United States Office of Water EPA-823-R-02-004

 Environmental Protection 4305T

 Agency Washington, DC 20460

Field Sampling Plan for 

the National Study 

of Chemical Residues in 

Lake Fish Tissue

Prepared for:

Leanne Stahl, National Study Manager

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Science and Technology

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (MC 4305T)

Washington, D.C. 20460

Prepared by:

Tetra Tech, Inc.

10045 Red Run Boulevard, Suite 110

Owings Mills, MD 21117 September 2002 Revision

Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

Page ii of xxii 

CONTENTS

List of Tables .............................................................. iv

List of Figures ............................................................. iv

List of Contacts (Excluded in Internet Document) ................................... v

1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION ........................... 1

1.1 Why conduct the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue? ..... 1

1.2 What are the study objectives? ........................................ 2

1.3 Where will field sampling occur and who will be conducting the field work? ..... 3

1.4 When will field sampling occur? ....................................... 3

2.0 SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN .......................................... 3

2.1 What is a target lake? ............................................... 3

2.2 What type of samples will be collected? .................................. 4

2.3 What is a composite sample? .......................................... 4

2.4 What is a duplicate sample? ........................................... 5

2.5 What are the criteria for selecting target species? .......................... 5

2.6 Are certain species preferred as targets? ................................. 6

3.0 FIELD SAMPLING LOGISTICS AND METHODS .......................... 7

3.1 Who will participate in the field sampling efforts? .......................... 7

3.2 How will fish be collected? ........................................... 7

3.3 What equipment will be required? ...................................... 7

3.4 Where should samples be collected in target lakes? ......................... 8

4.0 SAMPLE HANDLING AND INTEGRITY .................................. 9

4.1 How should fish be handled in the field? .................................. 9

4.2 How should samples be “preserved” following collection? ................... 10

4.3 Are there any special shipping requirements? ............................. 10

4.4 What field paperwork is required? ..................................... 11

4.5 How are samples identified on the field paperwork? ........................ 11

4.6 What information is recorded on the Field Record Form? .................... 11

4.7 What information is recorded on the Sample Identification Label? ............. 12

4.8 What information is recorded on the Chain-of-Custody Form? ................ 12

4.9 What information is recorded on the Chain-of-Custody Label? ................ 12

4.10 Who should field sampling teams contact if questions arise? .................. 12

5.0 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .................................... 16

5.1 Can a lake be sampled in years other than when it was scheduled to be sampled? . . 16

5.2 Is the sampling period restricted to only late summer or fall? ................. 16

5.3 If necessary, how will lakes be re-selected for the study? .................... 16

5.4 Should lakes with no bottom-dwelling species be sampled? ................... 17

5.5 What if five fish are not available for compositing? ......................... 17
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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5.6 What if five fish are available, but they do not meet the 75% length rule? ........ 17

5.7 What if the five-fish composite does not meet the 560 g weight requirement? ..... 17

APPENDICES

A. State Lists of Randomly Selected Target Lakes (Excluded in Internet Document)

B. Standard Operating Procedure: Fish Tissue Sample Collection Procedures for

the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue

C. Shipping Container Packing Instructions

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Recommended Target Species for Inland Freshwaters (in Order of Preference). .... 6

Table 2 Equipment and Supply List for Fish Tissue Sampling ........................ 8

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Field Record Form ................................................. 13

Figure 2 Sample Identification Label .......................................... 14

Figure 3 Chain-of-Custody Form ............................................. 15
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

1.1 Why conduct the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish

Tissue?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Office of Water conducted a national

screening-level investigation in 1987 (USEPA 1992) to determine the prevalence of selected

bioaccumulative pollutants in fish and to correlate elevated fish tissue contaminant levels with

pollutant sources. Gamefish and bottom-dwelling species were collected from 388 locations

across the country thought to be influenced by various point and nonpoint sources. These fish

tissue samples were analyzed to determine levels of 60 target analytes, including dioxins and

furans, PCBs, pesticides and herbicides, mercury, and several other organic compounds. Results

of the 1987 study indicated that target analytes were present in fish tissue at many of the

sampling sites, and some of the contaminants (e.g., PCBs, dieldrin, mirex, and combined

chlordane) occurred at levels posing potential human health risks. 

The Office of Science and Technology (OST) within the Office of Water has initiated work on

the new four-year National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue (or National Fish

Tissue Study), which is designed to expand the scope of the 1987 study. In October 1998,

USEPA convened a two-day workshop of more than 50 scientists from state, federal, and tribal

agencies to obtain technical input on sampling design, target analytes, sampling methods and

data management. Input from scientists at the workshop and other technical experts that

participated in numerous study planning meetings was used to develop a final study design. The

current study is statistically designed and will provide screening-level data on a larger suite of

fish tissue contaminants from a greater number of waterbodies than were sampled in 1987.

The National Fish Tissue Study broadens the scope of the 1987 study (USEPA 1992) which

focused on chemical residues in fish tissue near point source discharges. This new study will:

• provide information on the national distribution of selected persistent,

bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemical residues in gamefish and bottomdwelling fish in lakes and reservoirs of the coterminous United States (excluding

the Great Lakes and the Great Salt Lake),

• include lakes and reservoirs selected according to a probability design,

• involve the collection of fish from those randomly selected lakes and reservoirs

over a four-year survey period (1999-2002),

• not be used to set fish consumption advisories; however, states and Native

American tribes may choose to initiate a detailed fish study in a particular lake

based on the screening contaminant concentrations provided by the National Fish

Tissue Study, and
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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CWAP Key Action #1: USEPA and NOAA will conduct a national survey of mercury

and other contaminants in fish and shellfish throughout the country, and will coordinate

the effort with states and tribes to maximize geographic coverage. The shellfish survey

will be based on the data obtained by NOAA’s ongoing Mussel Watch Project.

The PBT Initiative seeks to identify areas of concern for human and/or ecological health. 

Study of fish tissue may reveal where PBTs not previously considered a problem are

present at levels of concern.

What is the national extent of selected chemical contaminants in fish from lakes and

reservoirs of the coterminous United States (excluding the Great Lakes)?

Are contaminant levels in fish high enough to warrant further investigation?

• include the analysis of fish tissue for PBT chemicals selected from USEPA’s

multimedia candidate PBT list of 451 chemicals and from a list of 130 chemicals

from several contemporary fish and bioaccumulation studies. A final target

analyte list of 274 PBT chemicals (including breakdown products and PCB

congeners) was compiled based on input from study design workshop participants

and a review team of analytical experts convened in October 1998 and March

1999, respectively.

1.2 What are the study objectives?

The specific objective of the National Fish Tissue Study is to estimate the national distribution

of the mean levels of selected persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical residues in fish

tissue from lakes and reservoirs of the continental United States. 

In so doing, the study will provide the following types of information:

• information to meet objectives of the President’s Clean Water Action Plan

(CWAP).

• information about persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PBTs) for the

Agency’s PBT Initiative.

• data to answer important questions concerning the national occurrence of fish

tissue contamination.
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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1.3 Where will field sampling occur and who will be conducting the field work?

The USEPA Office of Science and Technology will coordinate with regional staff, state resource

agencies, and Native American tribes to collect fish tissue samples from randomly selected lakes

and reservoirs in the continental United States. With a combined network of partners and

contractors (refer to the List of Contacts on pages v to xxii), USEPA anticipates the sampling of

approximately 500 lakes across the country (Appendix A) during the four-year sampling

duration of the study (1999-2002). The fish tissue samples will be collected based on a

probability design to provide information on national distribution of the mean levels of

contaminants in fish. This random selection of lakes and reservoirs is important for fulfilling the

study design objectives.

1.4 When will field sampling occur? 

Field sampling activities began in the fall of 1999, will continue in 2000 and 2001 during the

summer and fall, and will conclude in the fall of 2002. Due to the effort required to initiate the

study (e.g., project coordination and development of study materials such as the Quality

Assurance Project Plan), fewer lakes were sampled in 1999 than will be sampled during other

sampling years. Field collection effort summaries will be prepared and distributed annually to

all study participants and contacts. The final study report is scheduled to be completed in 2003.

Field sampling will be conducted during the period when water and weather conditions are

conducive to safe and efficient field sampling, and when the target species are most frequently

harvested by anglers. For most inland freshwaters, the most desirable sampling period is from

late summer to early fall, since lipid content is usually highest and water levels are usually

lowest at that time. If possible, sampling should not occur during the spawning period of the

particular target species being sought. With these recommendations in mind, and considering

the geographic extent of the study area (i.e., range of latitudes and longitudes) the field sampling

period will begin in August and last through November (and possibly into December in warmer

regions). Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the annual sampling schedule and the

seasonal sampling period are provided in Sections 5.1 and 5.2, respectively.

2.0 SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN

2.1 What is a target lake?

This study defines a lake as a permanent body of water of at least one hectare (2.47 acres) in

surface area with a minimum of 1,000 m2 of open (unvegetated) water and a minimum depth of

one meter. The lakes in this study must also have a permanent fish population.

A critical element of the statistical survey design is the determination of the status of each lake

in the sample of 900 candidate lakes (Appendix A). This means that each lake is checked to

determine if it meets the definition of a lake for the study. Other situations can also occur that
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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In the event that predator species are

available at a target lake but bottomdwellers are not, Sampling Teams should

retain a predator composite and document

on the Field Record Form that bottomdweller species were unavailable (refer to

Section 5.4). The outcome of field

sampling efforts will ultimately depend on

the natural diversity, abundance, and

availability of fish in the target lakes.

will result in a lake not being sampled. It is essential that a complete record of this information

be reported to the USEPA National Study Manager, since this information is required to

complete the survey estimation procedures. First, the lake may be on private land and require

landowner permission to visit the lake. If a landowner refuses access to a lake selected for the

study, then this needs to be reported to the USEPA National Study Manager. Second, a lake may

occasionally be physically inaccessible. If there are logistical or safety constraints that make a

lake inaccessible, then the reason why the lake is inaccessible needs to be reported to the USEPA

National Study Manager. Third, the lakes in this study must also have a permanent fish

population. Examples of nonpermanent fish populations are lakes that are subject to annual fish

winterkill, or are recently stocked with fingerlings. Stocked lakes with adult fish are defined as

having a permanent fish population. As a contingency (i.e., if a large number of lakes are

determined to be non-targets via reconnaissance), a second sample of lakes has been selected as

a reserve. Information regarding lake re-selection is provided in Section 5.3.

For this study, the best way to develop an estimate of variability is to simply revisit a subset,

10% of the sites, and repeat the lake sampling procedure, compositing, and chemical analyses. 

Each year the National Study Manager will make arrangements with individual states to obtain

the appropriate number of duplicate samples for that year (see Section 2.4)

2.2 What type of samples will be collected? 

To meet the study objectives, the National Fish Tissue

Study will include composite sampling of fish fillets

for predator/gamefish species and whole fish for

bottom-dwelling species from each sample lake. Five

individuals per composite will be collected, all of

which will be large enough to provide sufficient tissue

for analysis of the group of target analytes. It has been

determined that at least 560 grams of edible tissue for

predators, and 560 grams of total body tissue for

bottom-dwellers will be required from the composites

to allow for analysis of all target analytes. 

2.3 What is a composite sample?

Based on the recommendations of USEPA’s Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant

Data for Use in Fish Advisories, Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis, Second Edition

(USEPA 1995), fish used in a composite sample should meet the following criteria:

• all be of the same species,

• satisfy any legal requirements of harvestable size or weight, or at least be of

consumable size if no legal harvest requirements are in effect,
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• be of similar size so that the smallest individual in a composite is no less than

75% of the total length of the largest individual,

• be collected at the same time (i.e., collected as close to the same time as possible

but no more than 1 week apart) [Note: This assumes that a sampling crew was

unable to collect all fish needed to prepare the composite sample on the same day. 

If organisms used in the same composite are collected on different days (no more

than 1 week apart), individual fish will be frozen until all the fish to be included

in the composite are available for delivery to the Sample Preparation

Laboratory.], and

• be collected in sufficient numbers (five per composite) and of adequate size (five 

adult specimens that collectively will provide greater than 560 grams of edible

tissue for predators, and 560 grams of total body tissue for bottom-dwellers) to

allow analysis of recommended target analytes.

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding numbers of fish per composite, fish length and

composite weight are provided in Sections 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7, respectively.

2.4 What is a duplicate sample?

Duplicate fish samples will be collected and analyzed from 10% of the lakes during the study to

provide an estimate of variability. States designated by the EPA National Study Manager to

collect duplicate samples can choose which lake(s) to collect duplicate samples from, and can

collect the duplicate samples at the same time as the regular composite sample. At sites selected

for duplicate sampling, this would involve collecting 10 predators and 10 bottom-dwelling fish

to form the following 5-fish composites: one predator composite, one duplicate predator

composite, one bottom-dweller composite, and one duplicate bottom-dweller composite.

2.5 What are the criteria for selecting target species?

According to USEPA’s Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use in Fish

Advisories, Volume I: Fish Sampling and Analysis, Second Edition (USEPA 1995), the primary

criteria for selecting target species is that they:

• are commonly consumed in the study area,

• may potentially accumulate high concentrations of chemicals, and

• have a wide geographic distribution.
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Secondarily, the target species should be:

• easy to identify,

• abundant,

• easy to capture, and

• large enough to provide adequate tissue for analysis (i.e., adult specimens that as

a five-fish composite will provide at least 560 grams of edible tissue for analysis).

Two distinct ecological groups of fish, bottom-dwellers and predators, will be sampled for this

study. This permits monitoring of a wide variety of habitats, feeding strategies, and

physiological factors that might result in differences in bioaccumulation of contaminants. 

2.6 Are certain species preferred as targets?

Suggested target species for this study are listed below (Table 1) in order of preference. 

Additional target species may be added on an as-needed basis. State personnel, with their

knowledge of site-specific fisheries and human consumption patterns, will aid in the

determination of the availability of target species. Every effort will be made to collect the

desired species and number of fish; however, the outcome of field sampling efforts will

ultimately depend on the natural diversity and abundance of fish in the study lakes.

Table 1. Recommended Target Species for Inland Freshwaters (in Order of Preference).

Family name Common name Scientific name

Predator/Gamefish Species(in order of preference)

Centrarchidae Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu

Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus

White crappie Pomoxis annularis

Percidae Walleye Stizostedion vitreum

Yellow perch Perca flavescens

Percichthyidae White bass Morone chrysops

Esocidae Northern pike Esox lucius

Salmonidae Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush

Brown trout Salmo trutta

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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Table 1 (continued). Recommended Target Species for Inland Freshwaters (in Order of 

Preference).

Family name Common name Scientific name

 Bottom-dwelling Species 

(in order of preference)

Cyprinidae Common carp Cyprinus carpio

Ictaluridae Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus

Brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus

Yellow bullhead Ameiurus natalis

Catostomidae White sucker Catostomus commersoni

3.0 FIELD SAMPLING LOGISTICS AND METHODS

3.1 Who will participate in the field sampling efforts?

Each Field Sampling Team is required to have the necessary knowledge and experience to

perform all field activities. This includes both knowledge and experience in the collection and

identification of fish, in the use of fisheries sampling gear specified for the study, and in the

operation of small boats. It also includes training in project-specific sample collection and

handling procedures. The field sampling crews will be primarily composed of state, tribal, and

regional fisheries biologists or contracted biologists with a strong technical background in

fisheries sampling activities (refer to the List of Contacts on pages v to xxii). Each Field

Sampling Team should consist of (at a minimum) one experienced fisheries biologist, one field

technician, and a quality control specialist, all of whom must have experience with the array of

fisheries sampling gear types to be used. In some cases the fisheries biologist may serve in dual

capacities, assuming responsibility for site quality control.

3.2 How will fish be collected?

Sampling Teams will be equipped with an array of both active and/or passive gears to ensure the

collection of the desired target numbers and species of fish. Selection of the most appropriate

gear type(s) for a particular target lake will be at the discretion of the experienced on-site

fisheries biologist. Passive collection devices (e.g., gill nets) must be checked frequently (e.g., at

least once every 24 hours) to ensure a limited time lag between fish entrapment and sample

preparation/preservation.

3.3 What equipment will be required?

A list of equipment and expendable supplies is provided below (Table 2). Sampling Teams will

be responsible for providing fisheries sampling gear and sampling vessels, and the Sample

Control Center will provide sample packaging and shipping supplies.
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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Table 2. Equipment and Supply List for Fish Tissue Sampling.

Provided by Field Sampling Teams Provided by the Sample Control Center

Sampling vessel (including boat, motor, trailer, oars, gas, and all

required safety equipment)(a)

Ice chests and ice chest packing instruction sheet

Electrofishing equipment - OPTIONAL (including variable voltage

pulsator unit, generator, electrodes, wiring cables, dip nets,

protective gloves, protective boots, and all necessary safety

equipment)(a)

Aluminum foil (solvent-rinsed and baked)

Nets - OPTIONAL (including trawls, seines, gill nets, fyke nets,

trammel nets, hoop nets, pound nets, trap nets)(a)

Heavy-duty food grade polyethylene tubing

Angling equipment - OPTIONAL (including fishing rods, reels,

line, terminal tackle, trot lines)(a)

Large plastic (composite) bags

Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices Clean nitrile gloves

Maps of target lakes and access routes Field Record Forms

Global Positioning System (GPS) unit - OPTIONAL (a) Sample Identification Labels

pH meter (including associated calibration supplies) (a) Chain-of-Custody Forms

Livewell and/or buckets Chain-of-Custody Labels

Measuring board (millimeter scale) Dry ice

Knife or scissors Adhesive (dry ice) hazmat label

Scientific collection permit Preaddressed overnight courier airbill

Black ballpoint pens and/or waterproof markers Preaddressed adhesive shipping label

Clipboard Adhesive “perishable goods” label

Packing/strapping tape Plastic cable ties

First aid kit and emergency telephone numbers Plastic bubble-wrap

(a) Selection and exact specifications at the discretion of the experienced on-site fisheries biologist.

3.4 Where should samples be collected in target lakes?

The field objective is for sampling teams to obtain a representative composite sample for both a

predator and a bottom-dwelling species (if available) from each lake or reservoir selected for the

National Fish Tissue Study. Each composite must consist of all the same species, individual fish

must be of similar size, and the composite must be able to deliver 560 grams of fish tissue (fillets

for predators, and whole bodies for bottom-dwellers) for chemical analysis. To obtain a

representative sample of the targeted species in lakes and reservoirs, field teams will obviously

have to consider factors such as available, suitable habitat, and should also consider the presence

of contaminant gradients in planning sampling locations for the target lake. Ideally, the habitats

suitable for target species would be determined for the lake, and up to three locations of that

habitat would be randomly selected for sampling in the lake (particularly in large waterbodies). 

If a contamination gradient may be present in the waterbody, then three locations across the

gradient should be selected for sampling. For example, in reservoirs, the three locations may be

in habitat near the inflow, middle, and outflow of the reservoir. The composite is intended to

estimate the mean fish tissue contaminant concentration for the lake or reservoir. Given the
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

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Fish tissue sample collection

procedures are presented in

Appendix B as sequential

steps, and include equipment,

materials and methods

required to perform field

sampling activities.

All sample processing, i.e.,

filleting and homogenization,

will occur in a controlled

environment within the

Sample Preparation

Laboratory, not in the field.

diversity of lakes and reservoirs in the study, and given the multiple species that must be used,

the study must rely on the local knowledge of the field teams in the selection of the

representative composite sample.

4.0 SAMPLE HANDLING AND INTEGRITY

4.1 How should fish be handled in the field?

As soon as fish are obtained via active collection methods, or

removed from passive collection devices, they should be identified

to species. Species identification should be conducted only by

experienced personnel knowledgeable of the taxonomy of fish in

the waterbodies included in the fish contaminant monitoring

program. Nontarget species collected by the field team should

be returned to the water. Individuals of the selected target species

should be rinsed in ambient water to remove any foreign material

from the external surface, handled using clean nitrile gloves

(provided by the Sample Control Center), and placed in clean

holding containers (livewell, buckets, etc.) to prevent contamination. Each fish of the selected

target species should be measured to determine total body length (mm). Maximum body length

should be measured, i.e., the length from the anterior-most part of the fish to the tip of the

longest caudal fin ray (when the lobes of the caudal fin are depressed dorsoventrally). When

sufficient numbers of the target species have been identified to make up a suitable composite

sample, the species name, specimen lengths, and all other site and sampling information should

be recorded on the Field Record Form (see Section 4.6).

After initial processing to determine species and size, each of the

five fish found to be suitable for the composite sample will be

individually wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil (provided by

the Sample Control Center as solvent-rinsed, oven-baked sheets). 

For specimens with sharp fins, spines may be broken (via gloved

hands or with the use of a tool covered with the aluminum foil

provided by the Sample Control Center) to prevent perforation of

the wrapping materials. The broken section of the fins should be

included with the fish sample. A Sample Identification Label (see Section 4.7) will be prepared

for each aluminum foil-wrapped specimen. Each foil-wrapped fish will be placed into a

waterproof plastic tubing that will be cut to size to fit the specimen (i.e., heavy duty food grade

polyethylene tubing provided by the Sample Control Center), and each end of the tubing will be

sealed with a plastic cable tie. The completed Sample Identification Label will be fastened to

one of the cable ties, and the entire specimen package will be “double-bagged” (i.e., placed

inside a large plastic composite bag with all the specimens of the same species from that site and

sealed with another cable tie). 
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Dry ice can be obtained by contacting

the Sample Control Center

approximately 5 days before it will be

needed in the field. Contact: Chris

Moore (703) 461-2360 or Chris

Maynard (703) 461-2395. Field

Teams interested in obtaining dry ice

from a local vendor should contact

field support contractors Blaine

Snyder or Mandy Richardson (410)

356-8993 to inquire about setting up

an account.

Shipping container packing instructions are detailed in

Appendix C. Not all Federal Express drop-off locations will

accept shipments containing dry ice. Call in advance (800-

Go-FedEx) to ensure that your drop-off location accepts dry

ice. If you cannot locate a station in your area that accepts dry

ice, simply call for a pickup (800-Go-FedEx). Federal Express

will gladly pick these shipments up for you.

Federal Express Dangerous Goods personnel have approved

shipment of packages for this study, providing that the packing

instructions in Appendix C are followed.

4.2 How should samples be “preserved” following collection?

Once packaged, samples should be immediately placed on dry ice for shipment. If samples will

be carried back to a laboratory or other facility to be frozen before shipment, wet ice can be used

to transport wrapped and bagged fish samples in the coolers to that laboratory or facility. If

possible, all of the specimens in a composite sample should be kept together in the same

shipping container (ice chest) for transport. Sampling Teams have the option, depending on site

logistics, of:

• shipping the samples packed on dry ice (in

sufficient quantities to keep samples frozen

for up to 48 hours), via priority overnight

delivery service (i.e., Federal Express), so

that they arrive at the Sample Preparation

Laboratory within less than 24 hours from

the time of sample collection, or

• freezing the samples within 24 hours of

collection (at #-20°C), and storing the frozen

samples until shipment within approximately

1 week of sample collection (frozen samples

will subsequently be packed on dry ice and

shipped to the Sample Preparation

Laboratory via priority overnight delivery service to arrive within less than 24

hours from time of shipment).

The time of sample collection, and time of their relinquishment by the sample team must be

recorded on the Chain-of-Custody Form (see Section 4.8).

4.3 Are there any special shipping requirements?

Field Sampling Teams should avoid

shipping samples for weekend delivery

to the Sample Preparation Laboratory

unless prior plans for such a delivery

have been agreed upon with the Sample

Control Center.

Field sampling teams must notify the

Sample Control Center (DynCorp) by

telephone (Chris Moore 703/461-2360

or Chris Maynard 703/461-2395) of an

incoming shipment. 
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Example sample

identification code for

a standard sample of a

predator species taken

from Texas target lake

number 0142 during

1999:

TX 99 0142 P S

4.4 What field paperwork is required?

Thorough documentation of all field sample collection and handling activities is necessary for

proper processing in the laboratory and, ultimately, for the interpretation of study results. Field

sample collection and handling will be documented in writing (for each sampling site) using the

following forms and labels:

• a Field Record Form that contains information about each individual specimen

and lake site (see Section 4.6),

• a Sample Identification Label that accompanies and identifies each fish specimen

(see Section 4.7),

• a Chain-of-Custody Form that provides constant tracking information for all

samples (see Section 4.8), and

• a Chain-of-Custody Label that seals each sample shipping container (provided by

the Sample Control Center) (see Section 4.9).

4.5 How are samples identified on the field paperwork?

A unique tracking code (i.e., composite sample identification code) will be used to identify each

composite sample. The ten-character code will include:

• state of collection (two-character abbreviation),

• year of collection (two-number abbreviation),

• lake identification number (four-digit code from Appendix

A),

• composite type (one character -- P = predator species; 

B = bottom-dwelling species), and 

• sample type (one character -- S = standard sample; 

D = duplicate sample).

4.6 What information is recorded on the Field Record Form?

Detailed documentation of the samples collected in the field (for shipment to the Sample

Preparation Laboratory) and information about the collection location will be recorded on a Field

Record Form. One form must be completed for each sample composite. One page of the fourpage carbonless copy form will be retained by the sampler, and the other copies will be included

with sample shipment to the Sample Preparation Laboratory. The latter three copies will be
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A complete list of National

Project Management and

Administration contacts,

Analytical Team Members,

Regional Fish Tissue Study

Coordinators and Sampling

Team contacts is provided on

pages v through xxii. 

placed in a waterproof plastic bag (provided by the Sample Control Center) and sealed inside the 

shipping container. All entries will be made in black ink and no erasures will be made. Each

form will have the proper entry requirements, as demonstrated in the example below (Figure 1,

page 13).

4.7 What information is recorded on the Sample Identification Label?

Each individual fish will be labeled by fastening a Sample Identification Label to the wrapped

specimen (i.e., one end of the plastic tubing) (see Section 4.1). All sample label entries, as

detailed in the example below (Figure 2, page 14), will be made with black indelible ink. The

sample label will accompany each fish throughout the chain-of-custody.

4.8 What information is recorded on the Chain-of-Custody Form?

All samples will be transferred to the Sample Preparation Laboratory under chain of custody. 

The Chain-of-Custody (COC) Form acts as a record of sample shipment and a catalog of the 

contents of each shipment (coinciding with information on the Field Record Form). The COC

forms will be produced as five-page carbonless copies with one copy retained by the sampler and

four for shipment to the Sample Preparation Laboratory. The latter four copies will be placed in

a waterproof plastic bag (provided by the Sample Control Center) and sealed inside the shipping

container. All COC entries, as demonstrated in the example below (Figure 3, page 15), will be

made in black ink.

4.9 What information is recorded on the Chain-of-Custody Label?

Immediately following the packing of each shipping container, each container (ice chest) will be

secured with packaging tape and sealed with a Chain-of-Custody Label (provided by the Sample

Control Center). The Chain-of-Custody Label must contain the signature of the sampler, and the

date and time written in ink. The seal must be affixed such that the shipping container cannot be

opened without breaking the seal (e.g., label adhered across the ice chest latch), so as to protect

and document the integrity of the contents from field to laboratory.

4.10 Who should field sampling teams contact if questions arise?

Leanne Stahl, National Study Manager, can be contacted via

telephone at EPA Headquarters (202/260-7055), or via email at

stahl.leanne@epamail.epa.gov. The Sample Control Center

(DynCorp) will be available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time),

Monday through Friday, at 703/461-2100. There will be 24-hour

access to the national field support contractor (Tetra Tech, Inc.). 

Blaine Snyder, Tetra Tech’s Work Assignment Leader, will be

available around the clock via a national toll-free number. The

toll-free pager number is 1-800-722-0812. Callers can either log

in a return number or leave a brief voice mail message. The pager

can also accept an email message (sent to 7220812@skytel.com) of up to 100 characters. 
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

Page 13 of 17

Figure 1. Field Record Form
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

Page 14 of 17

Figure 2. Sample Identification Label
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

Page 15 of 17
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

Page 16 of 17

5.0 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

National Fish Tissue Study orientation meetings were conducted in the ten USEPA Regions

during August 1999 through June 2000 for Regional, state, and tribal study coordinators and

other study participants and contacts. Orientation meeting attendees raised questions related to

the study design and field logistics not specifically addressed in the study design document or

the field sampling Quality Assurance Project Plan. The following sections provide responses to

frequently asked questions. Further explanation on these or any additional issues is available by

contacting Leanne Stahl, the USEPA National Study Manager (refer to List of Contacts, page v).

5.1 Can a lake be sampled in years other than when it was scheduled to be

sampled?

Some flexibility may be possible regarding the sampling of lakes in years other than when they

were scheduled to be sampled for the National Fish Tissue Study, particularly in cases where

states will be visiting a lake (or lakes) in a different year to collect fish for their own monitoring

programs. In some cases, states are on a four- or five-year fish monitoring cycle to sample their

lakes, and they may not have sufficient resources to commit to collecting fish for the National

Fish Tissue Study at one or more of these lakes in another year. However, since funding for this

study is allocated only for fish sampling and analysis scheduled each year, changes to the

schedule that result in additional lakes being sampled in a particular year could impact the

capacity to analyze fish tissue for that year. States and other participants should contact the

USEPA National Study Manager to discuss all proposed deviations from the sampling schedule

to confirm that capacity for analyzing fish tissue will not be a problem.

5.2 Is the sampling period restricted to only late summer or fall?

Ideally, it would be better to collect all fish for the National Fish Tissue Study during a single or

similar index period in an effort to avoid notable differences in spawning condition and active

growth phases, which can influence tissue chemical concentrations. Sampling outside the

August through November (and possibly December in warmer regions) period defined for the

study will introduce more variability in the results. However, there may be cases where states

and other study participants can only commit resources to collect fish at other times of the year,

or where the late summer through fall period is not a sufficient window of time to collect fish

from all lakes scheduled to be sampled. Given these constraints, states and other participants

that require flexibility in the sampling period should contact the USEPA National Study

Manager to discuss alternate sampling schedules. The goal remains to collect as many fish as

possible during the sampling period defined for the study.

5.3 If necessary, how will lakes be re-selected for the study?

USEPA needs reconnaissance information from states and other participants for all sites on the

original list of 900 lakes to determine if re-selecting lakes is necessary. Re-selection (or adding

reserve lakes to replace those that do not meet the target lake definition or are not accessible)
Field Sampling Plan for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue Date: September 2002

Page 17 of 17

will only be necessary if a large percentage of lakes are rejected within a particular size category

of the original target population of 900 lakes. Lakes will be re-selected randomly on a national

basis, so a lake eliminated from the original lake list in one state may be replaced by a lake of

similar size in another state. A reserve list of 900 lakes is available for this process. New lakes

will be added to the study lake list in increments of 20-25 lakes.

5.4 Should lakes with no bottom-dwelling species be sampled?

Lakes with predators, but no bottom-dwelling species, should be sampled. For these lakes, field

sampling teams should collect the five-fish predator composite, complete a Field Record Form

for the composite, and note on the Field Record Form that no bottom-dwelling species were

available from the lake.

5.5 What if five fish are not available for compositing?

Field sampling teams should make every effort to consistently obtain five fish per composite,

since strict adherence to the National Fish Tissue Study field sampling protocol is essential to

support proper implementation of the study design. However, there may be cases where a

sampling team has expended its full effort and was unable to obtain the full complement of five

fish needed for a composite. In these cases, the field sampling team should document the

deficiency in the number of fish on the Field Record Form and ship the available fish to the

Sample Preparation Laboratory.

5.6 What if five fish are available, but they do not meet the 75% length rule?

Due to the existence of size dependent correlations with body burdens for many target analytes,

the 75% length rule (refer to Section 2.3) should be strictly adhered to in submitting fish for the

National Fish Tissue Study. If a sampling team cannot find five fish for a composite that meet

the 75% length rule, the team should retain only the fish that meet this rule, document the

deficiency in the number of fish for that composite on the Field Record Form, and ship the fish

to the Sample Preparation Laboratory.

5.7 What if the five-fish composite does not meet the 560 g weight

requirement?

Adult specimens of most of the target species listed for the National Fish Tissue Study should

produce at least 560 g of tissue from five fish of harvestable or consumable size. This translates

to about 20 oz. of fish tissue, which would be about 4 oz. (1/4 lb.) per fish for bottom dwellers or

about 2 oz. per fillet (2 fillets per fish) for predators. For the few exceptions where a field

sampling team cannot collect fish of at least this size, the team should add another fish (or two)

to the composite to provide adequate tissue to meet the 560 g requirement for analysis. Field

sampling teams should enter the required field data for each fish and note the need for additional

fish on the Field Record Form .
APPENDIX A

STATE LISTS OF RANDOMLY SELECTED TARGET

LAKES

Appendix B

Standard Operating Procedure: 

Fish Tissue Sample Collection Procedures for a

National Study of Chemical Residues in 

Lake Fish Tissue

SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

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Date: 22 May 2000

Page 1 of 9

 Standard Operating Procedure

444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444

Fish Tissue Sample Collection Procedures for a National Study of

Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue

444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444

Scope and Applicability: This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) must be followed by all Field

Sample Collection Teams involved with the USEPA Office of Water’s National Study of Chemical

Residues in Lake Fish Tissue. Adherence to the SOP will ensure that field sampling activities will be

performed the same way every time, i.e., are standardized, for all sampling participants.

Fish tissue sample collection procedures are presented below as sequential steps, and include specific

equipment, materials, and methods required to perform field sampling activities only.

Responsibility and Personnel Qualifications: This procedure may be used by any Field Sampling

Teams that have been authorized by the USEPA Project Manager or the USEPA Regional/State/ Tribal

Fish Sampling Coordinators to collect fish for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish

Tissue.

References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1995. Guidance for Assessing

Chemical Contaminant Data for Use in Fish Advisories. Volume 1: Fish Sampling and

Analysis. Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water,

Washington, D.C. EPA 823-R-95-007.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1997. Quality Assurance Project

Plan for the Cook Inlet Contaminant Study Sampling. U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1997. Sampling Plan for Conducting

Field Sampling and Chemical Analysis for the Cook Inlet Contaminant Study. U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology,

Washington, D.C.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1999a. EPA Requirements for

Quality Assurance Project Plans. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Quality

Assurance Division, Washington, D.C. Interim Final. EPA QA/R-5.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1999b. National Study of Chemical

Residues in Lake Fish Tissue: Study Design. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, Washington, D.C.
SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

Final

Date: 22 May 2000

Page 2 of 9

Precautions: Follow usual safety precautions for working in the field. Boats and/or electrofishing

equipment should only be operated by qualified, experienced operators trained in their proper use. Each

vessel must be equipped with the appropriate Coast Guard-required safety equipment (including personal

floatation devices for each field team member). If electrofishing equipment is used for sample collection,

each team member must be insulated from the water, boat, and electrodes via rubber boots and gloves.

Equipment/Materials:

Sampling vessel (including boat, motor, trailer, oars, gas, and all required safety equipment)(a)

Electrofishing equipment - OPTIONAL (including variable voltage pulsator unit, generator, electrodes,

wiring cables, dip nets, protective gloves, protective boots, and all necessary safety equipment)(a)

Nets - OPTIONAL (including trawls, seines, gill nets, fyke nets, trammel nets, hoop nets, pound nets,

trap nets)(a)

Angling equipment - OPTIONAL (including fishing rods, reels, line, terminal tackle, trot lines)(a)

Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices

Maps of target lakes and access routes

Global Positioning System (GPS) unit - OPTIONAL (a)

pH meter (including associated calibration supplies) (a)

Livewell and/or buckets

Measuring board (millimeter scale)

Ice chests(b)

Aluminum foil (solvent-rinsed and baked)(b)

Heavy-duty food grade polyethylene tubing(b)

Large plastic (composite) bags(b)

Knife or scissors

Clean nitrile gloves(b)

Field Record Forms(b)

Sample Identification Labels(b)

Chain-of-Custody Forms(b)

Chain-of-Custody Labels(b)

Scientific collection permit

Dry Ice(b)

Black ballpoint pens and/or waterproof markers

Clipboard

Packing/strapping tape
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Overnight courier airbills(b)

Plastic cable ties(b)

Plastic bubble-wrap(b)

First aid kit and emergency telephone numbers

(a)

 Selection and exact specifications at the discretion of the experienced on-site fisheries biologist.

(b)

 Provided by the sample control center.

Procedures:

1. Identify the target lake to be sampled using the USEPA Office of Water’s Target Lake List. 

Locate the target lake via the coordinates provided in the Target Lake List and USGS

topographic maps (or equivalent maps).

2. Based on site reconnaissance, determine whether the target lake meets the definition of a suitable

lake for sampling for the purposes of this study, i.e., each lake must:

• be a permanent body of water of at least one hectare in surface area,

• have a minimum of 1,000 m2 of open (unvegetated) water,

• be greater than 1 meter deep, and

• have a permanent fish population (e.g., no annual winterkill, not recently stocked with

young fish).

If the target lake meets all of the above criteria, and if in the case of private property, the

landowner allows access/permission to sample the lake, proceed with Step 3. If the lake does not

meet the definition of a lake and/or if a private landowner denies access, record the problem and

contact the USEPA Project Manager and/or the Tetra Tech Task Leader.

3. Assemble an array of both active and passive gear types, to ensure the collection of the desired

target numbers and species of fish. Selection of the most appropriate gear type(s) for a particular

target lake will be at the discretion of the experienced on-site fisheries biologist. Detailed

procedures for use or deployment of all possible gear types are not included here. However, if

passive collection devices (e.g., gill nets) are used, they must be checked frequently (e.g., several

times daily if possible, but at least every 24 hours) to ensure a limited time lag between fish

entrapment and sample preparation. Sampling Teams must be qualified, experienced, and/or

trained on the safe and effective use of each gear type selected.

4. Sampling gear will be selected and deployed to obtain samples of both predator species and

bottom-dwelling species. Suggested target species, listed in order of preference, are as follows:
SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

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Date: 22 May 2000

Page 4 of 9

Family name Common name Scientific name

Predator/Gamefish Species(in order of preference)

Centrarchidae Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu

Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus

White crappie Pomoxis annularis

Percidae Walleye Stizostedion vitreum

Yellow perch Perca flavescens

Percichthyidae White bass Morone chrysops

Esocidae Northern pike Esox lucius

Salmonidae Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush

Brown trout Salmo trutta

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis

 Bottom-dwelling Species 

(in order of preference)

Cyprinidae Common carp Cyprinus carpio

Ictaluridae Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus

Brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus

Yellow bullhead Ameiurus natalis

Catostomidae White sucker Catostomus commersoni

5. As soon as fish have been obtained via active collection methods (or removed from passive

collection devices) they must be identified to species. Clean nitrile gloves must be worn during

the sample handling process. Potential target species/individuals will be rinsed in ambient water

to remove any foreign material from the external surface and placed in clean holding containers

(e.g., livewells, buckets). Nontarget fishes or small specimens are returned to the lake.

6. One predator and one bottom-dwelling species composite will be retained from each target lake. 

Each composite must consist of five fish of adequate size (i.e., adult specimens that collectively

will provide greater than 560 grams of edible tissue for predators and 560 grams of total body

tissue for bottom dwellers) for analysis. Select fish for each composite based on the following

criteria:

C all are of the same species,

• all satisfy legal requirements of harvestable size (or weight), or at least be of consumable

size if no legal harvest requirements are in effect,

• all are of similar size, so that the smallest individual in a composite is no less than 75% of

the total length of the largest individual, and
SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

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Date: 22 May 2000

Page 5 of 9

• all are collected at the same time, i.e., collected as close to the same time as possible, but

no more than one week apart (Note: Individual fish may have to be frozen until all fish to

be included in the composite are available for delivery to the sample preparation

laboratory).

Accurate taxonomic identification is essential in assuring and defining the organisms that have

been composited and submitted for analysis. Under no circumstances should individuals from

different species be used in a single composite sample.

7. Following selection of five fish for each of the two composites that meet the above-listed criteria

for compositing, measure each to determine total body length. Measure total length of each

specimen in millimeters, from the anterior-most part of the fish to the tip of the longest caudal

finray (when the lobes of the caudal fin are depressed dorsoventrally).

8. Record species retained, specimen length, location collected and sampling date and time on the

Field Record Form (Figure 1) in black ink. Complete site location description portions of the form,

and draw a simple sketch of the sampling area in the space provided. One Field Record Form

will be completed for each composite collected from the target lake.

9. Assign the unique ten-character composite sample ID number to each composite as directed on

the Field Record Form (Figure 1):

• state of collection (two-character abbreviation),

• year of collection (two-number abbreviation),

• lake identification number (four-digit code from Appendix A), 

• composite type (one character -- P = predator species; B = bottom-dwelling species), and

• sample type (one character -- S = standard sample; D = duplicate sample).

10. Sign and date the Field Record Form.

11. Remove each fish retained for analysis from the clean holding container(s) (e.g., livewell) using

clean nitrile gloves. Dispatch each fish using a clean wooden bat (or equivalent wooden device).

12. Wrap each fish in extra heavy-duty aluminum foil (provided by the sample control center as

solvent-rinsed, oven-baked sheets).

13. Prepare a Sample Identification Label (Figure 2) (in black ink) for each sample, ensuring that the

label information matches the information recorded on the Field Record Form.

14. Cut a length of food grade tubing (provided by sample control center) that is long enough to
SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

Final

Date: 22 May 2000

Page 6 of 9

 contain each individual fish and to allow extra length on each end to secure with cable ties. 

Place each foil-wrapped specimen into the appropriate length of tubing. Seal each end of the

tubing with a plastic cable tie, and attach the appropriate Sample Identification Label.

15. Double-bag each entire specimen package, that is, place inside a large plastic bag with all 

specimens of the same species from that site and seal with another cable tie.

16. As soon as each sample is packaged, place it immediately on dry ice for shipment. If samples

will be carried back to a laboratory or other facility to be frozen before shipment, wet ice can be

used to transport wrapped and bagged fish samples in the coolers to a laboratory or other interim

facility. 

17. If possible, keep all (five) specimens designated for a particular composite in the same shipping

container (ice chest) for transport. 

18. Samples may be stored on dry ice for a maximum of 24 hours. Sampling teams have the option,

depending on site logistics, of:

C shipping the samples packed on dry ice in sufficient quantities to keep samples frozen for

up to 48 hours, via priority overnight delivery service (e.g., Federal Express), so that they

arrive at the sample preparation laboratory within less than 24 hours from the time of

sample collection, or

C freezing the samples within 24 hours of collection at #-20°C, and storing the frozen

samples until shipment within 1 week of sample collection (frozen samples will

subsequently be packed on dry ice and shipped to the sample preparation laboratory via

priority overnight delivery service).

19. Complete a Chain-of-Custody Form (Figure 3). All entries must be in black ink and coincide with

specimen/sample information on the Sample Identification Labels and Field Record Forms. 

20. Retain one copy of the Chain-of-Custody Form and Field Record Form, place and seal all other

copies in a waterproof bag, and enclose the sealed forms in the shipping container (ice chest). 

21. Pack each shipping container (completely) with dry ice, secure each container with packaging

tape, and seal it (e.g., across the latch of the ice chest) with a Chain-of-Custody Label (provided

by the sample control center). Include the signature of the sampler and the date/time sealed (in

black ink) on each Chain-of-Custody Label.

22. Ship each container to the laboratory via priority overnight express delivery service, as directed by

the USEPA Project Manager or Tetra Tech Task Leader. Monitor sample holding time, and

factor time required for shipment/delivery to ensure that the preservation and holding criteria

described in Step 18 have been met.
SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

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Field Record for National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue

Composite Sample ID:

(State) (Year) (Lake ID Number) (Composite type

P=predator or

B=bottom-dweller)

Sampling Date :

Collection Method(s):

Collector Name (print and sign):

Affiliation: Phone:

Address:

Site Location

Site Name:

Site Description:

County:

Latitude: Longitude:

Circle one: natural lake, modified natural lake, human-made reservoir, other

Estimated maximum lake depth meters

Sample Description

Fish Species: Total Number of Individuals:

Specimen

#

Length

(mm)* Location Date/Time Notes

01

Additional Comments:

*minimum individual size should be no less than 75% maximum individual size

02

03

04

05

Sampling Site Diagram

FORM DISTRIBUTION: White -- Tetra Tech Task Leader Yellow & Pink -- Sample Prep Lab Gold -- Sampler

pH surface mid (optional) bottom (optional)

(Sample type

S=standard or

D=duplicate)

EPA Sample Number (to be assigned by Prep Lab):

Figure 1. Field record for fish samples
SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

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Date: 22 May 2000

Page 8 of 9

Project Name Date

Site Identification Time

Specimen #

Composite Sample ID #

Preservative

Collected by

Figure 2. Sample identification label(a).

(a) See Appendix D for key to complete Sample Identification Label.
SOP Fish Tissue Sample Collection

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Date: 22 May 2000

Page 9 of 9

Sampled by:(signature)

Date/Time:

Received by:(signature)

Date/Time: Received by:

(signature)

Date/Time:

Relinquished by:(signature)

Date/Time: Received by:

(signature)

Date/Time:

Received by:(signature)

Date/Time:

Collection 

Method Log Number

Type of Analyses Requested

Date Time Sample Identification/Station

Page of Sample Location:

Project Number: Project Name:

Project Manager or Client Contact:Address/Phone:

Tetra Tech, Inc. | Biological Research Facility CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY RECORD

Preservative (Y/N)

Number of Containers Contact Name/Phone:

Shaded area for Tt use only:

Sample check-in:DO _____ T _____ pH _____ Cond/Salinity _____ Chlorine _____ Appearance _____ __________________ __________________ FORM DISTRIBUTION: White - Tt BRF Yellow - Report Pink - Sampler

reproduced electronically

Figure 3. Chain-of-Custody Form.

APPENDIX C

SHIPPING CONTAINER PACKING INSTRUCTIONS