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About ITRC
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1.1 Sampling to Accurately Inform Environmental Cleanup
1.2 What Is ISM?
1.3 Why Should ISM Be Considered for My Site?
1.4 How Is ISM Implemented for Environmental Sampling?
1.5 Document Content – How to Use This Guidance
2 Nature of Soil Sampling
2 Nature of Soil Sampling
2.1 Introduction
2.2 ISM Accommodates the Complexities of Soil Testing
2.3 Mean ISM QC
2.4 Physical Causes of Soil Data Variability
2.5 Sample and Data Representativeness
2.6 Managing Heterogeneity to Ensure Sample Representativeness
3 Systematic Planning, Statistical Analyses, and Costs
3 Systematic Planning, Statistical Analyses, and Costs
3.1 Systematic Planning and DU Design
3.2 Statistical Concepts and Applications in ISM Projects
3.3 Planning for the Use of ISM Data
3.4 Cost-Benefit Analysis
4 Regulatory Context Field Implementation, Sample Collection, and Preparation
4 Regulatory Context Field Implementation, Sample Collection, and Preparation
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Field Planning
4.3 Field Locating
4.4 Sampling Tools and Methods
4.5 Decontamination
4.6 Sample Handling and Mass Reduction
5 Sample Processing and Analysis
5 Sample Processing and Analysis
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Choosing Appropriate ISM Processing Options
5.3 ISM Sample Preparation and Analysis
5.4 Quality Assurance/Quality Control
6 Data Quality Evaluation
6 Data Quality Evaluation
6.1 Data Verification, Validation, and Usability
6.2 Evaluation of DU Results
6.3 Evaluation of Statistical Assumptions
6.4 Decision Endpoints
7 Regulatory Acceptance
7 Regulatory Acceptance
7.1 Comparison of Survey Results from 2009 to 2019
7.2 Current State of Practice
7.3 Factors Affecting Regulatory Acceptability
7.4 Benefits to Foster Regulatory Acceptance of ISM
8 ISM for Risk Assessment
8 ISM for Risk Assessment
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Systematic Planning for ISM Data Use in Risk Assessment
8.3 EPCs from ISM Data for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment
8.4 Considerations for Use of Background ISM Data in Risk Assessment
8.5 Use of ISM for Post-Remediation Risk-Based Confirmation Sampling
8.6 Risk Communication Suggestions for Explaining ISM
9 Stakeholder Perspective and Tribal Input
9 Stakeholder Perspective and Tribal Input
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Stakeholder Engagement Through Systematic Planning
9.3 Communicating with Stakeholders
9.4 Case Studies
Appendices
Appendix A: Case Study Summaries
Appendix B: Statistical Simulations
Appendix C: Team Contacts
Appendix D: Glossary
Appendix E: Acronyms
Appendix F: References
Acknowledgments
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The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) is a state-led coalition working to reduce barriers to the use of innovative environmental technologies and approaches so that compliance costs are reduced and cleanup efficacy is maximized. ITRC produces documents and training that broaden and deepen technical knowledge and expedite quality regulatory decision making while protecting human health and the environment. With private and public sector members from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, ITRC truly provides a national perspective. More information on ITRC is available at www.itrcweb.org.

ITRC is a program of the Environmental Research Institute of the States (ERIS), a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the District of Columbia and managed by the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS). ECOS is the national, nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing the state and territorial environmental commissioners. Its mission is to serve as a champion for states; to provide a clearinghouse of information for state environmental commissioners; to promote coordination in environmental management; and to articulate state positions on environmental issues to Congress, federal agencies, and the public.

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The information provided in documents, training curricula, and other print or electronic materials created by the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (“ITRC” and such materials are referred to as “ITRC Materials”) is intended as a general reference to help regulators and others develop a consistent approach to their evaluation, regulatory approval, and deployment of environmental technologies. The information in ITRC Materials was formulated to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided “as is” and use of this information is at the users’ own risk.

ITRC Materials do not necessarily address all applicable health and safety risks and precautions with respect to particular materials, conditions, or procedures in specific applications of any technology. Consequently, ITRC recommends consulting applicable standards, laws, regulations, suppliers of materials, and material safety data sheets for information concerning safety and health risks and precautions and compliance with then-applicable laws and regulations. ITRC, ERIS and ECOS shall not be liable in the event of any conflict between information in ITRC Materials and such laws, regulations, and/or other ordinances. The content in ITRC Materials may be revised or withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

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November 2017

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