1 

### SOP#: 2013 DATE: 11/17/94 REV. #: 0.0 

## SURFACE WATER SAMPLING

1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION 3.0 SAM PLE PRESERVATION , This standard operating procedure (SOP) is applicable to the collection of repres entative liquid samples, both aqueous and n on-aqueous from streams, rivers, lakes, pond s, lagoons, and surface impoundments. I t includes samples collected from depth, as well a s samples collected from the surface. These are standard (i.e., typically applicable ) operating procedures w hich may be varied or changed as required, dependent upon site conditions , equi pmentlimitations or limitations imposed by th e procedure or other procedure limitations. In al l instances, the ultimate procedures employed should be documented and associated with the final report. Mention of

trade names or commercial products does not constit

ute U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorsement or recommendation for use. 

### 2.0 METHOD SUMMARY Sampling situations vary widely, therefore, n o univ ersal sampling procedure can be recommended

. However, sampli ng of both aqueous and non-aqueous liquids from the abovementioned sources is generally accomplish ed through the use of one of the following samplers or techniques: C Kemmerer bottle C Bacon bomb sampler C Dip sampler C Direct method These sampling techniques will allow for th e collection of representative samples from the majority of surface waters and impoundments encountered. 

### CONTAINERS, HANDLING , AND STORAGE Once samples have been collected, the followin g procedure should be followed: 1. Transfer the sample(s) into suitable, labeled sample containers. 2. Preserve the sample if appropriate, or us e pre-preserved sample bottl es. Do not overfill bottles if they are pre-preserved. 3. Cap t he container, place in a ziploc plasti c bag and cool to 4 C. o 4. Record all pertinent data in the site logbook and on field data sheets. 5. Complete the Chain of Custody record. 6. Atta ch custody seals to cooler prior t o shipment. 7. Decontaminate all sampling equipment prior to the collection of additional samples with that sampling device. 

### 4.0 INTERFERENCES AN D POTENTIAL PROBLEMS The re are two primary interferences or potentia l problems with surface w ater sampling. These include cross c ontamination of samples and improper sample collection.2

1. Cross contamination problems can b e eliminated or minimized through the use o f dedicatedsampling equipment. If this is not possible or practical, then d econtamination of samp ling equipment is necessary. Refer t o th e Sampling Equipment Decontaminatio n SOP. 2. Improper sample collection can involve using contaminated equipment, disturbance of th e st ream or impoundment substrate, an d sampling in an obviously disturbed area. Following proper decontamination procedures an d minim izing disturbance of the sample site wil l eliminate these problems. 

### 5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS Equi pmentneeded for collection of surface wate r sa mples may include (depending on techniqu e chosen): C Kemmerer bottles C Bacon bomb sampler C Dip sampler C Line and messengers C Sample bottles/preservatives C Ziploc bags C Ice C Coolers C Chain of Custody records, custody seals C Field data sheets C Decontamination equipment 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 Logbook/waterproof pen C Sample bottle labels 

### 6.0 REAGENTS Reagents will be utilized for preservation of samples and for decontami nation of sampling equipment. The preservatives required are specified by the analysis to be performed. 

### 7.0 PROCEDURES 7.1 Preparation 1. Determine the extent of the sampling effort, th e sampling methods to be employed, an d th e types and amounts of equipment an d supplies needed. 2. Obt ain the necessary sampling an d monitoring equipment. 3. Decontaminate or pre-clean equipment, an d ensure that it is in working order. 4. Prepare scheduling and coordinate with staff, clients, and regulatory agency, if appropriate. 5. Perform a general site survey prior to sit e entry , in accordance with the site specifi c Health and Safety Plan. 6. Use stakes, flagging, or buoys to identify and mark all sampling locations. If required the proposed locations may be adjusted based on site acces s, property boundaries, and surface obstructions. If colle cting sediment samples, this procedure may disturb the bottom. 

### 7.2 Representative Samplin g Considerations
In or der to collect a representative sample, th e hy drology and morphometrics of a stream o r impoundment should be deter mined prior to sampling. This will aid in determining the presence of phases or layers in lagoons, or impoundments, flow patterns in streams, and appropr

iate sample locations and depths. Wat erquality data should be collected i n impoundments, and to determine if stratification i s present. Measu rements of dissolved oxygen, pH, and te mperature can indicate if strata exist which woul d effe ct analytical results. Measurements should b e collected at one-meter intervals from the substrate to the surface using the appropriate instrument (i.e., a Hydrolab or equivalent).3

Wate rquality measurements such as dissolve d 3. When the Kem merer bottle is at the required oxygen, pH, temperature, conductivity, and oxidation- depth, senddown the messenger, closing the reduc tion potential can assist in the interpretation o f sampling device. analytical data and

the selection of sampling sites and depths when surface water samples are collected. 4. Retri eve the sampler and discharge from the Gene rally, the deciding factors in the selection of a potential contamination of the valve

. sampl ing device for sampling liquids in streams , Transferthe sample to the appropriat e rive rs, lakes, ponds, lagoons, and surfac e sample container. impoundments are: 1. Will the sample be collected from shore o r from a boat? 2. What is the desired depth at which you wish to collect the sample? 3. Wh at is the overall depth and flow direction of river or stream? 4. What t ype of sample will be collected (i.e. , water or lagoon liquids)? 

### 7.2.1 Sampler Composition
T h e appropriate sampling device must be of a proper sampler. composition. Selection of samplers constructed o f glass, stainless steel, PVC or PF TE (Teflon) should be 3. Transferthe sample to the appropriat e based upon the analyses to be performed. sample container by pulling up on the trigger. 

### 7.3 Sample Collection 7.3.1 Kemmerer Bottle A Ke mmerer bottle (Figure 1, Appendix A) may b e use d in most situations where site access is from a boat or structure such as a bridge or pier, and wher e samples at depth are required. Sampling procedure s are as follows: 1. Us e a properly decontaminated Kemmere r bottle

. Set the sampling device so that th e sam pling end pieces (upper and lowe r stoppers) are pulled away from the sampling tube (body), allowing the substance to b e sampled to pass through this tube. 2. Lower the pre-set sampling device to th e pr edetermined depth. Avoid botto m disturbance. bottom drain the first 10-20 mL to clear any



### 7.3.2 Bacon Bomb Sampler A bacon bomb sampler (Figure 2, Appendix A) may be used in situations similar to those outlined for the Kemme rerbottle. Sampling procedures are a s follows: 1. Lowerthe bacon bomb sampler carefully to the de sired depth, allowing the line for th e trigger to remain slack at all times. Whe n the desired depth is reached, pull the trigger line until taut. This w ill allow the sampler to fill. 2. Release the trigger line and retrieve th e



### 7.3.3 Dip Sampler A dip sampler (Figure 3, Appendix A) is useful i n situations where a sample is to be recovered from an ou tfall pipe or along a lagoon bank where direc t acces s is limited. The long handle on such a devic e allows access from a discrete location. Samplin g procedures are as follows: 1. Assemble the device in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Extend the dev ice to the sample location and col lectthe sample by dipping the sample r into the substance. 3. Retrieve th e sampler and transfer the sample to the appropriate sample container.4



### 7.3.4 Direct Method
Forstreams, rivers, lakes, and other surface waters , This section is not applicable to this SOP. the d irect method may be utilized to collect wate r sam ples from the surface directly into the sampl e bottle. This method is not to be used for samplin g lagoons or other impoundments where contact with contaminants is a concern. Using adequate protective clothing, access th e sampling station by appropriate means. For shallow st ream stations, collect the sample under the wate r surface while pointing t

he sample container upstream; the container must be upstream of the collector

. Avoid disturbing the substrate. For lakes and othe r impou ndments, collect the sample under the wate r surface avoiding surface debris and the boat wake. When us ing the direct method, do not use pre

preserved sample bottles as the c ollection method may dilu te the concentration of preservative necessary for proper sample preservation. 

### 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 U.S

. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984

. which apply to the implementation of thes e Char acterization of Hazardous Waste Sites - A procedures. However, the following general Q A Me thods Manual: Volume II. Available Samplin g procedures apply: Methods, Second Edition. EPA/600/4-84-076. 1. All d ata must be documented on field dat a sheets or within site logbooks. 2. All instrumentation must be operated i n accordance with operating instructions a s supplied by the manufacturer, unles s othe rwise specified in the work plan

. Equipmentcheckout and calibratio n act ivities must occur prior t o sampling/operation and they must b e documented. 

### 10.0 DATA VALIDATION

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 lagoons or surface impoundments containing known or suspecte d haza rdous substances, adequate precautions must b e taken to ensure the safety of sampling personnel. The sampling team member collecting the sample should not get too close to the edge of the impoundment , whe re bank failure may cause him/her to lose his/her balance. The person performing the sampling should be on a lifeline and be wearing adequate protectiv e equipment. When conducting sampling from a boat in an impoundment or flowing waters, appropriat e boating safety procedures should be followed. 

### 12.0 REFERENCES U.S. Geological Survey. 1 977. National Handbook or Re commended Methods for Water Data Acquisition. Office of Water Data Coordination Reston, Virginia. (Chapter Updates available).5 

## APPENDIX A Figures

FIGURE 1. Kemmerer Bottle6 

## APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 2. Bacon Bomb Sampler7 

## APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 3. Dip Sampler