SAP_Template.pdf

INSERT SITE PHOTO

Sampling and Analysis Plan

[Enter park name here]

[Add site name here] [Add EDL # here]

Prepared by

[Add author/preparer here]

[Add date here.]

Park and Site Name Date

Revision Log:

Revision # Revision Date Revision Description

Project Manager Name

Project Manager Title

Date Date

By signing above, the signatories verify that they understand and concur with the information, procedures, and recommendations presented herein

Date Page | i

Table of Contents

1 Introduction [1 Heading 1] .................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 CERCLA and National Park Service (NPS) Authority [1.1 Heading 2] ........ 1-1

1.2 Purpose of Field Sampling .......................................................................... 1-2

1.3 Site Location ............................................................................................... 1-2

1.3.1 Third-Tier Heading (if applicable) [1.1.1 Heading 3] ................................ 1-3

2 Site Description, Previous Investigations, and Conceptual Site Model ........... 2-1

2.1 Key Site Features ........................................................................................ 2-1

2.1.1 Site Description ....................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Summary of Previous Investigations ........................................................... 2-4

2.2.1 Data Quality/Usability .............................................................................. 2-4

2.2.2 Preliminary Identification of Data Gaps ................................................... 2-5

2.2.3 Contaminants of Potential Concern ......................................................... 2-5

2.2.4 Media of Potential Concern ..................................................................... 2-6

2.3 Current and Future Property Use Scenarios ............................................... 2-6

2.4 Graphical Conceptual Site Model ................................................................ 2-6

2.4.1 Key CSM Assumptions ........................................................................... 2-6

3 DQO Planning Team and Stakeholders ............................................................... 3-1

3.1 DQO Planning Team ................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Decision Makers .......................................................................................... 3-1

3.3 Stakeholders ............................................................................................... 3-2

4 Data Quality Objectives ........................................................................................ 4-1

4.1 State the Problem ....................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Identify the Goal of the Investigation ........................................................... 4-2

4.2.1 Principal Investigation Question(s) .......................................................... 4-2

4.2.2 Decision Criteria ...................................................................................... 4-3

4.3 Identify Information Inputs ........................................................................... 4-3

4.3.1 Previous Data Usability ........................................................................... 4-3

4.3.2 Data to be Collected in the Current Investigation .................................... 4-3

4.4 Define the Boundaries of the Investigation .................................................. 4-4

4.4.1 Spatial Boundaries .................................................................................. 4-4

4.4.2 Temporal Boundaries .............................................................................. 4-4

4.4.3 Sampling Units ........................................................................................ 4-4

4.4.4 Decision Units ......................................................................................... 4-5

4.5 Develop the Analytic Approach ................................................................... 4-5

4.5.1 Decision or Estimation Parameters ......................................................... 4-5

4.5.2 Action Levels ........................................................................................... 4-5

4.6 Performance or Acceptance Criteria ........................................................... 4-6

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4.6.1 Quality Assurance/Quality Control .......................................................... 4-6

4.6.2 Decision Error Limits and Uncertainty Evaluation ................................... 4-9

4.6.3 Data Validation and Usability ................................................................ 4-10

4.7 Plan for Obtaining the Data ....................................................................... 4-10

5 Field Sampling Plan .............................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 Surface Water Sampling ............................................................................. 5-1

5.1.1 Surface Water Sampling Locations ......................................................... 5-1

5.1.2 Surface Water Sampling Protocol ........................................................... 5-1

5.1.3 Surface Water Sampling Health and Safety ............................................ 5-1

5.1.4 Surface Water Field Measurements ........................................................ 5-2

5.1.5 Surface Water Analytical Measurements/Methods .................................. 5-2

5.1.6 Surface Water Flow Measurements ........................................................ 5-2

5.2 Soil Sampling .............................................................................................. 5-2

5.2.1 Soil Sampling Locations .......................................................................... 5-2

5.2.2 Soil Sampling Protocol ............................................................................ 5-2

5.2.3 Soil Sampling Health and Safety ............................................................. 5-3

5.2.4 Soil Field Measurements ......................................................................... 5-3

5.2.5 Soil Analytical Measurements/Methods .................................................. 5-3

5.3 [Include additional sample media as required] ............................................ 5-3

5.4 Sample Handling ......................................................................................... 5-3

5.4.1 Sample Designation ................................................................................ 5-3

5.4.2 Sample Labeling ..................................................................................... 5-3

5.4.3 Sample Handling and Chain of Custody ................................................. 5-3

5.4.4 Documentation and Records ................................................................... 5-4

5.5 Investigative-Derived Waste Handling ........................................................ 5-4

5.6 Health and Safety ........................................................................................ 5-4

6 Data Management ................................................................................................. 6-1

7 Assessment and Oversight .................................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Assessment and Corrective Actions ............................................................ 7-1

7.1.1 Field Audit and Response Actions .......................................................... 7-1

7.1.2 Laboratory Audit and Response Actions ................................................. 7-1

7.2 Quality Assessment Reporting .................................................................... 7-1

7.2.1 Data Verification ...................................................................................... 7-1

7.2.2 Data Validation ........................................................................................ 7-1

7.3 Reconciliation with DQOs and Data Usability .............................................. 7-2

8 Investigation Outputs ........................................................................................... 8-1

9 References ............................................................................................................. 9-2

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Appendices

Appendix A – Standard Operating Procedures ..................................................... A-1

Appendix B – To Be Determined (as needed) ........................................................ B-1

List of Figures [Add or remove as needed]

Regional Map

Site Location Map

Sample Location Figures

List of Tables [Add or remove as needed]

DQO Planning Team

Sampling Locations and Activities

EPA General Assessment Factors

Contaminant QC Criteria

QA/QC Calculation Algorithms

DQO Summary Table

Sampling Checklist

Field Equipment List

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List of Abbreviations and Acronyms [Add or remove as needed]

ARAR Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirement

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COC Chain of Custody

CSM Conceptual Site Model

CSP Contaminated Sites Program

DQI Data Quality Indicator

DQO Data Quality Objective

EDD Electronic data deliverable

EDL Environmental and Disposal Liabilities

EE/CA Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis

FWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

FSP Field Sampling Plan

GIS Geographic Information System

GPS Global Positioning System

HASP Health and Safety Plan

HQ Hazard quotient

IDW Investigative-derived waste

IDQTF Intergovernmental Data Quality Task Force

ISM Incremental Sampling Methodology mg/kg milligrams per kilogram mg/L milligrams per liter ml Milliliter

MS/MSD matrix spike/matrix spike duplicate

NCP National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (AKA, National

Contingency Plan)

NPL National Priorities List

NPS National Park Service

PA Preliminary Assessment pH Hydrogen potential

PM Project Manager

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PQL Practical quantitation limit

PPE Personal protective equipment

PRP Potentially Responsible Party

QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan

QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control

RI/FS Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study

RPD Relative percent difference

RSL Regional Screening Level

SAP Sampling and Analysis Plan

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

SI Site Inspection

USC United States Code

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

USGS United States Geological Survey µg/kg micrograms per kilogram µg/L micrograms per liter

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DELETE THE CONTEXT AND INSTRUCTION SECTIONS BELOW

BEFORE FINALIZING THE SITE-SPECIFIC SAP

CONTEXT FOR DEVELOPING AN NPS SAMPLING AND

ANALYSIS PLAN

The purpose of this Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) template is to ensure that NPS goals are met in the development of SAPs for NPS contaminated site investigations on park lands. This template is robust enough for developing an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis

(EE/CA) or a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS).

Additionally, major components of the template are applicable to any environmental sampling related to contaminated sites, such as a Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI), confirmation sampling and environmental monitoring or remedy performance evaluation.

This SAP template is consistent with the Data Quality

Objectives (DQOs) process defined by the United States

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in Guidance on

Systematic Planning Using the Data Quality Objectives Process

(USEPA 2006a). It includes Quality Assurance Project Plan

(QAPP) and Field Sampling Plan (FSP) components applicable to small and large investigations. Regardless of the size or scope of the investigation, the SAP should address all elements outlined in this template. The size and type of investigation will dictate the extent to which each SAP element is addressed.

The QAPP portion of the SAP (Sections 3 and 4) details the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures used to guide the investigation to ensure the data collected are of sufficient quality and quantity to defensibly answer the principal study question(s). The FSP (Section 5), through the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs), guides the field activities needed to collect data that meets the requirements of the QAPP. As the DQO process is used to develop the QAPP and guide the development of the FSP, changes to one part of the SAP will often promulgate changes to another part. For small projects, integrating the QAPP and FSP into the primary SAP text, as illustrated in this template, is reasonable. For large projects, it may be more reasonable to attach the QAPP and FSP details as appendices to the SAP.

DELETE THIS PAGE FROM THE FINAL SAP –

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SAP DEVELOPER

Environmental

Sampling Collecting environmental data is one of the most costly and time-consuming tasks related to contaminated site investigations.

At too many sites, “high quality” data, as evidenced by huge stacks of laboratory QC data, is not usable because collection of the data was not solidly grounded in the context of the intended use of the data.

Date Page | vii

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THIS TEMPLATE

Select “Save As” from the “File” menu and save a working copy of this template as a Microsoft

Word document under another name so that the original template can be used as reference should there be formatting or file corruption issues with the working document.

Use a site-specific photo on the cover. To change the cover photo, right click on the photo and select “Change Picture,” then navigate to the replacement photo.

Add site-specific cover page information per instructions provided in the brackets.

After completing the report, the table of contents (TOC) should be updated by right-clicking on the TOC page and selecting “Update Field,” then select “Update entire table.”

Add or remove abbreviations from the List of Abbreviations and Acronyms as necessary.

[Blue brackets] denote instructions or examples for the author and [red brackets] denote information the author needs to fill in. Once the author fills in the information, the text should be changed to the appropriate text style (none of which are red). All [blue brackets] and [red brackets] should be deleted from the final document.

This bullet represents the first-tier bullet formatting that should be used [Bullets_NPS].

‒ This bullet represents the second-tier bullet formatting [Bullets_2nd_level_NPS].

This bullet represents the third-tier bullet formatting [Bullets_3rd_level_NPS].

In each section, bulleted instructions are provided that describe the type of information that should be included and/or considered in that specific section.

Information provided in response to the bulleted instructions should not be entered in bullet format, but rather, paragraph format using style [BodyText_NPS], unless a bulleted list is applicable. Bulleted instructions should be deleted from the final report.

Should a section or subsection not apply to the site being evaluated, leave the section header in place and note that the section is not applicable to the Site SAP. Also, include an explanation as to why the section is not applicable. In this way, any evaluator or interested party will understand that the topic was considered and determined not to be applicable.

Delete INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THIS TEMPLATE and ATTACHMENTS (example tables at the end of this template) from the final report.

This template may not cover all SAP scenarios; therefore the user should add sections and information as necessary.

DELETE THIS PAGE FROM THE FINAL SAP –

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SAP DEVELOPER

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1 Introduction [1 Heading 1]

This document serves as the Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) for the [insert the project/Site name here]

Site (Site). The purpose of this SAP is to define:

The purpose of this study;

The use for the data generated;

The quality of data needed to accomplish the goals of this study; and

The data collection method.

1.1 CERCLA and National Park Service (NPS) Authority [1.1 Heading 2]

State the legal authority under which the investigation is being conducted (e.g., CERCLA, etc.

***See example language below***) and the Contract and Task Order numbers.

State the purpose of the SAP.

[EXAMPLE Introduction Language]

This SAP was generated in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s

(USEPA) Guidance on Systematic Planning Using the Data Quality Objectives Process (USEPA 2006a), Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans (USEPA 2002a), EPA Requirements for Quality

Assurance Project Plans (USEPA 2001), and the Intergovernmental Data Quality Task Force’s (IDQTF)

Uniform Federal Policy for Quality Assurance Project Plans (IDQTF 2005). The National Park Service

(NPS) is authorized under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

(CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq., to respond as the Lead Agency to a release or threatened release of hazardous substances and/or a release or threatened release of any pollutant or contaminant that may present an imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare on NPS land.

CERCLA’s implementing regulations, codified in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution

Contingency Plan (NCP), 40 CFR Part 300, establishes the framework for responding to such releases and threatened releases. The NCP prescribes two similar processes for responding to releases: removal actions and remedial actions (See NCP Sections 300.400 through 300.440). If environmental samples are to be collected under either process, a SAP is required (See NCP Sections 300.415 and 300.430). The SAP is comprised of two parts: the Field Sampling Plan (FSP) and the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

The FSP describes the number, types, and locations of samples as well as the types of analyses that will be conducted on the samples. The QAPP describes the project’s policy, organization, and functional activities as well as the data quality objectives (DQOs) and measures necessary to achieve the goals of the study.

In addition, the NPS has a number of regulations that apply to the release of hazardous substances on NPS land (see NPS 2014a) including the NPS Organic Act of 1916 (16 USC §1, et seq. 36 CFR Part 1), which requires that the NPS manage parks in order to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife and to provide for their enjoyment by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the

Date Page | 1-2 enjoyment of future generations. Therefore, whether the Site poses risks to the interaction of organisms and the environment is especially relevant to the NPS responsibility to protect park resources.

To the extent practicable, all work will be conducted in accordance with the USEPA guidance, Green

Remediation: Incorporating Sustainable Environmental Practices into Remediation of Contaminated

Sites (USEPA 2008). [BodyText_NPS]

1.2 Purpose of Field Sampling

The purpose of this sampling event is to determine [insert a concise description of the purpose of the sampling event to be conducted under this SAP]. The NPS will use data collected during this field investigation to support potential response actions that may be undertaken by the NPS or other parties.

This SAP proposes the following activities, [provide a brief description of the activities proposed in this

SAP]. The NPS will use the data obtained from these investigations in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) detailed in Section 4.

State the investigation type that this SAP will support (e.g., Site Inspection [SI], Remedial

Investigation/Feasibility Study [RI/FS], Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis [EE/CA], etc.).

Include other relevant information.

[EXAMPLE Purpose/Project Description]

Two sampling events will be conducted in 2010 to evaluate changes in the temporal and geospatial distribution of contaminants from previous sampling events and to support an annual Site-wide biomonitoring program. Sampling activities will be conducted during June 2010 and September 2010.

Data generated from these sampling events will be used in accordance with the provisions outlined in the

DQOs. The following data will be collected during the two events:

Real-time field water quality parameters, including pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and Global Positioning System (GPS) locations (if needed);

Stream flows – using flow meters, flumes (where necessary), and stream flow measurement instrumentation already in place;

Surface water, including streams and audit discharges – dissolved metals and total recoverable metals;

Sediment – total recoverable metals and total mercury;

Macro invertebrates – assemblage (species identification and count); and

Toxicity testing – surface water definitive test using moderately hard reconstituted water

(MHRW) and Station 8 water as the diluents.

1.3 Site Location

Provide information needed to locate the Site. More detailed site information will be provided in

Section 2. Site location information may include, but is not limited to:

‒ Site name;

‒ Site address;

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‒ Site Environmental and Disposal Liabilities (EDL) number; and

‒ Coordinates (longitude and latitude and/or Universal Transverse Mercator [UTM]).

1.3.1 Third-Tier Heading (if applicable) [1.1.1 Heading 3]

Date Page | 2-1

2 Site Description, Previous Investigations, and Conceptual Site Model

This section summarizes all the known environmental information and historical activities that have occurred at the Site and presents this information in the form of a graphical Conceptual Site Model

(CSM). The development of a clear and thorough CSM is a critical component for ensuring that key site elements are considered before any samples are collected, gaining stakeholder approval, and assisting the

Planning Team in developing the DQOs (Section 4), as well as assisting the field team in making decisions in the field. [Insert Figure #] is a graphical CSM that illustrates the information detailed in the following sections.

2.1 Key Site Features

[Insert section introduction text here. For example, ‘this section includes x, y, and z.’]

2.1.1 Site Description

Provide information needed to characterize and evaluate the Site, including, but not limited to:

‒ Physical characteristics (e.g., size and dimensions, structures and buildings, borders and what lies on the borders, topography, and drainage patterns);

‒ Land use at the Site;

‒ Public accessibility (e.g., fences, posted signs, etc.);

‒ The context of the Site location relative to visitor use areas; and

‒ Who/what may be at risk.

Include topographic maps, aerial photographs, and appropriately scaled figure(s) with the following information:

‒ Site location, including latitude and longitude;

‒ Surface water drainage routes; and

‒ Buildings and other site features, including:

Identification of residential buildings, Nearest well(s), Surface water features and water intakes, and

Wetlands and other sensitive environments (Note: although USEPA considers all NPS lands to be sensitive environments, the definition under CERCLA is “a terrestrial or aquatic resource, fragile natural setting, or other area with unique or highly-valued environmental or cultural features.”).

‒ Note: United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps are available on Google

Earth. To access USGS topographical maps on Google Earth:

Install Google Earth (http://www.google.com/earth/);

Download the Google Earth USGS topographical map layer

(http://services.arcgisonline.com/ArcGIS/rest/services/NGS_Topo_US_2D/MapServer/k ml/mapImage.kmz), and save the file to your computer, and double click the file.

Google Earth will open the file automatically.

Date Page | 2-2

Once Google Earth has opened, drag the “NGS_Topo_US_2D” folder from the

“Temporary Places” window to the “My Places” folder above it so the file is available for use next time Google Earth is launched.

Operational History

Compile and provide information describing the current and historical operations conducted at the

Site. This will provide a good indication of where sources of contamination are known or suspected to be located and what types of contamination are known or suspected to be present.

Information relevant to the operational history of the Site may include, but is not limited to:

‒ A description of the type of site, including past and current activities conducted (in chronological order) and whether or not the Site is currently active; examples of site types may include, but are not limited to:

Contaminated buildings, Landfills and dumpsites, Mining operations, Wood treatment facilities, Contaminated wetlands, Railroad facilities, Former firing ranges, and

Manufactured gas plants.

‒ Past activities that could have contributed contamination to the Site;

‒ Identification of the hazardous substances associated with these operations, if known;

‒ Current and former owners and operators of the Site, if known; and

‒ Relevant activities/operations on adjacent properties and their histories.

Waste Characteristics

Describe the known or suspected types of wastes generated as a result of site operations.

Examples of waste types may include, but are not limited to:

‒ Solvents used in cleaning operations;

‒ Byproducts of petroleum refining or pesticide manufacturing;

‒ Sludge and wastewater from treatment and production processes;

‒ Discarded commercial chemical products; and

‒ Mining waste.

Calculate or estimate the quantities of wastes previously generated or currently present at the Site.

Describe current and past disposal practices and known or potential source areas.

Indicate the hazardous substances that were historically used at the Site.

Identify hazardous substances currently used at the Site, which will help the investigator(s) evaluate which contaminants could be associated with current and/or historical site activities.

Describe past releases, and include the hazardous substance(s) released, release location(s), and the known or potential impacts associated with the release(s).

Describe past removal actions and the entity or entities that conducted the removal(s).

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Include results of previously collected analytical data related to source material, along with a description of who collected the data, why the data were collected, and when the data were collected. Include, at a minimum, environmental media sampled, sample identification information, date(s) collected, analytical methods, analytes, detections, detection limits, units, and locational information in tabular format.

Site Geology and Hydrogeology

Describe the local geology and hydrogeology. Focus particular attention on potential transport pathways, which may include identification of the following:

‒ The material overlying bedrock (if present) and the known or approximate depth of the bedrock (also indicate if the Site is underlain by karst formations);

‒ The depth to, and permeability of, the shallowest aquifer and the direction of groundwater flow;

‒ Groundwater seeps or springs, including a description of any ecological habitat that is related to groundwater springs or seeps; and

‒ Local groundwater use(s).

Site Hydrology

Describe site hydrology.

Describe local surface water features and the probable point(s) of entry to surface water for hazardous substances flowing from the Site.

‒ Identify natural resources, cultural resources, and visitor attractions associated with these surface water features.

‒ Identify water bodies (e.g., streams, lakes, ponds) within a 15-mile (or otherwise investigation appropriate) downstream distance of the Site.

Include the flow characteristics, width, and reach length for each stream or river. Flow characteristics for rivers and streams can be found at the USGS National Water

Information System website (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis). This website provides access to data for stream reaches, wells, test holes, springs, tunnels, drains, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, excavations, and water-use facilities. A data-retrieval program is included on the website that can be used to search for and obtain data about the distribution, quantity, quality, and movement of surface and underground waters of the

United States.

Include the approximate size of any ponds or lakes.

Describe the nature and use of the ecological habitat created by surface water/wetlands in the vicinity of the Site. Wetlands information can be found in the United States Fish and Wildlife

Service (FWS) National Wetlands Inventory database (http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/).

Describe surface water runoff pathways at the Site and the downstream setting for those pathways.

Identify local surface water use(s) such as recreational activities and drinking water intakes.

Identify the name and delineation of the watershed in which the Site is located.

Describe the Site’s location relative to local floodplains.

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Identify each of the previously listed features on a figure.

Local Climate

Describe the local climate. Include wind patterns, precipitation, and associated seasons that might affect the migration of contaminants and the ability to perform field work.

Sensitive Environments

Identify and characterize sensitive environments that could be affected by contaminants from the

Site or by the sampling activities.

Although USEPA considers all NPS lands to be sensitive environments, the definition under

CERCLA is “a terrestrial or aquatic resource, fragile natural setting, or other area with unique or highly-valued environmental or cultural features.”

Identify each of the previously listed features on a figure.

2.2 Summary of Previous Investigations

This section includes a summary description of each previous investigation, with information including, but not limited to:

‒ The title of the reporting document (if applicable);

‒ The date(s) on which the investigation was conducted (present the previous investigations in chronological order);

‒ The purpose(s) of the investigation;

‒ The activities conducted during the investigation, including the media sampled and the sample method and analytical methods used; and

‒ The results of the investigation, including summary tables with sample results organized by media and chronology (these will assist with the planning process and may help with interpretation of field observations).

2.2.1 Data Quality/Usability

This section evaluates all previously collected data relative to the USEPA General Assessment Factors (as defined in USEPA 2003a) used for evaluating the quality of scientific and technical information presented in Table [insert table number].

Evaluate previous data usability relative to the USEPA General Assessment Factors. A more thorough description of these assessment factors can be found in the USEPA’s A Summary of

General Assessment Factors for Evaluating the Quality of Scientific and Technical Information

(Section 2.2; USEPA 2003a) and the Guidance for Evaluating and Documenting the Quality of

Existing Scientific and Technical Information (USEPA 2012).

Performance and Acceptance Criteria can also be found in the USEPA Guidance for Quality

Assurance Project Plans (USEPA 2002a). Performance and Acceptance Criteria for this investigation are presented in Section 4.6.

‒ Evaluate previous data usability relative to the Data Quality Indicators (DQIs) established for the current investigation. The DQIs are defined in Section 4.6.1.

Date Page | 2-5

The SAP developer should present and discuss clear conclusions on the usability of all previously collected data.

Table [Insert table number]: EPA General Assessment Factors

Assessment Factor Description

Soundness

The extent to which the scientific and technical procedures, measures, methods, or models employed to generate the information is reasonable for, and consistent with, the intended application.

Applicability and Utility The extent to which the information is relevant for the project’s intended use.

Clarity and Completeness

The degree of clarity and completeness with which the data, assumptions, methods, quality assurance, sponsoring organizations, and analyses employed to generate the information are documented.

Uncertainty and Variability The extent to which the variability and uncertainty (quantitative and qualitative) in the information or the procedures, measures, methods, or models are evaluated and characterized.

Evaluation and Review The extent of independent verification, validation, and peer review of the information or of the procedures, measures, methods, or models.

From USEPA 2003a

2.2.2 Preliminary Identification of Data Gaps

Identify data gaps relative to previous investigations. If applicable, emphasize the data gaps that are applicable to, or being addressed by the current investigation.

2.2.3 Contaminants of Potential Concern

Describe contaminants of potential concern.

This section identifies the contaminants that are likely to be analyzed for under this SAP.

If the contaminant list is extensive, use tables to present the contaminants, and organize them relative to the media of concern and the operation(s) suspected of generating them; this will help the reader interpret the graphical CSM.

Provide a rationale for the contaminants identified, based on operational history (Section 2.1.1) and, if applicable, previously collected data (Section 2.2) and/or other observations.

Date Page | 2-6

2.2.4 Media of Potential Concern

Describe media of potential concern.

This section identifies the media that are likely to be sampled under this SAP.

Provide a rationale for the media identified, based on operational history (Section 2.1.1) and, if applicable, previously collected data (Section 2.2) and/or other observations.

2.3 Current and Future Property Use Scenarios

Describe the land use designation for the site and future site uses, in the absence of contamination, as described in the park’s General Management Plan and associated planning documents. Include cleanup and restoration needs related to future land use (e.g., natural habitat, recreation, residential).

Describe the potential human and ecological exposure routes.

Provide a rationale for the exposure route(s) and potential receptor(s) identified, based on the site geography, physical environment, operational history (Section 2.1.1), and, if applicable, previously collected data (Section 2.2) and/or other observations.

2.4 Graphical Conceptual Site Model

Generate a graphical CSM that incorporates the information summarized in the previous sections.

The level of sophistication present in the graphical CSM should be proportionate to the amount of information available, the phase of investigation, the size and complexity of the Site, and the graphical resources available to the developer.

Refer to the NPS Conceptual Site Model Guidance (NPS 2014b) for detailed information about

CSM creation, the CSM concept, and its utility in site investigations and stakeholder and public interactions. As the CSM is a critical component in the DQO process, the DQO Planning Team should be involved in its development.

Include the graphical CSM in a figure.

2.4.1 Key CSM Assumptions

To ensure transparency, clearly identify theories and assumptions that underlie the CSM.

Describe unusual or qualitative circumstances or information that may affect the interpretation of the information and/or the conclusions presented in the CSM.

Date Page | 3-1

3 DQO Planning Team and Stakeholders

Identifying an appropriate DQO Planning Team is key to successfully developing DQOs. The DQO

Planning Team should include the primary decision makers and project team members, such as risk assessors or remediation engineers, who will use the data generated as a result of the DQOs. The size of the DQO Planning Team will often depend on the size and complexity of the site under investigation

(USEPA 2006a).

The NPS Project Manager facilitates the DQO Planning Team meetings. Preparation for the initial DQO

Planning Team meeting must be comprehensive for the meeting to be successful. Prior to the DQO

Planning Team meeting, team members will need a summary of existing site information and data, an evaluation of the usability of previous data, detailed Site maps, a draft CSM illustrating potential contaminant transport and exposure pathways (Section 2), and a draft problem statement (see Section 4.1 for problem statement formulation).

3.1 DQO Planning Team

The DQO Planning Team develops the project DQOs according to the DQO process. The DQO process is iterative, and team members may be added or changed in order to address technical issues that were not initially identified. The DQO Planning Team for this project includes: [List the DQO Planning Team, their titles, and roles]

When choosing a DQO Planning Team, consider the following:

‒ A multidisciplinary Planning Team will promote a more balanced understanding and approach to the problem. The Planning Team may include technical personnel, regulators, and/or administrators.

‒ Who will use the data and for what purpose(s)?

Key technical personnel include risk assessors, remedial engineers, and technical advisors/reviewers.

Database/Geographic Information System (GIS) team members will have valuable inputs regarding data formats and handling for large projects.

‒ The primary goal of the DQO Planning Team is to develop DQOs that the rest of the project team can use to develop the SAP.

Include a table of the DQO Planning Team members, that includes their project roles, areas of expertise, and contact information.

3.2 Decision Makers

The decision makers have the ultimate authority for making final decisions based on the recommendations of the DQO Planning Team. The decision makers for this project are: [list the decision makers on project along with their project role and title (if applicable)].

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3.3 Stakeholders

Stakeholders are parties who may be affected by the results of the investigation and/or persons who may later use the data resulting from the DQO process. Stakeholders for NPS lands may include tribal governments, states, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other federal agencies. Stakeholder involvement must be considered within the context of the project (e.g., is this an enforcement case involving potentially responsible parties [PRPs] and confidential information?). The stakeholder(s) for this project are: [list the stakeholder(s) for the project along with their project role and title (if applicable)].

For CERCLA sites, a Community Involvement Plan will be required.

Early involvement of stakeholders in the DQO process can help build a healthy communication platform, establish trust in the decision-making process, and ultimately achieve more effective results from the investigation

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4 Data Quality Objectives

The DQO process specifies anticipated project decisions, the data quality required to support those decisions, specific data types needed, data collection requirements, and analytical techniques necessary to generate the specified data quality. The process also ensures that the resources required to generate the data are justified.

The DQO process consists of the following seven steps, described in detail below:

1. State the Problem.

2. Identify the Goal of the Investigation.

3. Identify the Information Inputs.

4. Define the Boundaries of the Investigation.

5. Develop the Analytic Approach.

6. Specify Performance or Acceptance Criteria.

7. Develop the Plan for Obtaining Data.

The following sections detail each step in the DQO process for this investigation.

The user should reference the USEPA Guidance on Systematic Planning Using the Data Quality

Objectives Process (USEPA 2006) when developing the DQOs.

4.1 State the Problem

This section defines the problem requiring investigation.

Define the problem that has initiated this investigation. Address each element of the problem, which may include, but is not limited to [the diversity of the topic areas within the study problem will provide an indication as to the diversity needed in the DQO Planning Team (Section 3.1)]:

‒ Technical issues;

‒ Economic issues;

‒ Social issues; and

‒ Political issues.

Frame the problem relative to the CSM described in Section 2.

Consider whether the investigation seeks to help make a decision or to make an estimation or characterization of the problem. The problem may also require both a decision and an estimation/characterization to be made. Craft the problem statement accordingly.

[EXAMPLE Decision Problem Statement]

The problem is to understand whether [insert contaminant(s)] contamination in [insert media] is/are present above action levels. Therefore, Site concentration(s) must be determined to decide whether a removal or remedial action is required.

[EXAMPLE Estimation Problem Statement]

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The problem is to define the extent of [insert contaminant(s)] contamination in [insert media]. Therefore, data are needed to define the extent of contamination. Furthermore, it is unknown whether on-site sources are currently contributing contamination to [insert media].

Determine the budget and personnel needed to complete the study.

Present the project schedule and work plan.

4.2 Identify the Goal of the Investigation

This section details the key questions this investigation is designed to answer.

[EXAMPLE Investigation Question]

The sampling event(s) will incorporate the collected data into the decision-making process for determining the nature and extent of [insert type of contaminants] contamination and where and whether or not it poses a risk to [insert what or who the receptors are].

4.2.1 Principal Investigation Question(s)

This section defines the principal investigation question(s). The principal investigation question(s) support(s) efficient collection of data needed to resolve the investigation problem identified in Section

4.1.

How the question(s) is/are framed will depend on the type(s) of information needed. For example, some investigations may seek to gather information to describe or characterize an area (qualitative projects), whereas some investigations may need to determine a specific environmental characteristic to test a specific scientific theory (quantitative projects).

[EXAMPLE Principal Investigation Question 1]

The principal investigation question is the following:

Are [insert contaminant(s)] concentrations in [insert media] currently posing an unacceptable risk to

[insert what or who the receptors are] as a result of past [insert what caused or generated the contamination] activities and/or [insert waste materials] currently found at and near the site?

[EXAMPLE Principal Investigation Question 2]

The sampling events will incorporate the collected data into the decision making process for determining the extent of metals loading in the Elk Creek and Coal Creek watersheds. Additionally, the data will be used to determine if the contaminants pose a risk to human and/or ecological receptors. The principal investigation questions are as follows:

Principal Investigation Question 1: Do metals concentrations in Elk Creek and Coal Creek pose an unacceptable risk to ecological receptors?

Principal Investigation Question 2: To what degree have remedial efforts been effective at containing or reducing metals loading in Elk Creek?

Principal Investigation Question 3: What are the geospatial and temporal trends of contaminant concentrations in the Coal Creek watershed?

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4.2.2 Decision Criteria

If the investigation question(s) is/are complex, requiring that multiple decisions be made and/or that multiple parameters be estimated, include the criteria that must be met in order to answer the principal investigation question. In this case, consider adding a process diagram or flow chart to illustrate these criteria and the conclusion(s) that result (USEPA 2006).

4.3 Identify Information Inputs

The purpose of this step is to identify the data required to answer to the principal investigation question(s) listed in Section 4.2.1 and to determine which inputs require environmental measurements.

Evaluate the quality and usability of existing sources of information and data that could be used to answer to the principal investigation question(s).

Identify the types of new information and data (e.g., information on specific analytes/contaminants) needed to answer the principal investigation question(s).

4.3.1 Previous Data Usability

Provide a summary of the evaluation of the quality and usability of previously collected data that was reported in Section 2.2.1. Frame the discussion relative to the data needs of the current investigation.

Evaluate the data relative to the investigation’s chosen action levels. Specific information sources for determining the action levels are identified within this step of the DQO Process. The actual numerical value of the Action Level need not be specified until Step 5 (see Section 4.5.2).

‒ For ecological screening levels and criteria, compare existing data to the NPS screening levels and criteria. For the appropriate NPS screening levels and criteria, see the NPS

Protocol for the Selection and Use of Ecological Screening Values for Non-Radiological

Analytes (NPS 2014c).

‒ For human health screening levels and criteria, compare existing data to the USEPA Region

9, Residential Regional Screening Levels (RSLs) (USEPA 2014;

http://www.epa.gov/region9/superfund/prg/).

4.3.2 Data to be Collected in the Current Investigation

Provide a summary of the data that will be collected under the current investigation. Include and reference tables whenever possible. See the example tables attached at the end of this SAP template.

[EXAMPLE Inputs]

The new data required to answer the principal investigation questions are as follows:

Surface water data, including dissolved metals, total recoverable metals, alkalinity, anions, and dissolved organic carbon;

Field water chemistry data (e.g., pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity);

Stream flow data; and

GPS coordinates of sample locations.

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Table [insert table number] shows the specific requirements for the sampling event to be conducted on

[insert field date(s)] and how each type of data will be used. The FSP is detailed in Section 5.

4.4 Define the Boundaries of the Investigation

The objective of this step is to identify the sampling units (SUs) and to define the spatial and temporal elements of the investigation area. Figure [insert figure number] shows a map of the sampling area(s) [add figures as necessary if there are multiple investigation areas at the Site]. The boundaries of the investigation are delineated by combining the target population (population of interest) with the spatial and temporal boundaries. Practical constraints that could interfere with sampling are also identified.

Implementing this step helps ensure the data are representative of the population. Spatial and temporal boundaries permit the identification of decision units (DUs), the smallest user-defined area(s) for which a decision will be made.

4.4.1 Spatial Boundaries

This section describes the physical boundaries of the area(s) that will be sampled.

The physical boundaries might be delineated as the area of a former landfill, mine tailings and the rivers and creeks that lie downstream, a river reach, the backstop/berm and surrounding area of a former firing range, etc.

Identify any site features that limit or have the potential to limit the collection of data, and include these features on the sampling area(s)/sampling unit(s) figure referenced in Section 4.4.

4.4.2 Temporal Boundaries

Define the temporal boundaries of the investigation.

The temporal boundaries define the timeframe over which the samples will be collected and the entire investigation will occur.

[EXAMPLE of Temporal Boundary]

To account for potential daily contaminant concentration variability, all surface water samples will be collected from the river within a one-hour timeframe for each sample event. Four sampling events will be conducted over one year (during spring, summer, fall, and winter) to account for seasonal variability in contaminant concentrations.

4.4.3 Sampling Units

The sample units are the individual members of the target population(s), such as specific biota to be sampled or the individual sample aliquots of media (e.g., soil, water, or air) to be sampled and measured

(including volume, mass, or area measurements). More detailed information regarding sampling units is presented in the Plan for Obtaining the Data (Section 4.7).

Define the Sampling Unit(s) in this section.

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4.4.4 Decision Units

Decision units (DUs) are the smallest user-defined area(s) for which a decision will be made (e.g., to cleanup or not cleanup) based on sampling. A DU may consist of one or more SUs. SUs are user-defined areas from which samples are collected to determine a representative concentration for that area. More detailed information regarding decision units is presented in the Plan for Obtaining the Data (Section 4.7).

Identify the decision unit(s) that will be sampled (See USEPA 2006 and ITRC 2012 for guidance on decision unit selection).

The decision unit is the smallest sampled area from which decisions for the investigation will be based. For example, a decision area could be sections of a former firing range, the entire backstop berm of the range, the debris within a former dump, or the specific river reach from which samples will be collected and evaluated to determine the relative level of contamination within that area.

4.5 Develop the Analytic Approach

The purpose of this section is to define the analytic or evaluation approach that will be used to answer the principal investigation question(s) and what screening values or standards will be used.

4.5.1 Decision or Estimation Parameters

Define the population parameter(s) that will be applied to the sample population(s) in order to draw conclusions or make inferences about the data set and to compare the sample population results to the action level(s) defined in the following section (if applicable). Example population parameters include, mean, median, and percentile.

4.5.2 Action Levels

Identify the chemical concentrations (e.g.,…