U. S. EPA ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE TEAM
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CONTENTS
1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
2.0 METHOD SUMMARY
3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION, CONTAINERS, HANDLING, AND STORAGE
4.0 POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
5.0 EQUIPMENT
6.0 REAGENTS
7.0 PROCEDURES
7.1 Preparation
7.2 Sample Collection
7.2.1 Surface Soil Samples
7.2.2 Sampling at Depth with Augers and Thin Wall Tube Samplers
7.2.3 Sampling at Depth with a Trier
7.2.4 Sampling at Depth with a Split Spoon (Barrel) Sampler
7.2.5 Test Pit/Trench Excavation
8.0 CALCULATIONS
9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
10.0 DATA VALIDATION
11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
12.0 REFERENCES
13.0 APPENDIX
Figures
SUPERCEDES: SOP #2012; Revision 0.0; 11/16/94; U.S. EPA Contract 68-C4-0022.
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1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
The purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to describe the procedures for the collection of
representative soil samples. Sampling depths are assumed to be those that can be reached without the use
of a drill rig, direct-push, or other mechanized equipment (except for a back-hoe). Analysis of soil samples
may determine whether concentrations of specific pollutants exceed established action levels, or if the
concentrations of pollutants present a risk to public health, welfare, or the environment.
These are standard (i.e., typically applicable) operating procedures which may be varied or changed as
required, dependent upon site conditions, equipment limitations or limitations imposed by the procedure.
In all instances, the actual procedures used should be documented and described in an appropriate site
report.
Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) endorsement or recommendation for use.
2.0 METHOD SUMMARY
Soil samples may be collected using a variety of methods and equipment depending on the depth of the
desired sample, the type of sample required (disturbed vs. undisturbed), and the soil type. Near-surface
soils may be easily sampled using a spade, trowel, and scoop. Sampling at greater depths may be
performed using a hand auger, continuous flight auger, a trier, a split-spoon, or, if required, a backhoe.
3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION, CONTAINERS, HANDLING, AND STORAGE
Chemical preservation of solids is not generally recommended. Samples should, however, be cooled and
protected from sunlight to minimize any potential reaction. The amount of sample to be collected and
proper sample container type are discussed in ERT/REAC SOP #2003 Rev. 0.0 08/11/94, Sample Storage,
Preservation and Handling.
4.0 INTERFERENCES AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
There are two primary potential problems associated with soil sampling - cross contamination of samples
and improper sample collection. Cross contamination problems can be eliminated or minimized through
the use of dedicated sampling equipment. If this is not possible or practical, then decontamination of
sampling equipment is necessary. Improper sample collection can involve using contaminated equipment,
disturbance of the matrix resulting in compaction of the sample, or inadequate homogenization of the
samples where required, resulting in variable, non-representative results.
5.0 EQUIPMENT
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Soil sampling equipment includes the following:
• Maps/plot plan
• Safety equipment, as specified in the site-specific Health and Safety Plan
• Survey equipment or global positioning system (GPS) to locate sampling points
• Tape measure
• Survey stakes or flags
• Camera and film
• Stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate homogenization bucket, bowl or pan
• Appropriate size sample containers
• Ziplock plastic bags
• Logbook
• Labels
• Chain of Custody records and custody seals
• Field data sheets and sample labels
• Cooler(s)
• Ice
• Vermiculite
• Decontamination supplies/equipment
• Canvas or plastic sheet
• Spade or shovel
• Spatula
• Scoop
• Plastic or stainless steel spoons
• Trowel (s)
• Continuous flight (screw) auger
• Bucket auger
• Post hole auger
• Extension rods
• T-handle
• Sampling trier
• Thin wall tube sampler
• Split spoons
• Vehimeyer soil sampler outfit
- Tubes
- Points
- Drive head
- Drop hammer
- Puller jack and grip
• Backhoe
6.0 REAGENTS
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Reagents are not used for the preservation of soil samples. Decontamination solutions are specified in
ERT/REAC SOP #2006 Rev. 0.0 08/11/94, Sampling Equipment Decontamination, and the site specific
work plan.
7.0 PROCEDURES
7.1 Preparation
1. Determine the extent of the sampling effort, the sampling methods to be employed, and the
types and amounts of equipment and supplies required.
2. Obtain necessary sampling and monitoring equipment.
3. Decontaminate or pre-clean equipment, and ensure that it is in working order.
4. Prepare schedules and coordinate with staff, client, and regulatory agencies, if appropriate.
5. Perform a general site survey prior to site entry in accordance with the site specific Health
and Safety Plan.
6. Use stakes, flagging, or buoys to identify and mark all sampling locations. Specific site
factors, including extent and nature of contaminant, should be considered when selecting
sample location. If required, the proposed locations may be adjusted based on site access,
property boundaries, and surface obstructions. All staked locations should be utility-cleared
by the property owner or the On-Scene-Coordinator (OSC) prior to soil sampling; and
utility clearance should always be confirmed before beginning work.
7.2 Sample Collection
7.2.1 Surface Soil Samples
Collection of samples from near-surface soil can be accomplished with tools such as
spades, shovels, trowels, and scoops. Surface material is removed to the required
depth and a stainless steel or plastic scoop is then used to collect the sample.
This method can be used in most soil types but is limited to sampling at or near the
ground surface. Accurate, representative samples can be collected with this procedure
depending on the care and precision demonstrated by the sample team member. A flat,
pointed mason trowel to cut a block of the desired soil is helpful when undisturbed
profiles are required. Tools plated with chrome or other materials should not be used.
Plating is particularly common with garden implements such as potting trowels.
The following procedure is used to collect surface soil samples:
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1. Carefully remove the top layer of soil or debris to the desired sample depth
with a pre-cleaned spade.
2. Using a pre-cleaned, stainless steel scoop, plastic spoon, or trowel, remove and
discard a thin layer of soil from the area which came in contact with the spade.
3. If volatile organic analysis is to be performed, transfer the sample directly into
an appropriate, labeled sample container with a stainless steel lab spoon, or
equivalent and secure the cap tightly. Place the remainder of the sample into
a stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate homogenization container, and
mix thoroughly to obtain a homogenous sample representative of the entire
sampling interval. Then, either place the sample into appropriate, labeled
containers and secure the caps tightly; or, if composite samples are to be
collected, place a sample from another sampling interval or location into the
homogenization container and mix thoroughly. When compositing is complete,
place the sample into appropriate, labeled containers and secure the caps
tightly.
7.2.2 Sampling at Depth with Augers and Thin Wall Tube Samplers
This system consists of an auger, or a thin-wall tube sampler, a series of extensions,
and a "T" handle (Figure 1, Appendix A). The auger is used to bore a hole to a
desired sampling depth, and is then withdrawn. The sample may be collected directly
from the auger. If a core sample is to be collected, the auger tip is then replaced with
a thin wall tube sampler. The system is then lowered down the borehole, and driven
into the soil to the completion depth. The system is withdrawn and the core is
collected from the thin wall tube sampler.
Several types of augers are available; these include: bucket type, continuous flight
(screw), and post-hole augers. Bucket type augers are better for direct sample
recovery because they provide a large volume of sample in a short time. When
continuous flight augers are used, the sample can be collected directly from the
flights. The continuous flight augers are satisfactory when a composite of the
complete soil column is desired. Post-hole augers have limited utility for sample
collection as they are designed to cut through fibrous, rooted, swampy soil and cannot
be used below a depth of approximately three feet.
The following procedure is used for collecting soil samples with the auger:
1. Attach the auger bit to a drill rod extension, and attach the "T" handle to the
drill rod.
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2. Clear the area to be sampled of any surface debris (e.g., twigs, rocks, litter).
It may be advisable to remove the first three to six inches of surface soil for an
area approximately six inches in radius around the drilling location.
3. Begin augering, periodically removing and depositing accumulated soils onto
a plastic sheet spread near the hole. This prevents accidental brushing of loose
material back down the borehole when removing the auger or adding drill rods.
It also facilitates refilling the hole, and avoids possible contamination of the
surrounding area.
4. After reaching the desired depth, slowly and carefully remove the auger from
the hole. When sampling directly from the auger, collect the sample after the
auger is removed from the hole and proceed to Step 10.
5. Remove auger tip from the extension rods and replace with a pre-cleaned thin
wall tube sampler. Install the proper cutting tip.
6. Carefully lower the tube sampler down the borehole. Gradually force the tube
sampler into the soil. Do not scrape the borehole sides. Avoid hammering the
rods as the vibrations may cause the boring walls to collapse.
7. Remove the tube sampler, and unscrew the drill rods.
8. Remove the cutting tip and the core from the device.
9. Discard the top of the core (approximately 1 inch), as this possibly represents
material collected before penetration of the layer of concern. Place the
remaining core into the appropriate labeled sample container. Sample
homogenization is not required.
10. If volatile organic analysis is to be performed, transfer the sample into an
appropriate, labeled sample container with a stainless steel lab spoon, or
equivalent and secure the cap tightly. Place the remainder of the sample into
a stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate homogenization container, and
mix thoroughly to obtain a homogenous sample representative of the entire
sampling interval. Then, either place the sample into appropriate, labeled
containers and secure the caps tightly; or, if composite samples are to be
collected, place a sample from another sampling interval into the
homogenization container and mix thoroughly.
When compositing is complete, place the sample into appropriate, labeled
containers and secure the caps tightly.
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11. If another sample is to be collected in the same hole, but at a greater depth,
reattach the auger bit to the drill and assembly, and follow steps 3 through 11,
making sure to decontaminate the auger and tube sampler between samples.
12. Abandon the hole according to applicable state regulations. Generally, shallow
holes can simply be backfilled with the removed soil material.
7.2.3 Sampling with a Trier
The system consists of a trier, and a "T" handle. The auger is driven into the soil to
be sampled and used to extract a core sample from the appropriate depth.
The following procedure is used to collect soil samples with a sampling trier:
1. Insert the trier (Figure 2, Appendix A) into the material to be sampled at a 0°
to 45° angle from horizontal. This orientation minimizes the spillage of
sample.
2. Rotate the trier once or twice to cut a core of material.
3. Slowly withdraw the trier, making sure that the slot is facing upward.
4. If volatile organic analyses are required, transfer the sample into an
appropriate, labeled sample container with a stainless steel lab spoon, or
equivalent and secure the cap tightly. Place the remainder of the sample into
a stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate homogenization container, and
mix thoroughly to obtain a homogenous sample representative of the entire
sampling interval. Then, either place the sample into appropriate, labeled
containers and secure the caps tightly; or, if composite samples are to be
collected, place a sample from another sampling interval into the
homogenization container and mix thoroughly. When compositing is complete,
place the sample into appropriate, labeled containers and secure the caps
tightly.
7.2.4 Sampling at Depth with a Split Spoon (Barrel) Sampler
Split spoon sampling is generally used to collect undisturbed soil cores of 18 or 24
inches in length. A series of consecutive cores may be extracted with a split spoon
sampler to give a complete soil column profile, or an auger may be used to drill down
to the desired depth for sampling. The split spoon is then driven to its sampling depth
through the bottom of the augured hole and the core extracted.
When split spoon sampling is performed to gain geologic information, all work should
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be performed in accordance with ASTM D1586-98, "Standard Test Method for
Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils".
The following procedures are used for collecting soil samples with a split spoon:
1. Assemble the sampler by aligning both sides of barrel and then screwing the
drive shoe on the bottom and the head piece on top.
2. Place the sampler in a perpendicular position on the sample material.
3. Using a well ring, drive the tube. Do not drive past the bottom of the head
piece or compression of the sample will result.
4. Record in the site logbook or on field data sheets the length of the tube used to
penetrate the material being sampled, and the number of blows required to
obtain this depth.
5. Withdraw the sampler, and open by unscrewing the bit and head and splitting
the barrel. The amount of recovery and soil type should be recorded on the
boring log. If a split sample is desired, a cleaned, stainless steel knife should
be used to divide the tube contents in half, longitudinally. This sampler is
typically available in 2 and 3 1/2 inch diameters. A larger barrel may be
necessary to obtain the required sample volume.
6. Without disturbing the core, transfer it to appropriate labeled sample
container(s) and seal tightly.
7.2.5 Test Pit/Trench Excavation
A backhoe can be used to remove sections of soil, when detailed examination of soil
characteristics are required. This is probably the most expensive sampling method
because of the relatively high cost of backhoe operation.
The following procedures are used for collecting soil samples from test pits or
trenches:
1. Prior to any excavation with a backhoe, it is important to ensure that all
sampling locations are clear of overhead and buried utilities.
2. Review the site specific Health & Safety plan and ensure that all safety
precautions including appropriate monitoring equipment are installed as
required.
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3. Using the backhoe, excavate a trench approximately three feet wide and
approximately one foot deep below the cleared sampling location. Place
excavated soils on plastic sheets. Trenches greater than five feet deep must be
sloped or protected by a shoring system, as required by OSHA regulations.
4. A shovel is used to remove a one to two inch layer of soil from the vertical face
of the pit where sampling is to be done.
5. Samples are taken using a trowel, scoop, or coring device at the desired
intervals. Be sure to scrape the vertical face at the point of sampling to remove
any soil that may have fallen from above, and to expose fresh soil for sampling.
In many instances, samples can be collected directly from the backhoe bucket.
6. If volatile organic analyses are required, transfer the sample into an
appropriate, labeled sample container with a stainless steel lab spoon, or
equivalent and secure the cap tightly. Place the remainder of the sample into
a stainless steel, plastic, or other appropriate homogenization container, and
mix thoroughly to obtain a homogenous sample representative of the entire
sampling interval. Then, either place the sample into appropriate, labeled
containers and secure the caps tightly; or, if composite samples are to be
collected, place a sample from another sampling interval into the
homogenization container and mix thoroughly. When compositing is complete,
place the sample into appropriate, labeled containers and secure the caps
tightly.
7. Abandon the pit or excavation according to applicable state regulations.
Generally, shallow excavations can simply be backfilled with the removed soil
material.
8.0 CALCULATIONS
This section is not applicable to this SOP.
9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
There are no specific quality assurance (QA) activities which apply to the implementation of these
procedures. However, the following QA procedures apply:
1. All data must be documented on field data sheets or within site logbooks.
2. All instrumentation must be operated in accordance with operating instructions as supplied by the
manufacturer, unless otherwise specified in the work plan. Equipment checkout and calibration
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activities must occur prior to sampling/operation, and they must be documented.
10.0 DATA VALIDATION
This section is not applicable to this SOP.
11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
When working with potentially hazardous materials, follow U.S. EPA, OHSA and corporate health and
safety procedures, in addition to the procedures specified in the site specific Health & Safety Plan..
12.0 REFERENCES
Mason, B.J. 1983. Preparation of Soil Sampling Protocol: Technique and Strategies. EPA-600/4-83-020.
Earth, D.S. and B.J. Mason. 1984. Soil Sampling Quality Assurance User's Guide. EPA-600/4-84-043.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984 Characterization of Hazardous Waste Sites - A Methods
Manual: Volume II. Available Sampling Methods, Second Edition. EPA-600/4-84-076.
de Vera, E.R., B.P. Simmons, R.D. Stephen, and D.L. Storm. 1980. Samplers and Sampling Procedures
for Hazardous Waste Streams. EPA-600/2-80-018.
ASTM D 1586-98, ASTM Committee on Standards, Philadelphia, PA.
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APPENDIX A
Figures
SOP #2012
February 2000
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FIGURE 1. Sampling Augers
TUBE
AUGER
Q.
GZ)
BUCKET
AUGER
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FIGURE 2. Sampling Trier
r ff
i
-J L
1.27-2.54 cm
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