Sampling and analysis requirements

Sampling and analysis requirements. (1) Responsible parties shall use laboratory analyses of environmental media samples which are collected, handled and analyzed in compliance with subs. (2) to (17) to confirm the nature and extent and evaluate the impacts of contamination, if a field investigation is required under s. NR 716.11 (1) . Analytical methods used shall be suitable for the matrix, type of analyte, expected level of analyte, regulatory limit, and potential interferences in the samples to be tested. (2) All chemical and physical analyses for which accreditation is available under ch. NR 149 shall be conducted by a laboratory accredited under ch. NR 149 . (3) Responsible parties may use non–laboratory methods of sample analysis, including field screening with a photoionization detector or flame ionization detector, analysis with a field gas chromatograph, geophysical or downhole probe surveying, non–certified mobile laboratory analysis, immunoassays and other appropriate methods, to supplement the information derived from laboratory analysis of samples. If non–laboratory methods are used at a location from which a laboratory sample is collected, responsible parties shall use separate samples for the non–laboratory and the laboratory analyses, unless the target compound is not subject to loss or alteration through sample handling. (4) All soil samples obtained during the field investigation for the purpose of defining the degree and extent of the contamination shall be discrete, not composite, samples, unless the department explicitly approves in advance composite sampling for a specific site situation. (5) Maximum holding times for soils shall be in accordance with the sampling method, sample storage container, and analytical methods used. (6) Responsible parties shall provide for the following quality control and quality assurance procedures, at a minimum, when collecting samples for laboratory analysis for a field investigation conducted under this chapter: (a) Chain of custody shall be documented from the time of sample collection to the receipt of the sample by the analytical laboratory. Chain of custody documentation shall be in compliance with ch. NR 149 , and shall be submitted to the department with the sample results. (b) For soil samples, one temperature blank for every shipping container of samples that require cooling for preservation, unless samples are received by the laboratory on ice, unless another temperature is required by the analytical method used. (c) For water samples: 1. One replicate sample for every 10 or less samples. 2. One equipment blank for every 10 or less samples, unless dedicated sampling equipment is used to prevent cross-contamination. 3. One trip blank for each shipping container that contained volatile samples. 4. One temperature blank for every shipping container of samples that require cooling for preservation, unless samples are shipped on ice. (d) Decontamination of all sampling instruments between each sampling event, unless dedicated or disposable sampling devices are used in a manner that prevents cross contamination or other unintended contamination of samples. (7) Responsible parties shall ensure that the following items are documented during the field investigation and are made available to the department upon request: (a) Procedures for sampling and all other routine activities associated with the site investigation. (b) A log of all routine and non-routine maintenance and calibrations performed on all instruments used during the field investigation. (c) Field notes describing in detail the sequence of activities that took place during the field investigation. (8) For soil and water samples, the reporting limit for volatile organic compound analysis and petroleum volatile organic compound analysis shall be the method detection limit for the analytical method used. If the results are less than the method detection limit, the results shall be reported as less than the method detection limit, rather than no detect. Qualifiers used for the data shall also be reported. (9) Responsible parties shall ensure that drinking water samples are collected, handled and analyzed according to the procedures specified in ch. NR 809 . (10) Responsible parties shall ensure that groundwater samples are collected and handled according to the procedures specified in s. NR 140.16 (1) , unless the department approves the use of an alternative procedure. The department may approve the use of an alternative procedure from one of the authoritative sources listed in ch. NR 149 Appendix III , or an alternate test procedure approved by the U.S. EPA, or, if the department determines that an appropriate procedure is not available, from another source. Alternative procedures may include the most recent published method, or an older published version deemed acceptable by the department on the basis of the objectives of the data collection. Responsible parties shall select an analytical method that is suitable for the matrix, type of analyte, expected level of analyte, regulatory limit, and potential interferences in the sample to be tested. (11) Soil samples collected for analysis of volatile organic compounds for compliance with chs. NR 700 to 754 shall be preserved immediately after collection to minimize volatilization of contaminants from the sample to the greatest extent possible. Preservation techniques used shall be according to the analytical method to be used. Sampling techniques shall be used that minimize volatilization from the sample. Extraction techniques shall be according to the analytical method selected. Analytical methods used shall be suitable for the matrix, type of analyte, expected level of analyte, regulatory limit, and potential interferences in the samples to be tested. (12) Responsible parties shall ensure that other samples taken for analysis are collected, handled and analyzed according to the procedures specified in “SW–846: Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste”, “The Third Edition of SW 846, as amended by Final Updates I, II, IIA, IIB, III, IIIA, IIIB, and IV,” published by the U.S. EPA, unless the department approves the use of an alternative procedure. The department may approve the use of an alternative procedure from one of the authoritative sources listed in ch. NR 149 Appendix III , an alternate test procedure approved by the U.S. EPA, or, if the department determines that an appropriate procedure is neither available from “SW–846: Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste” nor from one of the authoritative sources listed in ch. NR 149 Appendix III , from another source. (13) Responsible parties shall collect samples and provide an analysis for the geochemical indicators and parameters, where natural attenuation is potentially a remedy or part of a remedy. These may include dissolved oxygen, nitrate, dissolved manganese, total and ferrous iron, sulfate and methane, alkalinity, oxidation reduction potential, pH, temperature, and conductivity. (14) (a) Responsible parties shall inspect monitoring wells installed for field investigations conducted under this chapter at least annually to verify the integrity of the well labels, lock and seal, and to determine whether the wells are providing a conduit to the subsurface, and shall take action to repair or abandon the well if necessary in accordance with ch. NR 141 . (b) Flush mounted wells shall include a magnet placed in the void between the cover and the annular space seal. In cases where flush-mounted wells are not used, wells installed in areas potentially subject to damage from vehicle traffic shall include appropriate protective traffic posts next to the well. (15) Responsible parties shall measure and record to the nearest 0.01 foot the static water level elevation in each groundwater monitoring well prior to obtaining a groundwater sample from the well. The measurement point shall be the top of the well casing and shall be identified on the well itself if the top of the casing is not level. (16) Where site investigation data or other information indicate it is appropriate, or when directed to do so by the department, responsible parties shall make a good faith effort to sample public or private water supply wells as part of a regular monitoring program or to determine the extent of groundwater contamination, or both. Private and public water supply wells to be sampled shall include: (a) Those wells that are known or suspected to be affected by the groundwater contamination. (b) Other wells that the department determines have the potential to be affected by the groundwater contamination. (17) If the responsible parties are unable to sample a public or private well because the property owner refuses access, the responsible parties shall notify the department within 30 days of the refusal, and shall document in writing the efforts undertaken to gain access when requested by the department.