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CONTENTS
1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
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2.0 METHOD SUMMARY
3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION, CONTAINERS, HANDLING, AND STORAGE
4.0 INTERFERENCES AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS
6.0 REAGENTS
7.0 PROCEDURES
7.1 Preparation
7.2 Representative Sampling Considerations
7.2.1 Water Quality Data
7.2.2 Sampling Methods
7.3 Sample Collection
7.3.1 Kemmerer Bottle
7.3.2 Dip Sampler
7.3.3 Direct Method
8.0 CALCULATIONS
9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
10.0 DATA VALIDATION
11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
12.0 REFERENCES
13.0 APPENDICES
A - Figures
SUPERSEDES: SOP #2013; Revision 0.0; 02/15/02; U.S. EPA Contract 68-C99-223
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1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
This standard operating procedure (SOP) is applicable to the collection of representative surface water
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samples from streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, lagoons, and surface impoundments. It includes samples
collected from depth, as well as samples collected from the surface.
A Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) in Uniform Federal Policy (UFP) format describing the project
objectives must be prepared prior to deploying for a sampling event. The sampler needs to ensure that the
methods used are adequate to satisfy the data quality objectives listed in the QAPP for a particular site.
The procedures in this SOP may be varied or changed as required, dependent on site conditions, equipment
limitations or other procedural limitations. In all instances, the procedures employed must be documented on
a Field Change Form and attached to the QAPP. These changes must be documented in the final deliverable
2.0 METHOD SUMMARY
Sampling situations vary widely due to varying water depths, velocity, sampling intervals, etc.; therefore, no
universal sampling procedure can be recommended. However, surface water sampling is generally
accomplished through the use of one of the following samplers or techniques:
• Kemmerer bottle
• Dip sampler
• Direct method (collecting water samples directly into the sample container)
These samplers and sampling techniques will result in the collection of representative samples from the
majority of surface waters and impoundments encountered.
3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION, CONTAINERS, HANDLING, AND STORAGE
The amount of sample collected, along with the proper sample container type (i.e. glass, plastic), chemical
preservation, and storage requirements are dependent upon the matrix sampled and analysis performed. For
further information, refer to the Scientific Engineering Response and Analytical Services (SERAS) SOP
#2003, Sample Storage, Preservation and Handling.
Whenever possible, dedicated sampling devices should be used. However, if sampling with re-usable (non-
dedicated) equipment, equipment will need to be decontaminated. Refer to SERAS SOP #2006, Sampling
Equipment Decontamination, for proper procedures.
Once samples have been collected, the following procedures should be followed:
1. Transfer the sample(s) into suitable, labeled sample containers specific for the analyses to be
performed.
2. If appropriate, preserve the sample, or use pre-preserved sample bottles. Do not overfill bottles if
they are pre-preserved.
3. Cap the container securely, place in a resealable plastic bag, and cool to less than or equal to (≤) 6
degrees Centigrade (oC).
4. Record all pertinent data in the site logbook and/or on field data sheets.
5. Complete the Chain of Custody (COC) record.
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6. Attach custody seals to cooler prior to shipment.
7. Decontaminate all non-dedicated sampling equipment prior to the collection of additional samples.
4.0 INTERFERENCES AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
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Cross contamination problems can be eliminated or minimized through the use of dedicated or disposable
sampling equipment. If this is not possible or practical, then decontamination of sampling equipment is
necessary. Refer to SERAS SOP #2006, Sampling Equipment Decontamination, for proper procedures.
The appropriate sampling device must be of a proper composition. Selection of samplers constructed of
glass, stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) commonly referred to as
Teflon®, should be based upon the suspected contaminants and the analyses to be performed
Improper sample collection can involve using contaminated equipment, disturbance of the stream or
impoundment substrate, and sampling in an obviously disturbed or non-representative area.
Following proper decontamination procedures, minimizing disturbance of the sample site, and careful
selection of sampling locations will eliminate these problems. Proper timing for the collection of samples
must be taken into consideration due to tidal influences and low or fast-flowing streams or rivers.
Dip samplers may collect floating debris which may skew sample results.
Collection at a non-representative depth may result when using a Kemmerer bottle in a current, due to
inaccurate depth measurements.
5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS
Equipment needed for collection, preservation and handling of surface water samples may include
(depending on technique chosen):
• Kemmerer bottles
• Line and messengers
• Dip sampler
• Peristalic pump
• Tygon tubing
• Polyethylene (PE) or PTFE tubing
• 0.45 micron (µm) filters
• Sample bottles
• Preservation reagents
• pH paper
• Resealable plastic bags
• Ice
• Coolers
• Inert packing material
• Sample labels
• Printer
• Chain of Custody records
• Custody seals
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• Field data sheets
• Decontamination equipment/supplies
• Maps/plot plan
•
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Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Compass
• Tape measure
• Survey stakes, flags, or buoys and anchors
• Vessel
• Global Positioning System (GPS) unit
• Camera
• Logbook/waterproof pen
• Paper towels
• Water quality meter
6.0 REAGENTS
Reagents are utilized for preservation of samples and for decontamination of sampling equipment. The
preservatives depend on the analysis to be performed and are summarized in SERAS SOP #2003, Sample
Storage, Preservation and Handling. Decontamination solutions are specified in SERAS SOP #2006,
Sampling Equipment Decontamination.
7.0 PROCEDURES
7.1 Preparation
1. Determine the extent of the sampling effort, the sampling methods to be employed, and the
type and amount 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. Use stakes, flags, or buoys to identify and mark all sampling locations identified by GPS
data. If required, the proposed locations may be adjusted based on site access, property
boundaries, and obstructions.
6. Field Rinsing - Once field work has begun, and before samples are collected, the sample-
wetted portions of most of the collection and processing equipment require a field rinse
with native water. Field rinsing helps to condition, or equilibrate, sampling equipment to
the sample environment. Rinsing also serves to ensure that all cleaning-solution residues
have been removed. Note – Do not field rinse pre-preserved bottles or when collecting
volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
7.2 Representative Sampling Considerations
In order to collect a representative sample, the hydrology and characteristics of a stream, river, pond,
lake or impoundment should be determined prior to sampling. This will aid in determining the
presence of separate phases or layers in lagoons or impoundments, flow patterns in streams, and
appropriate sample locations and depths. Location of sampling will depend on project goals and
conditions. For example, in a stream or river the sample should be collected at a location where the
velocity is sufficient to prevent deposition of solids and should have relatively uniform flow. In
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moving water, the sampler must always stand downstream of the collected sample. Care must be
taken to avoid introducing re-suspended sediment into the sample, particularly in small stagnant
ponds. Recent storm events may dilute contamination or bring contaminants from upstream sources
and should be taken into consideration when collecting samples. In addition, present or recent
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storm events will alter water quality data. Storm event data should be recorded in logbooks to help
evaluate the data.
7.2.1 Water Quality Data
Water quality data, including pH, conductivity, oxygen reductions potential (ORP), and
dissolved oxygen (DO) may be collected in ponds, lakes and impoundments to determine
if stratification is present. Measurement intervals will depend on many factors (i.e. total
depth, location access, site conditions, etc). A determination will be made prior to
collecting any water quality data as to depth(s) and frequency of measurements. These
measurement intervals should be as consistent as possible throughout the sampling event.
Depth intervals should be documented in the QAPP, any changes should be documented
in a field logbook. Refer to SERAS SOP # 2041, Operation of the Water Quality Multi-
Parameter Meters, for more information on how to collect the necessary water quality data.
7.2.2 Sampling Methods
Factors that contribute to the selection of a sampling method are:
• Width, depth, flow and accessibility of the location being sampled
• Whether the sample will be collected onshore or offshore
Kemmerer bottles (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 specific depths
are required.
Dip samplers (Figure 2, Appendix A) are useful in situations where a sample is to be
recovered from an outfall pipe or along a lagoon bank where direct access to the sample
point is not feasible.
The direct method may be utilized to collect water samples from streams, rivers, lakes, and
other surface waters directly into the sample container(s).
7.3 Sample Collection
7.3.1 Kemmerer Bottle
Sampling procedures for a Kemmerer Bottle are as follows:
1. Use a properly decontaminated Kemmerer bottle. Set the sampling device so that
the upper and lower stoppers are pulled away from the body, allowing the surface
water to enter tube.
2. Lower the pre-set sampling device to the predetermined depth. Avoid disturbance
of the bottom.
3. When the Kemmerer bottle is at the required depth, send the weighted messenger
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down the suspension line to close the sampling device.
4. Retrieve the sampler and discharge the first 10-20 milliliters (mL) from the drain
to clear potential contamination from the valve. Fill sample containers for VOC
samples first as these samples should not be composited. This procedure may be
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repeated if additional sample volume is needed to fulfill analytical requirements.
Subsequent grabs may be composited or transferred directly to appropriate sample
containers.
7.3.2 Dip Sampler
Sampling procedures for a Dip Sampler are as follows:
1. If necessary, 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 water.
3. Retrieve the sampler and transfer the sample to the appropriate sample
container(s).
7.3.3 Direct Method
For streams, rivers, lakes, and other surface waters, the direct method may be utilized to
collect water samples directly into the sample container(s). Health and safety
considerations must be addressed when sampling lagoons or other impoundments where
specific conditions may exist that warrant the use of additional safety equipment. These
issues must be addressed in the site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP).
Using adequate protective clothing for wading or boats, access the sampling station from
a downstream location, walking upstream so as to not disturb sediments and suspending
them into the water column. Collect water quality information for the sampling location
and record in the site log book or field data sheets. 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 while avoiding surface debris
and boat wake. Pre-preserved sample bottles cannot be used for this sampling method.
Surface water samples may also be collected directly by using a peristaltic pump with PE
or PTFE lined tubing. This method is also used when collecting filtered samples.
8.0 CALCULATIONS
This section is not applicable to this SOP.
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9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
There are no specific quality assurance (QA) activities which apply to the implementation of these
procedures. However, the following general QA procedures apply:
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1. All data must be documented on field data sheets or in 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. Calibration of equipment must occur
prior to sampling/operation and must be documented in the site log book or field data sheets.
3. To avoid the incidental inclusion of disturbed sediment in the sample, multiple surface water
samples should be collected from a downstream to upstream direction and upstream of any activity
that may disturb the sediment (i.e., wading).
4. While collecting surface water using the direct method, the sample container should be opened
below the surface to avoid the collection of floating debris.
5. Water quality data (pH, specific conductivity, ORP, temperature, and DO) may be collected to detect
the presence of stratified layers or other site-specific characteristics that would affect the sample.
6. The competency of field personnel must be demonstrated and documented.
Additional Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Samples should be collected as outlined in the
QAPP for each specific site. Further information on QA/QC Samples can be located in SERAS SOP #2005,
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Samples.
10.0 DATA VALIDATION
Data verification/completeness checks must be conducted to ensure project-specific quality objectives have
been met as defined in the corresponding UFP-QAPP. The SERAS Task Leader is responsible for completing
the UFP-QAPP verification checklist for each project.
11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
When working with potentially hazardous materials, follow U.S. EPA, Occupational Health and Safety
Administration (OSHA) and/or corporate health and safety procedures.
When sampling lagoons or surface impoundments containing known or suspected hazardous substances,
adequate health and safety and boating precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of sampling personnel.
Refer to SERAS SOP #3023, Boat Safety and SERAS SOP #3016, Personal Protective Equipment Program.
12.0 REFERENCES
Wilde, F.D., D.B. Radtke, J. Gibs and R.T. Iwatsubo. 1998. National Field Manual for the Collection of
Water-Quality Data - Selection of Equipment for Water Sampling. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of
Water - Resources Investigations, Book 9, Chap. A2, variously paged.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984. Characterization of Hazardous Waste Sites - A Methods
Manual: Volume II. Available Sampling Methods, Second Edition. EPA/600/4-84-076.
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13.0 APPENDICES
A - Figures
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APPENDIX A
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Figures
SOP #2013
July 2016
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FIGURE 1. Kemmerer Bottle
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FIGURE 2. Dip Sampler
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