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 Field Sampling Manual is available as a PDF in its entirety or, because of the large size of the file, in five smaller sections for ease of access:
- British Columbia Field Sampling Manual (complete) (PDF, 2.5MB)
- Part A: Quality Control and Quality Assurance (PDF)
- Part B: Air and Air Emissions Testing (PDF)
- Part C: Biological Testing (PDF)
- Part D: Soil and Sediment Sampling (PDF)
- Part E: Water and Wastewater Sampling (PDF)
Methods Posted for Review
The following methods are posted for a minimum of 30 days. Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to review these methods and provide any feedback or concerns to the Senior Laboratory Specialist. Contact information is provided in the panel on the right.
- Part D1 Soil Sampling and Investigations (PDF)
- SOP D1-1 Soil Classification (PDF)
- SOP D1-2 Field Screening (PDF)
- SOP D1-3 Excavation Sampling (PDF)
- SOP D1-4 Surficial Soil Sampling (PDF)
- SOP D1-5 Solid Stem Drilling (PDF)
- SOP D1-6 Hollow Stem Drilling (PDF)
- SOP D1-7 Sonic Drilling (PDF)
- SOP D1-8 Direct Push Drilling (PDF)
- SOP D1-9 VOC Soil Sampling (PDF)
- SOP D1-10 Soil Sampling Inor (PDF)
- SOP D1-11 Soil Vapour (PDF)
Methods Awaiting Director’s 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.
- Part B1 Ambient Air Monitoring (PDF)
- 1. Continuous Measurement of Ambient CO (PDF)
- 2. Continuous Measurement of Ambient H2S and TRS (PDF)
- 3. Continuous Measurement of Ambient NOx (PDF)
- 4. Continuous Measurement of Ambient O3 (PDF)
- 5a. Continuous Measurement of Ambient PM using a Beta Attenuation Monitor (PDF)
- 5b. Continuous Measurement of Ambient PM Using Integrated Nephelometry and Beta Attenuation (PDF)
- 5c. Sample Collection of Dustfall (Settleable Particulate Matter) and Metals (PDF)
- 5d. Non-Continuous Measurement of Particulate Matter in Ambient Air – by High Volume Sampler (PDF)
- 5e. Non-Continuous Measurement of Particulate Matter in Ambient Air Using a Low Flow Rate Sampler (PDF)
- 6. Continuous Measurement of Ambient SO2 (PDF)
- 7. Passive/Diffusive Method of Air Sample Collection (PDF)
- 8. Continuous Measurement of Ambient NH3 (PDF)
- 9. Non-Continuous Measurement of Ambient Formaldehyde (PDF)
- 10. Non-Continuous Measurement of Ambient Methane and Non-Methane Hydrocarbons Using Gas Chromatography (PDF)
- 11. Semi-Continuous Measurement of Ambient BTEX (PDF)
- 12. Ambient Air Quality and Meteorological Data Validation (PDF)
Methods Approved By Director
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 BCELM.
- No methods approved by director.
