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AM s E c o R STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR SOIL SAMPLING SPLIT SPOON SAMPLING The precleaned split spoon sampler lined with three 6-inch long brass or stainless steel tubes is driven 18 inches into the underlying soils at the desired sample depth interval. The sampler is driven by repeatedly dropping a 140-pound hammer a free fall distance of 30 inches. The number of blows (blow count) to advance the sampler for each six-inch drive length are recorded on the field logs. Once the sampler is driven the full 18-inch drive length or the sampler has met refusal (typically 50 blows per six inches), the sampler is retrieved. Of the three sample tubes, the bottom sample is generally selected for laboratory analysis. The sample is carefully packaged for chemical analysis by capping each end of the sample with a Teflon sheet followed by a tight-fitting plastic cap and sealing the cap with non-VOC, self-adhering silicon tape. A label is affixed to the sample indicating the sample identification number, borehole number, sampling depth, sample collection date and time, the sampler's name, job number, etc. The sample is then annotated on a chain-of-custody form and placed in an ice-filled cooler for transport to the laboratory. The remaining soil samples are used for soil classification and field evaluation of headspace volatile organic vapors, where applicable, using a photoionization or flame 4rr � ionization detector calibrated to a calibration gas (typically isobutylene or hexane). VOC vapor concentrations are recorded on the boring logs. A physical description of the encountered soil characteristics (i.e. moisture content, consistency, odor, color, etc.) and soil type as a function of depth are indicated on the boring logs. In addition, the sample recovery and sampler penetration are also noted on the boring logs. The sampled soils are classified in accordance with the USCS. Related Procedures: Standard Procedure for Equipment Decontamination STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION All equipment that could potentially contact subsurface media and compromise the integrity of the samples is carefully decontaminated prior to drilling and sampling. Drill augers and other large pieces of equipment are decontaminated using high pressure hot water spray. Samplers, groundwater pumps, liners and other equipment are decontaminated in an Alconox scrub solution and double rinsed in clean tap water rinse followed by a final distilled water rinse.