Sampling points and method (grab or composite) should be the same as that specified in the client's NPDES discharge permit or recommended by the regulatory agency. The choice of bioassay test should also be outlined in your permit. It may be helpful to supply us with a copy of the permit to ensure proper testing.
Samples should be collected in clean, new, glass/plastic bottles or "cubitainers" and must be cooled immediately to 4C. Samples should also be cooled during compositing if at all possible. Please fill containers completely leaving no air space to help reduce the loss of volatile components. See table on following page for the amount of sample required for each test. Please be aware that some static-renewal chronic bioassays require 3 separate samples to be sent per test. Clients typically ship these on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (for Saturday delivery) for the test renewals. Please consult permit to see if this applies.

All samples should be labelled using waterproof ink and include: sample ID, date and time sampled, company name, name of sampler, and whether a grab or composite sample. Chain of Custody forms should be completed, signed by the sampler and submitted with the samples. Chain of Custody forms and labels will be provided by the laboratory if needed. We recommend enclosing all paperwork in a large plastic sealable freezer bag to ensure dryness.

Samples should be packed in coolers with "blue ice" and transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. NPDES testing must begin within 36 hours of sample collection. There is no "holding time" for hazardous waste samples, however, we recommend testing within two weeks of sample collection. As a general rule, try to ship the sample within 2 hours of sample collection to allow adequate time for arrival at the lab.