AEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
April 2020
EPA 560B20001
Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM)
Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to
Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Purpose of this Roadmap
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepared this publication to
help recipients of an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant (recipients) design and
complete site assessment projects more efficiently and effectively by increasing
their awareness and understanding of the importance of quality assurance (QA)
in brownfields site projects. This document also provides an overview of EPA
requirements for developing generic and site-specific quality assurance project
plans (QAPP) and site-specific QAPP addendums (collectively 'QAPPs') in support
of site assessment efforts at brownfields sites. Readers are advised that specific
QAPP requirements will vary by EPA region and state. Finally, the document
outlines a general process to help recipients oversee their environmental
contractor's efforts to develop QAPPs to ensure collection of adequate and
appropriate data to support the decision-making processes needed to
determine and support protective future uses of brownfields sites.
Quality assurance (QA) for Brownfields
sites involves planning and managing
the process for gathering and using
environmental data to ensure they are
of the right type, quantity and quality
necessary to make a decision. The
quality assurance project plan (QAPP)
documents the quality process and
addresses in the appropriate formats the
specific quality elements required by the
relevant EPA region and state.
Quality Assurance - What It Is and
Why It's Important
Most people consider the quality of a
product or service before they decide
to purchase it. As a result,
manufacturers and service providers
are compelled to implement QA to
ensure customers are satisfied with
their products and services. QA
includes organizing and planning for
quality; collecting data and completing
quality control (QC) checks; documenting, evaluating and reporting QC check
findings; and acting to address identified quality issues. Successful QA processes
are thorough, well-documented and designed to ensure that the outcomes
achieved meet the quality required. For environmental projects, QA processes
are implemented to ensure that the data obtained in support of environmental
assessment and cleanup are of an appropriate quality for their intended
purposes. This level of quality is critical because these data drive decisions
regarding the need for, and degree of, remediation and other controls required
at a site to protect human health and the environment.
The Brownfields QAPP Road
Map below illustrates the
general process for
developing, submitting and
obtaining approval of
Brownfields QAPPs.
BEGIN HERE
Prepare for QAPP
Development Effort
Step 1. Establish
Project Team
Step 2. Develop Data
Quality Objectives &
Decision Criteria
Step 3. Develop
Draft QAPP
Step 4. Review and
Revise QAPP
Step 5. Submit QAPP
for EPA and State
Approval
Step 6. Implement,
Monitor and
Document Progress
PROJECT
COMPLETE
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
The EPA requires that a QAPP
be prepared to support all
federally funded environmental
projects involving the
collection, evaluation, use and
reporting of environmental
data.
www.
system-related
regulations
Preparation Activities
S Review this Road Map and
other QAPP-related
resources
S Contact your EPA
Brownfields project officer
S Contact state project
manager and others
recommended by the EPA
Brownfields project officer
(such as EPA QA
personnel)
S Obtain, review and share
available tools, resources,
formats and guidance
specific to the EPA region
and state
General Process for Completing QAPPs for Brownfields Sites
This document describes the general process that recipients can follow to
prepare for, develop and implement generic QAPPs, site-specific QAPPs and site-
specific QAPP addendums. It identifies the basic components of a QAPP and
describes the organizational relationships and typical roles and responsibilities of
those directly involved in QAPP development and implementation. More
information on the performance of Brownfields site assessment and cleanup
efforts is available in the "Brownfields Road Map to Understanding Options for
Site Investigation and Cleanup, Sixth Edition," which is available for download
and interactive access at https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-road-
map.
The general steps and activities described are supported by a companion
checklist included in Appendix A. which recipients can use to track the progress
of QAPP development efforts on their projects. The checklist is primarily
provided for recipients with limited to no prior Brownfields site assessment
project experience; as sometimes may be the case for city planners, community
or development coordinators, city administrators, city engineers or elected
officials.
Prepare for QAPP Development Effort
The first step in preparing for QAPP development is to
understand its purpose and the general process and activities
involved. The main purpose of a QAPP is to serve as the
instruction manual or 'game plan' for site assessment or
cleanup, with specific emphasis on ensuring the quality of field sample and
measurements data collection, sample analysis and subsequent data validation,
evaluation and reporting. Due to its collaborative nature, the QAPP development
process helps ensure that key project stakeholders have a common
understanding of technical quality and performance expectations.
A generic QAPP may be developed when a recipient's Brownfields program
involves more than one site and is designed to accommodate technical
requirements common to all the sites. A site-specific QAPP addendum
supplements the generic QAPP, usually in the form of a sampling and analysis
plan (SAP) and addresses the additional and unique technical issues of
performing a site assessment at a particular site. Site assessment goals,
approaches and technologies can differ significantly for each site based on
variability in major site attributes such as contaminant types, depth of
groundwater, site geology, overall site conditions and accessibility. If one or
more sites of interest in a multi-site program are known at the time, there are
schedule and cost benefits in developing the generic QAPP and site-specific
QAPP addendum simultaneously, or alternatively, separate standalone site-
specific QAPPs. Otherwise, the documents are typically developed and approved
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Typical Types of QAPPs
Generic QAPP - applies to all
sites in a multi-site program.
Site-Specific QAPP Addendum
- applies to a single site in a
multi-site program.
Commonly submitted in the
form of a sampling and
analysis plan (SAP). Attaches
to the overarching Generic
QAPP.
Site-Specific QAPP -
submitted when a Brownfields
project is limited to one site or
when separate QAPPs are
developed for each site in a
multi-site program. Includes a
SAP. This is a standalone
document.
in succession. A standalone site-specific QAPP includes all of the elements of a
generic QAPP and SAP and is developed for application to one site.
Generally, there are four major components of a QAPP; each comprised of a
number of subcomponents that address key information required to execute a
quality project. Figure 1 provides an overview of these components; while
Appendix B lists and describes each subcomponent in detail.
Different EPA regions and states have unique technical requirements and
organizational and procedural aspects for implementing and overseeing QAPP
development (For information on Regional resources, see "Regional QA
Technical Resources Webpages" on page 13). Recipients should communicate
with their Regional EPA Brownfields project officer and state Brownfields project
manager to confirm the specific QAPP requirements and process used for
Brownfields QAPPs in their location. In addition, cooperative agreement
recipients need to identify and obtain input from other potentially significant
decision-makers for their projects and sites; such as other state regulating
agencies; and state, county and city planning and development organizations.
Figure 1 - General Quality Assurance Project Plan Components
QUALITY
ASSURANCE
PROJECT PLAN
COMPONENTS
Project Management
Identifies key team members, roles and
responsibilities, site background, the
problem to be addressed and other
information related to project management
and communication.
Data Validation and Usability
Describes how data will be evaluated before
it is used in the decision-making process for
the site.
Assessment and Oversight
Describes the types and frequencies of
quality assessments that will be conducted
by the project team to ensure that project
quality goals are met as the project
progresses.
Data Acquisition and Management
Describes how and where samples will be
collected, transported, analyzed and
recorded (including site maps, reference to
standard operating procedures (SOPs) and
identification of analytical methods).
The responsible federal and state personnel can provide resources such as
guidance documents (beyond those listed in the references on pages 12-14),
QAPP outlines and templates, and examples of QAPPs previously approved for
similar projects. Because QAPPs are scalable, the cost and time to produce them
can vary, so recipients should seek clarity on the appropriate amount of
information and degree of detail needed to support their program and site
projects. The EPA or state may also encourage the use of streamlined formats,
such as the Uniform Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plan (UFP-QAPP)
(IDTQF, 2004) to expedite QAPP development and review, as well as innovative
strategies and field-based screening technologies to support more effective site
assessments.
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Step 1 Activities
V Establish project team
J Identify other needed team
members and begin to
locate them
S Initiate development of
Project Management
components of QAPP using
the formats obtained under
Step 1
J Identify State and Regional
requirements applicable to
the site
S Prepare an RFP to hire a
contractor and/or
laboratory to complete the
Project Team
Step 1: Establish Project Team
The typical Brownfields recipient's project team includes
personnel from the recipient's organization, personnel from the
recipient's environmental contractor and the contractor's
subcontractors (such as drillers, specialty field services providers
and laboratories). Regional EPA and state Brownfields personnel
support the team with guidance, quality review and QAPP approval authority.
In close partnership with the recipient, the environmental contractor typically
leads the technical design and execution of the Brownfields site assessment
project; including, but not limited to, QAPP development, field and analytical
program implementation and project reporting. In addition, environmental
contractors frequently provide recipients with technical and outreach support
for meetings and presentations to the EPA, state, other project stakeholders and
the community at large. If a recipient has more than one environmental
contractor, each will develop QAPPs and support the recipient with additional
services for the projects they are assigned to support.
Figure 2 shows the organizational structure and roles of a typical Brownfields
cooperative agreement recipient's site assessment team, including the
relationships with Regional EPA and state personnel and the significant role of
the environmental contractor and its subcontractors.
Figure 2 - Typical Brownfields Grant Recipient's Site Assessment Project Team
EPA QA
Personnel
Project Scientist
or Engineer
Database
Manager
Project Chemist
Field Team
Leader
Brownfields
Grant Recipient
Quality Assurance
Manager
State Brownfields
Project Manager
On-Site Safety Officer
EPA Brownfields Project
Officer / Manager
Procurement and
Administrative Personnel
Environmental Contractor
Project Manager
EPA
O State
Q Grantee
KEY
Q Environmental
Contractor
O Subcontractors
Subcontractors
Drilling Services Manager
Specialty Field Services Provider Managers
Laboratory Project Manager
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Note: The environmental contractor's team composition will differ for a site
cleanup effort, particularly in the type and number of personnel disciplines and
subcontractor service areas.
Table 1 describes the various responsibilities and project roles of environmental
contractor personnel in relation to QAPP development, site assessment and
project reporting.
Table 1-Typical Environmental Contractor's Team Roles and Responsibilities
Role
Responsibilities
Project
Manager
Responsible for project planning, execution and quality of performance.
Coordinates with the recipient and supports technical discussions with the
Regional EPA Brownfields project officer, state regulatory agencies, members of
the contractor project team and other site decision-makers. Manages and
provides technical oversight during QAPP development, field data collection and
reporting efforts. Reports to corporate Principal-in-Charge of grantee's contract
and task order.
Procurement
and
Administrative
Personnel
Supports the review, negotiation and execution of the recipient's contract and
task orders. Provides services for the competitive solicitation, evaluation and
award of subcontracts to drillers, specialty field services providers and
analytical laboratories. Administers invoices to the recipient and issues
payments for approved services performed by subcontractors. Reports to
corporate management.
Quality
Assurance
Manager
Responsible independent review of all project activities and deliverables and
supporting the resolution of any identified QA issues. Has authority to suspend
project activities if quality requirements are not being met. Reports to
corporate management. All project personnel are required to be responsive to
the QA Manager's input, guidance and directives as related to assuring project
quality.
On-site Safety
Officer
Helps develop the QAPP and the health and safety plan (HASP). Responsible
for field team's HASP compliance and implementing appropriate site control
measures and personal protection levels based on identified potential site
hazards. Conducts safety briefings for all field personnel and site visitors. Can
suspend operations that threaten health and safety. Reports to corporate
health and safety management.
Project
Scientist or
Engineer
Helps design and develop the generic QAPP and site-specific QAPP addendums
(usually SAPs), or the site-specific QAPP, including the site assessment strategy
and the numbers, types and locations of samples and specialty measurements.
Helps project team and site decision-makers understand site issues that affect
decision-making.
Field Team
Leader
Responsible for directing day-to-day field activities during site assessment.
Verifies that field sampling and measurement procedures comply with all
QAPP field-related requirements. Provides project manager with regular
reports on status of field activities and notifies of any deviations from the
QAPP.
Project
Chemist
Helps define analytical requirements for the generic QAPP and site-specific
QAPP addendums (usually SAPs), or the site-specific QAPP. Coordinates with
subcontractor laboratory project manager on analytical requirements, delivery
schedules and logistics, data validation and evaluation and project reporting
efforts.
Database
Manager
Responsible for capturing, storing and managing project data. Ensures the flow
of project data in formats that meet the requirements specified in the generic
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Role	Responsibilities

QAPP and site-specific QAPP addendum, or site-specific QAPP. Advises the
project team on the proper database methods for entering, managing and
reporting data.
Subcontractor
Driller and
Specialty Field
Services
Provider
Managers
Review SAP portion of site-specific QAPPs and site-specific QAPP addendums
to understand project drilling, sampling and specialty field service
requirements, respectively. Work with the field team leader to ensure
successful delivery of services; including securing utility clearances and
property access approvals for sampling and measurement efforts. Work with
the project scientist/engineer to ensure provision of required data
deliverables, both manual and electronic.
Subcontractor
Laboratory
Project
Manager
Reviews site-specific QAPPs and site-specific QAPP addendums to understand
project analytical methods and related quality requirements. Works with the
project chemist to confirm analytical requirements, delivery schedules, project
reporting, and data quality assessments and resolutions.
Many Brownfields sites are
addressed under state
cleanup programs. Each of
these programs may have
specific requirements that
can affect the QAPP and site
work, including:
-	Action levels for future
uses
-	Sampling and analytical
method requirements
-	Processes for gaining
approval to use
innovative strategies
and technologies
-	Data evaluation
requirements
-	Training and
certification
requirements
-	Document contents and
formats
Note: The above roles and responsibilities are subject to change as a function of
any future revisions to EPA QAPP guidance.
Depending on project and site complexity, it may be beneficial for the
brownfields cooperative agreement recipient and its contractor to meet with the
EPA, state Brownfields, and appropriate QA personnel who can provide input on
the technical requirements that will apply to the recipient's Brownfields program
or site(s). This interaction may occur through one or several meetings where
QAPP development and other matters related to site assessment and potential
remediation are discussed.
To comply with the terms and conditions of brownfields cooperative agreements
federal funding requirements, cooperative agreement recipients must
competitively procure the services of environmental contractors. Once hired,
environmental contractors must competitively procure the services of
subcontract drillers, specialty field services providers and laboratories. Procuring
environmental contractor support is generally accomplished by issuing a request
for proposal (RFP), reviewing proposals and selecting the most capable and
responsive parties. The RFP for services must clearly and specifically describe the
statement of the work for the project, the tasks, responsibilities, schedule
(particularly if driven by Brownfields grant funding), deliverables and level of
quality the environmental contractor and its subcontractors are expected to
achieve. The RFP should include site background information, if available, and
references to federal, state or local requirements (for example, laws, special
training and document formats) that will apply to the project. If not familiar with
these requirements, recipients should minimally require that the environmental
contractor and its subcontractors meet all applicable federal, state and local
training and professional certification requirements and comply with all
applicable laws and regulations, including those regarding worker and public
health and safety.
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
The RFP typically requires the environmental contractor to provide a technical
approach that describes how project goals and quality requirements will be
achieved. The environmental contractor is then required to illustrate its
qualifications and past performance record using previous project examples,
resumes and references. The RFP also should require that the environmental
contractor include in its submittal a subcontracting plan. The RFP should
emphasize that the environmental contractor must prepare complete QAPPs of a
level of quality that will successfully result in EPA and state approval; however,
the recipient must work with the environmental contractor to help achieve this
outcome.
Various EPA and related resources are available to support RFP development and
proposal review and can be found on EPA's Brownfields and Land Revitalization
website (https://www.epa.gov/brownfields).
Cooperative Agreement Recipients are advised to communicate with their
Regional EPA and state Brownfields representatives to seek their input on hiring
contractors. The representatives can also provide information on other entities
that provide technical and procurement resources and support under EPA-
funded programs. Finally, communicating with other area Brownfields
cooperative agreement recipients, checking references and getting input from
state or Regional parties on past project results will help in evaluating proposals
and selecting a qualified environmental contractor. Once selected, recipients
should work with the environmental contractor to outline project management
and communications approaches for the program and site projects. This
information should be incorporated into the generic QAPP and, as relevant, the
site-specific QAPP or site-specific QAPP addendum. Clear communication plans
are critical for projects where innovative strategies and technologies are planned
for use, as they typically require more frequent and sometimes near real-time
data submittals.
Step 2: Develop Data Quality Objectives and Decision Criteria
Having already prepared and included project information in the
Brownfields grant application, recipients likely have a number of
background documents and other information about the site(s)
and surrounding areas. The environmental contractor typically
conducts a Phase I ESA. Gathering this information includes the following
activities:
•	Review site information
•	Conduct a more comprehensive search for site documentation.
•	Perform an on-site investigation of the brownfield property.
•	Review any other information, including input from the EPA and state
representatives, to develop the conceptual site model (CSM) for the
site(s) of concern.
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Step 2 Activities
S Develop conceptual site
model (CSM)
S Identify data gaps
S Develop quality objectives
and criteria (including "if-
then" statements)
S Confirm and document
special training or
certification requirements
S Identify the documents
and records to be
developed and maintained
S Obtain stakeholder and
decision-maker input on
these portions of the QAPP

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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
A conceptual site model (CSM)
is a critical project quality
planning tool and should be
developed for every
Brownfields site assessment
project.
The specific information needs
of key site decision-makers
must be addressed in the
QAPP.
The CSM is a critical prerequisite for developing a site-specific QAPP or site-
specific QAPP addendum. The CSM summarizes what is known, suspected and
unknown about the site. The CSM serves as the foundation to identify site data
gaps that form the basis for questions that need to be answered by site
assessment efforts. The data gaps directly drive the design of the Sampling and
Analysis Plan (SAP), including:
•	Media (e.g., soil, groundwater, air) to be assessed.
•	Strategy and methods to be used to complete sampling.
•	Numbers of samples to be collected and measurements made.
•	Analytical methods.
•	Other factors that provide the basis for developing project and data
quality objectives and decision criteria.
Establishing decision criteria requires the recipient and project team to work
with decision-makers to identify the specific decisions that need to be made,
identify who can make what type of decision and establish decision rules that
will be applied to the data collected. Decision rules can be documented in a
decision flow chart or as a series of "if-then" statements that link data collected
to a decision that needs to be made for the project or site. The following "if-
then" decision rules are provided as examples only, and should not be
interpreted as being appropriate or required statements for all sites:
•	//concentrations of contaminant X in the top 6 inches of soil in the
southern portion of the site are below 150 milligrams per kilogram
(mg/kg), then that portion of the site may be developed as a children's
soccer field.
•	//concentrations of contaminant X in the top 6 inches of soil in the
southern portion of the site exceed 150 mg/kg, but are less than 500
mg/kg, then that portion of the site may be developed as a golf driving
range.
•	//concentrations of contaminant X in the top 6 inches of soil in the
southern portion of the site are above 500 mg/kg, then that portion of
the site may not be developed and must be remediated.
After decision rules are developed for the site, criteria must be developed to
describe the level of data quality and procedures required to provide a sound
basis for making each decision. For the "if-then" example above, such criteria
might specify that measurements of contaminant X must be accurate to within a
defined percent of the actual concentrations. Obtaining EPA and state input on
acceptable levels of accuracy will ensure the data collected and analyzed are
sufficient to make remedial decisions described by the "if-then" decision rules.
It is particularly important to communicate with state representatives, who must
approve the proposed future reuse for the Brownfields site, to ensure the
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
information needed to support their site-related decision-making will be
collected. These representatives may be assigned to different offices than the
state QA representatives who are responsible for reviewing the QAPP.
The project team determines the field documentation, data deliverables and
formats that must be produced during data collection and reporting to support
decision-making; the QAPP describes these requirements. Certain site objectives,
criteria and documents may be specific to the region and state where the site is
located and the cleanup program that regulates the site (for example, a state
voluntary cleanup program). Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the team
integrates any location- or program-specific requirements. The EPA and state
Brownfields representatives and the environmental contractor should be able to
help recipients plan ahead to avoid missing a requirement that could hinder the
project down the line. Obtaining frequent input from the team and other
stakeholders will also help keep the project on the right track.
Step 3: Develop Draft QAPP
After developing and reaching consensus on the CSM, data gaps,
project and data quality objectives, decision criteria and rules,
the Draft QAPP can be developed. Various components of a Draft
QAPP are typically developed by different members of the
environmental contractor's project team, based on each team
member's area of expertise and practical experience. (Suggested roles to support
each QAPP component are included in Appendix B.) An appropriate team
member should be assigned the responsibility of compiling the various sections
of the QAPP, developing and overseeing document production, and
implementing a quality review.
During Draft QAPP development, the project team will address three of the four
common QAPP components identified in Figure 1: Data Generation and
Acquisition; Assessment and Oversight; and Data Validation and Usability.
Additional support in addressing each of these components of the QAPP can be
obtained from the appropriate environmental contractor's subcontractors and
the EPA and state QA representatives.
While the environmental contractor is typically relied upon to lead development
of the QAPP, the cooperative agreement recipient remains responsible for the
timely submission of a technically sound QAPP for EPA and state approval. This
requires the recipient to actively communicate, coordinate and monitor the
project team's progress. Brownfields cooperative agreement recipients may seek
independent technical support to help guide the development of the QAPP from
resources such as EPA's Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) providers.
Step 3 Activities
S Assign Draft QAPP
components completion
S Develop Data Acquisition
and Management
approach
S Identify appropriate
Assessment and Oversight
activities to ensure project
quality
S Complete Data Validation
and Usability components
of the QAPP to describe
how data will be evaluated
before being used for
decision-making
S As sections are completed,
obtain team and decision-
maker input to minimize
issues that can arise during
Steps 5 and 6
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Brownfields cooperative
agreement recipients may seek
technical support for their
projects from EPA's Technical
Assistance to Brownfields (TAB)
providers.
https://www.epa.gov/brownfie
Ids/brownfields-technical-
assistance-training-and-
research#TAB
Step 4 Activities
S Distribute the Draft QAPP
for internal team review
S Discuss team input on the
Draft QAPP
S Revise the Draft QAPP to
address gaps, comments
and inconsistencies, or
changes identified through
the review
S Prepare the revised Draft
QAPP for submittal to EPA
or state reviewers
Completion of many of the QAPP sections is dependent upon prior completion of
the site assessment strategy and SAP design. Decisions about what media will be
sampled (for example, air, soil, soil gas, groundwater, surface water, sediment,
sludge, asbestos and lead paint), where samples will be collected and what
analytical methods and detection levels will be used, will drive the design of
other components of the QAPP. Effective and efficient development of the QAPP
components, therefore, will require frequent interactions and clear
communications between the environmental contractor project manager, the
project scientist and engineer, the project chemist, and decision-makers closely
involved in the project.
For example, analytical methods identified in the QAPP will likely require specific
sampling methods (to ensure adequate sample material is collected) and sample
handling approaches (to ensure proper sample preservation, holding times and
shipping temperatures). Effective team communications will help ensure that the
quality objectives and criteria previously derived as part of the SAP are reflected
consistently throughout the QAPP. Therefore, the lead authors of each QAPP
section should be encouraged to coordinate with the leads of other closely
related sections. In addition, having QAPP development personnel maintain
communication with Regional EPA and state personnel to obtain their input
during development will save valuable time and cost.
Step 4: Review and Revise the QAPP
Review and revision are important steps to ensuring the QAPP
meets the recipient's project needs and is ready for EPA and
state review. A high-quality QAPP also increases the potential
for securing EPA and state approval.
The review process typically starts with an internal technical review performed
by senior environmental contractor personnel. In many contractor organizations,
the document will also undergo an editorial review. The completed Draft QAPP is
then submitted to the cooperative agreement recipient for review.
Upon receipt, the recipient distributes the document to its support personnel for
review. The recipient compiles all reviewer edits and comments and provides
them to the environmental contractor. The environmental contractor then
revises the QAPP to respond to the recipient's review, seeking clarification
where needed to ensure appropriate revisions are made. The draft Final QAPP is
then submitted to the recipient, EPA, state and other stakeholders as directed.
Sometimes project teams may come under pressure to meet expedited
deliverable deadlines or mobilize to the field; this can result in a compressed
schedule for review. However, taking the time to thoroughly review the QAPP
helps ensure that all components are complete and consistent. Review also helps
avoid costly document revisions and schedule impacts during field efforts (if a
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SEPA
significant error was overlooked). For example, if the subcontractor laboratory
provides the incorrect sample bottles or sample preservatives due to an error in
the QAPP, the field team could work with the laboratory to obtain the correct
sample containers and, as necessary, re-sample the site; however, this would
increase shipping and labor costs and cause a delay that could have a significant
impact on the project schedule and any dependent activities. A robust QAPP
review helps to identify and address such potential issues before field work
begins.
Step 5: Submit QAPP for EPA and State Approval
After all necessary reviews and revisions of the draft QAPP are
_	complete, a draft Final version is submitted to the EPA and state
\	Brownfields QA representatives for review and approval. It may
also be necessary to submit the document to other state
agencies and stakeholders who have partial approval authority or significant
interest in the proposed future reuse of the brownfields site. If input is obtained
from all important parties throughout the development process, the QAPP will
likely meet QA officials' expectations and incur only minor comments or input.
The cooperative agreement recipient and the environmental consultant then
discuss any input received with the reviewers as needed, revise the QAPP to
address reviewer input and submit the revised Final QAPP to obtain formal
approval to initiate field work. The recipient should confirm with each reviewing
party specific turnaround times for review and incorporate these into the overall
project schedule.
Step 6: Implement, Monitor and Document Progress
After obtaining QAPP approval, the project team uses the QAPP
to guide the Brownfields site assessment project. Some
situations in the field may require intentional deviations from
the QAPP, such deviations need to be carefully planned and
documented along with any unexpected deviations. Significant deviations may
warrant revising the site-specific QAPP or site-specific QAPP addendum.
Discussions with Regional EPA and state counterparts will help the team identify
when such actions are appropriate or necessary. Substantive revisions may
require the recipient to repeat some or all of the process described in Steps 2
through 5.
Still Have Questions?
The best points of contact for further questions will be the recipient's Regional
EPA Brownfields project officer and EPA and state QA representatives. These
personnel can provide guidance and assistance in developing and implementing
QAPPs for Brownfields programs and projects. Regional Brownfields
Coordinators (https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-contacts-epa-
regional-offices) can also provide useful information and support. Convenient
Step 5 Activities
S Submit the draft Final
QAPP for review
S Obtain EPA or state review
input or approval
S Discuss any input with EPA
or the state and revise, as
necessary
S Submit the revised Final
QAPP for approval, as
necessary
S Ensure QAPP approval is
obtained before site work
begins
Step 6 Activities
S Distribute the approved
Final QAPP to project team
S Support communication
and monitor progress
S Discuss any deviations
required and whether
QAPP revision is warranted
S Obtain approval for any
QAPP revisions
S Document QAPP
implementation and
project outcomes
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
access to the EPA's Regional QA technical resources webpages is provided
below.
References
The following references provide additional information on the Brownfields
Program, general QAPP development, EPA Regional QA and hiring contractors.
General Brownfields Program Information
EPA. 2017. Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI)
Brownfields Road Map to Understanding Options for Site Investigation and
Cleanup, Sixth Edition: EPA 542-R-17-003. November.
https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-road-map
General Quality Assurance Project Plan Guidance
EPA. Office of Environmental Information (OEI) Quality Web Site:
www.epa.gov/QUALITY/qapps.html
EPA. 2008. OEI. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Quality Policy. EPA
Classification Number CIO 2106.0. CIO Transmittal Number 09-001. October.
https://www.epa.gov/irmpoli8/epas-policy-and-procedures-ensure-and-
e n ha nce-its-q ua I ity-progra m
EPA. 2006. OEI. Guidance on Systematic Planning Using the Data Quality
Objectives Process: EPAQA/G-4. EPA 240-B-06-001. February.
https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/guidance-systematic-planning-using-data-
quality-obiectives-process-epa-qag-4
EPA. 2002. OEI. Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans: EPA QA/G-5. EPA
240-R-02-009. December, https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/guidance-quality-
assurance-proiect-plans-epa-qag-5-december-2002
EPA. 2002. OEI. Guidance on Choosing a Sampling Design for Environmental Data
Collection (for Use in Developing a QAPP): EPA QA/G-5S. EPA 240-R-02-005.
December, https://www.epa.gov/quality/guidance-choosing-sampling-
design-environmental-data-collection-use-developing-quality
EPA. 2001. OEI. Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans: EPA QA/R-5.
EPA 240-B-01-003. March. (Reissue Notice: May 31, 2006).
https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/epa-qar-5-epa-requirements-quality-
assurance-project-plans
EPA. 2000. OEI. Quality Manual for Environmental Programs. EPA Classification
Number CIO 2105-P-01-0 (formerly 5360 Al). May 5.
https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/epa-quality-manual-environmental-programs
EPA. 1998. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). Quality
Assurance Guidance for Conducting Brownfields Site Assessments. EPA 540-
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
R-98-038. September, https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/quality-assurance-
guidance-conducting-brownfields-site-assessments-september-1998
Intergovernmental Data Quality Task Force (IDQTF). 2004. Uniform Federal Policy
for Quality Assurance Project Plans. Evaluating, Assessing and Documenting
Environmental Data Collection and Use Programs, Part 1, UFP-QAPP
Manual, Final, Version 1, PA: EPA 505-B-04-900A. DoD: DTIC ADA 427785.
July, https://www.epa.gov/fedfac/uniform-federal-policv-quality-assurance-
project-plans-evaluating-assessing-and-documenting
Regional Quality Assurance Technical Resources Webpages
Region 1: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-1
Region 2: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-2
Region 3: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/about-managing-quality-environmental-
data-epa-region-3
Region 4: www.epa.gov/region4/sesd/sesdpub guidance.html
Region 5: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-5
Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-6
Region 7: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-7
Region 8: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-8
Region 9: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-9
Region 10: https://www.epa.gov/qualitv/managing-quality-environmental-data-
epa-region-10
Hiring Contractors and Integrating Streamline Investigation Concepts
EPA. 2005. OSWER. Understanding Procurement for Sampling and Analytical
Services Under a Triad Approach. EPA 542-R-05-022. June.
https://www.epa.gov/remedytech/understanding-procurement-sampling-
and-analytical-services-under-triad-approach
EPA. 2001. OSWER. Brownfields Technology Primer: Requesting and Evaluating
Proposals that Encourage Innovative Technologies for Investigation and
Cleanup. EPA 542-R-01-005. February.
https://www.epa.gov/remedvtech/brownfields-technology-primer-
requesting-and-evaluating-proposals-encourage-innovative
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
EPA. 2000. Assessing Contractor Capabilities for Streamlined Site Investigations.
EPA 542-R-00-001. January, https://www.epa.gov/remedytech/assessing-
contractor-capabilities-streamlined-site-investigations
Notice and Disclaimer
This document was updated in April 2020. The original version of this publication
was funded by the EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management under EPA
Contract EP-W-07-078 to Tetra Tech EM Inc. The Road Map was produced in
collaboration between the Technology Innovation and Field Services Division
(TIFSD) and the Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization (OBLR); and
supported by Regional Brownfields personnel. Special appreciation is extended
to Nora Conlon (Region 1), Barbara Caprita (Region 4) and Jan Pels (Region 5) for
their review and input. The Road Map was subjected to the Agency's
administrative and expert review and approved for release.
The Road Map provides introductory information rather than guidance and does
not impose legally binding requirements, confer legal rights, impose legal
obligations, implement any statutory or regulatory provisions, or change or
substitute for any statutory or regulatory provisions. The EPA recommends users
refer to applicable regulations, policies and guidance documents regarding
development of QAPPs for Brownfields site assessment and cleanup projects.
For further information on OBLR, please contact:
• Elyse Sutkus of the EPA's OBLR, at (202) 564-2858 or by e-mail at
Sutkus.elyse@epa.gov.
For region-specific questions regarding QAPPs, please refer to the information
provided for each Region on pages 13-14 of this document.
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Appendix A - General QAPP Completion Checklist
Recipients can use this checklist to keep track of their generic QAPP, site-specific QAPP and site-
specific QAPP addendum development efforts.
Note: Recipients should confirm specific QAPP development requirements and processes with
their Regional EPA and state Brownfields representatives.
Project
Name:
Location:
Recipient Organization
Name:
Date:
Recipient Project Manager
Name:
Telephone:,
E-mail:
Recipient Quality Assurance Representative
Name:	Telephone:_
E-mail:
EPA Brownfields Project Officer
Name:
Telephone:,
E-mail:
EPA Quality Assurance Representative
Name:	Telephone:,
E-mail:
State Brownfields Project Manager
Name:	Telephone:,
E-mail:
State Quality Assurance Representative
Name:	Telephone:,
E-mail:
Environmental Contractor Project Manager
Name:	Telephone:,
E-mail:
Environmental Contractor Quality Assurance Manager
Name:	Telephone:	
E-mail:
~
Prepare for QAPP Development Effort
I have reviewed the Brownfields Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project
Plans and contacted the EPA Brownfields project officer to obtain appropriate QA representative
contacts.
Appendix A - QAPP Completion Checklist - Page 15 of 21

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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
~
~
I have contacted EPA and state Quality Assurance (QA) representatives to confirm the specific QA
procedures and requirements for my location and to obtain their input on:
~
The appropriate QAPP scale and format for my Brownfields program and specific site(s).
| Available training or resources (QAPP examples, QAPP templates, guidance, requirements,
checklists and experts).
Guidance or suggestions on preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain contractor and
laboratory support.
~
Any special certifications or training that will be needed in our area and for my site work.
| Any unique roles and responsibilities that must be included in QAPPs for Brownfields sites in
my specific EPA region and state.
I have reviewed the information provided to me by the EPA and state QA representatives and
forwarded relevant information to other project participants for their use.
~
~
~
~
~
Step 1: Establish Project Team
I have communicated with EPA, state and other representatives to seek their input on hiring an
environmental contractor.
I have developed and released an RFP according to my organization's requirements to solicit
proposals for an environmental contractor to support my project.
I have reviewed contractor proposals according to the terms and conditions of my Cooperative
Agreement and my organization's requirements, interviewed the key personnel from the finalists and
selected the preferred contractor.
I have had a preliminary meeting with my EPA Brownfields project officer, my environmental
contractor and the EPA and state QA representatives to discuss my program and site(s) and identify
considerations relevant to the generic QAPP and site-specific QAPP addendum(s) for my site(s).
The environmental contractor has developed a detailed project description that identifies defined
tasks, schedules and personnel roles and responsibilities.

~
~
Step 2: Develop Data Quality Objectives and Decision Criteria
The environmental contractor has developed and documented a process for conducting site
assessments within the context of the Brownfields program for inclusion in the generic QAPP.
The environmental contractor has reviewed existing site documentation, developed the conceptual
site model (CSM) for the site and identified key data gaps for the site-specific QAPP or site-specific
QAPP addendum.
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
~
~
~
~
~
The environmental contractor has developed project and data quality objectives and decision criteria.
I have worked with the environmental contractor and decision-makers to (1) refine a list of decisions
to be made and (2) develop specific decision rules to guide our work.
The project team has addressed special training and certification requirements.
The project documentation and data deliverables that will be prepared and maintained (including
consideration of program- or location-specific documentation requirements) have been identified for
inclusion in the QAPP.
I have obtained all required stakeholder and decision-maker input on the decision-dependent
components of the QAPP.
Step 3: Develop Draft QAPP
~
~
~
~
~
The environmental contractor has assigned all of the Draft QAPP components to the appropriate
project team members, including the role of compiling each QAPP component into a single
deliverable. Strong team communications and collaboration have been encouraged.
A schedule for completing each element and the compiled Draft QAPP has been established.
The project team has addressed the Data and Acquisition and Management section of the Draft
QAPP, including the site assessment approach and field sampling plan design.
The project team has addressed the assessment and oversight section of the Draft QAPP, including
identification of activities to be implemented to ensure quality.
The project team has addressed the Data Validation and Usability section of the Draft QAPP,
including identification of activities to be implemented to ensure that the data obtained are of
adequate quantity and acceptable quality to support site decision-making.
Step 4: Review and Revise the QAPP
~
~
~
The environmental contractor has performed internal technical review of the Draft QAPP, performed
needed revisions and submitted a final version to me for review.
I have distributed the Draft QAPP to other personnel in my organization for review, as applicable.
I have obtained internal team input on the Draft QAPP and provided a combined set of edits and
comments to the environmental contractor.
Appendix A - QAPP Completion Checklist - Page 17 of 21

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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
~
~
v>EPA
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
I have met with the environmental contractor to clarify any questions on my organization's edits and
comments. We discussed the best way to address the reviewer input and I directed the contractor to
proceed with revising the QAPP.
The environmental contractor has revised the Draft QAPP to address gaps, inconsistencies or other
changes identified through my organization's review and finalized it for EPA and state review.
Step 5: Submit QAPP for EPA or State Approval
I have submitted the Draft QAPP to the appropriate EPA and state reviewers, as well as other state
agencies and stakeholders who must approve it before any field activities can be initiated.
As necessary, meetings have been held with QA representatives and the project team to discuss
input, identify necessary actions to address input and enable submission of the draft Final QAPP.
As necessary, the draft Final QAPP has been revised.
As necessary, I have submitted the revised Final QAPP to the EPA and the state for approval.
I have obtained approval on the Final QAPP from appropriate EPA and state representatives.
Step 6: Implement, Monitor and Document Progress
I have provided a copy of the QAPP to all project team members and have advised them that any
deviations from the QAPP must be documented and reported according to provisions in the QAPP.
I have communicated with EPA and state representatives any deviations from the QAPP to determine
whether they warrant a QAPP revision or can be documented for inclusion in project reporting.
I have obtained approval for any QAPP revisions, if necessary.
~
~
~
~
The project team has prepared the site assessment report that presents the results of all of the data
verification and validation activities described in the QAPP. The report also includes key findings,
conclusions and recommendations for any subsequent site assessment or cleanup efforts.
I have ensured that the project team followed the QAPP and overseen documentation of QAPP
implementation and project findings. Deviations from the QAPP have been documented and shared
with the EPA Brownfields Project Officer.
I have monitored progress and communicated regularly with the project team, decision-makers and
other stakeholders.
We have used the site data and QAPP implementation to support sound decision-making at the site.
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Appendix B -Technical Components for a Generic QAPP and Site-Specific QAPP
Addendum, or Site-Specific QAPP
Component / Subcomponent
Description
A. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Contains elements that describe key team members, roles and responsibilities,
site background, the problem to be addressed and other information related
to project management and communication.
Al. Title and Approval Sheet
Provides the title of the project and specifies whether the document is a
generic QAPP, site-specific QAPP or a site-specific QAPP addendum. Includes
the signatures of all key team members and decision-makers whose approvals
are needed to document approval and agreement that the environmental
data will be collected in an appropriate manner.
A2. Table of Contents
Demonstrates that all of the QAPP components are addressed and specifies
where in the QAPP each is located. If required, a document control format
may be used, starting on the Table of Contents.
A3. Distribution List
Lists all persons who will need to review or use the QAPP.
A4. Project/Task Organization
Provides an organization chart that shows the integrated roles, reporting
structure and lines of communication for project team personnel.
A5. Conceptual Site Model
(CSM)
Describes and presents what is known, suspected and unknown about the
brownfields site. Provides the foundation for identifying site data gaps that
form the basis for questions that need to be answered by site assessment
efforts. May be in written, graphical or electronic format (such as maps or 3-
dimensional visualizations).
A6. Project Description
Describes the general approach that will be used to address the data gaps
identified during CSM-based project planning. Also describes the main tasks
and schedule that will be implemented to complete the project. For example,
it addresses tasks such as obtaining site access, clearing utility locations before
performing intrusive activities, collecting and analyzing samples, reviewing
and interpreting analytical and other site measurement results and preparing
project reports. Also includes maps or tables to show geographic locations of
field tasks.
A7. Data Quality Objectives
and Criteria
Uses the information provided by the CSM evaluation and identified data gaps
to construct one or more concise "if-then" statements that describe how the
data collected will be used to support site decision-making. Includes a
description of how data will be evaluated for appropriate use in accordance
with precision, accuracy, representativeness, comparability, completeness and
sensitivity (PARCCS) parameters.
A8. Special Training/
Certification
Provides an overview of any special training or certification required to collect
the environmental data and plans for providing, documenting and assuring
this training. Requires compliance with any state-required certifications for
the organizations involved in collection and reporting of the environmental
data. In addition, it may address any special training that might be required for
proper operation and maintenance (O&M) of the equipment to be used at the
site.
A9. Documents and Records
Describes the general contents and formats of all the documents and records
that will be prepared for the project. Also includes the process for distribution
of documents and length of retention. In some cases, the necessary
documents may be largely dictated by the cleanup program (for example,
voluntary state cleanup program) that will be used as the basis for designing
and implementing site assessment and cleanup.
Appendix B - Technical Components for a Site-Specific QAPP or Site-Specific QAPP Addendum - Page 19 of 21

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Brownfields Grant Recipients Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Component / Subcomponent
Description
B. DATA ACQUISITION and
MANAGEMENT
Describes how and where field measurement data will be acquired and how
samples of each environmental media and analyte classification will be
collected, transported, analyzed and recorded.
Bl. Sampling Process Design
Describes sampling locations and nomenclature for identification, the
environmental media to be sampled (for example, soil, groundwater surface
water and sediment) and the types of chemicals that will be analyzed for in
each sample to support project and site decision-making. Explains rational for
the research experimental design.
B2. Sampling Methods
Lists all sampling methods that will be used to collect samples; for example,
soil and groundwater sampling equipment, the types of containers to be used
for each media's samples and sample preservation methods. Describes
corrective action measures if problems arise.
B3. Sample Handling and
Custody
Describes how each type of sample container will be labeled, confirms
whether labeling will occur before crews mobilize to the field or in the field
and defines how each sample will be prepared for transport, transported to
the laboratory and stored by laboratory personnel. Describes sample chain-of-
custody procedures.
B4. Analytical Methods
Specifies the analytical methods and performance requirements to be used
based on the chemicals to be analyzed and the associated media (air, soil, soil
gas, groundwater, surface water, sediment and sludge). Provides reference to
the laboratories Quality Management Plan (QMP), a standard requirement for
any QAPP which requires laboratory analytical services.
B5. Quality Control
Describes the number and types of quality control samples to be collected and
analyzed at the site, for example field and trip blanks, sample splits and
duplicates; and matrix spikes/matrix spike duplicates. Describes corrective
action measures if problems arise.
B6. Instrument/ Equipment
Testing, Inspection and
Maintenance
Describes how the major field sampling and laboratory equipment proposed
for the site will be tested, inspected and maintained in a manner to ensure
data generated achieve the specified levels of quality.
B7. Instrument/ Equipment
Calibration and Frequency
Describes how the major field sampling and laboratory equipment proposed
for the site will be properly calibrated at manufacturer's specified frequencies
to ensure high-quality data.
B8. Inspection/ Acceptance of
Supplies and Consumables
Describes how consumables and supplies (such as tubing for collecting water
samples or plastic pipette nozzles in the laboratory) will be inspected and
accepted before use to ensure that subgrade materials do not compromise
the quality of the samples or analytical results.
B9. Non-direct Measurements
Specifies the sources of data and information that will be collected from the
literature or from state or local organizations, how these data will be used in
the decisions to be made and how those data will be reviewed and accepted
to ensure they are of a quality consistent with their intended uses.
BIO. Data Management
Describes how all data will be managed. For example, it describes how field
logbooks will be maintained, how the laboratory will record the results of each
analysis and how the laboratory will use these records to prepare and present
data to the project manager. It describes the project database software, if
applicable, and provides information on data entry, storage and exporting.
Also describes the formats for providing each type of data to be produced by
the project.
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Brownfields Grant Recipients' Road Map to Understanding Quality Assurance Project Plans
Component / Subcomponent
Description
C. ASSESSMENT AND
OVERSIGHT
Describes the types and frequencies of quality assessments that the project
team will conduct to ensure that project quality goals are being met.
CI. Assessment and Response
Actions
Describes assessment, schedule and response actions that will be taken when
necessary. For example, an assessment activity might include a daily review of
results from quality control laboratory blank samples by the laboratory PM; an
associated response action may involve reanalysis of the samples from any
batch where the laboratory blank exceeded a specified concentration.
C2. Reports to Management
Provides the format, frequency and contents of any planned reports to
management based on the response actions described in CI. It also addresses
who will receive and act on the information.
D. DATA VALIDATION AND
USABILITY
Describes how data will be evaluated to determine their validity and usability
to support decision-making process for the site.
Dl. Data Review, Verification
and Validation
Specifies the process and criteria that will be used to determine whether or
not all of the types and quantities of data specified in the QAPP were actually
collected (verification) and to compare the data that were collected to the
quality control criteria that are specified in the QAPP (validation).
D2. Validation and Verification
Methods
Describes criteria for annotating data from each batch of samples based on
the analytical results for the quality control samples and instrument
calibration requirements. Describes who will conduct data validation, which
involves summarizing and describing the numbers and types of data
annotations that were assigned to various data. Also describes what
percentage of the data will be validated, what level of data validation criteria
will be used and how various levels of non-conformance or conformance will
be documented. Discusses how issues will be resolved.
D3. Reconciliation with User
Requirements
Provides a guide for checking the quality of data obtained against the quality
requirements for decision-making and results in statements on whether the
data collected and results derived will allow the stakeholders to make the
required project and site decisions. Discusses how issues will be resolved.
Note: The above components and subcomponents are subject to change as a function of any
future revisions to EPA QAPP guidance. More detail can be found in the Guidance for Quality
Assurance Project Plans: EPAQA/G-5 and Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans: EPA
QA/R-5 in the References section. In addition, EPA and state requirements should be checked for
location-specific requirements that may impact QAPP contact.
Appendix B - Technical Components for a Site-Specific QAPP or Site-Specific QAPP Addendum - Page 21 of 21

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