Data Quality and Planning
To protect public health following a wide-area chemical, biological (pathogen and/or biotoxin), or radiological contamination incident, environmental sampling and analysis results will be used to make decisions regarding clean-up of contaminated areas. Personnel that collect the environmental samples, or analyze the collected samples in a laboratory, need clear instructions on the procedures that will be used.
Data collected as a result of sampling and analysis efforts should be of known and documented quality and specific to the incident in order to increase confidence in the decisions made during remediation efforts and site clearance. This is accomplished through development and implementation of a well-defined and thorough sampling and analysis plan (SAP) or Sample Collection Plan (SCP). During collection and assessment of the results, it is important to ensure that the protocols outlined in the plan are followed according to the established criteria.
Resources needed for developing these plans
- Sampling and Analysis Plan Resources – Pathogens are applicable for developing SAPs needed for site characterization, verification sampling, waste characterization sampling, and post decontamination sampling stages of sampling and analysis activities for a microbiological contamination incident in which the EPA would be responsible. The resources are also applicable to development of SAPs for research studies and exercises related to microbiological contamination incidents.
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Sample Collection Plan Resources – Radiochemistry are applicable for developing SCPs needed for site characterization, verification sampling, waste characterization sampling, and post decontamination sampling and analysis activities for a radiological contamination incident in which the EPA would be responsible.
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Quality Assurance/Control Resources support the collection, production, evaluation, and use of environmental information of known and documented quality. Incorporating quality assurance improves EPA’s policy-making and analysis and helps drive reliable, cost-effective, and legally defensible decisions all while preventing unacceptable environmental and human health risks to individuals and communities.