1

SOP#: 2013

DATE: 11/17/94

REV. #: 0.0 SURFACE WATER SAMPLING

1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION 3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION,

This standard operating procedure (SOP) is applicable

to the collection of representative liquid samples, both

aqueous and non-aqueous from streams, rivers, lakes,

ponds, lagoons, and surface impoundments. It

includes samples collected from depth, as well as

samples collected from the surface.

These are standard (i.e., typically applicable)

operating procedures which may be varied or changed

as required, dependent upon site conditions,

equipment limitations or limitations imposed by the

procedure or other procedure limitations. In all

instances, the ultimate procedures employed should be

documented and associated with the final report.

Mention of trade names or commercial products does

not constitute U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) endorsement or recommendation for use.

2.0 METHOD SUMMARY

Sampling situations vary widely, therefore, no

universal sampling procedure can be recommended.

However, sampling of both aqueous and non-aqueous

liquids from the above mentioned sources is generally

accomplished 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 the

collection of representative samples from the majority

of surface waters and impoundments encountered.

CONTAINERS, HANDLING,

AND STORAGE

Once samples have been collected, the following

procedure should be followed:

1. Transfer the sample(s) into suitable, labeled

sample containers.

2. Preserve the sample if appropriate, or use

pre-preserved sample bottles. Do not overfill

bottles if they are pre-preserved.

3. Cap the container, place in a ziploc plastic

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. Attach custody seals to cooler prior to

shipment.

7. Decontaminate all sampling equipment prior

to the collection of additional samples with

that sampling device.

4.0 INTERFERENCES AND

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

There are two primary interferences or potential

problems with surface water sampling. These include

cross contamination of samples and improper sample

collection.
2

1. Cross contamination problems can be

eliminated or minimized through the use of

dedicated sampling equipment. If this is not

possible or practical, then decontamination of

sampling equipment is necessary. Refer to

the Sampling Equipment Decontamination

SOP.

2. Improper sample collection can involve using

contaminated equipment, disturbance of the

stream or impoundment substrate, and

sampling in an obviously disturbed area.

Following proper decontamination procedures and

minimizing disturbance of the sample site will

eliminate these problems.

5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS

Equipment needed for collection of surface water

samples may include (depending on technique

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 decontamination 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,

the sampling methods to be employed, and

the types and amounts of equipment and

supplies needed.

2. Obtain the necessary sampling and

monitoring equipment.

3. Decontaminate or pre-clean equipment, and

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 site

entry, in accordance with the site specific

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 access, property boundaries, and surface

obstructions. If collecting sediment samples,

this procedure may disturb the bottom.

7.2 Representative Sampling

Considerations

In order to collect a representative sample, the

hydrology and morphometrics of a stream or

impoundment should be determined prior to sampling.

This will aid in determining the presence of phases or

layers in lagoons, or impoundments, flow patterns in

streams, and appropriate sample locations and depths.

Water quality data should be collected in

impoundments, and to determine if stratification is

present. Measurements of dissolved oxygen, pH, and

temperature can indicate if strata exist which would

effect analytical results. Measurements should be

collected at one-meter intervals from the substrate to

the surface using the appropriate instrument (i.e., a

Hydrolab or equivalent).
3

Water quality measurements such as dissolved 3. When the Kemmerer bottle is at the required

oxygen, pH, temperature, conductivity, and oxidation- depth, send down the messenger, closing the

reduction potential can assist in the interpretation of sampling device.

analytical data and the selection of sampling sites and

depths when surface water samples are collected. 4. Retrieve the sampler and discharge from the

Generally, the deciding factors in the selection of a potential contamination of the valve.

sampling device for sampling liquids in streams, Transfer the sample to the appropriate

rivers, lakes, ponds, lagoons, and surface sample container.

impoundments are:

1. Will the sample be collected from shore or

from a boat?

2. What is the desired depth at which you wish

to collect the sample?

3. What is the overall depth and flow direction

of river or stream?

4. What type of sample will be collected (i.e.,

water or lagoon liquids)?

7.2.1 Sampler Composition

The appropriate sampling device must be of a proper sampler.

composition. Selection of samplers constructed of

glass, stainless steel, PVC or PFTE (Teflon) should be 3. Transfer the sample to the appropriate

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 Kemmerer bottle (Figure 1, Appendix A) may be

used in most situations where site access is from a

boat or structure such as a bridge or pier, and where

samples at depth are required. Sampling procedures

are as follows:

1. Use a properly decontaminated Kemmerer

bottle. Set the sampling device so that the

sampling end pieces (upper and lower

stoppers) are pulled away from the sampling

tube (body), allowing the substance to be

sampled to pass through this tube.

2. Lower the pre-set sampling device to the

predetermined depth. Avoid bottom

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

Kemmerer bottle. Sampling procedures are as

follows:

1. Lower the bacon bomb sampler carefully to

the desired depth, allowing the line for the

trigger to remain slack at all times. When

the desired depth is reached, pull the trigger

line until taut. This will allow the sampler to

fill.

2. Release the trigger line and retrieve the

7.3.3 Dip Sampler

A dip sampler (Figure 3, Appendix A) is useful in

situations where a sample is to be recovered from an

outfall pipe or along a lagoon bank where direct

access is limited. The long handle on such a device

allows access from a discrete location. Sampling

procedures are as follows:

1. Assemble the device in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions.

2. Extend the device to the sample location and

collect the sample by dipping the sampler

into the substance.

3. Retrieve the sampler and transfer the sample

to the appropriate sample container.
4

7.3.4 Direct Method

For streams, rivers, lakes, and other surface waters, This section is not applicable to this SOP.

the direct method may be utilized to collect water

samples from the surface directly into the sample

bottle. This method is not to be used for sampling

lagoons or other impoundments where contact with

contaminants is a concern.

Using adequate protective clothing, access the

sampling station by appropriate means. For shallow

stream stations, collect the sample under the water

surface while pointing the sample container upstream;

the container must be upstream of the collector.

Avoid disturbing the substrate. For lakes and other

impoundments, collect the sample under the water

surface avoiding surface debris and the boat wake.

When using the direct method, do not use prepreserved sample bottles as the collection method may

dilute 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 assurance (QA) activities U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984.

which apply to the implementation of these Characterization of Hazardous Waste Sites - A

procedures. However, the following general QA Methods Manual: Volume II. Available Sampling

procedures apply: Methods, Second Edition. EPA/600/4-84-076.

1. All data must be documented on field data

sheets or within site logbooks.

2. All instrumentation must be operated in

accordance with operating instructions as

supplied by the manufacturer, unless

otherwise specified in the work plan.

Equipment checkout and calibration

activities must occur prior to

sampling/operation and they must be

documented.

10.0 DATA VALIDATION

11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY

When working with potentially hazardous materials,

follow U.S. EPA, OSHA and corporate health and

safety procedures.

More specifically, when sampling lagoons or surface

impoundments containing known or suspected

hazardous substances, adequate precautions must be

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,

where 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 protective

equipment. When conducting sampling from a boat in

an impoundment or flowing waters, appropriate

boating safety procedures should be followed.

12.0 REFERENCES

U.S. Geological Survey. 1977. National Handbook or

Recommended Methods for Water Data Acquisition.

Office of Water Data Coordination Reston, Virginia.

(Chapter Updates available).
5

APPENDIX A

Figures

FIGURE 1. Kemmerer Bottle
6

APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 2. Bacon Bomb Sampler
7

APPENDIX A (Cont’d)

Figures

FIGURE 3. Dip Sampler