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sample label id numbers if not recorded on the chain-of-custody record(s) or packing list(s),
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condition of the shipping container,
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condition of the sample bottles,
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verification of agreement or nonagreement of information on receiving documents,
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resolution of problems or discrepancies
After samples are received, they are placed in secure storage (e.g., locked refrigerators). The laboratory
will have written SOPs which specifically include descriptions of all storage areas for samples in the
laboratory, and steps taken to prevent sample contamination. Only authorized personnel will have access
or keys to secure storage areas. Each laboratory also will have written SOPs for tracking the work
performed on any particular sample. Sample receipt, sample storage, sample transfers, sample
preparations, sample analyses, instrument calibration and other QA/QC activities will be documented.
All samples remaining after successful completion of analyses will be disposed of properly, in accordance
with all applicable regulations.
All relevant MERC senior personnel are responsible for ensuring that the chain-of-custody forms are
correctly filled out at the time of changes to sample custody, and sample handling and storage. They are
also responsible for maintaining the forms with the test records.
B.4.
Analytical Method Requirements
The analytical methods used by MERC and any contract laboratories for BWTS tests are in accordance
with procedures currently approved or accepted by the USEPA. A summary of the analytical methods and
approximate data turnaround times are described in Table 7. A more detailed description of the analytical
equipment and instrumentation required for each analysis is included in the individual field or laboratory
SOP for the methods.
Table 7. Analytical methods and reference limits for core parameters
Category
Core Parameter
Reporting
Units
Analytical Method
Acceptable Range for Initiating
Testing
Physical/
Chemical
Salinity
PSU
SOP - Ballast System
Instrumentation
0 – 36
Dissolved Organic
Carbon (DOC)
mg/l
SOP – Water Quality
Analyses
SOP – Challenge
Water Modification
Can be artificially augmented,
dependent on test plan
Particulate Organic
Carbon (POC)
mg/l
SOP – Water Quality
Analyses
SOP – Challenge
Water Modification
Can be artificially augmented,
dependent on test plan
Total Suspended
Solids (TSS)
mg/l
SOP – Water Quality
Analyses
SOP – Challenge
Water Modification
Can be artificially augmented,
dependent on test plan
Dissolved Oxygen
mg/l
SOP - Ballast System
Instrumentation
3 - 15
pH
--
SOP - Ballast System
Instrumentation
7 - 9
Temperature
°C
SOP - Ballast System
Instrumentation
4 - 30
Water Flow Rate
m³/hr
SOP - Ballast System
100 - 350