| Field Sampling and Testing | Environmental
Chemistry |
ERMI's field staff is trained and experienced in appropriate sample collection,
stabilization and testing procedures. We follow EPA approved procedures such as
those set forth in 40 CFR part 136 "Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for
Analysis of Pollutants under the Clean Water Act, "SW-846" Test Methods for
Evaluating Solid Waste", the "Handbook for Sampling and Sample Preservation of
Water and Wastewater" and other approved techniques.
Wastewater Monitoring
Wastewater
monitoring is typically performed to fulfill specific monitoring requirements
for effluent discharge permits or to identify and solve wastewater problems. We
work closely with customers to provide an unbiased, third-party evaluation of
wastewater quality by sampling effluents on a random, unannounced basis. We
report the results of the analyses supported with quality control information
within a five (5) to seven (7) working day turn-around time. Non-compliance data is
reported to our customers directly, providing an opportunity to solve effluent
problems prompty and re-sample if necessary.
Discrete and composite samples are collected using state-of-the-art automated sampling devices. Quite often, to identify the source(s) of problem constituents, several samplers are set simultaneously to determine levels of contaminants in individual waste streams which combine to form the regulated discharge. As appropriate for the parameters measured, the samplers are equipped with either Teflon or vinyl suction lines and stainless steel or plastic strainers to minimize the potential for sample contamination. To maintain the integrity of the sample, approved sample handling procedures are used both in the field and laboratory and the sample is promptly analyzed for the required constituents within specified holding times.
Groundwater Monitoring
ERMI's
groundwater monitoring services are comprised of sample collection, analysis
and reporting of the physical and analytical results to our customers. Reports
can be tailored to meet specific requirements and/or sent directly to the
regulating agency upon request.
Shallow monitoring wells are typically sampled using bailers. Deeper wells commonly require either portable or dedicated bladder pumps. When organic chemicals are of concern, sampling devices constructed of Teflon or stainless steel are used. Portable and dedicated pump systems are driven by a gasoline powered, oil-less air compressor to preclude possible sample contamination from the oil. The compressor is located about 50 feet downwind of each well to prevent emission contamination from the gasoline engine. Standard protocols observed when sampling wells include: use of a ground cloth around the well head serving as a "clean area", handling of down-well sample equipment with gloved hands, decontamination of non-dedicated down-well sampling equipment after sampling each well, changing gloves between wells, calibration of all field meters immediately prior to use and purging at least three "well volumes" of water from each well or taking the well to dryness before sample collection.
Surface Waterbody Monitoring
ERMI is experienced in performing environmental chemistry studies on freshwater
and estuarine ecosystems to address a wide range of environmental concerns. The
studies allow us to monitor water quality, identify the impacts of point and
non-point source pollution, identify the extent and magnitude of contaminants
in fish and other organisms, fulfill permit requirements, predict waste
assimilation capacity, establish baseline water quality conditions and
determine attainable uses of the water body or water body segment. We utilize
highly specialized sampling equipment to correctly sample complex aquatic
systems. We can perform analyses on the collected samples in our laboratory for
a wide range of parameters including metals, nutrients, oxygen demands, solids,
organics and other parameters. Information from these analyses can then be
synthesized, interpreted and presented in a narrative report.
Flow Studies
ERMI's
flow measurement and monitoring capabilities range from measuring flows in
sewer pipes and discharge flumes to estimating flows in streams and rivers.
Portable installations are used in small waste streams such as discharges to
POTW's or small discharges to surface waterbodies. Flow measurement in large
discharge structures, streams and rivers are measured using the USGS
quarter-point, dye dilution or other appropriate techniques.
Sample Preservation
The
proper preservation of samples is very important to insure analytical integrity
and accuracy.
Click on our hyperlink if you need a copy of our Sample Handling Guide . This is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Our Sample Handling Guide requires Adobe Acrobat Reader which you may download free of charge from www.adobe.com. |
Chain of Custody
Click
on our hyperlink if you need a quick copy of our Chain-of-Custody
form. It is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you would like
to request the triplicate chain of custody form, please call our Customer
Service Department at 972.727.1123 or email your request to
Customer Service.
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Our Chain-of-Custody form requires Adobe Acrobat Reader which you may download free of charge from www.adobe.com. |
Sample Acceptance Policy
Shipping Considerations
When
shipping samples to ERMI, consideration should be given to the total estimated
time of arrival at the laboratory relative to the shortest holding time of the
parameters to be analyzed. Please insure the method of transportation chosen
will result in delivery of your sample(s) to the laboratory with adequate time
remaining to login and initiate the analysis for those parameters with the
shortest holding times.
Please pack your samples carefully and securely with bubble pack or similar material and fill the cooler with wet ice. Sample containers should be packed in such a manner that glass sample containers can not come into contact with each other and there is no space remaining in the cooler for samples to come loose and roll around even if the ice melts during transportation. Small containers, such as VOA vials and whirl-packs, should be wrapped in bubble pack and placed on top of all other containers in the shipment.
Include your completed chain-of-custody in a sealed ziplock or similar waterproof bag.
Place a properly completed custody seal across the closed lid and body of the cooler to serve as verification the samples were not tampered with during the shipping process. Tape the lid of the cooler closed with nylon strapping or other such tape and secure the gummed shipping label to the lid by covering it with clear tape.
When shipping samples to ERMI by all modes except bus, address your shipment as follows:
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ERMI Environmental
Laboratories 400 West Bethany Road Suite 190 Allen, Texas 75013 |
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ERMI Environmental
Laboratories Hold for pickup at the McKinney, TX Bus Station Call 972-727-1123 upon arrival |
