EPH Equivalency to LEPH and HEPH Extended to July 1, 2006

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

June 24, 2005

The Director of the Environmental Management Act has recently extended the equivalency of Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH) data with Light Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (LEPH) and Heavy Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (HEPH) for contaminated sites regulatory purposes until July 1, 2006. This is an extension of the 2003 equivalency, which is discussed in a recent update on the ministry’s website:

http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/contam_sites/updates/hydro_analy_meth_update030523.pdf

In brief, this equivalency means that under certain circumstances, as described in the update referenced above:

• EPH10-19 may be considered equivalent to LEPH
• EPH19 32 may be considered equivalent to HEPH

In situations where it is necessary to show legal compliance with regulations, EPH is not equivalent to LEPH or HEPH.

EPH Analyses at CANTEST

CANTEST's scope of contaminated sites testing capabilities is among the most diverse and complete in the industry. Each year the company handles over 20,000 environmental testing related projects and generates in excess of 15,000,000 individual test results.

CANTEST's technical and scientific staff are well versed in the latest provincial and federal regulations regarding contaminated sites assessments. We use the latest equipment and techniques that enable us to offer fast results with high precision.

EPH, LEPH, HEPH and PAH analyses are routinely performed at CANTEST in our Trace Organics department.  EPH10 19 and EPH19 32 refer to the total amount of hydrocarbons, with retention times ranging from C 10 to C 19, and C 19 to C 32 when using a DB-1 gas chromatography column (or equivalent) for chemical separation. In situations where this equivalency does not apply, LEPH is equal to EPH10 19, minus the applicable light polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). HEPH is equal to EPH19 32, minus the applicable heavy PAH.

Soil Sample Submissions

We request that clients submit a 125 g sample in a glass jar. The sample is first manually homogenized, and then a portion of the samples is taken. The petroleum hydrocarbons are extracted using a 1:1 hexane:acetone mixture as the solvent. The extract is then analyzed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID).

Holding times for this analysis are 14 days from sampling to extraction, and 40 days from extraction to analysis.

Water Sample Submissions

We request that clients submit 1 L of water in an amber glass solvent rinsed bottle. Petroleum hydrocarbons are extracted, using dichloromethane as the solvent. The extract is then analyzed by gas chromatography – flame ionization detection (GC-FID). 

Holding times for this analysis are 7 days from the sampling event to the extraction and 40 days from the extraction to the analysis.

For more information on EPH analyses or to obtain a quote for CANTEST services, please contact us.