This document discusses best practices for sampling and analysis in prosecutions. It addresses topics such as ensuring adequate and representative sampling, proper handling and transportation of samples, using qualified labs and analysts, implementing quality control measures, interpreting results in light of relevant benchmarks, and considering special issues like field variables, noise, odor, and lay evidence. The goal is to obtain reliable results that can withstand scrutiny in court.

1. Evidence in Prosecutions:
Sampling and Analysis
CEC November 18, 2008
Dianne Saxe, Ph.D. in Law

2. Overview
 Sampling
 Analysis
 Reporting
 Special Cases
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3. Reliable results
 Clear official rules
 Thorough training
 Meticulous attention to detail
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4. Adequate samples?
 How many samples?
 Statistically valid?
 Correct locations?
 Correct tool?
 Correct container?
 Quantity?
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5. Samples representative?
 Cross contamination?
 Purged/ non purged?
 Multiple layers/ levels?
 Time of year?
 Composite samples?
 Capture volatiles?
 Limited access?
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6. Heterogeneous solids
 Difficult to sample accurately
 Especially mixed wastes
 Must match statutory test
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7. Selecting samples for analysis
 For what parameters?
 Are correct samples analysed?
 Field evidence reasonable?
 Preserved?
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8. What happens to the sample?
 Correctly preserved?
 Correctly transported?
 Chain of custody?
 Proper record keeping?
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9. Analysis
 Lab qualified for that particular analysis?
 Qualified analyst?
 Using correct method?
 Sample suitable?
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10. Lab Sample Preparation
 Timeliness
 Refrigeration
 Manipulation
 Fletcher v. Kingston
 Inco
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11. Appropriate test?
 Bulk analysis
 Leachate
 Flammability
 Toxicity
 Odour
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12. Quality assurance/ control
 QA/ QC
 Field blanks
 Travel blanks
 Duplicates
 Calibration
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13. Reliability of result
 Good record keeping?
 False precision?
 Method detection limit
 Dilution/ masking
 Judgment required?
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14. Reporting
 Official certificate
 Correct form, correctly completed?
 Chain of custody
 Statute may make admissible
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15. Appropriate benchmark
 Often contentious
 Especially if drawing on other jurisdictions
 Statute may determine
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16. Relevance of result
 Background?
 Natural variability?
 Forms of contaminant
 Arsenic/ arsenate
 Chromium: hexavalent v trivalent
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17. Special cases:
 Field variables
 Noise/ Vibration
 Odour
 Lay Evidence
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18. Field variables:
 pH
 Temperature
 Volatiles
 Opacity
 Wind direction/ speed
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19. Noise/ Vibration
 Completely different
 Unique expertise and equipment
 Measured on site
 Logarithmic scale
 Excess over background?
 Level, impulse, tone
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20. Odour
 Samples taken
 Panel of “trained noses”
 Reproducibility?
 “Odour units”
 Detection/ identification/ objection
 Strong emotional element
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21. Lay evidence
 Accurate record keeping?
 Credible?
 Independent?
 Corroboration
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22. Reliable results
 Clear official rules
 Thorough training
 Meticulous attention to detail
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23. Thank you!!
Saxe Law Office
248 Russell Hill Road
Toronto, Ontario M4V 2T2
Tel: 416-962-5882
Fax: 416-962-8817
Email: admin@envirolaw.com
www.envirolaw.com
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