Designation: D6009 − 12

Standard Guide for

Sampling Waste Piles1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6009; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
1.1 This guide provides guidance for obtaining representa- D4823 Guide for Core Sampling Submerged, Unconsoli-
tive samples from waste piles. Guidance is provided for site dated Sediments
evaluation, sampling design, selection of equipment, and data D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
interpretation. Used at Waste Sites
D5314 Guide for Soil Gas Monitoring in the Vadose Zone
1.2 Waste piles include areas used primarily for waste D5451 Practice for Sampling Using a Trier Sampler
storage or disposal, including above-grade dry land disposal D5518 Guide for Acquisition of File Aerial Photography and
units. This guide can be applied to sampling municipal waste Imagery for Establishing Historic Site-Use and Surficial
piles. Conditions
1.3 This guide addresses how the choice of sampling design D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
and sampling methods depends on specific features of the pile. D5730 Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this and Groundwater (Withdrawn 2013)3
standard. 3. Terminology
1.4.1 Exception—The inch-pound units in parentheses are
included for information only and are not considered standard. 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: (See also
Terminology D5681.)
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.1 hot spots—strata that contain high concentrations of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the the characteristic of interest and are relatively small in size
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- when compared with the total size of the materials being
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- sampled.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.2 representative sample—a sample collected such that it
2. Referenced Documents reflects one or more characteristics of interest (as defined by
the project objectives) of the population from which it was
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
collected.
D1452 Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger
3.1.2.1 Discussion—A representative sample can be a single
Borings
sample, a set of samples, or one or more composite samples.
D1586 Test Method for Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-
Barrel Sampling of Soils 3.1.3 waste pile—unconfined storage of solid materials in an
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for area of distinct boundaries, above grade and usually uncovered.
Geotechnical Purposes This includes the following:
D4547 Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile 3.1.3.1 chemical manufacturing waste pile—a pile consist-
Organic Compounds ing primarily of discarded chemical products (whether market-
D4687 Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling able or not), by-products, radioactive wastes, or used or unused
feedstocks.
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste 3.1.3.2 scrap metal or junk pile—a pile consisting primarily
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.01 on of scrap metal or discarded durable goods such as appliances,
Planning for Sampling. automobiles, auto parts, or batteries.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2012. Published February 2012. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6009 - 96(2006). 3.1.3.3 trash pile—a pile of waste materials from municipal
DOI: 10.1520/D6009-12.
2
sources, consisting primarily of paper, garbage, or discarded
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D6009 − 12
nondurable goods that contain or have contained hazardous TABLE 1 Strategy Factors
substances. It does not include waste destined for recyclers. Waste Pile Factors Strategic Considerations Design Considerations
Generation history Date of generation Analysis required
4. Significance and Use Types of processes Location of samples
Characteristics by process
4.1 This guide is intended to provide guidance for sampling Delivery method
waste piles. It can be used to obtain samples for waste Current management
Regulatory considerations
characterization related to use, treatment, or disposal; to Physical characteristics Physical variability of pile Number of samples
monitor an active pile; to prepare for closure of the waste pile; of pile:
or to investigate the contents of an abandoned pile. – size Access Location of samples
– shape Safety Equipment selection
4.2 Techniques used to sample include both in-place evalu- – stability
ations of the pile and physically removing a sample. In-place Waste characteristics Constituents present Number of samples
Constituent distribution Analysis required
evaluations include techniques such as remote sensing, on-site Heterogeneity Location of samples
gas analysis, and permeability. – physical variability Representative
samples
4.3 Sampling strategy for waste piles is dependent on the – chemical variability Equipment selection
following:
4.3.1 Project objectives including acceptable levels of error
when making decisions;
determine the history of a waste pile, sources of waste, and the
4.3.2 Physical characteristics of the pile, such as its size and
presence and distribution of different strata.
configuration, access to all parts of it, and the stability of the
5.2.1 The date of generation could be important with respect
pile;
to the types of processes that generated the waste, the charac-
4.3.3 Process that generated the waste and the waste
teristics of the waste, the distribution of the constituents, and
characteristics, such as hazardous chemical or physical
regulatory concerns.
properties, whether the waste consists of sludges, dry powders,
5.2.2 The type of process that generated the waste will
granules or larger grained materials, and the heterogeneity of
determine the types of constituents that may be present in the
the wastes;
waste pile. Chemical variability will influence the number of
4.3.4 History of the pile, including dates of generation,
samples that are required to characterize the waste pile unless
methods of handling and transport, and current management
a directed (biased) sampling approach is acceptable.
methods;
5.2.3 The delivery method of the material to the waste pile
4.3.5 Regulatory considerations, such as regulatory classi-
could influence the concentrations of the constituents, affect
fication and characterization data;
the overall shape of the pile, or create physical dissimilarity
4.3.6 Limits and bias of sampling methods, including bias
within the waste pile through sorting by particle size or density.
that may be introduced by waste heterogeneity, sampling
5.2.4 If the pile is under current management and use, the
design, and sampling equipment.
variability in constituent types and concentrations may be
4.4 It is recommended that this guide be used in conjunction affected. Current management activities also may influence the
with Guide D4687, which addresses sampling design, quality regulatory status of the waste pile, and therefore, the potential
assurance, general sampling considerations, preservation and sampling protocols.
containerization, cleaning equipment, packaging, and chain of 5.2.5 Regulatory considerations will typically focus on
custody. waste identification questions; in other words, “Is the material
4.5 A case history of the investigation of a waste pile is a solid waste that should be regulated and managed as a
included in Appendix X1. hazardous waste?” (1).4 This may involve a limited, directed
sampling approach, particularly if a regulatory agency is
5. Site Evaluation conducting the investigation. A more comprehensive sampling
5.1 Site evaluations are performed to assist in designing the design may be required to determine if the waste classifies as
most appropriate sampling strategy. An evaluation may consist hazardous. Remediation efforts and questions regarding per-
of on-site surveys and inspections, as well as a review of mits may focus on characterizing the entire pile, possibly as the
historical data. Nonintrusive geophysical and remote sensing removal of material is occurring. It should be noted that
methods are particularly useful at this stage of the investigation concentrations of contaminants near regulatory levels may
(see Guide D5518). Table 1 summarizes the effects that various increase the number of samples required to meet the objectives
factors associated with the waste pile, such as the history of of the investigation. These regulatory levels could be those
how the pile was generated, have upon the strategy and design established to determine if a waste is hazardous, or “cleanup”
of the sampling plan. The strategic and design considerations levels set for a removal or remediation.
are discussed as well. 5.3 Physical Characteristics of Pile—Several physical char-
5.2 Generation History—The waste pile may have been acteristics of the waste pile must be considered during the site
created over an extended time period. A remote sensing method evaluation. Variability in size, shape, and stability of the pile
that is very useful in establishing historical management
practices for waste piles is aerial imagery. Aerial photographs 4
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
and satellite imagery are widely available and may be used to this standard.

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 D6009 − 12
affects access to it to obtain samples as well as safety to large piles that contain leachate plumes (for example, mine
considerations. Physical variability will influence the number tailings) or for the detection of large discontinuities in a pile
of samples that are required to characterize the waste pile (for example, different types of wastes or the transition from a
unless a directed (biased) sampling approach is considered to disposal area to background soils). For metallic objects, metal
be acceptable. Techniques that might be used include resistivity detectors and magnetometers are useful and relatively easy to
and seismic refraction (for determining the depth of very large use in the field.
piles). 5.5 Potential Investigation Errors:
5.3.1 The size of the waste pile will influence the sampling 5.5.1 Equipment selection can bias sampling results even if
strategy in that increasing size is often accompanied by the equipment is used properly. Bias can result from the
increased variability in the physical characteristics of the waste incompatibility of the materials that the sampling equipment is
pile. The number of samples, however, that are needed to made of with the materials being sampled. For example, the
characterize a waste pile adequately will typically be a function equipment could alter the characteristics of the sample. Some
of the study objectives as well as the inherent variability of the equipment will bias against the collection of certain particles
pile. sizes, and some equipment cannot penetrate the waste pile
5.3.2 The shape of the waste pile can influence the sampling adequately.
strategy by limiting access to certain locations within the pile, 5.5.2 Equipment, use, and operation can introduce error
and if it is topologically complex it is difficult to lay out a (bias) into the characterization of a waste pile. Sampling errors
sampling grid. Also, a waste pile may extend vertically both typically are caused when certain particle sizes are excluded,
above and below grade, making decisions regarding the depth when a segment of the waste pile is not sampled, or when a
of sample collection difficult. location outside the pile is inadvertently sampled.
5.3.3 The stability of the waste pile also can limit access to 5.5.3 When stratification, layering, or solid phasing occurs
both the face and the interior of the pile. The use of certain it may be necessary to obtain and analyze samples of each of
types of heavier sampling equipment also could be limited by the distinct phases separately to minimize sampling bias. Care
the ability of the pile to bear the weight of the equipment. should be taken when sampling stratified layers to minimize
5.4 Waste Characteristics: cross contamination. Proper decontamination procedures
5.4.1 The constituents could include inorganics, volatile should be used for all sampling equipment (see Practice
organic compounds (VOCs), and semivolatile organic com- D5088).
pounds (including pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls 5.5.4 Statistical bias includes situations where the data are
(PCBs)) (see Practice D4547). Specialty analyses may be not normally distributed or when the sampling strategy does
warranted, such as leaching tests or analyses for dioxin/furans not allow the potential for every portion of the pile to be
or explosive compounds. Soil gas sampling is a minimally sampled.
intrusive technique that may detect the presence and distribu-
tion of volatile organic compounds in soils and in porous, 6. Sampling Strategy
unconsolidated materials. Appropriate applications for soil gas 6.1 Developing a strategy for sampling a waste pile requires
monitoring are identified in Guide D5314. a thorough examination of the site evaluation factors listed in
5.4.2 The distribution of constituents in the waste pile could Section 5. The location and frequency of sampling (number of
be influenced by changes in the manufacturing process which samples) should be outlined clearly in the sampling plan, as
resulted in changes in the composition of the waste; the length well as provisions for the use of special sampling equipment,
of time the material has remained in the pile (particularly for access of heavy equipment to all areas of the pile, if necessary,
VOCs); the mode of delivery of the waste materials to the pile; and so forth.
and management practices, such as mixing together wastes 6.1.1 Representative Sampling—The collection of a repre-
from more than one process. sentative set of samples from a waste pile typically will be
5.4.3 Physical and chemical variabilities would include complicated by the presence of a number of the site evaluation
variability in the chemical characteristics of the material within factors (2,3).
the pile, as well as variability in particle size, density, hardness, 6.1.2 Heterogeneous Wastes—Waste piles may be
whether brittle or flexible, moisture content, consolidated, or homogeneous, for applied purposes, or may be quite heteroge-
unconsolidated. The variability may be random or found as neous in particle size and contaminant distribution. If the
strata of materials having different properties or containing particle sizes of the material in the waste pile and the
different types or concentrations of constituents. distribution of contaminants are known, or can be estimated,
5.4.3.1 Geophysical survey methods may be used on piles to then less sampling may be necessary to define the properties of
estimate physical homogeneity, which may or may not be interest in the waste pile. An estimate of the variability in
related to chemical homogeneity, and to detect buried objects, contaminant distribution may be based on process knowledge
both of which may need to be considered during the develop- or determined by preliminary sampling (4). The more hetero-
ment of the sampling design and the safety plan for the geneous the waste pile is, the greater the planning and
investigation. The most suitable technique for detecting non- sampling requirements.
metallic objects is electromagnetics. Ground-penetrating radar, 6.1.3 Strata and Hot Spots—A waste pile also could contain
a more sophisticated and complex technique, also may be strata that have less internal variation in physical properties or
considered. Electromagnetic techniques are suited particularly concentrations of chemical constituents than the remainder of

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 D6009 − 12
the waste pile (2,5). For example, strata may be present in a
waste pile due to changes in the process that generated the
waste, or if different processes at a facility contribute waste to
different parts of the waste pile. A stratified sampling strategy
would consider this situation by conducting independent sam-
pling of each stratum, which could reduce the number of
samples required. These strata could be in specific areas of the
waste pile (4). Also, hot spots may be present in the waste pile
that are unique in composition (2,5).
6.2 Specific Sampling Strategies:
6.2.1 Although the most appropriate method for evaluating
material in waste piles is to sample at or immediately following
the point of generation (for example, conveyor belt), most
sampling problems involve existing or in-place waste piles.
Therefore, the following discussion will focus on in-place
waste piles. Sampling strategies available for waste piles
include directed or judgmental sampling, simple random
sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic grid
sampling, and systematic sampling over time (2,6). General
concerns about the collection of a representative sample, the
existence of potential heterogeneity in the waste pile, the
presence of strata within the waste pile, and the existence of
distinct hot spots within the waste pile may also influence the
selection of an appropriate sampling strategy and development
of the sampling plan (5). The following paragraphs provide an
introduction to determining the appropriate number of samples
to collect and the sampling strategies available for determining
sample locations.
6.2.2 Determining the Frequency or Number of Samples—
The frequency of sampling or the number of samples to collect
typically will be based on several factors including the study
objectives, properties of wastes in the pile, degree of confi-
dence required, access to sampling points, and budgetary FIG. 1 Waste Pile Sampling Strategy—Directed Sampling
constraints. Practical guidance for determining the number of
samples is included in Guide D4687 and Refs (2, 3).
6.2.3 Directed Sampling—Directed sampling (Fig. 1) is dom sampling or systematic grid sampling strategy would be
based on the judgment of the investigator and will not result more appropriate (2) (see 6.2.5 and 6.2.6).
necessarily in a sample that reflects the characteristics of the 6.2.4.1 A simple random approach could use a grid with
entire waste pile. Directed sampling also is called judgmental random grids selected for sample collection (see Fig. 2). Note
sampling, authoritative sampling, or nonprobability sampling. that the grid size could be selected based on the number of
The experience of the investigator often is the basis for sample samples that are required (some guidance suggests having at
collection, and, depending on the study objectives, bias should least ten times the number of grids as samples required). Once
be recognized as a potential problem. For preliminary screen- the grid is overlaid and the sampling locations are selected, the
ing investigations of a waste pile and for certain regulatory decision must be made to collect either a discrete grab sample
investigations, however, directed sampling may be appropriate. (surface), a composite of surface samples taken from predes-
A directed sampling strategy could call for the collection of a ignated locations within the grid cell (based on compass
composite sample from the surface area or the collection of points), a vertical composite to a specified depth, or discrete
discrete grabs at the surface of the pile (see Fig. 1). Directed grab samples at specified depths. If discrete grab samples are
sampling would typically focus on worst case conditions in a desired at specified depths, they typically would be collected at
waste pile, for example, the most visually contaminated area or the same location as the bore hole is advanced into the pile.
most recently generated waste. Fig. 2 illustrates the collection of vertical composites at each of
6.2.4 Simple Random Sampling—Simple random sampling the randomly selected locations.
(Fig. 2) ensures that each element in the waste pile has an equal 6.2.5 Stratified Random Sampling—Stratified random sam-
chance of being included in the sample (2). This may be the pling (see Fig. 3) may be useful when distinct strata or
method of choice when, for purposes of the investigation, the homogeneous subgroups are identified within the waste pile
waste pile is randomly heterogeneous (5). If the waste pile (2). The strata may be located in different areas of the pile or
contains trends or patterns of contamination, a stratified ran- may be comprised of different layers (see Fig. 3). This

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 D6009 − 12

FIG. 2 Waste Pile Sampling Strategy—Simple Random Sampling FIG. 3 Waste Pile Sampling Strategy—Stratified Random Sam-
pling

approach is useful when the individual strata may be consid-

ered internally homogeneous or at least have less internal
variation in what would otherwise be considered a heteroge- waste pile (6). It also may be useful for identifying the
neous waste pile (2). Information on the waste pile usually is presence of strata within the pile. The grid and starting points
required to establish the location of individual strata unless should be laid out randomly over the waste pile, yet the method
process knowledge or changes in the composition of the allows for rather easy location of exact sample locations by
material is obvious, such as with discoloration or with the type means of the grid (see Fig. 4). The same considerations
of waste. The grid may be utilized for sampling several discussed in 6.2.4 concerning the depth of each sample
horizontal layers if the strata are oriented horizontally (4). A (surface, vertical composite, discrete grabs at depth) also
simple random sampling approach then is used within each should be considered. Fig. 4 illustrates the collection of vertical
stratum. The use of a stratified random sampling strategy may composites at each grid, which could be difficult and costly.
result in the collection of fewer samples. Fig. 3 illustrates a Also note that the grid size typically would be adjusted
scenario where the number of samples collected in each according to the number of samples that are required.
stratum varies (plan view), and discrete grabs are collected in 6.2.7 Systematic Sampling Over Time—Systematic sam-
each boring at predesignated depths (side view). pling over time at the point of generation is useful if the
6.2.6 Systemic Grid Sampling—Systematic grid sampling material is being sampled from a conveyor belt or being
(see Fig. 4) involves the collection of samples at fixed intervals delivered by means of truck or pipeline to the waste pile. The
and is useful when the contamination is assumed to be sampling interval can be determined on a time basis, for
distributed randomly (2). This method also is commonly used example, every hour from a conveyor belt or pipeline
with waste piles when estimating trends or patterns of con- discharge, or from every third truck load. The time between
tamination or when the objective is to locate hot spots. This intervals is influenced by the factors addressed in 6.2.2.
approach may not be acceptable if the entire waste pile is not NOTE 1—This approach is the preferred sampling method to determine
accessible or if the sampling grid locations become phased waste characteristics of process wastes since it provides for an unaffected
with variations in the distribution of contaminants within the and accurate representation of the wastes. This approach often is not

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 D6009 − 12
6.2.8 Alternative Approach—In many cases, an objective of
waste pile characterization is to determine the impact of the
pile on the environment. At times this may be accomplished
more easily by sampling the routes by which contaminants are
dispersed from the pile than through direct sampling of the
pile, especially for piles that are difficult to characterize. For
example, ground water up-and-down gradient from the pile
could be sampled to check for ground water contamination.
The vadose zone below the pile also might be sampled to detect
leachate (and potential ground water contamination) through
soil sampling, vacuum lysimeters, or soil gas. Surface water
and sediment in drainage channels down gradient from the pile
also might be sampled. Surface soils, air samples, and con-
taminants deposited on vegetation can be used as indicators of
atmospheric transport of contaminants from the pile, including
both particulate and volatile materials. Such approaches will
seldom replace pile sampling completely, but they may reduce
the number of pile samples needed to make remedial action
decisions (see Guide D5730), also Refs (7-9).

7. Selection of Sampling Equipment

7.1 Wastes in piles are often complex, multiphase mixtures
of solids and semisolids. The wastes can range from powders
to granules to large, heterogeneous solid fragments and can
cover many acres in area. No single type of sampler can be
used to collect representative samples of all types of waste
from piles. Large, thick piles may require drill rigs to obtain
samples from depth. The sampling of gases from within the
pile requires other types of equipment. Table 2 lists typical
waste types and the corresponding recommended samplers to
use.
FIG. 4 Waste Pile Sampling Strategy—Systematic Grid Sampling 7.2 Sampling at depth from inside the pile may require
heavy equipment designed for excavation or removal of soil or
possible, though, and practitioners then are required to sample the rock. Table 3 lists such equipment and its applications for
accumulated waste pile. sampling waste piles (10).

TABLE 2 Sampling Devices Suitable for Waste PilesA

Location and Waste Type Sampling Devices ASTM Standard Limitations
Subsurface
Powdered, granular, or soil-like solids; sludges split-barrel push coring device D1586 Limited application for sampling moist and sticky solids, or
D1587 particles with diameter 0.6 cm (0.25 in.) or more.
D4700 Depth limitation of about 1 m.
D4823
trier D5451 May not retain core sample of very dry granular materials.
Not applicable to sampling solid wastes with particle diameter
>1⁄2 the diameter of the sampling tube.
auger D1452 Does not collect undisturbed sample.
D4700
thin-walled tube sampler D4823 Collects relatively undisturbed core.
D4700 Difficult to use on gravelly or rocky soils.
drill rigs Used for geoenvironmental exploration. To minimize sample
contamination, avoid those using a water-based drilling fluid.

soil gas samplers D5314 Used for volatile organic compounds.

Surface
Powdered, granular, or soil-like solids; sludges trowel or scoop D4700 Difficult to obtain reproducible mass of sample. May exclude
certain particle sizes, especially large aggregates.
Slag hammer/chisel Changes particle size.
Impact device
A
This table is not all inclusive; other equipment may be used.

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 D6009 − 12
TABLE 3 Excavation and Removal Equipment for Waste Piles
Excavation and Removal General Ability to Excavate Hard Mixing of Solids, Spreading Site
Soil Hauling
Equipment Excavation and Compacted Material Soil Cover Maneuverability
Wheel or crawler
Mounted backhoe AA A BB /OC A A A/B
Wheel or crawler
Mounted front-end loader A A A/B A A A/B
Skid steer loader A B B A B A
Bulldozer A A O O A B
A
A = Good choice. Equipment is fully capable of performing function listed.
B
B = Secondary choice. Equipment is marginally capable of performing function listed.
C
O = Not applicable or poor choice.

7.3 Sampling equipment should be constructed of materials of the mean. This unbiased estimate is independent of the
that are compatible with the waste to be sampled. Compatibil- geometry of the pile and of the distribution of the concentration
ity refers to the physical durability, lack of chemical reactivity of the contaminants, but it may not have the smallest variance.
with the waste, and lack of potential for contamination of the Other sampling designs, such as systematic grid sampling or
waste with analytes of concern. Typical materials of construc- stratified random sampling, may provide an average that has a
tion include stainless steel, plastic, and glass. smaller variance. If the waste pile has uneven topography, the
calculation of the mean concentration of the pile should be a
8. Data Use volume-weighted average, using core volume as the weighting
8.1 The decisions that will be made based upon the data factor to reduce the variance of the estimated mean.
must be identified early in the planning process since these 8.2.2.1 For simple random sampling and systematic grid
affect the approach to the problem and how the data will be sampling designs, histogram and normal probability plots of
evaluated. Decisions affecting waste classification, closure, and the sample data can be used to judge if the data conform to
post-closure issues, are examples of the uses of the data. normal distribution. If not, there are several alternatives. First,
Methods to determine the volume of contaminated material in the classical statistical model may still be considered robust for
a pile or pile strata may be needed. Standard mathematical the decision-making process. Second, a transformation of the
formulas for calculating the volume of a cone, cylinder, various data may approximate a normal distribution of the data. For
prisms, and so forth, may be used. example, logarithmic transformation will normalize data that
8.2 Statistical Considerations: are lognormal originally. If the data are lognormal, the question
8.2.1 Data quality assessment (DQA) methods are used to of whether to use the arithmetic mean or the geometric mean
evaluate the data for any anomalies and to evaluate the for decision-making purposes must be decided. Third, an
assumptions for statistical evaluation. The statistician makes alternative statistical model based on nonparametric methods,
use of both subjective judgment (graphical analysis for iden- but which uses weaker assumptions, may be proposed to
tification of trends and anomalies) and statistical models and analyze the decision-making process. It may be advisable to
inference (for example, outlier detection, autocorrelation esti- consult a statistician.
mation) in the investigation of data for validity of the assump- 8.2.2.2 For the stratified random sampling design, the test of
tions needed to make a statistical test. Classical statistical normality is not straightforward. Generally, it requires a
models assume that the samples collected from the population mathematical model to take out the strata effects first, then test
of interest are independent and have an identical probability for normality using the residuals. A statistician should be
distribution (that is, normal distribution with constant mean consulted.
and variance). Random sampling is a method to ensure
8.2.2.3 In any of these cases, alternative consequences of
independence. The probability distributional assumptions are
part of DQA that will determine if the classical statistical the level of uncertainty can be calculated prior to collecting the
model is appropriate for the collected data. For directed data. These alternatives can be used by decision-makers to
sampling, the sampling is subjective and the sample results are select the best strategy to minimize the environmental risks.
typically judged on a qualitative basis.
8.2.2 Simple random sampling will provide an unbiased 9. Keywords
estimate of the average waste concentration, that is, an estimate 9.1 piles; sampling; waste

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 D6009 − 12
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. WASTE PILE—A CASE HISTORY

X1.1 Background—The waste pile was generated by a mium are regulated constituents, a leach test was completed,
facility that produces brass alloys from scrap metal. The and the lead results exceeded the regulatory level of 5 mg/L.
byproduct from this operation was slag, which was generated Cadmium was just under the regulatory level of 1.0 mg/L. Lead
in the recovery furnace. The slag was ground subsequently in and cadmium concentrations in the soil were 2 to 3 times above
a ball mill prior to being reintroduced into the recovery background, and the drainage ditch and downstream sediment
furnace. A large amount of the ground slag was disposed of in sample also had elevated lead and cadmium levels.
a waste pile which covered about one acre. No active manage- X1.2.4 Conclusion—The waste pile contained slag that is
ment was occurring with the waste pile. No buried containers hazardous for lead. The waste pile required further character-
or extremely heterogeneous material (unground slag) was ization to determine the variability in the pile. The presence of
suspected of being present in the waste pile based on facility lead and cadmium in soils and the stream sediment down-
records and interviews of personnel. stream of the facility was confirmed and should be investigated
X1.1.1 Lead and cadmium were the constituents of concern further to determine the extent of contaminant transport.
based on process knowledge, and the possibility for the waste
being hazardous was the regulatory consideration. The poten- X1.3 Phase 2:
tial for off-site migration of contaminants was also an imme- X1.3.1 Objective—The objective is to characterize the
diate concern, and this was considered in the development of waste pile further using a systematic grid sampling design.
the Phase 1 study design. Fig. X1.1 shows a site map of the This design will delineate horizontal and vertical variability in
facility and the slag pile. Fig. X1.2 shows a computer enhance- lead and cadmium concentrations. The Phase 1 investigation
ment of the slag pile, and Fig. X1.3 shows a topographic view also provided a good estimate of the anticipated variability in
of the pile. the waste pile. The number of samples required to characterize
the waste pile adequately was calculated based on the average
X1.2 Phase 1: concentration, the anticipated variability, the regulatory level
X1.2.1 Objective—The primary objective of the initial in- of concern, and the specified confidence interval. The grid size
vestigation was to determine if the slag in the waste pile then was adjusted to accommodate the projection on the
classified as hazardous based on the concentration of lead and required number of samples. Composite samples were col-
cadmium in a leach test. A secondary objective was to provide lected within each grid cell based on one center point and eight
preliminary information on the potential migration and trans- points on the compass (45° intervals) equidistant from the
port of contaminants from the waste pile off-site. The sampling center point. Ten percent of the grids were designated for
plan for this initial investigation utilized a directed sampling vertical as well as surface (0 to 15 cm or 0 to 6 in.) sample
strategy to provide a preliminary estimate of the lead concen- collection. Additionally, 10 % of the grids were designated
tration in the waste, the variability of contaminant concentra- randomly for duplicate sampling (using a different aliquot
tions in the pile, and the potential for leaching using the pattern) to check the preliminary estimate on the variability.
applicable leaching procedure mandated in regulations. Four Additional environmental sampling was conducted but will not
composite samples were collected from the surface (0 to 15 cm be covered in this discussion.
or 0 to 6 in.) of the waste pile at locations within the four X1.3.2 Results—The results supported the initial Phase 1
quadrants. The following environmental samples were also investigation with lead consistently exceeding the regulatory
collected: level. Cadmium consistently was below the regulatory level.
X1.2.1.1 Several soil samples in the vicinity of the waste X1.3.3 Conclusion—The waste pile was characteristic for
pile, lead and classified as hazardous according to the applicable
X1.2.1.2 Sediment upstream and downstream in a stream regulations. There was no significant variability with depth,
which borders the facility, although several gradients were noticed across the grid based
X1.2.1.3 Sediment in a ditch which contained runoff from on lead concentration (scan) results.
the pile, and
X1.2.1.4 Two background soil samples. X1.4 Phase 3:
X1.2.2 Fig. X1.4 shows the Phase 1 sampling locations X1.4.1 Objective—The objective is to determine thevolume
within the slag pile, and Fig. X1.5 shows the same sampling of the waste pile in order to estimate both the disposal cost and
locations on the topographic map of the pile. the total amount of the civil penalty to be charged to the owner
X1.2.3 Results—Zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead were all of the pile. The waste pile was surveyed using standard
elevated (compared to background) in the samples collected surveying techniques.
from the waste pile, and the concentrations did not appear to X1.4.2 Results—The results were used to calculate the
vary significantly between the samples. Since lead and cad- volume using geometric principles. Also, a computer program

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 D6009 − 12

FIG. X1.1 Site Map

was utilized which constructs contours based on the surveying manual method, which produced a result that was 10 % higher
information. The computer program was used as a check of the in volume than the computer program.

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 D6009 − 12

FIG. X1.2 Computer Enhancement of the Slag Pile (Front View) Scale 1:1:2

FIG. X1.3 Topographic View of the Slag Pile

X1.4.3 Conclusion—For penalty calculation purposes, the and disposal costs could reflect the larger estimate.
smaller estimate was utilized; however, the actual treatment

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 D6009 − 12

FIG. X1.4 Front View of the Slag Pile Showing Sampling Locations Scale 1:1:2

FIG. X1.5 Topographic View of the Slag Pile Showing Sampling Locations

REFERENCES

(1) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1986. Test Methods for 1991 (Available online at http://www.epa.gov/nscep/index.html).
Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods; SW-846, 3rd (5) Pitard, F., Pierre Gy’s Sampling Theory and Sampling Practice, Vol 1:
Edition (and various updates). Current edition and updates available Heterogeneity and Sampling, Chemical and Rubber Company (CRC)
for free online at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/testmethods/ Press, 1989.
sw846/online/index.htm. (6) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Characterizing Het-
(2) Gilbert, R. O., “Statistical Methods for Environmental Pollution erogeneous Wastes: Methods and Recommendations, EPA 600/R-92/
Monitoring,” Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987. 033, (NTIS PB92-216894) February 1992 (Available online at http://
(3) Ford, P. J., and Turina, P. J., Characterization of Hazardous Waste www.epa.gov/nscep/index.html). [Also published as hardback Smoley
Sites—A Methods Manual, Vol 1: Site Investigations, EPA 600/4-84/ Edition: Rupp and Joens (1993).]
075, (NTIS PB85-215960), 1985. (7) Keith, L., Principles of Environmental Sampling, Ed. American
(4) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Compendium of ERT Chemical Society, 1988.
Waste Sampling Procedures, Section 5.0 Waste Pile Sampling, SOP (8) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-Office of Resource
No. 2017, EPA 540/P-91/008, OSWER Directive 9360.4-07, January Conservation and Recovery. Statistical Analysis of Ground Water

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Monitoring Data at RCRA Facilities: Unified Guidance, EPA 530/R- (10) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Survey of Materials-
09-007, March 2009. Available at http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/ Handling Technologies Used at Hazardous Waste Sites, EPA 540/2-
correctiveaction/resources/guidance/sitechar/gwstats/unified- 91/010, June 1991. 225 pp. (Available online at http://www.epa.gov/
guid.pdf. nscep/index.html)
(9) McCoy and Associates, Inc., “Soil Sampling and Analysis—Practices
and Pitfalls,” Hazardous Waste Consultant, Vol 10, No. 6, Lakewood,
CO, 1992.

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