James Sheehy, P'E'

1
Environmental Soil Sampling

• James Sheehy, P.E.
• Hazardous and Medical Waste Program
• U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and
  Preventive Medicine

2
WHY SAMPLE SOIL?

• Identify potential acute threats from exposure to
  soil that may impact troop readiness.
• Characterize soil to archive environmental
  exposure for delayed health effects.

3
SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

• Troop Locations
• How/was site used?
• Nearby Industrial Activities - available from
  intelligence sources.
• Sketch of Area
• Sample points
• Activity/troop locations
• Land features
• Weather Conditions

4
SAMPLE COLLECTION

• Unknown/Known Threat
• Known - bias samples to suspect areas
• Unknown - grid approach
• Composites Samples - 1 Sample composed of 5-6
  individual collection points
• Number of composite samples collected dependent
  on size of troop location

5
COMPOSITE SAMPLE COLLECTION

• 1/2 - 1 scoop per sample point
• Remove rocks/debris
• Remove Vegetation/Organic Matter
• Mix Well
• The sample container must be filled completely

6
SAMPLE LABELLING

• Sample Number EAG_01S_8267
• Date Collected 24 Sep 98
• Time Collected 1200
• Location Collected CQ1234567890 (GPS coordinate
  in MGRS or Latitude/Longitude)
• Collected By CPT John Doe

7
SAMPLE MANAGEMENT

• Keep Cool - 4 degrees Celsius (if possible)
• Ship samples when
• Cooler is full
• Sampling is completed
• Within 1 week from collection date
• Holding Times/Sample Preservation - Important to
  meet to ensure valid data.

8
SHIPPING INFORMATION

• Notify POC of type, number, and collection dates
  of samples.
• Import permits placed inside and affixed to
  exterior of cooler.
• Sample paperwork placed inside cooler.

9
DECONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT

• Minimized decontamination with disposable items
• Decontaminate reusable equipment with a soap and
  water wash to prevent cross contamination.
• Rinse with deionized water if available, use
  bottled water if not.

10
SAMPLE ANALYSIS

• Methodologies determined at laboratory
• Field sample descriptions will facilitate
  analysis
• Results and interpretation transmitted via
  telephone and or electronically.
• Follow-up sampling may be required

11
Environmental Soil Sampling Additional
Information

• James Sheehy, P.E., USACHPPM
• DSN 584-3651/Comm 410-436-3651,
  James.Sheehy_at_apg.amedd.army.mil
• Wilbert Moultrie, USACHPPM
• DSN 584-6096/Comm 410-436-6096,
  Wilbert.Moultrie_at_apg.amedd.army.mil