B.C. Field Sampling Manual

The British Columbia Field Sampling Manual (BCFSM) sets out QA/QC requirements, sampling procedures, protocols, and equipment that must be followed by permit holders for environmental monitoring and sample collection.

Additionally, the BCFSM is openly published for use by environmental practitioners to provide guidance and consistency in sampling, and ultimately the data produced by that sampling. The BCFSM is a living document that is updated periodically to ensure it provides current and accountable guidance.

The BCFSM is available as individual sections in PDF format for ease of access:

• Part A: Quality Control and Quality Assurance (PDF, 0.17MB)
• Part B: Air and Air Emissions Testing (PDF, 2.4MB)
• Part C: Biological Testing (PDF, 0.52MB)
• Part D: Solids (PDF, 5.3MB)
• Part E: Water and Wastewater Sampling (PDF, 1.3MB)
• Sample preservation and holding time requirements

Methods posted for review

The following method is available for public consultation for a minimum of 30 days. Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to review these methods and provide feedback.

Surface water and effluent methods

Major changes were made to surface water and effluent sampling methods. Parts E1 (Surface Water) and E3 (Effluent) have been updated to reflect these changes:

• B.C. Field Sampling Manual – Part E1 – Surface Water (PDF, 2MB)
• B.C. Field Sampling Manual – Part E3 – Effluent (DRAFT) (PDF, 1.4MB)

This public consultation period expires June 3, 2024.

To provide feedback, contact the Senior Laboratory Specialist (Labs@Victoria1.gov.bc.ca).

Methods awaiting approval

The following methods have undergone a public review process. The methods may have been modified to reflect information produced during the review period but still require director’s approval to publish.

• No methods awaiting approval at this time

Methods approved for publication

The following methods have undergone a public review process and have been approved by a Director for publication. The date of publication has yet to be determined however it is important to recognize that these methods supersede those that are currently published in the BCFSM. 

• No methods approved for publication at this time