What is a Bucket Brigade
The EPA-approved “bucket” is a simple, community friendly tool that fenceline neighbors use to take air samples. Taking air samples is a powerful experience for community members who are used to being ignored, overlooked, and disrespected by corporations and government.
How to Build a Bucket
Supplies:
- Sample Bags- Contact Columbia Analytical Services (805-526-7161) and ask for the 10 liter bags
- Chain of Custody Records- Contact Columbia Analytical Services (805-526-7161)
- Vacuums- Dirt Devil Detailer (MCV2000) Cordless Hand Vaccum at Target.com or Radio Shack for $19.99
- Bucket- 5 gallon base, 3/8 washers, 9/16 washers and 24” Polyethylene or Tygon tubing 3/8 outside diameter ¼ inside diameter can be obtained at your local hardware store; Lids call New Pig (1-800-468-4647) and get a Gamma Seal; Brass Bulkhead for 3/8 in tubing (B-600-61), Stainless Steel Bulkhead Union for 3/16 tubing (SS-300-61), Stainless Steel Cap Nut to fit 3/16 bulkhead (SS-300-p), and Stainless Steel Extra Ferrels to attach sample bag (SS-300-set) can be obtained at Pittsburgh Valve and Fitting Co (412-761-3212; 49 Meade Ave Bellevue, PA 15202)
- Shipping Boxes- The sample bags are approximately 25×14. Go to the nearest UPS store to obtain a 16x16x16 shipping box. We have UPS mailing labels and account which will cover the cost of shipping but the boxes must be purchased separately.
Construction:
- Make sure you have the following tools:
- Electric Drill with Changeable Bits
- Drill Bits- 9/16” and 3/8”
- 2 crescent wrenches- 8”
- 1 needle nose pliers
- Unscrew the Gamma top and separate the Gamma seal (plastic ring it fits into)
- Attach the Gamma seal to the bucket by placing it on the bucket and step heavily on it to attach it. You will have to step on all sides to attach the Gamma seal firmly. Screw the Gamma top back on the bucket.
- Using smooth area on opposite sides on bucket lid drill a hole with the 9/16” bit and the 3/8” bit. The 9/16” holes are for the silver bulkhead, the 3/8” hole is for the gold bulkhead.
- Take the silver bulkhead and remove the caps on each end and the nut. Then place a large washer over the hole and insert the bulkhead, longest end to the outside. Place another washer then the closing nut on the outside section. Tighten manually and with wrenches. Finally place a cap nut/plug over the outside section
- Take the gold bulkhead and remove the caps and the nut. Place a large washer on over the hole and insert the bulkhead, longest end to the outside. Place a large washer and the closing nut on the outside portion. Tighten manually and with wrenches.
- Cut a section of Polyethylene tubing about 3ft long. Place one of the gold caps previously removed from the bulkhead over the end of the tube, making sure that the ferrel is still inside the cap. Place the cap on the outside end of the bulkhead, which is attached to the bucket top. Screw on tightly, pushing the tubing in. Use wrenches to secure. Test by picking bucket up by tube to see if tube is firmly attached.
- Test the bucket. Use a practice bag to make sure the bucket works properly. Follow the using your bucket instructions.
How to Use the Bucket
Setting Up:
- Take a sample when the odor is fairly strong and fairly constant.
- Set bucket in a clean area.
- Make sure you are not near other immediate sources of contamination, for example, your car, sewage openings, large roads, lit cigarettes.
Taking the Sample:
- Start the vacuum pump and keep it running. Keep the vacuum pointing away from the bucket (outflow from the pump could contaminate the sample).
- Place the hose on the bucket inside the vacuum’s opening and run for 1 minute, unscrew the metal cap or flip the valve up to open. Record the time.
- Keep running the vacuum until the bag is half full; this takes about 3 minutes. Make sure you don’t fill the bag up too much, as this could cause leaks during shipping.
- Screw the cap back on tightly or flip the valve down.
- Record the time and turn off the vacuum.
