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Appendix D - Training Program

Environmental Sampling

Objectives/Samples of Behavior:

1. Discuss purpose of sampling and sampling plans

2. Describe the types of and uses for samples and the equipment involved

3. Explain decontamination requirements

4. Discuss documentation

5. Perform sampling

A.  Sampling - General

1. Sampling purpose - to determine the characteristics of a material by taking a "representative" portion of the material

2. Sample types

1. Environmental samples - taken in an area surrounding a spill or hazardous waste site

2. Hazardous waste samples - collected from the waste source & require special handling

3. Use of samples

1. Determine extent of remedial action needed

2. Waste samples to submit to the proposed hazardous waste disposal site

3. Sample for litigation purposes

B.  Sampling Plans

1. Background site information regarding the types of wastes which may be present on-site

2. Sample locations - decide where to take samples or from which containers to sample

3. Number of samples per sampling location

4. Volume per sample - Usually determined by the lab doing the analyses

5. Sample containers - type, size, etc. again, consult lab

C.  Sampling Equipment (note: additional equipment information can be found in volume II)

Material to be sampled can be a complex mix of liquids, solids, & semi-solids.  There is no single type of sampling device that can collect representative samples of all waste types.  Each type has advantages & disadvantages.

1. Soil sampling - selection depends on type of soil & sampling depth

1. 0-3 feet

Pickax, shovel, scoop - gives disturbed sample, soil layering not maintained

Hand auger - disturbed sample

Post hole digger - can give disturbed sample

2. 3-16 feet - Veihmeyer sampler - core sampler

3. Greater depths - split spoon sampler with drilling rig

2. Sludge / sediment sampling - equipment selection depends on the extent to which there is an overlying layer of water on the sludge or sediment.

1. No overlying water

Scoop - yields disturbed sample from shallow depth

Sampling trier - yields undisturbed sample but must be inserted at an angle

Hand corer - yields undisturbed sample from depths of 1-2 feet

2. With shallow overlying water layer

Pond sampler - fairly disturbed sample from shallow depth

Hand corer - fitted with extension handle to retrieve undisturbed sample

Glass tube - sample sludge in drums

3. With deep overlying water layer

Gravity corer - yields essentially undisturbed sample

Ponar grab - type of dredge that collects disturbed sample - best for sediment samples

3. Bulk material sampling - homogeneous containerized materials

1. Unconsolidated

Scoop - small amount of sample

Grain thief - granular materials

2. Consolidated (moist / sticky)

Scoop - small samples

Sampling trier - yields undisturbed samples

4. Liquids sampling

1. Surface waters

Shallow - near edge of water

Submerge sample container - exterior becomes contaminated

Submerge stainless steel beaker or scoop

Shallow - depths away from water's edge

Pond sampler

Small peristaltic pump

Greater depths

Extended bottle sampler

Kemmerer bottle

Peristaltic pump

Weighted bottle

2. Containerized liquids - sampling considerations include: liquid containers often have only small openings to insert samplers.  There is a potential for a buildup of vapors, there can be layering of contents, the containers can be deep.

Vessels less than 3 to 3.5 feet deep

Glass tubes (drum thieves) - inexpensive & disposal

Coliwasa - gives true representation of multiphase waste

PVC tubing - may interfere with analyses

Vessels greater than 3.5 feet deep

Peristaltic pump

Kemmerer sampler

Bacon bomb

Submergible pump

Weighted bottle sampler

3. Groundwater - installing wells:  one of primary activities in exclusion zone

Pumps, Bailers

D.  Sampling Equipment Decon

1. Decon equipment between uses

1. Soapy wash

2. Tap water rinse

3. Acetone rinse

4. Final rise with triple deionized water

2. Decon sample containers to be sent to lab (in some cases)

1. Wipe container

2. Rinse with a solution appropriate for the contamination

3. Minimize contamination by placing a plastic bag over the outside of the sampling container until after the sample has been collected

E.  Documentation

1. Sampling log - bound book written in ink containing notes & observations about every sampling excursion

2. Sample labels - each sample must be labeled with a tear-resistant label using a water-proof pen

3. Chain of custody record - must accompany each sample from the time it is collected until analysis is complete