Code of Maine Rules › 06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › 096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL › Chapter 691 - RULE FOR UNDERGROUND OIL STORAGE FACILITIES › Appendix 096-691-H - Procedures for Weekly Monitoring, Handling, and Obtaining Samples for Laboratory Analysis

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
These procedures are specifically for manual sampling of
				  ground water monitoring wells used as leak detection to meet the requirements
				  of section
				  6(C)(3) of this
				  Chapter.
NOTE: Due to the extreme sensitivity of laboratory analytical
				  equipment, it is very important that all bailers, pumps and sample vials be
				  kept clean. A contaminated pump or bailer may cross-contaminate monitoring
				  wells or falsely indicate the presence of hydrocarbons in the ground water. It
				  is also important that the person taking the sample have clean hands free of
				  any grease, oil or gas.
For Weekly Monitoring, Perform Steps 1 through
				  7.
1. All equipment used shall be washed with a detergent soap
				  and triple rinsed with water which is known to be uncontaminated to ensure the
				  device is clean. The individual(s) performing the sampling shall wash their
				  hands thoroughly prior to sampling.
2. Measure and record the distance from the top of the casing
				  to the water surface.
3. Measure and record the distance from the top of the casing
				  to the bottom of the well.
4. After checking for free product using a clear bailer and
				  when the volume of water in the well is sufficient remove several bailer
				  volumes of water.
5. Lower the bailer into the well and remove a sample. Pour
				  the contents of the bailer into a clear container.
6. Inspect the sample for free product or an oily sheen.
				  Smell the sample for olfactory evidence of oil.
7. Record the results in a logbook which, shall be kept at
				  the facility. A sample log sheet is attached in Figure 3.
NOTE: Commercially available pastes, which change color upon
				  contact with hydrocarbons can be spread on a weighted, plastic tape measure or
				  measuring stick and lowered the depth of the well. Pastes are also available
				  which will change color upon contact with water. The use of these pastes is an
				  acceptable method of determining water levels and detecting product in
				  monitoring wells for the purpose of complying with weekly monitoring
				  requirements. The use of an oil/water interface probe is also
				  acceptable.
8. Prior to obtaining samples for laboratory analysis, remove
				  3 well volumes of water from each well. The water may be removed by bailing or
				  pumping the well. For 2-inch wells, remove about 2.5 gallons of water for every
				  5 feet of well water.
9. After a sufficient volume of water has entered the well,
				  take a sample for analysis.
10. Samples shall be poured into vials designed for sampling
				  volatile organics. Standard sampling vials are glass, 30-50 milliliters in
				  volume with a Teflon cap. Obtain the sample vials from the lab where the
				  analysis will be performed. Care shall be taken, such that no air bubbles are
				  in the sample vial. Record the sample vial number and the monitoring well
				  number, such that the laboratory analysis may be correlated to a specific well
				  location.
11. Samples shall be securely packed and shipped the same day
				  or in accordance with the protocols for the analysis being conducted. Samples
				  shall be kept cool and not exposed to heat. A record shall be kept of all dates
				  and shipping arrangements. Samples must be analyzed in accordance with the
				  requirements of Appendix S of this Chapter.
12. For monitoring wells, which are installed with the
				  impervious barrier, which contains less than two (2) feet of water, do not
				  attempt to remove three well volumes of water. It may be necessary to sample
				  the well during or after periods of rain whenever possible.
13. For monitoring wells, which do not have enough water to
				  obtain a sample, measure the depth of the well to insure the well is not filled
				  in or has not collapsed. Using a gauge stick or hard plastic tape, apply paste
				  which will turn color upon contact with hydrocarbons. Record the results of
				  both measurements for each well in the logbook.
FIGURE 3
SAMPLE WEEKLY MONITORING WELL LOG SHEET
Monitoring Well No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1.Date of Sampling
2.Time of Sampling
3. Distance from Casing to Ground Water
4. Distance from Casing to Bottom of Well
5. Method for Determining Water Levels
6. Instrument Cleaned (Washed and Triple
							 Rinsed)
7. Instrument Used (Bailer, Pump, etc.)
8. Results of Sight and Smell Test
9. Initials of Person Performing the Sampling
10. Comments