comprehensive site investigation and remediation objectives report

CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY PROTOCOL
Laboratory Analysis, Sample Custody, Shipment and Transfer Of Custody
Pursuant to 35 Illinois Administrative Code (IAC) 740.415(d)(6), all quantitative analyses
of samples collected will be completed by an accredited laboratory in accordance with
the requirements of 35 IAC 186.
Procedures to ensure the custody and integrity of the samples begin at the time of
sampling and continue through transport, sample receipt, preparation, analysis and
storage, data generation and reporting, and sample disposal. Records concerning the
custody and condition of the samples are maintained in field and laboratory records.
V3 will maintain chain-of-custody records for all field and QC samples. A sample is
defined as being under a person's custody if any of the following conditions exist: (1) it is
in their possession, (2) it is in their view, after being in their possession, (3) it was in their
possession and they locked it up or, (4) it is in a designated secure area. If samples
need to be out of the person’s sight, the coolers containing the samples should be
sealed with COC seals during that time and stored in a locked room or vehicle, with
sufficient ice to maintain the temperature.
All samples require a sampling label. Analytical results received from the laboratory shall
be documented according to the sample designator (number, location, etc.) which is
indicated on the sampling jar by the sampler. Therefore, such designators shall be as
meaningful and helpful as possible and standard designators shall be used when
possible.
All samples will be uniquely identified, labeled, and documented in the field at the time of
collection. Samples collected in the field will be transported to the laboratory site as
expeditiously as possible. The samples will be packed in ice to keep them cool during
collection and transportation in order to maintain the temperature of the samples at 4°C
± 2°C. If the temperature of the samples upon receipt exceeds the temperature
requirements, the exceedance will be documented in laboratory records.
Chain-of-Custody
Proper sample chain-of-custody (COC) procedures are crucial to ensuring the quality
and validity of data obtained through field and laboratory analyses. Protocol guidance is
in accordance with ASTM D 4840-99 (Reapproved 2004): “Standard Guide for Sample
Chain-of-Custody Procedures”. V3 field personnel are responsible for ensuring that
COC procedures are followed. Field personnel will maintain custody of all samples until
they are relinquished to another custodian, the laboratory, or to the freight shipper. All
samples must be catalogued on a laboratory-supplied COC form using sample
identification codes. Both sample labels and COC forms should be filled out with all
pertinent information. COC forms should correspond exactly with the samples included
in the shipment.
An indelible ink, paint, or crayon should be used to enter information on the COC. The
date and time of collection will be recorded on the form, as well as the number of each
type of sample, the method of preservation, and the type of analysis. COC forms should
include the project number and laboratory quote number, as applicable. This form also
documents unusual conditions, which might be meaningful to the lab. For example, if a
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Custody.doc