19023 Site Specific QAPP Spencer Mill - FINAL 20141209

Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 2

A2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page
A1. TITLE AND APPROVAL PAGE ........................................................................................................... 1
A2. TABLE OF CONTENTS....................................................................................................................... 2
A3. DISTRIBUTION LIST ........................................................................................................................... 4
A4. PROJECT/TASK ORGANIZATION ................................................................................................... 6
A5. PROBLEM DEFINITION/BACKGROUND ........................................................................................ 9
A6. PROJECT/TASK DESCRIPTION AND SCHEDULE .................................................................... 16
A7. SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS ....................................................... 18
A8. DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS ....................................................................................................... 18
B1. SAMPLING DESIGN PROCESS ..................................................................................................... 19
B1.1 Soil Sampling ....................................................................................................................................... 20
B1.2 Underground Storage Tank Decommissioning .......................................................................... 31
B1.3 Groundwater Sampling ..................................................................................................................... 33
B1.4 Field Quality Control Checks ........................................................................................................... 38
B1.5 Receptor Survey ................................................................................................................................. 39
B1.6 Schedule ............................................................................................................................................... 39
B2. SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS ................................................. 40
B3. SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY REQUIREMENTS .......................................................... 40
B4. ANALYTICAL METHODS AND REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................... 40
B5. FIELD QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 40
B6. LABORATORY QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 41
B7. FIELD EQUIPMENT AND CORRECTIVE ACTION ...................................................................... 41
B8. LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND CORRECTIVE ACTION ...................................................... 41
B9. ANALYTICAL SENSITIVITY AND PROJECT CRITERIA ............................................................ 41
B10. DATA MANAGEMENT AND DOCUMENTS ................................................................................ 41
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C1. ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE ACTIONS ................................................................................ 42
C2. PROJECT REPORTS ........................................................................................................................ 42
D1. FIELD DATA EVALUATION ............................................................................................................. 42
D2. LABORATORY DATA EVALUATION ............................................................................................. 42
D3. DATA USABILITY AND PROJECT VERIFICATION .................................................................... 42
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 43
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 44

List of Attachments

A Project Organization Chart
B Figure 1 – Site Location Map
Figure 2 – Site Plan – Recognized Environmental Conditions
Figure 3 – Site Surroundings
Figure 4 – Proposed Sampling Locations
C Supplemental Reports
D Table 1 – Soil Sample Summary
Table 2 – Groundwater Sample Summary
Table 3 – Required Container Type, Sample Quantity, Preservation Procedures,
and Holding Times
E Project Schedule
F Procedural SOPs and Operating Instructions
G Qualifications
H Field Documentation

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A3. DISTRIBUTION LIST

The following individuals will receive copies of the approved Quality Assurance Project
Plan (QAPP) and any subsequent revisions:

• Cindy Nolan, Brownfields Project Officer/Manager and USEPA Designated
Approving Official (DAO), United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) Region 4, Atlanta Federal Building 61 Forsyth St., S.W., 9T25, Atlanta,
GA 30303; Phone: [phone], Email: Nolan. [e-mail]

• Tony Duque, Brownfield Project Manager, Division of Waste Management, NC
Department of Environment & Natural Resources, 1646 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, NC 27699-1646, Phone [phone], Email:
[e-mail]

• Paul M. Kron – Brownfields Program Manager, Piedmont Triad Regional Council
(PTRC), 400 West Fourth Street, Suite 400, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Phone:
[phone], E-Mail: [e-mail]

• Kathleen Roush, L.G.,RSM, Program Manager, Apex Companies, LLC, 10610
Metromont Parkway, Suite 206, Charlotte, NC 28269, Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

• Diane Pals, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Officer, Apex
Companies, LLC, 10052 Justin Drive, Suite L, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone:
[phone] Email: [e-mail]

• Katie Lippard, Project Manager, Apex Companies, LLC, 10610 Metromont
Parkway, Suite 206, Charlotte, NC 28269, Phone: [phone] Email:
[e-mail]

• Tommy Fisher, Field Team Leader, Apex Companies, LLC, 10610 Metromont
Parkway, Suite 206, Charlotte, NC 28269, Phone: [phone] Email:
[e-mail]

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• Robbie Jones, Laboratory Manager & Principal, Prism Laboratories, Inc., 449
Springbrook Road, Charlotte, NC 28224; Phone: [phone], Fax: (704)
525-0409, Email: Rjones @prismlabs.com.

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A4. PROJECT/TASK ORGANIZATION
A project organization chart is provided and labeled as Attachment A. The individuals
participating in the project and their specific roles and responsibilities are provided
below:

Cindy Nolan, USEPA Region 4 Brownfields Project Officer/Manager – The USEPA
Project Officer/Manager has the responsibility to oversee and monitor the grant. As part
of that responsibility she must ensure the process described in the work plan is followed
and the terms and conditions of the grant are met.
Cindy Nolan, USEPA Region 4 Brownfields Designated Approving Official – The
USEPA Region 4 Brownfields Quality Assurance Manager’s Designated Approving
Official (DAO) provides a technical role to the USEPA Region 4 Project Officer/Manager
working on Brownfields sites. The DAO’s role is to provide technical reviews of the
Generic QAPPs and the Site-Specific QAPP Addendum and Addenda that are
generated. This includes the approval of the Generic QAPP and Site-Specific QAPP
Addendum and Addenda respectively with any revisions.
Tony Duque, NCDENR Brownfields Coordinator – This individual will be involved in
review and approval of the final site assessment report(s) and will receive a copy of the
Quality Assurance documents for sites/properties that are entered into the State of North
Carolina and Piedmont Triad Regional Council Brownfields Program(s). This individual
will also ensure plans are in compliance with current North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) rules and regulations.
Diane Pals, QA/QC Officer – The QA/QC officer will remain independent of the groups
responsible for data generation and will provide QA/QC technical assistance to the
Project Manager. The QA/QC Officer will also be responsible for final internal review
and approval of the Generic and Site-Specific QAPP documents, internal QA audits and
QC implementation of the project. The QA/QC Officer will report all audit results to the
Project Manager and review all implemented corrective actions.
Kathleen Roush, L.G., RSM, Program Manager - The Program Manager will be the
primary decision maker for the project with the authority to commit the necessary
resources to conduct the project activities/tasks.
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Katie Lippard, Project Manager - The Project Manager will be the primary user of the
data to determine whether or not further action is required at the sites. She will also
coordinate the project activities. Her specific responsibilities include:
1. Approving the QAPP and subsequent revisions in terms of Brownfields specific
requirements; distribution of the QAPP document to the Field Team Leader and
all members of the project team.
2. Overall responsibility for the investigation.
3. Coordinating field and laboratory activities.
4. Conducting project activities in accordance with the QAPP and work plan.
5. Validating field data.
6. Reporting to the NCDENR Brownfields Coordinator and the Piedmont Triad
Regional Council (PTRC) Brownfields Program Manager all issues regarding the
project status per the work order plan. Preparing and communicating project
status reports. Preparing final reports for submittal to NCDENR and PTRC.
7. Responsible for instituting corrective actions for problems encountered in the
field sampling activities.
8. Communicating to the Field Team Leader the corrective actions necessary to
correct problems that might be encountered in the field and coordinate with the
Laboratory Director/Manager to correct any corresponding problems encountered
in the chemical analyses.
9. Compiling documentation detailing any corrective actions and provide them to
the QA/QC Officer and NCDENR Brownfields Coordinator.
Tommy Fisher, Field Team Leader – The field team leader will perform the following
duties:
1. Select the field sampling team.
2. Conduct the field activities/tasks per the approved QAPP and supervise the field
sampling team.
3. Upon receipt from the Project Manager, distribute the approved QAPP and any
subsequent revisions to the members of the field sampling team.
4. Report problems encountered in the field to the Project Manager.
5. Implement corrective actions in the field as directed by the Project Manager.
Corrective actions will be documented in the field logs and provided to the
Project Manager.
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Field Team Technicians/Other Field Personnel – The field team technicians will
perform the actual fieldwork per the QAPP and at the direction/supervision of the Field
Team Leader. The field team will consist of two people including Tommy Fisher, Field
Team Leader, and Troy Holzschuh or Dave Anderson, certified for operation of the QED
UVF technology.
Prism Laboratories, Inc., Laboratory Director, Robin Jones or Laboratory Project
Manager, Angie Overcash – This individual will be responsible for coordinating the
analysis of the samples and laboratory validation of the data. The Laboratory Director
and/or Laboratory Project Manager will coordinate the receipt of the samples at the
laboratory, select the analytical team, ensure internal laboratory audits are conducted
per the Prism Laboratories, Inc. Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and distribute the
applicable sections of the QAP and any subsequent revisions to members of the
analytical team. The Laboratory Director and/or Laboratory Project Manager is
responsible for instituting corrective actions for problems encountered in the chemical
analyses and will also report laboratory problems affecting the project data to the Project
Manager and QA/QC Officer. Corrective actions for chemical analyses will be detailed in
a Q/A report that will be provided to the Project Manager by electronic mail.
Keith Speece, Carolina Soil Investigations, LLC – This individual will be responsible
for coordinating the driller subcontractor activities. The Carolina Soil Investigations
Project Manager will coordinate soil boring and well installation and abandonment onsite
and select the drilling personnel. The Project Manager is responsible for instituting
corrective actions for problems encountered in drilling activities and will also report
problems affecting the project to the Project Manager and QA/QC Officer.
Fred Ammons, Ammons Resource Group – This individual will be responsible for
coordinating the UST removal subcontractor activities. The Ammons Resource Group
(ARG) Environmental Services Project Manager will coordinate UST removal activities
and select the personnel to complete these tasks. The Project Manager is responsible
for instituting corrective actions for problems encountered in tank removal activities and
will also report problems affecting the project to the Project Manager and QA/QC Officer.

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A5. PROBLEM DEFINITION/BACKGROUND

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) has received a U.S. EPA Brownfields
Assessment Grant for assessment of eligible properties within areas that may ultimately
be designated for Brownfields redevelopment. The subject site is located at 328 Willow
Street (also referred to as 223 - 343 Willow Street), Mount Airy, Surry County, North
Carolina (Figure 1) and is now owned by the City of Mount Airy. The City of Mount Airy
is the potential developer who will redevelop the property for mixed use.
The property consists of three parcels totaling approximately 9.484-acres. The Subject
Property is developed with multiple attached industrial buildings totaling 270,440 square
feet and one 2,200 square foot Professional Building which operated as a former
medical building and bank (Figure 2). According to the Surry County Tax Office and
Sanborn maps, the original manufacturing building was constructed in 1890 and
operated as a tobacco processing plant with additions made throughout the 1900s. The
building is surrounded by roadways to the north, east, and south, the site is bordered to
the west by neighboring residential properties. There are asphalt-paved parking lots on
the north and south ends of the Site with property access into those lots from Willow
Street to the east and Franklin Street to the south (Figure 3).
In 1993, two 1,000-gallon gasoline underground storage tanks (USTs) were removed
from the area adjacent to and east of the Discount House Building along Willow Street.
An unknown quantity of impacted soil was removed from the excavation and disposed.
The incident was closed in December 1997. In 1997, a release of No. 6 heating oil was
also reported from a 20,000 gallon heating oil UST located underneath the boiler room at
the property. Free product was observed and petroleum contamination of the
groundwater and soil was reported. Free product was recovered to the extent feasible,
and the product was determined to be immobile based on groundwater monitoring. Due
to the location of the UST beneath the boiler room and the “low-risk status” of the site,
clean-up at the site was deemed not economically or technically feasible the North
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). In 2013 a
NORP was prepared for the Subject Property and a Land Use Restriction (LUR) was
filed. It is suspected that environmental contamination also exists at the subject property
as a result of historical onsite and offsite operations.

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Historic Site Use
The site operated primarily as a tobacco factory from the date of construction until 1948
when the property was converted into a knitting mill. Additional site uses recorded on
historical Sanborn Maps from years 1891 through 1956 included a produce warehouse,
wood working facility, lumber storage, blacksmith shop, fertilizer warehouse, livery, auto
sales and service, tractor and implant sales and service, and discount house and
general merchandise.
The Spencer's Inc. operations ceased in 2007. No commercial or industrial activity has
occurred at the facility since that time. The facility was gutted and prepared for sale and
re-use between 2008 and 2014, when the property was sold at a public auction to
Spencer’s LLC in May 2014, and then sold to the City of Mount Airy in June 2014.
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), was performed by Apex in December
2014 to evaluate the potential for recognized adverse environmental conditions at the
site prior to redevelopment. Based on a review of the historical data described above
and the site reconnaissance, the Phase I ESA indicated 13 recognized environmental
conditions (RECs) that drive the subsurface investigation design (Figure 2):
• REC 1: Former Site Use Including Auto Service and Fertilizer Warehouse -
The Poteat Auto Repair was located at 228 -230 Willow Street, and identified
within the 1964 City Directory on the Subject Property. A former auto sales and
service facility and later a tractor sales and service facility were identified on the
Subject Property within the 1946 and 1956 Sanborn maps and are considered to
be an REC based on the use of this portion of the Subject Property as a vehicle
service facility. The fertilizer warehouse located at the north end of the property is
also included within this former site use REC based on the period of usage. In
addition to fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides may have been stored here. The
warehouse was in operation in the late 1940’s and 1950’s when pesticides such
as DDT were in use.
• REC 2: Current USTs - A 20,000-gallon heating oil UST located north of the
maintenance building near the boiler room reportedly installed in 1998, and a
4,000-gallon gasoline UST reportedly installed in 1993, are both currently still in
use. These two USTs are considered to be RECs since no records of testing
were identified. A 500-gallon gasoline tank was reported within the 1967, 1979
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and 1983 building sketches and is considered to be an REC since no records of
removal or soil testing were identified.
• REC 3: Former USTs - Two historical 1,000-gallon diesel USTs identified in the
EDR with one of the tanks being removed in 1988 and no date recorded for
removal of the second tank One 20,000-gallon fuel oil UST was identified in the
EDR as being permanently closed in 1997, and four 5,000-gallon fuel oil USTs
were identified in the 1979 building sketch documented as removed in 1979 and
1988. These USTs are considered to be RECs since no evidence of soil testing
during removal was identified.
• REC 4: Current ASTs - During the site reconnaissance, a number of other ASTs
were identified that included an estimated 1,000-gallon AST located above the
bleach and dyeing doorway that leads into the Knitting Building. An estimated
1,000-gallon AST is located within the Boiler Room, overhead on the south wall
of the room. The contents of the ASTs are unknown. Four ASTs, identified as a
300-gallon acetic acid, 5,000-gallon Sodium Hydroxide, 5,000-gallon Sodium
Silicate and 5,000-gallon 50% Hydrogen Peroxide, are located within a concrete
enclosure on the exterior of the facility and adjacent to the Knitting Building.
Staining was observed in the vicinity of these ASTs and the ASTs are therefore
considered to be a REC.
• REC 5: Former Suspected ASTs - A historical 200-gallon Varsol tank was
identified in the 1983 building sketch and a historical 5,000-gallon Hydrogen
Peroxide tank was identified in the 1967 building sketch. Due to the ages of the
tanks, these tanks were likely operated without secondary containment structures
and are considered to be RECs.
• REC 6: Former Textile Operations – Documented textile operations were
performed at the site in 1910, and from at least 1948 through 2007. The textile
operations included at a minimum bleaching, dyeing, printing, cleaning, and
maintenance operations. These operations are considered a REC.
• REC 7: Basement Floor Staining - Floor Staining was identified within the
basement of the Renfro Building and nearby drain. Constituents of concern
(COCs) may have entered the environment through breaks or cracks in the floor
or been flushed down the nearby drain. Therefore, this area is considered a
REC.
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• REC 8: Hydraulic Lifts/Elevators - Three elevators were identified within the
Mill buildings. Evidence of staining was observed at the base of one of the
elevator pits according to the previous 2009 Phase I ESA report prepared by
Terracon. Terracon identified four elevators in their Phase I ESA. However,
Apex was only able to identify three elevators during the site reconnaissance and
using available historic sketches and documents. It is possible that releases of
hydraulic oil could have occurred from each of the elevators, therefore they are
considered to be a REC.
• REC 9: Possible Septic System/Leach Field - Because the property was
developed in 1890, it is believed an on-site septic system and associated leach
field may have historically been present on-site. If a septic system existed it is
possible it would have been used for disposal of chemical waste. The location of
the assumed leach field is unknown.
• REC 10: PCB, Asbestos Containing Material, Lead Based Paint, and Mold -
Based on the age of the manufacturing building (1890), PCB-containing caulks
and light ballasts, asbestos containing materials, and lead based paint may be
present throughout the building areas. During the visual inspection of the
property mold was also identified within the building area. Sampling will be
required to confirm the presence of these materials/substances.
• REC 11: Trench Floor Drains – Floor drains were identified throughout the
bottom floor of the manufacturing facility. A floor drain was identified within the
basement of the Renfro Building and staining was identified on the floor near the
drain. The floor drain system is considered by Apex to be an REC due to staining
identified on the floor in the vicinity of the drain.

Off-site RECs
• REC 12: Deluxe Dry Cleaners – A dry cleaners was historically located adjacent
to the Subject Property, southeast of the site at 216 Willow Street. The dry
cleaners was identified in the City Directories as Deluxe Cleaners and was
depicted on the 1948 Sanborn map. The dry cleaner operated as recently as
1994 based on City Directory information provided in prior ESA’s. This property is
located in a topographically upgradient direction and is considered a REC.
• REC 13: Renfro Knitting Mill at 304 and 315 Willow Street - Identified n the
1948 and 1956 Sanborn maps, Renfro Knitting Mill was also operating across
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Willow Street at 304 and 315 Willow Street in addition to operations on the
Subject Property. Off-site operations identified on the Sanborn Maps included a
dye house, coal shed and boiler room. This property is located in a
topographically upgradient direction and is considered a REC.
Site Conceptual Model
The site is located within the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province of North Carolina,
underlain by metamorphic and igneous rocks of varying age and subdivided into
geologic belts. Based on the North Carolina Geologic map, bedrock at the Site consists
primarily of quartz diorite to granodiorite. The Blue Ridge is characterized by high
elevations, steep slopes, and many bedrock exposures. The depth to bedrock can vary
significantly. Saprolite, a layer of weathered and variably decomposed bedrock, is
present above the bedrock and generally mantles bedrock. Saprolite has the
appearance of compact clayey to sandy soil, often with original bedrock textures and
features preserved. Although it consists of silts and clay, the relic bedrock features can
provide a preferential pathway for the downward and horizontal migration of COCs.
The occurrence and movement of groundwater in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge aquifers
is generally within two separate, but interconnected water-bearing zones. A shallow
water-bearing zone occurs within the saprolite zone, and a deeper underlying bedrock
zone. Groundwater flow in the saprolite aquifer is typically governed by water table
conditions and will flow under unconfined conditions and generally mimic topography.
Therefore, groundwater originates in upland areas (recharge zones) and flows toward
nearby streams (discharge zones). Secondary joints, fractures, and faults within the
crystalline bedrock control the occurrence and movement of groundwater in the deeper
water-bearing zone.
As shown on the topographic map of the site, the site slopes toward the west to Lovills
Creek, located approximately 1,000 feet to the west of the site. Based on the
Groundwater Monitoring Report for the site prepared by CBM Environmental Services,
Inc. in July, 2004, the estimated depth to groundwater is approximately 11 to 13 feet
below ground surface (bgs) and the direction of flow is to the west-northwest in the
direction of Lovills Creek. This groundwater flow model was used to develop the
sampling plan below and provides the rationale for the groundwater sampling locations.
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Based on the National Register of Historic Places, Mount Airy Historic District Boundary
Increase, August 28, 2012 report prepared by the North Carolina State Historic
Preservation Office, the site has historically operated variously as a tobacco factory, a
knitting mill, a produce warehouse, a wood working facility, lumber storage, a blacksmith
shop, a fertilizer warehouse, a livery, auto sales and service, tractor and implant sales
and service, and a discount house since before 1891. The COCs known to have been
used in association with historical site operations include petroleum products, solvents,
and fertilizers. Additionally, current and historical USTs and ASTs associated with the
property were used for storing petroleum products, acids and bases. These COCs
include light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) which would be found near the water
table and dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) which are denser than
groundwater.
In 1997 a release of No. 6 heating oil was reported from a 20,000 gallon heating oil UST
located underneath the boiler room at the property. Due to the location of the UST
beneath the boiler room, clean-up at the site was deemed not economically or
technically feasible by the NCDENR. In 2006 a Notice of Residual Petroleum (NORP)
was prepared for the Subject Property and a land use restriction was filed limiting the
use of groundwater on the property. NCDENR issued a Notice of Regulatory
Requirements requesting the NORP be revised to include land use restrictions for
groundwater as well. In 2013 the NORP was revised to include both soil and
groundwater land use restrictions and a letter of No Further Action (NFA) was issued for
the incident. The restricted area is depicted on a preliminary survey plat prepared for the
City of Mount Airy in May 2015. A copy of the NORP documentation, NFA, and the
preliminary survey plat are provided in Attachment C.
The adjacent properties consist primarily of single and multi-family residences to the
south and west of the site and commercial properties to the north and east of the site.
Historically, a dry cleaners and knitting operations were located adjacent to the subject
property. Based on potential groundwater flow, releases on these adjacent properties
could impact shallow groundwater onsite.
Problem Definition
The objective of the Phase II Brownfield site assessment is to collect data to evaluate
whether site impacts pose a potential environmental risk for future redevelopment of the
site. The City of Mount Airy is the current owner of the site who will potentially redevelop
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the property for mixed use. Future redevelopment concepts are outlined in a
redevelopment report titled The Spencer’s Inc. Mill Redevelopment Opportunity And its
Potential Role in Meeting the House Needs of Mount Airy and Surry County, 2010.
Potential uses discussed by the city include a convention center and hotel, as well as
commercial development. The current plan includes demolition of the former
bank/medical building located on the south side of the parcel along Franklin Street.
Currently there are no landscaped areas present which provide surficial soils exposure
to site visitors or tenants. However, landscaping may be added for aesthetic purposes
and this would be addressed under the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to be
developed for the site.
Based on the proposed future use, site groundwater will not be used for consumption,
and the redeveloped property would be served by city water supplies. The current onsite
structures will be renovated but left in place. The primary avenues for exposure at the
subject site include ingestion and dermal exposure to soils by construction workers and
vapor intrusion if volatile compounds are present. Construction would likely be limited to
installation and/or removal of subgrade utility lines and remodeling of existing structures.
There are no plans to utilize the existing USTs present on the site.
The assessment activities are designed to evaluate the RECs identified during the
Phase I ESA, especially in regard to the future use of the property and potential
exposure pathways. The data will be used to determine what remedial actions, if any,
are needed for future development, as well as the development of an EMP to address
how human health and the environment will be protected from any remaining impacts.
Special attention will be given to those COCs which exceed applicable health standards
and could impact workers and site visitors via the exposure pathways identified above.
The assessment results will be evaluated to determine if additional assessments or
remedial activities are warranted to protect future site occupants. The scope of work to
be conducted at the site consists of soil and groundwater sampling. The scope of work
was developed based upon a review of site historical records (Sanborn maps, city
directories), the Phase I ESA prepared by Apex, and interviews with City of Mount Airy
Staff including the Director of Community Development and the City of Mount Airy Fire
Chief, and knowledgeable persons regarding former site operations. The scope of work
for this Phase II assessment is not intended to include delineation of site contaminants
that may be identified, unless highly impacted areas are encountered. If highly impacted
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areas are assumed to be present based on the screening values indicated during the on-
site sampling, then the NCDENR Brownfields Program Project Manager will be notified.
Delineation of these areas will be conducted during the Phase II at the discretion of the
NCDENR Brownfields Program.

A6. PROJECT/TASK DESCRIPTION AND SCHEDULE
As described in Section A5, an environmental assessment is necessary to obtain data
with which to determine the impact (if any) of past operations at the site and assess the
potential risk to future site users and construction workers. Specialized personnel
requirements are discussed in Section A7. Specialized equipment, if necessary for
these tasks is discussed in the following paragraphs.
Drilling locations will be cleared through the use of a private subsurface utility locating
service. The subsurface utility activities will be conducted by a qualified, licensed
subcontractor. In addition, as required by North Carolina regulation, the dig locations will
also be called into the North Carolina One Call System (NC One Call).
Following the utility survey field activities, soil sampling locations specified in this QAPP
may modified in the field, as necessary. Soil samples will be collected through the use
of a hand auger or direct push technology (DPT) drilling rig. A subset of the DPT
borings will be completed as one-inch diameter temporary groundwater monitoring wells,
using an appropriate lengths of 0.01-inch slotted screen and riser (Refer to Section B1.2
for well construction details). Groundwater level measurements and water quality
samples will be collected from the newly installed monitoring wells a minimum of 24
hours after completion. Samples will be analyzed using field methods and fixed
laboratory methods. Soil and groundwater sampling is discussed in greater detail in
Section B1 and summarized in Tables 1 and 2.
The equipment used in the field for groundwater measurements may include a pH meter,
conductivity meter, dissolved oxygen (DO) meter, turbidity meter, oxidation-reduction
potential (ORP) meter, and water level indicator/interface probe. Use of this equipment
is discussed in greater detail in our August 2014 Generic QAPP. As discussed in
greater detail in Section B1, soil and groundwater samples will be analyzed for one or
more of the following: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic
compounds (SVOCs), extractable petroleum hydrocarbons (EPH), volatile petroleum
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hydrocarbons (VPH), pesticides and herbicides, polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs), and
priority pollutant metals at the fixed laboratory. Soil samples may also be analyzed for
total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) as Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) and Diesel
Range Organics (DRO) using onsite screening methods including a calibrated Multi RAE
photoionization detector (PID) to screen for petroleum compounds and a QED ultraviolet
fluorescence (UVF) analyzer supplied by QROS of Wilmington, North Carolina for TPH
analyses. Soil samples may also be screened for VOCs using a calibrated ppb RAE PID
to screen for chlorinated compounds.
The collected data will be compared to the following criteria:
• Groundwater Data – Constituents detected in groundwater will be screened
against North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Subchapter 2L
groundwater standards and Federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). For
constituents that do not have 2L or MCL standards, results will be screened
against NCDENR Inactive Hazardous Sites Remediation Goals (RGs) for
groundwater. Groundwater concentrations will also be compared to the NCDENR
Division of Waste Management Residential and Non-Residential Vapor Intrusion
Screening Levels for evaluation of potential vapor intrustion concerns within the
structures on-site. Naturally occurring metals in site groundwater samples will be
compared to literature values and, where appropriate, background groundwater
samples will also be collected.
• Soil Data – TPH concentrations detected in soil using the UVF will be screened
against the NCDENR UST Section soil screening level of 10 milligrams per
kilogram (mg/kg). COCs detected in soil via laboratory analysis be will screened
against the NCDENR, Division of Waste Management (DWM), Superfund
Section, Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch (IHSB), Preliminary Soil Remediation
Goals Table protection of groundwater standards. Naturally occurring metals in
site soil samples will be compared to literature values and, where appropriate,
background soil samples will also be collected.
A table summarizing the tentative project schedule is provided in Attachment E. Sample
collection and associated fieldwork should take approximately ten days to complete.
Laboratory results will be provided to the Apex Project Manager within 21 days of
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sample receipt. Results and decisions for the site should be complete within
approximately 45 days of the conclusion of field activities.
The final laboratory sample reports will summarize the project results, and will include
the QC data. The laboratory report will include, at a minimum, a narrative that explains
any qualified data and any variances from the method or lab’s stated QA/QC; data
results including receipt, preparation and analysis dates, percent solids (for soils),
sample concentration units, reporting limits, and minimum detection limits; and a Level II
QA/QC package including control limits, spike recovery percentages, etc. The data
validation report and raw data package will be maintained and is available to the Project
Manager and QA/QC Officer. The laboratory report will be submitted as part of the Final
Report.
A7. SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS
All information provided in the approved Generic QAPP regarding training applies to this
project. Additionally, QROS’s “QED UVF Procedural SOP” and “Operating Instructions
for QED HC-1 Hydrocarbon Analyzer V2.6 Rental Version” are included as Attachment
F.
Copies of Troy Holzschuh’s and Dave Anderson’s QED UVF Technology training
certificates are provided in Attachment G.

A8. DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS
The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document apply to this
project.
Field personnel will maintain appropriate documents and records for sampling events.
Specific forms that will be used with all field activities and collected samples including
chain-of-custody forms and field sampling logs are included in Attachment H.
Chain-of-custody forms accompany all samples from origin through disposal. Sample
containers are labeled with sample location ID, sampler name, analyses required, and
date/time of collection. The sample ID is linked to the labels, chain-of-custody, and field
notes.
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B1. SAMPLING DESIGN PROCESS

Soil and groundwater will be sampled at accessible locations across the site. This
section presents the rationale and details for the sampling design at the subject site.
The soil and groundwater sample locations are presented in Figure 4. The designated
analyses are summarized in Table 1 (soil) and Table 2 (ground water). Sample
collection and decontamination procedures for soil and groundwater sampling are
addressed in the Generic QAPP. Table 3 provides sample holding times, containers,
and preservation techniques associated with each method.
Collection of soil and groundwater samples are intended to determine if individual RECs
identified in the Phase I ESA contain COCs in concentrations exceeding applicable
regulatory criteria, and if remediation of individual RECs is warranted based on the
results of assessment activities. Soil and groundwater sample locations were determined
based on information provided in the Phase I ESA.
Onsite soil and groundwater sampling is necessary to characterize exposure risks posed
by site contaminants and to evaluate whether remedial actions need to be taken so that
the site can be made safe for redevelopment. Soil and groundwater analytical results
will be compared to the screening levels described in Section A6 to make this
determination. If constituent concentrations are above their respective screening levels,
then further evaluation or corrective action may be necessary for the site.
Soil and groundwater sampling will be conducted to determine if COCs are present in
REC 1 through REC 7 and REC 9 through REC 13 at concentrations exceeding
applicable regulatory criteria. Assessment of REC 8 (hydraulic lifts/elevators) is not
included within this scope of work. Due to the constituents present in the hydraulic oils
found in hydraulic lifts and elevators, the impacts, if present, are generally limited in
depth and width and are most effectively addressed during construction activities.
Procedures describing how to address any impacts would be included in the EMP to be
prepared for review and approval by the NCDENR Brownfields Section. Based on the
date of construction (prior to 1891) it is assumed that lead based paint (LBP), asbestos
containing materials (ACM), and PCB containing materials, such as caulks, are present
within the building. Safe removal of LBP, ACM, and PCB containing materials should
also be addressed as part of the developer’s EMP prior to redevelopment of the
property, therefore assessment of LBP, ACM, and PCBs (with the exception of PCB
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impacts to soils around the pad mounted transformers) have not been included within
this Phase II scope of work.
B1.1 Soil Sampling
In 1993, two 1,000-gallon gasoline underground storage tanks (USTs) were removed
from the area adjacent to and east of the Discount House Building along Willow Street.
An unknown quantity of impacted soil was removed from the excavation and disposed.
The incident was closed in December 1997. In 1997 a release of No. 6 heating oil was
also reported from a 20,000 gallon heating oil UST located underneath the boiler room at
the property. Due to the location of the UST beneath the boiler room, clean-up at the site
was deemed not economically or technically feasible by NCDENR. In 2013, a NORP
was prepared for the Subject Property and a LUR was filed. No other information
pertaining to contaminants in site soil was available for the subject property or the
surrounding properties. The sampling design for this project targets probable areas of
impacted soil based on historical information available for the site and other data
compiled for the Phase I ESA. The Phase II assessment data will be compiled and
evaluated to determine if identified impacts may pose a risk to:
• future site users via direct contact with soil;
• construction workers via direct contact with soil; and
The results will also be evaluated to determine if additional assessment or remedial
activities are necessary to make the site suitable for redevelopment.
An estimated maximum total of 59 soil borings will be advanced to characterize soil at
the site in the locations depicted on Figure 4 and as summarized in Table 1. However,
soil screening methods will be utilized as much as feasible to minimize the number of
samples requiring analysis and maximize the use of grant dollars. A subset of the soil
borings will be converted to temporary monitoring wells and therefore will extend to the
water table at an estimated depth of 25 feet bls (below land surface). The remaining soil
borings will be drilled to estimated depths of two to 15 feet bls. The majority of the
borings will be advanced to shallower depths of two to four feet bls to evaluate soils
which may be encountered during and following site redevelopment.
Soil borings will be installed using Geoprobe® subcontracted services and/or hand
auger dependent upon sample location accessibility. Soil samples will be collected at
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two to four foot intervals and logged by the field team based on color, texture, density,
and moisture content. Soils will be screened for the presence of VOCs using a
calibrated ppbRAE PID in areas where a combination of chlorinated and petroleum
contaminants are suspected, or a PID if only petroleum constituents are suspected. The
soils will be collected from within the vadose zone and not the capillary fringe or below
the groundwater table. Visual observations and notations of odors in the soils will also
serve as a secondary method of soil screening for analysis.
Depending on the PID screening results and visual observation, up to three samples
from each boring will additionally be field screened for TPH using a QED UVF analyzer
supplied by QROS of Wilmington, North Carolina. The QED UVF is capable of detecting
TPH concentrations in soil as low as one milligram per kilogram (mg/kg). The NCDENR
UST Section accepts the UVF data in lieu of analyzing the samples by a laboratory for
the presence of TPH using Method 8015. Apex field personnel who will be on-site are
trained and certified in the operation of the QED UVF equipment as described in Section
A7.
Soil samples will be selected for chemical specific analysis at Prism Laboratories based
on the results of the PID, QED UVF, and visual screening. In many areas, if soil
screening does not indicate the presence of COCs and TPH concentrations do not
exceed 10mg/kg, no additional laboratory testing will be conducted. Most soil samples
submitted for laboratory analysis will be analyzed for VOCs and SVOCs. Select soil
samples will also be analyzed for EPH, VPH, pesticides, herbicides, priority pollutant
metals or PCBs. Samples will be collected in the appropriate laboratory supplied
bottleware and stored on ice in a cooler. The hand auger, if needed, will be rented from
an environmental equipment rental company; therefore the equipment specifications are
not included in this document.
Soil samples and requested analytes will be recorded on laboratory-provided chain-of-
custody forms which will accompany each shipment of samples to the laboratory. The
samples will be placed in coolers with ice packs and properly secured for delivery to the
laboratory. Soil analytical data will be reviewed, compiled, and evaluated against the
criteria noted in Section A6.
Multiple potential sources of contamination were identified at the Former Spencer’s Mill.
Proposed sampling is designed to address potential on-site sources in the RECs. The
specific soil sampling rationale for each REC is described below.
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REC 1: Former Site Use Including Auto Service and Fertilizer Warehouse
The Poteat Auto Repair located at 228 – 230 Willow Street was identified in the 1964
City Directory on the Subject Property. The facility was a former auto sales and service,
and later tractor sales and service,identified in the 1946 and 1956 Sanborn Maps. The
historical use of this portion of the Subject Property as a vehicle service facility is
considered a REC. The fertilizer warehouse located at the northern end of the property
is also included in this REC based on the period of usage. In addition to fertilizers,
pesticides and herbicides may have been stored here as well. The warehouse was in
operation in the late 1940s and 1950s when pesticides such as DDT were in use. The
soil sampling protocol for REC 1 includes:
• Advance three soil borings around the perimeter of the Sewing Addition Brick
Building which was identified in the Sanborn Maps as a former auto sales and
service, and later tractor sales and service, facility as identified on Figure 4 (SB-
1 to SB-3). Borings cannot be installed within the building because the roof has
collapsed in this area. Each soil boring will be advanced to a depth of
approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot intervals with the PID and
UVF as described above. If field screening results from the PID and/or UVF
indicate the presence of COCs in a soil boring, collect one soil sample from the
interval exhibiting the highest PID and/or UVF reading and submit the sample to
Prism for VOCs (EPA Method 8260B) analysis in accordance with Table 1. Soil
samples will be collected from the vadose zone above the water table and
capillary fringe.
• Advance four soil borings inside the former fertilizer warehouse identified on the
1948 and 1956 Sanborn Maps on the northern end of the property and four soil
borings inside the former fertilizer warehouse identified on the 1910 Sanborn
Map on the northeast corner of the property for a total of eight borings as
identified on Figure 4 (CS-1 and CS-2). Each soil boring will be advanced to a
depth of approximately four feet bls and screened at one foot intervals with the
PID as described above. Collect two composite samples (CS-1 and CS-2). CS-
1 will consist of soil from each of the four borings installed inside the former
fertilizer warehouse identified on the 1948 and 1956 Sanborn Maps, and CS-2
will consist of soil from each of the four borings installed inside the former
fertilizer warehouse identified on the 1910 Sanborn Map. Soils from each
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composite sample location will be collected at one foot intervals from each of the
four borings and mixed together in a stainless steel bowl using a stainless steel
trowel. The composite samples will then be placed in laboratory supplied
containers and submitted to Prism for pesticide (EPA Method 8081B) and
herbicide (EPA Method 8151) analysis in accordance with Table 1.
REC 2: Current USTs
During the Phase I ESA site reconnaissance, two USTs were identified on the site,
including a 20,000-gallon heating oil UST located north of the maintenance building near
the boiler room and a 4,000-gallon gasoline UST located east of the Discount House
Building. The two USTs were reportedly installed in 1998, and 1993, respectively and
are both currently in use. No testing records were identified for either tank. If there were
a release from the UST, the soils beneath the tank and/or product lines would be
impacted. However, these areas are not accessible with the tanks and lines present. In
order to evaluate the soils under the tanks and piping, the two USTs and associated
piping and dispenser will be removed prior to sampling. The UST decommissioning
activities are further detailed in Section B1.2. The soil sampling protocol for REC 2
includes:
• Collect two soil grab samples beneath the 4,000-gallon gasoline UST as
indicated on Figure 4 (SB-4 and SB-5). In order to access the soil beneath the
UST, soil samples will be collected once the UST has been removed. It is
anticipated that soils samples will be collected at a depths between seven and
ten feet bls depending on the depth of the bottom of the tank. Soil samples will
be collected from the vadose zone above the water table and capillary fringe.
• Collect one grab soil sample beneath the piping associated with the 4,000-gallon
UST and one soil sample beneath the dispenser associated with the UST, as
indicated on Figure 4 (SB-6 and SB-7). In order to access the soil beneath the
piping and dispenser, the soil samples will be collected after the piping and
dispenser have been removed. Depending on the depth of the piping, SB-6 will
be collected from between one and four feet bls and SB-7 will be collected from
beneath the dispenser from between two and four feet bls. It is anticipated that
the piping run is less than 10 feet in length. If more than 10 feet of piping is
encountered, soil samples will be collected at a minimum of one sample for each
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10 linear feet of piping. Soil samples will be collected from the vadose zone
above the water table and capillary fringe.
• Collect three soil grab samples beneath the 20,000-gallon heating oil UST as
indicated on Figure 4 (SB-8 through SB-10). In order to access the soil beneath
the UST, soil samples will be collected after the UST has been removed.
Depending on the depth of the tank bottom, each soil sample will be collected at
a depth between approximately ten and 15 feet bls. Soil samples will be collected
from the vadose zone above the water table and capillary fringe.
• Collect two grab soil samples beneath the piping associated with the 20,000-
gallon UST as indicated on Figure 4 (SB-11 and SB-12). SB-12 will also be
used to assess impacts from the former 5,000-gallon hydrogen peroxide AST
associated with REC 5. In order to access the soil beneath the piping, the soil
samples will be collected after the piping has been removed. Depending on the
depth of the piping, each soil sample will be collected at a depth between
approximately two and four feet bls. It is anticipated that the piping run is less
than 20 feet in length. If more than 20 feet of piping is encountered, soil samples
will be collected at a minimum of one sample for each 10 linear feet of piping.
Soil samples will be collected from the vadose zone above the water table and
capillary fringe.
• Analyze each sample in the field for TPH using the UVF.
• If UVF analysis indicates the presence of TPH concentrations in a soil boring in
excess of the NCDENR UST Section soil screening level of 10 mg/kg (milligrams
per kilogram) chemical specific soil sampling may be conducted. One soil
sample will be collected from the interval exhibiting the highest UVF reading and
submitted to Prism for VOCs (EPA Method 8260B) and VPH (MADEP Method)
analysis in accordance with Table 1. Soil samples submitted to Prism from
sample locations SB-8 through SB-12 will also be analyzed for SVOCs (EPA
Method 8270C) and EPH (MADEP Method). The chemical specific soil sampling
will be conducted at the discretion of the NCDENR Brownfields Program Project
Manager.
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• Convert the soil sample location SB-12 to a temporary monitoring well (TMW-1)
as indicated on Figure 4. The boring converted to TMW-1 will be advanced to a
maximum depth of approximately 25 feet bls.
REC 3: Former USTs
Seven former USTs were identified during the Phase I ESA. According to the EDR and
other historical records, one 1,000-gallon diesel UST was removed in 1988, one 1,000-
gallon diesel UST was removed but no date was reported,, one 20,000-gallon fuel oil
UST was permanently closed in 1997, and four 5,000-gallon fuel oil USTs were
removed in 1979 and 1988. No evidence of soil testing after the tank removals was
identified in the historical records. The soil sampling protocol for REC 3 includes:
• Advance three soil borings in the area of the former 1,000-gallon diesel USTs as
identified on Figure 4 (SB-13 to SB-15). Each soil boring will be advanced to a
depth of approximately eight feet bls and screened at two foot intervals at depths
corresponding to the presumed bottom of the tank (four to eight feet bls) with the
PID and UVF as described above.
• Advance two soil borings at either end of the former 20,000-gallon fuel oil UST as
identified on Figure 4 (SB-16 to SB-17). Each soil boring will be advanced to a
depth of approximately 15 feet bls and screened at two foot intervals at depths
corresponding to the presumed bottom of the tank (12 to 15 feet bls) with the PID
and UVF as described above.
• Advance four soil borings in the area of the four former 5,000-gallon fuel oil USTs
as identified on Figure 4 (SB-18 to SB-21). Each soil boring will be advanced to
a depth of approximately ten feet bls and screened at two foot intervals at depths
corresponding to the presumed bottoms of the tanks (five to ten feet bls) with the
PID and UVF as described above.
• If UVF analysis indicates the presence of TPH concentrations in a soil boring in
excess of the NCDENR UST Section soil screening level of 10 mg/kg, collect one
soil sample from the impacted boring in the interval exhibiting the highest UVF
reading and submit to Prism for VOCs (EPA Method 8260B), SVOCs (EPA
Method 8270C), EPH (MADEP Method), and VPH (MADEP Method) analysis in
accordance with Table 1.
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REC 4: Current ASTs
During the Phase I ESA site reconnaissance, several ASTs were identified on site
including an estimated 1,000-gallon AST located above the bleach and dyeing doorway
that leads into the Knitting Building and an estimated 1,000-gallon AST located overhead
on the south wall of the Boiler Room. The contents of these ASTs are unknown.
Additionally, seven ASTs were identified within a concrete enclosure adjacent to the
Knitting Building and included four 300-gallon acetic acid ASTs, one 5,000-gallon
sodium hydroxide AST, one 5,000-gallon sodium silicate AST, and one 5,000-gallon
50% hydrogen peroxide AST. Staining was observed in the vicinity of the ASTs located
adjacent to the Knitting Building. These ASTs are located within a brick secondary
containment structure and are not accessible to sampling equipment.
The soil sampling protocol for REC 4 includes:
• Advance two soil borings, one beneath the 1,000-gallon AST located above the
bleach and dyeing doorway that leads to the Knitting Building and one beneath
the 1,000-gallon AST located on the south wall of the Boiler Room, as identified
on Figure 4 (SB-22 and SB-23). Each soil boring will be advanced to a depth of
approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot intervals with the PID and
UVF as described above.
• If soil screening results indicate the presence of COCs, collect one soil sample
from each boring in the interval exhibiting the highest PID and UVF reading and
submit to Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B), SVOC (EPA Method 8270C), and
priority pollutant metal (EPA Method 6020) analysis in accordance with Table 1.
Soil samples will be collected from the vadose zone above the water table and
capillary fringe.
• Convert the soil sample location SB-23 to a temporary monitoring well (TMW-2)
as indicated on Figure 4. The boring converted to TMW-2 will be advanced to a
maximum depth of approximately 25 feet bls and will be utilized to evaluate
conditions associated with this REC as well as REC 11.
REC 5: Former Suspected ASTs
A historical 200-gallon Varsol tank was identified on the 1983 building sketch and a
historical 5,000-gallon hydrogen peroxide AST was identified on the 1967 building
sketch. Due to the ages of the tanks, these ASTs were likely operated without
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secondary containment structures. Potential impacts from the former 5,000-gallon
hydrogen peroxide AST will be evaluated using a soil sample collected from soil boring
SB-12 as described above under REC 2. The soil sampling protocol for REC 5 includes
assessing potential impacts from the former 200-gallon Varsol tank:
• Advance one soil boring beneath the former 200-gallon Varsol tank location as
identified on Figure 4 (SB-24). The soil boring will be advanced to a depth of
approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot intervals with the PID and
UVF as described above.
• If UVF analysis indicates the presence of TPH concentrations in the soil boring in
excess of the NCDENR UST Section soil screening level of 10 mg/kg, collect one
soil sample from the interval exhibiting the highest PID and UVF readings and
submit to Prism for VOCs (EPA Method 8260B) and SVOCs (EPA Method
8270C) analysis in accordance with Table 1. Soil samples will be collected from
the vadose zone above the water table and capillary fringe.
REC 6: Former Textile Operations
Textile operations were documented onsite in 1910 and from at least 1948 through
2007. Textile operations included, at a minimum, bleaching, dyeing, printing, cleaning,
and maintenance operations. The soil sampling protocol for REC 6 includes:
• Advance three soil borings within the Former Knitting Building as identified on
Figure 4 (SB-25 to SB-27). Each soil boring will be advanced to a depth of
approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot intervals with the PID and
UVF as described above.
• If soil screening results indicate the presence of COCs, collect one soil sample
from the interval in the borings exhibiting the highest PID and UVF readings and
submit to Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B), SVOC (EPA Method 8270C), and
priority pollutant metal (EPA Method 6020) analysis in accordance with Table 1.
Soil samples will be collected from the vadose zone above the water table and
capillary fringe.
• Advance one soil boring immediately beneath the loading dock at the Renfro
Building (SB-28) and one soil boring in the loading dock of the Knitting Building
(SB-29) as identified on Figure 4. Each soil boring will be advanced to a depth
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of approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot intervals with the PID and
UVF as described above.
• If soil screening results indicate the presence of COCs, collect one soil sample
from the interval in each boring exhibiting the highest PID and UVF readings and
submit to Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B) and SVOC (EPA Method 8270C)
analysis in accordance with Table 1. Soil samples will be collected from the
vadose zone above the water table and capillary fringe.
REC 7: Floor Staining
During the Phase I ESA site reconnaissance, floor staining was identified near floor
drains in the basement of the Renfro Building. COCs may have entered the
environment through cracks or breaks in the floor or been flushed down the nearby floor
drains. The soil sampling protocol for REC 7 includes:
• Advance three soil borings in the footprint of the floor staining located in the
basement of the Renfro Building as identified on Figure 4 (SB-30 through SB-
32). Each soil boring will be advanced to a depth of approximately four feet bls
and screened at two foot intervals with the PID and UVF as described above.
• If field screening results from the PID and UVF indicate the presence of COCs in
a soil boring, collect one soil sample from the interval exhibiting the highest PID
and UVF reading and submit Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B) and SVOC
(EPA Method 8270C) analysis in accordance with Table 1.
REC 9: Possible Septic System/Leach Field
Due to the development age of the property, an onsite septic system and associated
leach field may have been historically present onsite. If a septic system was used
onsite, it is possible that the system was used for disposal of chemical wastes. A likely
location for the possible leach field is in the asphalt parking lot on the western corner of
the property. The soil sampling protocol for REC 9 includes:
• Advance four soil borings in the area of the possible leach field as identified on
Figure 4 (SB-33 to SB-36). Each soil boring will be advanced to a depth of
approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot intervals with the PID and
UVF as described above.
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• If field screening results from the PID and UVF indicate the presence of COCs in
a soil boring, collect one soil sample from the interval exhibiting the highest PID
and UVF reading and submit Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B), SVOC (EPA
Method 8270C), and priority pollutant metals (EPA Method 6020) analysis in
accordance with Table 1.
REC 10: PCB, Asbestos Containing Material, Lead Based Paint, and Mold
Based on the age of the manufacturing building (1890), PCB-containing caulks and light
ballasts, asbestos containing materials (ACM), and lead based paint (LBP) may be
present throughout the building area. During the Phase I ESA site reconnaissance,
mold was also observed in the building. Safe removal of mold, LBP, ACM and PCB
containing materials should be addressed as part of the developer’s EMP prior to
redevelopment of the property, and therefore assessment of mold, LBP, ACM and PCBs
(with the exception of PCB impacts to soils around the pad mounted transformers) have
not been included within this Phase II scope of work.. The soil sampling protocol to
assess potential PCB impacts from the pad mounted transformers identified on site as
part of REC 10 includes:
• Advance three soil borings around each pad mounted transformer for a total of
six soil borings as identified on Figure 4 (SB-37 to SB-42). Each soil boring will
be advanced to a depth of approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot
intervals with the PID and UVF as described above.
• If field screening results from the PID and UVF indicate the presence of COCs in
a soil boring, collect one soil sample from the interval exhibiting the highest PID
and UVF reading at each transformer location (for a possible total of two
samples) and submit to Prism for PCB analysis (EPA Method 8082A) in
accordance with Table 1.
REC 11: Trench Floor Drains
During the Phase I ESA site reconnaissance, a concrete trench and floor drains were
identified on the bottom floor of the manufacturing facility. A floor drain was also
identified within the basement of the Renfro Building and staining was identified on the
floor near the drain as described in REC 7. The soil sampling for REC 11 includes:
• Advance three soil borings within the large concrete trench area as identified on
Figure 4 (SB-43 to SB-45). Due to the depth of the existing pit structure, each
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soil boring will be advanced to a depth of approximately six feet bls and screened
at two foot intervals with the PID and UVF as described above. Samples will be
collected from the base of the structure if practicable, however, if the sampling
equipment cannot access the trench itself, the borings will be advanced along the
perimeter of the structure.
• Advance four soil borings in the area around the trench floor drain containing the
drain pipe as identified on Figure 4 (SB-46 to SB-49). Each soil boring will be
advanced to a depth of approximately three feet bls and screened at two foot
intervals with the PID and UVF as described above.
• Advance one soil boring near the floor drain in the basement of the Renfro
Building as identified on Figure 4 (SB-50). The soil boring will be advanced to a
depth of approximately four feet bls and screened at two foot intervals with the
PID and UVF as described above.
• Collect one soil sample from each trench floor drain area from the interval
exhibiting the highest PID and UVF reading (for a total of three samples) and
submit to Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B), SVOC (EPA Method 8270C), and
priority pollutant metals (EPA Method 6020) analysis in accordance with Table 1.
BKG: Background Sampling
BKG is not associated with a specific REC but was included to determine background
metals concentrations. The soil sampling protocol for BKG includes:
• Advance one soil boring on the southwest corner of the subject property as
identified on Figure 4 (SB-51). The soil boring will be advanced to a depth of
approximately four feet bls, or within the approximate same soil horizon as the
samples collected from the various RECs (as practicable).
• Collect one soil sample and submit to Prism for Priority Pollutant Metals (EPA
Method 6020) analysis in accordance with Table 1.
• Convert the soil boring to a temporary monitoring well (TMW-5) as indicated on
Figure 4. The boring converted to TMW-5 will be further advanced to a
maximum depth of approximately 25 feet bls.
Soil samples and requested analytes will be recorded on laboratory-provided chain-of-
custody forms which will accompany each shipment of samples to the laboratory. The
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samples will be placed in coolers with ice packs and properly secured for delivery to the
laboratory. Soil analytical data will be reviewed, compiled, and evaluated against the
criteria noted in Section A6.
B1.2 Underground Storage Tank Decommissioning
The USTs at the Site will be decommissioned and removed in order to complete the
Phase II ESA. The USTs will be removed under the authority of the NCDENR
Brownfields Program. Specific procedures for UST removal have not been developed
by the Brownfield Program, but they instruct potential developers to follow general
procedures outlined by the NCDENR UST Section.
Based on dimensions referenced in historical documents, the volumes of the USTs are
estimated to range between 20,000 and 4,000 gallons each. Actual sizes will be verified
once uncovered.
The USTs will be removed by ARG, a North Carolina Licensed Contractor. The USTs
will be exposed using an excavator. Prior to removal, the contents of the USTs will be
emptied using a vacuum truck operated by Zebra Environmental & Industrial Services
(Zebra) and properly recycled/disposed of at Zebra’s recyling facility in High Point.
Zebra is licensed in North Carolina to transport and receive non-hazardous waste. For
planning purposes, it is assumed that an incidental volume of fluids (petroleum and
water) are present in the USTs. Associated piping will be cut and capped and the
USTs will be cleaned and inerted using dry-ice or a similar inerting method. Air within
the USTs will be monitored using a lower explosive limit (LEL) meter to insure there are
no potentially explosive vapors remaining. Following inspection and approval from the
local Fire Marshall, the USTs will then be removed from the tank basins by an
excavator or similar equipment and the tank excavations will be inspected and sampled
to identify potential release(s).
Sampling of the UST excavations will be completed as discussed in Section B1.1
under the discussion of REC 2 – Current USTs and in general accordance with the
NCDENR Brownfield Program’s Guidelines and Issue Resolutions, December 2013.
Sampling methods for manual soil sampling are described in the Generic QAPP. If
water is not present in the excavations, soil samples will be collected from beneath the
mid-line of the former tank location at evenly spaced intervals (from native soils, no
more than two feet beneath the tank). The number of samples collected will be based
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 32

on the length of the tanks, with samples collected at a minimum interval of one sample
per 10 feet of tank length. It is possible that the base and one or more sidewalls of the
excavation will consist of bedrock from which samples cannot be collected. Under this
scenario, sampling will be performed to the extent practicable, subsurface conditions
will be carefully documented (e.g., staining, odor, and lithology), and NCDENR
Brownfields Program will be notified of the sampling limitations.
If water is encountered in an excavation, unsaturated soil samples will instead be
collected from the sidewalls of the excavation at a minimum interval of 10 linear feet
around the perimeter of the excavation, with a minimum of one sample per sidewall.
Soil samples will be collected immediately above the soil-water interface at the time of
the work. A sample of recovered groundwater will also be collected.
Piping will be removed by excavation, to the extent feasible. The vent stacks, if
discovered, will be cut approximately one foot below grade and capped. Piping will not
be removed if removal will result in significant damage to aboveground or underground
infrastructure. Samples will be collected along piping runs at a minimum of one sample
for each 10 linear feet of piping.
If evidence of a release is encountered during the removal activities and TPH
concentrations in the soil samples collected exceeds 10mg/kg, the NCDENR
Brownfields Program will be notified. An assessment will be made of the magnitude of
the release by Apex and the NCDENR Brownfields Program Project Manager. At the
discretion of the NCDENR Brownfields Program, impacted soil may be removed if
highly contaminated soils are encountered. The amount of soil removed will also be at
the discretion of the NCDENR Brownfields Program Project Manager and will not
exceed 800 cubic yards per each UST to be removed. The excavated impacted soils, if
removed will be disposed of at Evo Corporation in Winston Salem, a NCDENR
permitted facility for transportation and disposal of non-hazardous waste. Excavated
overburden soil will be used as backfill material, along with imported clean fill obtained
from Ararat Quarry in Mount Airy, if needed.
If impacted soil excavation is conducted, sidewall and bottom sampling within the
excavation will be collected at the frequency and location specified by the NCDENR
Brownfields Program Project Manager during the time of the UST removal. If soil
excavation is not conducted, and soil samples screened on-site for TPH analysis
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 33

exceed 10 mg/kg, additional samples may be collected in these areas and analyzed for
chemical specific parameters. This subsequent sampling will be conducted at the
discretion of the NCDENR Brownfields Program Project Manager.
After removal, the tanks and piping will be inspected for leaks, holes, or other
indications of a potential release. The removed tanks, piping, and vent stack will be
recycled.
The USTs will be removed under the authority of the NCDENR Brownfields Program.
The decommissioning and sampling activities will be conducted in general accordance
with the NCDENR Brownfield Program’s Guidelines and Issue Resolutions, December
2013.
B1.3 Groundwater Sampling
Groundwater in the vicinity of the boiler room at the subject site is known to be impacted
with No. 6 diesel fuel oil as a result of a release from a 20,000 gallon UST located
beneath the boiler room. Groundwater was encountered at a depth of approximately 13
feet bls in this area of the site. No other groundwater sampling data was available for the
subject site or surrounding properties. Groundwater impacts may have occurred through
onsite and potentially offsite sources of contamination. Groundwater data will be
collected to evaluate potential vapor intrusion issues which could be associated with the
subject site and neighboring properties. The results of this Phase II assessment will also
be evaluated to determine if additional assessment or remedial activities are necessary
to make the site suitable for redevelopment.
An estimated five temporary monitoring wells and three groundwater grab sample
locations will be installed to characterize groundwater at the site in the locations depicted
on Figure 4 and as summarized in Table 2. A subset of the soil boring locations
described in Section B1.1 will be converted to temporary monitoring wells. However,
some temporary monitoring well and groundwater grab sample locations will be installed
independently of the soil boring locations.
Temporary groundwater monitoring wells will be installed by CSI using a GeoProbe® rig
to a maximum depth of 25 feet bls. Groundwater sample locations depicted on Figure 4
are subject to change based on field observations. The temporary wells will be installed
in accordance with guidance provided in the USEPA Region IV SESD Field Branches
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Quality System and Technical Procedures (Design and Installation of Monitoring Wells,
Number: SESDGUID-101-R0) and applicable guidance documents. The temporary
wells will be completed with one-inch diameter Schedule 40 PVC casing with
approximately 5 feet of screen with 0.010-inch slots.
Well development will be conducted in accordance with procedures outlined in the
USEPA Region IV SESD Field Branches Quality System and Technical Procedures.
Wells will be sampled approximately 24 hours following development. The groundwater
samples will be collected from each well using low-flow sampling techniques to allow
measurement of stabilized water quality parameters including conductivity, dissolved
oxygen, pH, redox potential, turbidity, and temperature. Low flow purging and sampling
procedures will be conducted in accordance with the EPA Guideline Document ‘Low
Flow (Minimal Drawdown) Groundwater Sampling Procedures’ (EPA/540/S-95/504,
1996) and with the procedures outlined in the USEPA Region IV SESD Field Branches
Quality System and Technical Procedures.
Groundwater samples will be submitted to Prism Laboratories for analysis. Temporary
wells will be installed to reduce turbidly of groundwater samples during collection. The
sample analysis at each location is summarized on Table 2.
Three additional soil borings will be installed by CSI using a GeoProbe® rig to a
maximum depth of 25 feet bls to collect groundwater grab samples. Groundwater will be
sampled from these borings directly following installation. Each grab sample locations
will be purged using a variable speed peristaltic pump and disposable polyethylene
tubing. After purging the well, the tubing will be placed near the top of the water column
to collect samples.
Most groundwater samples submitted to Prism for laboratory analysis will be analyzed
for VOCs and SVOCs. Select groundwater samples will also be analyzed for EPH, VPH,
or priority pollutant metals. Groundwater samples and requested analytes will be
recorded on laboratory-provided chain-of-custody forms, which will accompany each
shipment of samples to the laboratory. The samples will be placed in coolers with ice
packs and properly secured for delivery to the laboratory. Groundwater data will be
reviewed, compiled, and evaluated against criteria noted in Section A6.
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 35

Multiple potential sources for groundwater impacts were identified at the Former
Spencer’s Mill. Potential onsite sources include potential releases indicated by current
and former USTs and current ASTs were described previously in Section B1.1 for REC
2, REC 3, and REC 4. Additionally, potential offsite sources of contamination to
groundwater were identified in the Phase I ESA and include potential releases from an
offsite dry cleaners and from the offsite Renfro Knitting Mill. The specific groundwater
sampling rationale for each REC is described below.
REC 2: Current USTs
The current onsite USTs identified during the Phase I ESA site reconnaissance are
described in Section B1.1. The groundwater sampling for REC 2 includes:
• Convert the soil sample location SB-12 (near the area of the 20,000-gallon diesel
fuel UST) to a temporary monitoring well (TMW-1) as indicated on Figure 4. The
boring converted to TMW-1 will be advanced to a maximum depth of
approximately 25 feet bls.
• Collect a groundwater sample from TMW-1 via low flow purging and sampling
methods and submit to Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B), SVOC (EPA
Method 8270C), EPH (MADEP Method) and VPH (MADEP Method) analysis in
accordance with Table 2.
• Install soil boring near the area of the 4,000 gallon gasoline UST as indicated on
Figure 4 (GW-2). The boring will be advanced to a maximum depth of
approximately 25 feet bls.
• Collect a groundwater grab sample from GW-2 and submit to Prism for VOC
(EPA Method 8260B) and VPH (MADEP Method) analysis in accordance with
Table 2.
REC 3: Former USTs
The former onsite USTs identified during the Phase I ESA are described in Section B1.1.
The groundwater sampling for REC 3 includes:
• Install one soil boring near the area of the 20,000-gallon diesel UST as indicated
on Figure 4 (GW-1). The boring will be advanced to a maximum depth of
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 36

approximately 25 feet bls. This boring is likely downgradient of several other
USTs and process areas on the site.
• Collect a groundwater grab sample from GW-1 and submit to Prism for VOC
(EPA Method 8260B), SVOC (EPA Method 8270C) analysis, and VPH and EPH
(MADEP Method) analysis in accordance with Table 2.
REC 4: Current ASTs
The current onsite ASTs identified during the Phase I ESA site reconnaissance are
described in Section B1.1. The groundwater sampling for REC 4 includes:
• Convert the soil sample location SB-23 (near the area of the approximately
1,000-gallon AST of unknown contents) to a temporary monitoring well (TMW-2)
as indicated on Figure 4. The boring converted to TMW-2 will be advanced to
approximately 25 feet bls. This boring is located at the AST location but also in
the presumed downgradient side of the subgrade trench systems previously
described as REC 11.
• Collect a groundwater sample from TMW-2 via low flow purging and sampling
methods and submit to Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B), SVOC (EPA
Method 8270C), and priority pollutant metals (EPA Method 6020) analysis in
accordance with Table 2.
• Install one temporary monitoring well in the area adjacent to the 300-gallon acetic
acid AST, 5,000-gallon sodium hydroxide AST, 5,000-gallon sodium silicate AST,
and 5,000-gallon hydrogen peroxide AST as indicated on Figure 4 (TMW-3).
The temporary monitoring well will be advanced to approximately 25 feet bls. The
proposed location is shown to the west of the AST structure based on known
access. If possible, the location will be moved inside the adjacent building on the
north side of the AST area if access permits. This determination will be made in
the field.
• Collect a groundwater sample from TMW-3 via low flow purging and sampling
methods and submit to Prism for priority pollutant metals (EPA Method 6020)
analysis in accordance with Table 2.
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 37

REC 12: Deluxe Dry Cleaners
A dry cleaners was historically located adjacent to the Subject Property, across Willow
Street to the southeast. The dry cleaners was identified in the City Directories as Deluxe
Cleaners located at 216 Willow Street. The earliest record of the dry cleaning facility is
the 1948 Sanborn Map. The dry cleaner is listed in the City Directories as late as 1994.
The property is located topographically upgradient of the subject property so any
releases associated with the dry cleaners could migrate onto the Subject Property.
Based on the age of the facility, both petroleum and chlorinated solvents were likely
used at the facility. The groundwater sampling for REC 12 includes:
• Install soil boring near the property boundary in the vicinity of the former off-site
dry cleaners as indicated on Figure 4 (GW-3). The boring will be advanced to
approximately 25 feet bls.
• Collect a groundwater grab sample from GW-2 and submit to Prism for VOC
(EPA Method 8260B) analysis in accordance with Table 2.
REC 13: Renfro Knitting Mill at 304 and 315 Willow Street
As shown on the 1948 and 1956 Sanborn Maps, in addition to operating on the Subject
Property, Renfro Knitting Mill was operating across Willow Street at 304 and 315 Willow
Street. Offsite operations identified on the Sanborn Maps included a dye house, coal
shed, and boiler room. This property is located topographically upgradient of the subject
property so any releases associated with the Renfro Knitting Mill at 304 and 315 Willow
Street could migrate onto the Subject Property. The groundwater sampling for REC 13
includes:
• Install one temporary monitoring well near the property boundary in the vicinity of
the former off-site Renfro Mill Dye House as indicated on Figure 4 (TMW-4).
The temporary monitoring well will be advanced to approximately 25 feet bls.
• Collect a groundwater sample from TMW-4 via low flow purging and sampling
methods and submit to Prism for VOC (EPA Method 8260B) and SVOC (EPA
Method 8270C) analysis in accordance with Table 2.

Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 38

BKG: Background Sampling
As described in Section B1.1, BKG is not associated with a specific REC but was
included to determine background metals concentrations. The groundwater sampling
protocol for BKG includes:
• Convert the soil sample location SB-51 to a temporary monitoring well (TMW-5)
as indicated on Figure 4. The boring converted to TMW-5 will be advanced to a
maximum depth of approximately 25 feet bls.
• Collect a groundwater sample from TMW-5 via low flow purging and sampling
methods and submit to Prism for priority pollutant metals (EPA Method 6020)
analysis in accordance with Table 2.
Groundwater samples and requested analytes will be recorded on laboratory-provided
chain-of-custody forms which will accompany each shipment of samples to the
laboratory. The samples will be placed in coolers with ice packs and properly secured
for delivery to the laboratory. Groundwater analytical data will be reviewed, compiled,
and evaluated against the criteria noted in Section A6.
B1.4 Field Quality Control Checks
Field and laboratory QA/QC checks will be used during this investigation through the use
of the samples noted below. Rationale for selection of these samples is discussed in the
Generic QAPP. For this project, four QA samples have been selected for analysis and
include the following:
• Trip Blank – A trip blank will accompany the groundwater sampling team during
sample collection and the samples during shipment of each cooler of VOC water
samples sent to the laboratory. One trip blank will accompany the water VOC
samples.
• Field Duplicate Sample – One duplicate groundwater sample and two duplicate
soil samples will collected and analyzed for VOCs, SVOCs, EPH, VPH, and
Priority Pollutant Metals as a measure of analytical reproducibility. The soil
duplicate samples will also be analyzed for pesticides, herbicides, and PCBs.
The number of duplicate samples may vary depending on the actual number of
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 39

days required to complete the field activities and the total number of samples
requiring analysis.
• Matrix Spike/Matrix Spike Duplicate (MS/MSD) Sample – One MS/MSD
groundwater and one MS/MSD soil sample will be collected from an area of
suspected low compound concentrations and analyzed for VOCs, SVOCs, EPH,
VPH and Priority Pollutant Metals. The soil MS/MSD sample will also be
analyzed for pesticides, herbicides, and PCBs (if PCB analysis is required for
REC 10). A triple volume sample will be needed for each MS/MSD sample.
• Equipment Rinsate – An equipment rinsate blank will be collected from each set
of equipment that is not dedicated to an individual sample. One equipment
rinsate sample will be collected from the pump used to collect groundwater
samples and analyzed for VOCs, SVOCs, and Priority Pollutant Metals. One
equipment rinsate blank will be collected from the hand auger, if used and
analyzed for VOCs, SVOCs, Priority Pollutant Metals, and PCBs (if collected as
part of the investigation of REC 10). One equipment rinsate sample will also be
collected from the bowl and trowel used for composite sampling and analyzed for
pesticides and herbicides.
B1.5 Receptor Survey
If assessment findings indicate contaminants are present at the subject site that make
the property eligible for the NCDENR Brownfield program, a NCDENR Brownfield Area
Reconnaissance and Receptor Survey Guidance Form will be completed. This form
includes information about the site and surrounding land uses, as well as the location of
potential receptors.
B1.6 Schedule
A table summarizing the tentative project schedule is provided in Attachment
E. Sample collection and associated fieldwork should take approximately ten days to
complete. Laboratory results will be provided to the Apex Project Manager within 21
days of sample receipt. Results and decisions for the site should be complete within
approximately 45 days of the conclusion of field activities.

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B2. SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS

Information provided in the Generic QAPP specific to soiland groundwater sampling is
applicable to this project. TPH sample analytical requirements are provided in QROS’s
“QED UVF Procedural SOP” and “Operating Instructions for QED HC-1 Hydrocarbon
Analyzer V2.6 Rental Version” provided as Attachment F. The sampling methods and
locations are summarized in the Tables 1 and 2, and Figure 4.

B3. SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY REQUIREMENTS

The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document apply to this
project. TPH sample analytical requirements are provided in QROS’s “QED UVF
Procedural SOP” and “Operating Instructions for QED HC-1 Hydrocarbon Analyzer V2.6
Rental Version” will be followed at all times.
B4. ANALYTICAL METHODS AND REQUIREMENTS

The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document for soiland
groundwater samples apply to this project. Once the samples are received and logged
in at the laboratory, the samples will be analyzed using approved methods specified in
Section A6 of this document.

B5. FIELD QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

Information provided in the Generic QAPP specific to soil and groundwater sampling are
applicable to this project. To obtain data that is defensible and reproducible, the
following quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples types will be included in the
sample delivery groups of soil and groundwater being submitted to the laboratory for
analysis:
• Trip Blanks;
• Rinsate Blanks;
• Field Duplicate Samples; and
• MS/MSDs.
In accordance with US EPA Region IV SESD Field Branches Quality System and
Technical Procedures, the QA/QC samples will be collected each day or with each 20
samples of each medium. Each of the QA/QC samples to be submitted to the laboratory
will be included on the chain-of-custody and analyzed using the same analytical
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 41

methods associated with samples of the same matrix. The number of samples and QA
samples is summarized in Table 1 (soils) and Table 2 (groundwater).

B6. LABORATORY QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document for soil and
groundwater apply to this project.

B7. FIELD EQUIPMENT AND CORRECTIVE ACTION
The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document apply to this
project.

B8. LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document apply to this
project.

B9. ANALYTICAL SENSITIVITY AND PROJECT CRITERIA
The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document apply to this
project.

B10. DATA MANAGEMENT AND DOCUMENTS
The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document apply to this
project. All records and reports, including any review comments and checklist from the
USEPA Region 4 Designated Approving Official can be found in the physical project file
located at the Apex Office, 10610 Metromont Parkway, Suite 206, Charlotte, NC 28269.
The project file will be eventually archived for a period up to fifteen years. Any deviations
from these procedures will be documented in the project file and approved by the Apex
QA/QC Officer before implementation. Field documents are provided in Attachments
H.
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C1. ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE ACTIONS

This information was provided in the Generic QAPP document.

C2. PROJECT REPORTS
This information was provided in the Generic QAPP document.

D1. FIELD DATA EVALUATION
This information was provided in the Generic QAPP document.

D2. LABORATORY DATA EVALUATION
This information was provided in the Generic QAPP document.

D3. DATA USABILITY AND PROJECT VERIFICATION

The principles provided in this section of the Generic QAPP document apply to this
project.
Many of the soil and groundwater sample locations are located inside the building which
may pose access constraints for the drill rig. If the drill rig is not able to access a sample
location, Apex will attempt to use a concrete core drill to drill through the concrete floor
and the soil boring or temporary monitoring well will be installed using a hand auger. If a
boring meets refusal before reaching the target depth, the location will be offset.
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mounty Airy, NC Page 43

REFERENCES

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. Guidance on Systematic Planning
Using the Data Quality Objectives Process. USEPA QA/G-4. USEPA 240/B-06.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4. Brownfields Quality Assurance
Project Plans (QAPPs) Interim Instructions, Generic QAPP and Site-Specific
QAPP Addendum for Brownfield Site Assessments and/or Cleanup, Revision No.
3, July, 2010.
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Science and Ecosystem Support Division
Quality System and Technical Operating Procedures, February 2008.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Guidance for Quality Assurance
Project Plans. USEPA/QA/R-5, USEPA 240/R-02/009.
5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. Data Quality Assessment:
Statistical Methods for Practitioners, USEPA QA/G-9S. USEPA 240-B-06-003.
February.
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1998. Quality Assurance Guidelines for
Conducting Brownfields Site Assessments. USEPA 540-R-98-038.
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Region 9. Regional Screening Levels,
Table Last updated November 2013.
8. North Carolina Administrative Code-Title 15A. NCDENR Division of Water
Quality, Subchapter 2L, Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable
to the Groundwaters of NC. Last Amended April 1, 2013.
9. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Hazardous
Sites Program, “Guidelines for Assessment and Cleanup. October 2009, Soil
Remediation Goals Table”, Updated January 2014.
10. ASTM D5679 “Standard Practice for Sampling Consolidated Solids in Drums or
Similar Containers, 95a, 2012”
11. ASTM D6063 – 11, “Standard Guide for Sampling of Drums and Similar
Containers by Field Personnel”
12. ASTM D5743 – 97 (2013), “Standard Practice for Sampling Single or
Multilayered Liquids, With or Without Solids, in Drums or Similar Containers”
13. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Underground Storage Tank Program, “Guidelines for Site Checks, Tank closures
and Initial Response and Abatement for UST Releases”, March 1, 2007 Version.
Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mounty Airy, NC Page 44

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACM: Asbestos Containing Material
AST: Above-ground Storage Tank
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials
bls: Below land surface
BSA: Brownfields Site Assessment
COC: Contaminants of Concern
DAO: Designated Approving Official
DQO: Data Quality Objective
DRO: Diesel Range Organics
DWM: Division of Waste Management
e.g.; exempli gratia - for example
EMP Environmental Management Plan
ESA: Environmental Site Assessment
g: grams
GPS: Global Positioning Satellite
GRO: Gasoline Range Organics
i.e.: id est – that is
IHSB: Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch
L: Liter
MDLs: Method Detection Limits
mg/kg: milligrams per kilograms
ml: Milliliter
MS: Matrix Spike
MSD: Matrix Spike Duplicate
MW: Monitor Well
NA: Not Applicable
NC: State of North Carolina
NCAC: North Carolina Administrative Code

Piedmont Triad Regional Council August 18, 2015 Brownfields Site-Specific QAPP – Former Spencer’s Mill, Mount Airy, NC Page 45

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS – Continued

NCDENR: North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources
NELAC: National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation
Conference
PCE: Tetrachloroethene
PG: Professional Geologist
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
ppb RAE Part-per-billion Vapor Detector
PTRC: Piedmont Triad Regional Council
QA: Quality Assurance
QAPP: Quality Assurance Project Plan
QC: Quality Control
RCRA: Resource and Conservation Recovery Act
REC: Recognized Environmental Condition
SESD: Science and Ecosystem Support Division
SOP: Standard Operating Procedures
SVOC: Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds
TCE: Trichloroethene
TPH: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
USC: Unified Soil Classification
USEPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency
UST: Underground Storage Tank
UVF: Ultra-Violet Fluorescence
VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds

Attachment A
Project Organization Chart

Attachment B
Figures

Figure 1 Site Location Map
Spencer’s Mill 328 Willow Street Mount Airy, North Carolina
hi
Topographic Map, Mount Airy South, NC 7.5 minute Year: 1996

136 Fairview Road, Suite 125 Mooresville, NC Telephone: [phone]
Project: Spencer’s Mill
Apex Job #: 510362.003
Date: November 2014

SITE
FR AN KLIN STREET WILLOWSTREETW E S T OA K ST
MARKETSTREETLOVILL STREET
VIRGINIA STREET
McCARGOST4
4
12
2
8
5
8
2
6
8
5
1
3
4
13
3
CREC
7
1
10
11
6
10
9
6
11
3
8

Figure 3
Site Surroundings Spencer’s Mill
328 Willow Street. Mount Airy, North Carolina

Apex Companies LLC 136 Fairview Road, Suite 125 Mooresville, NC 28117

Client: PTRC
Apex Job #: 510362.003.04
Approximate Scale (in Feet)
0 90 180 360 270
Subject Property (328 Willow St. also referred as 223 – 343 Willow Street)
Housing Authority Central Multi-Family Residences (302 Virginia St.)
Residential Property (412 Franklin ST.) Residential Properties
Housing Authority Mulit-Family Residential Properties
Vacant Parcel
Residential Property
Former gas station Identified 1956 Sanborn map
Residential Properties

Blue Ridge Burke Insurance Historical: Neighbors Store (187 W. Independence Blvd.)

Former Renfro Dye house identified 1956 Sanborn (315 Willow St.) Former Renfro Boiler Room and Coal house 1956 & 1948 Sanborn (315 Willow St.)
Vacant Parcel
Former Carter Dry Cleaners Identified 1948 & 1956 Sanborn maps (231 Virginia St.)
Former Blue Ridge Auto Repair Identified in 1948 and 1956 Sanborn Maps
Residential Properties
Gardner & Gardner Attorneys (302 Franklin St.)
Former Cross Creek Apparel Inc. (455 Franklin St.)
Former Deluxe Cleaners Identified in 1956 & 1948Sanborn (216 Willow St.)
Former Machine Shop Identified in 1948 Sanborn Maps
Former Boiler Room Identified in 1948 Sanborn Maps

Attachment C
Supplemental Reports

Attachment D
Tables

TABLE 1Soil Sample SummaryBrownfields Assessment Grant - Phase II InvestigationFormer Spencer's MillMount Airy, North Carolina
VOCs SVOCs EPH VPH Pesticides Herbicides PCBs Priority Pollutant Metals TPH GRO/DROProposed Sample Interval (ft bls)
ANALYSES
Sampling Objective Proposed Sample IDProposed Sample Locations EPA Method 8260B EPA Method 8270C MADEP MADEP EPA Method 8081B EPA Method 8151 EPA Method 8082A EPA Method 6020 UVF
REC #1
(Former Site Use)
Assessment of former site use as Auto Service facility
Proposed Sample Interval (ft bls)Sampling Objective Proposed Sample IDProposed Sample Locations
SB-1 0-4 1*1
SB-2 0-4 1*1
SB-3 0-4 1*1
CS-1 0-4 1 1 1
CS-2 0-4 1 1 1
SB-4 7-10 1**1**
SB-5 7-10 1**1**1
Assessment of soil beneath piping associated with 4,000 gallon gasoline UST (post piping removal)SB-6 1-4 1**1**1
Assessment of soil beneath dispenser associated with 4,000 gallon gasoline UST (post dispenser removal)SB-7 2-4 1**1**1
SB-8 10-15 1**1**1**1**1
SB-9 10-15 1**1**1**1**1
SB-10 10-15 1**1**1**1**1
Assessment of soil beneath piping associated with 20,000 gallon diesel UST (post piping removal)SB-11 2-4 1**1**1**1**1
Assessment of soil beneath piping associated with 20,000 gallon diesel UST; and also assessment of location of former 5,000 gallon Hydrogen Peroxide AST (REC #5) (post piping removal)SB-12 2-4 1**1**1**1**1
SB-13 4-8 1
SB-14 4-8 1**1**1**1**1
SB-15 4-8 1
SB-16 12-15 1**1**1**1**1
SB-17 12-15 1**1**1**1**1
SB-18 5-10 1**1**1**1**1
SB-19 5-10 1**1**1**1**1
SB-20 5-10 1**1**1**1**1
SB-21 5-10 1**1**1**1**1
Assessment beneath ~1,000 gallon AST (unknown contents)SB-22 0-4 1*1*1*1
Assessment beneath ~1,000 gallon AST (unknown contents)SB-23 0-4 1*1*1*1
Assessment beneath former ~200 gallon Varsol AST SB-24 0-4 1**1**1
Assessment beneath former 5,000 gallon Hydrogen Peroxide AST (See boring SB-12, REC#2)
SB-25 0-4 1 1 1 1
SB-26 0-4 1 1 1 1
SB-27 0-4 1 1 1 1
Assessment of loading dock at "Renfro Building"SB-28 0-4 1 1 1
Assessment of loading dock at "Knitting Building"SB-29 0-4 1 1 1
SB-30 0-4 1
SB-31 0-4 1 1 1
SB-32 0-4 1
SB-33 0-8 1*1*1*1
SB-34 0-8 1*1*1*1
SB-35 0-8 1*1*1*1
SB-36 0-8 1*1*1*1
SB-37 0-2 1*1
SB-38 0-2 1
SB-39 0-2 1
SB-40 0-2 1*1
SB-41 0-2 1
SB-42 0-2 1
SB-43 3-6 1
SB-44 3-6 1 1 1 1
SB-45 3-6 1
SB-46 0-3 1
SB-47 0-3 1 1 1 1
SB-48 0-3 1
SB-49 0-3 1
Assessment of basement floor drain SB-50 0-4 1 1 1 1
BKG Boring location for background metal concentrations SB-51 0-4 1
Duplicate Samples 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 3
MS/MSD Samples Data Quality Assurance 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Equipment Rinsate Data Quality Assurance 1 1 1 1 1
39 32 14 18 5 5 4 16 54
Notes:
1. Laboratory QA Level II will be requested for all data packages
Abbreviations:REC - Recognized Environmental ConditionMS/MSD -- Matrix Spike/Matrix Spike Duplicate
VOC - Volatile Organic CompoundSVOC - Semi-volatile Organic CompoundTPH GRO/DRO - Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Gasoline Range Organics/Diesel Range OrganicsBKG - Background sample location
UVF - Ultra Violet Fluorescence ft bls - feet below land surface
REC #1
(Former Site Use)
REC #6 (Former textile Operations)
Assessment of former site use as Auto Service facility
Assessment of former site use as fertilizer warehouse
REC #2 (Current USTs)
Assessment of soil beneath 4,000 gallon gasoline underground storage tank (UST) (post UST removal)
Assessment of soil beneath 20,000 gallon diesel fuel UST (post UST removal)
REC #3 (Former USTs)
Assessment of former 1,000 gallon diesel UST
Assessment beneath former 20,000 gallon diesel UST
Assessment beneath four former 5,000 gallon USTs (unknown contents)
REC #4 (Current ASTs)
REC #5 (Former ASTs)
Assessment within former knitting building
The number of Quality Assurance samples will be adjusted based on the total number of samples collected.
3. Composite samples will be collected at REC #1. Composite samples will consist of four sampling locations each, with field screening with the FID and QED UVF conducted in each location. Samples from each location with the highest screening levels in the sample interval will be included in the composite.
MAXIMUM TOTALS:
4. One blind duplicate sample will be collected per medium, per container type, and the greater of per day or per 20 samples, and one MS/MSD samples will be analyzed by the laboratory for each media group. A trip blank will be submitted with each sample delivery group. An equipment rinsate blank will be collected from each set of equipment that is not dedicated to an individual sample.
2. Soil borings will be field screened with an FID and QED UVF analyzer and checked for visual sign of contamination. One sample at a depth and location exhibiting the highest screening levels within each REC will be submitted to an off-site laboratory for analysis if field screening indicates potential contamination.
*Samples analyzed if field screening results indicate potential impacts
5. Samples collected at REC #2 will be collected after the USTs are removed. USTs are being removed so that soils beneath the USTs can be accessed for assessment.
** In accordance with NCDENR UST Guidance, samples will be analyzed for chemical specific parameters if UVF data indicates TPH concentrations are present above the screening level of 10 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
REC #9 (Possible Septic Area)
REC #7 (Floor Staining)
Assessment of stained floor in basement of "Renfro Building"
Assessment of possible septic system and/or leach field area
Data Quality Assurance
REC #10 (Possible PCBs)
Assessment of pad mounted transformers
REC #11 (Floor Drains)
Assessment within trench floor drain
Assessment around trench floor drain containing drain pipe
TABLE 2
Groundwater Sample Summary
Brownfields Assessment Grant - Phase II Investigation
Former Spencer's Mill
Mount Airy, North Carolina
VOCs SVOCs EPH VPH Priority Pollutant MetalsProposed Sample Locations Sampling Objective Proposed Sample ID
ANALYSES
EPA Method 8260B EPA Method 8270C MADEP MADEP EPA Method 6020
Proposed Sample Locations Sampling Objective Proposed Sample ID
REC #2 (Current USTs)
Assessment of groundwater at 20,000 gallon diesel fuel UST TMW-1 1 1 1 1
Assessment of groundwater at 4,000 gallon gasoline underground
storage tank (UST)GW-2 1 1
REC #3
(Former USTs)
Assessment of groundwater at former 20,000 gallon diesel UST GW-1 1 1 1 1
Assessment of groundwater at ~1,000 gallon AST (unknown contents)TMW-2 1 1 1
Assessment of groundwater adjacent to 300 gallon acetic acid, 5,000 gallon sodium hydroxide, 5,000 gallon silicate, and 5,000 gallon hydrogen peroxide ASTs TMW-3 1
REC #12
(Former Off-site Dry-
Cleaners)
Assessment of property boundary in vicinity of former off-site dry-cleaners GW-3 1
REC #13 (Former Off-site Renfro Mill Dye House)
Assessment of property boundary in vicinity of former off-site Renfro Mill Dye House TMW-4 1 1
BKG Upgradient location for background metal concentrations TMW-5 1
Duplicate Samples Data Quality Assurance 1 1 1 1 1
MS/MSD Samples Data Quality Assurance 1 1 1 1 1
Trip Blank Data Quality Assurance 1
Equipment Rinsate Data Quality Assurance 1 1 1 1 1
10 7 5 6 6
Notes:
1. Laboratory QA Level II will be requested for all data packages
Abbreviations:
BKG - Background sample location
REC - Recognized Environmental Condition
MS/MSD -- Matrix Spike/Matrix Spike Duplicate
EPH - Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons
VPH - Volatile Petroleum Hydrocarbons
MADEP - Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
VOC - Volatile Organic Compound
SVOC - Semi-volatile Organic Compound
4. One blind duplicate sample will be collected per medium, per container type, and the greater of per day or per 20 samples, and one MS/MSD samples will be analyzed by the laboratory for each media group. A trip blank will be submitted with each sample delivery group. An equipment rinsate blank will be collected from each set of equipment that is not dedicated to an individual sample.
TOTALS:
REC #2 (Current USTs)
REC #4
(Current ASTs)
TABLE 3
Required Container Types, Sample Quantity, Preservation Procedures, and Holding Times
Brownfields Assessment Grant - Phase II Investigation
Former Spencer's Mill
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Water Soil Water Soil Water Soil Water Soil
VOA Glass 2 x 5 g Cool to ≤ 6 ºC, 5 ml 20%
NaHSO4 14 days
Encore 2 x 5 g Cool to ≤ 6 ºC 48 Hours
4 oz glass 100 g Cool to ≤ 6 ºC 48 Hours
Semi-Volatile Organic
Compounds SW846 Method 8270 Amber Glass 8 oz glass 2 x 1 liter 200 g Cool to ≤ 6 ºC, 0.008%
Na2S2O3 Cool to ≤ 6 ºC 7 days to extract, then
40 days
14 days to extract,
then 40 days
Metals SW846 Method 6020 250 ml Plastic or Glass 4 oz Glass 500 ml 100 g HNO3 to pH <2 NA 180 days 180 days
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons -
Gasoline and Diesel Range
Organics
UVF VOA Glass VOA Glass 1 - 2ml 8 - 15 g NA NA NA 5 minutes
Extractable Petroluem
Hydrocarbons MADEP Amber Glass 4 oz Glass 2 x 1 liter 100 g Cool to ≤ 6 ºC; 5 ml
1:1 HCL Cool to ≤ 6 ºC 14 Days to extract,
then 40 days
14 Days to extract,
then 40 days
Volatile Petroleum
Hydrocarbons MADEP VOA Glass VOA Glass 3 x 40 ml 2 x 40 ml Cool to ≤ 6 ºC;15 ml
Methanol Cool to ≤ 6 ºC 14 Days 28 days
Pesticides EPA Method 8081B NA 4 oz Glass NA 4 oz NA Cool to ≤ 6 ºC NA 14 Days
Herbicides EPA Method 8151 NA 4 oz Glass NA 4 oz NA Cool to ≤ 6 ºC NA 14 Days
PCBs EPA Method 8082A NA 4 oz Glass NA 4 oz NA Cool to ≤ 6 ºC NA 14 Days
Notes:
1. Note: All organics containers shall have Teflon-lined caps
14 Days
Sample Analysis
Holding Time
Analytical Method
Volatile Organic Compounds SW846 Method 8260 VOA Glass 3 x 40 ml
Cool to ≤ 6 ºC, HCl to
pH ˂ 2, 0.008%
Na2S2O3
Container Type Required Sample Quantity Preservation Procedures

Attachment E
Project Schedule

Project Schedule Brownfields Assessment Grant - Phase II Investigation Former Spencer's Mill
100 1500
Days After NTP
Field Work
Laboratory Analysis Time
Report Preparation
Final Submittal
50
EPA Approval of QAPP
QAPP Submittal to NCDENR
Address NCDENR Comments/QAPP Submittal to EPA
EPA Review of QAPP
Scheduling of Field Work
QAPP Revisions

Attachment F
Procedural Standard Operating Procedures and Operating
Instructions

QED/UVF Procedural SOP

1. Plug QED and Computer into power supply.
2. Check to see if bulb is working on QED (this is done by sliding window to
the left with finger).
3. Turn on computer.
4. Connect USB cord into QED and computer.
5. Open up QED Driver.
6. Choose NO for the dialog box that pops up asking to save changes to the
file.
7. Click WARM UP button (approx.10 minute warm-up count down).
8. After Warm Up has finished click CALIBRATE ANALYZER.
9. A dialog box will prompt you to place Scan_Set in cuvette, do so, and click
OK.
10. Click OK for Fundamental Calibration Mode. (Clicking cancel will prompt
you to a full calibration, which has already been done prior to equipment
being sent out).
11. A dialog box will prompt you to place the Dark Block in, do so, and click OK
(the Dark Block is located within the drawer).
12. A dialog box will prompt you to place the Blank in, do so, and click OK (the
Blank is 3ml of methanol).
13. After calibration, Initial Calibrator QC Check will read OK
14. Check this by looking at the 5 points and seeing that they ALL read OK and
that the Initial Calibrator QC Check at the bottom of the page reads ok.

QED/UVF Procedural SOP

15. Now you are ready to start running samples.
16. Enter in Sample ID in the specified column.
17. Enter in Sample Weight or Volume in the specified column.
18. Enter in Extraction Volume in the specified column (should be 20 ml).
19. Enter in the Dilution Volume in the specified column (should be 3 ml).
20. Enter in the Transfer Volume in the specified column (should be 250 μl,
unless you know that the sample his hot; therefore, start at 50 μl).
21. Place 3 ml of methanol in cuvette.
22. Pipet 250 μl of sample into cuvette with the 3 ml of methanol.
23. Place cuvette in the drawer.
24. Place drawer in QED.
25. Click Analyze Sample.
26. A dialog box will pop up prompting you to place sample in QED, click OK.
27. Upon analysis of sample the software will bring you to the Deconvolute
page (this is where you can see the sample match).
28. Click the Save button on the deconvolute page to save the analysis of the
sample.
29. Repeat steps 16-28 to run 10 samples on the page (only 10 samples may
be run per page).
30. Once 10 samples have been run, return to the Data Input page.
31. Click on Calibrator Check.
32. A dialog box will prompt you to place Scan_Set in.
QED/UVF Procedural SOP

33. Place Scan_Set in cuvette and click OK.
34. On the bottom right hand corner of the Data Input page it will read, Final
QC Check = __ (This value can read 100% +/- 15%). This value will also be
displayed on the Results page.
35. Then click Blank and run the dark block and blank as prompted.
36. Once you have received an acceptable Final QC Check, go to the Results
page.
37. On the Results page, click Save Data.
38. The documents folder will pop up and ask you to name your file, do so, and
click Save.
39. If you have more than 10 samples to analyze…
40. After you have saved you data, on the Data Input page of QED driver, click
Reset Keeping Calibrators (this will allow you to keep running samples with
the same Initial Calibrator QC Check).
41. A dialog box will prompt you to run the Dark Block, place Dark Block in and
click OK.
42. A dialog box will prompt you to run the Blank, place Blank in and click OK.
43. Now you are ready to keep running samples.
44. Once you have run 10 samples, repeat steps 31-37.
45. MAKE SURE TO UNPLUG QED AND REMOVE CUVETTE FROM DRAWER!

QED/UVF Procedural SOP

If you have to do a dilution:
1. A dialog box will pop up saying, Quench-Dilute Sample, if a sample is too
hot.
2. If this occurs, click OK.
3. Put in your 2nd Dilution Volume into the specified column (3 ml).
4. Put in your 2nd Transfer Volume into the specified column (250 μl).

5. Click Analyze Sample.
6. Click OK, when the dialog box pops up prompting you to place sample in.
7. If you have to run a 3rd dilution repeat steps 2-6 (placing Dilution/Transfer
Volume data into the 3rd dilution columns respectively).

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 1 of 32

Operating Instructions for QED HC-1 Hydrocarbon Analyser
V2.6
Rental Version

QROS Ltd UK/Europe Tel#: [phone]
North Farm Cottage email: [e-mail]
Northney Lane website: www.qros.co.uk
Hayling Island
Hampshire US Tel# [phone]
PO11 0TF email: [e-mail]

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 2 of 32
Page
1 QED Kit Contents ....................................................................................................................3
2 Using the supplied equipment ...........................................................................................................4
3 QED Operation Summary .................................................................................................................5
4 Connecting QED to the power supply and computer .....................................................................6
5 Initial Preparation ....................................................................................................................7
5.1 Blank Check ................................................................................................................................................. 7
5.2 Warm Up ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.2.1 Quick Warm-up ........................................................................................................................................ 8
6 Calibration ....................................................................................................................8
6.1 Fundamental Calibration Mode .................................................................................................................... 9
6.1.1 Blank ............................................................................................................................................. 9
6.1.2 Fingerprint Mode ................................................................................................................................... 10
6.1.3 Full Calibration Mode ........................................................................................................................... 11
7 Sample Analysis ..................................................................................................................11
7.1 Soil Sample Extraction ............................................................................................................................... 11
7.2 Extract Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 12
7.2.1 Additional Dilutions ............................................................................................................................... 14
7.2.2 Data Entry Errors .................................................................................................................................. 14
7.3 Water Sample Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 15
7.3.1 Hexane Method ...................................................................................................................................... 15
7.4 Significant Errors ........................................................................................................................................ 16
7.4.1 Baseline Drift ......................................................................................................................................... 16
7.4.2 Turbidity ........................................................................................................................................... 16
7.4.3 Quench ........................................................................................................................................... 16
7.5 Confirm Calibration .................................................................................................................................... 16
7.6 Continuing Analysis after the first 10 Samples .......................................................................................... 17
8 Selecting the correct hydrocarbon match ......................................................................................17
8.1 Automatic Hydrocarbon Selection ............................................................................................................. 17
8.2 Manual Hydrocarbon Selection .................................................................................................................. 17
8.3 Re-Calculate results .................................................................................................................................... 20
9 Results ..................................................................................................................20
9.1 Ammend Sample ID ................................................................................................................................... 22
9.2 Saving the results ........................................................................................................................................ 22
9.3 Importing Saved Data ................................................................................................................................. 22
10 Advanced Features ..................................................................................................................23
10.1 Compare Sample Fingerprints .................................................................................................................... 23
10.2 Background Subtraction ............................................................................................................................. 23

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 3 of 32
10.2.1 Site Specific Background ....................................................................................................................... 25
10.2.2 Using a Sample Fingerprint as Background .......................................................................................... 26
10.2.3 Importing a custom calibrator ............................................................................................................... 26
10.3 Fingerprint Noise Removal ........................................................................................................................ 26
10.4 Peak Position Marker.................................................................................................................................. 26
10.5 Results Sheet Editor ................................................................................................................................... 27
11 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................28
11.1 Excitation source replacement .................................................................................................................... 28
11.2 Cuvette Maintenance .................................................................................................................................. 29
11.3 Detector Window ........................................................................................................................................ 30
12 Typical Hydrocarbon Fingerprints .................................................................................................31

1 QED Kit Contents

Carry Case
QED Analyser
QED Power Supply
Cuvette Holder
Dark Block
Fluorescence Cuvette x 2
Positive Displacement Pipette (30 – 250
microlitre range)
Bottle Top Dispenser (1 – 10 ml range)
Mini Centrifuge (optional)
Mini Balance
Check weight for balance

To analyse samples with the QED, HPLC grade Methanol is required. Allow for 40 ml per sample for soil
and 15 ml for water. If the full calibration procedure is followed allow 150 ml to prepare the calibrators.

It is recommended that the methanol is tested using the QED before getting to site. Most HPLC grades of
Methanol are acceptable, but occasionally, a batch will fail the Blank check.

QROS can also supply or recommend alternative solvents if Tar or predominantly PAH type material is
expected.

For water samples, iso Hexane can be used to concentrate the sample in the field. 25 ml of Hexane is
recommended per sample.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 4 of 32
2 Using the supplied equipment

Bottle Top Dispenser
The solvent dispenser is set by undoing the knurled knob on the side of the
plunger and sliding the knob and red pointer until the red pointer is in line with
the volume required. Tighten the knurled knob. If it is not tightened the
volume will change during use. The picture shows the dispenser set to
dispense 9ml.
To dispense the correct volume, gently pull the plunger up until it reaches the
stop. Push the plunger back down gently until you reach the bottom stop. The
set volume will be dispensed.

The dispenser manual is included with the QED instruction set

The pipette is set by turning the knob at the top of the
pipette until the desired volume is shown in the
window. This window shows 45 microlitres has been
set. Pushing down on the knob expels the liquid in the
pipette tip.
The pipette has a pipette tip attached to it. When
drawing up sample extract or calibrator solution,
make sure there are no bubbles visible in the
liquid in the tip. Even a small bubble will
significantly affect the results

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 5 of 32
3 QED Operation Summary

The QED has been designed to be an easy to use and economical analytical instrument that is capable of
producing accurate information either on site or in the laboratory. The following flow chart indicates the
simple steps needed to obtain a result. A more detailed instruction set follows the flow chart.

Plug in QED to
computer and
power supply
Warm Up QED
Fingerprint Mode
Run Blank
Analyse 1st Sample
Extract
Analyse Next
Sample Extract
Fundamental
Calibration Mode
Run Scan Set
Run Blank
Analyse
1st Sample Extract
Analyse Next
Sample Extract
Check Solvent Extract Sample
Approx.
12
minutes
Approx
1 minute
Approx.
1 minute
Approx.
30
seconds
Approx.
30
seconds
Approx.1
minute
Each sample typically takes 30
seconds to analyse once extracted and
the QED is calibrated
Approx.
30
seconds
Approx.
30
seconds

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 6 of 32
4 Connecting QED to the power supply and computer

Turn on QED by connecting the supplied 12V power supply to the QED and then to a suitable 110/240V
wall outlet or into a car 12V power socket using the car power adaptor.
Insert the cuvette holder into the QED analyser. Leave out the cuvette.
Turn on the computer. Connect the QED to the computer using the USB lead. The computer will
automatically recognise the QED.

Start the QED program by clicking on the QED Driver icon on the computer desktop.
If the driver has not been used before, the full EULA declaration will show. Click the accept button to
continue using the driver. If the driver has already been used, the QED driver splash screen will show and
the driver will load.

The program will start and open on the Data Input screen.

(error message: if the computer has not recognised the QED, a message will show saying device not
recognised or problem installing device. Take the USB plug out, wait 5 seconds and put the USB back in.
This usually allows the computer to recognise QED. If this still does not work try an alternative USB
port. If this still fails to work, the QED or computer has failed and another unit will be required)

Important
If the QED driver (the software program on the computer) has not been used before, ensure the computer
and driver are synchronised. Open the Results sheet and click on the Save Data button at the bottom left
of the screen. After a pause a save as dialogue box will open showing Copy of QED Save Data in the save
as name. Click Cancel. The QED and computer will now be synchronised. This process is only required if
the computer and QED have not been used before.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 7 of 32
5 Initial Preparation
5.1 Blank Check
This can be done before the instrument has fully warmed up, but if the ambient temperature is below
15oC, allow at least 2 minutes of a warmup before carrying out this procedure. The analysis requires a
clean cuvette and extraction and dilution solvent to work correctly. Before making the standards or
running an analysis, check the cuvette, methanol and extraction/dilution solvent by pressing the Blank
button on the Data Input screen. A message box will ask for the Dark to be placed into the QED. Remove
the Dark Block from the Dark Block Holder section of the Cuvette Holder and place in the Cuvette
Position space. (if there is a hole in the Dark Block, make sure it is pointing to the cuvette holder handle).
Push the cuvette holder into QED. Press OK. Pressing Cancel will stop the Dark check run.

A Green box will show saying Analysing.

Once the Dark is set a message box asking to analyse the Blank will show. Remove the dark block and
place it back into the Dark Block Holder. Fill the cuvette to at least ¾ full (3ml from the dispenser) with
the methanol or extraction solvent and place in the cuvette position in the cuvette holder. Push the cuvette
holder into QED. Click OK on the message box. If the solvent is contaminated a message box will show
saying the solvent is either too contaminated to use or slightly contaminated and can be used. Rinse out
the cuvette and add another 3ml of solvent and re-run. If the solvent is OK, no more messages will show.
The Blank contaminated message will continue to show if the solvent or cuvette is contaminated. Clean
the cuvette and replace the solvent if this occurs or if slightly contaminated accept the blank for use.
The QED software will not allow any analysis to be carried out if the blank is too contaminated to
use because false values will be generated.

5.2 Warm Up
The warm up is an integral part of the QC procedure that checks several of the QED operating systems
and generates an important baseline.

Insert the cuvette holder into the QED. Do not put a cuvette in the holder. Click on the warm up button
to initialise and warm QED. A red message bar showing “warm up time 10 minutes remaining” will
show. The time remaining will count down until zero. This will ensure the analyser has reached its most
stable operating temperature. During the warm-up, QED will run self diagnostic checks.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 8 of 32
If a problem is detected during the Warmup, one of the following messages will be displayed.

Error message Error condition Action to be carried out
Dark block present or QED
power supply not connected
Dark block present, power supply
off or excitation source not
working
Check cuvette holder is empty,
check power supply is connected
and on. If 1st 2 items are correct,
excitation source has failed.
Change excitation source
Cuvette holder not in QED The empty cuvette holder is not
present
Put the empty cuvette holder in
QED
Optimum Warmup temperature
not reached
This may occur if QED was left
in an ambient temperature below
10oC (50F)
Repeat Warmup
Excitation source near end of life The excitation source is getting
near the end of its life
Replace the excitation source as
soon as possible. It will probably
last a day however.
Excitation source at end of life The excitation source has reached
the end of its useful life, but still
turns on
Replace the excitation source
before proceeding with the
analysis. The error is recorded.

The QED will be ready to use when the time remaining indicator is no longer visible. Prepare the
calibrators if the full calibration is to be used during the warm up.

If the QED has been left at an ambient temperature below 5oC, a Repeat Warmup message may show.
Running the QED at this temperature and lower will shorten the excitation source life.
5.2.1 Quick Warm-up
In certain circumstances, the QED may have warmed up already, for example if the QED has been turned
on and left for over 10 minutes before the first warm up is started. If the full warm-up is not required, put
the cuvette holder into the QED and click the warm-up button, then remove the cuvette holder. A message
stating that the warm-up has been interrupted or that the cuvette holder is missing will show. Replace the
cuvette holder and click on the warm-up button again. If the QED has warmed sufficiently, a message
will ask if the warm-up should be repeated. Click No to skip the warm-up or YES to repeat the full warm-
up. If the QED has not warmed up sufficiently, it will automatically repeat the full warm-up.
6 Calibration

QED can be set to run in one of two modes.

Fundamental Calibration Mode (FCM) provides quantitative results for the sample analysis as well as
tentative identification. QEDs that are rented are individually pre calibrated using a full calibration under
laboratory conditions and the results stored in a specific calibration file. When the Fundamental
Calibration is carried out, the data generated is compared to the calibration file data and the calibration
response factors corrected to match the QED parameters measured during the Fundamental Calibration
procedure. This approach gives the user the most reproducible and accurate calibration in the field
without needing to run multiple calibration solutions.

Fingerprint mode will only generate fingerprints and tentatively identify the hydrocarbon present in the
sample. Quantitative results are not possible. No calibration is required.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 9 of 32
6.1 Fundamental Calibration Mode
Once the warm up has been carried out, press the Calibrate Analyser button on the Data Input screen (Top
Right). A message box will ask you to put the Scan Set solution into QED. Open the Scan set solution
tube and pour enough of the solution into the cuvette to fill it to at least ¾ full. If the solution spills down
the outside of the cuvette, wipe off the cuvette with tissue.

Insert the cuvette into the cuvette holder, push the cuvette holder into QED and click OK. Clicking cancel
will stop the initial calibration. The Data Input screen will show a value in the scan time window. The
value will increase until the optimum scan time is determined. This can take up to 15 seconds. The QED
will monitor the Scan_Set solution and the following errors may show.

When the scan time is set a message box will show stating that the “QED is set to run in Fundamental
Calibration Mode, Click OK to proceed or Cancel to enter into Full Calibration mode”. Click OK to keep
in Fundamental Calibration mode. Before clicking OK, remove the Scan Set solution from the cuvette and
pour it back into the Scan Set solution tube. DO NOT DISCARD. Wash the cuvette 3x with clean
Methanol from the dispenser and invert the cuvette on tissue to drain.

A yellow box showing Fundamental Calibration Mode will show in the Data Input screen and a green box
at the bottom of the page will show OK will show next to the Initial Calibration Check. As soon as OK is
clicked a message asking to place the Dark Block into the QED will show, which starts the Blank
procedure.
6.1.1 Blank
Put the dark block into the cuvette position in the cuvette holder, (if there is a hole in the Dark Block,
make sure it is pointing to the cuvette holder handle) and push this into QED. Press OK. Pressing Cancel
will stop the calibration run. A green box will show saying Analysing.

Error message Error condition Action to be carried out
Dark block detected or
QED not turned on
QED cannot detect a signal Check the Dark block is absent and that the
QED is still connected to power. If the above 2
conditions are true, the excitation source may
have failed. Check this by quickly opening the
flap in the back of the QED where the cuvette
holder goes. If light is seen the excitation
source is working.
Scan Set not present The Scan Set solution has
not been detected. Make
sure a blank or other
calibrator has not been used.
The Scan Set solution may be contaminated
Check the Scan Set solution was used. If it was
used, replace it because it is possibly
contaminated
Scan Set too low The Scan Set solution is at
too Low a concentration to
give good results
Replace the Scan Set solution
Scan Set too high The Scan Set solution is at
too high a concentration to
give good results
Replace the Scan Set solution
Cuvette not in holder QED is expecting something
in the cuvette holder
Check that the cuvette containing the Blank is
in the cuvette holder or that the cuvette in the
holder is not empty
Cuvette holder not
present
QED cannot see the cuvette
holder.
Put cuvette holder containing the calibrator
into the QED

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 10 of 32
Once the Dark is set a message box asking to run the Blank will show. Remove the dark block. Fill the
cuvette to at least ¾ full (3ml from the dispenser) with the clean methanol (only use methanol for the
Blank) and place in the cuvette holder. Push this into QED and press OK. A green box will show saying
Analysing. The errors associated with the Dark/Blank analysis are shown below.

A Blank can be run at anytime by clicking on the Blank button on the Data Input page. Running a new
blank can help clear errors caused by turbidity or a dirty cuvette.

The Scan_Set solution is very stable but leaving the lid off will cause the Methanol to evaporate, causing
the concentration of the Scan_Set solution to increase. Inadvertently diluting the Scan_Set solution will
cause the concentration of the Scan_Set solution to decrease, both situations causing the error message to
be triggered. It is therefore essential to be careful with the Scan_Set solution. (It may be advisable to have
a spare Scan_Set solution if out in the field)

Fundamental Calibration Mode can be selected at any time, provided a Scan_Set has been run, by
opening the Library screen and clicking on the Force Fundamental Calibration button. A message box
will appear warning that this will remove any existing calibration data, so use with caution.

The Scan_Set solution can typically be used for 1 week before requiring replacement, unless error
messages show when it is used.
6.1.2 Fingerprint Mode
Once the QED has warmed up, press the Blank button and follow the on screen instructions. The possible
errors are the same as shown above under for the Blank analysis (section 6.1.1).
Error message Error condition Action to be carried out
Cuvette not in holder QED is expecting
something in the
cuvette holder
Check that the cuvette containing the
Blank is in the cuvette holder or that the
cuvette in the holder is not empty
Cuvette holder not present QED cannot see the
cuvette holder.
Put cuvette holder containing the calibrator
into the QED
Dark Block not detected QED expects to see
Dark Block data
Ensure the Dark Block is in the QED and
the hole (if present) is pointing away from
the excitation source
Dark block detected or QED not
turned on
QED cannot detect a
signal when expecting
the Blank solution
Check the Dark block is absent and that the
QED is still connected to power. If the
above 2 conditions are true, the excitation
source may have failed. Check this by
quickly opening the flap in the back of the
QED where the cuvette holder goes. If
light is seen the excitation source is
working.
Blank Contaminated The Blank is very
contaminated with
hydrocarbon
Clean cuvette and re-run ensuring
Methanol is used. If error persists,
Methanol is contaminated and un useable
Blank Slightly Contaminated. Do
You want to use this as a blank?
This shows if the
blank contains a low
level of hydrocarbon.
Rinse cuvette. If the error persists it is
possible to keep using the blank by
clicking Yes on the message box
Cuvette may require cleaning or
replacing
The cuvette condition
is poor
The cuvette can become coated in deposits.
Clean the cuvette before using. If this does
not work the cuvette may be too scratched
to give useful results

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 11 of 32
Enter the sample ID into the first sample ID row in the Data Input page. Soil sample weights and dilution
volumes are not required. Click on the Analyse Sample button. A message will show asking to click Yes
for Fingerprint Mode or No for Fundamental Calibration Mode. Click on Yes. A red bar containing
Fingerprints Only will show at the top of the Data Input screen and then a message asking to place the
sample into QED will show.
6.1.3 Full Calibration Mode
A Full calibration is not required with QEDs being rented. Full calibration uses certified reference
materials to calibrate the QED and identify the response factors for the QED to these reference materials.
Product fingerprints are also captured and stored in the library. This mode can be used to create custom
calibration curves for free product of unknown origin or products not in the standard library. Each QED
that is rented has had a full calibration carried out on it under laboratory conditions to ensure the best
calibration curves have been set. This data is stored in a unique calibration file and is recalled when the
Fundamental Calibration is carried out. The data from the Fundamental calibration is used to adjust the
QED response factors to match the conditions measured during the Fundamental calibration with the data
from the Full Calibration, including temperature, excitation source output and solvent effects.
7 Sample Analysis
7.1 Soil Sample Extraction
The extraction solvent temperature must be greater than 15 oC to obtain good extraction efficiency.

Weigh out between 8 and 15g of soil into an extraction bottle. Record the weight into the corresponding
sample weight column on the Data Input page (not required in Fingerprint Mode). Add 20 ml of
extraction solvent to the sample using the dispenser. Set the dispenser to 10 and dispense 2 volumes of 10
ml into the extraction bottle. Put on the extraction bottle lid and ensure it is on securely and no soil or
other particles are in the lid or on the bottle thread. Shake the extraction bottle for several minutes or until
the soil has been broken up. (If the sample is predominantly stone, up to 25g of sample can be used, but
the value will flag as a red potential error in the data input box)

Clay may require manual breaking with a spatula. Avoid adding stone, brick or rock that is larger than
5mm in size or plant material, unless the majority of the sample contains particles of this size. Wet
samples will not extract as efficiently. The QED reports an as analysed result and does not compensate
for moisture content. If the sample is very wet, try to dry the sample with tissue paper. The water may
however contain hydrocarbon, especially BTEX and GRO compounds.

Samples containing a high proportion of humic acids such as peat must by analysed within 5 minutes of
extraction. This will minimise extracting the less soluble non petroleum products. For such samples, the
result will be a Total Recoverable Petroleum Hydrocarbon value (TRPH).
Let the extract settle. If the extract does not become clear fast
enough, fill a clean mini centrifuge tube with the extract
solution and snap the lid shut. Label the tube. Spin in the
centrifuge for 5 minutes. Carefully open the lid and take the
required volume of extract using the pipette. If you spin an
odd number of tubes make a balance tube by filling an old
centrifuge tube with methanol and placing it in the opposite
side to the odd centrifuge tube.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 12 of 32
7.2 Extract Analysis
Place a pipette tip onto the positive displacement pipette and rinse it in a sample extraction bottle
containing 20 ml of methanol

If the sample smells of fuel hydrocarbon set the pipette to 050, if no odour is detected set the pipette to
200. Any volume can be added however, but these are suggested starting points.

Make sure the matrix column shows the correct type. Soil samples must be “s”, water samples “w” and
hexane extracts “h”. Enter the sample ID details into the Data Input sheet, together with the sample
weight, the extraction volume (usually 20) and the 1st transfer volume (the 50 or 200 microlitres) of
extract taken from the extraction bottle or centrifuge tube and the 1st dilution volume (usually 3). If
unexpected values are entered, the data entry will show red or yellow. If the data is within the expected
range it will show green. The data entered is integral to generating a quantitative result. Incorrect data
entry will create incorrect results. A yellow colour indicates the value is out of the normal range but may
still be used. Red usually indicates the value is an error. The values entered will be used to calculate final
concentrations so can be retained if this is required, for example if large sample weights and extraction
volumes are used in non standard sample extraction bottles.

For soil samples put S in the matrix column. For samples that have not been dried or crushed, (samples
taken on site) ensure the Lab or Field column is set to F for Field. If laboratory prepared samples that
have been dried and crushed are to be analysed, put an L in this column. If L is used, the cell will change
to a purple colour. Water can be analysed as water or as a Hexane extract. A W sets QED for water
samples and shows a purple colour in the cell. H sets QED for Hexane extracts and shows dark blue in the
cell. The Lab or Field does not require any adjustment when analysing water or hexane extracts.

Only enter the sample ID and dilution data for the sample to be analysed or the sample results may not
get placed with the correct sample ID.

Add the selected volume of sample extract into a clean cuvette and then add 3ml of methanol into the
cuvette using the dispenser. Be careful not to dispense the methanol into the cuvette too fast or sample
will splash out.

Wipe the cuvette sides with clean tissue and place in the cuvette holder. Click the Analyse sample button
on the Data input sheet. A message box will show saying “Place sample in QED”. The software will
display an error message if it detects data has already been saved for the sample that is about to be run.
The message asks if the existing data should be over written. Click YES to over write the data. Click NO
if the data should not be over written. This feature prevents accidental erasure of sample data.

Push the cuvette holder into QED. Click OK on the message box or press the Enter key. A green box will
show saying Analysing. When the analysis is complete a fingerprint will be displayed in the Fingerprint
Window.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 13 of 32

The concentration range bars are the Green and Red lines on the Sample Fingerprint window and will be
set for the hydrocarbon type selected for the previous sample. The default is degraded fuel. If the error
message states the sample is under range (under the green line) add a greater volume of extract to the 3ml
in the cuvette. The QED system can analyse neat extract, but this may give a “Turbid!” error warning.
Centrifuging the extract in the supplied mini centrifuge may eliminate this error. (leave the 1st transfer and
dilution volumes blank) Re analyse the sample.

If the error shows over range, increase the sample dilution in one of two ways. Either, discard the first
solution in the cuvette and add a smaller volume of extract to the cuvette than before, or follow the
procedure described in section 8.2.1 below to carry out a serial dilution. Always remember to put in the
new dilution values or an incorrect result will be given.

It may require a few attempts to get the sample in range by adding different volumes of extract to the 3ml
dilution volume.

During analysis, QED checks to ensure the data generated is within expected values. If not various error
messages will be displayed.
Error message Error condition Action to be carried out
Dark block
detected or QED
not turned on
QED cannot detect a signal Check the Dark block is absent and that the QED is
still connected to power. If the above 2 conditions
are true, the excitation source may have failed.
Check this by quickly opening the flap in the back
of the QED where the cuvette holder goes. If light
is seen the excitation source is working.
Cuvette holder not
present
QED cannot see the cuvette
holder.
Put cuvette holder containing the sample into the
QED
Cuvette not in
holder
QED is expecting something in
the cuvette holder
Check that the cuvette containing the sample is in
the cuvette holder or that the cuvette in the holder is
not empty
Turbid The sample contains excessive
particulate material that will
significantly reduce accuracy
Spin down the sample to remove particulate or if a
water sample, dilute using clean water
Quench The sample contains a very high
hydrocarbon concentration
Dilute the sample and re analyse
Baseline Drift The QED baseline has drifted
and requires re setting
Run the Dark and Blank. This also resets other
important monitoring factors.
Hydrocarbon
match Incorrect
The selected hydrocarbon match
does not fit the sample
fingerprint
Go to the Deconvolute page and apply an
alternative fingerprint match
Significant
Fingerprint change
The fingerprint is significantly
different from the previous
fingerprint
Go to the Deconvolute page and check that the
fingerprint match is still the best fit
Sample fingerprint within range bars.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 14 of 32

NOTE: In sunny climates, sunblock is usually used. Sun Block will reduce or stop the UV excitation
energy from reaching the sample if the outside of the cuvette is coated with Sun Block. Quench or
Dark Block detected error messages can be triggered, or incorrect lower concentration results can
be recorded. This can happen if the cuvettes are handled with ungloved hands after Sun Block has
been used. See the Maintenance section for instructions on Cuvette Cleaning to remove Sun Block

If the Autoselection button in the Library is turned off, the first sample analysed will cause the
“Hydrocarbon match Incorrect” error to show. Click on the OK button and the Deconvolute screen will
show. Follow the procedure in Section 9 to apply the most appropriate hydrocarbon matches. Subsequent
samples may cause the “Significant Fingerprint change” error to occur. This happens when the fingerprint
of the sample just analysed is significantly different from the previous sample fingerprint. Go to the
Deconvolute page and apply the best hydrocarbon match. It does happen that the previous hydrocarbon
match was the best, but this error is called to try and eliminate incorrect matches from being used.
7.2.1 Additional Dilutions
If a sample is significantly out of range and it is not possible to obtain a suitable dilution directly in the
cuvette, a second dilution can be made. When making 2 dilutions, it is better to use the same transfer
volume each time. If a second dilution is needed, take the first transfer volume of the extract and place
into a clean dilution tube. Carefully add 3ml of methanol using the dispenser into the tube. Rinse the
pipette tip in clean methanol. Take the second transfer volume from the dilution tube and place into a
clean cuvette. Add 3ml of methanol from the dispenser. Record the transfer volumes and dilution
volumes in the Data Input sheet. For example, a dilution could be 200 microlitres of sample extract into
3ml of methanol in the dilution tube followed by 200 microlitres of this first dilution into 3ml of
Methanol in the cuvette. (see example below)

7.2.2 Data Entry Errors
If the dilutions or sample ID entered into the data input sheet are incorrect and the sample has been
analysed it is possible to correct the mistake by recalculating the sample after the analysis is complete.
Replace the incorrect sample ID or dilutions data with the corrected data for the sample required in the
Data Input sheet. Recalculate the sample from the Deconvolute sheet and save the results. (See section
7.3.1 for details about re-calculation)
Sample
concentration over
range
The sample signal has exceeded
the maximum calibrator
concentration for the
hydrocarbon type selected
Dilute the sample and re analyse
Sample
concentration
under range
The sample signal is below the
lowest calibrator concentration
for the hydrocarbon type
selected using a higher dilution
than necessary
Reduce the sample dilution

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 15 of 32
7.3 Water Sample Analysis
For water samples, set the matrix column on the Data Input sheet to W. The box will turn a purple colour.
It is usually possible to add 1ml or 2ml of water sample to 2ml or 3ml of Methanol in the cuvette. In the
sample weight or volume column put the volume of SAMPLE used in millilitres and in the Extraction
volume put the volume of METHANOL or CLEAN WATER used to dilute the hydrocarbons in
millilitres (example, 0.1 sample volume, 3 extraction volume, or 3 sample volume, 0 extraction volume).
If a large dilution is required, add 100 microlitres of sample to 3ml of Methanol. Enter 0.1 as the sample
volume, or 0.05 if 50 microlitres of sample is used. When adding water samples to methanol, allow the
bubbles that form to disperse before analysis.

It is possible to fill the cuvette with neat sample. Put 3 in the sample volume column and zero in the
extraction volume column if this is done.

Samples with a high particulate matter or containing a high salts content may give a turbid error when
diluted into methanol. Make an approximate 1:1 mixture of clean water (drinking water is often suitable)
and methanol. Run this as a blank and then use this mixture as the sample dilution solution. If particulate
is still present, the sample may need filtering or centrifuging to remove the particulate or use the Hexane
extraction method
7.3.1 Hexane Method
This method requires Hexane. Accurately add 9 ml of water sample to a clean 10ml plastic tube.
Accurately add 1 ml of Hexane. Put the lid on the tube securely and shake for 2 minutes. Allow the
mixture to settle and a layer of Hexane to form at the top of the tube.

Put 3ml of Hexane in the QED cuvette and run this as a blank. Add between 50 and 750 microlitres of the
Hexane layer from the sample tube to 3ml of Hexane in the cuvette. Do not use Methanol in the cuvette.
This procedure gives a 9x increase in concentration.

Enter H in the sample matrix column on the Data Entry sheet. The box will turn blue. Enter 9 in the
sample volume and 1 in the extraction volume column, 3 in the 1st dilution column and the microliter
volume used (eg for 200 microlitres enter 200) into the 1st transfer volume column.

It is possible to extract sufficient sample to put 3ml of hexane into the cuvette to give the potential of a
true concentration effect, giving a typical detection limit of approximately 0.025 mg/L. 4x 10 ml sample
volumes can be extracted, the extracts combined and the neat hexane analysed. Enter the data as shown in
the last entry in the picture above.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 16 of 32
7.4 Significant Errors
7.4.1 Baseline Drift
A message window asking to “Place Dark block into QED” may show while running a sample or
calibrator. This indicates the baseline has drifted beyond acceptable limits. Put the Dark block into the
cuvette holder and place in the QED and click the Analyse button. A message asking for the Blank will
then show. Place the Blank into the cuvette holder, put it into the QED and click the Analyse button.
Baseline Drift is more common when QED is started at a low temperature and during use the ambient
temperature increases. Resetting the baseline by running a Dark and Blank maintains the reproducibility
of the analysis as well as re setting other important QC parameters.
7.4.2 Turbidity
This error message will show when there is too much particulate in the sample. Particulate causes loss of
signal and could potentially reduce the hydrocarbon concentrations reported. Turbidity is more common
in water samples where high salts precipitate out when the water sample is added to methanol. Turbidity
that is not visible to the naked eye can occur when microscopic silicate based particles, often diatoms,
found in tropical marine environments are present. Sand containing a high coral and shell content can
contain these materials.

Turbidity can usually be removed by using a centrifuge to spin down the particles, or in the case of salts
precipitation, using clean water to dilute the sample.

If these measures do not work, it is possible to remove the turbidity warning system. This will allow
analysis of turbid samples, but the results are likely to be less accurate. The turbidity warning is turned off
in the Library page of the driver by selecting Off from the drop down menu in the Turbidity Checking
section. If this method is required, the results may be less accurate because turbidity can effect the total
amount of signal detected by the QED.
7.4.3 Quench
This message shows if the sample concentration is too high to detect a reliable signal. The sample will
usually require significant dilution to get it into range. Occasionally, very high turbidity will cause the
error to occur if Turbidity monitoring has been turned off.
7.5 Confirm Calibration
Once 10 samples have been analysed or over 3 hours have passed since the calibration was carried out or
the last sample has been analysed, the calibration should be checked. This is not required if running in
Fingerprint Mode.

Click on the Calibrator Check button on the bottom right of the Data Input screen.

If the QED is in Fundamental Calibration Mode, a message box will show saying place the Scan Set into
the QED. Fill a clean cuvette ¾ full with the Scan_Set solution used previously and place it into the QED
and click the OK button. A green box containing OK will show in the bottom right of the Data Input
screen if the check is acceptable. If not a red box containing Fail will show.

The Results page shows if the initial calibration and final calibrations have met QC limits.

If the QC check fails, re run the Scan Set by selecting Scan Set from the calibrator selection drop down
menu found above the Calibrate Analyser button on the Data Input page. Click the Calibrate Analyser
button to re run the Scan Set. Follow the on screen instructions. Once the Scan Set has been set,
recalculate the previously analysed samples.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 17 of 32
7.6 Continuing Analysis after the first 10 Samples
If the calibrator checks are OK and more samples require analysing, open the Data Input page and click
on the Reset Keeping Calibrators button. This will clear the previous sample data but retain the
calibration information. Before the system clears the data a message box will ask if the information
requires saving. If NO is selected the data will be lost and cannot be recovered.

The Data Entry sheet will show. Run a Dark and Blank. If you do not, when you run the first sample, a
prompt will show asking you to do this.
8 Selecting the correct hydrocarbon match

The accuracy of the QED relies on the sample hydrocarbon type being as closely matched to the library
hydrocarbon types as possible. This allows the most appropriate calibration data to be applied to the
sample. The default setting is Automatic selection.
8.1 Automatic Hydrocarbon Selection
Automatic fingerprint matching will attempt to find the best match either as soon as the sample is
analysed, or if the sample data is being recalculated. Once an automatic match has been made it is
possible to choose alternative matches by following the instructions below for manual fingerprint
matching. In some cases, the initial automatic match may show an error or give a better overall match if
the first and second hydrocarbon matches are swapped around. If an error or poor match is made, try an
alternative match using the manual method described below.

If Automatic selection is not required go to the Library page of the QED Driver software and in the
Hydrocarbon Matching section, turn this feature Off by selecting Off from the drop down menu.
8.2 Manual Hydrocarbon Selection
Hydrocarbon selection is carried out using the Deconvolute page. A traffic light selection method is used
to obtain the best match. The Deconvolute page shows the fingerprint of the sample just analysed or
recalculated.

The example below shows a sample fingerprint. The 1st HC match box shows RED, indicating that this is
not a suitable match.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 18 of 32
If the cell under the 1st HC match is selected, a dropdown menu of hydrocarbon types is shown and can be
selected by clicking on it. The fingerprint of the selected hydrocarbon will be shown in red over the
sample fingerprint. A Library Match value will show under the hydrocarbon selected if the 1st HC match
box turns yellow or green. This is not a percentage value but a value that is used to select the best match.
The higher the value the better the closeness of the hydrocarbon match, but there will be situations where
the highest number is below 10. This may be the only match that is acceptable. The aim is to select the
library HC that gives the highest value Library Match without the Library Match box turning RED, which
indicates an unacceptable match. YELLOW shows if the match is acceptable or GREEN if the match is
very good.

In the screenshot below, Degraded fuel has been selected which shows as a RED line, with a 60.4 match.
The 1st HC match box is yellow, indicating that the sample hydrocarbon is made up of other hydrocarbons
as well.

The 1st hydrocarbon Library Match is rarely a perfect match and a residual will be left (Purple line). In
some situations, the 1st HC match will be below 10 and show yellow, but may still be the most suitable
match. If no match can be found, select PAH as the match. Where the match shows yellow, try other
hydrocarbon matches to check if a better fit can be obtained.

A drop down menu below the 2ndry HC match box gives a second set of potential hydrocarbon types that
can be matched to the purple line. The hydrocarbon giving the highest Library Match without causing a
RED box to show should be selected. If no suitable match can be found, leave as PAH. Once the 2nd HC
has been selected, the library fingerprint for the selected HC will show as a blue line.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 19 of 32

The correct selection of the 1st and 2nd HC types will give a green or yellow indicator for the Residual HC
box. If the residual box shows RED, select alternative HC matches until no RED indicators are shown.

In the above example, Diesel is the best match for the 2nd HC at 66.1. The Purple line is the residual
hydrocarbon remaining. This hydrocarbon selection shows that the majority of the hydrocarbon is
degraded fuel with some diesel present.

If the 1st and 2nd HC matches show yellow, a better total Total Library Match value may be generated by
swapping the 1st and 2nd HC matches around.

To save the change in selection, click on the Save button.

Note: There may be some fingerprints where a match cannot be made. In this case select the closest
matching library fingerprint that gives the highest total match value and click on Save. A warning will
show indicating the match is not correct. Ignore this. The results will be saved but PFM (Poor
Fingerprint Match) will be shown next to the hydrocarbon match in the results sheet.

The example below shows a sample of undegraded JP-8 jet fuel and various combinations of HC match
applied. The 1st HC match used is diesel, which shows a red box, indicating an incorrect match, but
BTEX as the 2nd match was accepted. If save is clicked an error message would display stating that a
poor fingerprint match has been made. (the values generated are recorded in the results sheet with PFM in
the Hydrocarbon identification box. This allows the user to save data even if no match can be found)

The second attempt used BTEX as the 1st HC and Diesel as the 2nd HC. This gives 3 yellow indicators
which may be the correct match if a better match cannot be found. JP-8 is a combination of monoaromatic
compounds and diesel/kerosene compounds. This match would give an acceptable indication of the
amount of hydrocarbon in the sample, but not the best identification. Applying the final sequence with JP-
8 as the 1st HC and PAH as the 2nd (PAH because there is no residue to match) gives 3 greens and a Total
Library Match of 100. The identification would be JP-8.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 20 of 32

8.3 Re-Calculate results
It is possible to re-calculate the sample data at any time. Open the Deconvolute sheet and click on the
Recalculate button. A data box will show asking you to enter the sample number to be re calculated. Enter
the sample number (1 to 10) and select the best hydrocarbon match from the drop down menus under the
1st HC and 2dry HC boxes. Click on the Save button once the best match has been made to save the
concentration values and identification into the Results page.

If Automatic Fingerprint matching is on, a message box will ask if Background Subtraction is required.
Click Yes if it is required, select the background to be used and click on the “Apply Background
Subtraction” button. Click on the Recalculate button again to start the matching process. If background
subtraction is not required, click NO and the automatic selection will proceed. After the selection has
been made, the concentration value will automatically be saved in the Results page. It is possible to
reselect the hydrocarbon match manually even if Automatic Selection is on after the initial automatic
selection. Save the results by clicking on the Save button.
The selected match hydrocarbons will remain fixed for subsequent analysis runs when using Manual
Fingerprint Matching.

When the next sample is analysed, the software will flag a warning if the match varies significantly or the
match is an incorrect match for the sample analysed. Go to the Deconvolute screen and select a more
appropriate match.

For samples where the 1st and 2nd HC matches are set to PAH, there will be no Total Library Match value
calculated because PAH is the default setting and not a true hydrocarbon type.

The 2ndry HC match may be of a hydrocarbon type that is not expected, such as transformer or hydraulic
oil. This match takes into account the degradation process and more accurately calculates the residual
hydrocarbon concentration, but may not show in the tentative identification because it is not forming a
significant component of the total hydrocarbon present.
9 Results
Click on the Results tab to show the Results page. Enter the project details in the spaces provided.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 21 of 32

TPH is the sum of the GRO and DRO values. BTEX is a subset of GRO. The QED software also captures
the sample fingerprints generated. To the right of the results, a tentative hydrocarbon identification will be
shown, together with a per cent confidence in the match. The higher the % match the more certain that the
identification is correct. A fuller explanation of the abbreviations is shown in the table below.

The QC data is also shown. The initial calibrator check shows if the first calibration was successful and
acceptable. If full calibration was used this refers to the full initial calibration. If fundamental calibration
was used, this refers to the initial single calibration used. The final calibrator check shows the values
generated when the lowest and highest concentration calibrators are used to check the performance of the
QED at the end of a sample run if full calibration has been made. If fundamental calibration is used, a
single value showing the % difference between the first calibration run and the check calibration run is
shown.
Abbreviation Explanation
FCM Shows that the concentration was obtained without using a calibrator specific
to the hydrocarbon identified, but has used fundamental calibration
SBS A site specific background was subtracted from the sample fingerprint and the
concentration and/or identification derived from the modified fingerprint
LBS A Library background was subtracted from the sample fingerprint and the
concentration and/or identification derived from the modified fingerprint
P The sample contains small amounts of particulate that can be seen as a row of
3 sharp peaks on the fingerprint
T The sample contains high turbidity, but turbidity monitoring has been turned
off. The reported result may be slightly lower than the actual concentration in
the sample
Undeg.(Hydrocarbon
type)
The hydrocarbon type has a close match to the un-degraded hydrocarbon type.
This does not always indicate a fresh hydrocarbon spill
Deg.(Hydrocarbon
type)
The hydrocarbon type is degraded compared to the un-degraded type
V.Deg.(Hydrocarbon
type)
The hydrocarbon type is very degraded compared to the un-degraded type, but
is still recognisable as that hydrocarbon type
V.Deg.PHC A probable petroleum hydrocarbon that is too degraded to identify
Deg.Fuel A fuel derived petroleum hydrocarbon that is too degraded to identify
TPH not detected The sample fingerprint does not contain any recognisable petroleum
hydrocarbon fingerprints and the total signal is very low

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 22 of 32
PAH The sample fingerprint does not contain any recognisable petroleum
hydrocarbon fingerprints but the total signal is high enough to indicate poly
aromatic hydrocarbons are present
Background
Organics
The sample fingerprint is mostly made up of compounds typically associated
with natural organic compounds and no TPH signal is detectable
PFM The sample fingerprint could not be matched to any library fingerprint. This
may mean the concentration reported is less accurate

The fingerprint for each sample is also saved.

The number under the QED logo indicates the maximum value and can be used, together with the dilution
factor to indicate the scale. The maximum value is 60000. Values in the low hundreds indicate the sample
was either very diluted or if a low sample dilution was used, is at a very low concentration in the sample.
9.1 Ammend Sample ID
If a sample ID requires changing, it is possible to do so by recalculating the sample. Overwrite original
sample ID data from the Data Entry page with the correction. In the Deconvolute page, recalculate the
sample that has had the ID changed and save.
9.2 Saving the results
It is not possible to save the QED Driver. This is to ensure it is not over written and corrupted. To save
the results and the fingerprint traces for each sample analysed, click on the Save Data button found in the
Results sheet. If the calibration check has not been carried out a message box will show suggesting this is
done. Click OK to start the calibration check or cancel to save the data anyway.

After a pause a Save As dialogue box will show with “Copy of QED Save Data” showing as the file name
entry. Enter a unique name for the data and click the Save button. The QED Save Data file is read only
and cannot be saved as QED Save Data.

If you do not save the results using the above procedure, the data will be lost and cannot be recovered

The file that has been saved contains 3 sheets, the results, the fingerprints and the raw data. The raw data
can be sent to QROS for data interpretation and confirmation that the correct hydrocarbon fingerprint
match has been used. The results in the results page can be edited or deleted and copied to a report. It is
recommended to save the data as a pdf file for inclusion in reports. The fingerprints can also be copied to
reports.
Various warnings will be shown if you try to reset the QED driver without saving the data first. It is
possible however to ignore the warnings.
9.3 Importing Saved Data
Data that has previously been saved can be imported back into the QED driver software if required.
Caution - Importing previous data will erase all of the current sample and calibration data

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 23 of 32

To import data make sure all Excel files are closed except for the QED driver. If this is not done a
warning message will show. From the Library page click the Import Data button and an Open File
dialogue box will open. Select the file you wish to import and click Open. The data will be imported into
the QED driver and the QED driver will open the Deconvolute page.

The samples can be recalculated and saved again as a new file.
10 Advanced Features
10.1 Compare Sample Fingerprints
It can be useful to compare sample fingerprints with fingerprints from other samples or known
hydrocarbon types. Comparing two samples can be used to show the relative differences in degradation
between the two samples.

To compare fingerprints, open the Deconvolute sheet. Display the sample fingerprint required by clicking
the Recalculate button and enter the sample number corresponding to the sample fingerprint required (1-
10). Click on the light blue box on the left under the Comparison selection box to select the sample
numbers or hydrocarbon types to compare from the drop down menu. Select a different sample from the
sample just selected or a hydrocarbon type. A light blue fingerprint line will be displayed over the sample
fingerprint that has the maximum peak height the same as the original maximum peak height.

If a permanent record of the comparison is required, use the Print Screen function and save the captured
screen image in Paint or similar. The above example shows Diesel matched with the sample.
10.2 Background Subtraction
In some situations, the background contribution from non petroleum hydrocarbons may be significant at
nominal TPH concentrations below 50 ppm and can significantly increase the TPH value. QED has a
facility to minimise this background effect with samples containing low fuel hydrocarbon concentrations.
Background subtraction is not suitable for samples containing Coal Tars or Creosote compounds
It should be emphasised that the effect is minimised and not eliminated. Caution should be taken when
interpreting the results. In the majority of cases, background subtraction is not required if a dilution of
500 or more has been carried out.

The fingerprints of these naturally occurring compounds can vary, but most have a significant and broad
peak in the middle of the darkest green band of the fingerprint. The example below shows the Clay type

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 24 of 32
background fingerprint in red compared to a sample extracted from a clay rich soil. The yellow line
shows the resulting fingerprint if the background is subtracted.

Typical background fingerprints for clays, loams and humic acids are stored in the QED library.

The following procedure will help minimise the contribution of these background compounds.

Open the Deconvolute sheet. Open a sample file by clicking on the Recalculate button. Enter the sample
number that you wish to re-calculate. If Automatic Fingerprint matching is On, a message will ask if
Background Subtraction is required. To apply a Background, click on the Background box to show the
possible background fingerprint matches from the drop down box.

Click on the fingerprint required. The selected background fingerprint will show as a red fingerprint trace
over the black sample trace. The yellow trace is the hydrocarbon fingerprint after the background is
subtracted. If the background match is acceptable, click on the Apply Background Subtraction button.
The background will be removed and the fingerprint displayed can have the various hydrocarbon matches
applied in the usual way. Click Save to save the results. Click on the Remove Background Subtraction
button to obtain the original fingerprint. The results generated have (LBS) or (SBS) next to the fingerprint
match in the Results sheet to indicate if a Library (LBS) or Site Specific (SBS) background subtraction
has been used.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 25 of 32
In the example above, the Bituminous hydrocarbon type has been selected as the closest match. The
background type is showing green to indicate background subtraction has been applied to the sample.

The first time background subtraction is used, a message box will ask if the subtraction should be applied
to all other samples. Clicking YES will set the software to remove the selected background automatically
each time a sample is analysed or recalculated. NO will cause the background to be removed for each new
sample analysed or any other sample recalculated.

If the sample dilution is higher than x500, background subtraction is not required, because the sample will
dominate any background. In this situation, a red warning will show stating “Background Subtraction not
required”, just above the Background box on the Deconvolute sheet. Other warnings may show if the
selected background cannot be used or that the Site Specific Background selected is unavailable. A
message box warning will show if a background is applied to a sample that has already had a background
subtraction applied.
10.2.1 Site Specific Background
In some cases, the background may be unique to a site. A custom background fingerprint can be prepared
as follows.

Step 1
Locate soil samples that are a good distance from the area of contamination but that is made up of the
same soil matrix. Extract a sample using approximately 10g of soil to 20ml of extraction solvent. The soil
weight is not required so accuracy is not needed.

Run the extract as a sample to check if it is in range when using the Diesel setting on the Data Input sheet.
Initially add 250 microlitres of the extract to 3ml of methanol in the cuvette and analyse this. The ideal
dilution will give a sample fingerprint with the peak maximum within the lower third between the green
and red line in the sample fingerprint graph on the Data Input screen. In some cases, the fingerprint will
be in range, but the quench error shows. Re-analyse a larger dilution of the extract until the fingerprint is
within range and the quench indicator is absent.

Once the extract is within range, leave the cuvette containing the sample in the QED analyser for 5
minutes. This will destroy most of the residual petroleum hydrocarbon that may be present in the sample
and leave the naturally occurring background material intact. Do not leave for longer than 7 minutes.

Step 2
Open the Library sheet. Press the Click to Generate Background Fingerprint button.

A message box will initially ask if the currently displayed fingerprint should be used for the background.
Click No. Message boxes will then ask for the dark and blank analysis to be run and then the extract to be
analysed. Run a blank using the spare cuvette and then analyse the extract that has been in the QED for 5
minutes. A message box will ask if the analysis is within range. The sample fingerprint should be between

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 26 of 32
the green and red range lines in the fingerprint window, preferably one third up from the green line. If it is
click Yes and the fingerprint will be stored in the background library. If not, dilute the extract and re-
analyse.

The site background fingerprint can be selected from the Background drop down menu in the
Deconvolute sheet by selecting the Site Background fingerprint from the Background menu.

A Background Match Region selector can be found in the Library sheet that can be used to set the best
region on the background fingerprint to be selected for matching to the sample fingerprint. The default
value is start at 1000 and end at 1300. These numbers correspond to the numbers on the Deconvolute
sheet X axis. The start and end values can be changed to obtain the best match of sample and background
fingerprint. The background is usually in the dark green region to the right of the fingerprint graph.
10.2.2 Using a Sample Fingerprint as Background
During the analysis it may be useful to use a previously analysed sample as a site background. This can
be achieved by going to the Deconvolute sheet and selecting the required sample by clicking the
recalculate button and entering the required sample number. Once the fingerprint is shown, go to the
Library sheet and click on the Click to Generate Background Fingerprint button. A message box will ask
if the currently displayed fingerprint should be used as a background. Click YES to capture the fingerprint
so it can be used for subsequent samples when Site Specific Background is selected. This procedure will
overwrite any existing background fingerprint.
10.2.3 Importing a custom calibrator
Custom Calibrators can be created for specific projects. Please contact QROS if this is required because
samples of the product to be used as a calibrator will be required several weeks before the project starts.
Not all products are suitable for creating custom calibrators.

Custom calibrator data can be imported into the QED driver by opening the QED Custom Cal file and
then clicking on the “Import Custom Calibration” button in the QED driver Library sheet.

The use of custom calibrators is at the users own risk and the performance and accuracy cannot be
guaranteed by QROS or its representatives.
10.3 Fingerprint Noise Removal
A few samples, especially those analysed with minimal dilutions may generate fingerprints with high
“Noise” peaks in the first segment of the fingerprint. This can be removed by going to the Modify
Fingerprint box in the Deconvolute sheet. Find the number on the graph X axis that corresponds to the
edge of the noise peak (10 – 150) and enter that number into the box and press the Enter key. The noise
peak will be removed from the fingerprint graph which will cause the main part of the fingerprint to be
shown in greater detail.
10.4 Peak Position Marker
To compare peak positions or identify an X axis position on the fingerprint, enter the number that
corresponds to the X axis position into the Peak Marker box. Press the Enter button. A vertical line will
display at the selected position.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 27 of 32

10.5 Results Sheet Editor
The QED automatically generates results for BTEX, GRO, DRO, TPH, Total Aromatics, sum 16 PAHs
and BaP and shows ratio data and tentative hydrocarbon fingerprint identification. Using the editor allows
the results shown to be modified to show only certain parameters. BTEX, sum 16 PAHs, BaP, ratios and
fingerprint identification values can be turned off by selecting “hide” in the corresponding box in the
Results Sheet Editor in the Library sheet. Selecting “Hide” will not remove data from samples already
analysed. To remove the data, Recalculate the sample.

To enable the data to be shown again, delete the entry so no words are showing. If the data from an
already analysed sample is required, use the Recalculate function.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 28 of 32
11 Maintenance
11.1 Excitation source replacement
The QED has been designed as a field analysis instrument and is very robust. It requires little user
maintenance and can withstand extreme environments. It is splashproof but not fully waterproof and will
not tolerate complete immersion in water.

The main service item is the excitation source, which is designed to operate for approximately 3,000
hours or 8 hours every day for one year. This can however vary and is also dependent on the number of
on/off cycles experienced by the source and the ambient temperature that the QED operates in. If any of
the warning messages indicate the excitation source is nearing the end of its life, is at the end of its life, or
the source is not coming on at all, follow the instructions below to replace it.

Unplug QED from the power supply and computer.

The excitation source gives out powerful Ultra Violet
radiation that can cause blindness in a few minutes if
looked at directly.

Step 1

Carry out this procedure on a flat area. Screw the
supplied knob into the hole in the back of the QED. Undo
the 4 cross head screws, 2 from the underside and 2 from
the back. Pull the rear cover off using the knob to help.

Step 2

An oblong silver box will be seen inside
QED. Undo and remove the 2 wing nuts
that hold it in place. Lift up the silver box.
It will be attached with wires to the base
panel. Do not pull on the wires. Invert the
silver box and lay it on the flat surface
next to the QED unit. The excitation
source tube will be visible. DO NOT
REMOVE THE BASE PANEL. This will
invalidate any warranties and require the
unit to be factory calibrated

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 29 of 32

11.2 Cuvette Maintenance
The analysis cuvettes are an important part of the QED analyser and great care must be taken in their use.
The cuvettes supplied with the QED are high quality fluorescence cuvettes made from high purity quartz.
These are robust if handled correctly, but quartz is like glass and the cuvette will shatter if dropped onto a
hard surface or crack if pushed into the QED when not placed in the cuvette holder correctly. A cracked
cuvette may cause the turbidity error to occur when running samples or calibrators.

After several weeks use, especially if analysing hard water samples or samples containing microscopic
carbonate particles, a deposit can build up. The deposit is not immediately obvious but will trigger the
“Cuvette may require cleaning or replacing” error when running a blank. The deposit can be removed in
Step 3

Wearing rubber gloves will help in this
procedure. Grasp the silver ends of the glass
tube (excitation source) and twist until the
gold contacts are in line with the holder slot
and remove. Take the new source from the
pack without touching the glass surface and
insert the tube contacts into the tube holder
slot, ensuring both ends are in. Twist the tube
until the contacts turn 90 degrees and the
tube is securely held at both ends. Place the
silver box over the securing bolts and do up
the wing nuts. Replace the back cover, do up
the 4 screws and remove the knob.

Detail showing gold contacts and slot
they should be inserted into. The other
end is the same.
Once the QED has been re assembled, connect the
QED to the power supply and the computer and open
the QED driver. Go to the Library page. Place the
empty cuvette holder into the QED. Click on the New
Excitation Source Setup button. The QED will start a
countdown of approximately 25 minutes. This will set
the excitation source baseline parameters into the
Calfile.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 30 of 32
the field by soaking the cuvette in Coca Cola or equivalent soft drink containing phosphoric acid. It may
require 12 hours to remove the deposit. Kettle descaler, (citric acid) available from most kitchen or DIY
stores is faster if it is available. After soaking, thoroughly rinse the cuvette in water and then in clean
methanol.

The cuvette is difficult to scratch, but over time this can happen. Small scratches are not a problem, but
larger scratches may cause the “Cuvette may require cleaning or replacing” error to show. If this happens,
the cuvette will need replacing.

Sun Block can accidentally get coated on the outside of the cuvette if cuvettes are handled if Sun Block
has been used. Removing Sun Block is difficult and requires extensive rinsing and wiping with water
containing surfactant (washing up liquid) with a final 3 x rinse with 3 ml Methanol. Try to avoid handling
the cuvettes without gloves after applying sun block.
11.3 Detector Window
A small lens can be found in the top of the square hole in the front of the QED that the cuvette holder fits
into. This can become dirty, especially if the QED is put away without removing a cuvette which is full of
sample or calibrator.

Clean the lens by moistening a cotton bud with methanol and gently wiping the lens with the cotton bud
until no discoloration is seen on the cotton bud.

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 31 of 32
12 Typical Hydrocarbon Fingerprints

The commonly encountered hydrocarbon types and associated fingerprints are shown below.

Gasoline Kerosene
Jet Fuel : JP-5 Jet Fuel : JP-8
Diesel Degraded Fuel
Very Degraded
Fuel
Mineral
Lubricating Oil

QED Hydrocarbon Analyser. Operating Instructions v2.6 Page 32 of 32

Transformer Oil
Coal Creosote
Coal Tar (MGP)
1
SOP#: 2114
DATE: 10/06/94
REV. #: 0.0
PHOTOIONIZATION
DETECTOR (PID) HNU
1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP) is to describe the procedure for using a
photoionization detector (PID). The PID is a portable,
nonspecific, vapor/gas detector employing the
principle of photoionization to detect a variety of
chemical compounds, both organic and inorganic, in
air. This procedure is applicable to the HNU PI-101,
HNU ISPI-101, and HW-101 used for air monitoring.
These are standard (i.e., typically applicable)
operating procedures which may be varied or changed
as required, dependent on site conditions, equipment
limitations or limitations imposed by the procedure.
In all instances, the ultimate procedures employed
should be documented and associated with the final
report.
Mention of trade names or commercial products does
not constitute U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA) endorsement or recommendation for use.
2.0 METHOD SUMMARY
The PID is a useful general survey instrument at
hazardous waste sites. A PID is capable of detecting
and measuring real-time concentrations of many
organic and inorganic vapors in air. A PID is similar
to a flame ionization detector (FID) in application;
however, the PID has somewhat broader capabilities
in that it can detect certain inorganic vapors.
Conversely, the PID is unable to respond to certain
low molecular weight hydrocarbons, such as methane
and ethane, that are readily detected by FID
instruments.
The PID employs the principle of photoionization.
The analyzer will respond to most vapors that have an
ionization potential less than or equal to that supplied
by the ionization source, which is an ultraviolet (UV)
lamp. Photoionization occurs when an atom or
molecule absorbs a photon of sufficient energy to
release an electron and form a positive ion. This will
occur when the ionization potential of the molecule in
electron volts (eV) is less than the energy of the
photon. The sensor is housed in a probe and consists
of a sealed ultraviolet light source that emits photons
with an energy level high enough to ionize many trace
organics, but not enough to ionize the major
components of air (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, carbon
dioxide). The ionization chamber exposed to the light
source contains a pair of electrodes, one a bias
electrode, and the second the collector electrode.
When a positive potential is applied to the bias
electrode, an electro-magnetic field is created in the
chamber. Ions formed by the adsorption of photons
are driven to the collector electrode. The current
produced is then measured and the corresponding
concentration displayed on a meter, directly, in units
above background. Several probes are available for
the PID, each having a different eV lamp and a
different ionization potential. The selection of the
appropriate probe is essential in obtaining useful field
results. Though it can be calibrated to a particular
compound, the instrument cannot distinguish between
detectable compounds in a mixture of gases and,
therefore, indicates an integrated response to the
mixture.
Three probes, each containing a different UV light
source, are available for use with the HNU. Energies
are 9.5, 10.2, and 11.7 eV. All three detect many
aromatic and large molecular hydrocarbons. The 10.2
eV and 11.7 eV probes, in addition, detect some
smaller organic molecules and some halogenated
hydrocarbons. The 10.2 eV probe is the most useful
for environmental response work, as it is more durable
than the 11.7 eV probe and detects more compounds
than the 9.5 eV probe.
Gases with ionization potentials near to or less than
that of the lamp will be ionized. These gases will thus
be detected and measured by the analyzer. Gases with
ionization potentials higher than that of the lamp will
not be detected. Ionization potentials for various
atoms, molecules, and compounds are given in
2
Table 1 (Appendix A). The ionization potential of the 5.Certain models of PID instruments are not
major components of air, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon intrinsically safe. The HNU PI-101 and
dioxide, range from about 12.0 eV to about 15.6 eV HW-101 are not designed for use in
and are not ionized by any of the three lamps.potentially flammable or combustible
Table 2 (Appendix A) illustrates ionization should be used in conjunction with a
sensitivities for a large number of individual species Combustible Gas Indicator. The ISPI-101 is
when exposed to photons from a 10.2 eV lamp.intrinsically safe, however.
Applications of each probe are included in Table 3
(Appendix A).6.Electrical power lines or power transformers
While the primary use of the HNU is as a quantitative and thus cause measurement errors. Static
instrument, it can also be used to detect certain voltage sources such as power lines, radio
contaminants, or at least to narrow the range of transmissions, or transformers may also
possibilities. Noting instrument response to a interfere with measurements.
contaminant source with different probes can
eliminate some contaminants from consideration. For 7.High winds and high humidity will affect
instance, a compound's ionization potential may be measurement readings. The HNU may
such that the 9.5 eV probe produces no response, but become unusable under foggy or humid
the 10.2 eV and 11.7 eV probes do elicit a response.conditions. An indication of this is the
3.0 SAMPLE PRESERVATION,
CONTAINERS, HANDLING,
AND STORAGE
This section is not applicable to this SOP.
4.0 INTERFERENCES AND
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS about 1-2000 ppm, although the response is
4.1 PID Instrument Limitations
1.The PID is a nonspecific total vapor detector.
It cannot be used to identify unknown
substances; it can only roughly quantify
them.
2.The PID must be calibrated to a specific
compound.
3.The PID does not respond to certain low
molecular weight hydrocarbons, such as
methane and ethane. In addition, the HNU
does not detect a compound if the probe has
a lower energy than the compound's
ionization potential.
4.Certain toxic gases and vapors, such as
carbon tetrachloride and hydrogen cyanide,
have high ionization potentials and cannot be
detected with a PID.
atmospheres. Therefore, these models
may cause interference with the instrument
needle dropping below zero, or a slow
constant climb on the read-out dial.
8.The lamp window must be periodically
cleaned to ensure ionization of the new
compounds by the probe (i.e., new air
contaminants).
9.The HNU measures concentrations from
not linear over this entire range. For
example, if calibrated to benzene, the
response is linear from about 0-600 units
above background. This means the HNU
reads a true concentration of benzene only
between 0 and 600. Greater concentrations
are detected at a lower level than the true
value.
10.This instrument is not to be exposed to
precipitation (rain). The units are not
designed for this service.
11.Do not use this instrument for head space
analysis where liquids can inadvertently be
drawn into the probe.
4.2 Regulatory Limitations
Transport of calibration gas cylinders by passenger
and cargo aircraft must comply with International Air
Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
3
Regulations or the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations,
49 CFR Parts 100-177. A typical calibration gas
included with a PID is isobutylene. It is classified as
a non-flammable gas, UN #1556 and the proper
shipping name is Compressed Gas. It must be shipped
by cargo aircraft only.
5.0 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS
The following equipment is required for PID
operation:
C PID (HNU)
C Operating manual
C Probes: 9.5 eV, 10.2 eV, or 11.7 eV
C Battery charger for PID
C Spare batteries
C Jeweler's screwdriver for adjustments
C Tygon tubing
C NBS traceable calibration gas
C "T" valve for calibration
C Field Data Sheets/Site Logbook
C Intake assembly extension
C Strap for carrying PID
C Teflon tubing for downhole measurements
C Plastic bags for protecting the PID from
moisture and dirt
Note: Battery charge status - This instrument may be
kept on continuous charge without battery damage.
6.0 REAGENTS
C Isobutylene standards for calibration
C Benzene reference standard
C Methanol for cleaning ionization chamber
(GC grade)
C Mild soap solution for cleaning unit surfaces
C Specific gas standards when calibrating to a
specific compound
C Light source cleaning compound Cat. No.
PA101534-A1 (For use only with 9.5 and
10.2 lamps)
The HNU is calibrated in accordance with the
operations manual using isobutylene as the calibration
standard. The operations manual may also be referred
to for alternate calibration to a specific compound.
7.0 PROCEDURES
7.1 Preparation
Check out and ensure the proper operation of the PID,
as appropriate, using the equipment checklist provided
in Sections 5.0 and 6.0 and the steps listed below.
7.2 Start-Up Procedures
1.Allow the temperature of the unit to
equilibrate to its surrounding. This should
take about five minutes.
2.Attach the probe to the read-out unit. Match
the alignment key, then twist the connector
clockwise until a distinct locking is felt.
Make sure the microswitch (red button) is
depressed by the locking ring.
3.Turn the FUNCTION switch to the battery
check position. Check to ensure that the
indicator reads within or beyond the green
battery arc on the scale plate. If the indicator
is below the green arc, or if the red LED
comes on, the battery must be charged prior
to using.
4.To zero the instrument, turn the FUNCTION
switch to the STANDBY position and rotate
the ZERO POTENTIOMETER until the
meter reads zero. Wait 15-20 seconds to
ensure that the zero adjustment is stable; if
not, then readjust.
5.Check to see that the SPAN
POTENTIOMETER is set at the appropriate
setting for the probe being used (i.e., 9.8 for
the 10.2 eV probe, 5.0 for the 11.7 eV probe,
1 for the 9.5 eV probe. Note: The setting
may vary based on the intensity of the light
source).
6.Set the FUNCTION switch to the desired
range (i.e., 0-20, 0-200, 0-2000).
7.Listen for the fan operation to verify fan
function.
4
8.Look for ultraviolet light source in the probe 6.Record the following information in the site
to verify function. Do not look at light logbook: the instrument ID number (U.S.
source from closer than six inches with EPA decal or serial number if the instrument
unprotected eyes, observe only briefly.is a rental), the initial and final span settings,
9.Check instrument with an organic point calibration gas used, and the name of the
source, such as a magic marker, prior to person who field calibrated the instrument.
survey to verify instrument function.
10.Routinely during the day, verify the useful calibrate properly, the instrument should not
battery life by turning the function switch to be used. Under no circumstances is work
BATT and schedule the instrument's use requiring air monitoring with a PID to be
accordingly.done without a proper functioning
7.3 Field Operation
7.3.1 Field Calibration
1.Follow the start-up procedure in Section 7.2.
2.Set the FUNCTION switch to the range
setting which includes the concentration of
the calibration gas.
3.Attach a regulator to a disposable cylinder of
calibration gas. Connect the regulator to the
probe of the HNU with a piece of clean
tygon tubing. Open the valve on the
regulator.
4.After 15 seconds, the meter reading should
equal the response value as indicated on the
calibration gas cylinder used. If the reading
is within ±15% of the response value, then
the instrument can be field calibrated to the
response value using the external SPAN
ADJUSTMENT control. The SPAN
ADJUSTMENT control should be adjusted
to a lower setting until the correct reading
has been obtained. The lower the number on
the SPAN ADJUSTMENT conrol, the
greater the instrument sensitivity. If the
SPAN ADJUSTMENT control has to be
adjusted below a setting of 4.00, the unit
should be red-tagged and returned for repairs.
5.If the meter reading is greater than ±15% of
the response value of the calibration gas
used, then the instrument should be red-
tagged and returned for re-calibration.
the date and time, concentration and type of
7.If the PID does not start up, check out, or
instrument.
8.In some field applications, with the exception
of the probe's inlet and exhaust, the PID
should be wrapped in clear plastic to prevent
it from becoming contaminated and to
prevent water from getting inside in the event
of precipitation.
7.3.2 Operation
1.All readings are to be recorded in the site
logbook. Readings should be recorded,
following background readings, as "units
above background," not ppm.
2.As with any field instrument, accurate results
depend on the operator being completely
familiar with the operator's manual. The
instructions in the operating manual should
be followed explicitly in order to obtain
accurate results.
3.Position the probe assembly close to the area
to be monitored because the low sampling
rate allows for only very localized readings.
Under no circumstances should the probe tip
assembly be immersed in fluid.
4.While taking care to prevent the PID from
being exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, or
contamination, monitor the work activity as
specified in the site Health and Safety Plan.
The PID survey should be conducted at a
slow to moderate rate of speed and the intake
assembly (the probe) slowly swept from side
to side. There is a three to five second delay
in read-out depending upon the instruments
sensitivity to the contaminant.
5
5.During drilling activities, PID monitoring is concentration, an internal calibration is
performed at regular intervals downhole, at necessary. Unlock the SPAN
the headspace, and in the breathing zone. In POTENTIOMETER dial before adjusting it.
addition, where elevated organic vapor levels Adjust the SPAN POTENTIOMETER to the
are encountered, monitoring may be span setting recommended for the probe
performed in the breathing zone during actual being used (i.e., 9.8 for the 10.2 eV probe,
drilling. When the activity being monitored 5.0 for the 11.7 eV probe, 1 for the 9.5 eV
is other than drilling, readings should probe). To calibrate the instrument, unscrew
emphasize breathing zone conditions.the bottom support screw and lift the
6.When the activity is completed or at the end the trimpot "R-32" (near the top of the
of the day, carefully clean the outside of the printed circuit board) by inserting a small
PID with a damp disposable towel to remove screwdriver and gently turning. When the
any visible dirt.instrument gives the correct reading for the
7.4 Post Operation
1.Turn FUNCTION Switch to OFF.
2.Return the PID to a secure area and check the
calibration (Section 7.3.1.) before charging.
Connect the instrument to charger and plug
in the charger. The probe must be connected
to the readout unit to charge the HNU.
3.Complete logbook entries, verifying the
accuracy of entries and signing/initialing all
pages. Following completion of a series of
"0" readings, verify the instrument is
working as in Section 7.3.1.
4.Check the equipment, repair or replace
damaged equipment, and charge the
batteries.
7.5 Equipment Calibration
1.Follow the start-up procedure in Section 7.2.
2.Set the FUNCTION switch to the range
setting which includes the concentration of
the calibration gas.
3.Attach a regulator to a cylinder of calibration
gas. Connect the regulator to the probe of
the NHU with a piece of clean tygon tubing.
Open the valve on the regulator.
4.After 15 seconds, the meter reading should
equal the response value as indicated on the
calibration gas cylinder used. If the reading
is greater than ±15% of the actual
instrument out of the case. Locate and adjust
calibration gas being used, reassemble it.
5.Record the following information in the
calibration logbook: the instrument
identification number (U.S. EPA barcode
number or serial number if the instrument is
a rental), the initial and final span settings,
the date and time, concentration and type of
calibration gas used, and the name of the
person who calibrated the instrument. Affix
a sticker to the instrument indicating the
person who performed the calibration, the
date of calibration, and the due date of the
next calibration.
6.Turn the FUNCTION switch to OFF and
connect the instrument to the charger. The
probe must be connected to the readout unit
to ensure that the unit accepts a charge.
8.0 CALCULATIONS
The HNU is a direct reading instrument. Readings are
interpreted as units above background rather than
ppm.
9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/
QUALITY CONTROL
There are no specific quality assurance activities
which apply to the implementation of these
procedures. However, the following general QA
procedures apply:
1.All data must be documented on field data
sheets or within site logbooks.
2.All instrumentation must be operated in
6
accordance with operating instructions as
supplied by the manufacturer, unless
otherwise specified in the work plan.
Equipment checkout and calibration
activities must occur prior to
sampling/operation, and they must be
documented.
10.0 DATA VALIDATION
This section is not applicable to this SOP.Methods Manual: Volume II, Available Sampling
11.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
When working with potentially hazardous materials,
follow U.S. EPA, OSHA, or corporate health and
safety practices.
The HNU is certified by OSHA standards for use in
Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D locations.
12.0 REFERENCES
HNU Systems, Inc. 1975. "Instruction Manual for
Model PI-101 Photoionization Analyzer."
U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Parts 100
to 177, Transportation, revised November 1, 1985.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984.
"Characterization of Hazardous Waste Sites - A
Methods, Second Edition", EPA-600/4-84-076,
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory,
Office of Research and Development, Las Vegas,
Nevada.
International Air Transport Association Dangerous
Goods Regulations
7
APPENDIX A
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials
SOME ATOMS AND SIMPLE MOLECULES PARAFFINS AND CYCLOPARAFFINS
Molecule IP(Ev)Molecule IP (eV)Molecule IP (eV)
H 13.595 I 9.28 Methane 12.982C11.264 HF 15.77 Ethane 11.65
N 14.54 HCl 12.74 Propane 11.07
O 13.614 HBr 11.62 n-Butane 10.63
Si 8.149 HI 10.38 I-Butane 10.57
S 10.357 SO 12.34 n-Pentane 10.352F17.42 CO 13.79 ii-Pentane 10.322Cl13.01 COS 11.18 2,2-Dimethylpropane 10.35
Br 11.84 CS 10.08 n-Hexane 10.182I10.48 N O 12.90 2-Methylpentane 10.122H15.426 NO 9.78 3-Methylpentane 10.0822N15.580 O 12.80 2,2-Dimethylbutane 10.0623O12.075 H O 12.59 2,3-Dimethylbutane 10.0222CO14.01 H S 10.46 n-Heptane 10.082CN15.13 H Se 9.88 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane 9.862NO9.25 H Te 9.14 Cyclopropane 10.062CH11.1 HCN 13.91 Cyclopentane 10.53
OH 13.18 C N 13.8 Cyclohexane 9.8822F15.7 NH 10.15 Methylcyclohexane 9.8523Cl11.48 CH 9.84023Br10.55 CH 12.9824
8
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials (Continued)
ALKYL HALIDES
Molecule IP (eV)Molecule IP (eV)
HCl 12.74 1-bromo-2-methylpropane 10.09
Cl 11.48 2-bromo-2-methylpropane 9.892CH12.98 1-bromopentane 10.104Methyl chloride 11.28 HI 10.38
Dichloromethane 11.35 I 9.282Trichloromethane11.42 Methyl iodide 9.54
Tetrachloromethane 11.47 Diiodomethane 9.34
Ethyl chloride 10.98 Ethyl iodide 9.33
1,2-Dichloroethane 11.12 1-iodopropane 9.26
1,3-Dichloropropane 10.85 2-iodopropane 9.17
1-chlorobutane 10.67 1-iodobutane 9.21
2-chlorobutane 10.65 2-iodobutane 9.09
1-chloro-2-methylpropane 10.66 1-iodo-2-methylpropane 9.18
2-chloro-2-methylpropane 10.61 2-iodo-2-methylpropane 9.02
HBr 11.62 1-iodopentane 9.19
Br 10.55 F 15.722Methyl bromide 10.53 HF 15.77
Dibromomethane 10.49 CFCl (Freon 11)11.773Tribomomethane10.51 CF Cl (Freon 12)12.3122CHBrCl10.77 CF Cl (Freon 13)12.9123CHBrCl10.59 CHClF (Freon 22)12.4522Ethyl bromide 10.29 CF Br 11.67221,1-dibromoethane 10.19 CH CF Cl (Genetron 101)11.98321-bromo-2-chloroethane 10.63 CFCl CF Cl 11.99221-bromopropane 10.18 CF CCl (Freon 113)11.78332-bromopropane 10.075 CFHBrCH Br 10.7521,3-dibromopropane 10.07 CF BrCH Br 10.83221-bromobutane 10.13 CF CH l 10.00322-bromobutane 9.98 n-C F l 10.36371-chloropropane 10.82 n-C F CH Cl 11.843722-chloropropane 10.78 n-C F CH l 9.963721,2-dichloropropane 10.87 CF Br 11.0722
9
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials (Continued)
ALIPHATIC ALCOHOL, ETHER, THIOL,ALIPHATIC ALDEHYDES AND
AND SULFIDES KETONES
Molecule IP (eV)Molecule IP (eV)
Water 12.59 Carbon Dioxide 13.79
Methyl alcohol 10.85 Formaldehyde 10.87
Ethyl alcohol 10.48 Acetaldehyde 10.21
n-propyl alcohol 10.20 Propionaldehyde 9.98
i-propyl alcohol 10.16 n-butyraldehyde 9.86
n-butyl alcohol 10.04 Isobutyraldehyde 9.74
Dimethyl ether 10.00 n-valeraldehyde 9.82
Diemthyl ether 9.53 Isovaleraldehyde 9.71
n-propyl ether 9.27 Acrolein 10.10
i-propyl ether 9.20 Crotonaldehyde 9.73
Hydrogen Sulfide 10.46 Benzaldehyde 9.53
Methanethiol 9.440 Acetone 9.69
Ethanethiol 9.285 Methyl ethyl ketone 9.53
1-propanethiol 9.195 Methyl n-propyl ketone 9.39
1-butanethiol 9.14 Methyl i-propyl ketone 9.32
Dimethyl sulfide 8.685 Diethyl ketone 9.32
Ethyl methyl sulfide 8.55 Methyl n-butyl ketone 9.34
Diethyl sulfide 8.430 Methyl i-butyl ketone 9.30
di-n-propyl sulfide 8.30 3,3-dimethyl butanone 9.17
2-heptanone 9.33
Cyclopentanone 9.26
Cyclohexanone 9.14
2,3-butanedione 9.23
2,4-pentanedione 8.87
10
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials (Continued)
ALIPHATIC ACIDS AND ESTERS ALIPHATIC AMINES AND AMIDES
Molecule IP (eV)Molecule IP (eV)
Carbon Dioxide 13.79 Ammonia 10.15
Formic acid 11.05 Methyl amine 8.97
Acetic acid 10.37 Ethyl amine 8.86
Propionic acid 10.24 n-propyl amine 8.78
n-butyric acid 10.16 i-propyl amine 8.72
Isobutyric acid 10.02 n-butyl amine 8.71
n-valeric acid 10.12 i-butyl amine 8.70
Methyl formate 10.815 s-butyl amine 8.70
Ethyl formate 10.61 t-butyl amine 8.64
n-propyl formate 10.54 Dimethyl amine 8.24
n-butyl formate 10.50 Diethyl amine 8.01
Isobutyl formate 10.46 Di-n-propyl amine 7.84
Methyl acetate 10.27 Di-i-propyl amine 7.73
Ethyl acetate 10.11 Di-n-butyl amine 7.69
n-propyl acetate 10.04 Trimethyl amine 7.82
Isopropyl acetate 9.99 Triethyl amine 7.50
n-butyl acetate 10.01 Tri-n-propyl amine 7.23
Isobutyl acetate 9.97 Formamide 10.25
Sec-butyl acetate 9.91 Acetamide 9.77
Methyl propionate 10.15 N-methyl acetamide 8.90
Ethyl propionate 10.00 N,N-dimethyl formamide 9.12
Methyl n-butyrate 10.07 N,N-dimethyl acetamide 8.81
Methyl isobutyrate 9.98 N,N-diethyl formamide 8.89
N,N-diethyl acetamide 8.60
11
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials (Continued)
OTHER ALIPHATIC MOLECULES WITH N ATOM OLEFINS, CYCLO-OLEFINS,
ACETYLENES
Molecule IP (eV)Molecule IP (eV)
Nitromethane 11.08 Ethylene 10.515
Nitroethane 10.88 Propylene 9.73
1-nitropropane 10.81 1-butene 9.58
2-nitropropane 10.71 2-methylpropene 9.23
HCN 13.91 Trans-2-butene 9.13
Acetontrile 12.22 Cis-2-butene 9.13
Propiontrile 11.84 1-pentene 9.50
n-butyronitrile 11.67 2-methyl-1-butene 9.12
Acrylonitrile 10.91 3-methyl-1-butene 9.51
3-butene-nitrile 10.39 3-methyl-2-butene 8.67
Ethyl nitrate 11.22 1-hexene 9.46
Methyl thiocyanate 10.065 1,3-butadiene 9.07
Ethyl thiocyanate 9.89 Isoprene 8.845
Methyl isothiocyanate 9.25 Cyclopentene 9.01
Ethyl isothiocyanate 9.14 Cyclohexene 8.945
4-methylcyclohexene 8.91
4-cinylcylohexene 8.93
Cyclo-octatetraene 7.99
Acetylene 11.41
Propyne 10.36
1-butyne 10.18
12
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials (Continued)
SOME DERIVATIVES OF OLEFINS HETEROCYCLIC MOLECULES
Molecule IP (eV)Molecule IP (eV)
Vinyl chloride 9.995 Furan 8.89
Cis-dichloroethylene 9.65 2-methyl furan 8.39
Trans-dichloroethylene 9.66 2-furaldehyde 9.21
Trichloroethylene 9.45 Tetrahydrofuran 9.54
Tetrachloroethylene 9.32 Dihydropyran 8.34
Vinyl bromide 9.80 Tetrahydropyran 9.26
1,2-dibromoethylene 9.45 Thiophene 8.860
tribromoethylene 9.27 2-chlorothiophene 8.68
3-chloropropene 10.04 2-bromothiophene 8.63
2,3-dichloropropene 9.82 Pyrrole 8.20
1-bromopropene 9.30 Pyridine 9.32
3-bromopropene 9.7 2-picoline 9.02
CF CCl=CClCF 10.36 3-picoline 9.0433n-C F CF=CF 10.48 4-picoline 9.045112Acrolein10.10 2,3-lutidine 8.85
Crotonaldehyde 9.73 2,4-lutidine 8.85
Mesityl oxide 9.08 2,6-lutidine 8.85
Vinyl methyl ether 8.93 Tribromoethylene 9.27
Allyl alcohol 9.67
Vinyl acetate 9.19
13
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials (Continued)
AROMATIC COMPOUNDS
Molecule IP (eV)Molecule IP (eV)
Benzene 9.245 Phenyl isothiocyanate 8.520
Toluene 8.82 Benzonitrile 9.705
Ethyl benzene 3.76 Nitrobenzene 9.92
n-propyl benzene 8.72 Aniline 7.70
i-propyl benzene 8.69 Fluoro-benzene 9.195
n-butyl benzene 8.69 Chloro-benzene 9.07
s-butyl benzene 8.68 Bromo-benzene 8.98
t-butyl benzene 8.68 Iodo-benzene 8.73
o-xylene 8.56 o-dichlorobenzene 9.07
m-xylene 8.56 m-dichlorobenzene 9.12
p-xylene 8.445 p-dichlorobenzene 8.94
Mesitylene 8.40 1-chloro-2-fluorobenzene 9.155
Durene 8.025 1-chloro-3-fluorobenzene 9.21
Styrene 8.47 1-bromo-4-fluorobenzene 8.99
o-methyl styrene 8.35 o-fluorotoluene 8.915
Ethynylbenzene 8.815 m-fluorotoluene 8.915
Napthalene 8.12 p-fluorotoluene 8.785
1-methylnapthalene 7.69 o-chlorotoluene 8.83
2-methylnapthalene 7.955 m-chlorotoluene 8.83
Biphenyl 8.27 p-chlorotoluene 8.70
Phenol 8.50 o-bromotoluene 8.79
Anisole 8.22 m-bromotoluene 8.81
Phenetole 8.13 p-bromotoluene 8.67
Benzaldehyde 9.53 o-iodotoluene 8.62
Acetophenone 9.27 m-iodotoluene 8.61
Benzenethiol 8.33 p-iodotoluene 8.50
Phenyl isocyanate 8.77 Benzotrifluoride 9.68
o-fluorophenol 8.66
14
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 1. Ionization Potentials (Continued)
MISCELLANEOUS MOLECULES
Molecule IP (eV)
Ethylene oxide 10.565
Propylene oxide 10.22
p-dioxane 9.13
Dimethoxymethane 10.00
Diethyoxymethane 9.70
1,1-dimethoxyethane 9.65
Propiolactone 9.70
Methyl disulfide 8.46
Ethyl disulfide 8.27
Diethyl sulfite 9.68
Thiolacetic acid 10.00
Acetyl chloride 11.02
Acetyl bromide 10.55
cyclo-C H CF 10.466113(n-C F )(CH )C=O 10.58373Trichlorovinylsilane10.79
(C F )N 11.7253Isoprene9.08
Phosgene 11.77
15
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 2. Relative Photoionization Sensitivities for Gases

Chemical Relative Sensitivity Examples

Aromatic 10 Benzene, Toluene, Styrene
Aliphatic Acid 10 Diethylamine
Chlorinated 5-9 Vinyl Chloride, Vinylidene
Unsaturated Chloride, Trichloroethylene
Carbonyl 7-9 MEK, MiBK, Acetone,
Cyclohexanone
Unsaturated 3-5 Acrolein, Propylene,
Cyclohexanone, Allyl Alcohol
Sulfide 3-5 Hydrogen Sulfide, Methyl
Mercaptan
Paraffin (C5-C7)1-3 Pentane, Hexane, Heptane
Ammonia 0.3
Paraffin (C1-C4)0 Methane, Ethane

NOTE:Relative sensitivity = meter reading when measuring 10 ppm of the listed gas with instrument with 10.2
eV probe calibrated for 10 ppm of benzene, span pot setting = 9.8 for direct reading of benzene.
16
APPENDIX A (Cont’d)
Tables
TABLE 3. Typical Applications of Interchangeable Probes

Ionization
Potentials Relative Sensitivity

p-Xylene 8.44 0.10 0.104
p-Chlorotoluene 8.70 0.09 0.112
Toluene 8.82 0.09 0.112
o-Chlorotoluene 8.83 0.075 0.112
Ethyl Acetate 9.19 0.075 0.112
Benzene 9.24 0.10 0.10
Methyl Mercaptan 9.24 0.10 0.072
Pyridine 9.32 0.075 0.122
Allyl Alcohol 9.67 0.10 0.111
Crotonaldehyde 9.88 0.075 0.104
Amyl Alcohol 9.80 0.09 0.116
Cyclohexane 9.88 0.075 0.104
Vinyl Chloride 9.95 0.085 0.112
Butanol 10.94 0.09 0.176
Ammonia 10.15 0.06 0.160
Acetic Acid 10.37 0.04 0.560
Ethylene 10.52 0.0 0.320
Ethylene Oxide 10.56 0.0 0.298

Response with 9.5 or 11.7 eV probe
Relative sensitivity =
Response with 10.2 eV probe

Attachment G
Qualifications

Attachment H
Field Documentation
Client:
Project Number: BORING ID:
Site Location:
Coordinates: Sheet: of
Drilling Method:Monitoring Well Installed:
Drilling Contractor:Screened Interval:
Sample Type(s):Boring Diameter:Depth of Boring:
Date:Weather:Water Level: Recovery(inches)1
2
3
4
5
6

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
NOTES:
Checked by:____________________________Date:_____________________________Lab Sample IDLab Sample Depth (Ft.)Depth (ft)Headspace (ppm)MATERIALS: Color, size, range, MAIN COMPONENT, minor
component(s), moisture content, structure, angularity, maximum
grain size, odor, and Geologic Unit (If Known)
HSA
P:\PROJECTS\Piedmont Triad EPA Grant\Sites\Thomasville B\Site Specific QAPP\Attachment F - field logs\PID Daily PID Cal Form
PROJECT NAME:
APEX JOB NO.:
LOCATION:
PERSONNEL:
DATE:
Instrument: Mini-RAE/PPBRae
Time Background (Zero) Response Cal Gas Type Cal Gas Concentration PID Response
Location of Calibration:
General Weather Condition:
Comments:
Calibration Data
PID DAILY CALIBRATION FORM
Apex Companies, LLC
P:\PROJECTS\Piedmont Triad EPA Grant\Sites\Thomasville B\Site Specific QAPP\Attachment F - field logs\Groundwater Sampling (Low Flow) Form
Page of
Location (Site/Facility Name):_______________________________________________Depth to _______(top)/______(bottom) of screen
Well Number:____________________Date:____________________Weather/Temp:__________________________________
Field Personnel:__________________________________________________________Pump Intake at (ft. below MP):_________________________
Identify Monitoring Point (top of casing or land surface):____________________________Purging/Sampling Device; (pump type):_________________
3%3%+/-0.1 +/-10mv 10%<10
Water Cum.ORP/
Clock Depth Pump Purge Volume Temp.Spec.pH Eh3 DO Turbidity
Time Below Dial Rate Purged Cond.
MP
Feet gal/min gallons C uS/cm mv mg/l NTU
Initial ------------------
Purge Volume Conversions: 1" = 0.04, 1.5" = 0.09, 2" = 0.17, 3" = 0.38, 4" = 0.66, 6" = 1.5, 8" = 2.6, 10" = 4.1
Stabilized (circle) YES NO If no, why?________________________________________________________________
Sampler(s) : ______________________________________________________Date: __________________________________
Sample Collected (Method/# of bottles): _________________________________________________________________________
Comments
APEX COMPANIES, LLC
WELL PURGING-FIELD WATER QUALITY MEASUREMENTS FORM
Date:___________________________
Client: Container Set ID
Project Number: Final Date Generated:
Site Name and Location:Date Removed:
Drum Storage Location on Site: Investigation Phase Inspector:
Permit Number (if known):Total Drums in Set
Page ____ of______
Notes 1-What is condition of Storage area? I.e. fenced etc
2- Security: Is storage area covered and locked?
3- Who is Site contact and has knowledge of the containers? Phone #?
4-Person responsible for Profile?Date:
5-Do the containers have labels that Indicate Investigative Derived Waste(IDW) analysis pending?
Ck By:
Inspector Signed:
Container
Size
Sample ID#/Sample
Type (Grab or Comp.)Manifest #Drum #/Serial #
Assigned Boring or Well Id Contents (soil ,
water, mix)
Filling Begin
Date
Filling End
Date