Williams Engineering Services offers Environmental Sampling Training, with emphasis on sampling at federal facilities undergoing environmental remediation.  Topics covered include:

 

Environmental sites and environmental samples. Importance of defensible samples. Importance of proper documentation. The well-defined and implemented sampling process. A review of sample types, including environmental quality control samples. Random vs authoritative vs systematic samples. Importance of contamination control in environmental sampling. Sampling equipment decontamination and most common mistakes. Environmental sample preservation.  Preservation and sample shipping.  Environmental sampling equipment and materials of construction. Stream sampling (including creeks, ponds, lakes, etc.). Sediment sampling. Leachate sampling. Groundwater sampling. Soil sampling. Multi-increment sampling. Media and scrap pile sampling. Field screen sampling Decon pad setup, use, and common mistakes. Investigation derived waste.  Forming and properly mixing composite samples. Filling sample bottles, preparing sample labels, and preparing and applying COC seals. Preparing sample COCs. Field log book entries. Proper turn over of samples to analytical laboratory. Environmental sampling auditing. Case studies.

 Sampling personnel will become familiar with the technical aspects of environmental sampling and will understand the 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 environmental media (e.g., streams, sediment, soil) using the techniques presented during the classroom instruction.  Finally, each student will receive copies of relevant sampling resources and classroom presentation materials.  A sample of the classroom presentation material is available here; a listing of the sampling resources provided is available here.

Muti-increment sampling implementation detailed coverage (as described in SW-846 Method 8330B and USACE guidance document ERDC/CRREL TR-07-10). 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).

	British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL)
	Technical and Field Engineering, Inc. (TFE)
	Alabama Department of Transportation
	EOD Technology, Inc. (EODT)