Quality Assurance Document Us Epa

Summary

United States Office of Air Quality EPA
Environmental Protection Planning and Standards
Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 March 2009
Air
Quality Assurance Document
Quality Assurance Project Plan
for the Federal PM2.5 Performance
Evaluation Program
Foreword
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy per EPA Order 5360.1 A2 requires that all
projects involving the generation, acquisition, and use of environmental data be planned and
documented and have an Agency-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) before the
start of data collection. The primary purpose of the QAPP is to provide a project overview,
describe the need for the measurements, plan, and define quality assurance/quality control
(QA/QC) activities to be applied to the project, all within a single document

The following document represents the QAPP for the environmental data operations involved in
EPA’s PM2.5 Monitoring Network Performance Evaluation Program. This QAPP was generated
by using the following EPA monitoring and QA regulations and guidance:
ƒ 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L
ƒ 40 CFR Part 58, Appendices A and C
ƒ EPA QA/R-5, EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans
ƒ EPA QA/G-5, Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans
ƒ EPA QA/G-9, QA00 update, Guidance for Data Quality Assessment: Practical Methods
for Data Analysis

All pertinent elements of the QAPP regulations and guidance are addressed in this QAPP

This document and related PEP SOPs are accessible in PDF format on the Internet on the
Ambient Monitoring Technology Information Center’s (AMTIC’s) Bulletin Board (available at
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/amticpm.html) under the QA area of the PM2.5 Monitoring
Information. The document can be read and printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader software,
which is freeware that is available on many Internet sites, including the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA) Web site. The Internet version is write-protected. Hardcopy versions
are available by writing or calling:
Dennis Crumpler
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
MQAG (C304-06)
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone: (919)541-0871
E-mail: crumpler.de[email protected]
This is a living document, which means it may be revised as program objectives and
implementation procedures evolve. Comments about technical content and the presentation of
this document may be sent to Dennis Crumpler

The document mentions trade names or brand names. Any mentions of corporation names,
trade names, or commercial products do not constitute endorsement or recommendation
for use

ii
Acknowledgments
This QAPP is the product of the combined efforts of EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS); the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) support laboratories in Las
Vegas, NV; EPA’s ORIA National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) in Montgomery, AL;
EPA Regional offices; and State, local, and Tribal (SLT) organizations. Dennis Crumpler of
OAQPS led and directed the 2007/2008 update, RTI International conducted the work under
EPA contracts 68-D-02-065 and EP-D-08-047, and the PM2.5 QA Workgroup reviewed the
material in this document. The following individuals are acknowledged for their contributions

SLT Organizations
George Froehlich, New York Department of Environmental Conservation
Mark Potash, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
EPA Regions
Region:
1 Mary Jane Cuzzupe
2 Mark Winter
3 Andrew Hass, Cathleen Kennedy, Colleen Walling
4 Greg Noah
5 Basim Dihu and Scott Hamilton
6 John Lay
7 Thien Bui and James Regehr
8 Michael Copeland
9 Mathew Plate
10 Christopher Hall
RTI International (RTI)
Jennifer Lloyd, Ed Rickman, and Emaly Simone
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Dennis Crumpler, Dennis Mikel, and Mark Shanis
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
Jeff Lantz
iii
Acknowledgments for the February 1999 Version
The following individuals are acknowledged for their contribution to the first edition of the PEP
QAPP (February 1999 version), which served as the basis for this update

SLT Organizations
George Apgar, State of Vermont, Waterbury, VT
Randy Dillard, Jefferson County Department of Health, Birmingham, AL
Gordon Pierce and Kevin Goohs, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,
Denver, CO
Russell Grace and Tom Pomales, California Air Resources Board, Sacramento, CA
Jeff Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA
Richard Heffern, State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Juneau, AK
Dan Harman, North Dakota Department of Health, Bismarck, ND
EPA Regions
Region:
1 Don Porteous, Norman Beloin, and Mary Jane Cuzzupe
2 Clinton Cusick
3 Victor Guide and Theodore Erdman
4 Jerry Burger and Herb Barden
5 Mary Ann Suero, Gordon Jones, Mike Rizzo, and Basim Dihu
6 Mary Kemp, Mark Sather, Kuenja Chung, Timothy Dawson, and Ruth Tatom
7 Leland Grooms, Mike Davis, and Shane Munsch
8 Ron Heavner, Gordon MacRae, and Joe Delwiche
9 Manny Aquitania and Bob Pallarino
10 Barry Towns, Bill Puckett, and Karen Marasigan

National Exposure Research Laboratory
Frank McElroy and David Gemmill
RTI
Jim Flanagan, Cynthia Salmons, Cary Eaton, and Bob Wright
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Joe Elkins, Shelly Eberly, Tim Hanley, David Musick, and Mark Shanis
iv
Acronyms and Abbreviations
AIRS Aerometric Information Retrieval System
ANSI American National Standards Institute
APTI Air Pollution Training Institute
AQS Air Quality System
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
AWMA Air and Waste Management Association
BP barometric pressure
CAA Clean Air Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CMD Contracts Management Division
CMZ community monitoring zone
CO Contracting Officer
COC chain of custody
COR Contracting Officer’s Representative
DAS data acquisition system
DCO Document Control Officer
DOPO Delivery Order Project Officer
DQA data quality assessment
DQOs data quality objectives
EDO environmental data operation
EMAD Emissions, Monitoring, and Analysis Division
ESAT Environmental Services Assistance Team
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FAR Federal Acquisition Regulations
FEM Federal equivalent method
FIPS Federal Information Processing Standards
FR flow rate
FRM Federal reference method
FS Field Scientist
GIS geographical information systems
GLP good laboratory practice
LA Laboratory Analyst
LAN local area network
MPA monitoring planning area
MQOs measurement quality objectives
MSA metropolitan statistical area
MSR management system review
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAMS national air monitoring station
NATTS National Air Toxics Trend Stations
v
NCore National Core multi-pollutant monitoring stations
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
OAQPS Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
OARM Office of Administration and Resources Management
ORD Office of Research and Development
ORIA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
PC personal computer
POC pollutant occurrence code
PD percent difference
PE performance evaluation
PEP Performance Evaluation Program
PM2.5 particulate matter less than 2.5 microns
PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
Qa sampler flow rate at ambient (actual) conditions of temperature and pressure

QA quality assurance
QAAR Quality Assurance Annual Report
QAD Quality Assurance Division Director
QAM Quality Assurance Manager
QAO Quality Assurance Officer
QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan
QC quality control
QMP Quality Management Plan
RH relative humidity
R&P Rupprecht & Patashnick
SIPS State Implementation Plans
SLAMS State and Local Ambient Monitoring Stations
SOP standard operating procedure
SOW statement of work
SPMS special purpose monitoring stations
SYSOP system operator
Ta temperature, ambient or actual
TOPO Task Order Project Officer
TSA technical systems audit
TSP total suspended particulate
Va air volume, at ambient or actual conditions
VOC volatile organic compound
WAM Work Assignment Manager
vi
Project: PEP QAPP
Element No.: 1.0
(QAPP Approval page) Revision No.: 2
Date: 9/13/2009
Page 1 of 1
1.0 QA Project Plan Approval
Title: PM2.5 Performance Evaluation Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
The attached Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the PM2.5 Performance Evaluation
Program (PEP) is hereby recommended for approval and commits the participants of the
program to follow the elements described within

OAQPS Signature: Dennis Crumpler, National PEP Lead, for Date: 3/31/2009
Name:
Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 2 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 3 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 4 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 5 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 6 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 7 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 8 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 9 Signature: Date:
Name:
Region 10 Signature: Date:
Name:
For convenience signature lines have been copied and pasted into this composite page

PDF versions of all complete individual signature pages are on file with the OAQPS PEP
Project Lead

Project: PEP QAPP
Element No.: 2.0
Revision No.: 1
Date: 3/6/2009
Page 1 of 6
2.0 Table of Contents
Element No.-Page
Foreword................................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgments..................................................................................................................... iii
Acronyms and Abbreviations .....................................................................................................v
1.0 QA Project Plan Approval ......................................................................................... 1-1
2.0 Table of Contents....................................................................................................... 2-1
3.0 Distribution ................................................................................................................ 3-1
4.0 Project/Task Organization ......................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 The PEP Workgroup (Previously the PM2.5 QA Workgroup) ....................... 4-2
4.2 EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards ................................... 4-2
4.3 ESAT Organization........................................................................................ 4-3
4.4 EPA Regional Offices.................................................................................... 4-6
4.5 ESAT Contractors.......................................................................................... 4-7
4.6 State, Local, and Tribal Agencies.................................................................. 4-7
4.7 Other Participating Entities.......................................................................... 4-10
5.0 Problem Definition/Background................................................................................ 5-1
5.1 Problem Statement and Background.............................................................. 5-1
6.0 Project/Task Description............................................................................................ 6-1
6.1 Description of Work to be Performed............................................................ 6-1
6.2 Field Activities............................................................................................... 6-2
6.3 Laboratory Activities ..................................................................................... 6-6
6.4 Schedule of Activities .................................................................................... 6-8
6.5 Project Assessment Techniques................................................................... 6-14
6.6 Project Records ............................................................................................ 6-14
7.0 Data Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measurement ............................................ 7-1
7.1 Data Quality Objectives................................................................................. 7-1
7.2 Measurement Quality Objectives................................................................... 7-2
8.0 Special Training Requirements/Certification ............................................................ 8-1
8.1 OAQPS Training Facilities ............................................................................ 8-1
8.2 Training Program ........................................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Field Training ................................................................................................ 8-2
8.4 Laboratory Training ....................................................................................... 8-3
Project: PEP QAPP
Element No.: 2.0
Revision No.: 1
Date: 3/6/2009
Page 2 of 6
Element No.-Page
8.5 Certification ................................................................................................... 8-4
8.6 Additional PEP Field and Laboratory Training............................................. 8-5
8.7 Additional Ambient Air Monitoring Training ............................................... 8-5
9.0 Documentation and Records ...................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Information Included in the Reporting Package ............................................ 9-1
9.2 Reports to Management ................................................................................. 9-6
9.3 Data Reporting Package Archiving and Retrieval......................................... 9-7
10.0 Sampling Design...................................................................................................... 10-1
10.1 Scheduled Project Activities, Including Measurement Activities ............... 10-1
10.2 Rationale for the Design .............................................................................. 10-1
10.3 Design Assumptions .................................................................................... 10-2
10.4 Procedure for Locating and Selecting Environmental Samples .................. 10-3
10.5 Classification of Measurements as Critical/Noncritical .............................. 10-4
10.6 Validation of Any Non-Standard Measurements......................................... 10-4
11.0 Sampling Methods Requirements ............................................................................ 11-1
11.1 Sample Collection and Preparation.............................................................. 11-1
11.2 Support Facilities for Sampling Methods .................................................... 11-3
11.3 Sampling/Measurement System Corrective Action Process ....................... 11-3
11.4 Sampling Equipment, Preservation, and Holding Time Requirements ....... 11-9
12.0 Sample Handling and Custody................................................................................. 12-1
13.0 Analytical Methods Requirements........................................................................... 13-1
13.1 Preparation of Sample Filters ...................................................................... 13-1
13.2 Analysis Method .......................................................................................... 13-1
13.3 Internal QC and Corrective Action for Measurement System..................... 13-4
13.4 Filter Sample Contamination Prevention, Preservation, and Holding Time
Requirements ............................................................................................... 13-7
14.0 Quality Control Requirements ................................................................................. 14-1
14.1 QC Procedures ............................................................................................. 14-1
14.2 Sample Batching—QC Sample Distribution ............................................. 14-16
14.3 Control Charts............................................................................................ 14-18
15.0 Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements ......... 15-1
15.1 Testing ......................................................................................................... 15-1
15.2 Inspection..................................................................................................... 15-1
15.3 Maintenance................................................................................................. 15-3
Project: PEP QAPP
Element No.: 2.0
Revision No.: 1
Date: 3/6/2009
Page 3 of 6
Element No.-Page
16.0 Instrument Calibration and Frequency .................................................................... 16-1
16.1 Instrumentation Requiring Calibration ........................................................ 16-2
16.2 Calibration Method That Will Be Used for Each Instrument ...................... 16-4
16.3 Calibration Standard Materials and Apparatus............................................ 16-4
16.4 Calibration Frequency.................................................................................. 16-5
16.5 Standards Recertifications ........................................................................... 16-5
17.0 Inspection/Acceptance for Supplies and Consumables ........................................... 17-1
17.1 Purpose......................................................................................................... 17-1
17.2 Critical Supplies and Consumables ............................................................. 17-1
17.3 Acceptance Criteria...................................................................................... 17-7
17.4 Tracking and Quality Verification of Supplies and Consumables .............. 17-7
18.0 Data Acquisition Requirements ............................................................................... 18-1
18.1 Acquisition of Non-Direct Measurement Data ............................................ 18-1
19.0 Data Management .................................................................................................... 19-1
19.1 Background and Overview .......................................................................... 19-1
19.2 Data Recording ............................................................................................ 19-3
19.3 Data Validation ............................................................................................ 19-3
19.4 Data Transformation .................................................................................... 19-5
19.5 Data Transmittal .......................................................................................... 19-6
19.6 Data Reduction and Data Integrity .............................................................. 19-7
19.7 Data Analysis ............................................................................................... 19-8
19.8 Data Flagging—Sample Qualifiers.............................................................. 19-9
19.9 Data Tracking ............................................................................................ 19-10
19.10 Data Storage and Retrieval ........................................................................ 19-11
20.0 Assessments and Response Actions ........................................................................ 20-1
20.1 Assessment Activities and Project Planning................................................ 20-1
20.2 Documentation of Assessments ................................................................... 20-9
21.0 Reports to Management ........................................................................................... 21-1
21.1 Communication............................................................................................ 21-1
21.2 Reports ......................................................................................................... 21-4
22.0 Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements ...................................... 22-1
22.1 Sampling Design.......................................................................................... 22-1
22.2 Sample Collection Procedures ..................................................................... 22-2
22.3 Sample Handling.......................................................................................... 22-2
Project: PEP QAPP
Element No.: 2.0
Revision No.: 1
Date: 3/6/2009
Page 4 of 6
Element No.-Page
22.4 Analytical Procedures .................................................................................. 22-3
22.5 Quality Control ............................................................................................ 22-4
22.6 Calibration ................................................................................................... 22-4
22.7 Data Reduction and Processing ................................................................... 22-5
23.0 Validation and Verification Methods ...................................................................... 23-1
23.1 Process for Validating and Verifying Data.................................................. 23-1
24.0 Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives .......................................................... 24-1
24.1 Preliminary Review of Available Data ........................................................ 24-1
24.2 Regional Level Evaluation of Data Collected While All PEP Samplers Are
Collocated .................................................................................................... 24-1
24.3 National Level Evaluation of Data Collected While All PEP Samplers Are
Collocated .................................................................................................... 24-2
APPENDICES
A. Glossary
B. Documents to Support Data Quality Objectives
C. Training Certification Evaluation Forms
D. Data Qualifiers/Flags
E. Technical Systems Audit Forms
Project: PEP QAPP
Element No.: 2.0
Revision No.: 1
Date: 3/6/2009
Page 5 of 6
Tables
Element No.-Page
3-1. Distribution List......................................................................................................... 3-1
4-1. ESAT Oversight......................................................................................................... 4-4
6-1. Design/Performance Specifications ........................................................................... 6-4
6-2. Field Measurement Requirements ............................................................................. 6-5
6-3. Laboratory Performance Specifications..................................................................... 6-8
6-4. Implementation Summary........................................................................................ 6-12
6-5. Data Reporting Schedule for the AQS..................................................................... 6-13
6-6. Assessment Schedule ............................................................................................... 6-14
6-7. Critical Documents and Records ............................................................................. 6-15
7-1. Measurement Quality Objectives—Parameter PM2.5 ................................................ 7-4
8-1. Core Ambient Air Training Courses.......................................................................... 8-6
9-1. PM2.5 Reporting Package Information ....................................................................... 9-2
11-1. Field Corrective Action ........................................................................................... 11-6
11-2. Filter Temperature Requirements .......................................................................... 11-10
11-3. Holding Times ....................................................................................................... 11-11
13-1. Potential Problems/Corrective Action for Laboratory Support Equipment............. 13-5
13-2. Filter Preparation and Analysis Checks................................................................... 13-5
13-3. Temperature Control Requirements......................................................................... 13-8
14-1. Field QC Checks ...................................................................................................... 14-3
14-2. Laboratory QC ......................................................................................................... 14-6
14-3. Control Charts........................................................................................................ 14-18
15-1. Inspections in the Weigh Room Laboratory ............................................................ 15-2
15-2. Inspection of Field Items ......................................................................................... 15-2
15-3. Preventive Maintenance in Weighing Laboratories................................................. 15-4
15-4. Preventive Maintenance of Field Items ................................................................... 15-5
16-1. Instrument Calibrations............................................................................................ 16-1
16-2. Calibration Standards and/or Apparatus for PM2.5 Calibration ............................... 16-4
17-1. Weighing Laboratory Equipment. ........................................................................... 17-2
17-2. Field Equipment and Supplies ................................................................................. 17-3
19-1. List of PEP Data Processing Operations for Critical Values................................... 19-3
19-2. Validation Check Summaries .................................................................................. 19-5
19-3. Raw Data Calculations............................................................................................. 19-6

EPA QA/G-5, Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans EPA QA/G-9, QA00 update, Guidance for Data Quality Assessment: Practical Methods for Data Analysis. All pertinent …

Download Now

Documemt Updated

Popular Download

• › Quick Guide Xp 400
• › Quick Reference Guide To Forms Nashville State
• › Quality Assurance And Surveillance Plan Qasp
• › Quantity Takeoff Worksheet For Construction
• › Quality Assurance Plan For Conducting Radon
• › Quarterly Financial Report
• › Quality Assurance For Structural Engineering
• › Quick Guide To Organizing Assessment Data For Analysis
• › Quality Management Plan Acqnotes
• › Quality Assurance Document Us Epa
• › Questions Need Assistance Call Before You Install 800
• › Quality Assurance Improvement Encompass Health Home
• › Quick Pallet Maker Load Optimization Koona
• › Quality Assurance Program Plan For The West Virginia
• › Quality Assurance Plan Basic Lab
• › Quality Assessment And Assurance Review Cms
• › Quality Management Plan Template Portalctgov
• › Quick Flex Couplings Interchange Guide Lovejoy Inc
• › Quick Fast And Fuss Free Printing Thcanon
• › Quality Assurance Project Plan Qapp

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a quality assurance plan?

Steps to Create a Quality Assurance Plan

1. Define Quality Objectives. The first step to quality control planning is to define your goals. ...
2. Roles and Responsibilities. When you decide to move forward with a quality plan, there are various options. ...
3. Implement the Quality Assurance Plan. ...
4. Examine the Results. ...
5. Make Adjustments. ...
6. Keep Your Team in the Loop. ...

What is the importance of quality assurance?

Quality assurance is an important step in measuring the quality of a product or service. Quality assurance is used in government and private industry to ensure that products and services meet standards before being put into circulation. It helps companies avoid embarrassing missteps.

What are quality assurance skills?

What are top 3 skills for quality assurance technician?

• Strong visual inspection skills.
• Written communication skills.
• Strong verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Experience with micrometers and other quality lab tools.

What are quality assurance tools?

What is Quality Assurance?

• Quality Assurance Tools and Techniques: Various types of machineries and equipment are used by quality assurance analyst or quality manager during testing.
• List of Quality Equipment :
• QA and QC Test:
• Some Online Quality assurance tools and techniques : Pick up percentage test. ...

More items...