Incremental Sampling Methodology Update
New Environmental Monitoring Techniques for Organics
Oral Presentation
Prepared by M. Bruce
TestAmerica, 4101 Shuffel St NW, North Canton, Ohio, 44720, United States
Contact Information: mark.bruce@testamericainc.com; 330-966-7267
ABSTRACT
The application of incremental sampling methodology (ISM) to environmental site characterization has increased significantly since the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council released its ISM guidance in 2012. That guidance described a wide variety of sample collection and processing tools and techniques. A few others have been developed or optimized since that time.
Tools for collecting increments started with simple coring tools repurposed from the agricultural field. Tools for non-cohesive sediments and sand have been adapted. Very hard compacted soils and other hard materials such as concrete can be sampled with hammer chisels and drills.
Laboratory processing includes air drying towers with well controlled and even air flow to shorten drying time, rotary hammer disaggregation combined with sieving and disposable scoops with sides for increment collection during 2D slabcake subsampling.
These improvements facilitate applying ISM to a wide range of sites and matrices in a cost effective manner. As consultants and regulators have become more experienced with the ISM processes and using the data, the projects have grown larger and more numerous. Field crews and laboratories are becoming more productive and producing more representative data to facilitate more confident decisions.
New Environmental Monitoring Techniques for Organics
Oral Presentation
Prepared by M. Bruce
TestAmerica, 4101 Shuffel St NW, North Canton, Ohio, 44720, United States
Contact Information: mark.bruce@testamericainc.com; 330-966-7267
ABSTRACT
The application of incremental sampling methodology (ISM) to environmental site characterization has increased significantly since the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council released its ISM guidance in 2012. That guidance described a wide variety of sample collection and processing tools and techniques. A few others have been developed or optimized since that time.
Tools for collecting increments started with simple coring tools repurposed from the agricultural field. Tools for non-cohesive sediments and sand have been adapted. Very hard compacted soils and other hard materials such as concrete can be sampled with hammer chisels and drills.
Laboratory processing includes air drying towers with well controlled and even air flow to shorten drying time, rotary hammer disaggregation combined with sieving and disposable scoops with sides for increment collection during 2D slabcake subsampling.
These improvements facilitate applying ISM to a wide range of sites and matrices in a cost effective manner. As consultants and regulators have become more experienced with the ISM processes and using the data, the projects have grown larger and more numerous. Field crews and laboratories are becoming more productive and producing more representative data to facilitate more confident decisions.
