Oil Spill Sampling

Contents Overview of Reference Material Sampling Equipment Sample Collection Labeling Review

References *ASTM Standards (American Society for Testing and Materials) D 4489 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Waterborne Oils D 3325 - Standard Practice for Preservation of Waterborne Oil Samples *COMDTINST M16201.1 (30 Jul 1997) CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS Chapter 3. General Investigative Techniques and Evidence Collection Subchapter H. Sampling….Pg. 3-8 *G-MOA Policy Letter 4-04 POLLUTION INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT: EVIDENCE NEEDED TO PROSECUTE A NOTICE OF VIOLATION OR CLASS I CIVIL PENALTY *MSL SAMPLE HANDLING AND TRANSMITTAL GUIDE (Access through MSL website.) http://cgweb.comdt.uscg.mil/g-mo/moa/docs2/4-04.pdf

Sampling Equipment • 1 Sampling Kit Carrier • 12, 4 oz. Sample Jars • 1 Sampling Extension Pole • 12 Jar Rings • 4 McGill Sheen Net Kits • 6 Cardboard Mailing Tubes • 1 Box Nitrile Gloves

Sampling Equipment (Cont.) • 1 Roll Adhesive Labels (Sample Data and COC) • 1 Roll Cotton Twine • Absorbent Towels • Hand Cleaner • 6 Tongue Depressors • 1 Roll of Jar Seal Tape (electrical tape) • Waterproof Felt Markers *Wear Personal Protective Equipment consistent with the nature of the spill.

Optional Sampling Equipment An advanced sampling kit may include the following means to cool samples while still in the field. Small Ice Chest/Cooler Expendable Cooling Pack

Sampling Collection Objective Obtain a sample for analysis that is representative of the spilled oil.

Sampling Guidelines Sampling Plan Sampling Procedures Chain of Custody Preservation of Samples

Sampling Plan COMDTINST M16201.1 Procedures for taking samples from the surface of the water will vary with the sheen size and thickness, on-scene weather and sea state, the type of petroleum product, and all necessary safety precautions. Shipboard sample procedures will depend on the number of tanks and bilges requiring sampling, and the access of those tanks and bilges.

Sampling Procedures Grab Sampling Sheen Net Sampling

Grab Sampling Applicable for thick layers of waterborne films, viscous oils, oil globules, and tar balls. Also applicable to sampling oil stranded on shorelines or oil soaked debris. The sample container serves as the sampling device.

Grab Sampling Procedures Procedures for Floating Sample 1. Select a sampling site. 2. Lower the sample jar into the water and skim the oil layer or globules from the water surface into the sample jar. Continue the process until the sample container is approximately ¾ full. Decant if necessary, repeat until oil collection is complete. 3. Attach sample identification label to cleaned jar.

Grab Sampling Procedures Procedures for Shoreline Sample Select a sampling site. Using either the lid, tongue depressor, or sample jar as a scoop, fill the jar 3/4 full with oil-saturated material. Attach sample identification label to cleaned jar.

Sheen Net Sampling Procedures TFE-fluorocarbon polymer net Sampling is accomplished by slowly dragging the sheen net through the sheen and using its natural affinity to collect the oil. Deposit oiled net into jar. Attach sample identification label to cleaned jar.

Labels Use indelible ink, and print legibly. Seal sample with oil-resistant tape. Electrical tape works very well. Do not tape over label. Do not seal jar with the label.

Label Information

Chain of Custody MSL recommends using COC labels for criminal cases, or when samples are transferred in the field from one agency to another (e.g. EPA takes sample and transfers it to USCG). COC must be continuously maintained from the time samples are taken. If used, ensure COC label data on jars matches data on the COC record.

Preservation of Samples ASTM Standard D 3325 Apparatus: Glass vs. Plastic Containers Plasticizer may dissolve in sample Refrigeration: Explosion proof Refrigerators 4-5 ° C Sampling: Collect a representative sample in accordance with Practices D 4489. Preservation of Samples: Protection against Microbial Attack - Maintain Refrigeration Shipment of Samples: Use appropriate shipping carrier.

Things to Remember Quality of samples depends upon sampler. Use of Tool Bag for Collecting Samples – “Be Prepared” Timely turnaround of samples. Review All Paperwork and MISLE Activity entries.

Any Questions?