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APEX ENVIROTECN; INC. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES Soil Borings SOP-4 SOP-1 SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION AND CHAIN- SOIL BORING SAMPLING OF-CUSTODY PROCEDURES During drilling,soil samples for chemical analysis are collected Sample identification and chain-of-custody procedures ensure in thin-walled brass tubes,of varying diameters and lengths sample integrity as well as document sample possession from (e.g.,4 or 6 inches long by 2 inches outside diameter). Three the time of collection to ultimate disposal. Each sample or four of the selected tubes,plus a spacer tube,are set in an container submitted for analysis is labeled to identify the job 18-inch long spilt-barrel sampler of the appropriate inside- number,date,time of sample collection,a sample number diameter. unique to the sample,any in-field measurements made, sampling methodology,name(s)of on-site personnel,and any Where possible,the split-barrel sampler is driven its entire other pertinent field observations also recorded on the field length either hydraulically or using a 140-pound drop hammer. excavation or boring log. The sampler is extracted from the borehole and the brass tubes,containing the soil samples,are removed. Upon removal Chain-of-custody forms are used to record possession of the from the sampler,the selected brass tubes are either sample from time of collection to arrival at the laboratory. immediately trimmed and capped with aluminum foil or"Teflon" During shipment,the person with custody of the samples will sheets and plastic caps or the samples are extruded from the relinquish them to the next person by signing the chain-of- tubes and sealed within other appropriate,cleaned sample custody form(s)and noting the date and time. The sample- containers. The samples are then hermetically sealed,labeled, control officer at the laboratory will verify sample integrity, and refrigerated for delivery,under strict chain-of-custody,to correct preservation,confirm collection in the proper the analytical laboratory. These procedures minimize the container(s),and ensure adequate volume for analysis. potential for cross-contamination and volatilization of volatile organic compounds(VOC)prior to chemical analysis. If these conditions are met,the samples will be assigned unique laboratory log numbers for identification throughout One soil sample collected at each sampling interval is analyzed analysis and reporting. The log numbers will be recorded on in the field using either a portable photoionization detector the chain-of-custody forms and in the legally-required log book (PID),flame ionization detector,organic vapor analyzer, maintained in the laboratory. The sample description,date catalytic gas detector,or an explosimeter. The purpose of this received,client's name,and any other relevant information will field analysis is to qualitatively determine the presence or also be recorded. absence of hydrocarbons,and the samples to be analyzed at the laboratory. The soil sample is sealed in either a brass tube, SOP-5 glass jar,or plastic bag to allow for some volatilization of VOC. LABORATORY ANALYTICAL QUALITY The PID is then used to measure the concentrations of ASSURANCE AND CONTROL hydrocarbons within the containers's headspace. The data is recorded on both field notes and the boring logs at the depth In addition to routine instrument calibration,replicates,spikes, corresponding to the sampling point. blanks,spiked blanks,and certified reference materials are routinely analyzed at method-specific frequencies to monitor Other soil samples are collected to document the soil and/or precision and bias. Additional components of the laboratory stratigraphic profile beneath the project site,and estimate the Quality Assurance/Quality Control program include: relative permeability of the subsurface materials. All drilling and sampling equipment are either steam cleaned or washed in 1. Participation in state and federal laboratory solution and doubly rinsed in deicnized water prior to use at accreditation/certification programs; each site and between boreholes to minimize the potential for cross-contamination. 2. Participation in both U.S.EPA Performance Evaluation studies(WS and WP studies)and inter- In the event the soil samples cannot be submitted to the laboratory performance evaluation programs; analytical laboratory on the same day they are collected(e.g., due to weekends or holidays),the samples are temporarily 3. Standard operating procedures describing routine stored until the first opportunity for submittal either on ice in a and periodic instrument maintenance; cooler,such as when in the field,or in a refrigerator at ApeXs office. 4. "Out-of-Control"/Corrective Action documentation procedures;and, SOP-3 SOIL CLASSIFICATION 5. Multi-level review of raw data and client reports. Soil samples are classified according to the Unified Soil Classification System. Representative portions of the samples may be submitted,under strict chain-of-custody,to an analytical laboratory for further examination and verification of the in-field classification and analysis of soil mechanical and/or petrophysical properties. The soil types are indicated on logs of either excavations or borings together with depths corresponding to the sampling points and other pertinent information.