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standards and informing the lab of the detection limits that are needed to ensure that the selected <br />analytical method has sufficiently low detection limits. I recommend method 200.8 (ICP - MS2 <br />which so far has been found to have adequate detection limits for all regulated parameters. <br />Special Considerations for Sampling Monitoring Wells: Sampling of monitoring wells should not <br />be attempted by untrained personnel. The risk of contamination is high, sampling can be technical if <br />using a pump rather than a bailer, and protocols for sampling and decontamination can be complicated <br />depending on the site. Under the protocols that most mine operators will likely be subjected, most <br />monitoring wells must be purged before sampling. Purging is the process of removing standing water <br />in the well to allow inflow of formation water3. Wells that do not generally require purging include <br />pumping wells, such as dewatering, production, or household wells, or wells under flowing artesian <br />conditions. <br />Consultation with DRMS staff experienced in monitoring well sampling is strongly recommended for <br />operators who are starting up a new ground water monitoring program. <br />Special Considerations for Sampling Underground: Sampling of seepage from underground may be <br />acceptable if the source can be verified free of contamination. A precedent has been set whereby the <br />Division approved collection of underground mine seepage from the deepest point of the mine as <br />representative of baseline upgradient ground water. Standing water underground is not acceptable as a <br />baseline sample, but could be useful in the evaluation of the water quality that might evolve in an <br />underground mine pool after closure. The use of underground water samples is subject to prior <br />Division approval. <br />QA/QC: Sample suites should include appropriate numbers of duplicates and blanks. At least one <br />blind duplicate per sample group should be included. Large sample groups should have one blind <br />duplicate for about every ten samples. A blind duplicate is one for which the sample number has been <br />modified so that the lab cannot readily discern which sample the duplicate represents. Small sample <br />groups should include a trip blank. For large sample groups it is advisable to include additional types <br />of blanks, such as field blanks and rinsate blanks. <br />Chain of Custody: The lab should provide a chain of custody form that needs to be completed at the <br />conclusion of sampling and must accompany the samples on their journey to the lab. The CoC contains <br />a list of the samples and the requested analytes. The CoC also indicates who was in possession of the <br />samples during various stages of transit, which may be helpful if sources of contamination or error have <br />to be traced. <br />Laboratory selection: DRMS staff should not endorse specific laboratories, but we can suggest labs <br />that offer the services we require. Operators are encouraged to use commercial laboratories rather than <br />government laboratories, and the lab should be certified by the EPA. Certified labs in the region <br />include: <br />• ACZ (Steamboat Springs) <br />• Analytica (Thornton) <br />• Energy Laboratories (Casper, WY) <br />• Evergreen Analytical (Wheat Ridge) <br />• Huffman Laboratories (Golden) <br />• SVL Analytical (Kellogg, ID)