Systematic Planning
Systematic planning is a planning process that is based on the scientific method. It is a common sense approach designed to ensure that the level of detail in planning is commensurate with the importance and intended use of the data, as well as the available resources. Systematic planning is important for the successful execution of all hazardous waste site activities, but it is particularly important for dynamic field activities because they rely on rapid decision-making. Without a clear understanding of the information that will be needed to make decisions, a dynamic field activity is not likely to be effective. The Data Quality Objectives (DQO) process is one formalized process of systematic planning. All dynamic field activities must be designed through the use of systematic planning, whether it is with the DQO steps or some other system.
The U.S. EPA Quality
System
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A Guideline for Dynamic Workplans & Field Analytics: The
Keys to Cost-Effective Site Characterization and Cleanup by Al Robbat, Tufts University
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A Rationale for the Assessment
of Errors in the Sampling of Soil
(498K/65pp/PDF) This 1990 document provides guidance on the assessment of errors and uncertainties in the investigation of contaminated soils. It explains how to determine the number and type of samples needed to assess the quality of field data. It also explains how information from quality control samples can be used to identify and control sources of error and uncertainties. |
U.S. EPA Region 4: "Environmental Investigations Standard
Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Manual (EISOPQAM)"
(2.3MB/369pp/PDF) Provides procedures for investigations and various sampling guides used by EPA Region 4 field investigators. (May 1996, with 1997 revisions)
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"Improving the Cost-Effectiveness of Hazardous Waste Site
Characterization and Monitoring"
(31K/9pp/PDF) by Deana Crumbling – Discusses the changes in hazardous site characterization and monitoring being initiated by OSWER, specifically an integrated triad strategy involving systematic planning, dynamic workplans, and on-site analysis and decision-making. |
Multi-Agency
Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) MARSSIM provides information on planning, conducting, evaluating, and documenting environmental radiological surveys of surface soil and building surfaces for demonstrating compliance with regulations. |
U.S. Department of Energy
information on DQOs |
U.S.
EPA Region 1 Quality Assurance Unit
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