The Center’s field programs staff is responsible for the design and implementation of procedures for the collection and initial processing of environmental samples. The field team is involved not only in the WIPP Environmental Monitoring Program but also other projects and special studies involving Center staff. The field team uses and maintains a variety of sampling equipment, including aerosol samplers; soil and sediment collection devices; ground water and surface water collection equipment; a global positioning system; four-wheel drive vehicles; and a small boat equipped with an outboard motor.

Approximately 500 square feet of working area is dedicated to staging field sampling activities and for the initial processing and storage of collected samples. Sample preparation and storage equipment includes a muffle furnace, drying ovens, refrigerator, freezers, ultrasonic cleaners, soil sieves, high-volume jar mill soil grinder, mixer soil mills, cross-flow high-volume water filtering device, and electronic balances.