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Most environmental projects involve the characterization and investigation of the soil and parent geological material present in the subsurface. However, the soil must be viewed as being interconnected with other environmental media including, in particular, ground water. There is a tendency to view each of these media in an isolated manner, which can lead to difficulties in interpreting sample analytical results later. This module focuses on why it is important to think three dimensionally and look at multiple media when developing a sampling plan for a site, and emphasizes the importance of looking at the big picture when planning either an effective “snapshot” sampling event or a long-term sampling program. Writing an effective site-specific Sampling & Analysis Plan is much more involved than just sitting at your desk and “cutting and pasting” procedures that may have been prepared for a variety of other sites – that approach is often doomed to failure. Having a written site-specific Sampling & Analysis Plan for all field personnel to follow is an essential component of technical and legal defensibility and data validation. Upon completing this module, you will understand why a lot more goes into conducting a soil sampling program than simply grabbing whichever person is available in the office and telling them to go fill a series of sample bottles!

Module SS-01 (Total Length: 56 minutes) Price: $159.00 Sign in to Your E-School Account to Register

Planning an Effective Soil Sampling Program – The Sampling & Analysis Plan

Think 3-D! Visualizing Behavior of Contaminants in Environmental Media
Typical Components of an Soil Sampling Program
Preparation of a Site-Specific Sampling & Analysis Plan (SAP) – Why to Write One, What to Include, and What to Avoid
Common Objectives of Soil Sampling Programs – Geological and Contaminant Characterization
Dealing with the “Analysis” Portion of the SAP – Both Field and Lab Components
Selecting Appropriate Parameters and Analytical Methods
Understanding the Difference Between PPM vs. PPB vs. PPT and How that Affects Field Procedures
Field QA/QC Terminology
Details of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to Include in the SAP

Total CEUs for Module SS-01: 1 CEU

Developing an effective soil sampling strategy is a complex task that requires significant planning and forethought. Prior to selecting an appropriate strategy, it is essential to review as many background documents as possible about the site and its surroundings, to create an initial conceptual site model (CSM) for the facility. With the preliminary CSM in place, you must then field-verify the details of your model by conducting a thorough site reconnaissance. There are many questions that must be asked and answered during site reconnaissance that will guide you through the development of an effective sampling strategy. This topic is covered in two modules. The first module walks you through the development of a CSM and demonstrates how to conduct an effective site reconnaissance. You will learn how information obtained in the site reconnaissance is used to fine-tune the CSM and how information obtained in the field during reconnaissance is used in the development of effective sampling strategies and selection of appropriate sampling procedures. This module also provides a detailed look at sample collection from the perspective of determining whether to collect discrete or composite samples. The second module covers the why, where and how, and the critical importance of collecting background samples, as well as the various strategies typically utilized to collect samples in three dimensions to satisfy project objectives. You may opt to take just one of the modules, but it is strongly recommended that you take both modules in the prescribed order if you want comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Module SS-02 (Total Length: 56 minutes) Price: $159.00 Sign in to Your E-School Account to Register

Developing a Conceptual Site Model and Fine-Tuning it With Site Reconnaissance

Developing a Preliminary Conceptual Site Model (CSM) Prior to Developing Your Sampling Strategy
Types of Background Information to Review
Conducting an Effective Site Reconnaissance
Questions to Ask During Site Reconnaissance to Fine-Tune the CSM and Focus the Sampling Strategy
Addressing Environmental Variability in the Field
Evaluating the Best Type of Sample to Meet Project Objectives – Grab (Discrete) Samples vs. Composite Samples
Advantages and Limitations of Grab (Discrete) Samples vs. Composite Samples

Total CEUs for Module SS-02: 1 CEU

Module SS-03 (Total Length: 56 minutes) Price: $159.00 Sign in to Your E-School Account to Register

Strategies for Three-Dimensional Sampling of Soil