This December 1995 EPA Superfund guidance walks the reader through the variables that relate to the site-specific conditions, the sampling design approach, and the techniques for collection and preparation of representative samples. The importance of the conceptual site model (CSM) is discussed, and with the need for representative data collection to capture the concentration of the contaminant(s) of concern at a given time and location, reflecting the variation in pollutant presence and concentration throughout a site. Since important and potentially costly decisions are based on sampling data, it is critical that project managers and field personnel understand how accurately the sampling data characterize the actual site conditions when identifying threats, delineating sources and extent of contamination, and confirming the achievement of clean-up standards.

The Superfund guidance for representative sampling is available in 5 volumes covering soil, water, waste, air, and biological materials.

Download Soil Guidance (1.0MB/PDF)

Download Water Guidance (1.6MB/PDF)

Download Waste Guidance (960K/PDF)

Download Biological Guidance (788K/PDF)

Download Air Guidance (1.1MB/PDF)