EPA-454/D-00-001
June 2000
United States Office of Air Quality
Environmental Protection Planning and Standards
Agency Research Tnangle Park. NC 27711
Air
<&EPA Quality Assurance
Guidance Document
Draft Final
W11AS.TWS 75202
Quality Assurance Project Plan:
PM2 5 Speciation Trends
Network Field Sampling
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Foreword
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy 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, or QAPP, prior to the start of data
collection. The QAPP provides an overview of the project, describes the need for the
measurements, and defines quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities to be applied
This document represents the QAPP for the field operations involved in the PM2 5 Speciation
Trends Network (STN).
This QAPP was generated using the EPA QA regulations and guidance described in
EPA QA/R-5, EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans and the accompanying
document EPA QA/G-5, Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans. All pertinent elements
of the regulations and guidance are addressed in this QAPP.
This document has been reviewed by EPA Regional Offices responsible for implementing the
STN in their respective Regions, the QA Manager for EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS), the EPA Technical Monitors for the network, and the QA Manager for the
contract laboratory for the STN. It is considered acceptable (see following approval page).
Mention of corporation names, trade names, or commercial products does not constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use.
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
ADQ audit of data quality
AIRS aerometric information retrieval system
AMTIC Ambient Monitoring Technical Information Center
ANSI American National Standards Institute
APDLN air pollution distance learning network
APTI (EPA) Air Pollution Training Institute
ASQC American Society for Quality (Control)
CAA Clean Air Act
CAFDF custody and field data form
CAR corrective action request (form)
CASAC (EPA) Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CMD (EPA) Contract Management Division
COC chain of custody
CV coefficient of variation
DBMS data base management system
DFR draft finding report
DGM dry gas meter
DOPO (EPA) delivery order project officer
DQA data quality assessment
DQO data quality objective
EC'OC elemental carbon/organic carbon
EDXRF energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence
EMAD (EPA) Emissions, Monitoring, and Analysis Division
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FR Federal Register
FR findings report
FRM Federal Reference Method (for PM, 5 sampling)
GALP good automated laboratory practices
GLP good laboratory practices
h hour
1C ion chromatography
IMPROVE Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (network or sampler)
ISO International Organization for Standardization
IUPAC International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
L/min
LCD
LSPM
M,j
m3
MASS
max./mm.
mm
mL
mmHg
liters per minute
liquid crystal display
laboratory services program manager
mass of PM25
cubic meter
Mass Aerosol Speciation Sampler (URG, Corp.)
maximum/minimum (thermometer)
minute
milliliter
millimeters of mercury (pressure)
11
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mo
MQAG (EPA)
MQO
MSA
MSR
NAAQS
NAMS
NERL
NIST
NTN
OAQPS
OAR
ORIA
PAMS
PE
PM, <
PO
QA
QAM
QAPP
Qa,,L
QC
QMP
RAAS
RO
RSC
RTI
RTP
SASS
SHAL
SLAMS
SOP
SPM
STN
SVOC
T & A
TSA
USEPA United
VOC
XRF
0 C
month
Monitoring and Quality Assurance Group
measurement quality objective
metropolitan statistical area
management systems review
national ambient air quality standard
national air monitoring station
(EPA) National Exposure Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
national trends network
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
(EPA) Office of Air and Radiation
(EPA) Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
photochemical air monitoring station
performance evaluation
particulate matter. 2.5 micrometer diameter
project officer
quality assurance
quality assurance manager
Quality Assurance Project Plan
average flow rate
quality control
quality management plan
Reference Ambient Air Sampler (Andersen Instruments, Inc.)
reporting organization
regional speciation coordinator
Research Triangle Institute (the STN support laboratory)
Research Triangle Park (North Carolina)
Spiral Ambient Speciation Sampler (Met One Instruments, Inc.)
sample handling and archival laboratory'
State and local air monitoring station
standard operating procedure
(laboratory) services program manager
(PM2s) Speciation Trends Network
semivolatile organic compound
testing and acceptance
technical systems audit
States Environmental Protection Agency
volatile organic compound
X-ray fluorescence
degree Celsius
micrograms (of PM) per cubic meter (of air sampled)
in
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Tables
Number Section Page
3-1 Distribution List 3 1
6-1 Critical Measurements in the PM2} STN 6 3
6-2 Checklist of PM2 s STN Field Activities 6 4
6-3 Critical Filter and Denuder Holding and Use Times 6 9
6-4 Critical Documents and Records 6 11
7-1 MQOs for Total Measurement Error 7 4
9-1 STN Reporting Package Information 9 2
\ 0-1 Schedule of Activities for State and Local PM2.5 STN Field Site Participants 10 2
10-2 Schedule of Activities for Contracting STN Laboratory1 10 3
10-3 Proposed Sites for the PM2.5 STN 10 5
11-1 Summary of Information Provided by Speciation Sampler 11 2
11-2 STN Field Operations Corrective Actions 11 6
12-1 Explanation of STN Custody and Field Data Form 12 4
14-1 MQOs and Associated QC Activities for the PM2.5 STN 14 2
15-1 Testing and Acceptance Criteria Checklist for PM2.5 Speciation Samplers 152
15-2 Preventive Maintenance of STN Field Equipment 15 3
16-1 Acceptance Criteria and Calibration and Maintenance Frequencies for
PM2.5 Chemical Speciation Samplers 16 4
16-2 Calibration Standards for PM2.5 Chemical Speciation Samplers 16 6
17-1 STN Field Equipment and Supplies 17 2
19-1 Laboratory Data Record Archival Summary 19 8
19-2 Validation Check Summaries 19 9
19-3 Raw Data Calculations 19 10
19-4 Data Transfer Operations '19 12
20-1 Assessment Summary 20 1
21-1 QA Reports to Management for STN 21 2
22-1 Data Verification Activities for the PM2.5 STN 22 2
22-2 Quality Control Data for STN Data Verification and Validation 22 6
22-3 Data Verification and Validation Summarv 22 11
IV
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Figures
Number Section Page
4-1 STN Organization 4 2
4-2 Laboratory Technical Management and Staff Organization for STN
Filter Analysis and Data Reporting 4 9
6-1 Summary of STN Project Operations 6 2
6-2 Sample Analysis Delivery Order Process 6 6
6-3 Diagram of Laboratory Filter Processing and Analysis Activities,
by Filter Type 6 7
10-1 Proposed Speciation Trends Sites and Current Interagency Monitoring of
Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) Sites 10 7
11-1 Quality Bulletin 11 4
12-1 Custody and Field Data Form for the PM,; STN 12 3
14-1 STN QA 'QC Report Form 14 4
19-1 STN Data Flow Overview 19 2
20-1 TSA Acceptance Criteria for Gravimetric Collection/analysis in the STN 20 3
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PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 1
Revision No.: 3
Date: 6/20/00
Page 1 of 2
1.0 QA Project Plan Identification and Approval
Title: Quality Assurance Project Plan for the PM2 5 Speciation Trends Network (STN)
QAPP Category: Category 1
The attached QAPP for the PM^ 5 Speciation Trends Network is hereby recommended for approval and
commits the participants of the program to follow the elements described within.
Signature: Date:
QA Manager, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards,
Michael Papp
Signature: Date:
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Technical Monitors. Jim Homolya
Signature Date:
QA Manager, Research Triangle Institute, Contracting
Laboratory. James Flanagan
Signature: Date:
Region 1, Norm Beloin
Signature: Date:
Region 2. Mustafa Mustafa
Signature: Date:
Region 3, Ted Erdman
Signature. Date:
Region 4, Andre Butler
Signature: Date:
Region 5, Pat Schraufnagel
Signature. Date:
Region 6, Steve Thompson
Signature: Date:
Region 7, Michael Davis
Signature: Date:
Region 8, Ron Heavner
Signature: Date:
Region 9, Bob Pallarino
Signature: Date:
Region 10, Chris Hall
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PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 1
Revision No.: 3
Date: 6/20/00
Paee2of2
Sienature:
QA Manager Region 1, Nancy Barmakian
Date:
Signature:,
QA Manager Region 2, Dore LaPosta
Date:
Signature:,
QA Manager Region 3, Monica Jones
Sienature:
QA Manager Region 4, Gary Bennett
Sienature:
QA Manager Region 5, Kevin Bolger
Date:
Date:
Date:
Signature:.
QA Manager Region 6, Alva Smith
Date:
Signature:.
QA Manager Region 7, Ernie Arnold
Date:
Signature:.
QA Manager Region 8, Tony Medrano
Date:
Signature:.
QA Manager Region 9, Vance Fong
Date:
Signature:.
QA Manager Region 10, Barry Towns
Date:
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1.0 QA Project Plan Identification and Approval
2.0 Table of Contents
3 0 Distribution
4 0 Project'Task Organization
4.1 Trends Network Coordination Activities
4.2 Trends Network Field Site Activities Organization
4 3 Trends Network Laboratory Activities Organization
5 0 Background and Problem Definition
5.1 Background
5.2 Problem Definition
5.3 PM, 5 Speciation Sampling Techniques and Ongoing Research
5.4 Monitoring Network Design Considerations
PM:5STNQAPP
Section No.2
Revision No.: 2
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 4
Section
Forev, ord
Acknowledgments
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Tables
Figures
2.0 Table of Contents
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6.0 Project'Task Description
6.1 Description of Work to be Performed
6 2 Field Activities
6.3 Laboratory Activities
64 Schedule of Activities
6 5 Project Assessment Techniques
6 6 Project Records
7.0 Quality Objectives and Criteria For Measurement Data
7.1 Data Quality Objectives Process
7.2 Development of DQOs for the PM- 5 Chemical STN
7.3 Measurement Quality' Objectives
7.4 References
8 0 Special Training Requirements'Certification
8.1 Training
8.2 Certification
8.3 Contacts for More Information
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PM,5STNQAPP
Section No.2
Re vision No.: 2
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of4
2.0 Table of Contents (continued)
Section Page Revision Date
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
13.0
140
15.0
16.0
Documentation and Records
9. 1 Information in the Management and Organization
Reporting Package
9.2 Information in the Field Operations Reporting Package
9.3 Information in the Laboratory Operations Reporting Package
9.4 Information in the QA Reporting Package
9 5 Reports to Management
9.6 Archival and Retrieval of Data Reporting Packages
Sampling Process Design
10.1 Scheduled Project Activities. Including Management Activities
10.2 Rationale for the Design
10.3 References
Sampling Methods Requirements
11.1 Sample Collection and Preparation
1 1 .2 Sampling /Measurement System Corrective Action Process
1 1 .3 Avoiding Sample Contamination: Temperature and
Holding Time Requirements
Sample Handling and Custody Requirements
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Presamphng Sample Handling and Custody Procedures
12.3 Postsampling Sample Handling and Custody Procedures
12.4 Filter and Sample Archival in the STN Laboratory
Analytical Methods Requirements
Quality Control Requirements
14.1 QC Checks
14.2 QC Samples
14.3 Collocated Samplers
14.4 Calculations of Accuracy, Bias, Precision, and Completeness
14.5 References
Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements
15.1 Testing and Acceptance Criteria
15.2 Maintenance
15.3 Critical Spare Parts
Instrument Calibration and Frequency
16.1 Overview
16.2 Calibration and Verification of Field Instrumentation
1 6.3 Calibration and Verification of Laboratory Instrumentation
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PM,,STNQAPP
Section No.2
Revision No.: 2
Date. 10'25'99
Page 3 of 4
2.0 Table of Contents (continued)
Section Page Revision Date
17.0
180
190
200
21 0
220
23.0
Inspection/Acceptance for Supplies and Consumables
17.1 Purpose
1 7.2 Critical Supplies and Consumables
17.3 Acceptance Criteria
17.4 Tracking and Quality Verification of Supplies and Consumables
Data Acquisition Requirements (Nondirect Measurements)
18.1 Acquisition of Nondirect Measurement Data
Data Management
19.1 Overview
1 9.2 Data Management Activities at the STN Laboratory
19.3 Data Management Activities at the RO
19 4 Recommended Data Management Practices
19 5 Data Validation
1 9 6 Data Transformations
19.7 Data Transmittal
19.8 Data Reduction
199 Data Analysis
19.10 Data Storage and Retrieval
Assessment and Response Actions
20.1 Types of Assessments
20.2 Assessment Frequency
20.3 Acceptance Criteria
20.4 Assessment Schedules
20 5 Assessment Personnel
20 6 Assessment Reports
20.7 Implementation of Response Actions
20 8 References
Reports to Management
21.1 NAMS Reporting
21.2 Additional Quality-Related Reports for the STN
Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements
22. 1 Data Verification and Validation Responsibilities
22.2 Corrective Action Reporting Process
22.3 Use of QC Information for Verification and Validation
22.4 Use of Calibration Information for Verification and Validation
22.5 Level 0 Verification
22.6 Level 1 Data Validation
22.7 Treatment of Deviations from Requirements
22.8 Verification and Validation Criteria: Field Component
Validation and Verification Methods
23. 1 Interorganizational Responsibilities for Data Validation
23 2 Personnel Responsibilities within the Reporting Organization
23.3 Completion of Level 0 Data Verification and Validation
23.4 Identification of Outliers and Data Flagging Techniques
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PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No.2
Revision No.: 2
Date: 10;25 99
Page 4 of 4
2.0 Table of Contents (continued)
Section Page Revision Date
24.0 Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives 1/7 3 10/25'99
24.1 DQO for Chemical Speciation Trends 1/7 3 10'25 99
24.2 Interim Evaluations of Data Quality 2/7 3 10/25'99
24.3 Assessing and Reporting Chemical Speciation Trends 6/7 3 10/25/99
24.4 Reconciling Other Chemical STN Research Objectives 6'7 3 10/25/99
24.5 References 7/7 3 10'25/99
Appendix A
A-l SOP5000 STN Condensed Standard Operating
Procedure for Field Installation Of PM: 5 Speciation
Samplers 1 93099
A-2 SOPS 100 STN Condensed Standard Operating
Procedure For The Met One SASS " 1 93099
A-3 SOP5200 STN Condensed Standard Operating
Procedure For The Andersen RAAS 1 9 30 99
A-4 SOP5300 STN Condensed Standard Operating
Procedures For The URG MASS 400 And
URG MASS 450 1 9 30 99
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PM2JSTNQAPP
Section No. 3
Revision No.: 3
Date. 10'25,99
Page 1 of 4
3.0 Distribution
A hardcopy of this quality assurance project plan (QAPP) has been distributed to the individuals listed in Table 3-1.
The Regional Speciation Coordinators (RSCs) will be responsible for distributing the QAPP to each field site and
regional analysis laboratory in the environmental data operations of the Speciation Trends Network (STN) The
RSCs may also want to provide a copy of this QAPP to their Regional QA Managers. Upon completion, the QAPP
for the PM: 5 STN will be available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA's) Ambient Monitoring
Technical Information Center (AMTIC) Web site.
TABLE 3-1. DISTRIBUTION LIST
Name
Address
Phone No.
Electronic Mail
OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING & STANDARDS
\ ickie Presnell
James HomoKa
Joann Rice
Da\ id Musick
Michael Papp
USEPA
Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards
MQAG(MD-H)
RTP, NC 27711
USEPA
Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards
MQAG(MD-H)
RTP, NC 27711
USEPA
Office of Air Qualit> Planning & Standards
MQAG(MD-14)
RTP, NC 27711
USEPA
Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards
MQAG(MD-14)
RTP, NC 27711
USEPA
Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards
MQAG(MD-H)
RTP, NC 27711
(919)541-7620
(919)541-4039
(919) 541-3372
(919)541-2396
(919)541-2408
presnell \ickieiaepa go\
homolyajamesigepa go\
ncejoanngepa go\
musick david(3,epa go\
papp michael'aepa go\
CONTRACTING ANALYSIS LABORATORY
R K. M Jayam\
Robert Perkins
James Flanagan
Research Triangle Institute
3040 Cornwallis Road
P.O Box 12194
RTP, NC 27709
Research Triangle Institute
3040 Cornwallis Road
P.O.Box 12194
RTP, NC 27709
Research Triangle Institute
3040 Cornwallis Road
P.O.Box 12194
RTP, NC 27709
(919)541-6483
(919)541-6800
(919)541-7739
rkmj(2,rti org
rlp(2rti org
jamesf@rti.org
DELIVERY ORDER PROJECT OFFICERS
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PM,5STNQAPP
Section No. 3
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25-99
Page 2 of 4
TABLE 3-1. (continued)
Name
M Kantz
P Schraufnagel
K Wang
Address
Region 2 (East)
USEPA-Region 2
Raritan Depot /MS 103
2890 Woodbndge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
Region 5 (Midwest)
USEPA-Region 5
77 West Jackson Blvd. / AR-1SJ
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
Region 8 (West)
USEPA-Region S
999 18th Street / 8TMS-Q
Suite #500
Denver. CO 80202-2466
Phone No.
(732)321-6690
(312)886-5955
(303)312-6738
Electronic Mail
kantz marcus@epa go\
schraufnagel. patncia@epa.gov
wang.kenneth^gepa go\
REGIONAL SPECIATION COORDINATORS
Region 1
RSC
Man Jane Cuzzupe
Region 2
RSC
Clinton Cusick
Reeion 3
RSC
Theodore Erdman
Region 4
RSC
Herb Barden
Steve Hall
Region 5
RSC
Gordon Jones
Region 6
RSC
Kuenja Chung
Region 7
RSC
Mike Davis
Region 8
RSC
Joe Delwiche
Region 9
RSC
Matthew Plate
USEPA-Region 1
New England Regional Laboratory
60 Westview Street
Lexington, MA 02421
USEPA-Region 2
Raritan Depot /MS 103
2890 Woodbndge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
USEPA-Region 3
1650 Arch St
Philadelphia. PA 19103-2029
USEPA-Region 4
Science and Ecosystem Support Division
980 College Station Road
Athens. GA 30605-2720
USEPA-Region 5
77 West Jackson Blvd /AR-18J
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
USEPA-Region 6
First Interstate Bank Tower at Fountain Place
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
USEPA-Region 7
ENSV / EMWC
25 Funston Road
Kansas City, KS 66115
USEPA-Region 8
999 18* Street / 8P2-A
Suite #500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
USEPA-Region 9
75 Hawthorne St. / PMD-3
San Francisco, CA 94105
(781)860-4383
(908)321-6881
(215)597-1193
(706)355-8737
(706)355-8615
(312)353-3115
(214)665-8345
(913)551-5081
(303)312-6448
(415)744-1493
cuzzupe maryjane@epa go\
cisocl/clmton-aepa go\
erdman ted(aepa go\
barden herbert@epa go\
hall johns{aepa go\
jones.gordonfaepa gov
chung.kuenja@epa gov
davis.michael@epa.gov
delwiche.joseph@epa.go\
plate. matthew@epa gov
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PM: < STN QAPP
Section No 3
Revision No.: 3
Date- 10/2599
Page 3 of 4
TABLE 3-1. (continued)
Name
Region 10
RSC
Karen Marasigan
Address
USEPA-Region 10
1 200 Sixth Ave. /ES-095
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone No.
(206)553-1792
Electronic Mail
marasigan karen@epa go\
MINITRENDS STATE CONTACTS
Tom Moore
Arizona
Tom Tamanim
Florida
Bob Lamorte
Illinois
Jem Sheehan
Massachusetts
Bern Johnson
Missouri
Dirk Felton
Nev. York
Daniel E Harman
North Dakota
Ste\e Aalbers
Oregon
Norman Glazer
Pennsylvania
Ed Michel
Texas
Robert N'eal Olson
Utah
Arizona Department of Environ. Quality
Air Quality Division
3033 North Central Avenue, 5"1 Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Hillsborough County EPC
1410 N 21!l Street '
Tampa, FL 33605
Cook County Dept of Environmental Control
Maybrook Civic Center
1500 Maywood Drue
Maywood, 1L 60609
State of Massachusetts DEP
Air Quality Bureau
37 Shattuck Street
Lawrence, MA 01S43
State of Missouri
DNR/DEQ'APCP
P.O Box 176
Jefferson Cit> , MO 65 1 02-01 76
New York State Dept of Environmental
Conservation
Division of Air Resources
Bureau of Air Quality Surveillance
80 Wolf Road, Room 403
Albany, NY 12233-3256
North Dakota Department of Health
Environmental Engineering
1200 Missouri Avenue
P.O. Box 5520
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
811 SW Sixth Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Technical Services Group
Air Management Services
1501 East Lycoming Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
TNRCC
P.O.Box 13087, Mail Code 165
Austin, TX 7871 1-3087
State of Utah DEQ
Division of Air Quality
2861 Parkway Blvd
West Valley City, UT 841 19
(602) 207-2353
(813)272-5530
(708)865-6184
(978)975-3215,
ext. 309
(573)526-2027
(518)457-9137
(701)328-5188
(503)229-6798
(215)685-1085
(512)239-1384
(801)877-0764
moore tom@ev. state. az us
tamamnKaepcjanus epchc org
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hdfeltonjagw. dec. state nv us
dharman'a state nd us
aalbers.steven(g;deq. state or us
norman.glazer@phila.gov
emichel@tnrcc. state tx us
rolson(o;deq state. ut us
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PM,5STNQAPP
Section No 3
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25 ^'99
Page 4 of 4
TABLE 3-1. (continued)
Name
Jim Frost
Washington
Address
Washington Department of Ecology
Air Quality Program
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Phone No.
(425)649-7108
Electronic Mail
JFR0461@ecy.wa.gov
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No 4
Revision No.: 3
Date- 10/25/99
Page 1 of 10
4.0 Project/Task Organization
This section provides all parties involved in the Speciation Trends Network (STN) with a clear
understanding of their roles and the lines of authority, communication, and reporting for the
project.
The organization of the STN involves three interacting entities: Federal and Regional U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offices, State and local air monitoring and reporting
organizations, and one or more contracting laboratories to service the collection sites with
supplies, sample analysis, and data reporting. To make the best use of available resources and to
meet demanding timelines for collection and analysis of samples, the flow of information and
samples must be optimally organized. The deployment and operation of the network is a shared
responsibility among all the involved parties. This section describes the roles of all parties and
establishes the lines of communication and reporting, with the goal of facilitating a smoothly
operating network.
Information on the STN's organization is first presented from the perspective of all involved
agencies and contractors. Section 4.1 and Figure 4-1 provide a unified view of the network's
operating structure and lines of communication and reporting. Block A of Figure 4-1 points out
the network's coordination activities, led by EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
(OAQPS) with advice from the Chemical Speciation Workgroup, the Clean Air Scientific
Advisory Council (CASAC), the Expert Panel on the EPA Speciation Network, and a group of
advisors from EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL). The Quality Assurance
(QA) Manager, the network's Project Officer (PO), the EPA Regional Speciation Coordinators
(RSCs), and three Delivery Order Project Officers (DOPOs) are also included in the network's
planning and coordination activities component.
Section 4.2 focuses on the roles of the EPA Regional QA Offices and the State and local
agencies that will operate the 54 sampling sites on a day-to-day basis. Block B of Figure 4-1
shows the field activities the State and local agency STN sampling and QA Quality Control (QC)
personnel will perform and their lines of communication to the DOPOs, the STN PO, and the
contract laboratory.
Section 4.3 and Figure 4-2 discuss the contracting laboratory's managerial and technical
organization and roles and illustrate the laboratory's interactions with the EPA DOPOs and PO
and with the State and local agencies, which will operate the samplers and ship the samples to the
laboratory. Block C of Figure 4-1 shows the contract laboratory and the EPA Regional QA
Laboratories.
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PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 4
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25 99
Page 2 of 10
PNb.STN Coordination Activities
Technical Monitors
(OAQPS)
PM2 5 Chemical
Speciation Workgroup
--CASAC
-Expert Pane
--ORD/NERL
Regional Speciation
Coordinator(s) (Table 3-1)
Delivery Order
Project Officers
East M Kantz
Midwest P Schraufnage
West K Wang
Trends Network Laboratory Activities
Trends Network Field Activities
Sample exchanges
data reporting
Chemical Speciation
Contract Laboratory (RT
Speciation Lab QA
Auditing and
Technical
Assistance
Services Program Mgr R Jayanty
QA Manager J Flanagan
(refer to Table 10 3)
OAR-ORIA
EPA Region 1
andOAQPS
Lab QA and Technical Assistance
Figure 4-1. STN network organization
4.1 Trends Network Coordination Activities
The STN is made up of three interactive working groups, as illustrated in Figure 4-1. Block A of
this figure includes the PM2 5 Chemical Speciation Workgroup, the OAQPS network
coordination office, three advisory groups, the QA Manager, and the PO and DOPOs. These
groups assist in coordinating, advising, planning, and managing the activities of the STN field
and laboratory activities.
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PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 4
Revision No • 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of 10
4.1.1 PM25 Chemical Speciation Workgroup
The PM25 Chemical Speciation Workgroup was formed to provide input and review of all
aspects of the chemical Speciation program, which includes the 54 trends national air monitoring
station (NAMS) network sites and up to 250 nonroutine State and local air monitoring station
(SLAMS) sampling sites. Members of the group include personnel from EPA OAQPS, EPA
Regions, the EPA Office of Research and Development's (ORD's) NERL, and State and local air
monitoring organizations. This workgroup meets monthly or more often to discuss various
planning, operational, and QA issues. Meetings are organized and planned by OAQPS. The
workgroup acts in an advisory role and has assisted (and will continue to assist) in the
development and review of the speciation network's implementation plan, field and laboratory
standard operating procedures (SOPs), QA project plan (QAPP), and other guidance documents.
4.1.2 Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Coordination Office
OAQPS has oversight concerning the quality of the Nation's ambient air data. OAQPS has
developed specific regulations for the development of a quality system as found in 40 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 58, Appendix A. One specific element of this quality system is
the development and coordination of the PM2 5 STN. OAQPS will ensure the orderly
development and operation of this network through the following activities:
Coordinating and overseeing the STN
Providing a contractual vehicle for the manufacture, procurement, and distribution of
PM2 5 speciation samplers and their components
Working with the EPA Regions and State/local organizations to determine the best
sampling locations
Providing a contract vehicle for a laboratory to support the field sites and provide filter
analysis and associated functions
Developing documents for the STN, including the strategic plan for the quality system of
trends sites, SOPs for field sites and laboratory operations, and the QAPP
Developing field and laboratory personnel requirements and training activities
Securing national experts and advisors to answer specific technical questions and review
the network; responding to recommendations provided by national experts and advisor}'
committees
Assessing the species concentration information entered into the Aerometric Information
Retrieval System (AIRS) database
Developing an information management system and other means to archive data, assess
data sets, and release trends information to stakeholders, data users, and the general
public
Initiating and instituting a communications network and acting as a liaison to groups
working on the STN data sets
Interacting with Regional, State, and local agency personnel and the contracted laboratory
concerning the setup and operation of the STN and its data results
Ensuring the success of the network by coordinating various oversight activities such as
management systems reviews (MSRs) and technical systems audits (TSAs).
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PM: 5 STN QAPP
Section No 4
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 10
Most budgetary and technical planning activities will be coordinated through the OAQPS. The
Monitoring and Quality Assurance Group (MQAG) within the Emissions, Monitoring, and
Analysis Division (EMAD) is ultimately responsible for the implementation of the Speciation
Trends Network. This includes most of the technical components (with support from ORD,
Regional offices and laboratories, and State and local agencies) and the resource estimates
underlying program implementation. The QA Manager will provide guidance and oversight to
the development of the STN quality system, including this QAPP. Resource guidance necessary
for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) distribution is coordinated through the
Planning, Resources, and Regional Management staff within OAQPS. In addition, the
Information Transfer and Program Integration Division (ITPID) is responsible for the AIRS data
management system.
4.1.3 Speciation Trends Network Quality Assurance Office
The STN QA Manager will coordinate the implementation of the quality system the STN.
OAQPS personnel assisting the QA Manager will report to the managerial component of the
network and interact with QA personnel in the field and laboratory components of the network.
The QA Manager and his or her co-workers will:
*• Review the network's QAPP and other quality-related documents and coordinate their
approval
*• Ensure that SOPs are reviewed and updated as required
*• Coordinate with the workgroup, the Regional QA laboratories and others to ensure that
periodic systems reviews and performance reviews of the field and laboratory activities
are accomplished.
*• periodic of the field and laboratory activities
4.1.4 Advisory Panels
Three advisor)' panels will consult with OAQPS on technical matters related to the STN. These
panels are the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, the Speciation Expert Panel, and a panel
of ORD/NERL technical experts.
Clean Air Scientific Advison' Committee—This committee is a subcommittee of the National
Research Council (NRC) Committee on Research Priorities for Airborne Paniculate Matter. It
will serve as the principal review body for the PM2 5 monitoring program and will emphasize
review of the Speciation network. This committee will interact with the OAQPS coordination
office.
Expert Panel on Speciation—The Expert Panel on Speciation was formed to advise OAQPS on
structural and technical matters related to the PM2 5 speciation network. It is composed of
recognized technical experts in the fields of network monitoring strategy, sampling and
monitoring methods for PM2.5, physical and chemical characterization of fine particles, and data
analysis and interpretation. Members of the Speciation Expert Panel are Drs. Petros Koutrakis
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PM:; STN QAPP
Section No 4
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10'25/99
Page 5 of 10
(chair), Tom Cahill, Phil Hopke, Lara Gundel, and John Ondov, and Mr. Robert Stevens. This
panel has focused on review of the guidance documents for the speciation network and
instrumentation. It will report to and interact with the OAQPS STN coordinating office.
ORD/NERL Expert Panel—This panel is composed of scientists and engineers in EPA's ORD, in
particular the NERL. Members of this panel (including Drs. Russel Weiner and Paul Solomon
and Mr David Gemmill) led efforts to design, test, and approve PM2 5 mass samplers as Federal
Reference Methods (FRMs). They have also bench- and field-tested most of the available PM2 5
speciation samplers. This panel will be called upon for expert advice on technical and
operational aspects of the speciation samplers, handling samples, and laboratory analyses of
PM2 5. They will communicate with the OAQPS coordinating office.
4.1.5 Speciation Trends Network Project Officer
The STN Project Officer (PO), Ms. Vickie Presnell, is with EPA/OAQPS. She will be the
liaison between the EPA Contracts Management Division and the various contractors and
vendors. The PO will interact with others in OAQPS, EPA Contracts Management Division
personnel, the DOPOs, and the contract laboratory's Services Program Manager to ensure
contract details are followed, including the submittal and review of required draft and final semi-
annual data summary reports from the contracted laboratory.
4.1.6 Regional Speciation Coordinator
The Regional Speciation Coordinator (RSC) will receive PM2 5 speciation analytical needs
requests from State or local agencies. The RSC then consolidates all requests received from
States within his or her region and submits them to the DOPO for that region. The RSC interacts
with the State and local agencies and provides assistance on field related QA issues.. Any
special equipment or nonroutine analytical needs requested by the monitoring agencies are
relayed to the STN Project Office for action. The names of the RSCs are listed in Section 3.0,
Table 3-1.
4.1.7 Delivery Order Project Officer
The Delivery Order Project Officer (DOPO) will consolidate the requests for sampling media and
sample analysis received from the RSCs. A DOPO will be assigned to the East (Regions 1-4 and
Puerto Rico), Midwest (Regions 5-7), and West (Regions 8-10) of the United States. Once the
STN is in full operation, the delivery order process is expected to become fairly routine because
all sites in this network will request analyses of specific analytes on samples collected every third
day for a number of years. The DOPO will communicate with the STN Project Officer and with
the laboratory contracted for analysis of filters and other sampling media. The DOPO will also
review the monthly analytical data packages from the contracting laboratory, ensure they are
complete, and, after approval, make arrangements for payment of the invoice for the various
delivery orders.
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PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No 4
Revision No.. 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of 10
EPA Contracts Management Division—The Contract Management Division (CMD) is located
within the Office of Acquisition Management (OAM). CMD is responsible for all
communications with vendors and extramural contract organizations. For the STN, it will:
* Provide a Contract Officer to represent the government.
* Develop national contracts for speciation sampler purchases, some filter purchases,
sample shipping, and laboratory support and analyses of speciation sampler filters.
> Communicate with OAQPS to provide the above services.
4.2 Trends Network Field Site Activities Organization
Personnel from State and local agencies will install speciation samplers at NAMS sites, operate
the sites, and promptly ship samples to the contract laboratory to ensure schedules are met. State
or local personnel will also implement QC procedures as given in the SOPs for sampler operation
and sample shipping. Another line of communication from the States will be to the DOPO and
the RSC. Dialogues concerning sampling equipment and laboratory supply or sample analysis
problems occur here. Interested State and local personnel may also participate in Chemical
Speciation Workgroup discussions.
State or local site operators and supervisors should communicate directly with the contracted
sample analysis laboratory only when there are concerns about timely shipment and receipt of
supplies, sampling media, and data packages. Field sites will also communicate with OAQPS
and with the EPA Regional QA laboratories for technical assistance and QA services. The State
or local site operations and records will be subject to systems and performance reviews, which
will be coordinated through the EPA's Speciation Trends Network QA Manager.
4.2.1 Organization for Routine Field Sampling Operations
The State and local air monitoring agencies are responsible for day-to-day operation of STN
sites. The management and technical organizations already in place at these agencies will be
used to implement operations. Personnel will need to be assigned and organized to accomplish
the following tasks, among others:
* Site selection and platform and utility installations
> Purchase, receipt, acceptance testing, and installation of sampler, calibration equipment,
and meteorological equipment
> Operator hiring and training
> Communication with the RSC and DOPO regarding sample analysis task orders
> Scheduled operation of the sampling site, including internal QA/QC activities
> Monthly validation of draft data sets received from the contract laboratory
»• Interactions with STN network management personnel. Participation in external QA
activities.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 4
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25-99
Page 7 of 10
4.2.2 QA/QC Organization for State and Local Agency Field Site Operations
Quality assurance activities supporting the STN sites will be arranged through the QA Manager
at each State or local agency. QA personnel will be identified prior to field data collection and
will be assigned and organized to accomplish the following tasks, among others:
Implementation of the quality system for the STN
Review and approval of the network's field QAPP
Site inspections and review of procedures to ensure specified QA/QC checks are being
made and measurements systems are in control. Issuance of corrective action memoranda
and monitoring of follow-up actions.
Participation in monthly validation of draft data sets received from the contract laboratory
Arrangement for and participation in QA activities called for by EPA Regional offices.
4.3 Trends Network Laboratory Activities Organization
Block C of Figure 4-1 illustrates the organization of the trends network laboratory activities
sector. Laboratory activities will include QA related work by the EPA Office of Radiation and
Indoor Air (ORIA) and the EPA Region 1 Laboratory, and routine laboratory work by Research
Triangle Institute (RTI), the contracted field site supply and filter analysis laboratory.
4.3.1 EPA QA Laboratories
EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA)working in concert with the EPA Region 1
Laboratory, and OAQPS, will:
>• Provide speciation laboratory QA support to the State and local agencies and to the
contracted analysis laboratory
*• Provide QA auditing and technical assistance to the field sites and to the contracting
analysis laboratory.
The EPA QA laboratories will be establish lines of communication with the following:
* Access to the STN PO to send and receive information concerning the performance of the
contracted laboratory and the status and quality of operations at the field site/contract
laboratory interface
>• Contact with OAQPS coordinators and technical monitors, their advisory panels, and the
QA office
> Interactions with the contracted laboratory to conduct systems and performance reviews.
4.3.2 Contracted Filter Analysis Laboratory Organization
Figure 4-2 illustrates the organization of management, QA, and technical staff for the PM2 5
analysis laboratory.
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PM: 5 STN QAPP
Section No 4
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 8 of 10
Management Organization—The PM2 5 speciation analysis laboratory is headed by a Laboratory
Services Program Manager (LSPM) and a Deputy Manager. The LSPM receives site servicing
delivery orders from the EPA DOPOs and is the official contact person for sending or receiving
sampling media and for release of analytical and other data sets. The management office will
oversee activities of the technical laboratories and the data management office. The LSPM will
also receive and respond to quality systems findings provided by the laboratory QA Manager and
staff as well as to external audit reports.
Quality Assurance Organization—The laboratory's QA Office is staffed by a QA Manager
(QAM), a Deputy QA Manager, and support staff. The QA Manager interacts with each of the
technical area laboratories or offices to conduct scheduled and follow-up systems and
performance evaluations (PEs). Findings from internal QA activities are reported to the LSPM
for review and action. This office summarizes QA activities for inclusion in the monthly reports
to EPA. The QA Office also prepares and updates the laboratory QAPP and associated SOPs.
Technical Organization—The laboratory is composed of seven entities that will provide the
following analytical services and data report packages to STN sites:
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 4
Revision No.: 3
Date. 10/25/99
Page 9 of 10
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 4
Revision No : 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 10 of 10
*• Sample Handling and Archival Laboratory (SHAL). Supply each Speciation Trends
Network site with all necessary sampling supplies to include coated denuders, sampling
filter media, assembled sampling modules, shipping containers, and documentation
paperwork. (The laboratory will use hardware purchased by the State or local
organization; the contractor will supply only the filters.)
»• Gravimetric and Microscopy Laboratories. PM2 5 mass by microbalance
determination. Scanning electron and optical microscopy studies of particles.
*• Elemental Analysis Laboratory. Elements by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence
(EDXRF) determination.
>• Cations/Anions Laboratory. Cations and anions by ion chromatography (1C) analysis.
*• Carbon Species and Semivolatile Organic Carbon Compounds Laboratory. Carbon
species by elemental carbon/organic carbon (EC/OC) analysis. Determination of
semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC's) as needed.
> Denuder Refurbishment Laboratory. Denuder refurbishment.
» Data Management Office. Track sampling media components and manage all data.
This includes issuance of monthly and quarterly data sets to State/local agencies and to
the EPA DOPO and entry of validated data to the AIRS database system.
Details on these activities can be found in the companion laboratory QAPP for this program.
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PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 5
Re vision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 3
5.0 Background and Problem Definition
For environmental pollutants, the term particulate matter (PM) is used to describe a broad class
of chemically and physically diverse substances that are natural in origin, emitted directly from
stationary and mobile sources, or formed in the atmosphere by reactions of gaseous emissions
such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
5.1 Background
The CAA also requires EPA to revise or update the air quality standards based on review of the
latest scientific information on known and potential human health effects associated with PM
levels typically found in the ambient air. In fulfilling these obligations, the EPA recently
reviewed the air quality criteria and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM
and epidemiological evidence that shows an association between ambient concentrations of PM
and a range of serious health effects. Based on the results of its review, the EPA revised and
promulgated two new primary standards for the fine fraction of PM (i.e., particles with
aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 |im, referred to as PM25) and the regulatory
requirements for monitoring the chemical composition of these particles. In meeting the
requirements to monitor and gather data on the chemical makeup of these particles, EPA is
establishing a chemical speciation network consisting of approximately 300 monitoring sites.
These sites will be placed at various national air monitoring stations (NAMS) and State and local
air monitoring stations (SLAMS) across the Nation. It is currently anticipated that 54 of these
chemical speciation sites will be used to determine, over a period of several years, trends in
concentration levels of selected ions, metals, carbon species, and organic compounds in PM2,.
Further breakdown on the location or placement of the trends sites requires that approximately 20
of the monitoring sites be placed at existing Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations
(PAMS). The placement of the remaining trends sites will be coordinated by EPA, the Regional
offices, and the State and local agencies. Locations will be primarily in or near larger
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). The remaining chemical speciation sites will be used to
enhance the required trends network and to provide information for developing effective State
implementation plans (SIPs). This quality assurance project plan (QAPP) focuses on required
measures for ensuring that data of adequate quality are provided by the 54 trends network sites.
5.2 Problem Definition
The STN is a component of the National PM2 5 Monitoring Network. Although the STN is
intended to complement the activities of the much larger gravimetric PM25 measurements
network component (whose goal is to establish if NAAQS standards are being attained), STN
data will not be used for attainment or nonattainment decisions. The programmatic objectives of
the STN network are:
*• Annual and seasonal spatial characterization of aerosols;
> Air quality trends analysis and tracking the progress of control programs; and
*• Development of emission control strategies.
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PM: 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 5
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 3
Stakeholders in the STN will be those at EPA seeking to determine concentration trends of PM, 5
chemical species over a period of 3 or more years and decision-makers at State and local levels
who will use the data as input to models and for development of emission control strategies and
determination of their long-term effectiveness. Other users will be public health officials and
epidemiological researchers. However, expectations for data sets from the STN must be put in
context. A number of limitations are recognized, (for instance, the 24-h integrated sample
approach, taken every 3rd day, is not suitable for determination of diurnal patterns and may have
limited use to those who study acute health effects). EPA recognizes these data use limitations
and limitations on the sampling and analysis methodologies. Thus, EPA does not rule out the
possibility that objectives, requirements, and methods for speciation sampling may need to be
adjusted in the future.
5.3 PM2 5 Speciation Sampling Techniques and Ongoing Research
The samplers will have the capability of collecting 24-h integrated samples. The three
commercial sampler designs currently available under the EPA sampler contract for use in the
STN are the Reference Ambient Air Sampler (RAAS™), the Mass Aerosol Speciation Sampler
(MASS), and the Spiral Ambient Speciation Sampler (SASS™). Another sampler that has been
in use for several years, the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments
(IMPROVE) sampler, is also available for use. The samplers use Teflon™, nylon, and quartz
filter media for the collection of target analytes. The Teflon™ filter will be used to collect
particles for the analysis of mass and metals composition, samples to be analyzed for carbon
components of particles will be collected on the quartz filters, and samples for ion analysis will
be collected on nylon and/or Teflon filters. Each sampler's operating manual and the
corresponding field SOP (refer to Appendix A) should be consulted for further details.
At the recommendation of the Speciation Expert Panel, the operation and acceptable performance
of the commercial samplers have been tested (and continue to be tested) in a series of field and
laboratory research and intercomparisen studies. The samplers are being tested against each
other and against the Federal Reference Method (FRM) sampler and historically accepted
speciation samplers such as the IMPROVE sampler and the Versatile Air Pollution Sampler
(VAPS) in a four-phase study. In Phase I, which occurred in the winter and spring of 1998/1999,
tests were conducted in four cities (Philadelphia, PA; Research Triangle Park, NC; Phoenix, AZ:
and Rubidoux, CA) during the period to determine response to differing aerosol compositions.
Phase II took place in Seattle, WA; from March to July 1999. Phase III was carried out in
Atlanta, GA, during the summer of 1999 as part of a Supersite study. Phase IV is a 12-city mini-
trends and operational evaluation study, to be operated by the States, in which each site will have
at least two speciation samplers for comparison. The Mini-Trends Study will begin in November
1999 and continue for 6 months. The Mini-Trends Study is a part of the STN. Therefore, this
QAPP will be used for the Mini-Trends Study and will be revised, based upon needed
improvements for the full STN
Each phase of the testing program seeks to refine the samplers' designs and operation and to
better understand topics such as the following:
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PM:5STNQAPP
Section No. 5
Re vision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of 3
»• A sampler's ability to collect, size-selective, fine particle mass, sulfate, and elements;
*• A sampler's ability to collect carbonaceous aerosols and nitrate; and
>• The ease and reliability of a sampler's operation, including its ability to hold steady
calibrations of temperature, pressure, and flow.
5.4 Monitoring Network Design Considerations
The design of the STN was influenced by the need to place sites primarily in populated areas of
the country and to link PM2 5 speciation data sets to data collected at collocated PAMS and PM2 5
mass sampling sites. Appendix D of the Part 58 PM25 regulations (62 FR38763) provides the
general criteria to apply in choosing new monitoring stations for PM2 5. General requirements for
chemical speciation specify that approximately 20 sites must be located at existing type 2 PAMS
sites. PAMS network design and monitoring objectives are explained in Appendix D of Part 58,
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Selection of the remaining STN sites was based on EPA recommendations, with review and
advice from State and local agencies. Most of the remaining sites will be located in MSAs.
Their specific locations will be based on factors such as:
»• Location of existing PAMS and IMPROVE network sites
*• Geographic locations of MSAs using 1996 population statistics
*• Ozone nonattainment areas
*• PM10 nonattainment areas.
STN sites will be placed at the one MSA community-oriented PM2 5 mass site that is
experiencing the maximum concentration in the area.
Sites will also be placed at population centers in the central, midwest, and southeast portions of
the country- to bring the total number of STN sites to 54. All sites will be equipped with 10-m
height meteorological towers and instrumentation to collect data on wind speed and direction.
temperature, and humidity.
Refer to Table 10-3 and Figure 10-1 for further information on the locations of sites in the PM2 5
STN.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 6
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 ofl1
6.0 Project/Task Description
This section provides trends network participants with a background understanding of the PM25
Speciation Trends Network (STN) project and the types of activities to be conducted, including
acquiring the samples; performing chemical analyses; carrying out quality assurance/quality
control (QA/QC) goals and procedures; and meeting the schedules for network implementation,
operations, and data reporting.
6.1 Description of Work to be Performed
6.1.1 Overview of PM25 STN Operations
The operation of the STN can be diagrammed as a series of interlocking field and laboratory
activities. Figure 6-1 depicts 10 steps involved in implementing and operating the network and
the delineation of responsibilities for required tasks. Each step is briefly described below:
1. The PM2, STN site contact person makes arrangements for purchase and delivery of
sampling equipment to the site. Information about field site contact names; mailing
and shipping addresses; telephone numbers; supplies; sampling schedule; and the
requirements for number and type of sample filters, denuders, and sample analyses is
sent to the Regional Speciation Coordinator (RSC) by the site contact person or other
State coordinator.
2. The RSC conveys the site's needs to the Delivery Order Project Officer (DOPO).
The DOPO consolidates several requests and informs the contract laboratory''s
Services Program Manager (SPM) of each site's address, point of contact, sampling
schedule, needed sampling equipment and filter media, and suite of analytes. The
DOPO authorizes the contract laboratory to begin supplying the site, analyzing
samples received, and sending analytical results. The DOPO keeps the STN Project
Officer (PO) informed about these requests.
3. The analytical support laboratory ships sampling supplies to the site contact address.
4. Site personnel conduct sampler quality control (QC) checks (e.g., time and date,
leakage, temperature, barometric pressure, flow rates, and cleanliness), conduct QC
checks on the meteorological sensors (e.g., examine anemometer and wind vane for
damage; check real-time data display for wind speed, wind direction, temperature,
and relative humidity versus independent observations), collect the PM25 samples,
deploy and retrieve field or trip blanks, pack all samples, complete the custody and
field data forms, and download data stored in the sampler's memory to a computer
disk.
5. Site personnel ship routine samples and field data to the support laboratory.
Nonroutine and quality assurance (QA) samples are sent to the designated QA
laboratory. The RSC informs the site when there are nonroutine or QA samples and
how and where to send them.
6. The support laboratory analyzes filter samples and conducts level 0 and level 1 data
validation. The data is sent to the State and locals who review and accept the level 0
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and 1 validated data or provide edits. The information is sent back to RTI who
corrects data. RTI makes final AIRS database entry.
7. The support laboratory archives filters and filter extracts for 6 months.
8. The support laboratory prepares monthly analysis and QA/QC activity reports.
9. The support laboratory submits the monthly analysis report to STN site personnel for
review, further validation, and verification. This report is also submitted to the
DOPO.
10. State and local personnel conduct level 2 and 3 data validations; questions about
results are directed to the laboratory through the DOPO. Data users and stakeholders
interpret and summarize the validated data sets to detect trends according to their own
established protocols.
PM2.5 STN Site
Contact Person
RSC
•DOO
• PM2.5 STN PO
1
- Sampler QA checks
- Install sampling media
- Collect samples
- Pack and ship samples and field data
Contracted Support
and Sample
Analysis Laboratory
•
5B
EPA QA Labs
Perform analysis and
report to States
- Sample analysis
- Conduct level 0, 1 data validations
- Data review by State/local
- Airs database entry
Filter and filter
extract archival
J
Assemble
monthly data and
QA/QA reports
9B
10
- Conduct level 2, 3 data validations
- Data summarization and interpretation
Figure 6.1 Summary of STN project operations
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6.1.2 Field Site and Laboratory Measurements for the PM25 STN
Table 6-1 lists critical field and laboratory measurements for the PM2 5 STN and gives the
methods to be used to acquire the data.
TABLE 6-1. CRITICAL MEASUREMENTS IN THE PM25 STN
Measurement and/or Analyte
Methodology
Field Site
Site name, sample date, and sample ID
Temperature, ambient (Celsius)
Temperature, ambient (Celsius)**
Relative humidity (percentage)**
Pressure, atmospheric (mmHg)
Date and elapsed sample time (h)
Flo\\ rate, sampler (L/mm)
Total volume sampled (nr)
Wind speed (m per s)**
\Yind direction (degrees of compass)**
Free-form notes on sampling difficulties and unusual
conditions at the site
Commercial speciation sampler's sensor
Meteorological package
Meteorological package
Commercial speciation sampler's sensor
Commercial speciation sampler's clock and tuner
Commercial speciation sampler's flow rate sensor
Commercial speciation sampler's display
Anemometer
Wind vane
Analytical Support Laboratory
Temperature, shipment cooler (Celsius)
Mass. PM;5 (Teflon™ filter) (ug'filter and ug rrr of
air)
Elements (Teflon filter) (ug/'m3)
Cations (various filters) (ug/m3)
Amons (various filters) (ug/m3)
Carbon species (ug/m3)
Digital thermometer
Balance, microgram
Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) (Na
through Pb)
Ion chromatography (1C) (NH4~, Na*, K~)
1C (nitrate, sulfate)
ThermaL'optical analysis (total, organic, elemental.
and carbonate carbon)
** - Optional at site
6.2 Field Activities
6.2.1 Checklist of Field Activities
The field site operator and the sampling site he or she operates are considered the most important
components of the STN and its scientific output. Strict attention to procedures and constant
awareness of the possibility for sample contamination are keys to obtaining a valid sample.
Table 6-2 lists the activities the field site operator is expected to accomplish for the STN. The
table also gives the frequency at which the activity should be performed.
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TABLE 6-2. CHECKLIST OF PM,< STN FIELD ACTIVITIES
Activity
Attend training sessions.
Assist with equipment selection, contact with RSC,
and ordering of laboratory analytical services.
Equipment (sampler, calibration or verification
devices, and so on) receipt, inspection, inventory,
and operabihty checkout. Maintain spare parts
inventory.
Install sampler(s) at site.
Sampler calibrations
QC checks of sampler operation (checks of time and
date display, leaks, ambient and interior temperature
sensors, pressure sensor, and flow rate).
Sampler operation. Includes preventive
maintenance, maintaining sampler cleanliness,
installing denuders and sampling media,
programming sampler start/end times, and keeping
field activities notes in site logbook and/or on field
data forms.
Retrieval and packaging of samples, field blanks,
and denuders into cooler. Completion of custody
and field data forms, and shipment of samples to
laboratory via Federal Express.
Data download from instrument
Participate in data validation training session
Review initial data from laboratory; conduct levels 2
and 3 data validation. Inform DOPO of data
acceptability.
Communicate with State or local management, STN
management, and contract laboratory (through
DOPO).
Participate in scheduled STN QA activities (for
example, on-site and field office inspections,
handling of special QA samples, installation and
periodic operation of a collocated sampler).
Frequency
Once, prior to site operation.
Updated training as required.
Once, prior to site operation.
Once, initially, and whenever
new or replacement parts arrive.
Once, at beginning of STN
participation.
Prior to first sampling event;
annually thereafter or whenever
out-of-tolerance checks occur
that cannot be corrected;
following repairs affecting flow
rate.
Check dependent see table 14-1
Every 3rd day with dates and
start/end times specified by
EPA.
Every 3rd day for regular STN
operation.
As soon as practicable
Initial training. Follow-up
sessions. Monthly review of
data sets.
As required and appropriate.
As scheduled by EPA Office of
Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS) or EPA
Regional QA Officers.
Comment or
Reference
Document 2.12,
Section 4
Refer to
Appendix A- 1
Refer to
Appendices A-2.
A-3, and A -4
Refer to Table 14-1
Appendices A-2.
A-3, and A-4
Cleaning process
must be thorough
and avoid
contamination of
sample pathways
Refer to
Appendix A-l
Refer to PM: 5
Speciation Guidance
Document, Section
2.0, "Data Analysis"
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6.3 Laboratory Activities
The STN will require extensive laboratory activities. A single contract laboratory \\ill be
employed for analysis of routine samples from the network. The following subsection
summarizes the laboratory activities that will occur to support the STN.
6.3.1 Presampling Activities
1. Teflon, nylon, and quartz filters will be received from various vendors and examined
for integrity and background analyte concentrations.
2. Filters (or their containers) will be numbered or otherwise identified to allow tracking
and accurate data entry.
3. Filters will be tested, equilibrated, and weighed as required and stored awaiting use.
4. Filters will be prepared or packaged for field activities.
5. The laboratory will maintain shipping/receiving supplies to include cooler containers,
ice substitute packs, and custody and field data forms.
6.3.2 Postsampling Activities
1. Shipments of filters bearing PM2 5 deposits will be received in the laboratory', checked
for integrity (damage, shipment temperature, and so on), and logged in. Information
on the custody and field data form will be reviewed.
2. Filters will be stored (refrigerated or frozen) until ready for analysis.
3. Filters will be promptly distributed to individual laboratories for weight determination
and other analyses so that strict time frames for completion of activities are met.
4. Results of analyses will be entered into the laboratory database.
5. Sampled volume data will be entered into the data entry system in order to calculate
concentrations of species in terms of a mass per unit volume of air sampled (|ag/m3).
6. Filters and filter extracts will be archived (frozen or refrigerated) for 6 months.
7. Data will be transferred to the AIRS database, to the DOPO, and to the designated
person in the State operating the trends network site for review and approval.
8. All paperwork, including custody and field data forms, chromatographs, analyzer data
reports, results of QA/QC studies, and free-form notes, will be filed for ready retrieval
and inspection as required for at least a 3-yr period.
The details for these activities are included in the laboratory SOP, which are part of the
contracting laboratory's QAPP. Figure 6-2 is a simplified flow diagram of the sample analysis
delivery order process. Figure 6-3 is a flow diagram of handling and analysis steps for the filters
with the exception that the URG sampler also collects samples for ions on PTFE (Teflon).
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State identifies need for
analysis and forwards
request to RSC
RSC sends
consolidated
request to DOPO
DOPO consolidates
and forwards
request to contract
lab SPM
Sites collect
samples and
return filters to
contract lab
I
Contract lab
prepares and ships
filters and supplies
to sites.
-Routine
Contract lab
performs analysis
- Technical Assistance
RTI performs
Level 0/1 Data
Validation
^ n*i*« f^r
,
EPA and regional
QA labs perform
analysis
u/arrlori —
/Data to /
State /
30 Days
1
r
Suspend or
Reject
Payment
EPA Finance
Figure 6-2 S_--nple analysis delivery order
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Mass
PTFE (Teflon >
Elements
Sodium - Lead
Acceptance Testing
Equilibration ^
Pre sampling
Gravimetn
PTFE (TeHon)
Postsamplmg
Gra\ imetn
Mass
X-Ra>
Fluorescence
Sodium - Lead
i/
Carbon:
Total, Organic.
Elemental,
Carbonate
Quartz
Prefmng
Acceptance Testing
./Refrigerated N.
f Storage v^
Transfer t
Field S
n the Field
impling
Transf
Labo
r to »he
ralor)
Quartz
Cations: Ammonium.
Sodium. Potassium
Anions: Nitrate. Sulfate
Nylon
Washing
cc Testing
Nylon
Filter Extraction
Thermal Optical
Analysis.
Total, Organic.
Elemental.
Carbonate Carbon
Data V
alidation
Ion
Chromatography:
Ammonium.
Sodium Potassium
Nitrate. Sulfate
x'Refngeratec.^
,/Slorage and Archives^
/ for Reanalysis ^^
(Database. "\
AIRS-AQS mput^
Figure 6-3. Diagram of laboratory filter processing and analysis activities, by
filter type.
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6.3.3 Critical Laboratory Processes and Measurements
In order to generate a mass concentration, the most critical measurements of the laboratory are
the unexposed filter preweights and the exposed filter postweights or concentrations in terms of
ug/filter.The difference between these two measurements provides the net weight of particles (or
particle components) in micrograms (ug) that, when combined with the field sampler air volume
in cubic meters (nr), provides a final concentration in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3).
Table 6-1 lists all the analytes to be quantified for the STN samples.
6.4 Schedule of Activities
In order to ensure that the implementation of the additional trends sites is accomplished, many
aspects of the program must be completed in a timely, efficient fashion.
6.4.1 Planning Time Lines
Table 10-1 in Section 10.0 provides the key planning aspects of the program.
6.4.2 Implementation Time Lines
Other important dates must be met during implementation activities. They involve both
laboratory and field activities. One aspect of the field site implementation process that is critical
is the time-efficient use and return of denuders and filter media to the support laboratory. As
shown in Table 6-3 and stipulated in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Teflon filters must
be used at the field site within 30 days (d) of presampling weighing or they must be
reconditioned and reweighed. Furthermore, the contracting laboratory must submit validated
speciation concentration data to EPA within 20 business d following receipt of any sample from
the field. Therefore, it is critical that the contract laboratory and the field sites develop, agree on.
and consistently follow a schedule that will satisfy the requirement that the mass of PM2 5 on
Teflon filters be determined within 10 d after the sampling period ends and that determination of
all analytes be completed, validated, and submitted to the DOPO for review and acceptance
within 20 business d.
6.4.3 Field Time Lines
Table 6-3 indicates that filters must be collected and be prepared and ready for shipment to the
laboratory within 48 hours (h) of the end of the sample period to prepare for the next l-in-3 d
sampling period. Data should be downloaded from the speciation samplers on the day of filter
sample retrieval and stored on two media (computer hard drive and diskette). However this may
not be practical in some situations (i.e., weather extremes) and should be retrieved as soon as
possible. Data may also be transmitted using a modem. In addition, the most critical data values
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TABLE 6-3. CRITICAL FILTER AND DENUDER HOLDING AND USE TIMES
Filter or Denuder Type
Teflon (*)
Quartz (*)
Nylon (*)
Nitric acid denuder (sodium
carbonate) (**)
Nitric acid denuder (magnesium
oxide)!**)
Field Deadlines
Use within 30 days of
preweighing; retrieve and must
ship within 48 h of sample
completion.
Retrieve and ship within 48 h of
sample completion.
Retrieve and ship within 48 h of
sample completion.
Replace after 3 months' use.
Replace after 3 months' use.
Laboratory Deadlines
Condition and reweigh within 1 0
business d of receipt from field site.
Analyze filter catch within 20
business d of receipt of sample.
Analyze filter catch within 20
business d of receipt of sample.
Refurbish as required.
Refurbish or replace as required.
(*) Special deadlines for use and shipment may apply to field blank and collocated sampler filters
(**) Limitations on denuder lifetime are tentative
will also be recorded from each sampler's
liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens onto a custody and field data form and sent to the laboratory
with the samples. Figure 12-1 is an example of such a data form.
6.4.4 Data Assessment Time Line
Data Availability—In order to compare the speciation and routine samplers' mass data, data from
the routine sampler must also be available in AIRS. State/local requirements for data upload to
AIRS is 90 d after the quarter in which the data were collected. However, the time frame for pre-
and postsampling weighing, as indicated in Table 6-3, is also a requirement for the routine
samplers. Therefore, data for the routine sampler evaluated could be available within 30 d of the
sample end date. Submittal of routine sampler data as soon as possible is encouraged if data
assessment is to occur in a timely manner.
Assessments—After both routine (mass only) data and speciation data for a site are in the AIRS
database, OAQPS, Regions, and State and local agencies can use the AIRS data evaluation
programs, based on data quality assessment (DQA) techniques, to assess this information. This
assessment will be part of the level 2 and level 3 data validation process.
6.4.5 OAQPS Reporting Time Lines
QA Reports—As mentioned in Section 3.0, OAQPS plans to develop a yearly QA summary
report and an interpretive QA report every 3 yr. The yearly report will be based on a calendar
year and will be completed 6, months from the last valid entry of routine data by the State and
local agencies. The 3-yr QA report will be generated 9 months after the last valid entry of routine
data by the State and local agencies for the final year.
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6.5 Project Assessment Techniques
An assessment is an evaluation process used to measure the performance or effectiveness of a
system and its elements. As used here, assessment is an all-inclusive term used to denote any of
the following: management systems reviews (MSRs), network reviews, technical system audits
(TSAs), performance evaluations (PEs) and, audits of data quality (ADQs). Section 20.0
discusses the details of the assessments.
6.6 Project Records
The field and laboratory programs will establish and maintain procedures for the timely
preparation, review, approval, issuance, use, control, revision, and maintenance of documents
and records. Table 6-4 represents the categories and types of records and documents applicable
to document control for PM2 5 information. Information on key documents in each category is
explained in more detail in Section 9.0.
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TABLE 6-4. CRITICAL DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS
Categories
Record or Document Types
Management and organization
Organizational structure
Quality system strategic plan
Implementation plan
Reporting agency information
Personnel qualifications, training records, certifications
Quality management plan
Document control plan
EPA and State directives
Support contract documentation
Site information
Network description
Site characterization file
Site maps (paper or digital)
Site photographs
Emironmental data
operations
QAPP
Standard operating procedures (SOPs), including operating manuals
Guidance document (laboratory)
Guidance document (sampling sites)
Field site and laboratory notebooks
Sample handling and custody records
Inspection/mamtenance-'safety records
Ra\\ data
Any original data (routine and QC data), including data entry forms and diskette/hard
drive data
Data reporting
Data, summary and progress reports
Trends evaluation reports and other data summaries
Reports to management
Journal articles, papers, presentations
QA Reports
Data management
Data algorithms
Data management plans and flow charts
PM25 speciation data
Data management systems
Field and Laboratory Quality
Assurance
Calibration and QC check records
Good laboratory practices (GLP) documentation, including good automated
laboratory practices (GALPs)
Network reviews
Control charts
Data quality assessments (DQAs)
QA reports
System and performance review reports
Response or corrective action documentation
Site visits and audits (technical system audits)
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7.0 Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measurement Data
7.1 Data Quality Objectives Process
The data quality objectives (DQO) process is a strategic planning approach used to prepare for a
data collection activity in order to achieve data of adequate quality to support decision-making.
The DQO process helps to ensure that the type, quantity, and quality of environmental
monitoring data will be sufficient for the data's intended use, while simultaneously ensuring that
resources are not wasted collecting unnecessary, redundant, or overly precise data. The formal
DQO process consists of the following seven steps that allow an experimental design to be
developed to meet specific decision criteria specified by stakeholders in the decision, as
described in EPA QA/G-4, Guidance for the Data Quality Objectives Process (U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency [EPA], 1994):
*• State the problem.
* Identify the decision.
> Identify the inputs to the decision.
> Define the boundaries of the study.
> Develop a decision rule.
* Specify tolerable limits on decision errors.
*• Optimize the design.
A Speciation DQO Workgroup was established to develop and document DQOs for the PM; 5
chemical Speciation Trends Network (STN). The DQO process that the workgroup employed is
fully documented in its report (U.S. EPA, 1998), which is available online at the EPA's Ambient
Monitoring Technology Information Center (AMTIC) Web page for speciation:
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/pmspec.html
7.2 Development of DQOs for the PM25 Chemical STN
The primary DQO, detection of trends in the chemical speciation data, was defined as follows by
the EPA workgroup, who acted as stakeholders for the program:
... to be able to detect a 3 to 5 percent annual trend in the concentrations of
selected chemical species with 3 to 5 years of data on a site-by-site basis after
adjusting for seasonality, with power of 0.80. (U.S. EPA, 1999a)
[It should be noted that although the DQO statement says "3 to 5 percent" and "3 to 5 years," the
default assumptions in this QAPP will be detection of a 5 percent trend after 5 yr.]
Statistical power is defined as the likelihood that a particular statistical test will correctly reject
the null hypothesis when it is false. Because the null hypothesis is that a trend does not exist, the
DQO statement means that there must be an 80 percent probability of detecting a trend of
5 percent after 5 yr at any particular site, for any single analyte.
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Several secondary objectives for data collected at the STN sites and other chemical speciation
sites were identified, but these were not evaluated quantitatively by the workgroup. Four
important secondary data uses are as follows:
*• Model evaluation, verification, and/or validation
* Emission inventory
*• Source attribution
> Spatial and seasonal characterization of aerosol distributions.
The desirable data quality characteristics for these secondary uses are probably significantly
different from those applicable to trend assessment. This document only considers the needs of
the primary' objective for trend detection.
The DQO study also concluded that by sampling every 3rd d for 5 yr, trends greater than
5 percent (or less than -5 percent) per year can be detected for sulfate, calcium, and total carbon.
on a single-site basis. For nitrate, however, the annual trend must exceed ±6.3 percent to be
detected with a power of 80 percent. The decision-makers concluded that this was not
sufficiently different from the 5 percent goal to require adjustment to the sampling design.
Sampling daily instead of every 3rd d provides little improvement in the ability to detect trends;
however, the model showed that cutting the sampling rate to every 6th d begins to impair the
ability to detect concentrations trends within 5 yr.
7.3 Measurement Quality Objectives
Once a DQO is established, the quality of the data must be evaluated and controlled to ensure
that it is maintained within the established acceptance criteria. Measurement quality objectives
are designed to evaluate and control various phases (sampling, preparation, analysis) of the
measurement process to ensure that total measurement uncertainty is within the range prescribed
by the DQOs. The MQOs can be defined in terms of the following data quality indicators:
Precision - a measure of mutual agreement among individual measurements of the same property usually under
prescribed similar conditions. This is the random component of error.
Bias - the systematic or persistent distortion of a measurement process which causes error in one direction.
Bias will be determined by estimating the positive and negative deviation from the true value as a percentage of
the true value.
Representativeness - a measure of the degree which data accurately and precisely represent a characteristic of
a population, parameter variations at a sampling point, a process condition, or an environmental condition.
Detectability- The determination of the low range critical value of a characteristic that a method specific
procedure can reliably discern.
Completeness - a measure of the amount of valid data obtained from a measurement system compared to the
amount that was expected to be obtained under correct, normal conditions. Data completeness requirements are
included in the reference methods (40 CFR Pt. 50).
Comparability - a measure of confidence with which one data set can be compared to another.
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Section No. 7
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____^___ . '. Page 3 of 4
Accuracy has been a term frequently used to represent closeness to "truth" and includes a
combination of precision and bias error components.
For the field activities Section 14 presents the MQOs and the calculations for accuracy,
precision, bias, and completeness. Representativeness is determined through the original STN
DQO and sampling design process and detectability is discussed in the Quality Assurance
Project Plan: Chemical Speciation of PM2S Filter Samples. Comparability is achieved in the
STN by use of appropriate (performanced based) sampling instruments, and adherence to
standard SOPS, and QAPPS and the use of a single laboratory for analysis and data reporting.
The STN strategic plan (U.S. EPA, 1999b) quotes measurement quality objectives (MQOs) for
the overall measurement process that must be achieved in order to meet the DQO for trend
detection. These MQOs, which should be interpreted as the total coefficient of variation (CV)
attributable to sampling and analysis, are summarized in Table 7-3.
TABLE 7-1. MQOS FOR TOTAL MEASUREMENT ERROR
Analysis
Ions (anions and cations) by 1C
Total Carbon by TOA
Elements by EDXRF
MQO for Total
Measurement Error
(Expressed as % CV)
10
15
20
To calculate the total measurement error corresponding to the values given in Table 7-3. it is
necessary to quantify the individual components of random error using QC data collected by the
monitoring program. This process is described in Section 24.0. The limits on total error given in
Table 7-3 apply only to major ions and elements. Elements present at significantly lower
concentrations will have much larger CVs, both from natural variability and from measurement
uncertainty.
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7.4 References
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1994. Guidance for the Data Quality Objectives
Process: EPA QA/G-4, Report No. EPA/600/R-96/055, U.S. EPA, Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1998. Data Quality Objectives for the Trends
Component of the PM25 Speciation Network, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1999.
Available online on AMTIC at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/files/ambient/pm25/spec/dqo3.pdf.
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1999. Paniculate Matter (PM2S) Speciation
Guidance Document (Third Draft), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, January 5, 1999.
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1999b. Strategic Plan: Development of the
Paniculate Matter (PM25) Quality System for the Chemical Speciation Monitoring Trend Sites,
U.S. EPA. Research Triangle Park, NC, April 16, 1999.
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8.0 Special Training Requirements/Certification
8.1 Training
Personnel assigned to perform PM2 5 chemical speciation monitoring activities must meet the
educational, work experience, responsibilities, personal attributes, and training requirements for
their positions. Each State or local monitoring agency is ultimately responsible for adequately
training the personnel performing supervisory, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), data
handling, and other duties related to the PM2 5 chemical speciation network. Monitoring agency
management must ensure that these personnel have access to the relevant guidance documents,
standard operating procedures (SOPs), QA project plans (QAPPs), and sampler operations
manuals. Each monitoring agency is also responsible for assessing the adequacy of their
personnel's training and performance and for ensuring training information is adequately
documented.
Section 8.1.1 lists the minimum requirements and some additional suggestions and ideas for
training State and local personnel who may be unfamiliar with the operation of PM2 5 speciation
samplers and sample handling requirements. Section 8.1.2 describes sources of targeted training
and Internet addresses that are specifically applicable to operating the Speciation Trends network
(STN).
8.1.1 State and Local Agency PM25 Training
Minimum requirements for training personnel in field and/or laboratory operations for the STN
network are as follows:
*• Review of QAPPs for field operations and/or laboratory operations, as applicable
*• Site operators are to review the pertinent speciation sampler manual(s) for their site(s)
* Review of two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents, Paniculate
Matte)- (PAf:5) Speciation Guidance Document (January 1999) and Strategic Plan'
Development of the Paniculate Matter (PM2=) Quality System for the Chemical
Speciation Monitoring Trend Sites (April 1999).
Suggestions for State and local management personnel for training site operators in STN site
operations are as follows:
•> Supply an overview of the national air monitoring stations (NAMS) PM2 5 STN
through a video presentation. A video is available online through the Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards' (OAQPS') Education and Outreach Group at
http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/eog.
»• Schedule meetings and/or teleconferences with personnel from the State and local
agencies, OAQPS, the Regional Speciation Coordinator (RSC), the support
laboratory, and the Delivery Order Project Officer (DOPO) prior to beginning trends
network sampling operations.
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*• Offer operator training classes at a centralized location. For operators who cannot
attend, a video of the procedures for operating the sampler and submitting the samples
and data reports could be supplied for training.
»• Field personnel who are unfamiliar with operating and quality assuring data from
meteorological monitoring systems should review the system's operating manual and
consult EPA's Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems,
Volume IV: Meteorological Measurements (EPA/600/R-94/038d).
> Continue training through update memoranda, personal instruction during on-site
systems and performance reviews, and information distributed by the
OAQPS/AMTIC Technology Transfer Network and Public Forum under the
speciation topic area. This Web site is available at
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/amticpm.html.
8.1.2 Targeted Training for PM25 Sampling and Laboratory Operations
Videos—The video, "Filter Handling and Analysis for PM2 5 Chemical Speciation Monitoring," is
available from the EPA OAQPS contact person listed in Section 8.3.
Telecourses—The Air Pollution Distance Learning Network (APDLN) is a digital state-of-the-art
educational satellite-broadcasting network of more than 100 governmental and university
broadcast affiliates located across the United States. The APDLN is the result of a collaborative
partnership between the EPA, State and local air pollution control agencies, and North Carolina
State University (NCSU). During seminars and telecourses, participants are able to interact with
the Nation's leading authorities on the latest air pollution control findings, monitoring devices,
and systems. Participants can ask questions of regulators and litigators and interact with the
implementers on the APDLN.
The official listing of telecourses available from the EPA's APTI is announced on a 3-month
rolling schedule that is updated on the APDLN Web site and available from APDLN site
coordinators. The Web site is available at http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/cog.
Workshops—The workshop titled "PM25 Monitoring Training: Chemical Speciation" was
presented in February 1999. Contact APTI and OAQPS to be placed on notification lists for
future workshops.
Internet Resources—The following Internet resources are specifically applicable to the PM2 5
speciation monitoring program:
Ambient Monitoring Technical Information Center
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/amticpni.html—PM2 5 monitoring information: Contains links to
other areas including chemical speciation documents.
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/pmspec.html—Current chemical speciation documents.
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EPA/OAQPS
http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/pm25/—PM25 data analysis: Contains ongoing activities of the
data analysis virtual workgroup, including background information, the data analysis workbook,
analysis tools (software), data sets, contacts, and links to documents and to other PM2 5 sites.
National Park Service
http://www.nature.nps.gov/ard/vis/vishp.html—National Park Service's visibility monitoring
information, including the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments
(IMPROVE) network.
http://www.nature.nps.gov/ard/vis/sop/index.html—IMPROVE standard operation
procedures (SOPs).
http://www.nature.nps.gov/ard/impr/index.htm—IMPROVE newsletters.
PM2, Speciation Sampler Manufacturers' Information and Contacts
http://www.graseby.com/fpm.htm—Andersen Instruments Inc., manufacturer of RAAS
2.5-400 sampler.
URGCorpfgcompuserve.com—URG Corp., manufacturer of MASS 400 and 450 samplers.
metonefgmetone.com—Met One, manufacturer of SASS sampler.
8.2 Certification
There are no special certification requirements applicable to operation of the chemical speciation
trends monitors.
8.3 Contacts for More Information
OAOPS Contact for PM2 .-Related Training
Ms. Jan Cortelyou-Lee
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (MD-14)
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919)541-5393
Internet: cortelyoulee.jan@epa.gov
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9.0 Documentation and Records
This section defines the records critical to the Speciation Trends Network (STN), the information
to be included in reports or to be available for inspection, the data reporting format, and the
document control procedures to be used.
The STN will structure its records management system in a manner similar to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) records management system and follow the same
coding scheme in order to facilitate easy retrieval of information during internal and external
systems audits and reviews. Table 6-4 in Section 6 identifies the documents and records that will
be filed according to the statute of limitations discussed in Section 9.7. The field and laboratory
standard operating procedures (SOPs) will provide instructions on the proper distribution and
filing of data collected during specific procedures.
The following subsections describe the documents and records to be included in the (QA)
reporting packages for management, field operations, laboratory operations, data management,
and quality assurance functions of the STN. The term reporting package is defined as all the
information required to support the chemical speciation concentration data (and ancillary data)
reported to EPA, which includes all data required to be collected as well as other data deemed to
be important by the STN. Implementation of new or modified field or laboratory procedures
may require concurrent comparison against the old method. The document control feature
(generally the date of issuance) of the new version will be clearly marked, and the field or
laboratory user will be asked to discard the old version. Table 6-4 in Section 6 identifies these
documents and records.
9.1 Information in the Management and Organization Reporting Package
There are three distinct management organizations associated with the STN: (1) the EPA Office
of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) and Regional EPA offices, (2) the State and
local monitoring offices, and (3) the contract site supply and sample analysis laboratory. The
management reporting package for these organizations will vary but would normally consist of at
least an organizational structure diagram; records of personnel qualifications and training (e.g.,
resumes); a quality management plan (QMP); and files containing records of grants, contracts,
and official correspondence regarding the STN.
9.2 Information in the Field Operations Reporting Package
9.2.1 Site Information
A file containing site documentation will be maintained in the State or local agency's central or
field office for each STN monitoring site. At a minimum, the site information file must contain
the following: site characterization information that documents how and why the site was
selected, including identification of the scale of the site and the locations of nearby sources of
paniculate matter; site maps and sketches; and slides, prints, or digitized images of the site taken
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soon after installation of the PM2 5 speciation sampler(s). The STN coordination office or the
Regional Speciation Coordinator (RSC) may ask for copies of this material for a central file.
9.2.2 Field Operations
Operators of individual field sites must maintain records as well. The documents and records to
be maintained at the field office are listed under "Field Operations" in Table 9-1. The following
types of notebooks or binders are to be used by field personnel to keep documents in order and
readily accessible during a site systems review.
Field Notebooks—Each field site operator will obtain hard-bound notebooks. The notebooks will
be uniquely numbered and associated with the individual and the STN program. Generally, all
data from all routine field operations will be entered on field data forms or downloaded
electronically from the sampler's memory. The field notebook is used to record additional
information about these operations, such as information regarding weather conditions and
activities in the area that may influence the sample content and concentration (wind or electrical
damage to equipment, construction or mowing activities in the area, welding, traffic). Such
information should be included in the comments section of the field data form so the laboratory
is made aware a sample may be compromised. Maintenance needs for the sampler and the
platform (appearance, upkeep, and safety concerns) should be relayed to the site operator's
supervisor for consideration and action. In addition the field operator may use this notebook to
record important communications.
Some organizations may have the capability of substituting the field notebook for electronic
communications (i.e., electronic site notebooks). This is appropriate as long as it is used
consistently
Field Binders—A 3-ring binder is a convenient repository for the appropriate data forms for
routine operations, inspection and maintenance forms, systems audit and corrective action forms,
the field QAPP, SOPs, and updates or advisories received from EPA or from other management
sectors.
Sample Shipping/Receipt—One uniquely numbered notebook to record information about sample
receipt and shipment will be used by the field site operator. These notebooks are to be dedicated
to STN work. It will include examples of standard shipping/receiving forms and areas for free-
form notes about shipment difficulties or concerns such as equipment that arrives damaged or has
missing parts.
9.2.3 Electronic Data Collection at Field Sites
All electronic data stored in the PM2 5 speciation sampler will be downloaded to a laptop
computer or other electronic transfer device at each field site. A diskette containing information
from each of the every-third-day sampling events will be created. It will be retained in the field
operator's files for sampler troubleshooting and for later use in data validation. It is
recommend jd that data be downloaded ar ;; each run; however, data from a number of runs may
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be accumulated in the sampler's memory if bad weather or scheduling difficulties prevent
prompt downloads.
9.2.4 Hand-Entered Data at Field Sites
A number of field forms will require hand entry of data. These forms are primarily associated
with the field sites. An example of the combined custody and field data form can be found in the
SOPs of Appendix A to this QAPP and in Section 12.0. The forms should be in 3-part
carbonless paper format. A quality assurance/quality control report form, shown in Section 14.0
and in the SOPs in Appendix A to this QAPP, also requires hand-entry of data from checks of the
flow, temperature, and pressure sensors of a sampler. Information should be entered clearly with
a black or blue indelible ballpoint pen. Any entry errors should be marked out with a single line
and the correct information entered above this line. The operator must sign or initial the form to
verify the accuracy and completeness of the entries.
Information recorded on these field forms is very important because it serves as a backup in case
the diskette data become corrupted or lost. Difficulties with or suggestions for improved
operation of the samplers should be recorded here and in the field notebook. Such comments
will be very valuable during the initial months of the network operation. Information about
significant events near the site that may affect the representativeness of the sample should also be
entered into this form so the laboratory will be on alert for an unusually high concentration
sample.
A form for audit findings from the internal (or external) systems audits of the field site or the
contract laboratory is another example of a hand-entered data form. The response to the audit
finding, a Corrective Action Response (CAR) form, may also be hand-entered. Copies of all
field site reviews conducted by internal or external agencies and the site's responses to them
should be retained at the field site office.
9.3 Information in the Laboratory Operations Reporting Package
9.3.1 General Laboratory Information
A file or files of general laboratory information should be available for inspection. It will
include schematics of the laboratories showing locations of analytical stations, a record of
equipment purchases or leases, warranty information, and maintenance and service agreements
with instrument vendors and suppliers. The laboratory's safety manual should be a part of this
information.
9.3.2 Laboratory Operations
Information related to the laboratory operations and data management reporting packages is
given in the QAPP for the STN contract laboratory.
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9.4 Information in the QA Reporting Package
Four distinct QA organizations are associated with the PM2 5 STN.
9.4.1 Network QA Manager
The OAQPS management organization has a QA Manager. This Manager and staff members
will produce and update the quality system and will review QA documents from the STN's field
and laboratory functions. QA document updates and directives will be issued from this office.
The QA Manager for OAQPS has overall approval authority for the STN QAPP and any
subsequent changes made to it.
9.4.2 State and Local Field Site QA Offices
The various State and local agencies whose personnel will operate the STN sites will keep a file
of documents and procedures that are part of their customary QA plan for site and sampling,
equipment receipt and acceptance testing, equipment maintenance, sampler operational checks,
and operator training. Documented results of and CAR responses to internal site inspections and
external reviews will also be kept on file for reference and inspection.
9.4.3 Contract Laboratory QA Manager's Office
The contract laboratory's QA Manager and staff will develop and periodically update the
laboratory QAPP and SOPs for routine servicing of the sites and analysis of filter samples.
Results of internal systems and performance reviews of laboratory operations will be kept on file
and available for inspection by EPA.
9.4.4 EPA QA Laboratory Offices
EPA and Regional laboratories will provide QA services to the field and laboratory components
of the STN. Their documented procedures will be kept on file and updated as necessary using
document control methods. EPA Region 1 and EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
(ORIA) laboratories will provide QA services for STN field and laboratory activities.
9.5 Reports to Management
The State and local field site operators will follow their customary procedures for reporting
information to their local or State managers. It is suggested that any verbal communications be
documented in the field notebook or that a copy of the notebook entry be sent to the manager and
to the RSC as appropriate. Field site operators will also report information on PM2 5 sample and
meteorological data capture rates and problems with sampling equipment and check devices for
the speciation samplers. They may also report on their review and levels 2 and 3 validation of
the draft data sets supplied by the contract laboratory, if they perform these validation activities.
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The contracted laboratory is responsible for forwarding completed level 0 and level 1 data
validation checklists (Section 22) and the results of filter analyses to the EPA DOPO and to the
State or local contact who submitted the delivery order within 20 business from receipt of the
sample. Level 0 and 1 data validation is described in the laboratory QAPP. Upon approval, the
final data set will be released from the laboratory in hardcopy and electronic format to the EPA
DOPO, the State or local agency contact, and the Aerometric Information Retrieval System
(AIRS) electronic database. Draft and final composite semiannual data summary reports will be
issued from the laboratory to the State or local contact, the DOPO, and the EPA Project Officer
(PO). Results of resolution of problems with data sets will also be prepared, sent to the
concerned parties, and filed for the record.
9.6 Archival and Retrieval of Data Reporting Packages
Each organization participating in the STN is expected to keep updated versions of the
documents and data sets listed in Table 9-1 on file and accessible for the duration of the trends
network's operation or a specified lesser time. The files of the sites, the contract laboratory,
Regional and EPA QA offices, and validated electronic AIRS data sets must be retrievable for
inspection and review during regular business hours by OAQPS management or other U.S.
Government authorities.
Limits on the time of data (and sample filter) retention will be decided by OAQPS program
management. Storage and archival of all field and laboratory data associated with each analysis
in electronic format for up to 3 yr following sample analysis is presently required, with the
exception of particle photomicrographs and associated spectral data in electronic format which
may be discarded 12 months after receipt of the sample for examination. Data archivists should
contact OAQPS a month before the data discard date to ask for a decision on further archival or
disposal.
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10.0 Sampling Process Design
This section describes all components associated with on-site field operations of the nationwide
PM2 5 Speciation Trends Network (STN). The network will be operated by State and local
agencies in 39 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This section describes the key
parameters to be estimated, the locations of primary speciation samplers and collocated quality
assurance (QA) speciation samplers, the frequency of sampling using the primary and QA
samplers, and the location and frequency of on-site systems and performance evaluations (PEs).
The network design components comply with the regulations specified in 40 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part 58, Section 58.13, Appendices A and D, which are further described in
the document Guidance for Network Design and Optimum Site Exposure for PM2 5 and PM10
(U.S. EPA 1997).
10.1 Scheduled Project Activities, Including Management Activities
The STN will be sampling for chemical components of PM2 5 at 54 locations. Fifty-four primary
speciation samplers and 7 collocated QA speciation samplers will be employed. Of the 54 sites,
20 will be located at existing Type 2 photochemical assessment monitoring stations (PAMS),
which are part of the national air monitoring stations (NAMS) network. The remaining 34 sites
will be located at existing sites, or sites to be established, in selected Metropolitan Statistical
Areas (MSAs) or Consolidated MSAs (CMSAs). All 54 sites will have a collocated Federal
Reference Method (FRM) monitor present to collect samples for determination of particle mass
concentration.
Installation of the speciation samplers and operator training occurred during the third quarter of
1999 and the first quarter of 2000. Twelve sampling sites in 12 States were installed in October
1999 as a Mini-Trends Study and an initial operational evaluation component of the network.
The installation sequence then proceeded to each of the existing PAMS sites and then to NAMS
sites in the chosen MSAs. Those sampling locations that did not have an existing site available
will come online as the locations are approved and readied for use. The goal is to have all 54
samplers installed and tested, operators trained, and laboratory support arrangements and
schedules in place by December 2000. A time line schedule of activities that apply to sites in the
STN is given in Table 10-1.
Attaining a complete understanding of the interactions and scheduling of field and support
laboratory activities is a very important consideration during the design, installation, and startup
phases of the STN. A schedule of activities for the supporting contract laboratory for the NAMS
trends network is presented in Table 10-2.
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TABLE 10-1. SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR STATE
FIELD SITE PARTICIPANTS
AND LOCAL PM2 5 STN
Activity
Select sites. Arrange for space, electrical power,
personnel.
Network participants meet (12-site Mini-Trends
Study initially).
Order speciation sampler(s) and accessories
under national contract (12-site Mini-Trends
Study initially).
Acquire 10-m meteorological tower and sensor
package, if appropriate
Review, conditionally approve STN quality
assurance project plan (QAPP) and pertinent
standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Receive and install sampler(s).
Confer with Regional Speciation Coordinator
(RSC) and others.
Attend training sessions and''or review video.
Complete site preparation and sampler
installation, (a) 12-site Mini-Trends Study (b)
42 additional sites.
Begin Mini-Trends sampling at 12 sites.
Incorporate lessons learned and comments from
1 2-site Mini-Trends network into draft STN
field QAPP.
Resolve sampling problems experienced by the
12-site Mini-Trends Study. Revise procedures
accordingly and obtain network-wide approval.
Beem routine, every 3Td-d speciation sampling at
all STN sites.
Participate in routine and nonroutme trends
sampling and field QA programs.
Review and level 2 ,3 validation of monthly
data reports received from laboratory.
Report problems and suggestions for
improvement to State/local management and so
on.
Consolidate STN QAPPs for field, laboratory,
audit program.
Anticipated Date
July 1999 through March
2000
July 1 999 and continuing
August 1999 and
continuing
August 1999 and
continuing
August and September
1999
September 1 999 through
March 2000
September 1999 and
continuing as sites come
on line.
October 1999 and
continuing
(a) Bv October 1999
(b) By December! 2000
November 1, 1999
Final approval,
July 2000
Prior to April 2000
sampling date
December 2000
December 2000 and
continuing
Each month. Complete
review within 30 d
As required
Notes
Confer with U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) prior to
ordering to confirm sampler
selection and need for collocated
sampler.
Confer with EPA prior to ordering
Order only if needed at site(s).
Contingent on vendor schedule.
Finalize mechanism and schedule for
delivery order process for routine,
nonroutme, and QA samples
Consult EPA's Office of Air Quaht\
Planning and Standards (OAQPS)
and EPA Regional Offices for plans.
Obtain site documentation and
photographs/slides for site file.
Involve field staff, RSC, laboratory ,
OAQPS as required.
Refer to every 3'd-d sampling
schedules for 2000 and beyond
Interact with RSC.
Interact with RSC and OAQPS to
resolve problems.
Interact with RSC and OAQPS.
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TABLE 10-2. SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR CONTRACTING STN LABORATORY
Activity
Prepare and obtain approval of QAPP and
SOPs for laboratory activities and field site
support.
Meet with OAQPS project scientists, RSCs,
and Delivery Order Project Officers
(DOPOs).
Receive and analyze routine speciation
samples
Assemble, validate, and report data. Review
field and laboratory interactions; review and
resolve problems.
Complete analyses within 20 business d of
sample receipt. Prepare and submit monthly
draft summary data reports to DOPO and
State agencies for review and validation.
Submit final data packages following
State local and DOPO approval of draft data
QA auditing and inspections.
Svstems audit and review of data archives.
Date
Draft: August 1999
Final: September 1999
September 1999
November 1999 and
continuing
November 1999 and
continuing
Submit summary data
report by 15'h d of month
following month of
analyses
Quarterly
Various times; quarterly
Annuallv
Notes
Includes laboratory SOPs, tested
and approved for use.
Receive details on initial STN site
contacts and sampler requirements.
Finalize mechanism and schedule
for delivery order process for
routine samples.
Conduct level 0 and level 1
validation of data
Enter data into Aerometric
Information Retrieval Svstem
(AIRS).
QA Manager for contract
laboratory conducts audits
Coordinated by EPA
10.2 Rationale for the Design
10.2.1 Network Design
The rationale for the design of the STN is in part found in the requirements and principles set
forth in the Federal Register (62 FR 38763), promulgated as part of the PM2 5 National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) review completed in 1997. This rule specifies that a 50-site
chemical speciation trends network be established as a component of the overall PM25 criteria
pollutant study effort. These sites should include approximately 20 PM25 core sites to be
collocated at PAMS sites.
The remaining speciation trends sites are located to include major population areas in the central,
Midwestern, and southeastern United States, which, in many cases, also include areas with the
region's higher PM]0 and PM2 5 precursor emissions. In locating speciation sites within each of
the suggested MSAs, it is recommended that the speciation trends site be a community-oriented
PM2 5 core site, which is expected to receive the maximum PM2 5 concentrations for the MSA.
Each MSA speciation trends site will be outfitted with a 10-m meteorological tower to collect
data on wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity. If, after collection and review of
data from several samples, a site is judged to be biased by emissions from a nearby source or by
poor ambient air exposure, the data will be examined, recommendations will be made by the
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local agency for relocating the site, and a decision will be made by the networks coordinating
office based on the findings. Examples of causes of sampling bias could be detection of
unusually high concentrations of a metal or filter loadings much higher than other sites in the
airshed.
OAQPS scientists and peer review members of the Subcommittee on Fine Particle Monitoring (a
subcommittee of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, [CASAC]) have participated in
numerous meetings to discuss the STN's design and how it should begin operations. It was
decided that the network should first begin as a 12-site, 12-State Mini-Trends Study. The Mini-
Trends Study's purposes are to provide State personnel with hands-on experience in the
operation and selection of speciation samplers and to gain knowledge about PM2 5 chemical
composition and sampler operations during cold weather and in woodsmoke emissions areas.
10.2.2 Speciation Sampler Design and Selection
Sampler design requirements stated in 40 CFR Part 53 require that speciation samplers
incorporate particle inlets and size fractionators having comparable particle size discrimination
curves as the reference method for PM2 5, employ denuder technology to remove acidic and
organic gases, have face velocities and sample volume capture similar to the FRM, and be
reliable and rugged in field use. However, speciation samplers are not required to attain
reference or equivalent method designation and should be selected on performance in order to
meet the STN data quality objectives. Desirable features of speciation samplers are discussed in
the PM25 speciation guidance document (U.S. EPA 1999).
Speciation sampler(s) will also be collocated at 7 of the 54 sites in the network. These sites are
identified in Table 10-3. The collocated samplers provide a set of PM25 speciation data,
originating from a separate but otherwise identical sampler, in order to estimate the precision of
the total sample collection, handling, and analysis/data reporting process. The collocated QA
sampler will also be operated every 3rd d to coincide with the start and end run times of the site's
primary monitor. Samples and data from the QA sampler will be handled in exactly the same
way as those from the primary sampler. Section 14.0 discusses this precision check in more
detail.
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TABLE 10-3. PROPOSED SITES FOR THE PM, < STN
EPA
Region
1
i
3
4
5
6
State or
Commonwealth
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Vermont
New York
Ne\\ Jersey
Puerto Rico
Washington, DC
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
MSA or PAMS
City Site Name
East Hartford (M)
Kittery (P)
Boston, U. (P, 1)
Chicopee (P)
East Providence (P)
Burlington (M)
Queens (P)
Rochester (M)
New Brunswick ( 1
San Juan (M)
McMillan Reservoir
(P)
Essex (P)
E Lycoming (P)
Pittsburgh (M)
Norfolk (M)
Birmingham (M)
Miami (M)
Tampa (M)
S. Dekalb (P)
Biloxi (M)
Charlotte (M)
Charleston (M)
Memphis (M)
Northbrook(LP)
Indianapolis (M)
Detroit (M)
Minneapolis (M)
Cleveland (M)
Milwaukee (P)
Capitol (P)
Tulsa (M)
Deer Park. (1,P)
Hmton (P)
Chamizal (P)
AIRS
Number
09-003-1003
23-031-3002
25-025-0042
25-013-0008
44-007-1010
36-081-0097
36-005-6001
34-023-0011
11-001-0043
24-005-3001
42-101-0004
13-089-0002
17-031-4201
55-079-0041
22-033-0009
48-201-1035
48-113-0069
48-141-0044
Local Sampling and QA/QC Contacts
Jerry Sheehan, 978-975-3215
(jerry.sheehan@state.ma.us)
Jerry Sheehan, 978-975-3215
(jerry. sheehan(o;state.ma.us)
Dirk Felton, 518-457-9137
(hdfelton@gw. dec. state. ny. us)
Norman Glazer, 215-685-1085
(norman.glazer@phila.gov)
TomTamanim 813-272-5530
(tamanim@epcjanus.epchc org)
Terry Sweitzer, 217-782-7438
(epa2204(a epa.state.il. us)
Bob Lamorte, 708-865-6184
(ccdects@wwa.com)
Ed Michael, 512-239-1384
(emichel@tnrcc.state.tx.us)
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 10
Revision No/ 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of 8
TABLE 10-3 (continued)
EPA
Region
7
8
9
10
Network
Totals
State or
Commonwealth
Kansas
Missouri
Nebraska
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
^
Utah
Arizona
California
Nevada
Idaho
Oregon
Washington
30 States
MSA or PAMS
City Site Name
Kansas City (M)
St. Louis (M)
Omaha (M) /
Denver (1, M) /
Missoula^M) '
'Bismark(N^
Salt Lake City (M)
Phoenix (M)
Riverside
(Rubidioux)(l,M)
El Cajon (P)
Simi Valley (P)
Sacramento (P)
Bakersfield (M)
Fresno (M)
San Jose (M)
Reno (M)
Boise (M)
Portland (M)
Seattle (1,M)
34 MSAs/Sites; 19
PAMS
Sites; 53 Total
AIRS
Nuijfoer
/
/
06-065-8001
06-073-0003
06-111-2002
06-067-0006
06-029-0014
06-019-0008
06-085-0004
Local Sampling and QA/QC Contacts
Bern Johnson, 573-526-2027
(nijohnb@mail.dnr.state.mo.us)
James Brunnert, 573-751-2706
(nrbrunj@dnr.state.mo.us)
6 >' <
Daniel E. Harman, 701-325?$2§t^
(dharman@state.nd.us)
Robert Neal Olson. 801-877-0764
(rolson@deq. state. ut. us)
Tom Moore, 602-207-2353
(moore.tom@ev. state, az. us)
Steve Aalbers, 503-229-6798
(aalbers.steven@deq. state. or.us)
1 Selected as collocated speciation sampling sites.
:MSA is Metropolitan Statistical Area, coded by (M) following the site name. PAMS is photochemical air
monitoring station, coded by (P)
following the site name.
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 10
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10'25/99
Page 7 of 8
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-------
PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 10
Revision No,: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 8 of 8
10.2.3 Sampling Frequency
The entire STN will sample consistently every 3rd d. Routine samples will be collected for a
24-h period beginning and ending at midnight on the assigned day. The every 3rd-d sampling
schedules for the years 1999 and 2000 are available from OAQPS and will be distributed to all
site supervisors and operators.
Sites in the STN will not acquire samples on any other days unless specifically directed to do so
by network authorities. Should nonroutine sampling be requested, such samples must be taken
on days other than those set by the every-3rd-d schedule and must be handled separately when
submitted to the laboratory for analysis.
10.2.4 Deviations from the Sampling Plan
Because the STN's major goal is to determine trends in PM2; chemical speciation concentrations
over time and within geographical areas, deviations from the sampling plan are not allowed.
Should an occasional deviation occur at a site, the site operator must note this in his or her field
site notebook and on the field data form that is returned to the laboratory with the sample filters
so the resulting data can be flagged. Continued deviations from the sampling plan at one or more
sites will give rise to a review of the site's operating plan, the personnel involved, and a request
for prompt corrective action. Furthermore, the data sets acquired during periods when deviations
from the sampling plan occurred may be sequestered and not used in trends analysis studies.
10.3 Reference
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1997. Guidance for Net\\>ork Design and Optimum Site
Exposure for PM2.5 and PMW. Publication No. EPA-454/R-99-022. December 1997.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1999. Paniculate Matter (PM2S) Speciation Guidance
Document. Third Draft. January 1999.
-------
PM,5STNQAPP
Section No. 11
RevisonNo.. 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 7
11.0 Sampling Methods Requirements
I'he Speciation Trends Network (STN) network provides for measurement of the mass and
chemical component concentrations of fine participate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less
than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers (PM2 5) in ambient air over a 24-h period. Three
different brands of PM2 5 speciation monitors will be used to collect PM2 5 samples. These three
samplers have been subjected to bench testing and to comprehensive multicity field test
mtercomparisons against each other and against the Federal Reference Method (FRM) and the
Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) samplers and have met
the requirements stated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requisition for
speciation samplers. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for setup, operation, and quality
control (QC) of the samplers are given in Appendix A to this quality assurance project plan
(QAPP).
11.1 Sample Collection and Preparation
11.1.1 Preparation
Before a site visit, the operator must gather sampling modules, data forms, and sampler
verification equipment to check flow, temperature, and pressure (if a QC check is scheduled).
The sampling modules must be transported to the sites in a protected environment and not
subjected to high temperatures.
Shipment of sampling modules to the laboratory will require the use of ice substitutes and special
coolers. The operator must freeze the ice packs prior to use. During transport to/from the sites,
the ice substitutes may be placed in an electric transport cooler to maintain their frozen state, if
desired.
11.1.2 Field Sample Collection
The speciation sampler will be permanently installed within 1 to 4 m of the site's routine FRM
sampler. The proper operation of the speciation samplers and the collocated FRM sampler must
be confirmed before the first run. A testing and acceptance checklist appears in Section 15.0 of
this QAPP. Sampling modules will be installed and the samplers will run every 3rd day, from
midnight- to- midnight on local standard time the whole year. Refer to Appendix A for details
on setup and operation of the sampler, handling of filter sampling modules, hand-entry of data,
downloading of electronic files, and sampler QC check requirements.
11.1.3 Sampler Recorded Measurements
Table 11-1 lists the information that is expected to be provided by any of the speciation samplers.
This information will be stored in the sampler's memory and can be downloaded to disks.
Essential information will also be transcribed from the display screen of the sampler and hand-
entered on to a custody and field data form. This form is described in Section 12.0 of this QAPP.
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PMjjSTNQAPP
Section No. 11
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 7
TABLE 11-1. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SPECIATION SAMPLER
Information to be Provided
Flow rate, average, for the sample
period
Flow rate, CV. for the sample period
Flow rate, 5-mm average out of
specification (FLAG)
Sample volume, total
Temperature, ambient, min., max ,
a\ erage. for the sample period
Barometric pressure, ambient, mm .
max . a\ erage. for the sample period
Filter temperature, differential, 30-min
interval, out of specification (FLAG)
Date and time
Sample start and stop time settings
Sample period start time
Elapsed sample time
Elapsed sample time out of
specification (FLAG)
Power interruptions >1 mm, start time
of first ten interruptions
Lser-entered information, such as
sampler and site identification
Units
L/iran
L/mm
nr
°C
mmHg
yr/mo/d/h/mm
yr/mo/d/h/mm
yr/mo/d/h'min
h mm
h mm
Availability
Anytime
* (optional)
*
•
*
*
*
*
•
•
—
*
—
*
•
End of Period
• (required)
•
•
•
•
•
•
—
•
•
•
•
•
•
Visual Display
*
*
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
*
•
Provided to AIRS
Database
•
•
•
•
•
•
—
•
•
•
•
The sample volume is essential to determining the concentration of the species. The total
volume of air collected by a speciation sampler will vary by brand and sampling channel.
Samples are expected to be 24 h in duration; however, in some cases, a shorter sample period
may be necessary, but it should not be less than 23 h or more than 25 h. Because capture of the
fine particulate is predicated on a particular sampler channel's design flow, deviations of greater
than 10 percent will set a flag for that sample period. Further, if a sampling period is less than
23 h or greater than 25 h, the sample will be flagged. Other conditions may cause a flag to be
set. These include power losses and extreme difference in ambient and sampler interior
temperatures.
11.1.4 Sampling Module Transportation
The used sampling modules must be stored in a protective transport container and transported to
the contract laboratory as soon as possible. Sampling modules must be shipped out by overnight
express within 48 h following the end of a sample run.
11.1.5 Field Maintenance and Calibration
A maintenance schedule must be developed for field sampling equipment and verification
devices. See Section 15.0 of this QAPP for more information. Consult the operator's manuals,
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PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 11
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of 7
the SOPs in Appendix A, and Section 16.0 of this QAPP for requirements and procedures for
calibration of temperature and pressure sensors and the flow rates of sampling channels.
11.2 Sampling/Measurement System Corrective Action Process
11.2.1 Corrections to the SOPs
The State and local agency field site operators and their supervisors are responsible for
implementing this QAPP and the field SOPs and are in part responsible for the quality of the
data. If changes or corrections are suggested for the SOP methods or QAPP, State or region
personnel will notify the QA Manager in the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
(OAQPS) Coordination Office. The QA Manager will review the information and convey the
issue to the Chemical Speciation Workgroup. The workgroup will review the proposed change
and attempt to classify the change according to the effect the change would have on the data.
Class types follow:
Class 1—The change improves the data and the new procedure replaces the current procedure. If
found to be acceptable by the workgroup, a new SOP will be issued that can be inserted into the
QAPP. The document control information in the heading will contain a new revision number
and date. A quality bulletin will be filled out describing the change and distributed to all affected
National Trends Network (NTN) personnel.
Class 2—The change provides for an alternative that does not affect the quality of the data but
may provide for efficiencies in some circumstances or be cost-effective. If found to be
acceptable by the workgroup, the original SOP will not be altered, but an addendum to the
procedure will be issued that describes the modification and provides for the use of the
alternative method.
Class 3—The change is grammatical in nature and does not reflect a change in the procedure.
The changes will be highlighted and modified during a Class 1 change (where appropriate) or
corrected during the development of a full revision to the document.
Upon agreement by the speciation workgroup to institute a change, hard copies of Class 1 and 2
changes will be distributed using the quality bulletin illustrated in Figure 11-1. The STN
laboratory, each site, and the management of each site will be notified. New versions of SOPs
will be mailed to STN participants with instructions to discard the old version.
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 11
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 7
Quality Bulletin
Subject:
Number.
Date
Page
of
Supersedes No.
Dated
Replace and Discard Original
Add Material to Document
Notes:
PM:, QA Coordinator
Retain this bulletin until further notice
Discard this bulletin after noting contents
This bulletin will be invalid after (Date) _
D
D
D
This bulletin will be incorporated into quality
Procedure No. by (Date)
Figure 11-1 Quality bulletin
-------
PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 31
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 5 of 7
11.2.2 Data Operations
Corrective action measures in field operations of the STN will be taken to ensure the data quality
objectives are attained. Potentially, there are many types of sampling and measurement system
corrective actions. Table 11-2 is an attempt to forecast the expected problems and corrective
actions needed for a well-run speciation trends network.
11.3 Avoiding Sample Contamination; Temperature and Holding Time
Requirements
This section details the requirements needed to prevent sample contamination, the temperature
preservation requirements, and the permissible holding times to limit degradation of the sample
catch.
11.3.1 Sample Contamination Prevention
The STN must have rigid requirements for preventing sample contamination. Powder-free
antistatic gloves are worn while handling filter cassettes or sampling modules in the laboratory.
Once the filter cassette or sampling module leaves the laboratory, it must not be opened due to
the potential for filter damage or contamination. Filter cassettes (used with the Andersen RAAS
sampler) will be stored in protective containers. Other sampling modules (used with the URG
MASS or the Met One SASS) will be capped and protected in plastic wrap or polyurethane foam
during shipment to and from the site. When used cassettes or sampling modules are removed
from the sampler, they must be promptly capped or otherwise protected to prevent contamination
from dusts, gases, or abrasion. The site operator's hands must be clean when handling sampling
modules and is suggested that they are cleaned immediately before the sample handling step. It
is recommended that plastic gloves be used.
11.3.2 Temperature Preservation and Holding Time Requirements
During shipment from the laboratory to the sample location, there are no specific requirements
for temperature control; however, the filters or sampling modules should remain in their
protective containers and inside the transport container. Excessive heat must be avoided (e.g., do
not leave in direct sunlight or a closed-up car during summer). During the sampling (24-h
period), the filters will be subject to ambient temperatures and should not exceed the ambient
temperature by more than 5 °C for more than 30 min continuously. Sampling modules should be
removed from the sampler within 48 hours after the sampling period ends. The temperature of
sampling modules must be brought to 4 °C as soon as possible and the shipment package, cooled
to 4 °C, should be ready for pickup by the courier service as soon as possible, unless the
samples will be transported back to the field office and stored in a refrigerator (i.e., Friday
sample collection).
(Figure 11-1. Quality bulletin.
-------
PMjjSTNQAPP
Section No. 11
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of 7
TABLE 11-2. STN FIELD OPERATIONS CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
Item
Sampling media inspec-
tion (presample)
Note. This inspection will
apply only to the
Andersen RAAS sampler.
Sampling media filter
inspection (postsample)
Note: This inspection will
apply only to the
Andersen RAAS sampler.
Sample flow rate
verification( s)
Leak test
Problem(s)
Filter with pinhole(s) or
tears. Missing component
of samplmg module.
Mismatched module and
chain-of-custody (COC)
fntm
i\ji in.
Torn or suspect filter catch
Out of specification
(+10 percent of transfer
standard)
Leak outside acceptable
tolerance
Action
1 . If additional sampling
module available, use
it; void filters with
pinholes or tears
2. Use new field blank
module as sample filter
3 . Obtain a new sampling
module from laboratory
1 . Inspect filter holder
and connections
2. Check sampler
pneumatics
1 . Completely remove
flow rate measurement
adapter; reconnect and
perform flow rate
check again
2. Perform leak test
3. Check flow rate at
three points to
determine if flow rate
problem is with zero
bias or slope
4. Recalibrate flow rate
1 . Completely remove
flow rate measurement
adapter; reconnect and
perform leak test again
2. Inspect all seals and O-
rings: replace as
necessary and perform
leak test again
3. Check sampler with
different leak test
device
Notification
1 . Document on field data
form
2. Document on field data
form
3. Notify Delivery Order
Project Officer (DOPO)
and laboratory
1 . Document on field data
form
2. Document in site
notebook; notify field
manager
1 . Document on QA'QC
field data form
2. Document on QA/QC
field data form
3. Document on QA/QC
field data form and
notify supervisor and
sampler vendor
4. Document on field
calibration data form
and notify supervisor
1 . Document in field
notebook and on
QA/QC field data form
2 Document in field
notebook and on
QA'QC field data form.
flag data since last
successful leak test.
3. Document in field
notebook and on
QA/QC field data form
-------
TABLE 11-2. (continued)
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 11
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 7 of 7
Item
Sample flow rate
Ambient temperature
verification and filter
temperature verification
Ambient pressure
verification
Elapsed sample time
Elapsed sample time
Power
Power
Data downloading
Problem(s)
Consistently low flows
documented during
sample run
Out of specification (+4°C
of standard)
Out of specification
(;10mrnHg of standard)
Out of specification
(^ 5 min)
Sample did not run
Power interruptions
Liquid-crstal display
(LCD) panel on, but
sampler not working
Data will not transfer to
laptop computer
Action
1 . Check programming of
sampler flow rate
2. Check flow with a flow
rate verification filter
and determine if actual
flow is low
1 . Recalibrate sensor;
replace sensor
1 . Make certain pressure
sensors are exposed to
the ambient air and are
not in direct sunlight
2. Call local airport or
other source of ambient
pressure data and
compare that pressure
to pressure data from
monitors sensor;
pressure correction
may be required
3. Connect new pressure
sensor
1 . Check programming.
verify power outages
2. Reset'
1 . Check programming
2 . Try programming
sample run to start
while operator is at
site; ensure the
transport filter is in the
unit
1 . Check line voltage
1 . Check circuit breaker;
some samples have
battery backup for data
but will not work
without AC power
1 . Document key
information on sample
data sheet. Make
certain problems are
resolved before data
are written over in
sampler microprocessor
Notification
1 . Document in field
notebook
2. Document in field
notebook
1 . Document in field
notebook and on
QA/QC field data form
1 . Document in field
notebook and on
QA/QC field data form
2. Document in field
notebook and on
QA/QC field data form
3. Document as above
1 . Document on data
sheet
2. Document in field
notebook
1 . Document in field
notebook
-------
PM2jSTNQAPP
Section No. 12
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 6
12.0 Sample Handling and Custody Requirements
12.1 Introduction
This section describes sample handling and custody procedures that are necessary to ensure that
> Speciation Trends Network (STN) site operators properly handle the sampling
components from the time of receipt at the field office until they are released to the
shipping agency for return to the STN laboratory.
*• Field site use chain-of-custody (COC) and subsequent laboratory COC is maintained
for each sample, beginning with placement of the filters in the sampler collection
modules and extending through all analytical steps to final sample archival.
12.2 Presampling Sample Handling and Custody Procedures
Care must be taken when handling, storing, and transporting filters at all stages in their use due
to the small mass of particles collected on exposed filters, the potential for sample losses due to
rough handling or sample volatilization, and the potential for weight gain due to contamination
or uptake of reactive gases on the filter and particulate matter surfaces. Care must also be
exercised in handling denuders to ensure acidic gases are quantitatively removed from the sample
air stream and that the denuder's coating does not dislodge and fall onto the sample filter.
Sample handling procedures must be consistently followed in order to provide data meeting the
data quality objectives (DQOs). These procedures are discussed below and presented more fully
in the PM2 5 sampler standard operating procedures (SOPs) which are included in Appendix A to
this quality assurance project plan (QAPP).
12.2.1 Procedures in the STN Laboratory
Details on how the contract laboratory handles the denuders and filters, loads the filters into
sampling modules, and packages the components for shipment to the field office are given in the
STN laboratory's QAPP.
Sample custody procedures are required to avoid misplacement of samples or confusion of one
sample with another, and to provide documentation to assist in detection and resolution of COC
problems. A sample is considered to be in custody if it is in one's actual physical possession or
stored in a secured area restricted to authorized personnel.
Each set of sampling modules and other equipment supplied by the laboratory (such as cyclones
and denuders) will be accompanied by a three-page, carbonless PM2 5 custody and field data form
(CAFDF). This form will contain the filter identification number, filter type, container (module
or cassette) identification number, and date by which the sampling media must be used. An
example CAFDF is illustrated in Figure 12-1 and its contents are explained in Table 12-1. The
laboratory will fill in much of the information required in parts A, B, and C of the form and will
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 12
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 6
retain the third copy. The information on the CAFDF will ultimately be entered into a sample
tracking system, where an electronic record will be kept.
12.2.2 Procedures at the Field Office
Upon receipt at the field office of a set of sampling components for a particular speciation
sampler, the STN site operator must carry out the following documentation and handling steps:
> Enter receipt of the shipment in the operator's field notebook, noting the date and time
of receipt and any air bill or other identifying numbers associated with the shipment.
> Inspect the exterior of the shipping cooler, note any evident damage, and record
observations in the operator's field notebook.
>• Open the shipping container and ensure that a CAFDF is present for each set of
sampler components sent in the shipment. Also check to be sure shipping items such
as ice substitute gel packs and a min./max. thermometer (if required) are present.
Ensure each identifying number printed on the CAFDF corresponds to an enclosed
sampling channel component. Do not use any sampling component whose
identifying bar code number is not listed on the CAFDF. Notify the STN laboratory
about any discrepancies. Remove the gel packs and freeze them.
»• Sign and date the custody record portion of the CAFDF.
»• Store all components for a sampler run together in a container in an air-conditioned
secure area for later transport to the site. Adopt a first-in, first-out use schedule.
Sampling components should be stored and tracked so that the correct set of sampling
components reaches the designated field collection site for use on the designated
sampling day.
Do not interchange sampler channel components intended for use with a particular speciation
sampler at a particular site with components for any other sampler or site. The STN laboratory
has labeled each sampler channel component for use at a particular site. Should an interchange
occur, the STN site operator must fully document the variance and inform the laboratory so the
analytical results can be associated with the correct sampler and site.
-------
PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 12
Revison No • 3
Date: 10-2599
Page 3 of 6
BAR CODE GOES HERE
Custody/Data Form No.
PM,« STN CUSTODY AND
'2.5
FIELD DATA FORM
White - return to lab
Yellow - site retains
Pink - lab retains
A. CUSTODY RECORD (Name, Date)
1 Laboratory, Out
2. Site, In
Date
Date
3. Site, Out.
4 Lab, In _
Date
Date
B. SITE AND SAMPLER INFORMATION
1. Site AIRS Code
2, Sampler S/N
3. Sampler Type
4 Sampler POC
5. Site Name
6 Intended date of use
7 Date of sampler set-up
8. Operator's name
C. SAMPLER CHANNEL COMPONENTS
Channel Number
Component ID
No.
Component Description
kept at site
SASS cyclone
(1234568
SASS cassette (Teflon filter) (GREEN)
kept at site
SASS cyclone
11234570
SASS cassette (MgO denuder, nylon filter) (RED)
kept at site
SASS cyclone
11234572
SASS cassette (quartz filter) (ORANGE)
D. START, END, AND RETRIEVAL TIMES
Channel No.
Start date
Start time
End date
End time
Retrieval date
Retrieval time
E. SAMPLER CHANNEL INFORMATION (Post-Sampling)
Channel
No
Run
Time
Run
Time, Flag
Sample
Volume
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 12
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 6
TABLE 12-1. EXPLANATION OF STN CUSTODY AND FIELD DATA FORM
CAFDF Section
Top
A.
B
C.
D
E.
F
of form
Custody Record
Site and Sampler
Information
Sampler Channel
Components
Start. End. and
Retrieval Times
Sampler Channel
Information
Comments
Explanation of Section Contents
The custody/data form number will be unique to each sample set and assigned in
advance by the laboratory. The 3-part carbonless form will be distributed as
follows:
• Top copy (white original) — returned to the analytical laboratory
• Second copy (yellow) - retained by the field site office
• Third copy (pink) -- retained by the originator
Acknowledge relinquishing and receiving custody in this section. Persons should
sign their name (legibly) and record the date.
Information about the site and the date the sampler modules are to be used. Most of
this information will be pre-entered by the laboratory.
The sampling components needed for a particular sampler and its multichannel
sampling arrangement are listed here. They are identified by bar code tracking
number and by a free-form description. The brand of the sampler is identified. This
information will be entered by the laboratory, preprinted on the form A separate
custody/ data form will be used for each set of sampling modules intended for
routine sampling, field blank studies, and trip blank studies.
These entries are made by the site operator. The start and end times correspond to
those programmed into the sampler during the setup phase. The operator must
enter these data clearly and must double-check the values against the sampler
display screen. The retrieval date and time indicate when the sampling modules
were removed from the sampler.
Postsampling information can be transcribed by hand directly from the display
screen of the sampler. The operator is responsible for making these entries at the
site The sample volumes will be used by the laboratory to compute analyte
concentrations. The State and local agencies will use these data in level 2 and 3
validations to identify problems with the sampler. Again, the operator must enter
these data clearly and must double-check the values against the sampler
display screen.
This section offers a place to record further notes on any part of the form as well as
observations of abnormally high emissions in the vicinity. The person recording
information here should refer to the sections of the form. Detailed information
should also be recorded in the field or laboratory notebook and referenced to the
iininnp riistnrty/Hata form number Inratinn samplpr, anH samnlino Hate
12.2.3 Procedures at the Field Collection Site
Sampling components/modules must be used at the field collection site on the sampling date
specified on the CAFDF. Unused sampling modules and denuders should remain sealed or
capped and kept from exposure to ambient air, temperature extremes, or vibrations.
Upon arrival at the site to set up a sampling event, the STN site operator should follow the SOP
written for the particular sampler. Refer to Appendix A for instructions for the installation of
sampling modules and denuders and programming of the sampler. Once the sampling modules
are installed at the site and the sampler is programmed to begin operation, the operator should
complete the appropriate sections of the CAFDF.
-------
PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 12
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 5 of 6
12.3 Postsampling Sample Handling and Custody Procedures
The following procedures represent brief descriptions of more detailed standard operating
procedures. For more detailed information about the process of removing sampling modules and
denuders from a sampler, filling in field data forms, downloading data electronically, and
packaging samples in a cooler for shipment, refer to the specific sampler's SOPs in Appendix A
to this QAPP, to SOPs concerning sample packaging and shipment in the STN laboratory's
QAPP, and to the sampler's operating manual
12.3.1 Procedures at the Field Collection Site
The following is a brief description of the post sampling procedures at the field site.. Within 48 h
after the end of a sampling period, the STN site operator should remove the sampling modules
from the sampler.
At the site, the operator must complete the following:
* Read selected data from the sampler's display screen and enter them in Section E of
the custody and field data form. Double-check all entries against the sampler
display. Print clearly. Be certain the entries are clear on the second page of the
carbonless form. Refer to the custody and field data form example in Figure 12-1
and to Table 12-1 for details.
*• Remove the filter cassettes or sampling modules from the sampler. Briefly examine
the cassette or module for damage and ensure it is. in fact, the correct module for the
sampling channel from which it was removed.
>• Place the sampling modules in protective container(s); cap the denuders if they are to
be returned. Place all sampling materials in the shipping/transport container
containing ice substitutes but do not seal.
* Download data from the sampler via a laptop computer to a labeled diskette.
Alternatively, download to a data transfer device for later entry to a diskette.
* Return to the field office.
12.3.2 Procedures at the Field Office
The STN site operator within 48 h following the end of the sampling period to: return the
modules to the field office; complete all paperwork; and package the modules, denuders, and
data sheets in the cooler for pickup by the shipping agency (Federal Express). Schedules may
require earlier shipment. At the field office, the operator must complete the following:
* Retain the second page of the 3-page CAFDF and package the top copy in the
shipping container. Package the sampling modules, insert the ice packs in the
shipping container, and take the cooler or package to a drop point or arrange for
pickup by the contracted overnight air shipping company (Federal Express). Chain
of custody seals on the shipping coolers or containers are not required.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 12
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of 6
>• Complete the shipping air bill, attach it to the shipping container, and present the
package to the shipping agent.
12.3.3 Procedures in the STN Laboratory
The STN laboratory's procedures for receiving the sampling components and field data,
disassembling the sampling modules, and handling the filters and denuders after their distribution
to the various laboratories are covered in the STN laboratory's QAPP.
12.4 Filter and Sample Archival in the STN Laboratory
The laboratory database will assign a tracking number to all sample filters. Extracts and
remnants of filters will be archived in cold storage. Custody procedures for inventorying and
archiving these materials are given in the document Quality Assurance Project Plan: Chemical
Speciation ofPM2, Filter Samples.
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PM:5 STN QAPP
Section No. 13
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 1
13.0 Analytical Methods Requirements
Analytical methods requirements are given in the quality assurance project plan (QAPP) for the
contract laboratory, Research Triangle Institute (RTI), which will serve the Speciation Trends
Network (STN) and other State and local agency speciation sampling programs. Refer to that
QAPP, Quality Assurance Plan for Chemical Speciation of PM25 Filters for more information.
The analytes sought in PM2 5 for the STN include ions, metals, and various carbon-containing
species. Refer to Table 6-2 for specific analytes and the analytical methods for their
determination. Figure 6-2 is a schematic of the sample analysis delivery order process to be
followed by STN participants. The flow diagram of Figure 6-3 shows how the filters will be
processed and analyzed.
The STN laboratory's technical management and staff organization are presented in Section 4.0
of this QAPP. Refer to Figure 4-2 for more information.
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PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 14
Revison No/ 3
Date- 10'25/99
Page 1 of 8
14.0 Quality Control Requirements
Quality control (QC) is the overall system of technical activities that measures the performance
of a process against established standards to verify that such performance meets the stated
requirements established by the data user or stakeholder. In the case of the chemical Speciation
Trends Network (STN), QC activities are used to ensure and document that measurement
uncertainties, as discussed in Section 7.0, are maintained within specified limits so that the data
quality objective (DQO) for trend detection can ultimately be met.
There are three distinct but interrelated functions that the PM2 5 STN QC program requires of
State and local field site participants, as follows:
1. The State or local site operator and his or her supervisor must make every effort to
keep the sampler maintained, cleaned, and operating properly; to retrieve samples
according to the network schedule; and to ship samples, field blanks, and trip blanks
with supporting hand-entered and computer-downloaded data to the STN laboratory
on schedule.
2. The site operator must control the sampler's collection process through activities
including handling cassettes and sampling modules, properly calibrating samplers,
and conducting both scheduled and as-needed checks for leaks, flow rate,
temperature, and pressure. Any out-of-tolerance findings must be followed by
corrective actions.
3. The third function is carrying out validation of data sets sent from the STN laboratory
to the State and local contacts and then reporting the data quality statistics that
describe how effective the QC system has been in achieving accuracy, bias, precision,
and completeness goals.
Table 14-1 contains a complete listing of field QC procedures, their frequency of performance,
and the acceptance criteria (measurement quality objectives, [MQOs]). Laboratory QC
procedures are included in the companion Quality Assurance Plan for Chemical Speciation of
PM:5 Filters.
The MQOs have been established in two ways. Some of the MQOs have been derived to help
ensure that the DQO for identifying a trend of 5 percent (in either direction) can be made after
5 yr of sampling. Other MQOs are based on requirements set forth in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) or by standards of good practice described in Section 2.12 of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution
Measurement Systems (U.S. EPA, 1998). The strategic plan for the STN (U.S. EPA, 1999)
summarizes the QC requirements for field and laboratory activities.
Table 14-1 also lists the action to be taken if a QC check shows a parameter to be out of
specifications and how the effectiveness of the corrective action is demonstrated and
documented. Specific procedures for implementing field QC activities are described in the
sampler-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) given in Appendix A to this quality
assurance project plan (QAPP).
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 14
Revison No : 3
Date: 10/25-99
Page 2 of 8
TABLE 14-1. MQOs AND ASSOCIATED QC ACTIVITIES FOR THE PM, < STN
Measurement
Filter visual checks
Collocation with
another chemical
speciation monitor
Temperature
check
audit
Pressure
check
audit
Flow rate1
one-point
operational check
one-point audit
Blanks
trip blanks
field blanks
Frequency
before and after
each exposure
each sampling day
for 1 2 mini-trends
sites Then 7 or 55
sites, each sampling
day thereafter
monthly
quarterly
monthly
quarterly
before each
exposure
quarterly
one set every 30 d
one set every 10
sampling d
Acceptance Criteria
(MQO)'
free of visible defects
see Table 7-3 for
maximum total error of
various chemical
species
+1-2 CC of a certified
transfer standard
+--2 cCof
independent standard
+/-10 mmHg vs
certified transfer
standard
+/-10 mmHg vs
independent certified
transfer standard
+'-10 percent of
working standard
+•'- 1 0 percent vs
independent transfer
standard
research — no standard
specified
30 ng (gravimetric).
other limits to be
developed for chemical
species concentrations
Corrective Action if Out of
Specification
record in lab database and/or
field data form; filter may be
discarded prior to use;
flagged or invalidated after
use
result used to calculate
replicate precision of
measurement system
note on QC data form,
troubleshoot. recalibrate
sensor and conduct recheck.
note on QC data form
note on data form, recalibrate
sensor and conduct recheck
note on data form; recalibrate
sensor and conduct recheck
note on data form, recalibrate
sensor and conduct recheck
troubleshoot (e.g , perform
leak check)
same as above
N/A
retroactive troubleshooting
and/or data validation after
notification by laboratory
Samples or
Channels
all filter types
all sampling
media
all temperature
sensors
all temperature
sensors
barometric
pressure sensor
barometric
pressure sensor
all flow
channels
all flow
channels
one per channel
one per channel
'Source US EPA, 1999.
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PMj5STNQAPP
Section No. 14
Revison No.. 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of 8
The remainder of this section describes the types of QC checks called for in the PM2 5 STN and
the procedures used to calculate values for the principal QC indicators. QC results should be
recorded on a form or in a field notebook dedicated to this purpose. Figure 14-1 illustrates the
QA/QC data report form proposed for use in the STN program. It is recommended that results of
the QC checks be entered into a control chart or graph to help visualize changes or drifts in
sensor responses and to alert the site operator to the need for preventive maintenance or repair of
a speciation sampler. Detailed information on multipoint calibrations and repairs should be
recorded in the field notebook.
14.1 Quality Control Checks
14.1.1 Checks
A check, for this QAPP, is described as a verification by use of a transfer standard that the
sampling instrument is operating within acceptance limits. Usually, if the check fails to meet
specification troubleshooting would occur that might lead to recalibrating the instrument.
Calibration is discussed in Section 16.
14.1.2 Audits and Independent Checks
The chemical speciation samplers will be audited with an independent transfer standard on a
quarterly basis. Flow rate, temperature, and barometric pressure will be checked. For samplers
with multiple flow channels, each channel and the associated sensors will be audited. The
transfer standards are to be recertified or recalibrated annually.
14.1.3 Performance Evaluations
EPA has conducted several intercomparison studies of chemical speciation samplers.
Intercomparisons will continue with the 12-site mini-trends network, which will operate for
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No 14
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 8
QA/QC Form No.
PM5, STN QA/QC REPORT FORM
"2.5
c. 1 (site retains)
c. 2 (Agency QAM)
c. 3 (Send to Lab)
A. SITE AND SAMPLER INFORMATION
1. Site AIRS Code
2 Sampler S/N
3 Sampler Type
4 Sampler POC
5. Site Name
6. Interval: Month
Quarter
Special
7. Date(s) of QA/QC Checks
8. Operator's Name
B. DATE AND TIME CHECKS (Transfer Standard Name.
.Transfer Standard ID Number
Sample display date/time
Transfer standard date/time
Date and time agree ±5 mm'
Action taken'
C. LEAK CHECKS (Transfer Standard Name.
Transfer Standard ID Number
Channel number
Manufacturer's specifications met?
Action taken and recheck results3
3, etc.
D. TEMPERATURE CHECKS (Transfer Standard Name.
Transfer Standard ID Number
Sensor location
Sampler display (UC)
Transfer standard ('C)
Agreement ±2 '
Action taken and
recheck results3
Ambient
Filter
Dry gas meter
Manifold
E. PRESSURE CHECKS (Transfer Standard Name.
Transfer Standard ID Number
Sensor location
Sampler display,
(mmHg)
Transfer standard,
(mmHg)
Agreement within
±10 mmHg''
Action taken and
recheck results8
Ambient
Manifold
F. FLOW RATE CHECKS (TransferStandard Name.
Transfer Standard ID Number
Channel number
Sampler display,
(L/min)
Transfer standard
display, (L/min)
Design flow rate,
(L/min)
Agreement within
± 10 percent?"
Action taken and
recheck results'
3, etc
G. COMMENTS
(Revised 08/07/99)
•Fully describe actions taken in field notebook
'Sampler flow rate must agree with both transfer standard and design flow rate to pass
Figure 14-1. ST\ QA/QC report form.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 14
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25'99
Page 5 of 8
6 months starting in October 1999.
The STN laboratory must also assess the accuracy of its analytical measurements. This will
include assessment of field blanks and other samples supplied by the EPA QA laboratory. Refer
to the STN laboratory QAPP for more information.
14.2 QC Samples
Several types of standard QC samples are defined. The field program will mainly be concerned
with blanks sent by the STN laboratory to assess the effects of field operations and shipping and
handling.
14.2.1 Blanks
Field Blanks—These provide an estimate of total measurement system contamination. By
comparing information from laboratory blanks against the field blanks, the amount of contamina-
tion due to field activities can be estimated. In addition, if trip blanks are utilized, one can
further evaluate contamination occurring during field operations. Field blanks, loaded in
sampling modules, for each type of filter will be sent from the laboratory. The field operator is
to handle the field blank sampling module just as he/she would a module to be exposed but
without drawing a sample through it. Corrective actions will be taken when excessive
contamination is found on field blanks.
The STN laboratory will also determine blank concentrations of analytes for each lot of
Teflon™, nylon, or quartz fiber filters received. The STN laboratory's QAPP and its SOPs
discuss the procedures.
Trip Blanks - These provide an estimate of measurement system contamination during transport
to and from the field sites. Trip blanks are usually instituted when field blank contamination is a
problem or to understand the measurement uncertainty occurring during transport. Trip blanks
would be sent to the field as a normal sample but would remain unopened. They would
processed as a normal field sample and sent back to the laboratory and treated as a routine
sample from the point of sample receipt and beyond.
14.3 Collocated Samplers
Collocated sampling will occur at 7 of the 55 sites in the full STN network. Data sets from
collocated samplers are intended to assess the precision of the total sampling, analysis, and data
handling process, but they can also be very useful in troubleshooting sampler siting and
operational problems. Thus, such data are useful in detecting quality problems that may not be
evident from the results of periodic QC checks of flow rates, temperature, and pressure. Workup
and interpretation of collocated sampler data sets are discussed in Section 22.0 of this QAPP.
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PM;5STNQAPP
Section No. 14
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of 8
14.4 Calculations of Accuracy, Bias, Precision, and Completeness
Accuracy is defined as the degree of agreement between an observed value and an accepted
reference value and includes a combination of random error (precision) and systematic error
(bias). The following four accuracy checks are implemented in the chemical speciation program:
>• Flow rate, temperature, barometric pressure, and other checks against a known
standard
* Collocation with an Federal Reference Method (FRM) sampler (gravimetric only)
> Collocation with another PM2 5 speciation sampler (all analytes)
> Balance checks and other laboratory performance audits.
14.4.1 Accuracy of a Single Measurement
The error inherent in any single measurement is a function of both the underlying bias and the
imprecision (noise) in the measurement. Only after repeated measurements over a period of time
is it possible to separate bias and precision. The accuracy of a single measurement, d,, can be
calculated as the difference between the measured value and a standard value and is expressed in
the same units as the original measurement.
d^X.-Y, (14-1)
In addition, accuracy is often calculated as a percent difference from a standard of known value.
Calculate the percentage difference (d') for a single calibration check / is calculated using the
following equation:
d'.= X|"Y'xlOO (14-2)
where
d', = percentage difference for a single calibration check
Xl = standard value
Y, - indicated (measured) value
14.4.2 Calculation of Bias
Bias is a systematic deviation from the true value. Data must be averaged or aggregated over a
period of time or over a set of measurements in order to assess bias. Bias can be used to assess
systematic errors of a single sampler, a reporting organization, or an entire network. The
following equation is used to calculate bias:
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PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 14
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 7 of 8
(14-3)
where
Xt = standard value
Yl = indicated (measured value)
N _ - total number of observations in a set of observations
7and X = averages of all the Y, and Xi values, respectively.
Bias can also be expressed as a percentage of the standard or expected value. This definition is
applicable to flow rate, temperature, barometric pressure, and derived quantities such as air
volume through a filter. Laboratory biases can be calculated in a similar way.
14.4.3 Calculation of Precision
Precision defines the random variability of a set of measurements and excludes systematic bias.
Precision is given either in the units of measurement (e.g., standard deviation) or in relative units
(relative standard deviation or coefficient of variation [CV]). Like the calculation of bias.
precision calculations require a set of data collected over a period of time or over multiple
observations.
Precision can be used to assess the random errors inherent in a single sampler, a reporting
organization, or an entire network. Random errors, characterized by the precision calculations,
can be used as input to the DQO model for the assessment of data trends. Excessive variability
or noise in data can also indicate equipment malfunction and the need for corrective action.
There are several other ways of expressing precision of a measurement, including the CV and the
confidence interval. The precision of a measurement is often a function of several different
sources of random variation. For example, the precision of a calculated particulate concentration
may be a function of the variability of measurement in calculating the flow rate, sampling
temperature, and pressure or the variability introduced in shipping/handling and by the
laboratory. Assessment of these errors is out of the scope of this QAPP but should be considered
when performing advanced statistical analysis of the data.
14.4.4 Calculation of Completeness
The goal for completeness is 75%. - Meeting the DQO for identification of a systematic trend in
the data requires that the data meet minimum completeness criteria. Data must span the time
range of interest, and there must be a sufficient number of measurements to reduce the statistical
uncertainties. The DQO analysis found that l-in-3 d sampling was sufficient to meet the DQO
for assessing a data trend after 5 yr provided other uncertainties described above are controlled.
Significant data loss, however, could compromise the ability to assess the DQO.
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PMZ5STNQAPP
Section No. 14
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
_ Page 8 of 8
Completeness should be assessed quarterly and annually as shown in the following equation:
%C= N'~N'"™"d xlOO (14-5)
N<
where
%C = percentage completeness
Nt = the total number of possible or potential measurements in the data set
~ the number of missing or invalidated measurements
Assessment of completeness is applicable to derived measurements such as elemental
concentration in the air (for assessment of the DQO). Maintaining the level of data completeness
ensures that the minimum number of valid concentration data points are available to meet the
DQO for speciation trends identification after 5 yr of monitoring. To be counted for
completeness, a sample must have passed all of the various screens in the data validation
process. Thus, a particular sample can be invalidated in several different ways. Completeness
assessment is an important-element in the oversight of operational and laboratory activities. Poor
or marginal completeness figures should prompt the reporting organization to re-evaluate and
improve operating procedures.
14.5 References
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1998. Quality Assurance Guidance Document
2. 12. Monitoring PM2 5 in Ambient Air Using Designated Reference or Class I Equivalent
Methods. April 1998.
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1999. Strategic Plan: Development of the
Paniculate Matter (PM2$) Quality System for the Chemical Speciation Monitoring Trend Sites.
April 16, 1999.
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PM: 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 15
Revison No.:3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of4
15.0 Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance
Requirements
This section discusses procedures to test, inspect, and maintain instruments and equipment to be
used at Speciation Trends Network (STN) field sites.
15.1 Testing and Acceptance Criteria
The STN network will employ a set of testing and acceptance (T & A) criteria that were used to
accept Federal Reference Method (FRM) samplers. Table 15-1 lists the 13-step procedure by
which final acceptance of each speciation sampler will occur. If any deficiencies are discovered,
the vendor should be called to report the deficiency and begin the process of resolving the
deficiency. Receiving papers, warranty information, and the 13-step checklist noting the
deficiency should be kept on file for reference and to document problem resolution. A copy of
the completed checklist is sent to the STN Project Officers (PO).
Sampler calibration and verification devices also will require testing and acceptance upon
receipt. Each of the following devices must arrive with a certificate of National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) traceability, an instruction booklet, and a warranty statement.
Simple testing and acceptance methods are listed below:
> Flow rate transfer standard (check against another flow rate standard)
*• Temperature transfer standard (check against a room thermometer, ice bath, or other
known temperature standard)
>• Pressure transfer standard (check against another barometer or against a corrected
barometric pressure reading from a nearby national weather station).
Testing and acceptance criteria for the STN laboratory are discussed in the quality assurance
project plan (QAPP) prepared by the STN laboratory.
15.2 Maintenance
Many items may require maintenance in the STN. Preventive maintenance should be practiced
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions given in the operator's manual and as
experience is gained. This section describes maintenance items for STN field equipment. The
STN laboratory QAPP discusses laboratory equipment maintenance. Maintenance of speciation
samplers will become increasingly important as the equipment ages over this multi-year study.
STN site operators and managers should read and follow maintenance instructions given in the
sampler operator's manual and updates and any maintenance bulletins that may be issued.
Table 15-2 lists field items known to require preventive maintenance. Others may be added to
this list as experience is gained.
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PM2;STNQAPP
Section No. 15
Revison No.:3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 4
TABLE 15-1. TESTING AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA CHECKLIST FOR PM
SPECIATION SAMPLERS
25
Check or Criteria
1 . Check the enclosed packing list. Were all parts included in the delivery of the
sampler? (Including filter packs, denuders, and an operator's manual)
2 Were any of the enclosed parts broken during shipment of the sampler?
3. Check the enclosed assembly instructions. Did all the parts fit together during
assembly of the sampler?
4. Does the sampler's pump turn on when supplied with electrical power?
5. Using an independent timer, check to ensure the timer (clock) operates
properly. Check to see if the timer will automatically turn the sampler on and
off during a fixed time by setting the timer to turn the sampler on and off for a
short period while the operator observes.
6 Does the sampler's computer (display screen) boot up and operate properly?
Check to see if the computer (microprocessor) has working software
(firmware) by performing manual input of information to the sampler through
the keyboard and observe the results on the display screen.
7. Does the computer download information properly? Check this process by
attempting to download stored information through the RS232 port to a
computer and then to a diskette.
8 Does the internal cooling fan operate properly? Check this function by
supplying electrical power to the unit and listening for and observing the fan
turn on and off.
9 Do the temperature sensors operate properly? Check this function by
comparing sensor readings to an independent thermometer (or by warming the
sensor tip between your fingers to see if the temperature rises).
10. Does the filter holder (sampling module, cassette, or filter pack) hold the filter
correctly and does it connect easily and snugly to other components of the
sampling stream? Check this function by installing a filter in the sampling
module and by connecting the module to the sampling manifold, denuder, and
so on
1 1 Does the sampler's casing or other enclosure protect internal units from the
weather? Check by visually inspecting the unit's latches, locks, seals, and
gaskets for gaps, holes, and leaks. Do not disassemble the unit.
12. Does the support structure (base, tripod, and so on) hold the sampling unit
secure, upright, and level?
13. When all sampler parts are assembled and operated as a unit, does the sampler
function properly? Check this function by assembling the unit per
instructions, installing a filter or sampling module, setting the timer, activating
the sampler, and running it for 24 h as would be done for routine sampling.
Certifying Official's Signature Date Circle one --
Yes?
Accept?
No?
Reject?
Note: Send copy of completed checklist to STN PO.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 15
RevisonNo.:3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of4
TABLE 15-2. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE OF STN FIELD EQUIPMENT
Maintenance Item
Recommended
Frequency
PM2 5 Speciation Samplers
1 Inspect and empty water collection bottle (f applicable).
2 Clean or change out impactor well (if applicable).
3. Check sampling intake linesftoses (if applicable).
Each visit to site
Every 5th sampling day
Clean sampler inlet surfaces.
Clean impactor housing and jet surfaces (if applicable). Examine O-rings.
Clean interior of sampler case (if applicable).
Clean impactor downtube (if applicable).
Inspect denuder for breakage (RASS and MASS only). Replace denuders
with freshly coated ones and return used denuder to laboratory for
refurbishment.
Inspect and sen-ice cooling air intake filter and fans.
Every 30 sampling events
or more often as needed or
as specified by the
network
Inspect O-rings of inlet and impactor assembly (if applicable). Apply light
coat of vacuum grease if required.
Clean sampler downtube (unless it contains a denuder)
Inspect and service O-rmgs of inlet and water seal gasket at downtube entry to
case.
Clean cyclones and manifolds upstream of sampler module
Inspect and service O-nngs of impactor assembly.
Inspect and service vacuum tubing, tube fittings, and other connections to
pump and electrical components.
Overhaul or replace sampling pump and solenoids
Quarterly (ever)' 3
months)
Per vendor guidance
Calibration and Check Devices
Flo\\ rate transfer standard
1. Recertify vs NIST standards.
2 Replace batteries (if applicable).
3 Visually check orifices for dust or breakage.
Temperature transfer standards (digital thermometer and TEOM)
1 Recertify vs. NIST standards.
2. Replace batteries.
3. Inspect probe tip and connecting cord
Pressure transfer standard
1. Recertify vs. NIST standards
2 Replace batteries.
Annually
As needed
Each use
Annually
As needed
Each use
Annually
As needed
15.3 Critical Spare Parts
Maintain an inventory of critical spare parts at the field office to prevent sampler downtime or
interruption of the required quality control (QC) checks. The STN Laboratory will also maintain
a spare parts inventory to service the sampler modules and denuders. The field site should send
the laboratory any spare parts associated with the components the laboratory is supplying to the
site (for example, O-rings that are part of the sampling module that is sent back and forth
between the laboratory and field site).
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PM2,STNQAPP
Section No. 15
Revison No.:3
Date. 10/25'99
Page 4 of 4
Speciation sampler
• O-rings for downtube connections (if applicable)
• Connecting pressure tubing and compression or other types of fittings
• Filter packs or cassettes (to be forwarded to STN laboratory)
• Denuders (to be forwarded to STN laboratory)
• Sampling lines/tubing (as applicable)
• Fuses
Digital thermometer, pressure device and orifice-based flow transfer standard
• Spare batteries
• Spare temperature probe
• Spare tubing
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PM,;STNQAPP
Section No. 16
Revision No : 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 6
16.0 Instrument Calibration and Frequency
16.1 Overview
Calibration is the comparison of a measurement standard or instrument with another standard or
instrument to report, or eliminate by adjustment, any variation (deviation) in the accuracy of the
item being compared. The purpose of calibration is to minimize bias. For PM2 5 chemical
speciation instruments, calibration activities follow a two step process:
1. Certifying the calibration standard and/or transfer standard against an authoritative
standard (usually the National Institute of Standards and Technology [N1ST]
2. Comparing the routine sampling or analytical instrument against a calibration or
transfer standard.
Parameters of the chemical speciation samplers that are subject to routine calibration checks in
the field include the following:
*• Flow rate (all filter channels)
*• Ambient temperature (one per instrument)
>• Filter or manifold temperature (one per channel or instrument)
> Barometric pressure (one per instrument).
Calibrations that involve permanent changes due to instrument adjustments should only be
initiated when it is obvious that a measurement parameter does not meet its acceptance criteria.
Therefore, the Speciation Trends Network (STN) uses a two-tiered approach to calibration that
involves the following:
>• Checks (see Section 14) to ensure that calibration is within acceptance criteria.
>• Multipoint calibration when there is a failure during a one-point check. Instrument
adjustments occur during multipoint calibrations and are followed by a one-point
check to ensure that the transfer check standard is also operating properly.
16.2 Calibration and Verification of Field Instrumentation
Calibrations and checks for the chemical speciation samplers should generally follow the
schedule set for the PM2 5 gravimetric monitoring program. The speciation samplers are identical
to the gravimetric samplers with respect to ambient temperature, barometric pressure, date/time,
and elapsed time. They may differ from the gravimetric samplers, however, with respect to the
flow rates, the number of sampling channels that need to be calibrated, and the number and
location of internal temperature sensors.
After receipt and acceptance of a new chemical speciation sampler, multipoint calibrations of
temperature, barometric pressure, and flow rate sensors will be performed. After installation,
regular checks and maintenance are carried out by the STN site operator at the specified
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PM: 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 16
Revision No/ 3
Date: 10/25'99
Page 2 of 6
intervals. During each quarter, an internal audit is performed using an independent set of
standards. These checks are detailed along with the acceptance criteria in Table 16-1.
The following calibrations are performed in the field:
* Verification/calibration of sampler's temperature probes and against the working
temperature standard,
* Verification/calibration of the sampler barometric pressure against the working
pressure standard,
*• Verification/calibration of volumetric flow rate meter in STN chemical speciation
samplers against the working flow rate standard, and
>• Verification of the sampler's internal clock against a timepiece.
Temperature Probes—The STN chemical speciation sampler has both ambient and internal
temperature probes. The STN site operators will perform one-point field verifications of both
sensors as needed or at least every month using a digital National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST)-traceable temperature probe (vendor and model to be determined). A
quarterly temperature check will be performed using an independent temperature standard. A
multi-point temperature calibration will take place yearly or after a one-point check failure.
Barometric Pressure—A NIST-traceable digital handheld pressure indicator (vendor and model
to be determined) will be used in the field for one-point check of the STN chemical speciation
sampler's pressure sensor as needed or at least every month. A quarterly pressure check will be
performed using an independent pressure standard. A NIST-traceable digital manometer (vendor
and model to be determined) will be used in the field office or field as a primary standard to
perform multipoint pressure calibrations once a year or after a one-point verification failure.
Time Sensor—The time sensor should be within + 5 min of a watch that has been recently
checked and set. Time (operators watch) can be set against an atomic clock that can be found on
the Internet (available online at http://www.fyi.net/~tharvey/time.html) or through a phone
number (303-499-7111).
Flow Rate—As needed or at least monthly, temperature and pressure verifications and a one-
point flow rate verification will be performed for each sampling stream using a NIST-traceable
flow rate transfer standard (vendor and model to be determined). A quarterly flow rate audit will
be performed using an independent flow rate standard. A NIST-traceable volume standard
(vendor and model to be determined) will be used in the field office or field as a primary
standard to perform multipoint calibrations once a year or after a one-point verification failure.
Calibration Standards—Calibration standards for the temperature, barometric pressure, and flow
rate verifications and calibrations are given in Table 16-2. All calibration standards must be
recertified annually. The recertifications must be traceable to NIST. These recertifications may
be done by the standards' manufacturer or by a third-party metrology laboratory and must be
performed in accordance with American National Standard for Calibration - Calibration
Laboratories and Measuring and Test Equipment - General Requirements (ANSI/NCS1
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 16
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
___ Page 3 of 6
Publication No. Z540-1-1994). Records of all certifications must be maintained, including the
identity of the NIST reference, the procedure used to establish traceability, and a certificate of
traceability.
Temperature, barometric pressure, and flow rate transfer standards that are used to perform
routine verifications of STN chemical speciation samplers should be recertified at the same
intervals as the transfer standards for the PM2 5 gravimetric samplers. When both gravimetric
samplers and chemical speciation samplers are situated at the same monitoring location, the same
equipment and transfer standards may be used for both sets of samplers (if they are compatible
with all samplers).
Calibration Procedures—Procedures for temperature, barometric pressure, and clock/timer
calibrations are typically identical to those used for the PM2 5 gravimetric samplers from the same
manufacturer, and it may be possible to follow SOPs developed for the gravimetric samplers.
Procedures for performing flow rate calibrations and leak checks for the chemical speciation
samplers may differ from the gravimetric sampler by the same manufacturer. Chemical
speciation samplers typically have several different air sampling streams, each of which is used
to sample a different group of chemical species. Whenever possible, the individual flow rates
should be calibrated independently of each other. In some models, however, this may not be
possible due to the use of vacuum manifolds and passive flow rate controls (e.g., flow control
orifices). The manufacturer's procedures for flow rate calibration should be followed.
Calibration Frequency—See Table 16-1 for a summary of calibration frequencies.
Documentation—All verifications and calibrations, as well as sampler and calibration equipment
maintenance, will be documented in field data records and notebooks and annotated with the
flags required in Appendix L of 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 50, the
manufacturer's operating instruction manual, and any others indicated in the field and laboratory
SOPs. The records will normally be controlled by the STN site operators, and they will be
located in the field offices or field collection sites when in use. Eventually, all calibration
records will be appropriately filed (see Section 9.0).
16.3 Calibration and Verification of Laboratory Instrumentation
Calibration and verification of laboratory analytical equipment will follow the procedures given
in Quality Assurance Project Plan: Chemical Speciation ofPM2, Filter Samples, prepared by the
STN contract laboratory.
TABLE 16-1. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA AND CALIBRATION AND
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCIES FOR PM,, CHEMICAL SPECIATION SAMPLERS
Criteria
Acceptance
Criterion
Frequency
SOP
Comments
Field Calibrations and Routine Checks
One-point flow rate
check
±10 percent of
transfer standard
Monthly
A-2, A-3,
A-4
Same as for gravimetric
samplers. Applies to all flow
channels.
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PM, 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 16
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 6
TABLE 16-1. (continued)
Criteria
External leak check
Internal leak check
One-point
temperature check
Pressure
verification
Clock;timer
verification
Other calibrations
as specified by
manufacturer
Acceptance
Criterion
<80 mL/min
<80 mL/min
±2 °C of standard
±10 mmHg
1 min/mo
per manufacturer's
SOP
Frequency
Every five sampling
events or when
impactor serviced
If external leak
check fails
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Per manufacturer's
SOP
SOP
A-2, A-3,
A-4
A-2, A-3,
A-4
A-2, A-3,
A-4
A-2, A-3.
A-4
Comments
Same as for gravimetric
samplers. Applies to all flow
channels.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers. Performed as a
troubleshooting procedure
only. May not be applicable
to all sampler designs.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers. Applies to all
temperature sensors
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
Quarterly Checks and Audits
External leak check
Internal leak check
Temperature audit
Pressure audit
Flow rate audit
<80 mL/min
<80 mL/min
±2°C
ilOmrnHg
±10 percent of audit
standard
±10 percent of
design flow rate
Quarterly
If external leak
check fails
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Same as for gravimetric
samplers. Applies to all flov.
channels.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers. Performed as a
troubleshooting procedure
only. May not be applicable
to all sampler designs
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
Same as for gra\ imetric
samplers.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers. Applies to all flov,
channels.
Recertifications for Calibration and Check Standards (working standards recertified vs. transfer standards)
Field thermometer
Field barometer
±0.1 °C resolution,
±0.5 °C accuracy
±1 mmHg
resolution,
±5 mmHg accuracy
Annually
Annually
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
Calibration
Temperature
calibration
Pressure calibration
±2 °C of standard
±10 mmHg
On installation,
annually, or if
verification is failed
On installation, then
annually or if
verification is failed
Applies to ambient
temperature and all internal
filter temperature sensors.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 16
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 5 of 6
TABLE 16-1. (continued)
Criteria
Flow rate
calibration
Design flow rate
adjustment
Acceptance
Criterion
±2 percent of
transfer standard
±2 percent of
design flow rate
Frequency
On installation,
annually ,or if
verification is failed
At one-point, if
required
SOP
Comments
Applies to all flow channels
individually.
Applies to all flow channels
individually.
Sampler Maintenance
Impactor
Inlet downtube
cleaning
Filter chamber
cleaning
Cyclone and
manifold cleaning
Circulating fan
filter cleaninc
Manufacturer-
recommended
maintenance
cleaned/changed
cleaned
cleaned
cleaned
cleaned/changed
per manufacturer's
SOP
Every five sampling
events
Every 15 sampling
events
Monthly
Approximately
every 30 use days.
To be determined.
Monthly
Per manufacturer's
SOP
If applicable to sampler
design. External leak check
should be performed
immediately after impactor
maintenance.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
If applicable to sampler
design.
Consult operator's manual
Same as for gravimetric
samplers
Recertification of Standards*
Flow rate transfer
standard
Field thermometer
Field barometer
±2 percent of NIST-
traceable standard
±0.1 °C resolution.
±0.5 °C accuracy
ml mmHg
resolution.
+ ^ mmHo arrnrary
Annual!}
Annually
Annually
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
Same as for gravimetric
samplers
Same as for gravimetric
samplers.
* Recertifications may be done m-house. by the manufacturer of the device, or by a third party.
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Section No. 16
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of 6
TABLE 16-2. CALIBRATION STANDARDS FOR PM2 s CHEMICAL SPECIATION
SAMPLERS
Description of
Calibration Standard
Digital thermometer
Digital pressure gauge
Flo\v meters
QA Objective
Acceptance
Criterion"
±0.5 °C
±0.7 percent
±2 percent
Listed Uncertainty
for Calibration
Standard
Manufacturer
of Calibration
Standard
Model Number
of Calibration
Standard
a Acceptance criteria taken from page 1 of Element 16 in the Quahn Assurance Project Plan for the PM:,
Performance Evaluation Program (U.S. EPA, OAQPS Februan 1999)
DThe pressure criterion (±5 mmHg) is equivalent to ±0.7 percent of atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg).
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PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 17
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 2
17.0 Inspection/Acceptance for Supplies and Consumables
17.1 Purpose
This section establishes and documents a system for inspecting and accepting all collection site
supplies and consumables that may directly or indirectly affect the quality of the Speciation
Trends Network (STN) data. Documented inspection and acceptance criteria will ensure the
consistency of sampling media and associated supplies and thus minimize their effect on analyte
concentrations. The inspection and acceptance process is of utmost importance to data sets that
will be compiled for years to detect concentration trends. The quality of the supplies and
consumables used in the STN laboratory is of utmost importance to the quality of the data set.
Sampling media and chemicals used to calibrate the analytical instruments are major concerns.
The STN laboratory quality assurance project plan (QAPP) should be consulted for details.
17.2 Critical Supplies and Consumables
17.2.1 Field Sites
This section describes the supplies needed by the STN field sites. The choice of field supplies
and consumables is, in part, dictated by the choice of speciation sampler. Table 17-1 lists the
major items of equipment needed for the STN. The State or local office must keep an inventory
of all supplies and the warranty period and certifications of equipment and can use Table 17-1 for
this activity. Since participants in the STN are also operating routine samplers for the mass
PM2, Program, the calibration and check standards may be used for the STN since they should
meet the performance standards of the STN.
The contract laboratory will care for and track the cassettes and modules used in servicing the
sampling and analysis needs of the sites but will not earn7 them on its own inventory list.
As consumables run low or replacement purchases are required, the site operator will be
responsible for assisting in the procurement of these items by following the policies and
procedures of the State or local agency. The operator should purchase the same model
equipment and spare parts and the same consumables as were initially acquired, unless told to do
otherwise.
17.3 Acceptance Criteria
Selection of major pieces of capital equipment is based on the item's advertised specifications
and performance in analysis of particulate matter and particulate matter extracts. Newly received
field equipment will be inspected to ensure all parts are present and undamaged. If damage has
occurred in shipping, the shipping agent will be notified. All new equipment for field or
laboratory use should carry a warranty for a 6-month to 1 -yr period
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Section No. 17
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 2
TABLE 17-1. STN FIELD EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Quantity
per Site
Operator
Equipment and Supply Description
Vendor/
Catalog No.
Make/Model No.
Speciation Sampling Equipment and Supplies
1
1
1
6 sets
To be
determined
Transport cases for loose equipment, supplies
Speciation sampler
Speciation sampler operating manual
Filter cassettes or sampling modules for Speciation
sampler
Denuders for acid gases
Custody and field data form for each sample run
Sample shipping containers/ice packs (from lab)
Max./min. thermometer (if required)
Mounting Equipment and Tools
1
Tool kit
Calibration/Check Standards and Related Equipment
1
1 or more
1
1
Flow rate adapter (size depends on sampler brand)
Flow transfer standard (Chinook, BIOS, dry gas meter)
Pressure transfer standard (portable barometer)
Digital thermometer (or thermocouple calibrator)
Spare Parts
O-rings, tubing, fuses, impactor oil (if applicable).
impactor filters (if applicable), compression fittings
Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies and Equipment
Distilled water in spray bottle
Lint-free cloths and lint-free laboratory wipes
Additional warranty periods may be purchased; check equipment stated to be National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST)-traceable that is subject to wear and tear during use (for
example, temperature, pressure, and flow rate check devices) should be returned annually to the
vendor or an appropriate metrology laboratory for cleaning, servicing, and recertification vs.
NIST standards.
State and local agency personnel should use procurement logs for purchases of new equipment
and consumables. These logs should also indicate whether the items were accepted or rejected.
In addition, the laboratory and field personnel must keep an equipment inventory form that lists
each piece of equipment and its warranty dates. Section 15.0 of this QAPP contains the STN
testing and acceptance (T&A) checklist, which State agencies may find useful to accept or reject
a new sampler based on the operational evaluation steps given in the T&A checklist.
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Section No. 18
RevisonNo.. 3
Date: 10/25'99
Pagel of 2
18.0 Data Acquisition Requirements (Nondirect Measurements)
This section identifies the types of indirectly acquired data needed for implementation and
continuation of the PM2 5 Speciation Trends Network (STN). These data are obtained from
nonmeasurement sources and historic or concurrently acquired databases not under the direct
control of the STN.
18.1 Acquisition of Nondirect Measurement Data
The STN will produce almost all required data through its own field and laboratory operations.
Some data, however, will come from outside the network. This section lists several such data
sources, considers the quality of the data, and gives cautionary notes.
18.1.1 Chemical and Physical Properties Data
Physical and chemical properties data and values of fundamental constants are often needed in
ambient air studies. Examples of acceptable sources for fundamental units and constants and the
relationships between metric and U.S. or British units are
* National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (available online at
www.nist.gov)
>• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (available online at www.iso.ch),
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) (available online at
www.iupac.org), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) (www.ansi.org), and
other national and international standards organizations
> U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (available online at www.epa.gov) sources
>• Current editions of handbooks on chemistry and physics such as the Handbook of
Chemistry and Physics (CRC Press) and Lange 's Handbook.
18.1.2 Sampler Operation and Manufacturers' Literature
Important information is found in the manufacturers' literature and operating manuals. Manuals
for the speciation samplers, the devices used to verify a sampler's proper operation (temperature
sensors, pressure gauges, and flow meters) and to calibrate it, data acquisition devices (laptop
computers and the programs they contain), and all analytical instrumentation used in the
laboratory will be available.
18.1.3 Site Location Information
The highest priority objective of the PM25 STN data is the development of common spatial and
seasonal/annual compilations and displays of the concentrations of fine particle constituents
across the major urban areas of the country that can be used to determine if trend exist.
Characterization of PM25 constituents in rural or regional environments (especially when data
sets are combined with Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments [IMPROVE]
data) is also possible if some sites are in transport and/or background locations. To select the
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Section No. 18
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 2
best locations for trends sites (especially any new sites), the network designers rely on several
external sources of information to minimize the collection of samples with components that are
uncharacteristic of urban areas. Information about local emissions sources will be needed, for
example, to avoid locating a sampler too close to a particle source such as a chimney or an
industrial vent. Information in State or local agency databases could be appropriate, but this
information needs to be spot-checked for accuracy by visiting the proposed site and surveying
the immediate (within a 300-m radius) area for hot spots of particulate emissions.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 19
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 12
19.0 Data Management
19.1 Overview
This section presents information on how field and analytical data for the PM25 Speciation
Trends Network (STN) will be managed. It does not address any data sets obtained outside the
network nor does it include management of data that may be given in summary and interpretive
reports. This section addresses these data management topics: recording, transformation,
transmittal, reduction, validation, analysis, management, storage, and retrieval. For the latest
detailed information, refer to the STN Laboratory QAPP for chemical speciation of PM25 filter
samples.
Data for the STN come from several sources at both the STN Laboratory and the reporting
organizations (ROs) that perform the field operations. The general flow of data between
organizations is illustrated in Figure 19-1. This figure emphasizes the organizational
responsibilities, database systems, and major operations. The STN laboratory, shown at the top
of Figure 19-1, is responsible for integrating data from the various laboratories with the
shipping/receiving and chain-of-custody (COC) information for the sample module sets provided
to the ROs. After level 0 and level 1 validation, the data are sent monthly through the Delivery
Order Project Officer (DOPO) to the respective ROs for completion of data validation. The
accepted data sets are then sent by the ROs to RTI for upload to the Aerometric Information
Retrieval System (AIRS) database.
The following list describes the data management activities in more detail. This list is presented
in chronological order:
1. Presamplme Laboratory Activities. This stage is conducted by the STN laboratory and
includes inputting weight values for the Teflon™ filters, filter lot acceptance test results,
quality control (QC) information such as the background concentrations of analytes on
blank filters, and records of laboratory temperature and humidity conditions during
weighing sessions. Secondly, information about shipping and COC are entered so that
shipments of modules to and from the various ROs can be tracked.
2. Field Activities. These data are initially written on the custody and field data form
(CAFDF) and input by the STN laboratory to its database management system (DBMS).
Items include data on operation of the speciation sampler (sample identification numbers,
volume collected, ambient air temperature, sampling flags indicating nonstandard
operation, and so on) as well as operator's notes that can be used for validating the data.
All data necessary for the laboratory to calculate concentration values and to validate data
will be entered on the form, which is illustrated in the field standard operating procedures
(SOPs) contained in the appendices to this quality assurance project plan (QAPP).
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Section No. 19
Revision No/ 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 12
STN Laboratory
Monthly Data
Reports in
hardcopy and
electronic
format
Reporting Organization
Internal QA'QC Data
-COCD Forms
-Logbooks
-Shipping Records
-Audit Results
-Ca Data, eve
Postsampling Laboratory
Activities. The STN
laboratory will enter the
analytical chemistry data
for particle mass,
elements, ions, and
carbon species into the
DBMS in this stage. Data
from QC operations such
as results of multipoint
calibrations and linearity
or span checks and
analysis of duplicate
samples, split samples,
blanks, and spiked
samples are also entered.
Data Validation at the
STN Laboratory. Data
validation will be carried
out at both the STN
laboratory and at the
ROs. The STN laboratory
will base its validation on
CAFDF forms, shipping
records, and analytical
QA/QC information.
These activities are
explained in Section 22.0
of this QAPP.
Figure 19.1 STN data flow overview
Data Reporting to the DOPO. The STN laboratory will transmit its validated data
monthly to the DOPO, who will pass the hardcopy and electronic data sets to the
appropriate ROs. Data from the laboratory and field are combined at this stage of
operations and expressed in terms of concentration units such as micrograms per cubic
meter (ug/m3) of air. The electronic data set will be in the AIRS format and accompanied
by a QC report that further describes the flagging of the data.
Data Validation Activities at the ROs. The ROs will further validate the data sets at
levels 2 and 3, based on its internal records, analytical results of collocated sampling, and
additional screening tests. These activities are described in Section 22.0 of this QAPP.
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Section No. 19
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25 ;99
Page 3 of 12
19.2 Data Management Activities at the STN Laboratory
Data management activities in the STN laboratory are described in the QAPP for laboratory
analysis of PM25 filters.
19.3 Data Management Activities at the RO
This section describes in more detail the data management activities and responsibilities of the
ROs. These data management activities should be conducted in accordance with the
recommended practices for data management described in Section 19.4.
19.3.1 Shipping and Receiving Records
The first stage of data management activities at the RO begins with receipt of a sampling module
set containing a partially completed custody and field data form (CAFDF). The RO should
record whenever a set of sampling modules is received or shipped. Recording the following
information in the RO's shipping'receiving area is recommended:
Before Sampling:
> Date an unexposed set of sampling modules is received
*• Site and sampling date that the module set is to be used
*• Condition of the shipping container (if the container was damaged in shipment, the
STN laboratory should be notified through the DOPO)
*• Warehousing area, if the set of sampling modules is not to be picked up immediately
* Person to whom the set of sampling modules is released for installation at the
monitoring site (the site operator or someone who will drop the modules at the site)
After Sampling:
" Person bringing the exposed set of sampling modules back to the shipping area
* Site and sampling date that the sampling module set was exposed
>• Condition of the modules and the external shipping container
> Whether the ice substitute was precooled as required
*• Federal Express air bill number and destination (the STN laboratory's address should
be pre-printed on air bills supplied in each module set)
*• Date and time that the cooler package was sent
»• One copy of the multipart CAFDF should be retained by the RO and checked to
ensure that all information is complete and legible.
These shipping and receiving records may be necessary references in case there is a discrepancy
later in data attribution. Each RO should develop its own system for maintaining shipping and
receiving records.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No 19
Revision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 12
19.3.2 Custody and Field Data Form
The custody and field data form (CAFDF) is shown in the sampler-specific SOPs in Appendix A
and in Section 12.0 to this QAPP. The field operator is responsible for filling the form in fully,
completely, and accurately. The handwritten notations on the form are the only source that the
STN laboratory will have for critical information, including the following:
> Site/date that sampling actually occurred (usually preprinted on the custody and field
data form, but the operator may indicate changes)
Total volume(s) sampled for each of the sampling channels
Average temperature(s), flow(s), barometric pressure, and so on during the sampling
period
Actual sampling time
Data validation flags issued by the sampler
Information about any field and/or trip blanks included with the set of sampling
modules
>• Operator's name and free-form notes.
The CAFDF will be formatted so that there is a specific space for each item above and will be
customized for the different speciation samplers to be used in the STN program. The operator
will repack the exposed modules and return the top copy of the CAFDF in the cooler package.
The operator is responsible for keeping the middle copy of the CAFDF and returning it to the
designated person at the RO for filing and later use in data validation.
19.3.3 Data Management Activities during Data Validation by the RO
Approximately 30 to 60 d after sampling has occurred, the DOPO will give each RO a data
summary and QC report prepared by the STN laboratory'. The data summary will include an
electronic file of partially validated AIRS-formatted data that will require further validation by
the RO. The STN laboratory will have performed the following level 0 and level 1 validations
on the delivered data:
* Data attribution and COC verification
*• Validation of laboratory analytical data
* Screening for data input/output problems.
Refer to Section 22 of this QAPP, the STN laboratory QAPP and its accompanying data
management SOPs for a full description of the data validation procedures that it will apply and
the checklist to be used.
The QC report delivered with the data file will include the following information that the RO
will need in order to complete the data validation:
>• Data records with missing or uncertain attribution or COC information (principally
the site/date of exposure or defective COC)
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PM:5STNQAPP
Section No. 19
Revision No/ 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 5 of 12
>• Data records marked questionable or invalid due to sampler data flags
»• Data records marked questionable or invalid due to laboratory problems
> Data records marked as possible outliers as a result of data screens applied by the
STN laboratory.
The RO will use its in-house records to examine data that have been flagged for attribution,
sampler flags, and outliers. It is possible that other data such as operator's notes,
shipping/receiving records, and QA/QC records can be used to validate the questioned data.
There is usually little that can be done if a measurement is flagged due to a laboratory problem.
Questions about flags applied by the STN laboratory should be sent through the DOPO.
After reviewing the STN laboratory's QC information, the RO must perform further validation on
the data set.
The specific procedures used for data validation are described in Section 22.0 of this QAPP.
Data handling methods and means for ensuring correct inputs/outputs during data handling are
described in Section 19.4.
19.3.4 Reporting Data to AIRS
After the data set has been finalized, each RO is responsible for returning the data set to the STN
laboratory for reporting to AIRS. The DOPO should be notified whenever a finalized data set is
transmitted to the STN laboratory for AIRS reporting.
19.4 Recommended Data Management Practices
This section describes recommended data handling practices that are applicable to the STN
laboratory and to the ROs. It is expected that all organizations participating in the STN program
will follow EPA guidelines such as good automated laboratory practices (GALPs).
19.4.1 Manual Data Entry
Manually entered data will include entries from the CAFDFs and chemical analyst's notes and
calculated concentrations for certain analyses. Hand-recorded data must necessarily also be
manually entered. The following techniques apply to manual data entry:
*• 100 Percent Data Verification on Input—Manually entered data will be reviewed,
preferably by a different operator before it is committed to the database. Analytical
data, however, may be entered and proofed by the analyst who is responsible for
generating the data. Large amounts of data entered in bulk, such as a group of
custody and field data forms entered by a data clerk, will be verified by duplicate
entry in which two clerks enter the same data. The two sets of inputs are then
compared and discrepancies are resolved. This is one of the most cost-effective
methods for entering large amounts of data with extremely high accuracy.
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PM25 STN QAPP
Section No. 19
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>• Range Checking—Many parameters lend themselves to checking for reasonable range
during or after data input. This type of checking is frequently very useful for manual
entry into screen forms to catch misplaced decimal points, incorrect units, and
omitted or extra digits.
19.4.2 Electronic Data Entry
The data sets sent from the STN laboratory to the ROs in electronic format will be delivered in
AIRS format. The data set will be visually reviewed before the file is closed and transmitted to
the DOPO. No further checking of data integrity will be done for electronic file transfers
because these are internally validated by the transmission medium.
The site operator will download a full set of information retained in the memory of the speciation
sampler by use of a download program and a laptop computer or data transfer device connected
to the sampler's RS232 port. The diskette will be retained by the site operator. No further
checking of data integrity will be done for electronic file transfers because these are internally
validated by the transmission medium. However, any information entered by the site operator
(AIRs code, filter numbers etc.) should be checked.
19.4.3 Sample and Data Tracking
Within the STN laboratory, a laboratory information management system will track the cycle of
activity for any filter for any sampling date and provide the history and present status of each
sample. Analytical samples will be internally tracked using a batch-oriented internal CO form.
Module sets sent from the STN laboratory to the ROs will be tracked in the laboratory's database
system. These processes will be described further in the STN laboratory QAPP and the data
management SOP.
Each RO must also develop methods for tracking, shipping, and receiving data and for filing
custody and field data forms, audit reports, and other STN-related paperwork. These records
may be hardcopy or electronic, at the organization's discretion. Adoption of procedures similar
to those already in use for other programs such as the national air monitoring station (NAMS) is
encouraged. Recommendations for file retention of documents and records are given in
Section 9.0 of this QAPP.
19.4.4 Data Recording, Security, and Archiving
ROs and the STN laboratory should address data security in their data management processes for
STN and other reportable environmental data. ROs should implement practices such as the
following (or equivalent):
*• Organizations must perform regular backups of the STN database.
*• As insurance against fires and other problems affecting an entire building, backup sets
should be kept off-site.
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*• Weekly full backups of the database, with nightly incremental backups of changed
information, are recommended (at a minimum).
* Use of passwords should be required and enforced. Passwords should be issued to
each individual user of the data system that contains the STN data.
*• Dial-in modem access to computers or networks containing unreleased STN data
should be password-restricted, if possible, to authorized users.
>• Access to unreleased STN data should be restricted to personnel working on the STN
program.
Archival of raw data and other program information is important because it allows the processing
and validation of questioned data items to be reconstructed in the event of challenge or for
research purposes. Table 19-1 summarizes the data and records that must be retained by the STN
laboratory or RO for the life of the contract or for a term of 5 yr, unless otherwise specified by
EPA. The Location or Responsibility column describes a typical location where such
information is often stored; however, it may be preferable to store some information in a more
centralized location. Laboratory data records should be stored in a secure location with limited
personnel access and with protection against fire and natural disasters or with suitable backup
copies stored separately.
19.5 Data Validation
19.5.1 Validation Checks and Procedures
Data validation is a combination of checking that data processing operations have been carried
out properly and of monitoring the quality of field and laboratory operations. If a problem is
identified, the data can be corrected or invalidated, and corrective actions can be taken to prevent
its recurrence. The following considerations relative to data management practices during data
validation will apply:
»• Flags denoting error conditions or QA status will be associated with each observation
down to the level of individual analyses, but flags must never overwrite the data
values so that recovery and review of the original data will be possible.
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Section No. 19
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TABLE 19-1. LABORATORY DATA RECORD ARCHIVAL SUMMARY
Type of Record
Completed custody and field data forms
Shipping records
Internal custody forms
Analytical and weighing raw data and instrument
traces
Analytical and weighing control charts
Weighing room environmental records
Certificates for all equipment and materials
standards (e.g., NIST or manufacturer's
certificate)
Instrument calibration and QC records
Instrument maintenance and service records
Audit trails generated during data validation
QA records, including audit checklists and audit
reports
Copies of all partially validated data sets sent
from the STN laboratory to the DOPO
Copies of all fully validated data sets sent from
the ROs to AIRS
Purchasing records related to the STN program
Correspondence with the DOPO, including
consolidated sample requests
Correspondence and business records with
subcontractors involved with the STN
Training records
Laboratory
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
i
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
Data Archival Location or Responsibility
Lab: sample handling and archival
laboratory; RO: STN Manager's files
Shipping department files
Sample handling and archival laboratory
Weighing laboratory files
Laboratory files
Weighing laboratory files
Laboratory or QA Officer's files
Laboratory or QA Officer's files
Laboratory or field organization's files
Data processing department's files
QA files
STN Laboratory Program Manager's files
RO STN Manager's files
STN Laboratory Program Manager's files
RO: STN Manager's files
Lab: Program Manager's files
Program Manager's files
Program Manger's files
Data validation must include 100 percent manual review of both flagged and
unflagged data. A qualified reviewer, such as a qualified analyst or the QA Officer,
should examine each entry for reasonableness before it is reported out of the
organization.
Completeness checks of the data set must be included in the validation system. This
can sometimes be automated, particularly for within-record checks. The RO should
verify the completeness of the data set created by the STN laboratory by checking that
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all exposures have been accounted for by comparison with its custody and field data
forms and other records.
> An audit trail is strongly recommended to document all changes made to the data set
during validation operations. Audit trails are described later in this section.
Table 19-2 summarizes the validation checks applicable to the STN data sets.
Refer to Sections 22.0 and 23.0 of this QAPP for specific data validation procedures to be
TABLE 19-2. VALIDATION CHECK SUMMARIES
Type of Data Check
Data parity and transmission protocol checks
Data review
Date and time consistency
Completeness of required fields
Range checking
Statistical outlier checking
Manual inspection of charts and reports
Sample batch data validation
Electronic
Transmission and
Storage
•
Manual Checks
•
•
•
•
Automated
Checks
•
•
•
•
•
applied. Validation procedures applicable to the STN laboratory are described in the laboratory
QAPP.
19.5.2 Data Flagging
As a result of data validation, individual items will be marked by a variety of validation flags that
generally indicate that the item is suspicious or invalid. Invalid data should not be reported to
AIRS. The STN laboratory database may contain a superset of the AIRS flags for internal use to
facilitate QC reporting; however, these flags will be mapped onto the set of approved AIRS flags
before they are released from the laboratory.
This section will be updated to include a summary of AIRS data flags after the parameter codes
for PM2 5 chemical speciation data have been issued by EPA.
19.5.3 Audit Trails
The audit trail is an important means for documenting changes to a data set made during
validation. The audit trail is important for establishing the reason for data changes, the authority
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under which the change was made, and the data values before and after the change was applied.
Organizations are strongly urged to implement audit trails for the STN program. Typical reasons
for making audit trail entries include the following:
* Corrections of data input due to human error
»• Application of revised calibration factors to sample results from an analytical run
queue
> Addition of new or supplementary data
» Flagging of data that are invalid or suspect based on manual examination or
automated validation of the data
* Logging of the date and time when automated data validation programs are run (this
is an instance when the audit trail entry is not record-specific).
Audit trail records usually include the following fields:
* Operator's identify (identification code)
*• Date and time of the change
*• Table and field names for the changed datum
>• Complete identifying information for the item changed (date, time, and so on)
»• Value of the item before and after the change (or image of the entire record before and
after the change).
19.6 Data Transformations
Calculations for transforming analytical data in units of mass per filter or mass per volume of
extraction solution to concentration units are relatively straightforward. Table 19-3 summarizes
transformations applied to analytical data to produce volume, mass, and concentration data.
TABLE 19-3. RAW DATA CALCULATIONS
Parameter
Volume of air
sampled through
filter
Total mass on
filter (M25)
PM;j
concentration
(CPM:5)
Units
nr
MS
ug/m3
Conversion type
Calculated from average flow rate (Qa,g) in L/min and
total elapsed sampling time, t, multiplied by the unit
conversion (m3/L)
Calculated from filter postsampling weight (Mf) and
filter presampling weight (M,) in mg, multiplied by
the unit conversion (ug/mg)
Calculated from laboratory data and sampled air
volume
Equation
Va=Qavgxtxl0-<
M25 = (Mf-M,)x io?
CPM25 = M,/Va
NOTE: Table 19-3 is applicable to the general categories ofanalytes to be produced by the STN
program. Calculations within these categories are similar. Standard calculations such as unit
conversions and equations for calculating standard statistics are not provided. Calculations
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involved in instrument calibrations are described in the respective SOPs and operating manuals
for the PM2} speciation sampler.
19.7 Data Transmittal
Transmittal of data occurs when one person or location transfers data to another or when data are
copied from one form to another. Examples of data transmittal include copying entries from a
notebook to a data entry form, keying information from a handwritten data entry form to a
computer file, and transferring data electronically via telephone or computer network
connections.
Table 19-4 summarizes data transfer operations and the QA measures applied to ensure accurate
and complete transfers into the organization's database management system.
19.8 Data Reduction
Data reduction is the process of aggregating and summarizing results so they can be understood
and interpreted. Examples of data reduction products are
*• Average PM2 5 mass or species concentration
*• Accuracy, bias, and precision statistics based on accumulated Federal Reference
Method (FRM) and speciation sampler data
*• Data completeness reports based on the number of valid samples collected and
analyzed during a defined period of time versus the expected number of samples.
19.9 Data Analysis
Management of data analysis techniques and products is beyond the scope of the STN field or
laboratory QAPP. Management procedures will be developed by data analysis participants.
19.10 Data Storage and Retrieval
STN laboratory data storage and retrieval techniques are described in the laboratory QAPP and
SOPs.
Data storage and retrieval techniques for the ROs should be described in their system
documentation or through in-house SOPs developed for the STN program. Documentation of
data storage and retrieval should include a summary of the type of data, the media on which they
are stored, security measures for safeguarding the data against destruction and access by
unauthorized persons, and the retention time for the data.
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TABLE 19-4. DATA TRANSFER OPERATIONS
Description of Data
Transfer
Keying weighing data
and chemical analysis
results into the STN
laboratory's database
Electronic data transfers
Filter receipt, custody and
field data forms
Verifications/calibrations
and audit data
• Field site sampler
• Laboratory instruments
AIRS data summaries
Finalized AIRS data
summaries
Originator
Laboratory analyst
(handwritten data forms)
Between computers or
over networks
Site operator
Field auditor; field site
operator
laboratory auditor;
laboratory analysts
Laboratory data clerk and
data supervisor
STN laboratory
Recipient
Laboratory analyst
(enters data into the
database using screen
forms)
—
Laboratory data clerk
Laboratory data clerk
AIRS (EPA) (via the
DOPO)
AIRS
QA Measures Applied
100 percent review;
random checks by the QA
Manager or staff
Parity checking;
transmission protocols;
test messages
Filter numbers are
verified; data checked for
completeness and
accuracy; duplicate key
entry for custody and
field data forms
Field data entries are
checked by field operator
Laboratory data checked
by laboratory supervisor
and spot-checked by QA
staff
Entries checked by-
laboratory data clerk and
data supervisor; OAQPS
QA Officer
Checked by the
laboratory's Program
Manager or OA Officer
The contract laboratory will reduce data consistently to an agreed upon format in order to
upload it to AIRS. Each RO may choose to develop additional data reduction procedures for
data interpretation to assist with data validation and reporting of its own data. Development of
unified procedures to be applied across the STN is encouraged. EPA Office of Air Quality,
Planning and Standards (OAQPS) will assist in coordinating the development of such
procedures. Simple reports are easily generated using a PC equipped with a modern
spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel9 or Lotus'1 or with a more specialized statistical
package such as
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PM: 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 20
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 7
20.0 Assessment and Response Actions
20.1 Types of Assessments
The following types of assessments will be performed by the Speciation Trends Network (STN):
Management systems reviews (MSRs)
Network reviews
Technical systems audits (TSAs)
Performance evaluations (PEs)
Audits of data quality (ADQs)
Data quality assessments (DQAs)
MSRs are described in Guidance for Preparing, Conducting, and Reporting the Results of
Management Systems Reviews (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] Publication
No. EPA QA/G-3). TSAs, PEs, and ADQs are described in Guidance on Technical Audits and
Related Assessments for Environmental Data Operations (EPA Publication No. EPA QA'G-7).
DQAs are described in Guidance for Data Quality Assessment (EPA Publication No. EPA
QA'G-9). Information in these documents follow the specifications and guidance given in the
American Society for Quality Publication ANSI/ASQC E4-1994.
20.2 Assessment Frequency
Assessments will be performed at the frequency described in Table 20-1.
TABLE 20-1. ASSESSMENT SUMMARY.
Assessment
Type
MSR
Network
Review
TSA
PE
ADQ
DQA
Organization
Responsible
OAQPS in conjunction
with EPA Quality
Assurance Division
EPA Regional Office
EPA Regional Office
EPA Regional Office
EPA Regional Office
OAQPS Monitoring
Division
Assessment
Frequency
Once ever>' 3 years
Annually
Once every 3 years
Annually
Once every 3 years
Annually
Reporting/Resolution
OAQPS to Regional Air Division
Regional EPA to State and Local Agencies
Regional EPA to State and Local Agencies
Regional EPA to State and Local Agencies
Regional EPA to State and Local Agencies
QA Division to Air Monitoring Division
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 20
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Date: 10/25'99
Page 2 of 7
20.3 Acceptance Criteria
Assessments will be based on the acceptance criteria to be developed based on the DQOs and
findings from the 12-site mini-trends network. Figure 20-2 outlines the ISA acceptance criteria
for field and laboratory operations for the gravimetric portion of the STN.
20.4 Assessment Schedules
TSAs for the 12-site mini-trends network will be conducted between 3 to 6 months of the start of
sampling. TSAs for the remaining sites in the full PM2 5 STN will be conducted within 1 year of
the start of sampling.
20.5 Assessment Personnel
Assessors should have a minimum of 4 years' full-time appropriate and practical experience (not
including training) in air quality monitoring, including at least 2 years in quality assurance
activities.
Lead assessors should have assessment, technical, and quality system experience. Other
assessment team members also may have such experience, or they may have only technical
experience and currently be receiving assessment and QA training.
Lead assessors should have knowledge and understanding of the applicable environmental
statutes and regulations. They should be familiar with EPA management systems and with the
organizational and operating procedures for environmental data collection. Lead assessors
should have a working knowledge of the technical assessment techniques for examining,
questioning, evaluating, and reporting environmental data operations and for following up on
response actions. They need to understand the assessment planning process. They also need
technical understanding of the PM2 5 STN. In general, they need to be able to evaluate the PM2,
STN's scope of work, its management system structure, and its operating procedures and to judge
the PM2 5 STN's adequacy compared to this QAPP.
Assessment team members should be familiar with technical assessment concepts and techniques
and with the structure and operating procedures for environmental data collection. They should
have technical knowledge of the PM2 5 STN. Depending on the scope of the technical
assessment, assessors may need to meet additional qualifications, including health and safety
requirements.
Technical specialists, who have specialized knowledge of PM2 5 STN and basic knowledge of
assessment techniques and procedures, may participate in assessments. They may need basic
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PM:5STNQAPP
Section No. 20
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of 7
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 20
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 7
training in assessment techniques and procedures. Under the direct supervision of the lead
assessor, they may help prepare the technical portions of assessment checklists and may conduct
the technical portions of an assessment. They can verify findings and observations that are made
by other assessment team members concerning any specialized technical aspects of the PM2 5
STN.
Three general standards for assessors are as follows:
* The assessors assigned to conduct a specific assessment should collectively
possess adequate professional proficiency for the tasks required. This standard
places responsibility on the assessors' organization to ensure that the assessment is
conducted by assessors who collectively have the technical knowledge and
assessment skills necessary for the assessment. This standard applies to the
assessors as a group, not necessarily to every individual assessor.
•• The assessors should be free from personal and external barriers to independence,
organizationally independent, and able to maintain an independent attitude and
appearance. This standard places responsibility on the assessors' organization and
on individual assessors to maintain independence so that assessment findings will
be both objective and viewed as objective by knowledgeable third parties.
* The assessors should use due professional care in conducting the assessment and
in preparing related reports. This standard places responsibility on the assessors'
organization and on individual assessors to follow all applicable standards in
conducting assessments. Assessors should use sound professional judgment in
determining the standards that are to be applied to the assessment.
The authority and independence of assessors, and the limits on their authority, must be clearly
defined in the organization's quality documents. Assessment personnel should have sufficient
authority, access to programs and managers, and organizational freedom to
* Identify and document problems that affect quality;
> Identify and cite noteworthy practices that may be shared with others to improve
the quality of their operations and products;
»• Propose recommendations (if requested) for resolving problems that affect
quality;
> Independently confirm implementation and effectiveness of solutions; and
»• When problems are identified, provide documented assurance (if requested) to
line management that further work performed will be monitored carefully until the
deficiencies are suitably resolved.
Prior to an assessment, it is important to establish whether the assessors have the authority to
stop or suspend work if they observe conditions that present a clear danger to personnel health or
safety or that adversely affect data quality. If not, assessors need to know what communication
they may be required to have with the authorized official who can stop work. Safety is
paramount; no assessments will be made in any unsafe conditions.
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PM2SSTNQAPP
Section No. 20
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 5 of 7
20.6 Assessment Reports
The product of an assessment is a written report. The objective of the report is to communicate
assessment findings to the proper levels of management in EPA and the assessed organization.
The report must include
> Assessment/review title and number and any other identifying information;
»• The lead assessor, assessment team members, and the management and key
personnel of the assessed organization;
>• Background information about the PM2 5 STN activity being assessed, the purpose
and date(s) of the assessment, the particular parameter evaluated, and a brief
description of the assessment process;
*• Summary and conclusions of the assessment and proposed response actions; and
> Attachments and appendices that include all evaluation and finding information.
Typically, two reports are produced: the draft findings report (DFR) and the final report (FR).
The lead assessor is responsible for producing the DFR and should organize the work to get the
report written during the audit debriefing that should occur at the end of the audit. In this case the
DFR might simply be a listing of the positive findings as well as the findings that call for some
corrective action. A full DFR should be written with 15 working days of the audit.
The DFR will be submitted for review by the EPA Speciation QA Manager (QAM) and the EPA
project official. The EPA Lead Assessor will send the DFR, through the EPA project official, to
the assessed organization for its comments. The assessed organization should be given the
maximum opportunity to respond to the DFR. This response should address the findings and
discuss how any response actions will be resolved. If the assessed organization disagrees with
the findings, the response can contain a rebuttal. Upon receipt of this response, the lead assessor
should determine if the response adequately addresses the findings, if a follow-up assessment is
required, and when it is appropriate to close out the assessment.
After the assessed organization's comments have been addressed, the FR should be prepared.
The FR should be similar in format to the DFR and should be based on the DFR. Typically, the
assessed organization's response will be integrated into the summary of findings and response
actions sections. The lead assessor is responsible for correcting any findings that are
demonstrated to be incorrect by objective evidence to the contrary supplied by the assessed
organization. Opinions of the assessed organization that differ from those of the assessors are
not valid reasons to alter the report. The FR should be submitted to the EPA Speciation QAM
and copies should be sent to the EPA project official and to the assessed organization.
Documentation for TSAs and network reviews will be archived at the EPA Regional Offices and
tracked using the Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS). The results of MSRs will be
on file in EPA's Monitoring and Quality Assurance Group (MQAG) within the Emissions,
Monitoring, and Analysis Division (EMAD), which is ultimately responsible for implementing
the PM2, monitoring network.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 20
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of 7
20.7 Implementation of Response Actions
After an assessment, any necessary response actions should be timely and effective. In certain
cases, it may be necessary to perform response actions as quickly as possible. Such cases may
include adverse impacts on data quality and threats to personnel health and safety. Verbal
approval from responsible parties suffices under these conditions.
EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) uses a response action form to
document any nonconformances that require actions and the resolution of them. This form
includes the signatures of the individual identifying the need for response action, the EPA project
official, the EPA Speciation QAM, and the individual responsible for implementing the response
action. The problem requiring response action, the proposed response action, and the approach
for evaluating the response action should be described.
Response actions encompass immediate actions to eliminate problems such as errors in
calibrations, weighing, and other internal procedural problems and long-range response actions
instituted to improve overall data quality. Management of the assessed organization responsible
for the assessed activities is responsible for ensuring that effective and timely response actions
occur. The response actions should address the following:
>• Measures to correct each nonconformance,
*• Identification of all root causes for significant deficiencies,
> Determination of the existence of similar deficiencies,
*• Response actions to preclude recurrence of like or similar deficiencies,
»• Assignment of response action responsibility, and
*• Completion dates for each response action.
Management of the assessed organization should implement the response actions and provide
objective evidence to EPA of the effectiveness of the correction. Once such objective evidence
is received, the assessment will be closed unless a reassessment is planned. In some cases, the
assessment team may be needed to confirm the successful implementation of response actions.
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 20
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 7 of 7
20.8 References
American Society for Quality. 1994. Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for
Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs. ANSI/ASQC E4-
1994. Milwaukee, WI.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1994. Guidance for Preparing, Conducting, and
Reporting the Results of Management Systems Reviews. Draft EPA Publication No. EPA QA/G-
3. Washington, DC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1998a. Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution
Measurement Systems, Volume II: Part 1 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Program Quality
System Development. EPA Publication No. EPA-454/R-98-004. Washington, DC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1998b. SLAMS/NAMS/PAMS Network Review
Guidance. EPA Publication No. EPA-454/R-98-003. Washington, DC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1998c. Guidance for Data Quality Assessment:
Practical Methods for Data Analysis. EPA Publication No. EPA QA/G-9. Washington, DC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1999. Guidance on Technical Audits and Related
Assessments for Environmental Data Operations. EPA Publication No. EPA QA/G-7.
Washington, DC.
U.S. Government Accounting Office. 1994. Government Auditing Standards. Washington, DC.
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PM,5STNQAPP
Section No. 21
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 5
21.0 Reports to Management
This section describes the type, content, distribution, and frequency of submission of quality
assurance (QA) reports for the PM25 Speciation Trends Network (STN). Regular QA reporting
to management serves the following needs:
> Documentation of adherence to schedules for delivery of equipment, data, and reports
*• Documentation of deviations from approved QA and standard operation procedures
(SOPs), and the impact of these deviations on data quality
»• Analysis of the potential uncertainties in decisions based on the data.
Section 21.1 discusses how QA information for the new STN sampling sites, as part of the
NAMS network, will be reported along with other NAMS QA data by the reporting organization.
Section 21.2 describes additional QA reporting and information sources that are applicable to the
STN sampling sites during the implementation phase of the program.
21.1 NAMS Reporting
As part of the NAMS network, the STN must adhere to basic reporting schedules, as described in
the Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume II, Part 1,
Section 16 (EPA 454/R-98-004, August 1998). The handbook should be consulted for
recommendations and suggestions regarding report preparation and formats. Table 21-1 lists
standard QA reports to management that are applicable to the STN. A reporting organization
may have other reports to add to the list or may create reports that are combinations of those
listed in the table.
Corrective Action Reports—Corrective Action Reports (CARs) for the STN should be modeled
on a reporting organization's existing CAR system, if possible. The CARs themselves are
typically retained by the organization, but summaries and narratives based on CARs should be
included in the annual QA report to management. The CAR file is also subject to system audit to
ensure that the file is being maintained and that CARs are being turned in and acted upon as
needed.
Control Charts—The control chart is primarily a tool used internally to maintain control of an
organization's quality systems. Each reporting organization should define a control charting
program that meets its needs. Some considerations are as follows:
> What parameters should be charted? For the STN field program, regular flow checks
against a standard reference device and temperature sensor or transducer output in
response to a standard input should be considered for charting.
>• How frequently to chart? Each measurement of the same standard or reference should
be charted. Avoid mixing results obtained from different standards on a single
control chart.
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PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 21
Revison No.1 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 5
TABLE 21-1. QA REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT FOR STN
Type of Report
Corrective
Action Request
Control Chart
Self-Assessment
Results
Independent
Assessment
Results
Data Set
Re\ lew
Annual Quality
Assurance
Report to
Management
Contents
Description of problem;
recommended action;
feedback on resolution
Repetitive activity; plot of
control limits vs. time.
Update whenever a new
check or calibration is
performed.
Summary of internal
technical systems audit.
audits of data quality,
and performance
evaluation results,
recommendations for
action, as needed
Summary of external
technical systems audits,
audits of data quality, and
performance evaluations;
corrective actions if
unsatisfactory results (out
of limits)
Notes on Level 2 and
Level 3 data validation;
actions taken to correct or
sequester data
Executive summary.
Precision, bias, and
system and performance
audit results
Report Author
EPA Regional
Office
STN site
operator or
State/local
Agency
State and Local
Agencies
EPA Regional
Office
State and Local
Agencies
EPA Regional
Office
Suggested Reporting Frequency
As
Required
•
•
•
•
Monthly
•
•
Quarterly
Yearly
•
•
•
How to calculate control limits? Parameters may be assessed against fixed limits
rather than by statistically derived limits. Variations are frequently encountered (for
example, certain parameters may have only one control limit).
How often should control limits be recalculated? Statistical control limits should be
calculated as soon as there are enough observations to make a reliable sample. Seven
or eight observations are often sufficient. Control limits should not be recalculated
too often. For a parameter that is charted monthly or quarterly, annual recalculation
of control limits should be sufficient.
What if there is a significant process change? Any significant change, such as
replacement of a standard or major overhaul of the instrument, may be reason to
restart the control charting process. This means that existing control limits may not
apply to subsequent observations, and it is necessary to collect a new set of data for
calculating revised control limits.
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PMjjSTNQAPP
Section No. 21
Revison No • 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of 5
Self-Assessment Results—STN samplers should be subject to internal technical systems audits,
audits of data quality, and performance evaluations by State and local agencies like all other
monitoring equipment at NAMS sites. If problems are found, corrective actions should be
initiated immediately and documented using the CAR process. Results of self-assessments
should be summarized in the next annual QA report to management. Unsatisfactory results and
corrective actions should be discussed.
Independent Assessment Results—Under the STN, external technical system audits, audits of data
quality, and performance evaluations may be conducted by a variety of authorities including EPA
Regional Offices, particularly during the initial phases of network operation. If deficiencies are
found, corrective actions should be initiated and documented. Recommendations and corrective
actions should be discussed in the annual QA report to management.
Data Set Review— Following Level 0 and Level 1 data validation by the STN Laboratory,
chemical species concentration data will be sent to the State and local agencies for review.
Upon acceptance of the level 0 & 1 data it will be entered into AIRS data base. State and local
agencies will perform Level 2 and Level 3 data validation and will report the results of the
validation in the annual QA report to management. These two data validation levels are defined
as follows:
Level 2 data validation involves comparisons with other independent data sets for
external consistency. These comparisons include, for example, intercomparing
collocated measurements.
• Level 3 validation involves a more detailed analysis as part of the data interpretation
process when inconsistencies in analysis and modeling results are found to be caused
by measurement errors.
Quality Assurance Report to Management—The annual QA report to management is a key
synopsis of an organization's operations. It should include an executive summary of all
activities; a detailed summary of accuracy and precision achieved; and discussion of outstanding
problems, CARs, and audit findings. STN samplers should be discussed specifically with regard
to achieving the measurement quality objectives (MQOs) for total error defined in Section 7.0 of
this quality assurance project plan (QAPP). Because the STN is a new effort, systematic
problems should be highlighted so that corrective actions can be taken at a networkwide level.
Information about the STN monitoring sites operated by an organization should be an integral
part of the annual QA report to management. The QA handbook recommends the following
general content for the annual QA report to management:
> Executive summary—a short section summarizing the report. It should contain a
checklist graphic showing how the reporting organization has met its quality goals
during the reporting period.
> Network background and present status
* Data quality objectives for measurement systems
-------
PM: 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 21
Revison No 3
Date: 10/25'99
Page 4 of 5
*• QA procedures
* Results of QA activities
> Recommendations for further QA work, with suggestions for improving performance
and fixing problems with equipment, personnel training, infrastructure needs, and so
on.
21.2 Additional Quality-Related Reports for the STN
The primary additional quality-related report for the STN is the STN Sample Request. Success
of the STN is critically dependent on planning and communications among the reporting
organization, the Delivery Order Project Officer (DOPO), and the STN Laboratory. Because the
laboratory is responsible for distributing filters and sampling modules on an extremely tight
schedule, it must know monitoring schedules and filter requirements well in advance. This is
done through the STN sample request process. Accurate sample requests must be transmitted to
the STN Laboratory no less than 3 months in advance. Ordering the correct number of filters and
other media can be a lengthy process because some manufacturers require several months for the
special filter conditioning required for STN. Firing of quartz filters and conditioning of nylon
filters can take extra time if done at the STN Laboratory.
The format of the STN Sample Request Form will be developed by the DOPOs, EPA/OAQPS,
and the STN Laboratory. Each sample request should provide the following information for each
site, at a minimum:
> Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) site code
> Name and address of the STN sampling site
*• Name and address of reporting organization
*• Name, telephone number, and e-mail address of reporting organization's
administrative contact for the STN program
* Name, telephone number, and e-mail address of STN site operator
»• Address for receiving unexposed module sets
>• Number of STN samplers operated at the site
*• Type of STN sampler(s) (i.e., manufacturer and model number)
»• Summary of filters and denuders to be used and analytes to be determined (the normal
configuration for each monitor type will be sent unless exceptions are specified in the
request; these exceptions include extra sampling channels, filter types, and so on)
> Any special requests, such as "extra" modules for the reporting organization's quality
control (QC) program
* Scheduled dates of sampling (specific dates are necessary, not "l-in-3" for example)
21.2.1 STN Sample Request Changes
Because the sample requests are made several months in advance, a reporting organization may
need to make changes to previously submitted requests before the sampling date. This could
occur because of a substitution of a different sampler model, change of shipping address,
addition of filter channels, and so on. In this case, the DOPO will be informed immediately so
-------
PM:5STNQAPP
Section No. 21
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 5 of 5
that the STN Laboratory can be notified of the change. Small changes can usually be
accommodated, but changes involving substantially more filters (e.g., going from every-third-day
sampling to daily sampling at a site) might require significant lead time for the STN Laboratory
to accommodate.
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 22
Re vision No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 1 of 11
22.0 Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements
This section describes the verification and validation process, which is used to decide the degree
to which each data item has met applicable quality specifications. The specific requirements for
verification and validation will be developed by estimating the potential effect that each error
component may have on the usability of the associated data item, its contribution to the quality of
the reduced and analyzed data, and its effect on attainment of the data quality objectives (DQOs).
Verification and validation are not the same as data quality assessment (DQA) or evaluation of
the DQOs, processes which are described later in this quality assurance project plan (QAPP).
Only after the data set has been verified and validated can it be fully assessed and/or used to
address the specific scientific and regulatory questions embodied in the DQOs.
After the data set has been subjected to the verification and validation process, it is reported to
the Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) by the STN Laboratory. Data validation
reports should be included in regular quality control (QC) reports to management. These reports
should include the following information, at a minimum:
* Time interval covered by the report
* Site identification(s)
*• Sampler identification(s)
*• Total number of valid observations sent to AIRS
*• Number of flagged observations sent to AIRS, categorized by analyte and flag
* Number of invalid observations (not sent to AIRS), by analyte
>• Statement of significant corrective actions taken.
22.1 Data Verification and Validation Responsibilities
Verification of data for the PM25 chemical Speciation Trends Network (STN) is the joint
responsibility of the reporting organization, which runs the field component of the program, and
the STN laboratory, which analyzes the samples and calculates and reports the data. Table 22-1
describes the respective responsibilities of the field and laboratory components for data
verification and validation.
22.2 Corrective Action Reporting Process
Each reporting organization and the STN laboratory should have a Corrective Action Reporting
(CAR) process in place. Ideally, this process should closely resemble corrective action
procedures used on other monitoring activities conducted by the organization. This process
should consist of the following elements:
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 22
RevisonNo.: 2
Date: 10/25/99
Page 2 of 11
lATION TRENDS NETWORK |
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If the Laboratory is notified that a particular
STN monitor is m violation of siting criteria,
the corresponding ATRS data may have to be
flagged or invalidated. This decision should
be made jointly with the reporting organization
and EPA.
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-------
PM:5STNQAPP
Section No. 22
RevisonNo.: 2
Date: 10/25/99
Page 3 of 11
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-------
PM:,STNQAPP
Section No. 22
RevisonNo.1 2
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 11
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discrepancies should be clearly documented
-------
PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 22
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 5 of 11
*• A description of the organizational responsibilities and procedures for instituting
corrective actions for the STN program. This would be appropriately placed in the
organization's STN SOPs or in the QMP. If an adequate process already exists in the
organization, it is not necessary to document it separately for the STN.
*• A reporting form (i.e., the CAR form) describing the event or problem along with a
suspected cause; a recommended solution is optional. Other information should include
the date and the submitter's name.
* A means for assigning responsibility for the corrective action investigation, as well as for
scheduling and appropriating resources to it.
*• All active and just-completed CAR investigations should be reported in the next annual
QC report to management or equivalent document. Dates and sites of reportable data
affected by the problem should a provided in detail. Delayed or canceled CAR
investigations should be identified and the reason for delaying or canceling the
investigation justified.
*• The CAR files should be subject to regular audits and reviews.
22.3 Use of QC Information for Verification and Validation
The various QC samples used with the STN are also potential sources for verification/validation
information. Table 22-2 summarizes QC information and its uses in data verification and
validation.
22.4 Use of Calibration Information for Verification and Validation
Calibrations can generate information that is useful in the verification and validation process.
Because this information is often not directly associated with a particular sample, procedures
must be in place to identify data that were dependent on a particular instrument when the
calibration data indicate that the instrument's performance was suspect. These considerations
apply to most analytical chemistry instruments; the balances used to weigh filters; and the field
calibrations of flow, temperature, and barometric pressure. Each SOP that involves the use of
multipoint calibrations must include the following considerations related to eventual use of that
data for data verification and validation:
> A mechanism for reporting calibrations that are out of specifications
> A means for identifying all data that might be affected by the problem (all sample data
back to the last acceptable calibration should initially be considered suspect; investigation
may be required to estimate the maximum probable error and to decide on the validation
status of sample data)
»• A set of acceptance limits on the calibration that address zero/offset, bias/gain/slope, and
linearity/noise
•• A procedure for verifying out-of-limits calibrations
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TABLE 22-2. QUALITY CONTROL DATA FOR STN DATA VERIFICATION AND
VALIDATION
TjpeofQCData
Responsibility
Usage for Verification and Validation
Field Blanks
Joint lab and field
High field blank values may indicate high levels of contamination at field sites Data should
not be numerically corrected for field blank levels. Data should not generally be invalidated or
flagged unless the field blank levels approach environmental levels The STN laboratory must
notify the reporting organization when a high field blank is found
Tnp blank
Joint lab and field
High trip blanks (with or without a corresponding high field blank) may indicate a laboratory
problem. Corrective actions should begin in the laboratory. Reportable data should not be
corrected for trip blank values Data should not be flagged or invalidated unless the blank
value approaches environmental levels.
Sampler leak check
failed
Field
Leak checks should be investigated as soon as they are detected Any leak that could
potentially cause a data error (i e , one that directly affects the flow through one or more
sampling modules) must be documented If possible, the operator making the leak check
should estimate the extent of the leak It is not generally possible to provide an exact correction
factor for data taken while a leak exists The operator should also try to determine when the
leak began Data back to the last successful leak check may be suspect. Leaks that could
potentially cause an error of 10% or more in actual flow rate should be brought to the attention
of the STN laboratory immediately so that data can be flagged or invalidated appropriate!)
Sampler temperature
or barometric pressure
sensor failed
Field
Sensor failures should be investigated as soon as they are detected Sensor failures may
directly affect the flow through one or more sampling modules and therefore must be
documented. The operator discovering the problem should describe the error quantitam eh, if
possible The operator should also try to determine when the sensor began to malfunction
Data back to the last successful check may be suspect The problem should be analyzed b\
someone with an understanding of how the sampler's flow depends on the sensor reading, it
may be necessary to contact the manufacturer to determine this If it appears that the failure
could cause an error of 10% or more in actual flow rate, the problem should be brought to the
attention of the STN laboratory so that data can be flagged or invalidated appropriately
Filter integrity
inspections
Lab and field
Filters that fail the visual integrity inspection should not be used If the filter has not been used
for sampling, its number can be voided in the laboratory's DBMS and no further action is
necessary
Failure of visual inspection after sampling usually results in data invalidation or flagging The
person making the inspection should document it on the CAFDF form Data entry personnel
should make the appropriate entry when the form is input into the DBMS The original data or
CAFDF form may have to be consulted during data validation to determine the seriousness of
the problem and the validity status of the reported data
Repeated or systematic filter failures may be caused by many different factors including rough
handling, manufacturing defects, environmental factors during sampling, defective packing
materials, or contamination in the sampler before or after sampling Systematic problems
should be investigated using the CAR process and documented in QC reports to management
Laboratory QC
samples
Laboratory
A large number of QC samples are run in the gravimetric and chemical laboratories In man\
cases, instrumentation problems can be corrected before any sample data are affected The
specific acceptance criteria for laboratory QC samples are generally determined by statistical
methods (e.g., control charts) or by set limits defined in the method
Reserve aliquots or specimens of the original media should be retained until successful post
analysis QC results have been obtained (Aliquots and specimens are also archived for a period
of time under the STN program, so reanalysis may be possible at a later time, however, this is
less accurate and more costly than immediate reanalysis)
If QC results indicate an unacceptable uncertainty and the analysis cannot be reproduced, the
data must be invalidated or flagged
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*• Procedures for correcting data taken with out-of-limits calibrations. (This must be done
carefully.) Errors other than simple drift (e.g., noise and nonlinearity) should generally
not be corrected by recalculation; instead, the instrument should be repaired and the
samples rerun if possible.
Other considerations regarding calibrations that facilitate their use in the data verification/
validation process include the following:
*• Calibrations should be performed within an acceptable time before and after analysis of
field samples; the acceptable time window is typically a function of the instrument's drift
characteristics.
>• Calibrations, other QC samples, and field samples should be done in proper sequence; the
positions of vials in an autosampler should be double-checked and all vials should be
labeled if possible.
>• Calibration points must bracket the concentration range of interest and should be spaced
according to the needs of the method (typically, either arithmetically or logarithmically
equidistant).
> Enough points should be included to assess noise and linearity (it may not be necessary to
assess noise and linearity on a daily basis, depending on the type of instrument).
22.5 Level 0 Verification and Validation
Basic review of data with respect to their provenance is referred to as "Level 0" verification and
is performed by the STN laboratory. The elements below summarize the criteria to be applied
during Level 0 verification of the data set:
>• Data source attribution—Verify that the site, date, time, and channel assignments are
correct. Logbooks, reporting forms, data custody sheets, and electronic data transmittals
should be consulted if a problem of attribution is suspected.
> CAFDF verification—All CAFDF forms for filters and denuders will be checked for
completeness at the STN laboratory before they are entered into the database and
archived. Missing CAFDF information should be identified by the data entry operator
and brought to the attention of the Sample Handling and Archiving Laboratory (SHAL)
supervisor. The laboratory QC supervisor should determine the validity of any samples
for which mandatory CAFDF information is missing. It may be necessary to contact the
reporting organization to attempt to fill in this information.
*• Holding times and conditions—The shipping and receiving documentation for all PM2 5
chemical speciation samples (filters and denuders) should be checked to verify that
holding times have been met and that required storage conditions such as temperature met
the requirements. Data should be flagged in AIRS if holding times and shipping/storage
conditions were violated. The STN laboratory QA Manager, in consultation with EPA
and the laboratory supervisor(s), will decide the validity of any samples for which these
conditions have been violated.
> Data transmission and recording integrity—Each error in data integrity that is identified
must be investigated and corrected and/or appropriate actions taken. The QC supervisor
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should determine whether an uncorrectable data transmission error affects data validity.
The CAR process should be used with problems of a systematic nature.
*• Calibration status of sampler and sensors—The reporting organization must have a means
for verifying that samplers were calibrated or checked within the required windows of
time. Samples taken when the instrument was past due on any calibration or
recertification interval must be appropriately flagged in AIRS. It is the responsibility of
the reporting organization to identify such data to the STN laboratory because sampling
records received by the laboratory may not include all the necessary information.
* Audit status—The reporting organization must verify that all monthly, quarterly, and
other scheduled audits have been performed on time. Samples taken when a systems
audit or transfer standard recertification was past due must be appropriately flagged in
AIRS. It is the responsibility of the reporting organization to identify such data to the
STN laboratory because sampling records received by the laboratory may not include all
the necessary information.
* Operational flags—All operational flags generated by the sampler electronically or
recorded on a data sheet by the operator will be entered into the database. A translation
between sampler codes and AIRS validation flags will be developed as the STN program
progresses. Some serious sampler flags may also result in automatic invalidation of the
corresponding sample.
22.6 Level 1 Data Validation
Validation (Level 1) is the process of evaluating the correctness and acceptability of individual
items or groups of items within the data set using statistical methods and other screening
techniques. This process involves evaluating the impact of verification problems, QA or QC
problems, and statistically detected anomalies on the usability of the data for their intended
purpose.
Level 1 validation of field data will first involve the processing of verification results and data
screens into AIRS data flags and then providing an overall assessment of the validity of the data
item or items. Based on the number and types of data flags and other information generated
during the verification and validation process, some data may be designated as invalid. Invalid
data are not reported to AIRS. The following items are involved with validation of the PM2 5
chemical speciation field data:
*• Operational data screening—temperature, barometric pressure, flow, and other
operational data are screened for compliance with acceptance limits established for the
STN program.
> Filter inspections and other manual verification procedures performed by the site operator
and STN laboratory personnel.
* Validation flags attached and reported—A limited number of flags are provided in AIRS
to document exceptional conditions that apply to specific data items. Only valid data are
reported to AIRS.
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> Invalid data are identified—Based on the number and types of data flags and other
information generated during the verification and validation process, some data may be
designated as invalid, Invalid data are not reported to AIRS.
•• Random data assessment and review—The STN laboratory QA Manager or designee will
manually review up to 5 percent of the data. This review may be done either before or
after transmission to AIRS (any corrections will be made retroactively). The check will
include an end-to-end check of data entry, calculations, and identification. Original
CAFDF files will be examined and compared to final data printouts. Flagged data will be
checked to ensure that flags have been correctly applied. Reporting organizations are
encouraged to implement a similar program of data checking.
>• Additional validation pertaining to laboratory analyses.
22.7 Treatment of Deviations from Requirements
Deviations from requirements call for a variety of response activities that are summarized below:
Flag Data in AIRS—Chemical speciation data should be marked with a data validity flag only if
the data are considered valid for most purposes and uses.
Invalidate Data in AIRS—Data of uncertain provenance and data with unacceptable levels of
uncertainty should not be included in AIRS. These data will be reported as missing.
CAR Process—The CAR process should be followed in cases of systematic problems or
problems affecting a significant number of data points. The CAR process is described in
Section 22.2.
Revision ofSOPs and Other Project Documentation-—One of the most significant of the possible
outcomes of the CAR process is the identification of the need for revising SOPs and other project
documentation. Procedural changes to overcome identified problems are a key element in the
continuous improvement of the STN program.
Consultation to Determine Impact of Deviation—The cognizant QA supervisor in an
organization is typically charged with the responsibility of determining the impact of a deviation
from requirements. This process should involve consideration of the primary DQO of trend
detection described in Section 7.0.
Notification of EPA or Other Stakeholders—The investigation of a serious or systematic problem
should consult operators, analysts, and other personnel involved with the situation being
investigated, as well as stakeholders who might be impacted by the decision to validate or
invalidate data. Field organizations should contact the STN laboratory (through channels
approved by the DOPO) to provide documentation of corrective actions that might affect the data
validation status of reportable data. The State reporting organizations should include significant
QA problems in their annual QA reports to management.
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22.8 Verification and Validation Criteria: Field Component
Table 22-3 summarizes the verification and validation criteria applicable to the field program.
The verification and validation (Level 0 and Level 1) criteria are combined into a single table
because the criteria overlap.
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TABLE 22-3. DATA VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION SUMMARY
Item
Sampler and site identification
Dale and time identification
Filter or denuder channel assignment
CAFDF records for filters and denuders
Holding times and shipping and storage
conditions
• unexposed samples, holding time.
and storage temperature
' exposed samples, residence time in
sampler before retrieval
> exposed samples, on-site holding
time plus shipping time, and
shipping temperature
» holding time and storage temperature
after receipt in the laboratory prior to
analysis
Llectromc data transmission
Sensors checked or calibrated within
required time frame
Transfer standards recertified within
icquired time frame
Sampler-generated flags (electronic
data)
• filter- ambient temperature difference
' flow rate out of specification
• total sampling time out of
specification
' sampling start or stop time out of
specification
Operator flags and other information
from field data forms
• filter inspections
• other conditions noted by operator
that could impact the sample
Statistical screening of operational
data
• temperature
» barometric pressure
* flow
> other operational data
Criteria
Must be correct
Must be correct
Must be correct
Must be present
See criteria
tables in
Section 20 0
No errors
reported
All temperature.
barometric
pressure, and
flow rate
sensors
All transfer
standards
routinely used
by site operator
See criteria
table
See field data
form
See criteria
tables
Applicable to
Data forms
Data forms
Data forms
CAFDF
forms, sample
labels
All filter
Electronically
transmitted
data
Routine
calibration
records
Audit and
recertification
records
Electronic
data
Field data
forms
Data
summaries
Comment
Investigate and correct, if possible,
invalidate data if identification
cannot be established
Review and determine impact on
data validity
Review and determine impact on
data validity
Review and determine impact of
the error on data validity
Dates of required sensor checks
should be verified before data are
reported
Dates of recertifications should be
verified before data are reported
Data should be reviewed and
evaluated to determine \ahdity for
reporting to AIRS
Operator's notes should be
evaluated regarding probable
impacts on data validity
Development of statistical data
screens will be coordinated with
the laboratory
Flag in
AIRS if
Violated
o
(see notes)
•
•
o
Invalidate
if Violated
•
(see notes)
•
•
0
c
"
o
Notes
c Flagging or invalidation is optional Reporting organization should review the circumstances and the potential impact on the data When
both"columns are marked with this symbol, there are three choices' (1) report to AIRS without a flag if the data need not be qualified to the
data user, (2) flag the data and report to AIRS if the user might need to know that the data are qualified but may be usable for certain
purposes, and (3) invalidate the data (invalid data are not reported to AIRS)
• Flagging or invalidation is mandatory When this symbol is shown in the "Flagging" column and the "Invalidation" column is blank, the data
must be flagged and must be reported to AIRS
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23.0 Validation and Verification Methods
The processes for verifying and validating the measurement phases of the chemical Speciation
Trends Network (STN) data collection operation have been discussed in the previous section. If
these processes are followed, the quality of data should be achieved to meet the data quality
objective (DQO) for trend detection. This section describes the organizational implementation of
the validation procedures, the applicability of corrective actions, and the reporting requirements
and schedules.
The process of data validation and verification is a cooperative effort between the reporting
organization responsible for field sampling and the STN laboratory, which conduct the chemical
analyses and reports the validated concentration values to the Aerometric Information Retrieval
System (AIRS). This section focuses on the verification and validation methods applied by the
reporting organizations after the first stages of validation have been completed by the STN
laboratory.
23.1 Interorganizational Responsibilities for Data Validation
The sequence of data verification and validation steps and the corresponding organizational
responsibilities are as follows:
1. The STN laboratory issues unexposed sample module kits to the reporting agencies
along with a partially completed custody and field data form (CAFDF).
2. The reporting agency exposes the filters, fills in the necessary data about the exposure
on the CAFDF form, and returns them to the STN laboratory.
3. The STN laboratory enters the data recorded on the CAFDF, performs the data
analyses, and enters the results into the data system.
4. The STN laboratory performs level 0 and level 1 data validation based on the data to
which it has access. This includes validation of laboratory results and entry of any
validation flags associated with problems noted on the CAFDF received from the
field.
5. After all validation is completed for a data set, the STN laboratory transmits the data
and associated validation flags in hardcopy and electronic form to the Delivery Order
Project Officer (DOPO), who in turn distributes the data to the respective reporting
organizations (ROs).
6. The RO completes the verification and validation process at levels 2 and 3 based on
information compiled from previous PM25 research programs, guidance from U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Clean Air Scientific Advisory
Committee (CASAC) and Expert Panel on PM2 5 Speciation, its own internal records,
audit results, and other information available from site operators and other local
sources.
7. The RO forwards the validated data back to the STN laboratory for submission to
AIRS.
8. Further statistical validation may be performed by EPA and others as needed.
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23.2 Personnel Responsibilities within the Reporting Organization
The RO should assign data validation responsibilities according to its organizational structure
and the needs of this program.
Within the RO, the following roles and responsibilities for STN data validation may be defined.
Program Manager—The RO's manager for the PM2 5 chemical STN is ultimately responsible for
meeting schedules, for ensuring that qualified staff perform data management and validation
functions, and for delivering valid data to AIRS. The RO's STN Manager should ensure that data
validation and data management responsibilities have been assigned to individuals with the
appropriate educational background, training, and knowledge of the STN program.
Data Validation Specialist—The Data Validation Specialist is the person who conducts the actual
examination of data received from the STN laboratory via the DOPO. This person should be
knowledgeable about quality assurance (QA) principles, paniculate measurement methods, and
basic statistics and chemistry and should be familiar with network operations including sampler
operation and shipping and receiving of sample modules. Often, the QA supervisor responsible
for the STN program will be assigned to validate the data. The Data Validation Specialist should
be supported by data management personnel, chemists, environmental scientists, and statisticians
to deal with questions that arise during the validation process. It is critically important that field
personnel, particularly the operator responsible for STN sampling and his/her supervisor, be
available to answer questions. The Data Validation Specialist should also have ready access to
project files and relevant data sets.
The following sections describe the verification and validation procedures that should be applied
by ROs to the partially validated data received from the STN laboratory.
23.3 Completion of Level 0 Data Verification and Validation
The first step in the RO's data verification and validation process should be to confirm that the
data are correctly accounted for according to the RO's own records. The STN laboratory will
have checked the data according to its shipping and receiving records and the CAFDFs and will
have flagged any discrepancies in data attribution. The Data Validation Specialist should
examine each discrepancy that the STN laboratory has flagged as suspicious due to uncertain
attribution or problems with chain of custody (COC). The RO should examine its copy of the
CAFDF, shipping and receiving records, operator logbooks, and any other relevant records to
address the problem. (The STN laboratory may have already contacted the RO, via the DOPO,
regarding problems of data attribution, so a repeated check of a previously investigated problem
may not be necessary.) The RO can deal with this type of flagged data in a number of different
ways, as follows:
*• If the level 0 flag can be explained and the data are correct, the flag may be removed
or changed to a more appropriate flag.
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> If the STN laboratory has flagged data as misassigned (i.e., assigned to the wrong
sampling date, site, analyzer, or channel), the RO may edit the data so that monitoring
data are correctly assigned. This may only be done if verifiable information can be
found in the RO's operating records that allows the correct data assignments to be
made.
> If concentration values that have been flagged can be corrected numerically (e.g., by
correcting an incorrect sample volume recorded on the CAFDF sheet), the RO can
make this correction directly, but it is recommended that this information be passed
back to the STN laboratory, via the DOPO, so that the calculation can be verified.
*• If the RO cannot find an explanation for a flagged discrepancy, the data flag should
be allowed to stand.
23.4 Identification of Outliers and Data Flagging Techniques
23.4.1 Manual Methods
To fully complete the validation process, the RO must examine the data set, both flagged and
unflagged data, for validation criteria based on information sources available within the
organization. The validation tables in Section 22.0 of this document should be consulted for
specific validation criteria. Some validation criteria that are not easily automated are listed
below:
*• Manual Data Inspection—The purpose of manual data inspection is to spot unusually
high (or low) values that might indicate a gross error in the data collection system. It
is often helpful to plot data in a time series.
> Systems Audit Report Results—Audits occasionally turn up serious deficiencies that
could affect the validity of the data. For example, if it is found that a field operator is
mounting sample modules incorrectly, it would be necessary to flag or invalidate all
the data corresponding to that sample module when that operator was working.
*• Performance Audit Results—Large audit bias found in critical measurements such as
sample volume accuracy could result in data invalidation or flagging back to the last
previous acceptable audit or control check result.
*• Collocated Sample Results—Performance on collocated duplicates should be
evaluated if information is available. Poor performance audit results should be
investigated further, and if a specific, identifiable problem is uncovered that affects
reportable data, that data should be flagged or invalidated. In general, reportable data
should not be invalidated unless a specific, identifiable cause for the discrepancy can
be found.
> Operator's Notes and Site-Specific Information—Operator's notes can contain
information that would call for data invalidation due to lack of sampling
representativeness. Examples include meteorological events such as sand storms,
temporary violations of siting criteria such as nearby construction, or operational
difficulties with the sampling equipment. The RO should use its best judgment about
the impact of site conditions on the acceptability of the data and may consult with
EPA via the DOPO or the Regional Office if there are questions.
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* Shipping Records—Shipping records can be compared with CAFDF records to
identify exposed sample sets that were held too long before shipping. Unexposed
sampling media should not be used if more than 30 d have elapsed since the initial
weighing of the Teflon™ filters. Sample module sets should be used at a designated
site in the order they were received from the STN laboratory.
*• Corrective Action Requests that Affect Data Quality—The Data Validation Specialist
should review any Corrective Action Reports (CARs) in effect when the samples
were acquired. Any CARs that could affect the data should be evaluated and
appropriate actions taken with regard to flagging or invalidating the data.
23.4.2 Automated Methods
Because the data will be delivered from the STN laboratory to the ROs in electronic format,
automated checking could be implemented. Some automated screening methods that might be
considered include the following:
*• Interparameter Checks—These include ion ratio and mass balance checks that use
data from a number of different channels. Samples with atypical results could be
examined more closely as part of the validation process.
*• Time Series Analysis—This analysis is typically the examination of a set of data for a
single observable (e.g., a particular chemical species at a certain site) acquired over a
period of time. Time series data are often best examined graphically, and it is often
helpful to chart related variables together on the same graph.
*• Outlier Checks—Statistical outlier checks for screening PM2 5 chemical speciation
concentration measurements (the actual environmental measurements, rather than QA
quality control [QC] data) are another means of identifying potential problems. An
environmental observation should never be invalidated simply because it is
identified as a possible outlier by statistical techniques. Observed environmental
concentration distributions tend to be somewhat skewed, so that a small number of
concentrations significantly higher than the long-term average should be expected.
Selecting the top 1 or 2 percent of values in a data set for investigation, however is
often a good rule of thumb for data assessment because high data values are
sometimes the result of analytical, procedural, or calculation errors.
Specific information about the automated screening methods will be coordinated by EPA and
distributed to STN field and laboratory personnel.
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24.0 Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives
Results obtained must be reconciled with the requirements defined by the data user or decision-
maker, as specified by the data quality objectives (DQOs) for the project (U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency [EPA], 1994). The methods used to analyze the data are based on the
statistical model described fully in Data Quality Objectives for the Trends Component of the
PM2 s Speciation Network (U.S. EPA, 1999a) and outlined in Section 7.0 of this quality assurance
project plan (QAPP). It is expected that actual data acquired under the Speciation Trends
Network (STN) will depart in various ways from the original conditions and assumptions of the
DQO study. This section discusses these issues along with how they will be resolved and how
limitations on the use of the data will be reported to decision-makers.
24.1 DQO for Chemical Speciation Trends
The primary DQO for the chemical Speciation network is defined as the ability to detect a
±5 percent annual trend within 5 yr with statistical power of 0.80. A research study (U.S. EPA,
1999a) summarized in Section 7.0 of this QAPP indicated that this would be a feasible DQO for
the chemical STN, based on a review of similar species concentration data obtained from
samples collected in the past at an urban site in the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual
Environments (IMPROVE) network.
To assess whether this DQO has been met, it is necessary to determine if a significant time trend
can be detected (or rejected, when there is no trend) with the requisite statistical power after 5 yr
of data have been collected.
Note that by satisfying the DQO it is not necessary to show that a trend definitely exists or does
not exist; a legitimate finding is that a trend cannot be either diagnosed or rejected with the
required certainty. In fact, this is a likely outcome when a trend of intermediate size (e.g., +2 to
3 percent per yr) exists or when a trend is present but highly variable over time. On the other
hand, if all sources of error and uncertainty are particularly well-controlled, it may be possible to
diagnose a trend smaller than +5 percent or to identify a trend in less than 5 yr.
To satisfy the primary DQO, it is only necessary to demonstrate that the 5-yr data set is capable
of detecting a 5 percent trend (or failing to find a trend when none exists) with the requisite level
of confidence. This is done on a species-by-species basis. It is hoped that the DQO for
diagnosing trends will be met for PM2 5 mass as well as for the chemical species used in the DQO
feasibility study (U.S. EPA, 1999a). All the species used in the study, however, were present at a
relatively high level; it is not likely that the trend detection DQO will be met for all chemical
species. Reasons for failing to meet the trend detection DQO for a particular species include the
following:
*• Low concentration (typical of certain uncommon elements reported by energy-
dispersive X-ray fluorescence [EDXRF])
> Large background variability near the analytical method's detection limit
> Large proportion of nondetects, thus weakening the statistical power of the analysis
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> High variability in concentration of the species in the environment
*• Seasonal variability
»• The presence of local sources (ocean, nearby construction, industrial or residential
sources).
24.2 Interim Evaluations of Data Quality
The STN and its constituent monitoring agencies should perform interim evaluations of data
quality annually to assess whether the goal of meeting the DQO for trend detection can be met
within 5 yr. There are two primary ways of performing interim evaluations of data quality:
comparison of the project's quality control (QC) statistics against measurement quality objectives
(MQOs) and direct modeling using the method used by EPA in the DQO study. The following
sections describe these two approaches and suggest corrective actions that can be taken if interim
analysis indicates that the DQO may not be met after 5 yr.
24.2.1 Evaluations Based on MQOs
Estimating the measurement error being achieved based on available QC data is perhaps the
quickest interim measure of assessing progress toward meeting the DQO for trend detection.
Objectives for total measurement error based on the DQO study are provided in Section 7.0 of
this document. This quick but inexact method of data quality assessment (DQA) is appropriate
after 1 yr of sampling; however, more exhaustive analysis should be done after 2 or 3 yr of data
have been collected, as described in the next section.
The STN program has various measures of bias and precision available as a result of the QC data
being taken. Measurement error must be assessed as the total end-to-end error. Some QC
samples assess only part of the total system and thus underestimate the total error. Some of the
QC samples that are useful in assessing total measurement error are as follows:
Flow Rate Checks—These checks are carried out at various intervals using different independent
flow standards. Total volume is directly proportional to flow rate, and calculated concentration
is inversely related to flow rate. Thus, a 5 percent bias error in flow rate will result in a
-5 percent error in calculated concentration (approximately, not accounting for the effect of such
an error on the particle size range distribution). Likewise, a 5 percent coefficient of variation
(CV) in flow rate (random error) will result in a 5 percent CV in the concentration (approxi-
mately). Flow rate is a significant contributor to overall error, but it is an incomplete estimate of
total measurement error because it does not include several sampling representativeness and
analytical errors.
Analytical QC Samples Including Analysis of Standards, Duplicates, and Matrix Spikes—These
samples provide information about the analytical component of bias and reproducibility.
Theoretical estimates of uncertainty are also available for the EDXRF data (elemental analysis).
These estimates do not completely characterize the total measurement system because they omit
field errors, including flow rate and sampling representativeness.
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PM2 5 STN QAPP
Section No. 24
Revison No.: 3
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Page 3 of 7
Field Blank Results—Field blanks provide information on contamination due to handling
operations. Normally, field blank levels should be kept quite small by early corrective actions
and should never be allowed to become a significant component of total measurement error.
Collocated Sampling Results—These results are potentially the most complete of the
measurements of end-to-end error. When starting up a new chemical speciation sampler at a site,
it is a good idea to collect a number of duplicates with the collocated sampler. Approximately 10
valid duplicate samples should be considered the minimum for estimating the total error.
Continued collocations should be done on a regular schedule so that data can be developed over
all seasons of the year. Although the collocated sampling results provide a relatively complete
picture of end-to-end measurement error, two components of measurement are not included.
The first is related to the fact that collocated samples are generally analyzed in the same
laboratory on the same day. The collocated sampling error will underestimate the true total
measurement error by an amount related to the laboratory's day-to-day variability. This error can
be controlled, or at least estimated, by tracking the results of daily analyses of laboratory
standards. The variability in repeat analyses of laboratory standards should be kept small with
respect to the targeted MQO. The STN laboratory will provide EPA with regular QA summary'
reports that will include the necessary information for assessing this and other components of
analytical error.
The second error that collocated sampling omits is due to field sampling representativeness
caused when the paired samplers are not equivalently sited. This factor can be controlled by
careful observance of the siting requirements as well as by using common sense in making the
two sampler locations as equivalent as possible. Problems with siting might also be detected by
assessing the duplicate precision for total mass. Consistent relative differences in total mass of
more than about 10 percent may indicate that a siting problem exists. Low-level chemical
species are likely to show larger relative variability than mass measurements—this is to be
expected and may not indicate a problem.
The recommended interim method for estimating total measurement error is to calculate the total
error based on 10 or more collocated measurements for each chemical species and mass. The
following method of calculation is adapted from the method given in 40 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part 58, Appendix A, Section 5.5.2.1:
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 24
RevisonNo.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 4 of 7
1 . Calculate the duplicate difference for each observation, as follows:
Y - X
' ' xlOO (24-1)
( }
where
dl = percent difference for observation i
7, = primary (station) sampler concentration value
X, = duplicate (reference) sampler concentration value.
Note: Omit data for which the average concentration in the denominator is less than 3 times the
method detection limit (MDL). This may result in inadequate data for evaluating some trace
species.
2. Calculate the CV for a single check. The following equation for calculating the CV is
provided in 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix A, Section 5.5.2.2:
(24-2)
v/2
where
CV, = CV for observation /'
d, = duplicate percentage difference for observation /.
3. Calculate the single sampler precision. The following equation is adapted from 40
CFR Part 58, Appendix A, Section 5.5.2.3, which calculates precision for collocated
samplers of identical type. CV} represents an average error value over all observations
within a given time period for a particular chemical species (or total mass) designated
by the subscript./:
CVj =
where
(24-3)
"j
= pooled CV for species7" over the specified time period
CV,j = CV for species./, observation /
HJ = number of paired observations made for species7 over the time period.
4. Compare the CV} results against the MQO. If the CV does not meet established
criteria for a species of interest, corrective actions such as those discussed in
Section 24.2.3 should be considered.
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PM25STNQAPP
Section No. 24
RevisonNo.: 3
Date. 10/25/99
Page 5 of 7
24.2.2 Evaluations Based on Direct Assessment of the Monitoring Data
Using the statistical model described in the DQO (U.S. EPA, 1999a), an assessment of progress
toward meeting the DQO can be made with less than 5 years' worth of data but with reduced
statistical power. The statistical power of the tests should be extrapolated to 5 yr, based on the
error levels computed for the preliminary data. If this extrapolation indicates that the DQO for
detecting a trend will not be satisfied for a critical species of interest, corrective actions should be
taken as described in the next section. It is important to do a careful assessment of the actual
monitoring data as early in the program as possible, typically after the second or third full year of
sampling, because the assumptions used in the DQO study may not hold at any particular STN
site.
24.2.3 Interim Corrective Actions
If an interim assessment indicates that the DQO for trend detection is not being met,
modification to the experimental design should be considered after any obvious measurement
quality problems have been resolved to. Experimental design factors include site selection,
frequency of sampling, frequency and precision of QC measurements, and frequency of
equipment maintenance. The experimental design changes most likely to improve data quality
are listed below in decreasing order of effectiveness:
*• Increase the Frequency of Sampling—The DQO study (U.S. EPA, 1999a) showed
that 1 -in-3 d sampling was adequate to meet the DQO based on the IMPROVE data
set, while daily sampling was unnecessary and l-in-6 d sampling was not adequate to
meet the DQO. Increasing the sampling frequency may be helpful when
measurement error and unexplained variability are larger than expected. Increasing
the frequency of sampling is unlikely to affect variability attributable to seasonally.
* Add Additional Samplers—Locating one or more additional samplers in the same
impact area may help decrease the statistical uncertainty in the same way that
increased sampling frequency does. In addition, locating samplers at some distance
from one another may be effective in reducing unexplained variability due to local
sources and siting variables.
*• Remedy Siting Problems—Factors such as proximity of local sources or shielding by
nearby buildings and other objects should be eliminated as potential sources of
excessive variability.
*• Improve OC and Maintenance—Measurement errors can, in principle, be reduced by
increasing the frequency of QC checks, audits, and maintenance. Increasing the
intensity of the QC program, however, may not be the most effective approach for
reducing total uncertainty for two reasons: the relative contribution of measurement
error to the total uncertainty is small, and a point of diminishing returns may be
reached after which little improvement in measurement quality can be achieved.
Purchasing more precise or accurate standards is unlikely to make a meaningful
difference in overall data uncertainty. On the other hand, increasing the frequency of
QC and maintenance can sometimes be effective at sites where a excessive numbers
of operational problems and malfunctions are being seen and will certainly be
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PM25 STN QAPP
Section No. 24
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 6 of7
and will certainly be effective in the latter years of network operation as the equipment ages
and major maintenance is required.
24.3 Assessing and Reporting Chemical Speciation Trends
At the end of the first 5 yr of monitoring, each reporting agency will assess whether or not the DQO for
trend detection has been met and will apply suitable statistical tests to test for a trend in the
concentration data for all chemical species of interest Detailed description of the trend assessment
method is outside the scope of this QAPP. Network and reporting agency personnel should use
methods similar to those in the DQO document (U.S. EPA, 1999a) as a point of departure for their
analysis of concentration trends, but they are encouraged to use the most appropriate statistical model
for their individual situations. Specific assistance can be obtained from EPA's Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards (OAQPS) in Research Triangle Park, NC.
The interim DQO analyses should address the following questions for each analyte:
»• Was an annual trend of +5 percent or greater indicated by the analysis?
•• Was an annual trend of as much as ±5 percent excluded by the analysis?
•• Was the statistical test inconclusive about the existence of a trend?
" If the test was inconclusive, was the data of sufficient quality to make the assessment with
the requisite power if a trend had been present?
24.4 Reconciling Other Chemical STN Research Objectives
There are several important research objectives for the STN data other than trend identification (TJ.S.
EPA. 1999b). These include model development and validation, source attribution, State
implementation plan (SIP) attainment and strategy development, and emissions inventory. The ultimate
users of the data include environmental researchers, regulators, and State and Federal policymakers.
The DQO for trend detection focuses on changes in concentrations of individual species over time.
Other data uses, however, may rely on different characteristics, such as concentration ratios between
species, seasonal variations in concentrations or concentration ratios, or the absolute concentration of
certain chemical species at a particular point in time. Meeting the DQO for trend detection does not
guarantee suitability of the data for another purpose. To be useful for objectives other than trend
detection, the primary data set must be accompanied by a complete set of supporting data so that the
user can derive information that might be applicable to other research objectives.
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PM2JSTNQAPP
Section No. 24
Revison No.: 3
Date: 10/25/99
Page 7 of7
24.5 References
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1994. Guidance for the Data Quality Objectives
Process: EPA QA/G-4, Report No. EPA/600/R-96/055, U.S. EPA, Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1998. Guidance for Data Quality Assessment -
Practical Methods for Data Analysis, EPA/600/R-96/084, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Orifice of Research and Development, Washington, DC. January 1999.
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1999a. Data Quality Objectives for the Trends
Component of the PM2^ Speciation Network, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1999.
(Available online on the Ambient Monitoring Technical Information Center [AMTIC] at
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/arntic/files/ambient/pm25/spec/dqo3.pdf)
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1999b. Paniculate Matter (PM:s) Speciation
Guidance Document (Third Draft), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC. January 5, 1999.
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on reverse before completing)
1 REPORT NO
EPA-454/DOD-001
3 RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO
4 TITLE AND SUBTITLE
5. REPORT DATE JUIlC 2000
Quality Assurance Guidance Document: Quality Assurance Project
Plan - PM2.5 Speciation Trends Network Field Sampling
6 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
: ALTHOR(S>: Monitoring & Quality Assurance Group, USEPA
8 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
9 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
10 PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11 CONTRACT/GRANT NO
12 SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
13 TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Office of Air and Radiation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
14 SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/200/04
15 SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16 ABSTRACT The Clean Air Act requires EPA to revise or update the air quality standards based on review of the latest
scientific information on known and potential human health effects associated with PM levels typically found in the
ambient air. In fulfilling these obligations, the EPA recently reviewed the air quality criteria and National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM and epidemiological evidence that shows an association between ambient
concentrations of PM and a range of serious health effects. Based on the results of its review, the EPA revised and
promulgated two new primary standards for the fine fraction of PM (i.e., particles with aerodynamic diameters less
than or equal to 2.5 jam, referred to as PM25) and the regulatory requirements for monitoring the chemical composition
of these particles. In meeting the requirements to monitor and gather data on the chemical makeup of these particles,
EPA is establishing a chemical speciation network consisting of approximately 300 monitoring sites. These sites will
be placed at various national air monitoring stations (NAMS) and State and local air monitoring stations (SLAMS)
across the Nation. It is currently anticipated that 54 of these chemical speciation sites will be used to determine, over
a period of several years, trends in concentration levels of selected ions, metals, carbon species, and organic
compounds in PM, 5. Further breakdown on the location or placement of the trends sites requires that approximately
20 of the monitoring sites be placed at existing Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS). This quality
assurance project plan (QAPP) focuses on required measures for ensuring that data of adequate quality are provided
b\ the 54 trends network sites.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c COSATI Field/Grou
£_
Air Pollution control
Speciation
PM2.5
18 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release Unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS (Repon)
Unclassified
21 NO OF PAGES
20. SECURITY CLASS (Page)
Unclassified
22 PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE
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