1.1 This guide addresses the processes that lead to (or influence) ebullition-facilitated nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL)/contaminant transport, methods for quantifying that transport, considerations for sample timing, sampling procedures, and use of results in extrapolating an annual ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant load to a site, or a portion of a site. This guide is not intended to address remediation of sites where ebullition-facilitated transport of NAPL/contaminants is occurring, fate and transport of contaminants subsequent to the ebullition transport mechanism, the measurement of contaminant concentrations within the gas bubbles, ebullition-associated human health and ecological risk, NAPL advection, or determining the depth of ebullition below the mudline. Additionally, gas transport without NAPL/contaminants is possible in areas with gas generation and limited NAPL contamination of the sediment, which is covered in this guide. Ebullition should be evaluated at sites where sediment capping is anticipated.

1.2 The users of this guide should be aware of the appropriate regulatory requirements that apply to sediment sites where NAPL is present or suspected to occur. The user should consult applicable regulatory agency requirements to identify appropriate technical decision criteria and seek regulatory approvals, as necessary.

1.3 ASTM standard guides are not regulations; they are consensus standard guides that may be followed voluntarily to support applicable regulatory requirements. This guide may be used in conjunction with other ASTM guides developed for sediment programs. The guide supplements characterization and remedial efforts performed under international, federal, state, and local environmental programs, but it does not replace regulatory agency requirements.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 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.

1.6 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.