When soil and groundwater samples are collected as part of an environmental investigation, it is crucial that the scientist completing the sampling and coordinating the laboratory analysis follow industry standard operating procedures and good housekeeping practices. It is imperative to use the proper protocol to minimize the potential for sample corruption and cross contamination. Point to Point Environmental scientists are highly trained and follow industry best management practices when completing all field investigations including soil and groundwater sampling. Some basic tenants followed by Point to Point Environmental staff when doing any sample collection are:
• Always use clean laboratory prepared and preserved jars and bottles.
• Always use a clean pair of disposable latex or nitrile gloves between tasks and samples.
Soil samples can be screened in the field using hand held analyzers to identify the optimal soil samples to be selected for laboratory analysis. The laboratory analyses are selected based on the known substances released, and to satisfy regulatory requirements. Additionally, Point to Point Environmental has experience isolating areas of suspected contamination by in-situ qualitative analyses utilizing membrane interface probe (MIP) and light induced fluoresce (LIF) technologies so that the most representative soil samples are collected.
When contaminants are suspected to have impacted the groundwater, groundwater samples are collected for laboratory analysis using disposable, Teflon, or stainless steel bailers, down-hole pumps, or via disposable tubing and peristaltic pumping. Some basic tenants followed by Point to Point Environmental staff when conducting groundwater sampling activities are:
• Always use individually wrapped disposable bailers.
• Always use new string between wells.
• NEVER placed a used bailer, string, gloves, etc. into a new well.
• Follow proper decontamination procedures before and after sampling using stainless steel bailers or downhole pumps.
• Always use new disposable tubing with peristaltic pumps.
All soil and groundwater samples are transported from the field to the laboratory under chain-of-custody (COC) seal. Point to Point Environmental ensures that all COC forms are accurately and clearly completed so that the laboratory performs the correct analysis and the sample names are reported correctly. When practical, the samples collected are transported directly to the analytical laboratory, or arrangements are made to schedule timely sample pick up by a laboratory courier. Timely collection and delivery to the analytical laboratory ensures that all samples meet the laboratory hold times.
When conducting an environmental investigation for suspected soil and groundwater contamination, an experienced P2P Environmental scientist will categorize the potential contaminants of concern and design a site specific sampling strategy to collect the necessary soil and groundwater samples and to analyze the samples for only the identified contaminants of concern.
When laboratory analytical reports are received, Point to Point Environmental will compare the analytical results to the applicable standards and a report is prepared summarizing the findings and recommendations for additional corrective action activities and/or remedial solutions as needed.
Point to Point Environmental partners with only the most reputable analytical laboratories, and ensures that all analytical laboratories offer the highest quality, NELAC accredited environmental testing services. If you require soil or groundwater sampling activities, please contact Point to Point at 678-565-4435.