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6 Quality Assurance Plan The procedures to be followed in sample collection, identifica- tion, and handling at the site are described below. The analytical quality assurance program is also discussed. Sample Collection and Handling Proper collection and handling are essential in ensuring the quality of the sample. All samples will be collected by experienced field personnel. The samples will be collected in suitable containers which have been precleaned at the laboratory. The containers will be clearly marked and dated for identification. All samples will be cooled and stored for analysis no longer than the maximum allowable holding time. Sample Identification and Chain-of- Custody Procedures Sample identification and chain-of-custody procedures ensure sample integrity and document sample possession from the time of collection to its ultimate disposal. Each sample container submitted for analysis will have a label affixed to identify the job number, sampler , date and time of sample collection, and a sample number unique to that sample. This informatiion, in addition to a description of the sample, field measurements made, sampling methodology, names of on-site personnel, and any other pertinent field observations, will be recorded on the boring log or in the field records. A chain-of-custody card (Figure 3) will be used to record possession of the sample from time of collection to its arrival at the laboratory. The sample control officer at the laboratory will verify sample integrity and confirm that it was collected in the proper container , preserved correctly, and that there is an adequate volume for analysis. If these conditions are met, the sample will be assigned a unique log number for identification throughout analysis and reporting. The log number will be recorded on the chain-of- custody card and in the legally required log book Brown and Caldwell maintains at the laboratory. The sample description, date received, client' s name, and any other relevant information will also be recorded. Laboratory Anaytical Quality Assurance In addition to routine calibration of the instruments with standards and blanks, the analyst is required to run duplicates and spikes on 10 percent of the analyses to ensure an added measure of precision and accuracy. Accuracy is also verified through the following: