1 of 21 introduction to the epa 7-step dqo process dqo training course day 1 module 7 (30 minutes)...

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Introduction to the EPA 7-Step DQO Process

DQO Training CourseDay 1

Module 7

(30 minutes)

Steps 1 - 4

Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

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Key Point

The EPA QA/G-4 7-Step DQO Process is EPA’s and DOE’s preferred method for a systematic planning process for environmental decision making

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Generic Flow Chart

Information IN Actions Information OUT

From Previous Step To Next Step

Information

OUT to

Next Step

Information IN

From Previous

StepActions

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Step Objective:

To clearly define the Problem so that the focus of the Project will be unambiguous

Step 1: State the Problem

Step 4: Specify Boundaries

Step 2: Identify Decisions

Step 3: Identify Inputs


Step 5: Define Decision Rules

Step 6: Specify Error Tolerances

Step 7: Optimize Sample Design

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ERRORS/FAILURES

THE SINGLE GREATEST REASON WHY REGULATORS DO NOT TRUST DOE/CONTRACTORS:

DON’T BELIEVE SCOPING INFORMATION

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Step 1a - State the ProblemInformation IN Actions Information OUT

From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities

Continue activities

Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities

Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests

Planning Meeting

Identify available resources and relevant deadlines

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From Previous Step To Next StepScoping Process Results:

• Collect site history, process knowledge

• Summarize existing analytical data

• Specify areas to be investigated

• Summarize all recorded spills and releases

• Document applicable regulations

• Current housekeeping practices

• Current local environmental conditions

Administrative and logistical elements

Step 1b - State the Problem

Scoping Process Results

Scoping Process Issues

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From Previous Step To Next StepConduct interviews with decision makers and Stakeholders to determine their:

•Objectives

•Requirements (applies to decision makers only)

•Concerns

Specify interview issues

Hold Global Issues Meeting to resolve scoping and interview issues

Scoping Process Results

Scoping Process Issues

Continue activities

Step 1c - State the Problem

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What are the decision drivers:(risk? regulatory limits? etc.)

What is distribution of COPCs at site?



How has fate & transport affected site?

What are the COPCs?

Develop Conceptual Site

Model

Concise Statement of the Problem

How did COPCs arrive at site?

Step 1d - State the Problem

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Problem Statement Example

In order to [show that lead is contributing to the decrease in duck populations in the wetlands] data regarding [levels of lead in the surface water, sediments, and vegetation in the marshlands] are needed.

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Step Objective:

Develop decision statements that require environmental data to address the objective of the problem statement









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Decision Statements

Concise Statement of the Problem

Identify Principal Study

Questions

Define Alternative

Actions

Step 2- Identify Decisions

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Decision Statement Example

EXAMPLE:

Determine whether [the surface soil of the Smith property is radiologically contaminated] and requires [disposal in a radiological landfill] or [requires no action].

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Step Objective:

To identify the informational inputs that will be required to resolve the decision statements identified in Step 2, and to determine which inputs require environmental measurements









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Evaluate the Appropriateness of Existing Data: Usability Assessment

Step 3- Identify InputsInformation IN Actions Information OUT


Identify the Information Needed to Establish the Action Level

Determine the Level of Quality Required for the Data

Determine the Source(s) for Each Item of Information Identified

Confirm that Appropriate Analytical Methods Exist to Provide the Necessary Data

List of Environmental

Variables or Characteristics that will be Measured

Decision Statements

Information Needed to Resolve

Decision Statements

Identify Information Required to Resolve the Decision Statements

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Lab MethodsE

nvi

ron

men

tal

Var

iab

le

Usa

bil

ity

Ass

essm

ent

His

tori

cal D

ata

DS

#

Ch

emic

al/r

adio

logi

cal o

rP

hys

ical

Att

rib

ute

Un

it o

f M

easu

re

Gen

eral

Sou

rce

of I

nfo

rmat

ion

Doe

s D

ata

Exi

st?

(Y/N

)

Gen

eral

Lev

el o

f qu

alit

y R

equ

ired

(L

ow,

Mod

erat

e, H

igh

)

Is D

ata

qual

ity

Ass

ure

d?

(Y/N

)

Rep

rese

nta

tive

of

the

Pop

ula

tion

? (Y

/N)

Rea

son

able

for

CS

M?

(Y/N

)

Act

ion

Lev

el a

nd

Bas

is f

or A

ctio

n L

evel

Pre

par

atio

n M

etho

d

Ap

pro

pri

ate

Mea

sure

men

t M

eth

od

Mat

rix

Det

ecti

on L

imit

s (P

QL

)

Pre

cisi

on (

RP

D)

Acc

ura

cy

1, 2 Lead mg/kg Laboratory No High Yes No No 250Industrial

PRGs

3050B or 3051 6010B(ICP)

Soil 10 <20% 75% -125%

1, 2 Uranium(total)

mg/kg Laboratory No High Yes No No 240Industrial

PRGs

3050B or 3051 6010B(ICP)

Soil 10 <20% 75% -125%

1, 2 TPH(GRO &

DRO)

mg/kg Laboratory No High Yes No No 100Industrial

PRGs

DRO-3540C(soxhlet)

GRO-5035(purge/trap)

8015B(GC/FID)

Soil 10 <30% 70% -130%

1, 2 PCBs mg/kg Laboratory No High Yes No No 140CFR761.12

(TSCA)

3540C(soxhlet) or

3550B(ultrasonic)

8082(Aroclors

only)

Soil 0.1 <30% 70% -130%

DRO = diesel range organics C10-28 and GRO = gasoline range organics C6-10

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Step Objective:

To define the spatial and temporal boundaries that the data must represent to support the decision statement









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Define the spatial boundaries of the decision statement

Step 4- Specify Boundaries

Unit of Decision Making

Define the temporal boundary of the problem

Define the scale of decision making

Identify any practical constraints on data collection

Information Needed to Resolve Decision

Statements

Define the population of interest

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Define the spatial boundaries of the decision statement

Step 4- Specify Boundaries

Unit of Decision Making

Define the temporal boundary of the problem

Define the scale of decision making

Identify any practical constraints on data collection

Information Needed to Resolve Decision

Statements

Define the population of interestExample:

Population: Total number of soil samples within the spatial boundary that could potentially be collected and measured for lead contentSpatial Boundary: Top 6 inches of soil within the backyard of the Smith’s propertyTemporal Boundary: 8 years (average length of residence)Unit of Decision: Top 6 inches of soil within the backyard of the Smith’s property over the next 8 years

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End of Module 7

Thank you

Questions?

1 of 21 introduction to the epa 7-step dqo process dqo training course day 1 module 7 (30 minutes)...

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