LABORATORY SOIL SAMPLE PREPARATION
DOE/ERSP PROCEDURE NO. 8

DATE DRAFTED: 30 January 1978

APPROVED: 2 March 1978 by Don R. Martin (ERSP Manager)
I

Purpose

To provide uniform analysis and preparation procedures for soil samples.
IL

Applicability

This procedure applies to all soil samples received at the Enewetak Sample Preparation Trailer.
Il.

Responsibility

The Laboratory Chemist is responsible to the EIC Manager for implementation of this procedure within the
sample preparation facility on Enewetak,
IV.

Analysis and Reports

Samples are generated from three principal sources and require the following analysis and reports. Other
samples will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Sample handling is shown graphically in Figure A~8-1.
A.

DOE In Situ Van Soil Samples.
In situ samples are collected using DOE/ERSP Procedure No.4.

composites, A and B, at the depths of 0, 10 and 20 em.
1.

2.

B.

Samples are taken in two

Analysis:
a.

Total wet weight, wet volume and total dry weight will be recorded.

b.

All samples will be dried and balimilled.

c.

Gross alpha, Pu-chemistry and gamma sean will be done on all A and B composites.

d.

Am-chemistry will be done on 0 cm, A composite only. -

Report (To DOE/Data Reduction):

a.

Wet weight, wet density and dry weights, gross alpha, 238py, 239,240py,
241am by gamma, and 241 Am by chemistry.

b.

Data from the label, gamma spectrums, results, raw data and calibration data used
to generate results will be stored on magnetic tape files and sent to DOE Data
Reduction for permanent storage at NV. No alpha spectrum data other than peak
totals will be stored.

DOE Ground Zero and Subsurface Investigations.
DOE GZ and subsurface samples are collected using DOE/ERSP Procedure No.4. Samples
from a specifie grid location are collected from the surface and at 20-em intervals to a depth
of 120 em.
1.

Analysis:
a.

Gross alpha on dry rough soil will be done on all samples,
A-8-1

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