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SOP3 – Sampling Protocol
22
rates during sampling events. The greater of the two aforementioned flows (sampling and dump)
is to be drawn through the 1.5” flow meter and the smaller through the 1” flow meter located
above each sampling basin. Statistical limits associated with analysis of the >50 µm biota in
treated and untreated ballast require treated discharge samples be larger. MERC will pass 5 m
3
to
7 m
3
(per instruction from person in charge) treated discharge ballast through the net and 3 m
3
for untreated. Example: If the un-treated tank holding 300 m
3
is discharged at 250 m
3
h
-1
and a 3
m
3
sample is desired, than sample rate is: (250/300)*3=2.5 m
3
h
-1
or 42 L min
-1
. Key the correct
flow-meter (the one with the hose going in the net) for sampling when initiating sample logging
via the IMAC. On uptake both control and treated samples of biota >50-µm will be 3m
3
.
4.4.
Whole Water Samples
A whole-water (not sieved) sampling-rate reference table (Table 4.2) is posted in the sampling
area. Sampling rate of whole-water is 1.5 L min
-1
at 300 m
3
h
-1
ballast-flow-rate and less as flow-
rates decrease. Samples requiring whole-water include the 10 µm to 50 µm biological size-
fraction, TSS, bacteria, and other water-quality parameters. Sample-rate is monitored and
adjusted via a ball-in-column flow-meter and ball-valve. Samples are collected in two 100 L air-
homogenized, cylindrical collection tanks, one for each ballast tank or one for control and one
for treatment. Activate air when cylinder is over 1/3 full. Sample is drawn only when the ballast
operation (uptake, discharge, or other) is complete. Remove sample via a built-in stand-pipe
designed to avoid bottom strata, although vigorous air-homogenization may make this precaution
unnecessary. Before filling them the whole-water sample-bottles are sample-rinsed 3X, as
described in SOP applicable to those assays (see SOP 6, 8, and 9). If toxicity testing is being
conducted there will be an additional 100 L whole water time-integrated treated-ballast sample
routed to a third collection cylinder in play on discharge days.
4.5.
Sampling Shutdown
When finished sampling, sampling assemblies, hoses, and all other equipment in contact with
ballast water are to be thoroughly flushed for >5 min with potable water. Hoses are removed
from pitot-tubes and attached to potable water source via adapter. Leave connected to sampling
assemblies, allowing flow-meters, sampling tubs, etc. to receive potable water flush-out. Nets
and whole-water collectors are to be thoroughly flushed and drained. Collectors are spray-rinsed
and brush-cleaned 3x. They are then drained upside down before storage. Nets are hose blasted
from the outside over their entire outside surface. Then they are rinsed down in a spiral motion
top-to-bottom from the inside before being hung to dry in now empty collector barrels to dry.