School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                          Rev. No. 1
                                        May 13, 2009
    STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
                     FOR
MEASUREMENT OF PM10 METALS USING THE
    BGI PQ167R LOW VOLUME SAMPLER
          U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
      Region 4, Science and Ecosystem Support Division
               Athens, Georgia, 30605
                   Page 1 of 19

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                                      School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                            Rev. No. 1
                                                          May 13, 2009
                          Acknowledgement

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed by EPA Region 4,
Science and Ecosystem Support Division. This SOP is based on the
Commonwealth of Kentucky's ambient monitoring SOP template.  Special thanks
to BGI Inc. and ERG for operational content and illustrations.

For questions or comments please contact:

Greg Noah, EPA, Region 4, SESD at noah.greg@epa.gov or 706-355-8635
Mike Jones, EPA-OAQPS-AQAD at iones.michael(S)epa.gov or 919-541-0528
                            Page 2 of 19

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                                           School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                                  Rev. No. 1
                                                                May 13, 2009

                             Table of Contents

I.  Introduction	4
II.  Installation	7
      A. Sampler Siting	7
      B. Sampler Installation	7
III. Operating Procedure	9
      A. Equipment and Supplies	9
      B. Initial Receipt Activities	9
      C. Verification	10
      D. Calibration	11
      E. Conducting the Sampling Event	12
            Site Arrival Daily Activities	12
            Preparing Sampler for a Sampling Event	13
            Loading Filter Cassette into Filter Cassette Holder Assembly	15
            Sample Recovery and Data Collection	16
            Sample Shipping	17
IV. Quality Assurance	18
      A. Flow Calibration	18
      B. Flow Verifications	18
      C. Independent Audits	18
V.  Data Forms	18
      A. ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet	19
                                Page3 of 19

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                                    School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                            Rev. No. 1
                                                         May 13, 2009
INTRODUCTION

This procedure is designed to provide instruction on collecting suspended
airborne particulates with a size diameter of 10 microns or smaller (PM10)
using the BGI PQ167R air sampler for metals analysis.

The BGI PQ100 is an "Intelligent Air Pump" that can monitor its own airflow
rate and thereby adjust the pump speed to compensate for changes in load
pressure and/or other forces which would otherwise hamper the flow of air
through a filter (or sample collector). The PQ100 can be programmed to begin
its sampling job at a specific date, time, and stop sampling after the user
defined run time is depleted. However, the sampling time should always be
24 hours for the Toxics in Schools Study.

The PQ100 was designed to operate from  1 standard liter per minute (1000 cc
per minute) to 25.0 standard liters per minute and is unaffected by  changes
in ambient temperature and barometric pressure. The flow rate precision is
guaranteed to 2% of the calibration set point.

This SOP is designed to be a step by step  method for operating the sampler
to be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's operators manual.
Laboratory Analysis Methodology may be referenced by contacting the
Eastern Research Group (ERG) directly at 919-468-7800 or by email
Julie.Swift@erg.com. Maintenance and troubleshooting should be conducted
using the BGI167R operator's manual.
                          Page 4 of 19

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                                 School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                           Rev. No. 1
                                                        May 13, 2009
    FIGURE 1. Schematic of PQ167 Sampling System
  SIZE SELECTIVE
  INLET OR FILTER
                            PULSATION DAMPING
                                VOLUME
                                                    PUMP
                       MICRO PROCESSOR
VISUAL DATA DISPLAY
                                 BATTERY
                                                 BATTERY CHARGER
                                                 A.C. POWER SUPPLY
                      Page 5 of 19

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                      School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                             Rev. No. 1
                                          May 13, 2009
FIGURE 2. PQ167R with Mounting Stand
            Page 6 of 19

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                                              School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                                      Rev. No. 1
                                                                    May 13, 2009
        INSTALLATION

        A.    Sampler Siting

             Check the areas for safety. Ensure there will be enough room for the
             operator to move freely while working, and ensure physical conditions of
             the location will allow the operator to work safely.

             The sampler should be set in a location unobstructed from any side. No
             tree limbs or other hanging obstructions should be above the sampler.  It
             is suggested that the horizontal distance from the sampler to the closest
             vertical obstruction higher than the sampler be at least twice the height of
             the vertical obstruction.

             Locate the sampler on a reasonably level structure at a height between
             two  (2) and fifteen (15) meters above the ground.

        B.    Sampler Installation

             Assemble the filter cassette holder according to Figure 3.  For detail and
             illustration, refer to the BGI PQ167 Quick Start document,  pages 2
             through 8.

                 FIGURE 3. Cassette and Cassette Holder Assembly
                   -	- - - 04
CASSETTE
ASSEMBLY
                         H 05
                  | —    FILTER MEDIA
4
5
6
-!
8
9
5.4,8
4.8
4.8
4.8
4.8
5.4.8
All 52
BUNA135
A1727-L27
Fl/U
A1729-L29
B1425
Filter Holder Top
O-Rings
Cassette Top - New Model
Screen
Cassette Bottom - New Model
Filter Holder Bottom
                                    Page 7 of 19

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                                School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                       Rev. No. 1
                                                    May 13, 2009
Assemble the sampler according to Figure 4.  For detail and illustration,
refer to the BGI PQ167 Quick Start document, pages 2 through 8.

          Figure 4. Sampler Assembly Diagram
              01    PM10 Inlet head
              03    Water collection bottle
              11A  Tripod frame
              12    Rubber hose
              34    Hose adapter
              160  Sampler leg
              161  Filter cassette holder assembly
              162  Downtube
              163  Downtube assembly brace
                       Page 8 of 19

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                                      School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                             Rev. No. 1
                                                           May 13, 2009

     If operating using a deep cycle marine battery for power, install the
     external power cord by screwing the round harness into the "utility
     adapter" port on top of the sampler.  Attach the positive and  negative
     contacts to the deep cycle marine battery and secure.  A fully charged
     battery should provide power for at least 2 sampling runs.  Depending on
     the battery available, more consecutive runs may be possible.  Store the
     battery in a plastic container near the sampler to conceal and protect it
     from the weather.

     Place and level the sampler on site.  To secure the sampler and protect
     membrane roofs, 2x4 wooden studs may be cut into one foot  sections
     and fastened to the feet of the legs using lag bolts.  Place sand bags on
     these skids to prevent tipping of the sampler.

     Connect the sampler to a grounded electrical outlet with 115 volts, and at
     least 5 amp service.  Protect the connector from  precipitation by fastening
     beneath the sampler or wrapping it with plastic tape.

     If collocated samplers will  be located at the site, the two samplers must
     be within four (4) meters of each other, but outside of two (2) meters.
     The inlet heights must be within one (1) meter vertically.
OPERATING PROCEDURE

A.   Equipment and Supplies

     BGI PQ167R
     Flow Calibrator
     Logbook
     Pre-weighed 47mm filter cassette(s) in antistatic bag
     Powderfree gloves
     ERG sample paperwork
     Cooler with ice substitute
     Deep cycle marine battery (optional)

B.   Initial Receipt Activities

     1.    Plug sampler into AC power and charge the internal battery for at
          least 24 hours.

     2.    Check parts and components against the packing list.

     3.    After charging, ensure sampler will power up and that the main
          screen is operational.

                           Page 9 of 19

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                                    School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                          Rev. No. 1
                                                        May 13, 2009
C.   Verification
     NOTE: THE PQ100 DOES NOT REQUIRE A LEAK TEST. CUTTING
     OFF THE FLOW OF AIR BY COVERING OR RESTRICTING THE AIR
     FLOW TO THE INLET WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL
     PUMP AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

     To VERIFY flow:

     1.    Remove the PM10 inlet head and downtube. Unscrew filter
          cassette holder assembly and place a test filter cassette, with filter
          facing up, in the bottom holder assembly. Replace top holder
          assembly and reinstall the entire filter cassette assembly on the
          sampler.

          NOTE: The filter cassette should not be the same one used for the
          actual run event.

     2.    Replace the downtube and attach a NIST traceable flow standard
          on the end of the downtube.  Ensure the flow standard is on and
          has equilibrated to ambient conditions.

     3.    Turn on the PQ167R by pushing the "ON/OFF" button. If a
          message is blinking on the display,  press "ENTER" to proceed to
          the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY".

          The screen display should read:

          ETOOOOMin TSOO.OOM (Date)
          Q(Flow)Lpm T(Time) Bty(Capacity)%

          (Date) -today's date in military notation; e.g., 01JAN= January 1st
          (Flow) - the current flow rate selected to be regulated.
          (Time)-military time; e.g., 13:08= 13 Hours 8 Minutes or 1:08 PM
          (Capacity) - remaining charge in the internal battery.
     4.    Press SETUP three times until the Set START DATE and TIME
          screen appears: The screen should appear as below:

          Set START DATE and TIME
          (Date)     (Time)      Off

     5.    The word, "Off, should be displayed in the lower right corner of the
          screen. The bottom line of the display should be flashing. If "On" is

                         Page 10 of 19

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                                    School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                          Rev. No. 1
                                                        May 13, 2009

         displayed, press the "ENTER" button until "On" stops flashing.
         Then toggle to "Off" by pressing the + or- buttons.

     6.   Press the "SETUP" button twice to get to the "MAIN IDLE
         DISPLAY"

     7.   Press the "RUN/STOP" button to activate the pump.

     8.   Allow the pump to stabilize for at least 2 minutes.

     9.   If the measured flow and the flow indicated on the flow standard are
         within 4%, the sampler's calibration is acceptable. If the flow is
         outside 4%, the unit must be recalibrated.

     10.  Press the "RUN/STOP" button to turn off the pump.

D.   Calibration

     NOTE: THE PQ100 DOES NOT REQUIRE A LEAK TEST. CUTTING
     OFF THE FLOW OF AIR BY COVERING OR RESTRICTING THE AIR
     FLOW TO THE INLET WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL
     PUMP AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

     To CALIBRATE flow:

     1.   Insert test filter cassette in filter cassette holder as described in
         C. Verifications Step 1.

     2.   Press "SETUP". The screen will read; "Select FLOW RATE"

     3.   From the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY" press the "Setup" key once until
         the message below appears;

         Select FLOW RATE

         Target Q should read 16.7 Lpm (See Sect. 6.4 of the operator's
         manual to select a new target Flow Rate.)

     4.   From the "Select FLOW RATE" message screen, press both the
         "Reset" key and the "Run/Stop" key simultaneously to enter the
         calibration mode and the message below will appear;

         CALIBRATE Target=16.7 Lpm
                         Page 11 of 19

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                                     School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                             Rev. No. 1
                                                           May 13, 2009
     5.    Press the "RUN/STOP" button to activate the pump and the
          message below will appear:

          CALIBRATE Target = 16.7 Lpm
          Reference Q..        XX.X

          The Reference Q is an approximate flow rate used only as a visual
          aid in finding the corrected flow on the calibration device. This value
          may  indicate 5 to 15% error.  This is for reference only!

     6.    Use the "+/-" keys to move the pump speed up or down until the
          calibration device indicates the desired flow rate.

     7.    When a stable reading has been achieved, press the "ENTER" key
          to store the flow rate.

     8.    Exit the Setup menu and return to the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY".
          CALIBRATIONS ARE NOT AFFECTED UNTIL THE ENTER KEY
          IS PRESSED AND THE PUMP IS  RUNNING.

     9.    Verify the calibration with the verification procedure in section C
          above.  If the verification is within 4% of the design flow, the flow is
          acceptable. If it is not, recalibration is necessary.

     10.   Record pre- and post- flow measurements and adjustments in the
          logbook.

E.   Conducting  the Sampling Event

     Site Arrival Daily Activities

     1.    Visually inspect the filter holder and confirm the 0-rings are in place
          and secure. Inspect all visible 0-rings and replace if necessary.

     2.    Confirm all cables (electrical  connections) are secure,  and that
          exterior connections are protected  from the elements.

     3.    Inspect the water collection jar. As needed, drain and clean, inspect
          the seal and replace the glassware on the holder.

     4.    Record activities, site observations and maintenance activities in
          logbook.
                           Page 12 of 19

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                                School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                       Rev. No. 1
                                                     May 13, 2009
Preparing Sampler for a Sampling Event

1.    Prepare sample paperwork. On the ERG PM10 Metals Sample
     Data Sheet, complete the "Lab Pre-Samp." and "Field Setup"
     sections.  In the top part of the TSP/PM10 Metals table, record the
     filter number under "Filter #" and sampler ID under "System #" for
     the run. Record any pertinent observations in the notes section at
     the bottom of the form.

2.    Turn on the PQ167R by pushing the "ON/OFF" button. If a
     message  is blinking on the display, press "ENTER" to proceed to
     the "MAIN IDLE DISPLAY". Then press "RESET" to clear prior run
     data.

3.    Conduct an initial  flow check (verification) by following the
     instructions in section C. Verification.  Record the measurement
     from the flow standard on the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data
     Sheet on  the "PM10/TSP Metals" table in the "Start MFC" blank.

4.    The screen display should read:

     ETOOOOMin TSOO.OOM (Date)
     Q(Flow)Lpm T(Time) Bty(Capacity)%

     (Date) -today's date in military notation; e.g., 01JAN= January 1st
     (Flow) - the current flow rate selected to be regulated.
     (Time)-military time; e.g.,  13:08= 13 Hours 8 Minutes or 1:08 PM
     (Capacity) - remaining charge in the internal battery.

5.    Press "SETUP". The screen will read; "Select FLOW RATE"
     The flow rate value will be blinking.

6.    The flow rate should read 16.7 Lpm. If it does not read 16.7 Lpm,
     set TARGET FLOW RATE to 16.7 Lpm  by pressing ENTER.
     The whole number value will remain on  constant while the tenths
     still blink); use "+" or"-" to increase or decrease until 16 is
     displayed. Press  ENTER (Tenths value will now remain constant
     while whole number blinks); use "+" or"-" to increase or decrease
     until .7 is  displayed.

7.    Press "SETUP". This is the date and time screen.
                      Page 13 of 19

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                               School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                      Rev. No. 1
                                                   May 13, 2009
     The screen should read;

     Set DATE and TIME
     (dd) (mmm) (yyyy) (time)

     To change the Date and Time;

     TIP: Only the field not blinking can be adjusted. Push enter to
         move to the next field.

     a.  DAY: Press ENTER and change by pressing the + or - key.
        When the day is correct, press ENTER.

     b.  MONTH: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
        ENTER.
     c.  YEAR: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
        ENTER.
     d.  TIME (hrs): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
        ENTER.
     e.  TIME (min): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
        ENTER.

8.    When date and time are correct press "SETUP"

9.    This is the sample start screen which reads;

     Set START DATE and TIME
     (dd) (mmm)  00:00     Off

     This screen allows you to set a start date and time for a sampling
     run. The default is set to midnight the next day. To designate your
     own start date and time:

     a.  DAY: Press ENTER and change by pressing the + or - key.
        When the day is correct, press ENTER.

     b.  MONTH: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
        ENTER.

     c.  YEAR: To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
        ENTER.
                     Page 14 of 19

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                               School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                     Rev. No. 1
                                                   May 13, 2009

     d. TIME (hrs): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
       ENTER.

     e. TIME (min): To change, press + or - key. When correct, press
       ENTER.

     f.  Enable the run by setting the "On/Off" function  on the screen to
       "On".

       WARNING: The sampler will not automatically activate if
       this option is set to "Off".

10.   Press "SETUP"

     The screen will read;

     Set RUN TIME
     Hours: 24 Min: 00 On

     Set to 24 hours 0 minutes. The default is always 24 hrs 0 min, the
     required sample duration. If the sample time needs to be modified,
     adjust as instructed in step 6 and 8.

11.   Press "SETUP". The screen will return to the "MAIN IDLE
     DISPLAY"

     WARNING: DO NOT PRESS THE RESET BUTTON AT THIS
     TIME AS THE START TIME AND RUN TIME WILL DEFAULT.

12.   Press "RUN/STOP"

     If the START TIME ENABLE is set to "On" then the message
     "Alarm Triggered Run..."followed by "PQ100 Powering Down.."will
     appear briefly. The PQ100 is now waiting for the internal  real time
     clock to achieve the designated start time and will  then power itself
     on and begin the sampling run. If the START TIME ENABLE is set
     to "Off" then the pump will begin to run immediately.  If this occurs,
     press RUN/STOP and begin back at step 2 ensuring START TIME
     ENABLE is set to "On".

Loading Filter Cassette into Filter Cassette Holder Assembly

NOTE: Gloves must be changed for each sample, i.e. between
retrieving a sample and preparing a new run gloves  MUST be
changed to prevent cross contamination.

                    Page 15 of 19

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                                School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                       Rev. No. 1
                                                     May 13, 2009

1.    Remove the PM10 inlet head and downtube and set aside.

2.    Remove filter cassette holder.

3.    Put on a clean pair of powderfree gloves

4.    Unscrew filter holder top from filter holder bottom.

5.    Remove test filter cassette from assembly.  Remove the new filter
     cassette assembly from the antistatic bag and briefly check the filter
     for obvious contamination, scratches or wrinkles.  If any
     abnormalities are  observed,  place the filter cassette back into the
     antistatic bag and use a new filter cassette.

6.    Place the filter cassette filter side up onto the filter holder bottom.
     Carefully screw the filter holder top onto the filter holder bottom.
     Remember to annotate the filter number on the ERG PM10 Metals
     Sample Data Sheet.

     NOTE: If running a field blank, repeat steps 1 through 6, count
     to 10, and then remove the field blank filter cassette placing it
     back into the antistatic bag. Label the bag to designate the
     filter cassette as a field blank.  Log the filter ID as field blank in
     the comments section of the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data
     Sheet. The field  blank must be run before the sample filter
     cassette is loaded into the sampler.

7.    Replace the filter cassette holder assembly on the sampler.

8.    Replace the downtube and the PM10 head.

Sample Recovery and Data Collection

NOTE: Gloves must be changed for each sample, i.e. between
retrieving a sample and preparing a new run, gloves MUST be
changed to prevent cross contamination.

1.    Conduct a final flow check (verification) by following the
     instructions in section C. Verification. Record the measurement
     from the flow standard on the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data
     Sheet on the "PM10/TSP Metals" table in the "Start MFC" blank.

2.    Remove the PM10 inlet head and downtube and set aside.

3.    Remove filter cassette holder.

                      Page 16 of 19

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                                School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                       Rev. No. 1
                                                    May 13, 2009

4.    Put on a clean pair of powderfree gloves

5.    Open the antistatic bag and set aside.

6.    Unscrew filter holder top from filter holder bottom.

7.    Remove filter cassette and place it back into the antistatic bag.
     Seal the bag.

8.    Replace with test filter cassette and reassemble filter cassette
     holder.

9.    Replace downtube and PM10 inlet head.

10.   On the ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet, fill in the "Field
     Recovery" section. In the TSP/PM10 Metals table, fill in the "End
     Time", "Total Time" (ETXXXXMin), and "Avg Flow (L)" (QXX.XLpm).
     Record the total sample volume (TSXX.XM) in the comments
     section.  "Start MFC" and "Stop MFC" are not used.

11.   Data may be downloaded to a laptop using  the PQ100/200
     DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE.  ERG does not  require this data, but
     direction can be found in the BGI PQ167 Quick Start document,
     pages 16 and 17.

Sample Shipping

Place samples in a bag along with the paperwork and pack in  a small
box/cooler. The samples are not required to be shipped cold. Use
the pre-filled out FedEx label provided by ERG, and fill out the "Sender"
section with the sampling agency's address and phone number.  Send
priority overnight to ERG.

If the shipping form is lost, use the address below for shipping to
ERG, and contact them directly for the FedEx accounting.

Address:  ERG
         601 Keystone Park Drive
         Suite 700
         Morrisville, NC 27560
         919-468-7924
                     Page 17 of 19

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                                           School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                                  Rev. No. 1
                                                                May 13, 2009
IV.   QUALITY ASSURANCE

     To ensure that quality data is being collected the following checks should be
     considered:

     A.   Flow Calibration

          A flow verification must be completed at the beginning of the study
          period. If the verification does not compare within 4%, the flow must be
          calibrated. Document all quality assurance activities in the logbook.
     B.   Flow Verifications

          It is strongly recommended that the operator perform a verification of the
          samplers flow during and after the study's completion.  It is
          recommended that after the 5th sampling run, the operator should verify
          flow. A verification of the flow after the last sample is recommended to
          bracket the data to indicate that the flow rate was stable throughout the
          study.  Document all quality assurance activities in the  logbook.

     C.   Independent Audits

          If possible, it is recommended that an independent flow check of the
          sampler be conducted at some point during the study.  This check may
          be conducted by a state or local agency's quality assurance team or
          independent audit program.

V.   DATA FORMS

     All sample related run data forms will be supplied by ERG. Check the data
     sheets for completion after every setup or retrieval event. The operator is
     expected to keep a logbook to document all site activities, quality assurance
     activities, and sampling activities. The ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet
     is attached below.
                                Page 18 of 19

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                                         School Air Toxics, Low-Vol PM10 SOP
                                                                  Rev. No. 1
                                                               May 13, 2009
                 ERG PM10 Metals Sample Data Sheet
^ERG

ERG Lab ID ±f
PM10 / TSP METALS DATA SHEET
Lab
Pre-Samp.
1 f
fr
2 >
© o
c g
f£
Lab
Recovery
Site Code:
City /State:
AQS Code:

Set-Up Date:

Recovery Date:
Col ection Date:
Duplicate Event
Operator:

(Y/N):



Sample Duration (i.e. 24 hr):
Status: Valid Void (Circle one)
Received by: Date:
Status: Valid Void (Circle one)
If void, why:


PM10/TSP METALS
Sample Date

Sample Date

Sample Date

Start
Time

Start MFC

Start
Time

Start MFC

Start
Time

Start MFC

End
Time

End MFC

End
Time

End MFC

End
Time

End MFC

Total
Time

Avg Flow (L)

Total
Time

Avg Flow (L)

Total
Time

Avg Flow (L)

System #

System #

System*

Filter #

Filter #

Filter*

Lab ID

Lab ID

Lab ID

Comments:






White: Sample iraveier
Canary: Lab Copy
Pink: Field Copy
                             Page 19 of 19

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