ASTM D5911-96(2002)e1
(Practice)Standard Practice for Minimum Set of Data Elements to Identify a Soil Sampling Site
Standard Practice for Minimum Set of Data Elements to Identify a Soil Sampling Site
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Normally, the basic soil data are gathered by trained personnel during the field investigation phase of a study. Each agency or company has its own methods of obtaining, recording, and storing the information. Usually, these data are recorded onto forms that serve both in organizing the information in the field and the office, and often as entry forms for a computer data base. For soil data to be of maximum value to the current project and any future studies, especially those involved in the assessment of the environment, it is essential that a minimum set of key identification data elements be recorded for each sampling site.
When obtaining basic data concerning a subsurface soil sampling site, it is necessary to thoroughly identify that sampling site so that it may be readily located again with minimal uncertainty and may be accurately plotted and interpreted for data parameters in relationship to other sampling sites. For example, information can be presented on maps and in summary tables (see Practice D3740).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers what information should be obtained to uniquely identify any soil sampling or examination site where an absolute and recoverable location is necessary for quality control of the study, such as a waste disposal project. The minimum set of data elements for sampling site identification (DEFFSI) was developed considering the needs for informational data bases, such as geographic information systems (GIS). Other distinguishing details, such as individual site characteristics help in singularly cataloging the site. For studies that are not environmentally regulated, such as for an agricultural or preconstruction survey, the data specifications established an agency or company may be different from that of the minimum set (see Guide D420 and Practice D5254).
1.2 As used in this practice, a soil sampling site is meant to be a single point, not a geographic area or property, located by an X, Y, and Z coordinate position at land surface or a fixed datum. All soil data collected for the site are directly related to the coordinate position, for example, sample from x feet (or metres) or sample from interval x1 to x2 ft (or metres) below the X, Y, and Z coordinate position. A soil sampling site can include a test well, augered or bored hole, excavation, grab sample, test pit, sidewall sample, stream bed, or any other site where samples of the soil can be collected or examined for the purpose intended.
1.3 The collection of soil samples is a disruptive procedure as the material is usually extracted from its natural environment and then transported from the site to a laboratory for analysis. Normally, in this highly variable type of material, the adjacent soil profile will not be precisely the same as the sampled soil. For these reasons, when soil samples are removed the same material cannot be collected from the site later. Therefore, it is essential that the minimum set of DEFSSI be thoroughly documented and identified especially with an accurate location.
1.4 Samples of soil (sediment) filtered from the water of streams, rivers, or lakes are not in the scope of this practice.
Note 1—There are many additional data elements that may be necessary to identify and to describe a soil sampling site, but are not included in the minimum set of data elements. An agency or company may require additional data elements as a part of their minimum set for a specific project or program.
1.5 This practice includes those data elements that will distinguish a site's geographical location on Earth, its location by political regimes, its source identifiers, and its individual site characteristics. These elements apply to all soil and geotechnical sampling sites involved in environmental assessment studies. Each category of site, such as a bore hole or excavation, may require additional data elements to be complete.
1.6 Some suggested components and representative codes for...
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation:D5911–96 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Practice for
Minimum Set of Data Elements to Identify a Soil Sampling
Site
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5911; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
´ NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in September 2002.
1. Scope 1.4 Samples of soil (sediment) filtered from the water of
streams, rivers, or lakes are not in the scope of this practice.
1.1 This practice covers what information should be ob-
tained to uniquely identify any soil sampling or examination
NOTE 1—There are many additional data elements that may be neces-
sitewhereanabsoluteandrecoverablelocationisnecessaryfor
sary to identify and to describe a soil sampling site, but are not included
in the minimum set of data elements.An agency or company may require
quality control of the study, such as a waste disposal project.
additional data elements as a part of their minimum set for a specific
The minimum set of data elements for sampling site identifi-
project or program.
cation (DEFFSI) was developed considering the needs for
informational data bases, such as geographic information 1.5 This practice includes those data elements that will
distinguish a site’s geographical location on Earth, its location
systems (GIS). Other distinguishing details, such as individual
site characteristics help in singularly cataloging the site. For by political regimes, its source identifiers, and its individual
site characteristics. These elements apply to all soil and
studies that are not environmentally regulated, such as for an
agricultural or preconstruction survey, the data specifications geotechnical sampling sites involved in environmental assess-
ment studies. Each category of site, such as a bore hole or
established an agency or company may be different from that
of the minimum set (see Guide D420 and Practice D5254). excavation, may require additional data elements to be com-
plete.
1.2 As used in this practice, a soil sampling site is meant to
be a single point, not a geographic area or property, located by 1.6 Some suggested components and representative codes
for coded DEFSSI, for example, “setting”, are those estab-
an X, Y, and Z coordinate position at land surface or a fixed
datum.All soil data collected for the site are directly related to lished by Ref (1), by Practice D2487, by theWater Resources
the coordinate position, for example, sample from x feet (or Division of the U.S. Geological Survey in Ref (3), and by
1 2
Boulding in Ref (4) and (5).
metres)orsamplefromintervalx tox ft(ormetres)belowthe
X, Y, and Z coordinate position. A soil sampling site can
NOTE 2—The data elements presented in this practice do not uniquely
include a test well, augered or bored hole, excavation, grab
implyacomputerdatabase,buttheminimumsetofsoildataelementsthat
sample, test pit, sidewall sample, stream bed, or any other site
should be collected for entry into any type of permanent file.
where samples of the soil can be collected or examined for the
1.7 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
purpose intended.
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
1.3 The collection of soil samples is a disruptive procedure
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
as the material is usually extracted from its natural environ-
withprofessionaljudgment.Notallaspectsofthispracticemay
ment and then transported from the site to a laboratory for
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
analysis. Normally, in this highly variable type of material, the
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which
adjacent soil profile will not be precisely the same as the
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,
sampled soil. For these reasons, when soil samples are re-
nor should this document be applied without consideration of
moved the same material cannot be collected from the site
a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
later.Therefore,itisessentialthattheminimumsetofDEFSSI
title of this document means only that the document has been
be thoroughly documented and identified especially with an
approved through the ASTM consensus process.
accurate location.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
RockandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.21onGroundWaterand
Vadose Zone Investigations.
Current edition approved Jan. 7, 2003. Published May 1996. DOI: 10.1520/ The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the
D5911-96R02E01. end of the text.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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D5911–96 (2002)
2. Referenced Documents 3.4 ”DateofFirstRecordforSoilSamplingSite”isthedate
that the first valid transaction occured for any element of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
specified site.This could be the date of a permit application or
D420 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering De-
start of construction.This element is important to facilitate the
sign and Construction Purposes
proper identification of the record.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
4. Summary of Practice
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) 4.1 This practice includes the following DEFSSI to identify
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils a subsurface soil site:
(Visual-Manual Procedure) 4.1.1 Geographic Location:
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies 4.1.1.1 Latitude,
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as 4.1.1.2 Longitude,
Used in Engineering Design and Construction 4.1.1.3 Coordinate precision,
D5254 Practice for Minimum Set of Data Elements to 4.1.1.4 Altitude, and
Identify a Ground-Water Site 4.1.1.5 Altitude precision.
4.1.2 Political Regime Location:
3. Terminology
4.1.2.1 State or country identification, and
4.1.2.2 County or county equivalent.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4.1.3 Source Identifiers:
3.1.1 “Soils” are sediments or other unconsolidated solid
4.1.3.1 Project identification,
particles of rock produced by the physical and chemical
4.1.3.2 Owner’s name,
disintegration of rock, and which may or may not contain
4.1.3.3 Source agency or company and address,
organic matter (see Terminology D653).
4.1.3.4 Unique identification, and
3.1.2 Discussion—Soil consists of any individual or com-
4.1.3.5 Date of first record for the soil sampling site.
binationofgravel(passesa3-in.or75-mmscreen),sand,clay,
4.1.4 Individual Site Characteristics:
silt, organic clay, organic silt, and peat as categorized in the
4.1.4.1 Setting,
Unified Soil Classification System (1, 2, 4, 5) (see Practices
4.1.4.2 Type of soil sampling site,
D2487 and D2488). Materials larger than gravel, including
4.1.4.3 Use of site, and
cobbles(between3and12in.or75and300mm)andboulders
4.1.4.4 Reason for data collection or examination.
(morethan12in.or300mm),arenotincludedinthedefinition
of soil. Soil is found above the consolidated rocks and can be
5. Significance and Use
unsaturated (vadose zone) or saturated (capillary fringe and
water table) with water or other liquids. 5.1 Normally, the basic soil data are gathered by trained
personnel during the field investigation phase of a study. Each
NOTE 3—Soil, as defined by geotechnical engineers, is all unconsoli-
agency or company has its own methods of obtaining, record-
dated material above bedrock (6); or the natural medium for growth of
ing, and storing the information. Usually, these data are
land plants (7).The pedologic definition is, the unconsolidated mineral or
organic matter on the surface of the earth subjected to and influenced by recorded onto forms that serve both in organizing the informa-
genic and environmental factors of: parent material, climate (including
tion in the field and the office, and often as entry forms for a
water and effects), macro- and micro-organisms, and topography, all
computer data base. For soil data to be of maximum value to
actingoveraperiodoftimeandproducingaproduct-soil-thatdiffersfrom
the current project and any future studies, especially those
material from which it is derived in many physical, chemical, biological,
involved in the assessment of the environment, it is essential
and morphological properties and characteristics (8).
that a minimum set of key identification data elements be
3.2 “Sediment” (for geology) is a mass of organic or
recorded for each sampling site.
inorganic solid fragmented material, or the solid fragment
5.2 When obtaining basic data concerning a subsurface soil
itself, which comes from weathering of rock and is carried by,
sampling site, it is necessary to thoroughly identify that
suspended in, or dropped by air, water, or ice; or a mass
sampling site so that it may be readily located again with
accumulatedbyanyothernaturalagentandthatformsinlayers
minimal uncertainty and may be accurately plotted and inter-
on the Earth’s surface such as sand, gravel, silt, mud, till, or
preted for data parameters in relationship to other sampling
loess (6,9). These materials are“ soils” for the purpose of this
sites. For example, information can be presented on maps and
practice.
in summary tables (see Practice D3740).
3.3 “Soil Sampling Site” is meant to be a single point, not a
geographic area or property, located by an X, Y, and Z
6. Documentation
coordinatepositionatlandsurfaceorafixeddatum(see1.2for
6.1 Geographic Location:
additional explanation).
6.1.1 Introduction—The universally accepted coordinates
defining the absolute two-dimensional location of a site on the
Earth’s surface are latitude and longitude. The coordinates are
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
determined by careful measurement from an accurate map, by
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
survey, for example, Geographical Positioning System (GPS)
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. orbyconversionfromanothercoordinatesystem,forexample,
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D5911–96 (2002)
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) System or State Plane 6.2.2 State or Country —Record the state or country in
Coordinate System (SPCS). The third-dimension of the loca- which the site is physically located. The common systems for
tion is established by determining the altitude at the site, identifying States and countries are the Federal Information
usually from topographic maps or by surveying techniques. Processing Standard code (FIPS), a two-digit numeric code or
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guid-
theAmerican National StandardAbbreviation two-letter code.
ancedocumentsconcerningtheirpolicyforlocatingdatapoints The country codes are a two-character and a set of three-
or sites (10–13). In addition, the publication (14) can be
character alphabetic codes (3,13–16–18).
obtained by the address given in Footnote 5 .
NOTE 8—The publications (FIPS PUB 5-2, FIPS PUB 6-4 and FIPS
NOTE 4—If sites are located by property, local, State, or Federal
PUB 104-1) containing the codes for countries, states, and counties are
boundaries or by soil sampling grid lines, other grid coordinates, plane
available from the address in Footnote 5.
coordinates, plant location grids, referenced to recoverable benchmarks,
6.2.3 County and County Equivalent—Recordthecountyor
their locations should be readily convertible to absolute latitude/longitude
coordinates by an acceptable method. county equivalent in which the site is physically located. The
commoncodesystemforidentifyingcountiesistheFIPScode,
6.1.2 Latitude—Latitude is a coordinate representation that
a three-digit numeric code. The documentation of political
indicateslocationsonthesurfaceoftheEarthusingtheEarth’s
subdivisionswilldependonthesystemusedineachindividual
equator as the respective latitudinal origin. Record the best
country (3,13,15,18).
available value for the latitude of the site in degrees, minutes,
6.2.4 Local Government Subdivisions- In many cases it is
seconds and fractions of a second (DDMMSSss). If latitude of
the site is south of the Equator, precede the numbers with a necessary to record a subdivision of the local government to
furtheridentifytheareawherethesoilsamplingsiteislocated.
minussign(−).TheuseofNorSisalsoappropriate (3,13–15).
6.1.3 Longitude—Longitude is a coordinate representation Some local subdivisions are a city, town, village, municipality,
township, or borough. Identify the local subdivision, for
that indicates locations on the surface of the Earth using the
prime meridian (Greenwich, England) as the longitudinal example “City of Rockville”, to clearly denote the unit.
origin. Record the best available value for the longitude of the
6.3 Source Identifiers:
site, in degrees, minutes, seconds, and fractions of a second
6.3.1 Introduction—The soil sampling site must be identi-
(DDDMMSSss).Iflongitudeofthesiteismeasuredeastofthe
fied as to the project, owner, the agency or company that
Greenwich Meridian, precede the numbers with a minus sign
recorded data, and its distinctive identification.
(−). The use of E or W is also appropriate (3,13–15).
6.3.2 Project Identification—Recordthenameoftheproject
6.1.4 Coordinate Precision—Record the precision of the
that includes the soil sampling site, for example, Coralville
coordinate values. The precision values may be measured in
Dam, Johnson County Soil Survey, or Cedar Low-level Waste
linear distance (feet or metres) or in coordinate degree values
Disposal (3–5).
(stated as decimal values or as minutes and seconds). The
6.3.3 Owner’s Name—Record the name of the property
method specified by EPAis the coordinate degree values (13).
owner of the soil sampling site. The recommended format for
NOTE 5—Formostsoilsurveystheprecisionofthecoordinatevaluesis
anindividual’snameis:lastname,firstname,middleinitial.If
dependent upon the size of the sample. In most subsurface drilling
a company’s name is lengthy, use meaningful abbreviations.
operations, the highest level of attainable precision is about 60.05 ft
The owner’s address can be included for further identification
(0.015 m), therefore surveys of greater precision should not be required.
(3,15).
6.1.5 Altitude—Record the altitude of land surface or mea-
6.3.4 Source Agency or Company and Address—Record the
suringpoint.Al
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