Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Chemicals and Toxics
    • Climate Change
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Environmental Justice
    • Greener Living
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Pesticides
    • Radon
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Guidance
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • EPA Administrator
    • Organization Chart
    • Staff Directory
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Lab and Research Centers
Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) Program
Contact Us

Sample Collection Procedures and Strategies

The following documents and tools have been developed by EPA to provide information regarding sample collection following a contamination incident.  The sampling strategies provide a framework to assist decision-makers in developing and implementing an approach for sample collection. The documents focus on sample collection during site characterization, remediation and release. As additional documents containing similar complementary information become available, they will be added to the list below.

image of Radiological symbol

Radiological

  • Guide for Development of Sample Collection Plans for Radiochemical Analytes in Environmental Matrices Following Homeland Security Events
  • Guide for Development of Sample Collection Plans for Radiochemical Analytes in Outdoor Building and Infrastructure Materials Following Homeland Security Incidents
  • Sample Collection Procedures for Radiochemical Analytes in Environmental Matrices
  • Sample Collection Procedures for Radiochemical Analytes in Outdoor Building and Infrastructure Materials
image of Pathogen image

Pathogen

  • Sample Collection Protocol for Bacterial Pathogens in Surface Soil
  • Field Application of Emerging Composite Sampling Methods
  • USEPA/USGS Sample Collection Protocol for Bacterial Pathogens in Surface Soil
  • Collection of Surface Samples Potentially Contaminated with Microbiological Agents Using Swabs, Sponge Sticks and Wipes
  • Collection of Air Samples Potentially Contaminated with Microbiological Agents Using Impingers, Impactors, and Low-Volume Filters
  • Collection of Microbiological Agent Samples from Potentially Contaminated Porous Surfaces Using Microvacuum Techniques

image of Chemical symbol

Chemical

  • No documents are available at this time.
Image of Biotoxins symbol

Biotoxins

  • No documents are available at this time.
  • ESAM Home
  • Sample Collection Information Documents (SCIDs)
  • Sample Collection Procedures and Strategies
  • Selected Analytical Methods (SAM)
  • Analytical Methods and Protocols
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on September 22, 2021
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data.gov
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Open Government
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions

Follow.