED I
»« (DUPLICATE) |
V3 VOA UNPRESERVED
... VOA UNPRESERVED ]
" (DUPLICATE) |
VB1 VOA TRIP BLANK
UB4 VOA TRIP BLANK
VB* ((DUPLICATE)
OTHER
SPECIFY
WHITE - SCC COPY YELLOW SAMPLER COPY PINK LAB COPY FOR RETURN TO SCC GOLD LAB COPY
Figure 4.
25
-------
USEPA INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
SAMPLE CONTROL CENTER
P.O. BOX 1407
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22313
703/557-5040 / FTS-8-557-5040
EPISODE NO:
RANGE OF SAMPLE NOS:
METALS TRAFFIC REPORT
INDUSTRIAL FIRM SAMPLED
CITY- _
STATE:
INDUSTRIAL CATEGORY
CONFIDENTIAL: YES NO
SAMPLING OFFICE
SAMPLER
SAMPLING DATE
BEGIN
END.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
SHIP TO'
ATTN:
CARRIER
AIRBILL NO-
DATE SHIPPED
SAMPLE POINT DESCRIPTION
SAMPLE TYPE
SAMPLE
NUMBER
RAW WATER
(CITY. RIVER WELL)
IN LINE PROCESS
UNTREATED EFFLUENT
(RAW WASTE WATER)
TREATED EFFLUENT
OTHER
(SPECIFY)
ADDITIONAL SAMPLE
DESCRIPTION
PH LEVEL
SAMPLE POINT FLOW
UNITS
U1 METALS TASK I
M1 (ICP ONLY)
*
to
<
*
CO
h
CM
s
METALS OTHER
[SPECIFY)
WHITE - SCC COPY YELLOW - SAMPLER COPY PINK - LAB COPY FOR RETURN TO SCC GOLD - LAB COPY
Figure 5.
26
-------
USEPA INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
SAMPLE CONTROL CENTER
P.O. BOX 1407
ALEXANDRIA. VA 22313
703/557-5040 / FTS-8-557-5040
| EPISODE NO:
RANGE OF SAMPLE NOS:
TRAFFIC REPORT
INDUSTRIAL FIRM SAMPLED
CITY .
STATE.
INDUSTRIAL CATEGORY
CONFIDENTIAI YES NO
SAMPLING OFFICE
SAMPLER
SAMPLING DATE
BEGIN
END
SHIPPING INFORMATION
SHIP TO:
ATTN:
CARRIER
AIRBILL NO
DATE SHIPPED
SAMPLE POINT DESCRIPTION
SAMPLE TYPE
SAMPLE
NUMBER
RAW WATER j
(CITY RIVER, WELL) |
IN LINE PROCESS
UNTREATED EFFLUENT
(RAW WASTE WATER)
TREATED EFFLUENT
OTHER
(SPECIFY)
ADDITIONAL SAMPLE
DESCRIPTION
UJ
>
UJ
r
a.
SAMPLE POINT FLOW
UNITS
,
WHITE - SCC COPY YELLOW - SAMPLER COPY PINK - LAB COPY FOR RETURN TO SCC GOLD - LAB COPY
Figure 6.
27
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5.0 SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
This section lists the sampling supplies and equipment to
used by the sampling team in the field to collect samples.
5.1 fiftTl ing Equipment
-Sample kit (to be prepared prior to sampling visits)
-Disposable 14 quart polyethylene pails
-Disposable polyethylene gloves
-Disposable polypropylene scoops
-Disposable stainless steel corers
-Disposable polyethylene ladles
5.2 Miscellaneous
-Clear tape (to seal sample containers)
-Pack ing tape
-Writing tools
-Clear plastic zip-lock bags
-Shipping materials
-Shipping instructions and appropriate shipping forms
-Trash bags
28
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6.0 SAMPLING KITS
Sampling kits will be prefabricated and ready for use before
sampling begins. The kits will contain;
-High impact plastic coolers with lids
-sample containers (refer to Table I)
all sample containers will be certified to meet USEPA
cleanliness specifications and will have been quality
control analyzed by the supplier
-packing materials (bubble wrap, peanuts, etc.)
29
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SAMPLE TYPE
GC/MS for:
Semi-volatile Org
Volatile Organics
GC/MS for:
Dioxin/Furan
GC for:
Pesticides/PCBs
Herbicides
ICP & AA for:
27 IFB metals
Non-conventionalsj
Fluoride
TKN
Nitrate
Nitrite
Phosphorous
% Solids
Cyanide
TABLE I
SAMPLE CONTAINER DESCRIPTIONS
VOLUME REQUIRED
500ml
2 each 4oz
500ml
2 each 500ml
500ml
500ml
4 each 500ml
TYPE OF
CONTAINER
G
G
G
G
P
P
G - glass
P - polyethylene
30
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APPENDIX A
COMMONLY USED SEWAGE SLUDGE SAMPLING POINTb
Sludge Type
Primary Sludge -
Activated Sludge -
Trickling Filter Humus -
Anaerobically Digested
Sludge -
Aerobically Digested
Sludge -
Thickened Sludges -
eat Treatment Sludge -
Sampling Point
Most frequently sampled from taps on the dis-
charge side of positive displacement pumps.
Difficult to sample from wells or pits due to
solids separation.
Sampled from taps on lines or from open channel
flows. Open channel flow can be considered an
acceptable sample point if the flow is well
mixed.
Sampled at taps on discharge lines from pumps or
from wells, pits or channels. Care should be
taken to assure adequate mixing, since humus has
a greater tendency for solids separation than
activated sludge.
Typically sampled from taps on the discharge side
of positive displacement pumps.
Frequently sampled from taps on discharge lines
from pumps. In some eases, particularly where
batch digestion is used, sludge may be sampled
directly from the digester. Two cautions are in
order concerning this practice:
(1) If aerated during sampling, significant air
will be entrained in the sample. Depending
on parameters to be analysed, this may
affect sample integrity.
(2) If aeration is shut off, solids separation
will occur rapidly in well digested sludge,
affecting sample representativeness.
Typically sampled from taps on the discharge side
of positive displacement
Generally sampled from taps on the discharge side
of positive displacement pumps after decanting.
Particular care should be taken~"wKen sampling
heat treatment sludge due to:
(1) High tendency for solids separation, and
(2) High temperature of sample (frequently 60'C+
Dewatared Sludges (Cake) -
1) can cause problems with certain
sample containers due to cooling and
subsequent contraction of entrained gases.
Generally sampled from the conveyors on which
dewatered sludge is collected. If sampled from
bulk containers, sample should be taken from
several locations within the sludge
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APPENDIX B
USEPA INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
SAMPLE CONTROL CENTER
SAMPLE SCHEDULING AND SHIPMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Sample Scheduling
To schedule a sampling site, an authorized requestor should call the Sample Control
Center (SCC) with the following information:
o Name and affiliation and the telephone number of the individual requesting the
analysis
o The analyses requested
o Facility name and location
o Industrial Category
o Industrial Sub Category
o Scheduled sampling and shipping dates
o Sampling organization, contact, and telephone number
o Number and types of samples to be collected
When an authorized requestor schedules the sampling site, the SCC assigns an Episode
number for the site (an Episode refers to a group of samples collected at a given plant or
location within the same calendar week) and prepares a packet of materials to send to the
Sampler. The packet normally contains the following:
o Episode Number assignments
o Laboratory assignments
o Traffic Reports)
o Adhesive Sample Number Labels
SCC then creates a hardcopy Episode file and enters the scheduling information in the
SAMTRAC (Sample Tracking) System.
Instructions for Completing Traffic Report
A separate Traffic Report (TR) (see Attachment 1), is to be completed for each
shipment of samples to a laboratory. For samples going to EPA Contract laboratories use the
TR provided by the SCC.
First, enter the Episode number on the top right corner of the TR form, where
indicated. The Episode number is the identifying number that was assigned by SCC at the
time the sampling was scheduled. This is followed by the Range of Sample numbers, which
are assigned by the sampler when samples are packed for shipment to the laboratory^).
Next, complete header information, excluding the grey areas on the top right of the
form.
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Along with the TR forms, the sampler will receive sequentially numbered sample
labels from SCC. In order to protect the labels from water or solvent attack, labels on the
sample container should be covered with clear, waterproof tape.
Enter the Sample numbers (from the labels) on the lower left side of the TR where
indicated. Record all Sample numbers for samples included within the shipment. Extra
numbered labels should be discarded and new strips of labels should be used for the next
Episode of samples.
For each sample, indicate sample point description by checking the appropriate box.
If additional sample point information is required enter it in the box labeled "Additional
Sample Description" located in the center of the TR. Next record the physical parameters of
the site at the time of sampling (i.e. pH, effluent flow, etc.). In the remaining boxes indicate
what type of analysis the laboratory is to perform on a sample. Note: Analyses must be
approved by EPA and requested through SCC at the time sampling is scheduled, to ensure
that proper arrangements can be made in advance to accommodate the request
The bottom two copies of the completed TR (pink and gold copies) must be included
with the sample shipment to the laboratory. The TR should be enclosed in a clear plastic bag
and securely taped to the underside of the lid of the shipping cooler.
Following sample shipment, distribute remaining TR copies as follows:
o Mail the top (white) copy to SCC at the address shown on the top of the TR
form.
o The second (yellow) copy of TR form is retained by the sampler as the Region's
file copy.
Procedures for Coordinating Sample Shipment
Immediately following sample shipment, call SCC and provide the following
information:
o Sampler name and phone number
o Episode number
o Sampling date
o Sample numbers for samples included in each shipment
o Number of coolers per shipment
o Date of shipment
o Courier name and airbill number
o Type of shipment (e.g., overnight, two-day)
o Laboratory samples shipped to
o Any irregularities or anticipated problems with the samples
o Status of sampling project (e.g., final shipment, update of future shipping
schedule)
SCC notifies the laboratory that samples are in transit and confirms arrival of the
samples at the receiving laboratory. SCC assists in resolution of any problems concerning the
samples, coordinating with the appropriate sampling personnel.
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Upon sample receipt, the laboratory completes designated sections of the TR,
recording date of sample receipt and sample condition, signs the TR, and returns the copy to
SCC. SCC retains the laboratory-signed TR as written confirmation of sample receipt.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this information please call or write
the Sample Control Center.
USEPA ITD
Sample Control Center
P.O. Box 1407
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone (703) 557-5040
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL-12J)
77 West Jackson Boulevarjd, 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
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