USEPA has updated its guidance to reflect the latest evaluation of currently available data and technologies for VOC sample handling and preservation procedures for solid samples. The procedures are designed to minimize VOC losses through the two most common mechanisms, volatilization and biodegradation. This guidance appears in SW-846 Method 5035A, which includes an accompanying 30-page appendix of detailed explanatory material.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has prepared a "Strategies" document to guide its staff to use sample collection and handling procedures that minimize VOC losses from solid samples. The USACE document supplements existing guidance provided in SW-846 Method 5035, and addresses selected aspects of sample collection, handling, preparation, and shipment. A decision tree is also provided to guide the selection of high-level and low-level sample preservation methods

Other USACE documents relevant to VOC sampling and analysis are available through the Corps' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), such as the Sampling and On-Site Analytical Methods for Volatiles in Soil and Groundwater: Field Guidance Manual (CRREL Report 99-16); Storage and Preservation of Soil Samples for Volatile Compound Analysis (Special Report 99-5); and Soil-Vapor Versus Discrete Soil Sample Measurements for VOCs in the Near-Surface Vadose Zone: Feasibility Study (Special Report 98-7). These reports (and other useful reports) are available for download from the USACE Reports and Products/Technical Reports website.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published a guide. ASTM D4547-98: Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds.

Download Method 5035A

Download USACE VOC Sampling

Download USACE VOC Decision Tree

Visit the USACE Reports and Products/Technical Reports website

Visit the ASTM website