Vapor Intrusion

Vapor Intrusion (VI), the subsurface migration of Volatile Organic Compounds into overlying or adjacent buildings, is a growing field with which TestAmerica has had more than a decade of experience.

The evaluation of this pathway is a complex, ever-changing science, and the regulations and accepted practices are continually evolving. TestAmerica is actively involved with the regulatory agencies, organizations and focus groups striving to find solutions to evaluating these sites.

TestAmerica has one of the largest inventories of sampling media and capacities for Vapor Intrusion testing in the U.S., offering the following services:

• Five laboratories nationwide performing EPA Method TO-15, and a network of more than 70 labs and service centers providing courier service.
• An inventory of more than 5,600 canisters and flow controllers.
• Thorough understanding of Vapor Intrusion requirements to assist clients in achieving data quality objectives.
• A proven track record of legally defensible data.
• Innovative method development capabilities to meet data quality objectives.
• Peer review of guidance documents in support of client and industry needs.

Guidance Standards

In November 2002, the U.S. EPA published OSWER Draft Guidance for Evaluating the Vapor Intrusion to Indoor Air Pathway from Groundwater and Soils. It is suggested for use at Brownfields, RCRA, and NPL/Superfund sites.

Along with the EPA guidance, more than 20 states have adopted their own guidance or numerical standards for evaluating the Vapor Intrusion pathway. In response to these documents, TestAmerica has developed the following analyses:

• TO-15 Reporting Limits (RLs) below 0.25 ug/m3 for VOCs by full scan MS
• Low level SIM analysis for VOCs, including a TCE RL below 0.016 ug/m3
• Naphthalene analysis by EPA Method TO-15