1 Introduction
1.4 FORMAT OF THE MATRIX AND REFERENCE GUIDE
The Matrix itself has been divided into two components in order to reflect the
entire site characterization process:
- Sample Access and Collection Tools
- Sample Analysis Tools
On the Matrix, the technologies have been grouped into various categories and
subcategories for comparison purposes (Sections 2.2 and 2.3). Each technology has received an evaluation, against distinct
criteria, relative to the other technologies in that category or subcategory. Also
included on the Matrix is a legend providing an explanation of the evaluation criteria and
symbols.
The Reference Guide has been divided into the following nine sections (Sections
3 through 9 are listed on the Matrix):
- Section 1 (Introduction) presents objectives, background information, guidance on
how to use this document, and limitations on its use.
- Section 2 (Evaluation Criteria) provides information on how to use both the Sample
Access and Collection Tools Matrix (see Section 2.2) and the Sample
Analysis Tools Matrix (see Section 2.3).
- Section 3 (Access Tools) covers technologies that enable
field staff to access media.
- Section 4 (Collection Tools) covers technologies that
allow staff to physically remove samples.
- Section 5 (Extraction Tools)covers technologies that
bridge the process between sample collection and sample preparation.
- Section 6 (Sample Analysis Tools for VOCs, SVOCs and
Pesticides) covers fieldable ex-situ and in-situ methods for analyzing
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Semivolatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), and pesticides.
- Section 7 (Sample Analysis Tools for Metals) covers
fieldable ex-situ and in-situ methods for analyzing metals.
- Section 8 (Sample Analysis Tools for Radionuclides)
covers fieldable ex-situ and in-situ methods for analyzing radionuclides.
- Section 9 (Sample Analysis Tools for Explosives) covers
fieldable in-situ methods for analyzing explosives.
Sections 3 through 9 contain subsections (3.1, 3.2, etc.) to further delineate technologies and applications.
The appendices in this document contain the following information:
- Appendix A - The Accelerated Site Characterization Process. Provides useful tips to
efficiently generate quality data during the site characterization process. The Field
Sampling and Analysis Guide provides detailed information about site characterization
technologies, and Appendix A describes how the technologies are integrated into a
characterization program. The Guide and appendix are meant to be used together to acquire
the data necessary for characterizing a site in a single field mobilization effort.
- Appendix B - General Reference. A list of documents that contain additional information
on site characterization technologies.
- Appendix C - List of Acronyms.
- Appendix D - Fold-out version of the Sample Access and Collection Tools Matrix.
- Appendix E - Fold-out version of the Sample Analysis Tools Matrix.