This course provides environmental professionals with an understanding of generating defensible environmental analytical data from the planning stage, through the field and laboratory phase, to final reporting. The course covers proper project planning considerations (What is a “representative” sample?), choosing the right analytical methods, and hands-on sampling exercises collecting water and soil samples. Students will also learn methods and how to operate some common field screening instruments.
The focus will be on learning how to be an “educated consumer” of environmental laboratory data, with an overview of common environmental methods and lab instrumentation. Topics will include understanding the EPA Data Quality Objectives process, how quality assurance/quality control samples affect your results (data usability assessments), chain of custody protocol, and knowing and controlling sources of error. Case studies from successful criminal cases will provide examples for discussion.
Intended Audience: Junior to mid-level environmental professionals involved with site investigation and remediation who collect, screen, or interpret environmental analytical data. Some college level chemistry is helpful but not required.
Course Materials: Attendees will receive a binder containing workshop proceedings and reference material.
Continuing Education Units: 1.3 CEUs
Registration: $545/$470*
(*reduced tuition for employees of Native American tribes, government agencies, and nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members).
You may register online or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at (425) 270-3274. Online registration is strongly encouraged.
Sampling Planning
Overview of the Quality Assurance Process: PARCCS parameters
Data Quality Objectives: What are you trying to accomplish?
What is a “representative” sample?
Useful Tools for drafting, sampling and analysis plans and QAPPs
Analytical Methods
Choosing the right method: waste versus trace
RCRA methods and the almighty SW-846
Bottles, preservatives, and chain of custody protocol
Lab instrumentation: GC, GC/MS, ICP-MS, GFAA
Practical Hands-on Sampling Exercise (1/2 day module)
Surface water sampling for organics
Soil pile sampling – waste characterization
Fun with gadgets: PID, multimeters, test kits
Data Validation and Usability Assessments
Meeting your analytical objectives
Blanks
Matrix spike and duplicate samples
Surrogates and control samples
Detection limits /sensitivity
Can I exceed holding times and still use my data?
Dealing with GC/MS unknown compounds (TICs)
Use of Data Qualifiers
Special bonus: See the results of the MassDEP program to use hidden cameras to catch illegal dumpers
Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Lunch will be on your own. There are numerous restaurants within a short driving distance but none within walking distance. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day.