United States Environmental Protection Agency 

Region 4 

Science and Ecosystem Support Division 

980 College Station Road 

Athens, Georgia 30605-2720 

REGION 4 AIR MONITORING 

QUALITY ASSURANCE SAMPLING PLAN 

FOR THE 

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Revision 1 

QASP Revision Date: May 19, 2010 

Requestor: SESD Project Leader: 

David Andrews, EPA Mike Bowden, Chief 

Air Sampling Group EPA SESD EIB SAS 

Unified Command 980 College Station Road 

1 South Water Street Athens, Georgia 30605 

Mobile, Alabama 36602 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 2 OF 18 

Title and Approval Sheet 

Title: REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QUALITY ASSURANCE SAMPLING PLAN 

FOR THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

Project Leader: 

 

Mike Bowden, Chief Date 

Air and Superfund Section 

Enforcement and Investigation Branch 

Approving Officials: 

 

Archie Lee, Chief Date 

Enforcement and Investigation Branch 

 

Danny France, Chief Date 

Management & Technical Services Branch 

Regional Quality Assurance Manager 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 3 OF 18 

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................4

2. QASP DISTRIBUTION LIST...............................................................................................4

3. MONITORING AND SAMPLING STRATEGIES............................................................5

3.1 PROJECT TEAM ..........................................................................................................5 

3.2 OVERVIEW OF SAMPLING ACTIVITIES................................................................6 

3.2.1 Data Quality Objectives..................................................................................6 

3.2.2 Air Sampling/Monitoring Approach...............................................................6 

3.2.3 Region 4 Air Monitoring Stations...................................................................6 

3.2.4 Air Sampling and Monitoring Program for Oil at Landfall............................7 

3.2.5 Sampling for Oil Dispersants in the Ambient Air...........................................9 

3.3 SAMPLE MANAGEMENT..........................................................................................9 

3.4 SAMPLE PRESERVATION, CONTAINERS, AND HOLD TIMES..........................9 

3.5 FIGURE OF REGION 4 AMBIENT AIR NETWORK FOR BP SPILL ...................11 

4. ANALYTICAL APPROACH .............................................................................................12

4.1 VOC ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................12 

4.1.1 EPA SESD Modified Compendium Method TO-15 .....................................12 

4.1.2 Analytical Approach for Oil Dispersants Assessment ..................................13 

4.2 SVOC ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................14 

4.2.1 ERG’s implementation of EPA Compendium Method TO-13A...................14 

4.3 PM2.5 GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS...........................................................................15 

4.4 ANALYTCAL DATA VALIDATION .......................................................................15 

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE....................................................................................................16

5.1 SAMPLE CUSTODY PROCEDURES.......................................................................16 

5.2 SAMPLING AND FIELD QC PROCEDURES..........................................................16 

6. PROJECT DOCUMENTATION .......................................................................................17

7. DATA DELIVERABLES ....................................................................................................18
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 4 OF 18 

1. INTRODUCTION 

The Deepwater Horizon, British Petroleum Oil spill source is located approximately 52 miles 

southeast of Venice, Louisiana, (28.73667 ̊ N, -88.38722 ̊ W). The source is a leaking production 

well as well as a release of diesel fuel caused by damage from the sinking of the Transocean 

Deepwater Horizon drill rig at BP Site Mississippi Canyon 252. Through coordination with the 

United States Coast Guard (USCG), British Petroleum PLC (BP), the Responsible Party, through 

their Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) contractors are planning controlled burns of the oil 

in sections while weather conditions are acceptable. 

EPA Region 4 has prepared this Quality Assurance Sampling Plan (QASP) to describe the 

ambient air monitoring technical scope of work to be completed as part of this emergency 

response. The objective of this study is to conduct ambient air monitoring and sampling to assess 

the environmental and potential human health impact of the in-situ burn process and impacts from 

the volatilization of the crude oil. In the event of future burns and depending on where the oil 

comes ashore, additional air monitoring plans will need to be generated to include affected sites. 

2. QASP DISTRIBUTION LIST

This EPA Region 4 Air Monitoring QASP will be distributed to the following people and 

organizations: 

Organization / People Address 

Unified Command Sector Mobile 

Operations Section 

Environmental Branch 

Air Sampling Group Leader 

Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center 

1 South Waters Street 

Mobile, AL 

Carol Kemker and Doug Neeley 

EPA Region 4 APTMD 

SNAFC 

12th Floor, APTMD 

61 Forsyth Street 

Atlanta, GA 30303 

Julie L. Swift, Program Manager/Chemist 

Eastern Research Group (ERG) 

ERG 

601 Keystone Park Drive, Suite 700 

Morrisville, NC 27560 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 5 OF 18 

3. MONITORING AND SAMPLING STRATEGIES

EPA Region 4 SESD will conduct monitoring at several locations using several methods to 

measure particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semivolatile organic 

compounds (SVOCs) that are expected to be present as a result of the burn and volatilization of 

the crude oil. Affected Region 4 areas where impact is possible include the states of Mississippi, 

Alabama, and Florida. 

The Gulf Coast of Region 4 presently contains a robust fixed ambient air monitoring network of 

sites which are operated and maintained by state and local operators from the respective states. 

These sites monitor for a large array of ambient pollutants including PM2.5. The state monitoring 

sites from the Louisiana border to Panama City operating filter based PM2.5 samplers will sample 

on a 1 in 3 day sampling schedule. As conditions warrant, the PM2.5 filter based sampling may be 

increased to every day sampling. 

Five of these existing sites close to Venice, Louisiana will be augmented with additional 

monitoring equipment including continuous PM2.5 samplers, VOC samplers and SVOC samplers. 

The sites that will be augmented include: Waveland, Mississippi; Gulfport, Mississippi; Fairhope, 

Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; and Panama City, Florida. A map showing these sample locations 

is provided in Section 3.5 of this QASP. In addition to the ambient monitoring, VOC grab 

samples will be conducted as requested or necessary according to meteorological patterns. 

There are two National Air Toxics Trends Sites (NATTS) stations which are located in the 

Tampa Bay area, in the vicinity of the spill, which could be requested to provide additional 

monitoring data by increasing their station’s sampling frequency. One is located in Pinellas 

County, and the other is located in Hillsborough County, monitoring on staggered a 1 in 3 day 

schedule. The NATTS stations in each city operate on a 1/6 day schedule but the dates that they 

operate are staggered 3-days apart to yield a 1/3 day sampling schedule for the Tampa Bay area. 

These two sites operate an array of air toxics monitors including VOCs, and SVOCs. The local 

air monitoring agencies have laboratory capability for analysis of these components. 

3.1 PROJECT TEAM 

The Region 4 SESD project team will be divided into multiple teams based, upon site conditions 

and operations. As the meteorological and operational situations change, sampling and 

monitoring teams and operations will adapt, based upon direction from the EPA Region 4 RICT. 

EPA Region 4 will have responsibility for sampling and monitoring of the plume in Mississippi, 

Alabama and Florida as necessary. EPA ERT members will assist EPA Region 4 with sampling 

and data collection and analysis if needed. EPA Region SESD will coordinate with the Unified 

Command through EPA OSCs located in the USCG Sector Mobile. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

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3.2 OVERVIEW OF SAMPLING ACTIVITIES 

3.2.1 Data Quality Objectives 

The objective of air monitoring and sampling will be to confirm the presence of airborne 

particulates (2.5 microns and smaller), VOCs and SVOCs in air resulting from the off shore insitu burn, and from possible air quality impacts due to the oil spill coming on-shore. The EPA 

will also be deploying samplers to assist in assessing whether oil dispersants being used on the oil 

slick are being transported through the atmosphere to populated areas on the coast. 

3.2.2 Air Sampling/Monitoring Approach 

The Region 4 ambient air monitoring and sampling will be conducted in accordance to EPA 

Region 4 Science and Ecosystem Support Division (SESD) approved procedures, EPA guidelines 

EPA-ERT guidelines and procedures, and this Air Quality Assurance Sampling Plan (QASP). 

3.2.3 Region 4 Air Monitoring Stations 

Region 4 will collect air quality data from existing ambient air monitoring sites located on the 

Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The sites are described below by location and 

monitored analytes: 

LOCATION ANALYTE

MISSISSIPPI 

Waveland PM2.5, O3, VOCs, SVOCs 

Gulfport PM2.5, O3, VOCs, SVOCs 

Pascagoula NO2, SO2, O3, PM2.5

ALABAMA 

Fairhope PM2.5, O3, VOCs, SVOCs 

Chickasaw PM10, PM2.5, O3 

Mobile, Bay Rd. PM2.5, O3

Mobile, Telegraph Rd. PM10

FLORIDA 

Pensacola, Ellyson NO2, SO2, PM2.5, O3

Pensacola, NAS O3, VOCs, SVOCs 

Panama City, Cherry St. PM2.5, VOCs, SVOCs 

Holmes Co., Tri County Apt. O3

Okaloosa Co., Lovejoy Rd. O3

Santa Rosa Co., Woodlawn O3 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 7 OF 18 

As part of the National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS), Pinellas and Hillsborough 

Counties, Florida, presently conduct monitoring for air toxics. These sites operate on a one-in-six 

day schedule, and collection frequency may be modified to support the spill response monitoring 

efforts. 

Data for the gaseous pollutants, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 

will be collected continuously at the monitoring sites specified above. 

For short-term data collection, Region 4 will rely on SESD for VOC and SVOC sampling and the 

states for PM2.5 monitoring. Sampling and monitoring support may also be supplied by the 

Emergency Response and Removal Branch (ERRB) OSCs with START contractors. EPA 

ASPECT aerial flyovers will take place during in-situ burn operations. The ASPECT sensors and 

monitors will collect particulate and combustion product data. 

3.2.4 Air Sampling and Monitoring Program for Oil at Landfall 

The air sampling and monitoring program for British Petroleum Oil Spill landfall operations will 

be modified as necessary to adjust for wind direction and landfall location. The Region 4 SESD 

air sampling network will include VOC and SVOC sampling conducted by SESD and ILS 

personnel. PM2.5 sampling will be provided by the respective state agencies. In addition to the 

SESD sampling network, ERT, START contractors and EPA NDT ASPECT may supplement 

this sampling network with real-time monitors, aerial flyovers as necessary, real-time speciated 

VOC sampling for BTEX compounds using the TAGA and collection of whole air samples using 

SUMMA® canisters and grab samples using Tedlar bags. 

3.2.4.1 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 

3.2.4.1.1 PM2.5Air Monitoring (Continuous PM2.5)

REGION 4 Air Particulate PM 2.5 Monitoring: EPA will monitor PM2.5 concentrations at the 

enhanced 5 fixed sites using continuous PM2.5 monitors operated by the Region 4 state agencies 

(Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi). The monitors used will be MetOne E-BAM PM and the 

MetOne BAM 1020 which use beta attenuation technology to measure PM concentrations on a 

continuous basis. The five areas being used by EPA for VOC and SVOC sampling are equipped 

with these continuous PM2.5 monitors. These areas are, Waveland, Mississippi, Gulfport, 

Mississippi, Fairhope, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, and Panama City, Florida. A map showing 

these sample locations is provided in Section 3.5 of this QASP. These continuous PM monitors 

will be used for monitoring the burn events. These continuous monitors have a distinct advantage 

over filter based methods in that the data can be transmitted directly to a central location via 

telephone line or satellite link. The enhanced sites are part of the regular ambient air monitoring 

network and have been approved by EPA Region 4 as meeting 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix E 

sitting criteria for ambient air monitoring. Additional real-time portable PM2.5 air monitors may 

be used to identify plumes in real-time to identify pollutant plumes. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 8 OF 18 

3.2.4.1.2 PM2.5 FRM Air Sampling (24hr filter based) 

REGION 4 Air Particulate PM 2.5 Sampling: Eight of the state operated monitoring sites on 

the Gulf Coast currently sample for PM2.5 using the filter-based method sampling for 24 hours on 

a 1 in 3 day schedule. As conditions warrant, the PM2.5 filter based sampling may be increased to 

every day sampling. 

3.2.4.2 Sampling for Organic Compounds in the Ambient Air 

REGION 4 VOC (TO-15) and SVOC (TO-13A) Composite Sampling: Volatile Organic 

Compound (VOC) 24-hour composite sampling and Semivolatile Organic Compound (SVOC) 

24-hour composite sampling will be conducted daily at the 5 enhanced sites: Waveland, 

Mississippi, Gulfport, Mississippi, Fairhope, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, and Panama City, 

Florida. A map showing these sample locations is provided in Section 3.5 of this QASP. VOC 

sample collection will start with the initial field deployment. SVOC sampling will be phased in 

later as resources become available. 

VOC samples will be collected using evacuated six-liter (L) SUMMA canisters. Once collected 

and analyzed by the laboratory the results from these samples will be used to evaluate VOC 

impacts to the ambient air as a result of the crude oil. In the beginning phase of the study, the 

VOC samples will be analyzed by the SESD laboratory using the SESD modified TO-15 method. 

The evacuated SUMMA canisters will be opened and allowed to collect ambient air over a period 

of 24 hours. After this initial 24 hours of sampling, the canister will be closed and shipped that 

evening to the analytical laboratory for analysis. This shipping time is estimated to be 1 day for 

most samples. After the sample is received at the laboratory, the expected analysis time of the 

sample is 2 days. Only cursory analytical quality control will be performed because of the need 

to have this data supplied to the decision makers as soon as possible. The time required for this 

QC is anticipated to be approximately 2 days. The overall turn around time from deploying the 

canister in the field, through shipment to the laboratory, and final analytical results being 

provided to the Unified Command is 5 to 6 days. It is expected that as the study progresses the 

continued analysis of these VOC samples will be conducted by a contract laboratory. 

To evaluate the SVOC impacts to the ambient air as a result of the crude oil, SVOC samples will 

be collected using PUF high volume samplers and PUF/XAD cartridges. The duration of the 

sample collection will be 24hrs. Samples will be submitted to ERG (Eastern Research Group) for 

analytical analyses using ERG’s modified EPA compendium method TO-13A. After this initial 

24 hours of sampling, the PUF/XAD cartridges will be packaged and shipped that evening to the 

analytical laboratory for analysis. This shipping time is estimated to be 1 day for most samples. 

After the sample is received at the laboratory, the sample will be run through an extraction. This 

extraction of the sample from the UFF/XAD sample media is expected to take 24 hours. After 

the sample is extracted, the expected analysis time of the sample is 2 to 3 days. Only cursory 

analytical quality control will be performed because of the need to have this data supplied to the 

decision makers as soon as possible. The time required for this QC is anticipated to be 

approximately 2 days. The overall turn around time from deploying the PUF/XAD cartridge 

being deployed in the field, through shipment to the laboratory, and final analytical results being 

provided to the Unified Command is 6 to 7 days. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 9 OF 18 

Because field personnel for this environmental investigation can not ship samples via UPS on 

either Saturday or Sunday, some samples will have longer than a 1 day transit time to the 

laboratory. Those samples deployed on Friday and Saturday will be shipped together with the 

Sunday samples on Monday. 

REGION 4 VOC (TO-15) Grab Sampling: VOC grab sampling will be conducted as requested 

or necessary according to meteorological patterns using evacuated 6-L SUMMA canisters or 

Tedlar bags over a period of approximately 5 minutes without the use of a flow control device. 

The VOC grab samples collected in the SUMMA canisters will be analyzed by the SESD 

laboratory using the SESD modified TO-15 method. It is expected that as the study progresses 

the continued analysis of these VOC samples will be conducted by an outside laboratory. 

3.2.5 Sampling for Oil Dispersants in the Ambient Air 

REGION 4 VOC (TO-17) Composite Sampling: The compounds designated by EPA to be 

indicators for the presence of the oil dispersants (Corexit 9500 and 9527) in the ambient air are 

propylene glycol and 2-Butoxyethanol. These VOC oil dispersant markers will be difficult to 

observe using EPAs TO-15 Compendium Method. As resources become available, EPA Region 

4 will begin employing EPA Compendium Method TO-17. TO-17 will be used to search for these 

marker compounds that may not be easily detectable via the EPA TO-15 method. The TO-17 

method utilizes sorbent tubes for collecting Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) composite 

samples. Again, as resources become available, this sorbent tube composite sampling will be 

conducted daily at the 5 enhanced sites: Waveland, Mississippi, Gulfport, Mississippi, Fairhope, 

Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, and Panama City, Florida. A map showing these sample locations 

is provided in Section 3.5 of this QASP. 

3.3 SAMPLE MANAGEMENT 

The field project leader will be responsible for ensuring that all requirements for data 

management are met. All data generated for this field investigation, whether hand-recorded or 

obtained using an electronic data logger will be recorded, stored and managed according to SESD 

procedure SESDPROC-002-R4, SESD Operating Procedure for Control of Records, and 

SESDPROC-010-R3 SESD Operating Procedures for Logbooks. 

3.4 SAMPLE PRESERVATION, CONTAINERS, AND HOLD TIMES 

Once collected, air samples for particulate matter will be stored in antistatic plastic baggies. The 

PM2.5 samples will also be stored at and shipped at 4 degrees centigrade. There are no holding 

time requirements for the sample storage for the continuous PM2.5 monitors. FRM PM2.5 samples 

stored and shipped at 4 degrees centigrade have a holding time of 30 days. FRM PM2.5 samples 

stored and shipped at ambient temperatures have a holding time of 10 days. 

VOC samples collected for TO-15 analysis have a holding time of 30 days and are not required to 

be chilled for sample preservation. VOC samples collected for TO-17 analysis also have a 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 10 OF 18 

holding time of 30 days but are required to be chilled for sample preservation. After sample 

collection, SVOC PUF/XAD cartridges should be shipped and stored chilled (<4°C) until receipt 

at the analytical laboratory, after which samples should be refrigerated at less than or equal to 4°C 

for up to 7 days prior to extraction; extracts should be analyzed within 40 days of extraction. The 

samples will be sent to the designated laboratory by a common carrier. SVOC PUF/XAD 

cartridges are not required to be chilled prior to sample collection. 

The table following summarizes these preservation and holding time requirements. Because of 

the emergency response requirements of this investigation VOC and SVOC samples collected for 

this environmental investigation will be processed faster than the allowable maximum holding 

times. It is anticipated that VOC analytical analysis will be analyzed in 24 to 48 hours of receipt 

of samples and SVOC analysis will be analyzed in no less than 4 to 5 days of receipt of samples. 

Shipping of samples is anticipated to take 24 hrs for delivery from the field to the laboratory. It 

should be noted that sample times for the VOC and SVOC samples collected over a 24hr duration 

are recorded on the chain of custody with the start time and not the sample end time. 

All analyzed samples will be disposed by the designated laboratory in accordance with the 

laboratory SOPs. 

Name Analytical 

Methods 

Container 

/ media Preservation Minimum Volume 

Maximum 

Holding Time

Ambient Temp.: 

10 days 

Particulate 

Matter 

(FRM PM2.5) 

40 CFR Part 50, 

Appendix L 

PTFE 

Filter 

Antistatic 

bags, <4°C 

16.67 L/min 

for 24 hrs 

<4°C =30 days 

Continuous 

PM2.5

40 CFR Part 50, 

Appendix L NA NA 16.67 L/min NA 

TO-15 SUMMA®

Canister None 6 Liter @ 24hr duration 30 days 

VOCs 

TO-17 Sorbent 

Tubes 

<4°C after 

sample 

collection 

No less than 

300mL 30 days 

Extraction 

7 days SVOCs TO-13A PUF/XAD 

Cartridge 

<4°C after 

sample 

collection 

300 m3

 @ 

0.225 m3

/min Analysis 

40 days 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 11 OF 18 

3.5 FIGURE OF REGION 4 AMBIENT AIR NETWORK FOR BP SPILL 

Page Intentionally Left Blank for Figure 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 12 OF 18 

4. ANALYTICAL APPROACH 

4.1 VOC ANALYSIS 

Air VOC samples collected by EPA Region 4 SESD will be analyzed by SESD Analytical 

Support Branch’s (ASB) modified TO-15 compendium method (Standard Operating Procedure 

for the Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Air Collected in Specially Prepared 

Canisters and Analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). Additional VOC analysis 

for compounds not covered via TO-15 may be contracted to an outside laboratory as resources 

become available. 

4.1.1 EPA SESD Modified Compendium Method TO-15

A sample of air is drawn through a sampling train comprised of components that regulate the rate 

and duration of sampling into a pre-evacuated passivated canister. After the sample is collected, 

the canister valve is closed, an identification tag is attached to the canister and the canister is 

returned to the laboratory for analysis. Upon receipt at the laboratory, the canister tag data is 

recorded and the canister is stored until analysis. Storage times of up to 30 days have been 

demonstrated for many of the VOCs. 

The canister is normally pressurized using 99.9997% (or highest available) minimum purity 

research grade nitrogen (RGN) gas to 30 psia, spiked with surrogate compounds and allowed to 

equilibrate for at least 2 hours. If required, the sample may be diluted at this point by transferring 

a known volume to an empty canister which is then pressurized with RGN nitrogen. 

(Compendium Method TO-15 uses zero-air as the balance gas. However, because our purchased 

standards are made up in nitrogen and connected to both the dynamic diluters, we use RGN 

nitrogen as our balance gas. Additionally, nitrogen is also used with our canister cleaning 

system.) 

Then routinely, 500 cc (though less may be used) from the sample canister is directed through 

multi-sorbent concentrator which removes excess water vapor and concentrates the sample 

components. After these steps are completed, the VOCs are thermally desorbed and re-focused 

using liquid nitrogen for introduction to the GC column. The column is temperature-programmed 

to separate the compounds which are detected by a linear quadrupole mass spectrometer 

continuously scanning a wide range of mass to charge ratios (SCAN mode). 

Mass spectra for individual peaks in the total ion chromatogram are examined with respect to the 

fragmentation pattern of ions corresponding to various VOCs and including the intensity of 

primary and secondary ions. The fragmentation pattern is compared with stored spectra taken 

under similar conditions, in order to identify the compound. For any given compound, the 

intensity of the primary fragment is compared with the system response to the primary fragment 

for known amounts of the compound. Based on a 5-point calibration curve, this method 

establishes the compound concentration that exists in the sample. The described quantitative 

method is based on Compendium Method TO-15 and meets or exceeds its criteria. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

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SESD VOC Target Analytes 

with Associated MDLs (ug/m3)

Analyte MDL Analyte MDL Analyte MDL 

Propene 0.030 Vinyl acetate 0.050 Tetrachloroethene 

(Tetrachloroethylene) 0.10 

Dichlorodifluorometh

ane (Freon 12) 0.050 Methyl Ethyl Ketone 0.040 Methyl Butyl Ketone 0.020 

1,2-

Dichlorotetrafluoroet

hane (Freon 114) 

0.10 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 0.060 Dibromochloromethane 0.10 

Chloromethane 0.030 Ethyl Acetate 0.070 1,2-Dibromoethane 

(EDB) 0.11 

Vinyl chloride 0.040 Chloroform 0.060 Chlorobenzene 0.050 

1,3-Butadiene 0.070 Tetrahydrofuran 0.050 Ethyl Benzene 0.060 

Bromomethane 0.080 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 0.080 (m- and/or p-)Xylene 0.11 

Chloroethane 0.050 Cyclohexane 0.060 o-Xylene 0.060 

Vinyl bromide 0.060 Carbon Tetrachloride 0.080 Styrene 0.050 

Trichlorofluorometha

ne (Freon 11) 0.070 1,2-Dichloroethane 0.060 Bromoform 0.12 

1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-

Trifluoroethane 

(Freon 113) 

0.11 Benzene 0.050 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.10 

1,1-Dichloroethene 

(1,1-

Dichloroethylene) 

0.050 Isooctane 0.070 4-Ethyltoluene 0.12 

Acetone 0.070 Heptane 0.060 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 0.070 

Isopropanol 0.050 Trichloroethene 

(Trichloroethylene) 0.11 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 0.070 

Carbon disulfide 0.030 1,2-Dichloropropane 0.070 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 0.070 

3-Chloropropene 0.13 1,4-Dioxane 0.050 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 0.090 

Methylene Chloride 0.040 Bromodichloromethane 0.090 Benzyl chloride 0.070 

Acrylonitrile 0.040 cis-1,3-Dichloropropene 0.060 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 0.090 

Methyl T-Butyl Ether 

(MTBE) 0.060 Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 0.040 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.070 

trans-1,2-

Dichloroethene 0.050 Toluene 0.050 Hexachlorobutadiene 0.12 

Hexane 0.060 trans-1,3-

Dichloropropene 0.070 

1,1-Dichloroethane 0.060 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 0.080 

4.1.2 Analytical Approach for Oil Dispersants Assessment

The TO-17 method utilizes sorbent tubes for collecting Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) 

composite samples. This method is an alternative to the canister-based TO-14 and TO-15 

methods. The TO-17 method involves passing ambient air through solid sorbent tubes. Sampling 

rates range from 10 to 200mL/min. The required minimum volume of ambient air to be sampled 

through the sorbent tube is 300mL. After sample collection the sorbent tubes are shipped chilled 

(<4°C) to the laboratory for analysis. The analysis method is similar to TO-15 in that a GC/MS is 

used as the analytical system. The difference in the methods is that the TO-17 method requires a 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 14 OF 18 

thermal desorption sample tube to be performed prior to analysis with the GC/MS. Holding times 

for samples sorbent tubes are up to 30 days. 

4.2 SVOC ANALYSIS 

Air SVOC samples collected by EPA Region 4 SESD are currently contracted to be analyzed by 

Eastern Research Group (ERG) by EPA’s compendium method TO-13A. 

4.2.1 ERG’s implementation of EPA Compendium Method TO-13A 

Sampling modules containing polyurethane foam (PUF), petri dishes containing filters, CoC 

forms and all associated documentation will be shipped to the ERG laboratory from the field. 

Upon receipt at the laboratory, samples will be logged into the laboratory sample tracking system 

and sent to the sample preparation laboratory. Sample preparation and analysis procedures are 

based on SW-846 Method 3540C for sample preparation and EPA Compendium Method TO13A for analysis using Selected Ion Monitoring techniques. The hold time is two weeks (14 

days) after sampling for extraction and 45 days after extraction for analysis. 

Sample extracts will be analyzed for PAHs using the analytical procedures outlined in EPA 

Compendium Method TO-13A, using Selected Ion Monitoring. Instrument operating conditions 

are shown in Table 2 of EPA Compendium Method TO-13A and the laboratory SOPs ERGMOR-0441

. The mass spectrometer will be tuned and mass-calibrated as required using 

perfluorotributylamine (FC-43), per the manufacturer’s instructions. The tune of the instrument 

is verified by injecting 50ng of DFTPP and checking the ion abundance criteria against the ion 

abundance criteria listed in Table 3 of EPA Compendium Method TO-13A. If the DFTPP mass 

spectrum does not meet method specifications, the DFTPP is re-analyzed or the mass 

spectrometer is re-tuned so that the instrument will meet the tuning criteria. The DFTPP tuning 

criteria must be met before analysis of samples can begin. The acceptability of the instrument 

tune will be verified by analysis of the DFTPP solution daily, or every 12 twelve hours if the 

instrument is operated for 24 hours a day. Analytical procedures for performance of the Selected 

Ion Monitoring analysis are presented in ERG-MOR-0491

 for analysis by EPA Compendium 

Method TO-13A. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 15 OF 18 

4.3 PM2.5 GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS 

PM2.5 samples collected by EPA Region 4 State programs will be weighed by the state’s 

laboratory or their contract laboratory in accordance with 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L and their 

existing EPA Region 4 SESD approved QAPP for conducting this analysis. 

4.4 ANALYTCAL DATA VALIDATION 

Analytical data for the VOC and SVOC analysis will be validated by SESD Quality Assurance 

Section in accordance with the SESD Analytical Support Branch (ASB) Laboratory Operations 

and Quality Assurance Manual, January 11, 2010. Data validation for PM2.5 samples collected by 

EPA Region 4 State programs will be performed by the respective state program in accordance 

with 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L and their existing EPA Region 4 SESD approved QAPP. 

SVOC Target Analytes with ERG MDLs 

MDL

Analyte ng/μL ng/m3

 

Naphthalene 0.3373 1.124 

Acenaphthylene 0.0111 0.0369 

Acenaphthene 0.0167 0.0558 

Fluorene 0.0122 0.0407 

9-Fluorenone 0.0120 0.0401 

Fluoranthene 0.0101 0.0337 

Pyrene 0.0099 0.0330 

Phenanthrene 0.0316 0.105 

Anthracene 0.0123 0.0409 

Retene 0.0302 0.1005 

Benz(a)anthracene 0.0123 0.0411 

Cyclopenta(c,d)pyrene 0.0134 0.045 

Chrysene 0.0097 0.0323 

Benzo(b)fluoranthene 0.0165 0.0550 

Benzo(k)fluoranthene 0.0112 0.0373 

Benzo(e)pyrene 0.0127 0.042 

Benzo(a)pyrene 0.0114 0.0380 

Perylene 0.0095 0.0317 

Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 0.0078 0.0258 

Dibenz(a,h)anthracene 0.0096 0.0319 

Benzo(g,h,i)perylene 0.0082 0.027 

Coronene 0.0067 0.022 

NOTE: Assumes a 300 m3 sample volume. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 16 OF 18 

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE 

Field sampling activities occurring within Region 4 will follow SESD approved SOPs. The 

designated laboratory utilized during the investigation will be responsible for QA/QC related to 

the analytical work. 

5.1 SAMPLE CUSTODY PROCEDURES 

After sample collection and identification, samples will be maintained under chain-of-custody 

(COC) procedures. Personnel required to package and ship coolers containing potentially 

hazardous material will be trained accordingly. Sample handling and custody will be performed 

in accordance with the following SESD Procedures: 

• SESD Analytical Support Branch Laboratory Operations and Quality Assurance Manual, January 

11, 2010

• SESDPROC-005-R1, SESD Operating Procedure for Sample and Evidence Management

• SESDPROC-209-R1, SESD Operating Procedure for Packing, Labelling and Shipping of 

Environmental and Waste Samples

SESD and ILS personnel will prepare and complete chain-of-custody forms using FORMS II 

LITE or SCRIBE for all samples sent for laboratory analysis. The SESD chain-of-custody 

requirements are documented in SESDPROC-005-R1. A chain-of-custody record will be 

completed each time a sample or group of samples is prepared for shipment to the laboratory. 

The record will repeat the information on each sample label and will serve as documentation of 

handling during shipment. A copy of this record will remain with the shipped samples at all 

times, and another copy will be retained by the member of the sampling team who originally 

relinquished the samples. 

5.2 SAMPLING AND FIELD QC PROCEDURES 

Samples will be collected using equipment in accordance with SESDPROC-108-R3, SESD 

Operating Procedure for Equipment Inventory and Management. The volume of the collected 

sample will be sufficient to perform the analysis requested. Samples will be collected using the 

proper types of containers and preserved in a manner for the analysis to be performed. 

Field Quality Control will be performed in accordance to SESDPROC-011-R2, SESD Operating 

Procedure for Field Sampling Quality Control and SESDPROC-303-R2, SESD Procedure for 

Ambient Air Sampling. Duplicate samples for VOCs and SVOCs will be collected at one 

monitoring site by placing an identical apparatus next to the primary. The Waveland, MS 

sampling location is the closest station in Region 4 to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident. It 

has been decided that that Waveland, MS sampling station will be the duplicate sampling location 

because it has the highest likelihood of having the greatest airborne pollutant concentrations. 

Trip blanks for VOCs and SVOCs will be shipped to the respective laboratories at 1 per 10 

environmental samples collected. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 17 OF 18 

Duplicate and trip blank samples for the PM2.5 network are being collected and handled in 

accordance with 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L and the States air monitoring program QAPPs 

(Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi). These state QAPPs for the PM2.5 sampling have been 

approved by EPA Region 4 SESD. 

Personnel responsible for sampling will change gloves between each sample collection/handling 

activity. Each sample will be assigned a unique identification number and assembled and 

catalogued prior to shipping to the designated laboratory. SUMMA canisters and SVOC 

PUF/XAD cartridges will be handled per laboratory and EPA TO Compendium methods. 

Station ID’s will conform to the format in the table below. Sample ID’s will be created by 

appending the sample date to the Station IDs. Duplicate samples will be designated with the 

letter “D” appended to the end of the parent sample’s Sample ID. Trip Blanks will begin with 

“TA” followed by the date and end with either a “E” designating it was a trip blank from the east 

sample run or “W” for the west sample run of the air monitoring network. 

LOCATION STATION ID SAMPLE ID

Waveland,MS WAMS WAMS -051410 

Gulfport, MS GPMS GPMS -051410 

Fairhope, AL FAAL FAAL -051410 

Pensacola,FL (NAS) PEFL PEFL -051410 

Panama City, FL PCFL PCFL -051410 

 

DUPLICATE WAMS WAMS -051410D 

TRIP BLK (east) #DART# TA-051410E 

TRIP BLK (west) #DART# TA-051410W 

6. PROJECT DOCUMENTATION 

Field observations will be recorded legibly and in ink and by entry into field logbooks. Chain of 

Custody records will be maintained and electronic chain of custody will be performed in FORMS 

II Lite or Scribe. 

SESD will review and validate laboratory data and prepare a draft report of the field activities and 

analytical results. Draft deliverable documents will be provided to management and the ICS 

command as soon as practicable. 

The following field documentation will be maintained as described below. The field project 

leader will be responsible for ensuring that all requirements for data management and field 

documentation are met. All data generated for this field investigation, whether hand-recorded or 

obtained using an electronic data logger will be recorded, stored and managed according to the 

SESD procedures SESDPROC-002-R4, SESD Operating Procedure for Control of Records, and 

SESDPROC-010-R3, SESD Operating Procedures for Logbooks. 

Field Logbook. The field logbook is a descriptive notebook detailing site activities and 

observations so that an accurate, factual account of field procedures may be reconstructed. 

Logbook entries will be signed by the individuals making them. 
REGION 4 AIR MONITORING QASP FOR THE 

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL 

SESD PROJECT ID: 10-0436 CATEGORY 2 QAPP 

PAGE 18 OF 18 

Chain-of-Custody Record. A chain-of-custody will be maintained from the time of sample 

collection until final deposition. Every transfer of custody will be noted and signed for and a copy 

of the record will be kept by each individual who has signed it. 

Custody Seal. Custody seals demonstrate that a sample container has not been tampered with or 

opened. The individual who has custody of the samples will sign and date the seal and affix it to 

the container in such a manner that it cannot be opened without breaking the seal. 

Photographic Documentation. If photographic documentation is produced to document site 

conditions or sample collection activities a photolog will be maintained. Each photograph will be 

recorded in the logbook with the camera’s assigned name for the digital photograph, location of 

the photographer, direction the photograph was taken, the subject of the photograph, and its 

significance (i.e., why the picture was taken). Where appropriate, the photograph location, 

direction, and subject will also be shown on a site sketch. 

7. DATA DELIVERABLES 

Analytical data from this environmental emergency response investigation will be provided to the 

Unified Command for entry into the ICS Scribe database. At the date of this QASP revision this 

data contact at the Unified Command is Randy Nattis. Adobe PDF copies of all of the analytical 

data will also be provided to the Unified Command, to the EPA Region 4 SESD management 

team (Archie Lee, Mike Bowden, and Danny France) and to Carol Kemker and Doug Neeley at 

EPA Region 4 APTMD. The electronic data from this investigation will ultimately reside and be 

archived in EPA Region 4 SESD’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) 

“Element” database and SESD’s Data Archival and ReTrieval (DART) database.