New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 7 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 18 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CERTIFICATION OF LABORATORIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENTS
Subchapter 9 - SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
Section 7:18-9.3 - Requirements for inorganic, organic, and radiochemical parameter samples

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 7:18-9.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

(a) Regulatory samples to be analyzed for one or more inorganic, organic, or radiochemical parameters shall be handled and preserved as follows:

1. Drinking water program samples to be analyzed for one or more inorganic or organic parameters shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements of Table 9.1 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(b);

2. Wastewater program samples to be analyzed for one or more chemical parameters shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements in Table 9.2 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(c);

3. Solid/hazardous waste program samples (aqueous non-potable matrices) to be analyzed for one or more chemical parameters shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements in Table 9.2 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(c);

4. Drinking water program samples to be analyzed for one or more radiochemical parameters shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements of Table 9.3 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(d);

5. Wastewater program samples to be analyzed for one or more radiochemical parameters shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements in Table 9.4 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(e);

6. Solid/hazardous waste program samples in the form of soils, liquids, sediments, and sludges shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements in Table 9.5 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(f);

7. CERCLA-CLP aqueous and non-aqueous samples shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements in Table 9.6 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(g); and

8. Air program samples to be analyzed for one or more chemical parameters shall be handled and preserved in accordance with the applicable requirements in Table 9.7 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4(h).

(b) In addition to the requirements of Tables 9.1 through 9.6 in N.J.A.C. 7:18-9.4, as applicable, the following requirements apply to the handling and preservation of regulatory samples to be analyzed for one or more chemical parameters. Pre-preserved bottles may be used, but the pH of regulatory samples must be checked and adjusted as outlined below if the pH is not [LESS THAN]=2 before shipped to the laboratory. If proper preservation is not obtained, follow the procedure as outlined in this subsection.

1. To preserve a sample (other than a sample to be analyzed for volatile organics) by pH adjustment:
i. Add an acid or base preservative to the sample. Do not add preservative in an amount that will dilute the sample and give inaccurate results;

ii. Replace the stopper or closure on the sample bottle and mix the sample thoroughly by inverting the bottle several times;

iii. Remove the sample bottle stopper or closure and place a drop of the sample from the stopper onto pH test paper;

iv. Rinse the portion of the stopper exposed to the pH paper with Type II water;

v. If the proper pH has not been obtained, repeat steps (b)1i through iv above; and

vi. Transport samples requiring cooling at four degrees Celsius in an ice chest, shuttle, or cooler containing crushed ice or other suitable coolant capable of reducing the ice chest temperature to four degrees Celsius and maintaining this temperature during transport.

2. To use pH adjustment to preserve a sample that is to be analyzed for volatile organics:
i. Collect the sample in a 40 mL or larger glass Teflon(R)-lined septum vials;

ii. Add a dechlorination agent if residual chlorine is present;

iii. Prior to filling sample vials, determine the appropriate amount of 1:1 HCl necessary to lower the sample pH to 2 by filling a separate representative vial with the sample. Record the amount of acid needed to reach a pH of about 2. Add this amount of 1:1 HCl to each successive 40 mL or larger vial collected;

iv. Add 1:1 hydrochloric acid (HCl) at time of collection;

v. Fill the vial with sample to the point of overflowing (zero head space), place the screw cap containing a Teflon(R)-faced silicone septum on the vial, and secure it tightly;

vi. Position the silicone septum in the cap so that the Teflon(R) side will lie face down on the water sample;

vii. Inspect the vial for any air bubbles. If bubbles are present, remove the cap and add more sample to the vial, replace the cap, and inspect the vial for bubbles again. Repeat until no bubbles are present;

viii. If effervescence occurs when the HCl is added, omit acid preservation of sample. If acid preservation is prohibited by effervescence, the sample must be analyzed within seven days of collection; and

ix. Maintain the sample at four degrees Celsius in an ice chest or shuttle containing ice or other suitable coolant capable of reducing the ice chest or shuttle to four degrees Celsius.

3. A sample analysis request form stating the following information shall be completed immediately after collection:
i. The collector's name and affiliation;

ii. The name and identification number of the laboratory analyzing the sample;

iii. The sample location and type;

iv. The date and time of collection;

v. The chlorine residual results, if applicable;

vi. The preservatives or preservation conditions used;

vii. DSAMs to be performed; and

viii. The collector's signature and any remarks.

4. Unless the requirements of (b)6 below are satisfied, a chain-of-custody form shall be completed. The form shall provide space for the information listed in (b)3 above. The following chain-of-custody procedures shall be employed, and the following information recorded, in collecting and handling regulatory samples:
i. Document that the proper decontaminated containers are used for sampling;

ii. Use tie-on or affixed labels with an identification number to identify all samples; and

iii. After the sample has been collected, the collector shall write the following information on the chain-of-custody form:
(1) The collector's name and affiliation;

(2) The name and identification number of the laboratory analyzing the sample;

(3) The sample location and type;

(4) The date and time of collection;

(5) The signature, date and time of chain-of-custody transfers;

(6) The number of containers;

(7) The chlorine residual results, if applicable;

(8) The preservatives or preservation conditions used; and

(9) DSAMs to be performed.

5. When sending samples by mail or by private shipping, the collector shall complete the chain-of-custody form before shipping, and place it into the shipping container. The container shall have a numbered custody seal.

6. A formal chain-of-custody procedure is not needed in the following circumstances:
i. The collector and the analyst are the same person; and

ii. All of the information required under (b)3 above is entered in the field log book.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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