Vapour intrusion testing

Vapour intrusion testing undertaken by the EPA in the Woodville North EPA assessment area will measure indoor air, air beneath the floor, and air within the soils. Together, these measurements will show whether vapour intrusion may be occurring above safe levels.

Access to your home

Day 1 – Approximately 2 hours for the placement of air samplers and to install a soil vapour bore or pin at the property (if required and agreed by the owner). We will also ask you about your house’s construction, household products you use, and ventilation to understand household activities that may influence the testing results.

Day 10 to 14 – Approximately 2 hours to collect air samplers and sample the soil vapour bore or pin (if installed).

EPA contractor

The EPA has engaged a specialist contractor (AECOM) to complete the testing. EPA representatives will be present at all times during the placement and collection of samplers at your home. AECOM staff undertaking the works have completed all relevant EPA security checks.

Indoor air sampling

Indoor air sampling will involve the placement of small air samplers at up to five locations within the residence including the main living area and bedrooms.

The air samplers used are passive air samplers and do not make noise.

The air samplers will remain in place for 10 to 14 days and then be collected by the EPA for laboratory testing.

These samplers must not be touched or moved during the sampling.

Under-floor air sampling

Timber Floors:

For timber floors, it may be possible to install passive air samplers through existing sub-floor access doors or through external vents. Where this is not possible, other options to access the sub-floor are available and will be discussed and agreed with the owner.

The air samplers used are passive air samplers and do not make noise.

The air samplers will remain in place for 10 to 14 days and then be collected by the EPA for laboratory testing.

These samplers must not be touched or moved during the sampling.

Concrete Slab:

For flooring with a concrete slab, up to two (2) small holes may need to be drilled through the slab at discrete locations and a metal soil vapour sampling pin installed. This soil vapour sampling pin is covered with a flush mount metal cap approximately 5 cm in diameter.

Locations of the soil vapour sampling pins will be discussed and agreed with the owner.

When collecting the indoor air samplers, the EPA will collect a soil vapour sample from the metal soil vapour sampling pin for laboratory testing.

Installing and sampling a soil vapour bore

The EPA will check for underground services (water pipes, electrical and communication cables) prior to installing a soil vapour bore.

Installation will involve digging a small borehole using a hand auger (5 cm in diameter) to approximately 1.5 m below the ground surface. A metal probe will be inserted at the bottom of the hole with plastic tubing leading to the surface. The borehole will then be backfilled with sand. The soil vapour bore will be finished with a plastic cover that is flush with the ground surface.

The location of the soil vapour bore will be discussed and agreed with the owner. These are typically installed within a garden bed.

When collecting the indoor air samplers, the EPA will collect a soil vapour sample from the soil vapour bore for laboratory testing.

Indoor air samplerSumma canister for under-slab or soil vapour bore sampling

Under-slab sampling location with metal cover (5 cm diameter)

Installing a soil vapour bore with a hand auger

Soil vapour bore cover (white) in a garden area

Soil vapour bore cover (green) in a garden area