Day 1

Understanding Aquatic Systems: Dynamic vs. Static Systems: Aging vs. Developing vs. Anthropogenic Systems

• Fundamental Terminology Unique to Surface Water and Sediment Sampling Programs
• Surface Water System Hydraulics
• Interrelationships Between Surface Water & Sediment
• Sources of Contaminants in Aquatic Systems
• Factors Affecting Contaminant Distribution in Surface Water and Sediment Systems
• Types of Aquatic System Investigations & Parameters to Analyze For

Developing a Workable Sampling & Analysis Plan

• Components of an Effective Sampling & Analysis Plan
• Establishing Objectives of Surface Water & Sediment Sampling Programs
• Implementing an Effective Site Reconnaissance to Aid in Sampling Plan Design
• Determining Sample Types for Surface Water & Sediment Samples
  • Grab Samples.
  • Composite Samples
• Selecting Appropriate Strategies for Sampling Point Locations
  • Haphazard
  • Judgmental
  • Probability (Statistical) Sampling
  • Search Sampling
  • Hybrid Sampling
  • Multi-Incremental Sampling
• Determining How Many Samples are Enough

Field Equipment Decontamination

• Objectives of Field Equipment Decontamination
• Available Decontamination Methods& Procedures
• Potential Problems with Chemical Desorption Methods
• Verifying the Effectiveness of Decontamination

Quality Assurance/Quality Control for Field Sampling & Analysis Programs

• The Difference Between QA and QC
• The Role of Quality Control Samples in Surface Water & Sediment Sampling Programs
• Understanding the Importance of Field QA/QC
• Typical Components of Field QA/QC
• Discussion of Collecting Various Field QC Samples: Why, How and When
• How Many QC Samples Are Enough?

Surface Water Sampling Devices

• Grab Samplers vs. Composite Samplers
• Impact of Surface Water Samplers on Sample Chemistry
• Applications and Limitations of Grab and Composite Samplers
• Describing Surface Water Samples
• Support Information to Record When Collecting Surface Water Samples

Sediment Sampling Devices

• Sediment Sample Collection Device Options for Grab Sampling and Coring
  • Hand-Based Methods
  • Winch-Based Methods
  • Mechanically Assisted Devices for Deep Applications
  • Grab vs. Composite Samples
• Describing Sediment Samples -- How it Differs from Soil Sample Description
• Support Information to Record When Collecting Sediment Samples

Day 2

Measurement of Flow and Discharge in Surface Water Systems

• Overview of Technologies Available
• Field Applications of Flow Measurement Equipment
• Common Errors in Flow Measurement

Field Parameter Measurement for Surface Water Systems

• Objectives
• Common Sources of Error
• Options for Field Parameters to Measure
• Selection Criteria for Field Parameter Measurement Instrumentation
• Calibration of Field Instrumentation
• Accuracy vs. Precision vs. Resolution

Pretreatment of Surface Water & Sediment Samples

• Pretreatment Methods for Liquid and Solid Samples
  • Sample Filtration
    • Reasons to Filter
    • Parameters that May Be Filtered and Those that Should Not Be Filtered
    • Timing of Filtration
    • Equipment Options for Field Filtration of Samples
  • Preservation
  • Physical Preservation vs. Chemical Preservation Methods
  • Collecting Representative Samples for VOC Analysis
  • Field Verification of pH for Chemically Preserved Samples

Sample Handling and Shipment

• Options for Delivery of Samples to the Lab
• Sample Preparation for Shipment
• Compliance with DOT and IATA Shipping Regulations

Documentation of Field Activities

• Written Records, Electronic Data Recording and Audio-Visual Recording of Field Activities
• Do's and Don'ts When Recording Field Observations & Measurements
• Ensuring Your Field Records are Admissible as Evidence
• Using Sample Tamper-Proofing Mechanisms to Protect Sample Integrity
• Understanding the Purpose of the Chain-of-Custody Form and Using it Correctly

Field Training Session: Surface Water and Sediment Sampling & Flow Measurement

• Station 1: Preparation for Sample Collection
  • Calibration of Field Parameter Measurement Instrumentation
• Station 2: Surface Water Flow Measurement
  • Establishing the Transit Locations
  • Measurement of Flow Across the Rio Grande River
• Station 3: Collection of Surface Water Samples
  • Collection of Depth-Discrete Samples
  • Vertical Profiling of the Water Column to Determine Changes in Surface Water Chemistry
  • Collection of Representative Samples for VOC Analysis
• Station 4: Sediment Sampling
  • Collection of Grab Samples Using Dredges
  • Collection of Core Samples Using Hand-Based Devices
  • Description of Sediment Samples