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A well-planned quality
assurance (QA) program will enhance the quality of the data used in an
analytical investigation. EcoChem's QA expertise has been honed through
our involvement in numerous risk assessment, site cleanup, and natural
resource damage assessment projects. Our experience can contribute in many
ways to successful project planning.
DESIGNING QUALITY ASSURANCE PLANS, ANALYSIS PLANS, AND DATA QUALITY
OBJECTIVES
EcoChem staff has developed QA documentation such as Quality Assurance
Project Plans (QAPPs) and sampling plans for all types of environmental
projects. These can be tailored to meet the client's specific
project needs. We work closely with the project team to develop specific
site requirements within budgetary constraints.
Data
Quality Objectives (DQOs) are the acceptance criteria that must be
met to obtain acceptable data quality. These are developed with input
from the project team to assess health risk assessment needs, regulatory
requirements, site history, analytical capability, and costs.
Some
of our QA planning considerations include: using field screening techniques
to identify critical sampling areas and reduce overall analysis costs;
identifying the most appropriate and economical analytical methods required
to achieve project goals; identifying appropriate certified reference materials
(CRMs) for use as independent quality control checks.
We
are familiar with emerging low-level analysis methods for organics and
metals, including emerging contaminants like polybrominated diphenyls (PBDEs).
Our experience with specialized analytical procedures can also help
to answer specific questions on source identification, chemical persistence,
or chemical treatability; to lower detection limits for risk assessments;
and to overcome matrix or interference problems.
LABORATORY SELECTION, AUDITING, AND COORDINATION
EcoChem chemists offer both laboratory and consulting experience,
which is invaluable in anticipating both our clients' needs and the
laboratory constraints. We review laboratory Quality Assurance Plans
to ensure their compliance with project DQOs; provide assistance to the
project team in selecting qualified laboratories; help to negotiate
laboratory contracts; coordinate sample delivery and data reporting requirements.
EcoChem staff includes experienced auditors
who can perform laboratory and field sampling inspections to identify
and correct problems during sampling and analysis.
INDEPENDENT DATA VALIDATION
Many long-range and costly decisions are based on the analytical
results generated during investigations. EcoChem chemists are knowledgeable
and experienced with analytical methods, federal and state regulations,
and data validation and usability criteria. Our detailed data validation
reports document the data usability and identify any data quality issues
that could impact the project.
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