M4L9Packaging

Module IV

Lesson Nine: Stormwater Sampling Procedures

Sample Packaging and Shipping

If samples are not hand-delivered to the laboratory or analyzed in an onsite laboratory, they should be placed in a transportation case (e.g., a cooler) and shipped to the laboratory along with the chain-of-custody record form, pertinent field records, and analysis request forms.

Glass bottles should be wrapped in foam rubber, plastic bubble wrap, or other material to prevent breakage during shipment. The wrapping can be secured around the bottle with tape. The container lid should also be sealed with tape. Samples should be placed in ice or a synthetic ice substitute that will maintain the sample temperature at 4°C through out the shipment. Ice should be placed in double-wrapped water tight bags so the water will not leak from the shipping case. Metal or heavy plasticice chests make good sample transportation cases.

Most samples will not require any special transportation precautions except careful packaging to prevent breakage and/or spillage. If the sample is shipped by the common carrier or U.S. Mail, it must comply with Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Part 171-177). Air shipment of hazardous materials samples may also be covered by requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Before shipping a sample, the facility should be aware of, and follow, any special shipping requirements. Special packing and shipping rules apply to substances considered hazardous materials as defined by IATA rules. Stormwater samples are not generally considered hazardous materials, but in the event of a spill, leakage, etc., at the collection site, hazardous materials may be present in the samples. Be aware, before sampling, of what hazardous materials may be in the discharge drainage area. If the presence of hazardous materials is suspected, do not sample unless properly trained.