Course Description

Instruction Course on Sampling for Trace Metals using the “Clean Hands/Dirty Hands” Method

Course ID:

CHEM-305

Category:

Chemistry Remediation Toxicology

Continuing Education Units:

0.70CEUs

Description:

This course is designed for anyone collecting ambient water samples for the analysis of low-level total and dissolved mercury and other trace metals, as well as various metals species (including methylmercury and inorganic arsenic species). This one-day course will include a half-day in a classroom with lectures covering the circumstances in which low-level detection limits would be desired or required, EPA analytical methods that must be used, proper handling and preservation of samples, necessary sampling supplies, considerations that should be made prior to and during sampling activities in order to collect samples correctly and avoid contamination, various sampling and field-filtration techniques, and field quality assurance sample collection requirements.*

The second half of the day, students will engage in hands-on field exercises, where they will be given the opportunity to practice several surface water sampling protocols using various sample collection methods and following the “Clean Hands/Dirty Hands sampling techniques. Time permitting, sample collection techniques and recommendations for additional sample matrices may be discussed that are specific to the student’s needs and area of interest. See the “Course Topics” area below for topic list.

Lunch will be provided, please dress weather/outdoor appropriate for the field portion of the course. See "What to Bring" for more information.

You may register online or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at (425) 270-3274. Online registration is strongly encouraged.

Please wait to receive a course confirmation email, roughly one month prior to the class, before making any travel arrangements.

Attendees will receive a course manual containing workshop proceedings and reference material.

Intended Audience:

This course is intended for supervisors, field sampling staff, wastewater treatment facility staff, consultants, engineers and students interested in successfully sampling wastewater influents/effluents, stormwater and ambient receiving waters for mercury and metals at EPA and State discharge and water quality criteria level.

Once your order has been placed, you are subject to our cancellation policy regardless of the status of your invoice.

31 days prior to training -> 100% refund
30-16 days prior to training -> 50% refund
15 - start of course -> No refund available

Attendee replacement acceptable at anytime.

Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

More Information

Course Topics

Why the Need for Low-Level Metals Detection? Reasons why low-level metals detection and EPA Sample Collection Method 1669 is desired and becoming required. A brief discussion regarding the Clean Water Act, Total Maximum Daily Loads, and drivers for low-level detection.
EPA 1600 Series Methods: Various EPA Analytical Methods (1600-series) available for trace metals analysis. Instruction will also be provided for proper handling and preservation of samples prior to or immediately following laboratory receipt.
Sampling Supplies & Equipment: The correct equipment and supplies that MUST be used in order to successfully collect a water sample for trace-level metals analysis. Surface and subsurface sampling supplies will be discussed, including equipment needed for proper field filtration.
Considerations Before & During Sample Collection: In order to obtain credible and scientifically defensible data, considerations should be made before and during sample collection. The instructor will discuss what should be included in a sample analysis plan when collecting ambient water quality samples for low-level metals analysis. Participants will gain an understanding of different sources of contamination or interferences that can cause problems with trace metals analysis and ways to avoid contamination.
Clean Hands/Dirty Hands Sampling Technique: EPA Method 1669 “Clean Hands/Dirty Hands” for several different sampling methods and a practical demonstration.

What to Bring

Please bring a pen or pencil, and notepad if you would like to take notes (you may also choose to take notes in your book). Lunch will be provided. Please be aware that the field/sampling portion of the course will entail walking through park grounds, and being around/near water. Please dress appropriately for the outdoor/field portion of the course (closed-toe shoes, etc.)

Billing Information

In order to guarantee a space in a course, the tuition must be paid in full TWO WEEKS before the first day of the course by either check or credit card. State and government agencies paying with a purchase order are allowed payment under the two-week time frame if a copy of the purchase order is received by NWETC.

If You Need to Cancel

Cancellations*

With 31 or more days notice, we will offer a 100% refund or credit towards a future course. The credit is good for one year and may be applied to any course.
With 30-8 days notice, we will offer a course credit towards a future course. The credit is good for one year and may be applied to any course.
With fewer than 8 days notice, there is no course credit available

*Please note that attendee replacement is welcome at any time