
388 MONITORING TECHNIQUES
Table 10.33 Downwind distances to sample based on size of fire
Scale of fire Sample distances
Major 100 m, 350 m, 700 m, 1.25 km, 2.30 km, 4.25 km,15 km, 50 km
Large 50 m, 180 m, 350 m, 600 m, 1 km, 2 km, 7.5 km, 25 km
Medium 20 m, 70 m, 250 m, 850 m, 3 km, 10 km
Small 5 m, 20 m, 60 m, 200 m, 750 m, 2.5 km
Minor 2 m, 10 m, 25 m, 85 m, 300 m, 1 km
For releases to land, influencing factors include:
• duration and extent of release;
• type of release (liquid or solid);
• hydrogeology;
• soil permeability;
• soil vulnerability;
• land use;
• screening techniques;
• levels and characteristics of historic contamination;
• depth to take sample.
The aims of sampling are to establish whether contaminants are present, their distribution and
concentrations. Commonly-used sampling regimes include square grid, stratified random or simple
random techniques. Evenly-spaced sampling points may be appropriate if the contamination is
visible otherwise judgement is required based on whether the land slopes or is flat. Samples are
also taken near to the point of release.
Table 10.34 Data to record during accident investigation
• Information about the accident, e.g. date, time, magnitude and nature of release.
• Speed of response/dates of actions.
• Sample numbers and history, e.g. date, time of collection.
• Ecosystems, structures and individuals potentially affected.
• Number of samples collected and sampling pattern.
• Sample quality and sample programme.
• Resources.
• Analytical techniques (including method, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, robustness, limits of detection).
• Sample package, storage, transport and security to ensure integrity.
• List of sample equipment and calibration record.
• Names and training records of staff involved in sampling and analysis, or details of contract analysts and any quality
standards/accreditation schemes with which they comply.
• Physical and chemical properties of the chemical (
see
Chapter 12).
• The form in which it was released, and subsequent forms.
• Characteristics of the receiving ecosystem (e.g. solid type, ground water, drinking water, fish/shellfish water, bathing
water) and how it migrates from one environment to another.
• Meteorology during and after the accident.
• Topography.
• Environmental, health, or safety properties of the pollutants including their acute and chronic effects and any synergistic
effects.
• Visible environmental impact on site.
• Recorded quality of ecosystem prior to accident.
• Site plan with marked release points, sample points, detailed dimensions.
• Temperature of chemicals released.