Soil and ground water samples are obtained in accordance with the procedures outlined in EPA’s Environmental Investigations Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Manual (PDF Copy or EPA Website). The samples are collected for chemical analysis and are sealed in the appropriate container as specified in the relevant EPA and state guidelines. Preservatives are used when recommended by these guidelines.
The samples are immediately stored on ice and kept on ice until they are received by the analytical laboratory. During transportation and storage, Chain-of-Custody forms are maintained and are then signed by each individual in possession of the samples.
All analytical procedures are performed in accordance with the techniques described in the United States EPA document, Test Methods for Evaluation * Solid Iste Physical/Chemical Methods 3rd Edition (SW-846). Each soil sample selected for analysis is analyzed for aromatic volatile organic compounds, including Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) by EPA Method 8020. Water samples are analyzed for BTEX by EPA Method 602. Both soil and water are analyzed for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) by EPA Method 418.1.
