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documents the process and assumptions used for planning, as well as those persons responsible
for the planning;
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specifies the field and laboratory tests to be conducted, the baseline parameters, the number of
replicate tests, and the controls;
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specifies field and laboratory equipment and optimal operating parameters;
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specifies sampling methods, sample types, numbers, quantities, handling, packaging, shipping,
and custody if the testing involves samples; specifies sample locations, storage conditions, and
holding times;
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incorporates analysis methods, quantitative measures of performance, calibration standards,
calibration check standards, and performance evaluation samples, as appropriate and as identified
in the planning process;
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establishes QC check acceptance criteria to ensure attainment of DQOs; -includes methods and
procedures to ensure the test produces data of known and acceptable quality;
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incorporates any other field or laboratory QA/QC activities identified by planners;
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specifies the requirements for qualifications of technical staff responsible for obtaining,
analyzing, and evaluating the data;
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incorporates protection of the health and safety of testing personnel and the public;
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incorporates procedures for the minimization and disposal of generated wastes.
The QAPP is incorporated into the Test Plan by reference.
8.3.3.
Conformance to the QAPP
All BWTS test activities must conform to the requirements of the Test Plan. Changes to the approved
Test Plan that are made before testing begins, or between rounds or phases of testing, must be
documented as amendments to the Test Plan. Changes to the approved Test Plan that are made during the
test are documented as deviations. Significant changes to the Test Plan may warrant a reversion of the
Test Plan. The MERC QA Manager makes the determination as to whether the changes are significant.
Revisions are reviewed and approved by the MERC Director. Generation of BWTS test data will not be
initiated until the approved Test Plan is in place.
8.4.
Existing Data
Existing data are defined as data from databases, data resulting from previous projects, the scientific
literature, or other sources. Existing data that will be used for informational purposes to support
development of the test design do not require stringent QA requirements. If existing data are to be used as
test data for an MERC BWTS test, a more robust data quality assessment will be needed and may require
the following documents associated with the data: chain of custody, QC Narrative or Data Validation
Report, QA/QC report and laboratory analytical data report.
8.5.
Roles and Responsibilities
The MERC Director is responsible for directing all test activities. The MERC QA Manager is responsible
for developing and maintaining the MERC QMP (this document). The MERC Program Coordinator and
Data Manager are responsible for preparation of the QAPP, amendments, and deviations in compliance
with the MERC QMP. The QAPP, Test Plans, amendments, and deviations are reviewed and approved by
the MERC Director and QA Manager.