QA/QC FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENT Unit 4: Module 13, Lecture 3
Mar 19, 2016
QA/QC FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENT
Unit 4: Module 13, Lecture 3
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s2
Objectives
Introduce Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) What is a QAPP? Why is it necessary?
Explain the processes to take when developing a QAPP Eight steps
Discuss in detail elements to consider and include when developing a QAPP 24 elements
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s3
Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP)
QAPP guides: the selection of
parameters and procedures
data management and analysis
steps taken to determine the validity of specific sampling or analysis procedures
The QAPP outlines the QC measures to be taken for the project.
The QAPP is a project-specific QA document.
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s4
QA for environmental measurement
Why do we need quality assurance for environmental measurement? understand data reliability quantify areas of analytical uncertainty standardize measurement to allow for repeatable
and comparable data across time and place
QA ensures that data will meet defined standards of quality with a standard level of confidence
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s5
Elements of a QAPP
QAPP can be broken out into four areas of the project Project management Measurement and data acquisition Assessment and oversight Data validation and usability
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s6
Establishing a QAPP
What do you first do when establishing a QAPP? Consider the purpose of the investigation
Compliance vs. background data, etc. Consider who is funding the investigation and
who will use that dataWhat rigor is desired / monetarily feasible?
Will liability be an issue?
Summarize the purpose of your project
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s7
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Establish a QAPP team Determine project goals & objectives Collect background Determine project data requirements Develop implementation plans Develop SOPs Draft the QAPP, solicit feed back, revise and
submit for approval Begin the project, evaluate and redefine QAPP
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s8
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Establish a QAPP team Include project stakeholders
technical expertise in varying areas of the project Approval required by the governing agency?
review agency websiteguidance document(s)
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02hudson/logs/aug29/aug29.html
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s9
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Determine goals and objectives Why is the program being conducted?
Compliance Gathering background
How will the information gathered be used and who will use it? Identify all potential data users
Will collected data be considered useable, and to what extent?Comparable to previous workAcceptable level of accuracy
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s10
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Collect background and redefine the project History of the site
Sources of concernPrevious investigations / collected data
Site location and layoutGeography and weather
Watershed surveyAccess & safety concerns
Hazards • Natural• Manmade
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/novdec98/seven.htm
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s11
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Design project sampling, analytical and data requirements What parameters will be monitored? How accurate will the data need to be? What are the Data Quality Objectives (DQOs)? Where will samples be collected and how will
sites be chosen? When will sampling be implemented? What protocols will be used? How will data credibility be assured?
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s12
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Develop implementation plans Who will carry out the project tasks?
Sampling, data management / evaluation, etc. When will the tasks be conducted? How much time will be allotted for each? Final report to be generated? http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/
fnrb1001.htm
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s13
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Adopt or develop project-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Use “industry” existing SOPs when possible
Consistency and usability of dataReference and cite sources
Provide to the field crew as a manual of instructions
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s14
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Draft the QAPP, solicit feedback, and submit for final approval Use formats provided by the governing agency
or client Generate a draft document and solicit feed back
from agency or client prior to implementationAvoids costly mistakes
Provide a final revised document to appropriate project stakeholders
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s15
Steps taken to develop a QAPP
Begin the monitoring program Implement the
project as tasked and scheduled
Evaluate and redefine the QAPP What does/ does not
work? Revise as needed
http://ma.water.usgs.gov/CapeCodToxics/photo-gallery/wq-sampling.htm
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s16
Outline of elements in a QAPP
The four parts and the elements listed under each
Project Management (elements 1-9) Measurement and Data Acquisition (elements
10 – 19) Assessment and Oversight (elements 20-21) Data Validation and Usability (elements 22-24)
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s17
Outline of elements in a QAPP
Project Management (elements 1-9) Title and Approval Page Table of Contents Distribution List Project / Task Organization Problem Identification and Background Project/Task Description Data Quality Objectives for Measurement Data Training Requirement/ Certification Documentation and records
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s18
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Management
Title and Approval Page (element 1)
Principal investigator(s)
Project QA officer(s)Client Representative
Table of Contents (element 2)
Distribution List (element 3)
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s19
Outline of elements in a QAPP – Management
Project / Task Organization(element 4)
Who will participate? What are their roles?
•Big Client, Inc.
•Don Realist•Principal Engineer
•Chuck None•Safety Director
•Sally Doright•Project Engineer•Discipline Lead
•Dave Doneall•Senior Geologist•Discipline Lead
•Mike Eager•Field Technician
•Jane Slick•Field Technician
•Scott Worth•Project Manager &
Field Supervisor
•Joe Systems•Principal Engineer
•Sandy Garnet•Project Director & Principal Geologist
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s20
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Management
Problem Identification and Background (element 5) Investigation history
Site specificRegional investigations
Site backgroundSetting – rural / industrial Geography and climateRegional geology, surface water and groundwater
www.aquaculturecouncilwa.com/i/maps/
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s21
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Management
Project/Task Description (element 6) What are the tasks? When will they take place?
http://cs-tl1.cs.virginia.edu/~group7/schedule.php
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s22
Outline of elements in a QAPP- Management
Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) for Measurement Data (element 7) Minimum detection limits Requirements for detection range
Training Requirement/Certification (element 8) Technical proficiency Health and safety
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s23
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Management
Documentation and records (element 9) Field and Laboratory
Raw dataQC checksField data sheetsLab formsVoucher collections
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s24
Outline of elements in a QAPP
Measurement and Data Acquisition (Sections 10 through 19) Sampling Process Design Sampling methods requirement Sampling handling and custody requirements Analytical Methods requirement Quality Control Requirements
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s25
Outline of elements in a QAPP
Measurement and Data Acquisition (continued Sections 10 through 19) Instrument / Equipment Testing, Inspection, and
maintenance requirements Instrument Calibration and Frequency Inspection/Acceptance Requirements for
Supplies Data Acquisition Requirements Data Management
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s26
Outline of elements in a QAPP – Data
Sampling Process Design (element 10) Type Location Frequency
of samples Sampling
period
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s27
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Data
Sampling methods requirement (element 11) Parameter Methods
Collection Equipment Preservation
Refer to SOPs
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s28
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Data
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s29
Outline of elements in a QAPP -Data
Sampling handling and custody requirements (element 12)
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s30
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Data
Analytical Methods requirement (element 13) Standardized
ASTM EPA State modified
Field adapted Instrument manufacture specified
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s31
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Data
Quality Control Requirements (element 14) field blank equipment or rinsate blank duplicate/replicate samples spiked samples split and blind samples
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s32
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Data
Instrument / equipment testing, inspection, and maintenance requirements (element 15) Include schedule
Instrument calibration & frequency (element 16) Standards Frequency
Inspection/acceptance requirements for supplies (element 17)
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s33
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Data
Data Acquisition Requirements (element 18) Background information and data
Previous investigationsTopographic, geologic, hydrologic or hydrogeologic
Other monitoring programs, groups or agencies Outside source data
Specific weather conditions – barometric pressure Note any limitations/questions on data quality
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s34
Outline of elements in a QAPP - Data
Data Management (element 19) Summarize all steps used in data collection and
evaluation Completeness and accuracy Evaluation (computer hardware and softer) Minimization of errors Data entry Backup Storage
http://il.water.usgs.gov/adcp/photos/class_apr99.html
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s35
Outline of elements in a QAPP
Assessment and Oversight (elements 20-21) Assessment and Response Actions Reports
Data Validation and Usability (elements 22-24) Data Review, Validation, and Verification
Requirements Validation and verification of methods Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s36
Outline of elements in a QAPP
Assessment and Response Actions (element 20) Evaluation of players - audits
external programs field staffdata management
Correction of problems
Reports (element 21) Frequency, content, distribution
http://www.fe.doe.gov/techline/tl_hydrates_oregon.shtml
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s37
Outline of elements in a QAPP
Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements (element 22) Indicate what will be done and by whom
Validation and verification of methods (element 23) Indicate procedures to be used
Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives (element 24) Determining if project objectives have been met
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s38
References
Some References on Environmental Quality Assurance Plans: EPA 240/B‑01‑002 . EPA Requirements for Quality
Management Plans (QA/R‑2). March 2001. (http://www.epa.gov/quality1/qa_docs.html)
EPA 240/B‑01‑003. EPA Requirements for QA Project Plans (QA/R‑5). March 2001.
EPA 430/9‑86‑004. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for 301(h) Monitoring Programs: Guidance on Field and Laboratory Methods. March 1987. (NTIS / PB87‑221164)
EPA 440/4‑91‑002 . Volunteer Lake Monitoring. December 1991. (http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/monitoring/volunteer/lake/index.html)
Developed by: Zwiebel Updated: Jun. 27, 2005 U5-m13c-s39