Waste Sampling Training

Williams Engineering Services offers Waste Sampling Training, with emphasis on hazardous, PCB, and radioactive waste sampling. Topics covered include:

Why waste is sampled.

Importance of defensible samples.

Importance of proper, complete documentation.

Sampling guidance documents.

The sampling process, from beginning to end.

Components of a sampling request and information required to perform sampling.

Waste Sampling

Knowledge of the items required in a work package prior to start of sampling activities.

Reconciliation of container information provided as part of a sampling request with that on a container to be sampled.

Selection of suitable sampling method and sampling tools for a particular waste matrix.

Contamination control and equipment decontamination.

Operation of various sampling equipment, including corer, COLIWASA, scoop, etc., as well as techniques (snips, scissors, drill, sawzall, etc.) for debris sampling.

Authoritative sampling based on visual inspection for contamination.

Random sampling based on a grid system.

Sampling the correct points in various waste containers.

Waste compositing.

Types of field samples and QC samples.

Forming and properly mixing composite samples.

Filling sample bottles, preparing sample labels, and preparing and applying COC seals.

Preparing sample COCs.

Applying TIDs to waste containers.

Sample preservation.

Field log book entries.

Proper discard of waste generated during sampling activities.

Proper turn over of samples to analytical laboratory.

Sampling to satisfy waste acceptance criteria (e.g., TSCA Incinerator).

Sampling personnel will become familiar with the technical and regulatory aspects of waste sampling and will understand the waste sampling process, including sampling process initiation by sample request/work package, sampling preparation activities, sampling activities, sampling documentation, and sample transfer to the analytical laboratory under chain of custody. In addition to receiving classroom instruction, each attendee will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience by obtaining samples from simulated wastes (e.g., absorbent or water) using the techniques presented during the classroom instruction. Finally, each student will receive copies of relevant sampling resources (e.g., SW-846 Chapter 9) and classroom presentation materials. A sample of the classroom presentation material is available here; a listing of the sampling resources provided is available here.

Waste Sampling Training is currently offered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as well as at other locations with sufficient student interest (minimum 5 students).

Customized versions suited to particular sites and organizations are also possible. Additional training modules are also available as add-ins to the standard course. Topics that could be covered by these additional modules, typically in additional 4 hours blocks, include:

	Elements of a sampling and analysis plan (SAP).
	The Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) seven step process, with examples.
	Development of sampling and analysis strategies to satisfy DQOs and use of tools such as Visual Sample Plan (VSP) in development of these strategies.
	Statistical analysis of sampling and analysis results to support characterization, disposal, and remediation (does not include risk assessments).
	Understanding laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) data, laboratory qualifiers, and data validation qualifiers.
	Preparation of laboratory statements of work (SOWs).
	Overview of analytical methods (including ICP, GC-MS, HPLC, Alpha Spec, Gamma Spec).

These blocks could also be made available as stand-alone courses.

Companies that have participated in the waste sampling training course include:

	WESKEM, LLC (Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant)
	Technical and Field Engineering, Inc. (TFE)
	British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL)
	Duratek Federal Services, Inc., (currently EnergySolutions, Inc.) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
	Southwest Research Institute
	Pine Bluff Arsenal (Washington Demilitarization Company)
	Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (DOE)
	Naval Air Depot (Cherry Point, NC)
	URS Corporation / Washington Safety Management Solutions, LLC (Y-12 National Security Complex)

For a list of scheduled training dates, click here.

For more information about the Waste Sampling Training course, schedule, locations, or customized versions, contact:

Mike Williams, Ph.D., P.E.
e-mail: mewilliams@wescinc.com
Phone: (865) 207-0571 ¨ (606) 387-6361
Fax: (877) 608-5508

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