Data Quality Objectives

EPA Agency-wide Quality System Documents
A compilation of EPA Quality Documents available on the web that include Guidance for Data Quality Objectives Process.

Guidance for Data Quality Objectives (DQO) Process (2000)
The DQO Process is a seven-step planning approach based on the scientific method that is used to prepare for data collection activities such as environmental monitoring efforts and research. It provides the criteria that a data collection design should satisfy, including when, where, and how to collect samples; tolerable decision error rates; and the number of samples to collect. EPA/600/R-96/055, August 2000
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DQO Data Quality Objectives from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Development of optimal sampling schemes and design tools throughout the environmental remediation cycle can result in significant cost avoidance, streamlined regulatory acceptance, and defensible remediation planning. PNNL provides training, guidance & tool development.

Data Quality Objectives, from Hanford
The DQO Process is a strategic planning approach based on the Scientific Method to prepare for a data collection activity. DQOs provide a systematic procedure for defining the criteria that a data collection design should satisfy, including when to collect samples, where to collect samples, the tolerable level of decision error for a study, and how many samples to collect, balancing risk and cost in an acceptable manner.