About Passive Soil Sampling
Passive soil sampling is a widely used technique in Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments. It allows environmental professionals to collect representative soil samples without active pumping or mechanical extraction, reducing disturbance to the sample matrix and providing reliable data for contamination screening.
This method aligns with ASTM 1527 Standard Practices and supports All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) requirements during environmental due diligence for commercial real estate transactions.
Video Demonstration
The video above walks through the complete passive soil sampling procedure, from site preparation through sample collection and chain-of-custody documentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Site Preparation. Review the site plan and identify sampling locations based on historical use, visible staining, or areas of concern. Mark each location and clear surface debris.
- Equipment Assembly. Gather passive sampling devices, clean sample containers, gloves, field logbook, chain-of-custody forms, and any required personal protective equipment.
- Sample Collection. Insert the passive sampler into the soil at the designated depth. Allow adequate residence time for the sampler to equilibrate with surrounding soil conditions per the manufacturer's protocol.
- Retrieval & Preservation. Carefully retrieve the sampler, transfer the collected medium into a pre-labeled container, and preserve according to the analytical method requirements (e.g., cooled to 4°C for volatile organics).
- Documentation. Record sample ID, date, time, depth, GPS coordinates, weather conditions, and any field observations in the logbook. Complete chain-of-custody forms before relinquishing samples to the laboratory.
- Quality Control. Collect field duplicates, trip blanks, and equipment blanks as specified in the sampling and analysis plan. These QC samples are essential for validating laboratory results.
Compliance with ESA Standards
Passive soil sampling conducted per these instructions supports compliance with ASTM 1527-13 Standard Practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. Proper sampling technique is critical for identifying recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and supporting defensible conclusions in ESA reports.