The Wise Report
Beginning January 1, 2016, the TCEQ Remediation Division will require the use of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) SW846 Method 5035A, Purge-and-Trap and Extraction for Volatile Organics in Soil and Waste Samples, as amended, for the collection and preparation of solid samples for volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis using purge-and-trap technology. After December 31, 2015, the TCEQ Remediation Division will reject VOC data reported for solid samples, such as soil samples, collected and prepared using another method when the data are intended to demonstrate compliance with the rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 334 (Underground Storage Tanks), 335 (Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste), or 350 (Texas Risk Reduction Program).
Samples collected for VOC analysis must undergo preparation prior to analysis. The purge-and-trap procedure is the most common preparatory method for VOC analysis, e.g., analysis using SW846 methods 8260, 8021 and 8011. Method 5035A describes the procedures for collecting solid samples and preparing the samples for VOC analysis using purge-and-trap technology. Prior to 1997, preparation by purge-and-trap for both soil and water samples was outlined in Method 5030. In 1997, the USEPA revised SW846 to remove the soil component from Method 5030 and to introduce the new Method 5035 for solids. With that revision to SW846, the USEPA limited purge-and-trap preparation of solid samples to Method 5035, later revised to Method 5035A, and the purge-and-trap preparation of aqueous samples and sample extracts to Method 5030. Beginning on January 1, 2016, solid samples for VOC analysis must be collected and prepared using the Method 5035A procedures.
The TCEQ Remediation Division guidance on Method 5035 has been updated and is available. Please direct questions regarding Method 5035 or the guidance to the Technical Program Support Team at 512-239-2200 or by e-mail at TechSup@tceq.texas.gov.