ASTM E3163-18

1.1 This is a guide for the selection and application of a range of analytical methods and testing procedures that may be used during sediment programs, including physical properties testing, chemical analytical methods, passive sampling procedures, bioassays and toxicity testing, environmental forensics methods and procedures, and methods development procedures for sediment programs.

1.2 Sediment programs vary greatly in terms of environmental complexity, physical, chemical and biological characteristics, human health and ecological risk concerns, and geographic and regulatory context. This guide provides information for the selection and application of analytical methods and testing protocols applicable to a wide range of sediment programs.

1.3 This guide describes widely accepted considerations and best practices used in the selection and application of analytical procedures used during sediment programs. This guide supports and complements existing regulations and technical guidance.

1.4 This guide is designed for general application to a wide range of sediment programs performed under international, federal, state and local environmental programs. This guide describes the selection and application of analytical methods and test procedures, not the requirements for specific regulatory jurisdictions. This guide compliments but does not replace regulatory agency requirements.

1.5 This guide may be used for a wide range of sediment programs, including programs with overlapping regulatory jurisdictions, programs without a clearly established regulatory framework, voluntary programs, Brownfield programs, and international programs. The users of this guide should be aware of the appropriate regulatory requirements that apply to sediment programs. The user should consult applicable regulatory agency requirements to identify appropriate technical decision criteria and seek regulatory approvals, as necessary, prior to selection and application of analytical methods and test procedures to sediment programs.

1.6 This guide supports the collaboration of stakeholders, including project sponsors, regulators, laboratory service providers, and others, on the selection and application of analytical procedures to sediment programs. This guide highlights key considerations for designing sediment program data acquisition plans, including applicability and use limitations of analytical methods and test procedures, and data usability considerations. This guide recognizes the challenges inherent in selection and application of analytical methods and test procedures for sediment systems, as well as the challenges inherent in generating analytical data of sufficient sensitivity to meet regulatory criteria applied to sediment programs.

1.7 ASTM standard guides are not regulations; they are consensus standard guides that may be followed voluntarily to support applicable regulatory requirements.

1.8 Test methods, procedures, and guidelines published by ASTM, USEPA, and other U.S. and international agencies are used for sediment programs, many of which are referenced by this guide. However, these documents do not provide guidance on the selection and application of analytical methods and test procedures for sediment programs. This guide was developed for that purpose.

1.9 This guide may be used in conjunction with other ASTM guides developed for sediment programs.

1.10 The user of this guide should review existing information and data available for a sediment project to determine the most appropriate entry point into and use of this guide.

1.11 Table of Contents: 

1.12 This 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.

1.13 This 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.