Analytical Methods

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PART I - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Inland Testing Manual Cover, (PDF, 1.4M)

1.0 INTRODUCTION, (PDF, 490k)

1.1	Background
1.2	Statutory/Regulatory Overview
1.2.1	Statutory Overview
1.2.2	Section 404 Regulatory Overview
1.2.2.1	The Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines
1.2.2.2	Particulars of Sections 230.60 and 230.61
1.2.3	Relationship to Section 401 CWA Water Quality Certification

2.1	This Manual is Intended to Address
2.2	This Manual is Not Intended to Address
2.3	Dredged Material Discharge for Beneficial Uses
2.4	The Role of Biological Evaluations (Toxicity and/or Bioaccumulation Tests) in the Manual
2.5	The Role of Water and Sediment Chemical Evaluations in the Manual
2.6	Water Column Effects
2.7	Mixing
2.8	Benthic Effects
2.9	Management Options
2.10	The Relationship of the Inland Testing Manual to Other USACE/EPA Dredged Material Management Efforts
2.10.1	Relationship of the Manual to the USACE/EPA Framework Document
2.10.2	Relationship of the Manual to the EPA/USACE Green Book
2.10.3	Relationship of the Manual to EPA's Contaminated Sediment Strategy and Sediment Quality Criteria

PART II - EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

3.1	Tiered Testing and Evaluation
3.2	Control and Reference Sediments
3.2.1	Reference Sediment Sampling
3.2.2	Reference Sediment Sampling Plan

4.1	Compilation of Existing Information
4.2	Identification of Contaminants of Concern
4.2.1	Microbial Contamination
4.2.2	Chemical Contamination
4.3	Tier I Conclusions

5.1	Water Column Impact
5.1.1	Screen Relative To WQS
5.1.2	Elutriate Analysis Relative To WQS
5.2	Benthic Impact
5.3	Tier II Conclusions

7.1	Toxicity Tests
7.2	Benthic Bioaccumulation

8.1	Preparation For Sampling
8.2	Components Of A Sampling Plan
8.2.1	Review of Dredging Plan
8.2.2	Historical Data
8.2.3	Subdivision of Dredging Area
8.2.4	Selection of Sampling Locations and Number of Samples
8.2.5	Sample Collection Methods
8.2.5.1	Sediment Sample Collection
8.2.5.2	Water Sample Collection
8.2.5.3	Organism Collection
8.2.6	Sample Handling, Preservation, and Storage
8.2.6.1	Sample Handling
8.2.6.2	Sample Preservation
8.2.6.3	Sample Storage
8.2.7	Logistical Considerations and Safety Precautions
8.2.8	Non-Indigenous Test Species

9.1	Physical Analysis of Sediment
9.2	Target Detection Limits
9.3	Chemical Analysis of Sediment
9.3.1	Target Analytes
9.3.2	Selection of Analytical Techniques
9.4	Chemical Analysis of Water
9.4.1	Analytical Targets
9.4.2	Analytical Techniques
9.5	Chemical Analysis of Tissues
9.5.1	Target Analytes
9.5.2	Analytical Techniques

10.1	Tier II: Water Column Effects
10.1.1	Screen Relative To WQS
10.1.2	Elutriate Analysis Relative To WQS
10.1.2.1	Standard Elutriate Preparation
10.1.2.2	Chemical Analysis
10.1.2.3	Comparison with WQS (Standard Elutriate Test)
10.2	Theoretical Bioaccumulation Potential (TBP) of Nonpolar Organic Chemicals

11.1	Tier III: Water Column Toxicity Tests
11.1.1	Species Selection
11.1.2	Apparatus
11.1.3	Laboratory Conditions
11.1.4	Laboratory Procedures
11.1.5	Data Presentation and Analysis
11.1.6	Conclusions
11.2	Tier III: Benthic Toxicity Tests
11.2.1	Species Selection
11.2.2	Laboratory Procedures
11.2.3	Chronic/Sublethal Tests
11.2.4	Data Presentation and Analysis
11.2.5	Conclusions
11.3	Tier IV: Chronic/Sublethal Effects Evaluations
11.4	Tier IV: Case Specific Evaluations

12.1	Tier III: Determination Of Bioavailability
12.1.1	Species Selection and Apparatus
12.1.2	Experimental Conditions
12.1.3	Chemical Analysis
12.1.4	Data Presentation and Analysis
12.1.5	Conclusions
12.2	Tier IV: Determination Of Steady State Bioaccumulation
12.2.1	Laboratory Testing
12.2.2	Field Assessment of Steady State Bioaccumulation
12.2.2.1	Apparatus
12.2.2.2	Species Selection
12.2.2.3	Sampling Design and Conduct
12.2.2.4	Basis for Evaluation of Bioaccumulation
12.2.2.5	Sample Collection and Handling
12.2.2.6	Chemical Analysis
12.2.2.7	Data Presentation and Analysis
12.2.2.8	Conclusions

Appendices