Elements of Building a Robust Quality System for Multi-Decade Superfund Project

Best Management Practices for Environmental Laboratories
Oral Presentation

Prepared by L. Dupes, A. Martin, J. Manners
Environmental Standards, 1140 Valley Forge Rd, PO Box 810, Valley Forge, PA, 19482, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 610-955-7616

ABSTRACT

The quality system on a long-term Consent Decree project at a Multi-Decade Superfund or RCRA Site must balance consistency with careful consideration of various factors to ensure the use of the highest quality data for decision-making. Items such as previous, current, and future sample collection and documentation activities, sample preparation and analysis challenges, data validation, data management, determination of enforcement or screening quality data for compliance to regulatory approved Quality Assurance and Work plans from the project team must all be considered. A thorough understanding of historical data collection is essential, especially as contaminant lists and action levels evolve over time with scientific advancements. Comparing the historical data collection and analysis procedures to current practices helps identify whether resampling, reanalysis, or additional sampling is needed.

Superfund sites—ranging from manufacturing facilities and landfills to mining sites—are scattered across the nation, requiring consistent data quality for sound decision-making. This is critical not only for the sites themselves but also for nearby residential sites (parks, playgrounds, schools, and residential properties) that may need remediation. Even areas that are currently designated as “no further action” rely on maintaining consistent data quality for both historical and current sampling.

This presentation will focus on the elements of establishing, building, and supporting a robust quality system that meets the Consent Decree Requirements for a Multi-Decade Superfund Project.