This 2-day introductory course provides classroom and field instruction for the environmental sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment and waste. It is intended for individuals with no sampling experience, personnel performing program inspection or oversight, and as a refresher for those returning to field activities.

A variety of methods and types of sampling equipment are presented, demonstrated, and made available for hands-on-experience. New emerging technologies are discussed in classroom modules along with the traditional standards. Air sampling is specifically addressed in "Air Monitoring for Hazardous Materials" and is not discussed in this course.

Sampling basics are presented for waste, groundwater, soils, surface water, and sediments. Concepts of sampling plan development and field screening are summarized to familiarize the student with the Triad approach to sample planning. Fundamentals of documentation and decontamination are conveyed in their primary importance relating to the entire process of collecting a defensible, representative sample. Field exercises reinforce classroom presentation and field demonstrations.

The course is designed to be consistent with the EPA protocol and guidance as presented in EPA Superfund Program Representative Sampling Guidance. New technology guidance is derived from Interstate Technological Research Council (ITRC) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) studies and other publications.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the Triad sampling strategy and basis for selection of sampling designs.
• Apply protocols for the collection of a representative sample from a variety of environmental media and waste.
• Complete required sample documentation, including labels and chain of custody for delivery of a defensible sample to an analytical laboratory.

Continuing Education Units: 1.4

ABIH (American Board of Industrial Hygienists) has previously awarded CM (Certification Maintenance) credit for this event. The current event contains 14 hours which can be claimed for CM credit. 

 In compliance with Executive Order 13589 - Promoting Efficient Spending, Section 5; the ERTP will not be regularly printing or providing students hard copies of the course manual. Students may obtain an electronic copy of the student manual for personal printing or e-reading at 

https://ertpvu.org/ClassroomCourseDetail.aspx?id=20

Unless otherwise specified, THIS COURSE, AND OTHER ERTP COURSES, IS NOT OPEN TO CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
*This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.*

IMPORTANT NOTICES – Applicable to all ERTP courses :

1. ERTP’s receipt of a Trainex course registration is a Registration Request, it is not a Guaranteed Enrollment in the Course. All ERTP training courses require applicant registration thru the Trainex system. Last minute course arrivals without prior ERTP Trainex course registration approval is not permitted. Before ERTP issues final approval to deliver any course and/or any EPA offices incurring expenses for the training event (including but not limited to EPA staff travel TA’s and/or ERTP training contractor expenses incurred), all EPA mandatory pre-approvals must all be met. The pre-approvals include (but are not limited to) the following:
   
   • Training location’s availability;
   • COVID status and/or other COVID Guidelines in effect for the location, as well as staff;
   • Agency limitations, scrutiny, and approvals of ‘Conference Spending Requirements (known as the “5170”)’ for the specific training course(s) scheduled delivery timeframe;
   • Weather (blizzard, hurricane, etc);
   • Contractual number of available course training slots;
   • EPA training location staff having priority registration over all other registrations; and/or
   • Hosting site Training Coordinator approval.
   
   In the event a course is subsequently postponed or canceled, or notification of registration cancellation is received, all EPA travel arrangements (airline/car rental/hotel) should be canceled in a timely manner. Registered students will receive a notification via email if/when a course is postponed and/or cancelled.
    
2. For in-person course deliveries, confirmed course registered participants must abide by all facility physical access requirements for the location (examples: check-in at the security gate, Federal ID, Government PIV/CAC cards, photo id’s, etc.). If applicable for the course or location, restrictions may apply to non-citizens and acceptable identification may be required for facility entry.

This course includes outdoor activities.  Participants should dress appropriately for potential weather conditions and wear closed-toed shoes that could potentially get muddy.

EPA travelers: It is not anticipated that a course-specific 5170 will be required.  Please use your organization's generic exempt conference budget code in your TA for this course.