CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is the minimum distance between aliquots when collecting a perimeter soil sample?

1. 1 foot

2. 2 feet

3. 3 feet

4. 4 feet

The correct answer is: 2 feet

When collecting a perimeter soil sample, the minimum distance between aliquots is set at 2 feet. This distance is established to ensure that the samples collected do not overlap excessively, which could lead to contamination and inaccurate representation of lead concentrations in the soil. By maintaining a distance of at least 2 feet between each aliquot, inspectors can obtain a clearer understanding of the variations in lead levels, allowing for a more effective assessment of potential lead hazards in the area. Adhering to this standard also helps to avoid collecting samples from the same localized source of contamination, which could skew results and provide misleading information about the overall condition of the soil. This practice promotes a more systematic approach to sampling, thereby yielding data that is more reliable for environmental assessments.