Data Validation and Laboratory Quality Assurance in EPA's Pacific Southwest (Region 9)

EPA's Pacific Southwest (Region 9) implements and enforces federal environmental laws in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and 148 tribal nations.

• Evaluation of Laboratory Data Quality
• Laboratory Quality Assurance
• State Laboratory Certification Programs

In all hazardous site investigations, it is essential to know the quality of the data used for decision-making purposes. The process of generating data of known quality:

• Begins in the planning stages when data quality objectives (DQOs) are established
• Continues during sample collection activities and laboratory analysis
• Is re-evaluated when validating the analytical data
• Is finalized as part of the data quality assessment process

Validation of data requires that appropriate quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures be followed, and that adequate documentation be included for all data generated both in the laboratory and in the field. Professionals trained in data validation procedures review this information, "flag" data with qualifiers when QA/QC criteria are not met, and prepare the data validation report.

The documents presented are used to evaluate the quality of laboratory-generated analytical data

Evaluation of Laboratory Data Quality

• EPA Region 9 Data Quality Screening Using Trend Charts v.2 (pdf) (1.73 MB, October 2011)
  Trend charts are an effective, efficient oversight screening tool for Remedial Project Managers (RPMs), QA Officers (QAOs), field samplers and laboratory managers for monitoring data quality for specific contaminants of concern (COC).
• Superfund Contract Laboratory Program, National Functional Guidelines for Data Review
  Documents designed to offer guidance on low concentration organic and inorganic analytical data evaluation and review. Although intended for review of analytical data generated through the Contract Laboratory Program (CLP), this guidance may be applicable to data generated through other laboratory programs as well.
• Contract Laboratory Program Guidance for Field Samplers
  General information about environmental sample collection for the EPA's CLP including minimum CLP requirements, an explanation of the sampling process sequence of events, and information and checklists to help in planning and documenting sampling activities.
• Region 9 Superfund Data Evaluation/Validation Guide [DRAFT] (pdf) (146.82 KB, December 2001, R9QA/006.1)
  This guidance document is designed by EPA Region 9 Quality Assurance Office to provide assistance to project officers, Superfund contractors, and Superfund grantees in performing timely data evaluation and/or validation of laboratory data.
• Laboratory Documentation Required for Data Evaluation in EPA's Region 9 (pdf) (76.32 KB, August 2001, R9QA/004.2)
  Verification and validation of data requires that appropriate quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures be followed in EPA's Pacific Southwest (Region 9), and that adequate documentation be included for all data generated both in the laboratory and in the field.
• Best Practices for the Detection and Deterrence of Laboratory Fraud (pdf) (485.59 KB, March 1997)
  This document was produced by the California Military Environmental Coordination Committee in association with Chemical Data Quality/Cost Reduction Process Action Team to detect fraudulent laboratory practices.

Laboratory Quality Assurance

• National Laboratory Accreditation Program
  A voluntary association of State and Federal agencies to establish and promote mutually acceptable performance standards for the operation of environmental laboratories.
• Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program
  EPA’s Office of Water implements the Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program in partnership with EPA Regions and States. Laboratories must be certified by EPA or the State to analyze drinking water samples for compliance monitoring.

State Laboratory Certification Programs

• California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
  ELAP provides evaluation and accreditation of environmental testing laboratories to ensure the quality of analytical data used for State of California regulatory purposes.
• Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Certified Laboratories
  A list of laboratories certified by the State of Nevada.
• Arizona Department Of Health Services Certified Laboratories Facilities
  A list of Arizona Dept. Of Health Certified Laboratories.