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Field Sample Management Standard Operating Procedure SWE-FSOP-002;Revision 1 Ahtna Southwest Environmental Operations 4.5 Sample Packing The following steps must be followed when packing sample containers for shipment: 1. Choose a cooler with structural integrity that will withstand shipment. Ensure the cooler is large enough to contain all the samples to be shipped along with the appropriate amount of ice. Use a cooler that has been pre-cooled and not one that has been in a hot vehicle or out in the sun. Secure and tape the cooler drain plug with duct tape. [PFAS Project]: Use ice in polyethylene bags. 2. Be sure that the caps on all sample containers are tight and do not leak but do not overtighten. 3. Fill out a chain of custody (COC)form or use the COC form filled out in the field. The COC should only list the samples and bottles(specific to analyses requested) added to the cooler.Check to ensure that the sample labels are intact, completed with the correct information, and that sample identification matches the COC record exactly. An original signed copy of the COC is sealed in a water proof zip-top bag taped to the lid of the cooler. [PFAS Project]:The COC record will be placed in a re-sealable plastic zip-lock bag,the bag sealed shut to prevent water intrusion from the bagged wet ice in the cooler, and the bag taped (using PFAS-free tape)to the inside lid of the cooler. A copy of the COC is kept with the field logbook/notepad or field form. 4. Wrap and package containers sufficiently to prevent cross-contamination or exposure to melt water and ensure that containers remain intact during shipment. [PFAS Project]: Seal each sample container in a HDPE bag to prevent melt water from getting into the sample or degrading the sample label.Taping the end of bags with Duct tape will provide added protection against melt water.' S. Place the containers into the cooler with caps up. No containers should be placed on their sides, as there is significantly less chance of breakage when packed vertically. 6. Use enough ice (double-bagged) to ensure that samples are received by the laboratory at the proper temperature of 0°C-6°C. For temperature-sensitive analyses, it may be necessary to cool the samples in onsite chillers. Refer to the project work plans. Recommended ice arrangement: • Place a layer of ice on the bottom of the cooler. • Place a bag of ice vertically on one end of the cooler, followed by a set of samples. Follow this with another vertical bag of ice and repeat until the cooler is full. Make sure all samples are lined on both sides with ice. • Place more bags of ice flat on top of the samples. • Cover this with an insulating layer, such as bubble wrap. [PFAS Project]: Avoid packing materials that contain PFAS and materials that absorb water, including paper, cardboard, and Styrofoam; as they become soggy,they lose cushioning properties Page 9 of 12