State Water Resources Control Board

The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) is charged with the responsibility of protecting the state’s environment. Within Cal/EPA, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has the responsibility for managing the State’s Hazardous Waste and Cleanup programs to protect human health and the environment. The State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB), also part of Cal/EPA, have the responsibility for coordination and control of water quality, including the protection of the beneficial uses of the waters of the state. Therefore, RWQCB and DTSC work closely together in protecting the environment. To aid in characterizing and remediating contaminated sites, DTSC has developed several guidance documents and recommended procedures for use by its staff, local governmental agencies, responsible parties, and their contractors. This document (and the document it supersedes) has been prepared by the Geological Services Branch staff to provide guidelines for drilling, logging and sampling soil at contaminated sites. The Geological Services Branch within DTSC provides geologic assistance, training and guidance to DTSC staff