Chemical-Physical Analysis
Waste sampling
Sampling is the operation of taking a portion of a substance in such a way that it is representative of the entire mass from which it comes. This is a fundamental phase in the waste characterization process, necessary for the correct attribution of the EWC/EER code (European Waste List) and for the subsequent recovery or disposal in compliance with the regulations.
The chemical-physical characterization of the waste is carried out on a sample taken using appropriate techniques, in accordance with the provisions of the UNI 10802 standard – “Manual sampling, sample preparation and analysis of eluates“. This standard details all the necessary activities, including:
- the definition of a sampling plan;
- the application of manual sampling techniques ;
- the appropriate methods of storage of the samples;
- documentation to ensure the traceability of sampling operations.
UNI 10802 must be read together with the UNI EN 14899 standard, the framework standard for the preparation and application of the sampling plan, and the technical report UNI CEN/TR 15310-1 Characterization of waste, which provides guidelines for the selection of sampling criteria in different operating conditions.
Sampling management, from equipment preparation to sampling, can involve risks to personnel, such as the use of scaffolding, handling hazardous substances, or the use of chemical reagents. It is therefore essential that the operations are carried out by qualified and trained personnel, equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and able to operate in safe conditions, following the indications given in the safety data sheets of the products used.
Control of emissions into the atmosphere
Part V of Legislative Decree 152/2006 as amended regulates emissions into the atmosphere deriving from industrial activities, civil heating systems and the fuels used. It is divided into three titles:
- Title I, on the granting of authorisations and the setting of specific limits and requirements for establishments, installations or activities by the competent authority;
- title II, of interest to installers and operators of heating systems, as it relates to the reporting obligations and compliance with the construction and emission requirements of civil heating systems;
- Title III, concerning the fuels allowed in plants subject to the rules of Titles I and II.
Pursuant to Article 268, paragraph 1, letter a), air pollution is defined as “any modification of atmospheric air, due to the introduction into it of one or more substances in quantities and with characteristics such as to harm or constitute a danger to human health or to the quality of the environment or such as to damage material goods or compromise the legitimate uses of the environment“.
The emission into the atmosphere, defined as “any solid, liquid or gaseous substance introduced into the atmosphere that may cause air pollution and, for the activities referred to in Article 275, any discharge, direct or indirect, of VOCs into the environment“, can take place in the different ways identified in paragraph 1 of Art. 268 of Legislative Decree 152/2006:
- conveyed emission: carried out through one or more special points;
- diffuse emissions: for the processes referred to in art. 275, diffuse emissions also include VOCs contained in water discharges, waste and products, without prejudice to the different indications contained in Part III of Annex III to Part Five of the Decree;
- technically conveyable emission: diffuse emission that must be conveyed on the basis of the best available techniques or in the presence of situations or areas that require particular protection;
- Total emissions: sum of diffuse emissions and conveyed emissions.
Wastewater control
Sampling and analysis is a key element in water pollution control. Penalties in this area are often based on these technical assessments.
Article 101, paragraph 3 of Legislative Decree 152/2006 as amended establishes that: “all discharges except domestic discharges and similar discharges pursuant to paragraph 7, letter e) must be made accessible for sampling by the competent authority for control at the point taken as a reference for sampling, which, except as provided for in art. 108, paragraph 4, must be carried out immediately upstream of the discharge into all natural impluviums, surface and groundwater, internal and marine, sewers, on the ground and in the subsoil“. An exception is provided for by art. 108, paragraph 5, which provides: “for industrial waste water containing the substances in table 5 of Annex 5 to Part III of this decree, the discharge measurement point is set in accordance with the provisions of the Integrated Environmental Authorisation referred to in Legislative Decree no. 59 of 18 February 2005, and, in the case of activities not falling within the scope of the aforementioned decree, immediately after leaving the plant or treatment plant serving the plant itself“.
The commitment of Valli Gestioni Ambientali
Valli Gestioni Ambientali, in collaboration with accredited laboratories, offers a complete service for sampling and carrying out chemical-physical analyses aimed at classifying waste, controlling emissions into the atmosphere and monitoring wastewater.
Contact us to receive more information about our services or to request technical assistance. Our team is available to support you with competence and professionalism.
Request a quote
Ultime news
Rentri: Opening of the time window for obliged entities who must register from 15 June 2025 and by 14 August 2025
Starting from 15 June 2025 and by 14 August 2025, subjects who fall under the second phase of RENTRI registration will have to comply with the regulations of Ministerial Decree no. 59 of 4 April...
MUD – Single Environmental Declaration Model for the year 2025: the deadline is 28 June 2025
The Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 29 January 2025 approving the Single Model of Environmental Declaration (MUD) for the year 2025, which must be used for declarations referring to the...
Contaminated soils and rocks: how they are managed and treated
The management and disposal of contaminated land is one of the most complex challenges in the field of construction waste. During excavation and construction activities, soil and rocks from construction sites may contain pollutants that...