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Data Operations
, EPA QA/G-7, January, 2000. A TSA checklist based on the Test Plan is prepared prior
to the assessment by the MERC QA Manager and submitted to the MERC Director. Approval of the
checklist is not required prior to the TSA, but any comments will be incorporated.
3.2.2.7.
Data Quality Assessments
MERC uses Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) to assess the type, quantity, and quality of data generated
in order to verify that the planning and project objectives, Test Plan components, and sample collection
and analytical procedures were satisfied and that the data are suitable for its intended purpose.
MERC’s DQA is a multi-step process, which involves the use of statistical and graphical tools to assess
data quality. MERC’s DQA process follows the EPA document
Guidance for Data Quality Assessment:
Practical Methods for Data Analysis,
EPAQA/G-9, January, 2000.
It is the responsibility of the Program Coordinator and the QA Manager to conduct a DQA after
completion of the test.
3.2.2.8.
Data Verification and Validation
MERC uses data verification and validation to evaluate whether data has been generated according to
specifications, satisfy acceptance criteria, and are appropriate and consistent with their intended use. Data
verification is a systematic process for evaluating performance and compliance of a set of data when
compared to a set of standards to ascertain its completeness, correctness, and consistency using the
methods and criteria defined in the Program QAPP or Test Plans. Data validation follows the data
verification process and uses information from the project documentation to ascertain the usability of the
data in light of its measurement quality objectives and to ensure that results obtained are scientifically
defensible.
The QA Manager is responsible for providing data validation support to MERC. For data verification and
data validation, MERC follows the QA and technical specifications of the QAPP and analytical methods,
and the procedures set forth in the EPA document
Guidance for Data Verification and Data Validation
,
EPAQA/G8, November, 2002.
3.2.3.
Information Quality Tools
MERC utilizes various review processes to ensure that the quality of information products is adequate for
the intended use and that the content of the information product is technically sound and objective. Staff
and management have roles and responsibilities, described below, to ensure that pre-dissemination review
procedures are successfully implemented and that the quality of information is known and documented
prior to its use. The type and extent of the review depends upon the nature and importance of the
information or product. The MERC Director determines the most appropriate level of review.
3.2.3.1.
Internal Review
The primary author has the main responsibility to ensure that the informational content of a product is
technically sound and meets the project's objectives. The objective of the internal product process is to
assist MERC staff in producing quality products that are targeted at the right audience, utilize effective
graphics and layout, and deliver a message which will achieve the desired result. The MERC Director
has final authority over the quality of all documents and products generated within MERC for public
dissemination.