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Introduction

Alternative Ground Water Sampling Techniques Guide (July 1994)

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Site Remediation Program is committed to streamlining and expediting the investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. To achieve this goal, the Alternative Ground Water Sampling Techniques Guide has been developed to assist investigators in evaluating ground water during a site investigation and reduce the time and money spent on the installation of monitor wells. The use of the alternative methods described in this guide will allow for a greater number of ground water samples to be collected at a reduced cost per sample. A larger data base will in turn guide the investigation and provide a greater understanding of the distribution of ground water contamination, leading to more effective placement of monitor wells and subsequent remedial decisions.

The guide provides a compilation of six (6) alternative methods for the acquisition of ground water samples in lieu of monitor well installation. These methods are presented in standard format and include detailed procedures for equipment installation, sampling, QA/QC, and a description of their advantages and limitations. Based upon site specific objectives and targeted levels of data quality, data obtained with these methods may be used as a screening tool to reduce the number and optimize the placement of monitor wells and may also be accepted on a case by case basis as stand alone data points of ground water evaluation. The actual representativeness and subsequent acceptability of the associated data is dependent upon site conditions, application of the sampling method, experience of the sampling team and the remedial decision to be made.

The guide is intended for use by the regulated community and consultants to implement rapid and technically sound site investigations. Users of the Alternative Ground Water Sampling Techniques Guide will be most successful when used in conjunction with the NJDEPE Field Sampling Procedures Manual and the Site Remediation Program Field Analysis Manual.

Procedures for the use of alternative sampling methods are requirements referenced in Sections 1.6(c) and (d) in the current Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (N.J.A.C. 7:26E). Section 1.6(c) designates criteria which the alternative ground water sampling method must satisfy when used without NJDEP approval as allowed by N.J.A.C. 7:26E. To use the alternative methods with NJDEP approval, a NJDEP variance must be obtained. The procedures for obtaining a variance and the criteria which must be met are described in section 1.6(d). The reader is cautioned that site-specific conditions must be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine applicability of a particular method. It is also strongly suggested that a consultation occur with the NJDEP Case Manager to discuss the intended use of a particular method prior to implementation.

Prior drafts of this document have been previously distributed for review and comment within the NJDEP and the regulated community. The Alternative Ground Water Sample Techniques Guide will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the rapidly growing area of environmental monitoring and measurement technology.

The Alternative Ground Water Sampling Techniques Guide may be reproduced without NJDEP authorization. Comments on the document are encouraged and may be addressed to:

Charles Van Sciver
NJDEP/Division of Publicly Funded Site Remediation
Bureau of Environmental Measurement & Quality Assurance
25 Arctic Parkway, P.O. Box 413
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1693
Fax: (609) 292-3244

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