Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance (QA) Program for water, waste and
resource management programs is managed by the Standards and
Assessment Section (SAS) in the Bureau of Assessment and
Restoration Support. The mission of the QA Program is to ensure
that the environmental sampling and analysis data received by
the Department is appropriate and scientifically sound and that
the proposed procedures are designed to produce data that are
reproducible, comparable, reliable, representative, and
defensible within known limits of precision, accuracy and
sensitivity. The Department's quality assurance requirements for
analytical laboratories and field activities are codified in
Chapter 62-160, Florida Administrative Code (QA Rule).
The QA Program provides technical guidance and support for
sample collection and analytical tests related to chemistry,
microbiology, toxicity, and taxonomic identification (macroinvertebrates,
algae, plants). Excluded are sample collection and/or analytical
tests related to air quality monitoring and asbestos. QA staff
conduct various audits to determine compliance with the QA Rule
and specific project data quality objectives, and provide
assistance for implementing corrective actions for improving
processes. Audits include on-site field and laboratory audits,
as well as project audits on completed work to determine the
reliability and usability of the data. QA staff assist in the
development and review of Quality Plans for DEP work groups and
programs to facilitate the implementation of quality systems
throughout the Department. QA staff also review sampling and
analysis proposals associated with grants, contracts and special
projects to ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures
and criteria are incorporated into the scope of work, in
compliance with QA Rule requirements and project data quality
objectives. Our staff also provide training in a wide range of
subjects including lab certification readiness, sampling project
design, data review, data validation, auditing, and quality
planning. QA staff also provide technical assistance to the
Department community on matters relating to proper and
appropriate methods for sampling, field testing procedures and
instrument calibration, laboratory analysis, quality control
requirements, and data interpretation.
QA Reports
Chapter 62-160, F.A.C. – Quality Assurance Rules<
Associated QA Rule Documents
Quality of Science eNewsletter
Department Quality Assurance Management Plan
The purpose of this plan is to document the DEP’s quality systems and to provide a blueprint for how the Department will plan, implement, and assess its quality systems for the environmental work performed on behalf of, or funded by, the EPA.
QAMP
- Quality Assurance Management Plan for the Department (PDF, 4MB 2003 Version)
Please contact
Michael Blizzard for further information.
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Assessment and Restoration Support
2012 State of Florida