DRBC - PCB Monitoring Information

	A generalized PCB structure showing bonding locations.
Monitoring for PCBs

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regions II and III established Stage 1 Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for Zones 2 through 5 of the Delaware Estuary on December 15, 2003. The EPA has provided that the Stage 1 TMDLs will be replaced by more refined Stage 2 TMDLs based upon modeling for all ten PCB homologs and additional characterization of sources of PCBs. At the request of EPA Regions II and III and the States of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania, the Delaware River Basin Commission is in the process of developing the Stage 2 TMDLs. Point source discharges are one of the several PCB source categories being evaluated as part of this effort.

In order to better characterize loadings of PCBs to the estuary and to develop and calibrate the additional PCB homolog models, additional data must be collected.

The following information has been assembled to assist permittees in completing their PCB sampling requirements.
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Summary of Sampling and Analytical Requirements:
1..	Analysis will be conducted utilizing DRBC project-specific modifications (revised 2/3/05) of EPA Method 1668, Revision A. Storage temperature is now <6°C and preservation with sulfuric acid has been removed.
2.	Sample Labeling and Identification Protocols
3.	Sample size:
	a.	Two 2-liter (nominal) samples to be collected in PCB proofed amber glass jars.
	b.	The entire volume of one 2-liter amber glass jar will be extracted for analysis. The second jar will be archived for possible future analysis.
4.	Sample collection techniques.
5.	Analysis will conducted for 209 PCB congeners utilizing the following data qualifier flags and convention for reporting coeluting congeners.
6.	Sample extracts will be concentrated to 20 ul.
7.	Analysis will be conducted utilizing a SPB-octyl column
8.	Calibration will consist of a minimum of five levels utilizing a 0.5 ng/ml standard for the low concentration calibration.
9.	Sample must meet method blank contamination decision rules.
10.	Sample must meet rinsate blank contamination decision rules.
11.	Results must be reported to the Estimated Detection Limit (EDL).
12.	Results are to be reported utilizing a common Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) (revised 1/13/2009) and hardcopy data deliverable protocols (revised 2/18/2005*). ** Changes made to: Chain_Custody_EDD file (Formatting Issues Addressed); Location_Table_EDD file (New Jersey locations not within the Delaware River Basin were added, as well as locations in the non-tidal Schuykill River Basin); and For Chain_Custody and Location_Table EDDs previously submitted, there is no requirement to resubmit those files. Changes will be made by the DRBC to existing files. *** Change made to Section 1.1 F) 2. c. on page four.

Data Glossary (40 KB)

Listing of Laboratories Known to Perform Low Level PCB Congener Analyses (updated May 22, 2009)