ASTM E 3281 : 2021

1.1This guide is designed for general application at a wide range of sediment sites where non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) is present or suspected to be present in the sediment. This guide describes a process to use field screening methods, specifically visual observations, and the results of shake tests, to categorize the relative amount of NAPL present in a sample. This categorization can then be utilized to select co-located sediment samples for laboratory testing to determine if the NAPL in the sample interval is mobile or immobile at the pore scale, or any other chemical or physical testing.

1.2This guide is intended to inform, complement, and support characterization and remedial efforts performed under international, federal, state, and local environmental programs but not supersede local, state, federal, or international regulations. The users of this guide should review existing information and data available for a sediment site to determine applicable regulatory agency requirements and the most appropriate entry point into and use of this guide.

1.3ASTM International (ASTM) standard guides are not regulations; they are consensus standard guides that may be followed voluntarily to support applicable regulatory requirements. This guide may be used in conjunction with other ASTM guides developed for assessing sediment sites.

1.4This guide does not address methods and means of sample collection (Guide E3163).

1.5Units—The values stated in SI or CGS units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.