Quality assurance procedures are needed to en-
sure data is compatible with monitoring objectives
and design. Periodic review ofprotocol implemen-
tation and helps to eliminate long-term problems
Data Collection
with the methodology or data quality.
The source of project funding will dictate the nature of quality assurance/quality
Quality Assurance
control required. Projects funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency
are now required to submit a detailed Quality Assurance Project Plan
quality
(Dillaha et al.
is a written
record of plans that account for and assure data quality by specifying all data
generation, analysis, storage, and reporting details. Project personnel responsibili-
ties for assuring data quality are also documented. Clark and Whitfield (1993)
provide a detailed procedural overview designed for use by the manager.
The standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines that may be used in
Quality Control in the
appendices are detailed "how to" monitoring procedures that should be developed
Field and Lab
before the start of the project. These are primary references for day-to-day
operations to assure consistency through time. SOP manuals can be derived from
existing local or state guidance and may be updated as needed.
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