using the dqo process to improve field...

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Using the DQO Process to Improve

Field Sampling

February 13, 2013

Rowdy Bindert

Account Executive

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Agenda

• Background on Planning Process

– DQO Process

– Field Sampling Plan

• Critical Considerations for Data Quality

– Chains of Custody

– Bottles

– Holding times

– Preservatives

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Background on Planning

Process

• Environmental data collection requires systematic planning and

forethought

• Data Quality Objective Process (DQO’s) http://www.epa.gov/QUALITY/qs-docs/g4-final.pdf

– Intended for projects under US EPA oversight, but can be used

for any projects that require environmental chemical data

collection

May need an extensive project team for large projects or

a single well informed individual for smaller projects

– DQO process, even on a reduced scale, will facilitate logical

thinking and provide a systematic and organized project plan

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/Bird_man1/stick-figure.png

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Background on Planning

Process

Goal is to collect relevant and valid data

• Planning, implementation and

assessment phases

• Planning is the most critical phase of

the data collection process

– TestAmerica can participate in

the DQO development process

• TestAmerica would like to be able to

review and comment on

– Sampling & Analysis Plan (SAP)

– Quality Assurance Project Plan

(QAPjP)

Assessment Task 7: Data Quality Assessment

Task 6: Data Evaluation

Implementation Task 5: Field and Lab QA/QC

Task 4: Lab Analysis Task 3: Sampling and Field Data Collection

Planning Task 2: Sampling and Analysis Plan

Task 1: Data Quality Objectives

Planning phase for Environmental Data Collection







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Sampling Plan

Components of a Sampling

Plan

• Analytes of Interest

• Sampling Location

• Collection Methods

• Frequency of testing








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Analytes of interest

Why is this important?

Proper sample containers and

preservatives are critical.

Why are you collecting the

samples? Permit, disposal,

etc?


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Method Selection

• Method selection should be completed as part of the

DQO process by the project team.

– Consensus Methods - ASTM

– Compliance (NPDES) Methods - 40 CFR Part 136

– Drinking Water Methods

– Solid & Hazardous Waste - US EPA SW 846

– Contract Laboratory Program (CLP)

• CLP SOM01.2

• CLP ILM05.4

Method Selection is another Presentation!







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Sampling Location

Wastewater outfall

Does the outfall represent an

accurate portrayal of the the

overall waste stream.

Solid Waste

Is the sub sample you are

collecting an accurate

representation of the waste.








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Collection Methods

Grab Sample

A sample which is taken from a

waste stream on a one-time basis

without consideration of the flow

rate of the waste stream and

without consideration of time.

Composite Sample

Sample composed of two or more

discrete samples. The aggregate

sample will reflect the average

water quality covering the

compositing or sample period.








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Frequency

• Weekly, monthly, daily, etc.


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Our Goal

• Overall goal of the project is to generate

relevant and valid chemical data

• Although errors do occur in the lab,

“analytical” errors are often associated

with field sample collection

• Lab and the field team working together

can minimize any potential errors

– Bottle, preservatives & field QC

samples

– Ultimately it is the field team who

has to collect the representative

sample for the lab

The data provided by the laboratory is only

as good as the field sample provided.

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Critical Considerations For

Data Quality

• Once the sampling and analytical strategies are complete – it’s time to go into the field.

• Critical considerations that will impact the overall project outcome are:

– Chains of Custody: must be “cradle-to-grave”

– Bottles: must be clean and conform to method requirements, and volume must be sufficient

– Holding Times: must be considered, so samples arrive at lab in time for “in-hold” analyses

– Preservatives: must be appropriate for the method

– Coolers: must be packed to ensure sample integrity and labeled to conform with DOT requirements

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Chains of Custody (CoC)

Environmental samples can become legal evidence. Possession must be traceable • Chains of Custody provide the ability to

guarantee the identity and integrity of samples from collection through the reporting of the results.

• Samples are in custody if:

– in sampler’s possession

– in sampler’s view after being in possession

– In sampler’s possession and then locked so tampering cannot occur

– in a secure area with access restricted to authorized personnel

• Documenting transfer of sample from one person to another is critical

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Custody Process

• Field samplers initiate the COC when samples are being collected

Sample bottles are placed in cooler, packed and ready for shipping

Field sampler signs COC to transfer custody to Courier or Express Carrier

• Once samples are received in the laboratory

Sample receiving personnel sign as the receiving party

Custody protocols are maintained while samples are in the lab through internal sample custody tracking.

• All signatures, dates and times must be legible and in permanent ink

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More on COCs

• EPA offers an online course on Chain of Custody Procedures ( Air Pollution Training Institute of EPA)

http://www.epa.gov/apti/coc/

http://www.epa.gov/apti/coc/

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Bottles

• Lab will send new, Certified Clean Bottles – or have a lab blank program to verify cleanliness

– Note: EPA has published “Specifications and Guidance for Contaminant-Free Sample Containers” Publication 9240.0-05A, EPA/540/R-93/051 December 1992

• Bottles used must not compromise physical and chemical properties of samples

• Bottles must conform to method requirements, and be sized to ensure sufficient volume for test/reanalysis/QC (if required)

• Bottles are generally: – Amber and/or Clear Glass – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic – EnCore/TerraCore

• If bottles have been taken to the field, they cannot be returned to the laboratory for use again.

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Continuum of Bottle Types

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Holding Times

• Holding time is the length of time a sample can be stored after collection and prior to analysis without affecting the results

• Holding times vary based on

– Analyte

– Sample matrix

– Analytical method

• Maximum holding times have been established in each analytical method

• Preservations help to extend holding times by reducing biodegradation, volatilization, oxidation, sorption, precipitation, and other chemical and physical processes

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Preservatives

A preservation technique must be effective for the analyte in question, must be compatible with the analytical technique/ instrument, and must be safe and compatible with sample disposal requirements.

Common Preservation Techniques

• Refrigeration – slows microbial activity, slows chemical reactions, maximizes solubility of gasses/volatiles, minimizes volatilization

• Nitric acid – solubilizes metals

• Hydrochloric acid – minimizes microbial activity

• Sulfuric acid – minimizes microbial activity

• Sodium hydroxide – raises pH to maintain solubility of cyanides & sulfides

• Zero headspace – minimizes volatilization

• For Soil VOCs – Methanol, Sodium Bisulfate & Water for use w/TerraCores

Laboratory will supply the correct preservatives for requested analyses.

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Next Phase

Samples arrive at the lab

Chains of Custody are reviewed,

anomalies are resolved and/or

noted, samples are logged, and

lab proceeds with analysis.





Planning

Task 2: Sampling and Analysis Plan Task 1: Data Quality Objectives


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TestAmerica’s Coverage

• Questions?

• Rowdy Bindert 319-269-2465

[email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

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