Basic HTML Version
41
Manager is the single point of control for access to the LAN. The LAN is automatically backed up every
24 hours. The electronic data files are also stored on the MERC internal website, which acts as a
secondary data backup/storage mechanism site. Once testing is complete, all testing records and
documents are sent to MERC for archival within 2 months of project close-out.
Various personnel are responsible for separate or discrete parts of the data management process:
•
MERC field staff are responsible for field measurements/sample collection and recording of data and
subsequent shipment of samples to laboratories for analyses. They assemble data files, which includes
raw data, calibration information and certificates, QC checks (routine checks), data flags, sampler
comments and meta data where available. These files are assembled and forwarded for secondary data
review by the MERC Data Manager.
•
Laboratories are responsible to comply with the data quality objectives specified in the QAPP and as
specified in the laboratory QAP and method specific SOPs. Validated sample laboratory data results
are reported to the MERC Data Manager and appropriate senior researcher.
•
Secondary reviewers (MERC PC, QA Manager) are responsible for the QC the review, verification
and validation of field and laboratory data and reporting validated data to the MERC Director.
•
The MERC QA Manager is responsible for performing routine independent reviews of data to ensure
the monitoring projects data quality objectives are being met. Findings and recommended corrective
actions (as appropriate) are reported directly to project management.
•
The MERC Director is responsible for final data certification
C.
ASSESMENT AND OVERSIGHT
Internal and external assessments will be conducted for each BWTS test in accordance with Section 10 of
the MERC QMP to ensure that:
•
elements of this QAPP and specific Test Plans have been correctly implemented;
•
the quality of the data generated is adequate and satisfies the DQOs identified in the QAPP;
•
corrective actions, when needed, are implemented in a timely manner, and their effectiveness is
confirmed.
C.1.
Assessment and Response Actions
One of the major objectives of the QAPP is to establish mechanisms necessary to anticipate and resolve
potential problems before the quality of performance is compromised. Internal QC measures described in
this QAPP, which is peer reviewed by a panel of outside experts, implemented by the technical staff, and
monitored by the MERC PC, will yield day-to-day information on data quality. The responsibility for
interpreting the results of these checks and resolving any potential problems resides with the MERC PC.
Technical staff has the responsibility to identify problems that could affect data quality or the ability to
use the data. Any problems that are identified will be reported to the MERC PC, who will work with the
MERC QA Manager to resolve any issues. Action will be taken to identify and appropriately address the
issue and minimize losses and correct data, where possible. The MERC PC will also relay testing
progress and data to the MERC Director on a weekly basis. MERC will be responsible for ensuring that
the audits described in the following subsections are conducted as part of each BWTS test.
The standard oversight mechanisms for a BWTS test include: (1) performance evaluation audits (PEAs);
(2) technical system audits (TSAs); data quality audits (DQAs). A general test schedule of audits is given
in Table 9.