Demonstration of the Attributes of Multi-increment Sampling and Proper Sample Processing Protocols for the Characterization of Metals on DoD Facilities

Over the last decade it has been recognized that releases of energetic constituents into the environment as a result of military training occurs in an extremely heterogeneous pattern. Conventional soil sampling and sample preparation methodologies are inadequate to address the level of contaminant heterogeneity observed. Recently, there have been questions regarding whether the issues observed for the deposition of energetic constituents also substantively apply to other constituents such as metals, semi-volatile organic compounds SVOC, and polychlorinated biphenyls PCB. This report was completed as a partial fulfillment of the obligations for ESTCP Demonstration Project ER-0918. The primary objective of this project was to develop a sampling and laboratory analysis method for metals in surface soils on military training ranges that demonstrably produces higher quality data at lower costs than conventional sampling and analysis methods. Incremental sampling methodology ISM including both field and laboratory protocol development was conducted at an active small arms range at Camp Ethan Allen, Vermont, as reported in Evaluation of Sampling and Sample Preparation Modifications for Soil Containing Metal Residues Clausen et al., 2012b. In addition, a demonstration was conducted at three additional small arms ranges as reported in Demonstration of Incremental Sampling Methodology for Soil Containing Metallic Residues Clausen et al., 2013a. The inactive ranges assessed included the 1000 inch Rifle Range at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and the Northern Area 3 of the Kimama Training Site TS, Idaho. Both of these ranges are Military Munitions Response Program MMRP sites. A demonstration was also conducted at the active Range 16 Record Range located within the Small Arms Complex at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.