Use of Clean Sampling Protocol for Monitoring Pulp and Paper Wastewaters, 1996 Environmental Conference Proceedings

In many cases, water quality based limits for metals for NPDES discharges can approach the analytical detection limits using conventional sampling and analytical techniques. At these low concentrations, contamination occurring using conventional sampling and analytical techniques can result in significant errors in analytical results. The U.S. EPA has published guidelines for conducting clean sampling and analysis. This paper reviews strategies for developing and implementing clean sampling techniques for specific applications and identifies potential sources of contamination. A case study is presented in which NPDES permit limits for copper and lead were being proposed for a pulp and paper facility. Clean sampling was performed based on the EPA guidelines with modifications to tit the particular application. The results of the clean sampling indicated copper and lead levels significantly less than the historical monitoring data and resulted in the limits for copper and lead being dropped from the permit.