Aquarian Analytical, Inc.            603-783-9097

                         SAMPLING PROCEDURE FOR VOLATILE ORGANIC ANALYSIS

When sampling for volatile organic compounds (VOC), you should follow the following recommended steps outlined by the EPA:

1.   Use only a teflon sealed glass vial - Aquarian can provide this type of 40 ml. vial preserved with HCL to    obtain best testing results. Aquarian will provide all containers and preservatives at no extra cost.

2.   VOC sampling should always be collected in two vials.  Three vials are preferred for drinking water VOC's (EPA - 524.2).

3. If the sample location involves a drinking water well, bailing or running the water for 10 minutes is necessary in order to tap into the main water supply of the well itself.

4.   When collecting samples all water supply to enter sample at a slow steady pace as to not create any air bubbles or air space in the vial.  Do not rinse out the vial.  Vials are sanitized by our supplier (I-Chem) as well as causing HCL preservative to be washed away.  Bubbles and air space compromise the integrity of the sample and any levels of VOC contaminants that may be present.  Before sealing the vial check to see if the water is forming a miniscus (a curvature flowing at the very top of the vial which signifies that the vial is completely full of sampled water).  Pouring a little samples water into the vial cap and gently pouring it into the vial is an excellent way to best create this miniscus.  Seal the vial immediately by screwing/turning the cap back tightly onto the vial.  Turn the vial upside down to inspect that no air bubbles/space are present. 

5.   Label the sample vials with the provided sampling labels with the information requested:  client name, project/site name, sample name/location, preservative (HCL is only used for this preservation for VOC testing), name of person(s) collecting sample, analysis required, date at time (please use military time) sample was collected.

6.   Samples need to be chilled at all times by placing samples on ice from time of collection.  Aquarian can supply a zip lock ice bag preventing seepage (ice melt) out of cooler/sterofoam mailer in route to our lab.

7.  All samples require a chain of custody (COC) be filled out and accompanied with the sample(s) being submitted.  Please check off VOC test required as well as including project/site name, sample location, date and time (remember it's military time), turn around time required, name of person, address and telephone number of individual where testing results need to be forwarded.  Aquarian can also E-mail results with a provided E-mail address.  Also please sign COC in the "relinquished by" section and provide the date and time the sample was released to another party.  If this involves shipping a sample via U.S. Mail, Fed Ex, UPS (etc.), please indicate this shipping carrier in the "received by" section of the COC.  Next day delivery is suggested.  Please avoid mailing samples over a weekend or holiday.

8.   VOC's have a 14 day hold time and need to be tested within this two week period from time of sampling.  Please be advised that surcharges will be applied if we have to rush testing to beat hold time deadlines.  Also samples will be properly footnoted if they are analyzed past the14 day hold time.

9.   If you have not established a credit history with our company, you will need to fill out and sign a "Application for Credit" agreement before any analytical results are forwarded.  All homeowners are required to pay in advance and will automatically receive a 10% discount.  This discount will also automatically apply to any business that wishes to prepay.

10.   PLEASE CALL AQUARIAN AT 603-783-9097 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.  SAVE YOURSELF THE FRUSTRATION FROM HAVING TO RESAMPLE BY DOING IT PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME.  THANK YOU!!!