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Aquatic Life Use Support (ALUS)
Biocriteria Links
Additional Information
Quality Assurance Program
The validity of the ecological study and resultant conclusions are dependent upon an effective QA Plan. An effective QA Plan at the onset of a study provides guidance to staff in several areas: objectives and milestones for achieving objectives throughout the study; lines of responsibility; accountability of staff for data quality objectives; and accountability for ensuring precision, accuracy, completeness of data collection activities, and documentation of sample custody procedures. Documented SOPs for developing study plans, maintenance and application of field sampling gear, performance of laboratory activities, and data analyses are integral quality control components of QA that can provide significant control of potential error sources.