Sampling, Analysis, QA/QC

Sampling, analysis, and quality assurance/quality control are three major technical considerations for any landfill monitoring program. SW846 methods (Third Edition, including Final Update VI (2019) should be used for landfill water monitoring. 

• Groundwater Sampling and Monitoring Wells Guidance (SWP)
• Field Sampling Guidance 2022 (PDF)
• Guidelines for Data Reporting 2022
• Sampler’s Guide: Contract Laboratory Program Guidance for Field Samplers (PDF) (EPA)
• ASTM D4840 Sampling Chain of Custody Procedures
• RCRA Waste Sampling Draft Technical Guidance – Planning, Implementation, and Assessment (PDF) (EPA 530-D-02-002)
• EPA Superfund Contract Laboratory Program National Functional Guidelines for Data Review

Groundwater Monitoring

Hydrogeological Study

The adequacy of a groundwater monitoring program hinges on the characterization of the site’s hydrology. Data of sufficient quantity and quality are required to determine the subsurface geology and hydrology to understand groundwater flow at the site and develop an appropriate groundwater monitoring program. Groundwater is not static in its behavior and therefore continued assessment of the hydrology is also necessary.

• Hydrologic Study Guidelines (PDF) (SWP)
• Maintaining Monitoring Wells Tech Memo (PDF) (SWP)

Detection Monitoring

The goal of detection monitoring is to determine if the landfill is impacting groundwater quality. Monitoring results are therefore compared to background concentrations.

• Detection Monitoring Tech Memo (PDF) (SWP)
• 40 CFR 258 Appendix I - Constituents for Detection Monitoring

Assessment Monitoring

Assessment monitoring is required to assess the nature and extent of landfill impacts to groundwater. Monitoring results are therefore compared to groundwater protection standards (GWPS) to determine if a corrective action must be taken to protect human health and the environment.

• Assessment Monitoring Tech Memo (PDF) (SWP)
• 40 CFR 258 Appendix II - List of Hazardous Inorganic and Organic Constituents

Checklists 

• Groundwater Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Review Checklist (PDF) (SWP)
• Groundwater Monitoring Report Checklist (PDF) (SWP)

References

• Monitoring Well Guidance
• Ground-Water Sampling Guidelines for Superfund and RCRA Project Managers (PDF) (EPA)
• 40 CFR 258.50 Subpart E Ground-Water Monitoring and Corrective Action
• Statistical Analysis of Groundwater Monitoring Data at RCRA Facilities - Unified Guidance (PDF) (EPA 530/R-09-007)
• Errata Sheet - March 2009 Unified Guidance (PDF) (EPA 530/R-09-07a)
• Unified Guidance Flowcharts (SWP):
• Intrawell vs Interwell (PDF)
• Prediction Limits with Retesting (PDF)
• Lower Confidence Limits (PDF)
• Groundwater Monitoring Framework (PDF)

Surface Water Monitoring

Surface water monitoring is required in accordance with 18 AAC 60.810 at solid waste facilities where surface water pollution is likely to endanger public health or cause a violation of water quality standards in 18 AAC 70.

• Surface Water Monitoring Tech Memo (PDF) (SWP)
• Surface Water Standards Table (PDF) (SWP)

Checklists

• Surface Water Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Review Checklist (PDF) (SWP)
• Surface Water Monitoring Report Checklist (PDF) (SWP)

Visual Monitoring

Documented monthly visual monitoring is required for the active life and post-closure period of a facility [18 AAC 60.396, 18 AAC 60.397, 18 AAC 60.490, & 18 AAC 60.800(a)]. In addition, the permit application for most landfills require that the visual monitoring plan must include the checklist or form that will be used for visual monitoring.

• Developing a Visual Monitoring Form (PDF) (SWP)

Gas Monitoring

Explosive gas monitoring is required in accordance with 18 AAC 60.350 at Class I and Class II municipal solid waste facilities. SWP may also require gas monitoring at any other solid waste facility where we determine that gas control and monitoring are necessary to ensure that there will be no explosion hazard.  

• Gas Monitoring Tech Memo (PDF) (SWP)
• Gas Monitoring Plan Checklist (PDF) (SWP)
• Guidance for Evaluating Landfill Gas Emissions from Closed or Abandoned Facilities (EPA-600/R-05/123a)

Additional Resources

• Solid Waste Emergency Response: Introduction to Municipal Solid Waste Facility Criteria (EPA 530-K-05-015)
• EPA’s Regional Screening Levels (RSLs)
• Solid Waste Disposal Facility Criteria: Technical Manual (EPA 530-R-93-017)
• Department of Defense - Quality Systems Manual (PDF)
• Department of Defense - Fact Sheet for Detection and Quantitation (PDF)
• Trainings by the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) - ITRC has the following guidance pertinent to solid waste facility monitoring. Check their website for a full list of course offerings and dates.
• Groundwater Statistics for Monitoring and Compliance: Statistical Tools for the Project Life Cycle
• Geospatial Analysis for Optimization at Environmental Sites

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