### 1 SOP#: 2016 DATE: 11/17/94 REV. #: 0.0 

## SEDIMENT SAMPLING

1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION This standard operating pr ocedure (SOP) is applicable to the collection of representative sediment samples. Analysis o f sediment may be biological, chemical, or phys ical in nature and may be used to determine th e following: C toxicity; C bi ological availability and effects o f contaminants; C benthic biota; C extent and magnitude of contamination; C contaminant mi gration pathways and source; C fate of contaminants; C grain size distribution.
Th e methodologies discussed in this SOP ar e applicable to the sampling of sed iment in both flowing and stan ding water. They are generic in nature an d may be modified in whole or pa rt to meet the handling and analytical requirements of the contaminants o f con cern, as well as the constraints presented by sit e conditions and equipment limitations. However, i f m o difications occur, they should be documented in a site or personal logbook and discussed in report s summarizing field activities and analytical results.
For t he purposes of this procedure, sediments ar e those mineral and organic materials situated beneath an aqueo us layer. The aqueous layer may be eithe r stat ic, as in lakes, ponds, and impoundments; o r flowing, as in rivers and streams.
Mention of

trade names or commercial products does notconstitute U.S. EPA endorsement o r recommendation for use. 

### 2.0 METHOD SUMMARY Sediment samples m ay be collected using a variety of methods and equipment, depending o n the depth of the aque ous layer, the portion of the sediment profil e required (surface vs. subsurface), the type of sampl e re quired (disturbed vs. undisturbed), contaminant s present, and sediment type.
Sediment is collected from beneath an aqueous layer either d irectly, using a hand held device such as a shovel, trowel, or auger; or indirectly, using a remotely act ivated device such as an Ekman or Ponar dredge. Foll owing collection, sediment is transferred from the sampling device to a sample container o f app ropriate size and construction for the analyse s requested. If composite sampling techniques ar e employed, multiple grabs are placed into a container constructed of inert material, homogenized, an d tra nsferred to sample containers appropriate for th e ana lyses requested. The homogenization procedur e should not be used if sample analysis includes volatile organics; in this case, sediment, or multiple grabs of se diment, should be transferred directly from th e sample collection dev ice or homogenization container to the sample container. 

### 3.0 SAM PLEPRESERVATION , CONTAINERS, HANDLING AN D STORAGE
1. Chemical preservation of solids is generally not recommende d. Cooling to 4 C is usually o the best approach, supplemented by th e appropriate holding time for the analyse s requested.
2. Wide mouth glass containers with Teflo n lined cap s are utilized for sediment samples. The sa mple volume is a function of th e analytical requ irements and will be specified in the Work Plan.
3. If analysi s of sediment from a discrete depth or location is des ired, sediment is transferred direc tly from the sampling device to a lab eled sample container(s) of appropriat e size and construction for the analyse s

### 2 re quested. Transfer is accomplished with a can, t herefore, greatly influence the analytical results stai nless steel or plastic lab spoon o r and sh ould be justified and specified in the Wor k equivalent. Plan.
4. If composite sampling t echniques or multiple gr abs are employed, equal portions o f sedi mentfrom each location are deposite d into a stainless steel, plastic, or othe r appropriate composition (e.g., Teflon ) co ntainers. The sediment is homogenize d thoroughly to obtain a composit e re presentative of the area sampled. Th e c o mposite sediment sample is transferred to a labeled contain er(s) of appropriate size and construction for the analyses requested

. Transfe r of sediment is accomplished with a stai nless steel or plastic lab spoon o r equ ivalent. Samples for volatile organi c analysis must be transfer red directly from the sam ple collection device or pooled fro m mu ltiple areas in the homogenizatio n contai nerprior to mixing. This is done t o min imize loss of contaminant due t o volatilization during homogenization.
5. Al l sampling devices should b e decontaminated, then wrapped in aluminum foil. The sampling device should remain in this w rapping until it is needed. Eac h sampling d evice should be used for only one sample. Disposable sampling devices fo r sediment are generally impractical due t o cos tand the large number of sedimen t sa mples which may be required. Samplin g devices should be cleaned in the field usin g th e decontamination procedure described i n th e Sampling Equipment Decontaminatio n SOP. 

### 4.0 INTERFERENCES AN D POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Substrate particle size and organic matter content are a direc t consequence of the flow characteristics of a wate rbody. Contaminants are more likely to b e Reagents are not used for preservation of sedimen t concentrated in sediments typifie d by fine particle size s amples. Decontamination solutions are specified in and a high organic matter content. This type o f the Sampling Equipment Decontamination SOP. sedi mentis most likely to be collected fro m depositional zones. In contra st, coarse sediments with lo w organic matter content do not typicall y co ncentrate pollutants and are generally found i n erosional zones. The selection of a sampling location 

### 5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS Equipment needed for collection of sediment samples may include: C Maps/plot plan C Safety equipment C Compass C Tape measure C Survey stakes, flags, or buoys and anchors C Camera and film C Stai nless steel, plastic, or other appropriat e composition bucket C 4- oz., 8-oz., and one-quart wide mouth jar s w/Teflon lined lids C Ziploc plastic bags C Logbook C Sample jar labels C Chain of Custody records, field data sheets C Cooler(s) C Ice C Decontamination supplies/equipment C Spade or shovel C Spatula C Scoop C Trowel C Bucket auger C Tube auger C Extension rods C "T" handle C Sedi mentcoring device (tube, drive head , eggshell check value, nosecone, acetate tube, extension rods, "T" handle) C Ponar dredge C Ekman dredge C Nylon rope or steel cable C Messenger device 

### 6.0 REAGENTS

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7.0 PROCEDURES 7.1 Preparation
1. D e termine the objective(s) and extent of the sampling effort. The sampl ing methods to be emp loyed, and the types and amounts o f equipment and supplies required will be a function of site cha racteristics and objectives of the study.
2. Obt ain the necessary sampling an d monitoring equipment.
3. Prepare schedul es, and coordinate with staff, client, and regulatory agencies, i f appropriate.
4. De contaminate or preclean equipment, an d ensure that it is in working order.
5. Perform a general site survey prior to sit e entr y in accordance with the site specifi c Health and Safety Plan.
6. Use stakes, flagging, or buoys to identify and mar kall sampling locations. Specific sit e factors including flow regime, basi n morphometry, sediment charac teristics, depth of overlying aqueous layer, contaminan t source, and extent and nature o f co ntamination should be considered whe n se lecting sample locations. If required, th e proposed locations may be adjusted based on site acces s, property boundaries, and surface obstructions. 

### 7.2 Sample Collection
Sele ction of a sampling device is most ofte n contingent upon: (1) the depth of water at th e Fo rthe purpose of this method, surface sediment i s sampling location, and (2) the physical characteristics cons idered to range from 0 to six inches in depth and of the sediment to be sampled. The followin g a shallow aqueous layer is considered to range from 0 procedures may be utilized: to 24 inch es in depth. Collection of surface sediment 

### 7.2.1 Sampling Surface Sediment with a Tr owel or Scoop from Beneath a Shallow Aqueous Layer
Fo rthe purpose of this method, surface sediment i s cons idered to range from 0 to six inches in depth and a shallow aqueous layer is considered to range from 0 to 12 inch es in depth. Collection of surface sediment from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can b e acc omplished with tools such as spades, shovels , trowels , and scoops. Although this method can b e used to collect both unconsolidated/consolidate d sed iment, it is limited somewhat by the depth an d movement of the aqueous layer. Deep and rapidl y flowi ng water render this method less accurate tha n others discussed below. However, representativ e samples can be collected with this procedure i n shallow sluggis h water provided care is demonstrated by the s ample team member. A stainless steel o r plastic sampling implement will suffice in mos t applic ations. Care should be exercised to avoid th e use of devices plated with chrome or other materials; plating is particularly common with garden trowels.
The following procedure will be used to collec t sediment with a scoop, shovel, or trowel:
1. Using a decontaminated samplin g implement, remove th e desired thickness and volu me of sediment from the sampling area.
2. Tran sferthe sample into an appropriat e sample or homogenizat ion container. Ensure tha tnon-dedicated containers have bee n adequately decontaminated.
3. Sur face water should be decanted from th e sample or homogenization container prior to seali ng or transfer; care should be taken t o retai n the fine sediment fraction during thi s procedure. 

### 7.2.2 Sampling Surface Sediment with a Bu cketAuger or Tube Auger fro m Beneath a Shallow Aqueous Layer

from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can b e accom plished with a system consisting of bucke t auger or tube auger, a series of extensions, and a "T" handle (Figure 1, Ap pendix A). The use of additional extensions in conjunction with a bucket auger ca n inc rease the depth of water from which sediment can be collected from 24 inches to 10 feet or more

. However, sample handling and mani pulation increases

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in di fficulty with increasing depth of water. Th e "T" h andle. The use of additional extensions ca n bucket auger or t ube auger is driven into the sediment inc rease the depth of water from which sediment can and used to extract a core. The various depth s be col lected from 24 inches to five feet or more

. represented by the core are homogenized or a However, water clarity mu st be high enough to permit subsample of the core is taken from the appropriat e the sampler to directly observe the samplin g depth. oper ation. In addition, sample handling an d
The following procedure will be used to collec t dept hof water. The bucket auger is used to bore a sediment samples with a bucket auger or tube auger: hole tothe upper range of the desired sampling depth
1. An acetate core may be inserted into th e down the borehole, and driven into the sediment to the bucket auger or tube auger prior to sampling lower range of the desired sampling depth. The tube if characteristics of the sediments o r is thenwithdrawn and the sample recovered from the waterbody warra nt. By using this technique, tub e. This method can be used to collect firml y an intact core can be extracted. consolidated sediments, but is somewhat limited b y 2. Attach the auger head to the required length initial borehole. of extensions, then attach the "T" handle t o the upper extension. The following procedure will be used to collect deep
3. Clear the area to be sampled of any surfac e auger: debris.
4. Insert the buc ket auger or tube auger into the lengths of extensions, then attach the "T " sediment at a 0 to 20 angle from vertical

. handle to the upper extension. o o Th is orientation minimizes spillage of th e sample from the sampler upon extractio n 2. Clear the area to be sampled of any surfac e from the sediment and water. debris.
5. Rotate the auger to cut a core of sediment. 3. Begin augering, periodically removing an y 6. Sl owly withdraw the auger; if using a tub e the auger bucket. Cuttings should b e auger, make sure that the slot is facin g dis posed of far enough from the samplin g upward. area to minimize cross contamination o f
7. Trans fer the sample or a specified aliquot of samp le into an appropriate sample o r 4. After reaching the upper range of the desired homoge nization container. Ensure that non- dept h, slowly and carefully remove bucke t dedicated containers have been adequatel y auger from the boring. decontaminated. 

### 7.2.3 Sa mpling Deep Sediment with a Bu cketAuger or Tube Auger fro m Beneath a Shallow Aqueous Layer
For t he purpose of this method, deep sediment i s considered to ran ge from six to greater than 18 inches in depth and a shallow aqueous layer is considered to range from 0 to 24 inches. Collection of dee p sediment from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can be accomplished with a system consisting of a bucke t auger, a tube auger, a series of extensions and a ma nipulation increases in difficulty with increasin g

and then withdrawn. The tube auger is then lowered

the depth of the aqueo us layer, and the integrity of the

sediment samples with a bucket auger and a tub e

1. Attach the bucket auger bit to the require d

accumulated sediment (i.e., cuttings) fro m

various depths.

5. Attach the tube auger bit to the require d lengths of extensions, then attach the "T " handle to the upper extension.
6. Care fully lower tube auger down borehol e using care to avoid making contact with the borehole sides and, thus , cross contaminating the sample. Gradually force tube auger into sedim entto the lower range of the desire d sampling depth. Hammering of the tub e augerto facilitate coring should be avoide d as thevibrations may cause the boring walls

### 5 to collapse. above the sediment surface.
7. Remove tu be auger from the borehole, again 4. Drop the sampler to the sediment. taking care to avoid making contact with the borehole sides and, thus , cross contaminating 5. Trig gerthe jaw release mechanism b y the sample. lowe ring a messenger down the line, or b y 8. Dis card the top of core (approximately 1 extension handle. inch); as this represe nts material collected by the tube auger before penetration to the layer 6. Raise the sampler and slowly decant any free of concern. liqui dthrough the top of the sampler. Car e 9. Transfer sample into an appropriate sampl e fraction during this procedure. or homogenization container. Ensure tha t non-dedicated containers have bee n 7. Open the dredge jaws and tran sfer the sample adequately decontaminated. int o a stainless steel, plastic or othe r 

### 7.2.4 Sam pling Surface Sediment with a n Ekman or Ponar Dredge fro m Beneath a Sh allow or Deep Aqueous Layer
Fo rthe purpose of this method, surface sediment i s con sidered to range from 0 to six inches in depth

. Collection of surface sediment can be accomplishe d with a system consisting of a remotely activate d device (dredge) and a deployment system. Thi s technique consists of lowering a sampling devic e (dred ge) to the surface of the sediment by use of a rope, cable, or extended handle. The mechanism i s acti vated, and the device entraps sediment in sprin g loaded or lever operated jaws. An Ekman dredge is a lightweight sediment sampling device with spring activate d jaws. It is used to collect moderately consolid ated, fine textured sediment. The fo llowing procedure will be used for collectin g sedi mentwith an Ekman dredge (Figure 2 , Appendix A):
1. Attach a sturdy nylon rope or stainless steel cable through the hole on the top of th e bracket, or secure t he extension handle to the bracket with machine bolts.
2. Attach springs to both sides of the jaws. Fix th e jaws so that they are in open position by placing trip cables over the release studs

. Ensure that the hinged doors on the dredg e top are free to open.
3. Low erthe sampler to a point 4 to 6 inche s depressing the but ton on the upper end of the

shoul dbe taken to retain the fine sedimen t

appropriate composition (e.g., Teflon ) con tainer. Ensure that non-dedicate d containers have been adequatel y decontaminated. If necessary, continue t o co llectadditional sediment grabs unti l sufficient mat erial has been secured to fulfill an alytical requirements. Thoroughl y ho mogenize and then transfer sediment t o sample containers appropriate for th e anal yses requested. Samples for volatil e org anic analysis must be collected directl y from the bucket before homogenization t o minimize volatilization of contaminants.
A Ponar dredge is a heavyweight sediment sampling device with weighted jaws that are lever or sprin g activa ted. It is used to collect consolidated fine t o coa rse textured sediment. The following procedur e will b e used for collecting sediment with a Pona r dredge (Figure 3, Appendix A):
1. Attach a sturdy nylon rope or steel cable t o the ring provided on top of the dredge.
2. Arrange the Ponar dredge with the jaws i n the open position, setting the trip bar so th e samp lerremains open when lifted from th e top. I f the dredge is so equipped, place th e spring loaded pin into the al igned holes in the trip bar.
3. Sl owly lower the sampler to a poin t app roximately two inches above th e sediment.
4. Drop the sampler to the sediment. Slack on

### 6 the li ne will release the trip bar or sprin g 2. Inse rtthe "egg shell" check valve into th e loade d pin; pull up sharply on the lin e lowerend of the sampling tube with th e closing the dredge. convex surface positioned inside the acetate
5. Raise the dredge to the surface and slowl y decant any free liquid through the screens on 3. Screw the nosecone onto the lower end of the top of t he dredge. Care should be taken t o sampl ing tube, securing the acetate tube and retai n the fine sediment fraction during thi s eggshell check valve. operation.
6. Open the dredge and transfer the sediment to sampling tube and add extension rods a s astainless steel, plastic or other appropriate needed. composition (e.g ., Teflon) container. Ensure tha tnon-dedicated containers have bee n 5. Place the sampler in a perpendicular position adequately decontaminated. If necessary , on the sediment to be sampled. continue to collect additional sediment until sufficient mat erial has been secured to fulfill 6. If th e "T" handle is used, place downwar d an alytical requirements. Thoroughl y pressure on the devic e until the desired depth homogenized and then transfer sediment t o is reached. After the desired depth i s sample containers appropriate for th e reached, rotate the sampler to shear off th e anal yses requested. Samples for volatil e cor e at the bottom. Slowly withdraw th e org anic analysis must be collected directl y sam plerfrom the sediment and proceed t o from the bucket before homogenization t o Step 15. minimize volatilization of contaminants. 

### 7.2.5 Sampling Subsurface Sediment with a Coring Device from Beneath a Shallow Aqueous Layer
For pu rposes of this method, subsurface sediment i s considered to range from 6 to 24 inches in depth and a shallow aqueous layer is considered to range from 0 to 24 inches in depth. Collection of subsurfac e sediment from beneath a shallow aqueous layer can be accom plished with a system consisting of a tub e sampler, acetate tube, eggsh ell check valve, nosecone, extens ions, and "T" handle, or drivehead. The use of ad ditional extensions can increase the depth of water from which sed iment can be collected from 24 inches to 10 feet or more. This sampler may be used wit h eith era drive hammer for firm sediment, or a "T " hand le for soft sediment. However, sample handling and manipulation increases in difficulty wit h increasing depth of water. The following procedure describ es the use of a sample c oring device (Figure 4, Appendix A) used to collect subsurface sediments.
1. Assemble the coring device by inserting the acetate core into the sampling tube. core.

4. Scr ew the handle onto the upper end of th e

7. If

the drive hammer is selected, insert th e taper ed handle (drive head) of the driv e hammer through the drive head.
8. Driv e the sampler into the sediment to th e desired depth.
9. Record the length of the tube that penetrated the s ample material, and the number o f blows required to obtain this depth.
10. Remove the drive hammer and fit th e keyh ole-like opening on the flat side of th e hammer onto the drive head. In this position, the hammer serves as a handle for th e sampler.
11. Rotate the sampler to shear off the core at the bottom.
12. Lowerthe sampler handle (hammer) until it just clears the two ear-like protrusions on the drive head, and rotate about 90

. o
13. Sl owly withdraw the sampler from th e sediment. If the driveh ead was used, pull the hammerupwards and dislodge the sample r from the sediment.

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14. Carefull y remove the coring device from the 2. All instrumentation must be operated i n water. accordance with operating instructions a s 15. Uns crew the nosecone and remove th e othe rwise specified in the work plan

. eggshell check valve. Equipment checkout and calibratio n 16. Sl ide the acetate core out of the sample r sa mpling/operation, and they must b e tube. Decant surface water, using care t o documented. reta in the fine sediment fraction. If hea d spac e is present in the upper end, a hacksaw may be used to shear the acetate tube off a t the sediment surface. The acetate core may then be capped at both ends. Indicate on the acetate tube the appropr iate orientation of the sediment core using a waterproof marker

. Th e sample may be used in this fashion, o r th e contents transferred to a sample o r homogenization container.
17. Ope n the acetate tube and transfer th e sed iment to a stainless steel, plastic or other appropriate composition (e.g., Teflon ) con tainer. Ensure that non-dedicate d containers have been adequatel y decontaminated. If necessary, continue t o collect additional sediment until sufficien t material has been s ecured to fulfill analytical re quirements. Thoroughly homogenize an d then transfer sediment to sample container s appropriate for the analyses requested

. Samples for volatile organ ic analysis must be collected directly from the bucket befor e homogenization to min imize volatilization of contaminants. 

### 8.0 CALCULATIONS This section is not applicable to this SOP. 

### 9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/ QUALITY CONTROL There are no specific quality as surance (QA) activities 600/4-84-076. which apply to the implementation of thes e procedures. However, the following QA procedures de Vera, E.R., B.P. Simm ons, R.D. Stephen, and D.L. apply: St orm. Samplers and Sampling Procedures fo r 1. All d ata must be documented on field dat a sheets or within site logbooks. supplied by the manufacturer, unles s

act ivities must occur prior t o



### 10.0 DATA VALIDATION This section is not applicable to this SOP. 

### 11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
When working with potentially hazardous materials , follo w U.S. EPA/OSHA and Corporate health an d safety procedures.
More specifically, when sampling sediment fro m waterbodies, physical hazards must be identified and ad equate precautions must be taken to ensure th e safet y of the sampling team. The team membe r colle cting the sample should not get too close to th e edge of th e waterbody, where bank failure may cause loss of balance. To prevent this, the perso n performing the sampling should be on a lifeline, and be w earing adequate protective equipment. I f sampling from a vess el is determined to be necessary, appropriate protective measures m ust be implemented. 

### 12.0 REFERENCES
Maso n, B.J., Preparation of Soil Sampling Protocol : Techn ique and Strategies. 1983 EPA-600/4-83-020.
Barth , D.S. and B.J. Mason, Soil Sampling Qualit y Assurance User's Guide. 1984 EPA-600/4-84-043.
U.S. EPA. Characterization of Haza rdous Waste Sites

- A Me thods Manual: Volume II. Availabl e Samp ling Methods, Second Edition. 1984 EPA

Hazardous Waste Streams . 1980 EPA-600/2-80-018.

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## APPENDIX A Figures

FIGURE 1. Sampling Auger

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## APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 2. Ekman Dredge

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## APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 3. Ponar Dredge

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## APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 4. Sample Coring Device