Soils Submission
July 24, 2023 -
Our Soils Import Permit has been renewed! Our revised guidelines satisfy strict USDA requirements and address longstanding materials-processing issues. Important changes are summarized below and explained in detail in our Soils Submission Packet. This is an abundance of information, and we encourage you to reach out with questions.
Please plan ahead with regard to the following important changes:
1. Users will need to order a USDA-compliant "soil shipping kit" from Spectrum in advance. See Page 3 of the Soils Submission Packet.
2. Users must provide photo documentation of sample containers and kit assembly via email PRIOR to submission. Upon approval, we will provide your required PPQ shipping label.
3. All samples are sterilized by dry heat treatment at 275F for 24 hours. Therefore, individual sample containers MUST withstand heating to 300F / 149C. We appreciate the fragile nature of your samples and use the lowest temperature/time schedule permitted by the USDA.
Metal containers (Kubiena tins, lab or craft tins, or metal downspout) OR plaster wrapping are acceptable sample containers.
Plastic containers may be considered if an empty container is tested in advance. If the test container fails to withstand heating to 300F, we can only accept your samples after they are transferred to metal containers.
4. Individual sample containers MUST be free of any tape or residual adhesives, as these materials are highly combustible.
5. Orientation markings are best noted directly on the sample container with a thermally-stable paint pen or industrial Sharpie. Markings noted only on removable-layer materials may be lost during the unpacking process. We strongly recommend marking up digital photos with orientations both for processing reference and your personal records.
6. We are required to report all non-compliant shipments to the USDA.
7. Due to sterilization / oven space scheduling requirements, rush turnarounds are no longer available for soil samples. Samples will be processed in the order they are received. A queue-based turnaround estimate will be provided at time of receipt.
8. Preparation costs are $100 per section + the cost of Spurr’s Resin ($0.04 / g of received soil material)
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If you have samples in the pipeline, please 1) review the Soils Submission Packet in its entirety, then 2) email orders@petrography.com to order your shipping kits. You may order multiple kits in advance.
As always, we invite your concerns and creative solutions.
Thank you,
Spectrum Petrographics Inc.