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Standard operating procedures for collection of soil and sediment samples for the Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response (SCoRR) strategy pilot study

Open-File Report 2015-1188-B
Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
By: , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151188B

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Abstract

An understanding of the effects on human and ecological health brought by major coastal storms or flooding events is typically limited because of a lack of regionally consistent baseline and trends data in locations proximal to potential contaminant sources and mitigation activities, sensitive ecosystems, and recreational facilities where exposures are probable. In an attempt to close this gap, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has implemented the Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response (SCoRR) strategy pilot study to collect regional sediment-quality data prior to and in response to future coastal storms. The standard operating procedure (SOP) detailed in this document serves as the sample-collection protocol for the SCoRR strategy by providing step-by-step instructions for site preparation, sample collection and processing, and shipping of soil and surficial sediment (for example, bed sediment, marsh sediment, or beach material). The objectives of the SCoRR strategy pilot study are (1) to create a baseline of soil-, sand-, marsh sediment-, and bed-sediment-quality data from sites located in the coastal counties from Maine to Virginia based on their potential risk of being contaminated in the event of a major coastal storm or flooding (defined as Resiliency mode); and (2) respond to major coastal storms and flooding by reoccupying select baseline sites and sampling within days of the event (defined as Response mode). For both modes, samples are collected in a consistent manner to minimize bias and maximize quality control by ensuring that all sampling personnel across the region collect, document, and process soil and sediment samples following the procedures outlined in this SOP. Samples are analyzed using four USGS-developed screening methods—inorganic geochemistry, organic geochemistry, pathogens, and biological assays—which are also outlined in this SOP. Because the SCoRR strategy employs a multi-metric approach for sample analyses, this protocol expands upon and reconciles differences in the sample collection protocols outlined in the USGS “National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data,” which should be used in conjunction with this SOP. A new data entry and sample tracking system also is presented to ensure all relevant data and metadata are gathered at the sample locations and in the laboratories.

Suggested Citation

Fisher, S.C., Reilly, T.J., Jones, D.K., Benzel, W.M., Griffin, D.W., Loftin, K.A., Iwanowicz, L.R., and Cohl, J.A., 2015, Standard operating procedure for collection of soil and sediment samples for the Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response (SCoRR) strategy pilot study: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015–1188b, 37 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151188B.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Sampling Methods
  • Selected References
  • Glossary
  • Appendix 1. SCoRR Standard Operating Procedure quick reference guide
  • Appendix 2. Equipment and Supplies Checklist
  • Appendix 3. SCoRR Field Form—electronic version template
  • Appendix 4. SCoRR Field Form—manual entry template
  • Appendix 5. SCoRR Cooler Inventory Form
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Standard operating procedures for collection of soil and sediment samples for the Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response (SCoRR) strategy pilot study
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2015-1188
Chapter B
DOI 10.3133/ofr20151188B
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New Jersey Water Science Center
Description v, 37 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details