Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 691 - RULE FOR UNDERGROUND OIL STORAGE FACILITIES
Appendix 096-691-H - Procedures for Weekly Monitoring, Handling, and Obtaining Samples for Laboratory Analysis

These procedures are specifically for manual sampling of ground water monitoring wells used as leak detection to meet the requirements of section 6(C)(3) of this Chapter.

NOTE: Due to the extreme sensitivity of laboratory analytical equipment, it is very important that all bailers, pumps and sample vials be kept clean. A contaminated pump or bailer may cross-contaminate monitoring wells or falsely indicate the presence of hydrocarbons in the ground water. It is also important that the person taking the sample have clean hands free of any grease, oil or gas.

For Weekly Monitoring, Perform Steps 1 through 7.

1. All equipment used shall be washed with a detergent soap and triple rinsed with water which is known to be uncontaminated to ensure the device is clean. The individual(s) performing the sampling shall wash their hands thoroughly prior to sampling.

2. Measure and record the distance from the top of the casing to the water surface.

3. Measure and record the distance from the top of the casing to the bottom of the well.

4. After checking for free product using a clear bailer and when the volume of water in the well is sufficient remove several bailer volumes of water.

5. Lower the bailer into the well and remove a sample. Pour the contents of the bailer into a clear container.

6. Inspect the sample for free product or an oily sheen. Smell the sample for olfactory evidence of oil.

7. Record the results in a logbook which, shall be kept at the facility. A sample log sheet is attached in Figure 3.

NOTE: Commercially available pastes, which change color upon contact with hydrocarbons can be spread on a weighted, plastic tape measure or measuring stick and lowered the depth of the well. Pastes are also available which will change color upon contact with water. The use of these pastes is an acceptable method of determining water levels and detecting product in monitoring wells for the purpose of complying with weekly monitoring requirements. The use of an oil/water interface probe is also acceptable.

8. Prior to obtaining samples for laboratory analysis, remove 3 well volumes of water from each well. The water may be removed by bailing or pumping the well. For 2-inch wells, remove about 2.5 gallons of water for every 5 feet of well water.

9. After a sufficient volume of water has entered the well, take a sample for analysis.

10. Samples shall be poured into vials designed for sampling volatile organics. Standard sampling vials are glass, 30-50 milliliters in volume with a Teflon cap. Obtain the sample vials from the lab where the analysis will be performed. Care shall be taken, such that no air bubbles are in the sample vial. Record the sample vial number and the monitoring well number, such that the laboratory analysis may be correlated to a specific well location.

11. Samples shall be securely packed and shipped the same day or in accordance with the protocols for the analysis being conducted. Samples shall be kept cool and not exposed to heat. A record shall be kept of all dates and shipping arrangements. Samples must be analyzed in accordance with the requirements of Appendix S of this Chapter.

12. For monitoring wells, which are installed with the impervious barrier, which contains less than two (2) feet of water, do not attempt to remove three well volumes of water. It may be necessary to sample the well during or after periods of rain whenever possible.

13. For monitoring wells, which do not have enough water to obtain a sample, measure the depth of the well to insure the well is not filled in or has not collapsed. Using a gauge stick or hard plastic tape, apply paste which will turn color upon contact with hydrocarbons. Record the results of both measurements for each well in the logbook.

FIGURE 3

SAMPLE WEEKLY MONITORING WELL LOG SHEET

10. Comments