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Steps to Developing a QAPP

 

(from EPA’s QAPP website at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/qappexec.html)

 

Step 1: Establish a small team whose members will serve as advisors in helping you develop the QAPP by offering feedback and guidance throughout the entire process.

Step 2: Determine the goals and objectives of your project--why it's needed, who will use the data, and how the data will be used.

Step 3: Collect background info. to help in designing your project.  (See background info. sheet.)

Step 4: Refine your project's goals once you've collected more information.

Step 5: Design your project's sampling, analytical, data requirements-what, how, when, and where you'll be monitoring.  (See samples from Mass. Water Watch Project, Housatonic Valley Assoc. and Lake Onota Preservation Assoc.)

Step 6: Develop an implementation plan that lays out project logistics.

Step 7: Draft your standard operating procedures (SOPs) & QAPP.     (See samples from Mass. Water Watch Project, Housatonic Valley Assoc. and Lake Onota Preservation Assoc.)

Step 8: Solicit feedback on your draft SOPs & QAPP from teachers, state or EPA regional QA contacts and potential data users.

Step 9: Revise your QAPP based on review comments and submit it for approval.

Step 10: Once your QAPP is approved, begin your monitoring program.  (See Monitoring program below.)

Step 11: Evaluate and refine your project over time, and reflect major changes in revised QAPP.