Low-Flow Purging & Sampling Guidance
(December 2003)

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The procedures in this guidance document are specific to Low-Flow Purging and Sampling (LFPS) of monitor wells in New Jersey. These procedures were developed in consideration of the USEPA-Region I guidance document dated July 30, 1996 (41 Kb PDF) and the USEPA-Region II guidance document dated March 16, 1998. In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Book 9, National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data was consulted. The reader is encouraged to review these guidance documents prior to performing LFPS. The procedures provided in the USEPA and USGS guidance must be followed except where they differ from the information provided below.

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Table of Contents

A. Method Summary and Application

1. Introduction
2. Low Flow Policy
3. Laboratory Certification (N.J.A.C. 7:18)

B. Specific LFPS Considerations

1. Pump Intake Location
2. Water Quality Indicator Parameters (WQIPs)
3. Purge Volume vs. Stabilization Time
4. Tubing
5. Flow-Through Cell
6. Pump Selection
7. Plumbing Fittings
8. Calibration of Probes
9. Water Level Measurements
10. Pump Installation
11. Purge Rates
12. Sampling
13. Pump Decontamination
14. Field Blank Collection
15. Tips
16. Low Flow Purging and Sampling for Low Yielding Well

• Low Flow Sampling Data Sheet Form
• Field Instrument & Calibration Data Form
• References

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