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Challenges in Bulk Soil Sampling and Analysis for Vapor Intrusion Screening of Soil
Citation:
Grosse, D., J. McKernan, AND S. Bessler. Challenges in Bulk Soil Sampling and Analysis for Vapor Intrusion Screening of Soil. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-14/277, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
This Engineering Issue Paper provides information pertinent to monitoring soil excavation remedies for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the subsurface, particularly with respect to using bulk soil sampling to address future potential vapor intrusion (VI) risks. Bulk soil sampling and analysis is a conventional method for assessing the completeness of soil excavation remedies, but information is lacking on how to use soil sampling and analysis results to determine whether a soil excavation remedy for VOC contamination has been completed to a degree that is protective of the VI pathway.
Description:
This draft Engineering Issue Paper discusses technical issues with monitoring soil excavations for VOCs and describes options for such monitoring as part of a VI pathway assessment at sites where soil excavation is being considered or used as part of the remedy for VOC-contaminated soils. The technical information presented here is intended to provide a better understanding of the benefits and limitations of bulk soil sampling for assessing VI risks from contaminated soil that may remain after excavation and provide tools to develop alternative monitoring options and/or remedy options that will fully address VI risks.