e. Natural and man-made terrain features such as hills, valleys, and rows of buildings, sometimes aid the collector by channeling emissions. When these features are associated with a particular facility, their downwind side is a suitable place to collect a sample because the emission remains more concentrated further from the release point.

f. For collection in a possibly contaminated location, and if the situation permits, initially use a detection kit such as the M18A2/M256AI to determine if a possible vapor hazard exists from known chemical agents. Also, use the kit when personnel are required to examine possible toxic agent munitions. In any case, collect air samples with the white-band tubes and save for identification and analysis.

g. Small air samplers also enable the collector to obtain vapor samples from alleged toxic agent munitions at a safe distance while explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations are performed. If EOD personnel are not on the scene, the air sampler can be activated, and the collector can stand at a safe distance while the sampler is operating.

h. Perform sampling operations as soon as possible when directed by a higher headquarters or after suspected chemical or biological contamination is encountered.

B-9. Collection of Water Samples

a. Water sampling is a matter of collecting enough water to get acceptable information about the contaminants. The collector should provide the analysis center with one C18 and one silica cartridge when using the Sep-PakTM technique or 100 ml in a sterile bottle when Sep-PakTM is not available.

b. General guidelines: If it is believed that the threat has used standard chemical agents during an attack, use the M272 chemical agent water test kit for initial screening and sampling.

c. When collecting water samples using the Sep-PakTM C18 cartridge, the following items are required: