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Course Descriptions
and Outlines
Improving Data Quality in Field Investigations
- 2 Day Classroom Course |
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Course
Description
Much
attention and scrutiny is focused on determining the quality,
validity and defensibility of laboratory data generated for
a wide variety of environmental sites. Formal systems of Quality
Assurance and Quality Control evaluations and formal auditing
programs have been in place for years to monitor the performance
of laboratories. These data validation systems are invaluable
given the magnitude of decisions, both technical and financial,
that are based on data generated by the laboratory. There
is however, a major oversight in the current system of environmental
data collection and evaluation - in many environmental programs,
there is no comparable system to evaluate the standards of
sample collection and data measurement in the field. This
is a critical omission because the laboratory data are only
as indicative of actual field conditions as the samples that
are collected. Poor sample collection practices may result
in the generation of samples that are so compromised that
any data generated by analysis of the samples are, for all
intents and purposes, meaningless in the context of representing
actual site conditions.
This
unique 2-day course will focus on how to develop a parallel
system for field activities that is designed to evaluate and
monitor a variety of field activities including: sample collection,
pretreatment, handling and preparation for shipment to the
lab for analysis; field instrumentation selection, maintenance,
calibration and operation;field measurement collection; and
documentation of field observations and data. Emphasis will
be placed on how, through effective planning, a field data
verification and validation program which involves field personnel
can identify field errors and sampling program deficiencies,
making it possible to correct these shortcomings and to improve
the quality of data generated by field investigations.
In
lieu of a field session, instructors will incorporate a number
of in-class lab sessions in which course attendees will have
the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during lectures
to actual field data generated at a variety of sites. This
will permit attendees to sharpen skills such as learning how
to spot errors in field notes, how to determine when field
notes do not make sense and what that can mean, how to verify
and validate field data and how to conduct an effective field
audit.
Course
Outline
Day 1
- Current Problems with Field
Quality Assurance (Or Lack Thereof)
- Overview of Effective Project
Planning
- 3 Key Components of Project
Planning Documents Necessary for Data Verification and
Validation
- Understanding the Concept
of Total Study Error (Total Variability)
- Project Management and
Communications
- Putting Together the Optimal
Project Team
- Data Verification and
Validation
- Incorporating US EPA's Systematic
Planning Process and Data Quality Objectives Process into
Sample and Field Data Collection Programs
- Systematic Planning Process
vs. DQO Process
- Key Components of the
DQO Process for Applications in the Field
- Writing an Effective Sampling
and Analysis Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan
- Key Elements to Include
- How To Make Sure the Final
Plan is Workable in the Field
- Quality Assurance Components
to a Field Sample and Data Collection Program
- Use of Field Quality Control
Samples
- Identifying Which Quality
Control Samples Should Be Used
- Understanding The Reason
to Collect Specific Quality Control Samples
- Frequent Errors in Collecting
Quality Control Samples
- Field Quality Control
Samples vs. Laboratory Quality Control Samples
- Incorporating Field Audits
Into Project Quality Control Programs
- Purposes of Field Audits
- Types of Field Audits
- How to Conduct a Field
Audit
- Who Should Conduct a Field
Audit
- Difficulties in Conducting
Field Audits
- Benefits of Conducting
Field Audits
Day 2
- Verification of Field Data
- Definition of "Verification"
- Objectives of Verification
of Field Data
- Who Can Conduct Data Verification
- Documents That Are Necessary
for Verification of Field Data
- Overview of The Process
of Field Data Verification
- The Role of Field Personnel
in Data Verification
- Validation of Field Data
- Definition of "Validation"
- Objectives of Validation
of Field Data and How They Differ from Verification
- Who Can Conduct Data Validation
- Documents That Are Necessary
for Validation of Field Data
- Overview of the Process
of Field Data Validation
- Timing of Data Validation
- How to Review Field Notes
and Forms to Spot Errors, Falsification of Information or
Inconsistencies
- Common Sources of Error in
Sample Collection That May Make It Impossible to Verify
or Validate Data
- Inconsistencies with Documented
Sampling Procedures
- Errors in Sampling Equipment
Operation
- Poor Decontamination Procedures
- Errors in Sample Preparation
- Poor Sample Handling
- Common Sources of Error in
Field Data Collection and Measurement
- Inappropriate Instrumentation
Selection
- Poor or No Calibration
Procedures
- Errors in Instrumentation
Operation
- Poor Equipment Maintenance
- Poor Decontamination Procedures
- Errors in Using Flow Cells
- Defensible Documentation Practices
for Field Observations and Measurements
- Written Records
- Audio-Visual Data Recording
- Electronic Data Recording
- Incorporating Good Laboratory
Practices into Field Data Recordkeeping Procedures
- Making Sure Your Chain-of-Custody
Procedures are Defensible
- Understanding the Purpose
of Chain-of-Custody Forms
- ASTM Standard on Chain-of-Custody
Recordkeeping
- 5 Common Errors in Completing
Chain-of-Custody Records
Possible Course
Locations
- Columbus, Ohio
- San Antonio, Texas
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Tampa, Florida
- San Diego, California
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Using Field Analytical Instrumentation - 2-Day Field
Course
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Course
Description
This two-day
field course will provide attendees with the unique opportunity
to learn about the evolution of field sample screening procedures
into today's more expansive array of field analytical methods.
Over the past five years in particular, with the development
of new regulatory programs revolving around concepts such
as Risk-Based Corrective Action, Natural Attenuation, Accelerated
Site Characterization and Brownfields, there has been a dramatic
shift toward the use of field analytical methods to generate
accurate and precise field analytical data. The value of being
able to generate accurate and meaningful data in the field
has become the backbone of many successful environmental projects
because these data can be used to make important and timely
decisions while in the field cost-effectively, and with a
minimum number of mobilizations to the site.
This course
will focus on how to develop a strong field quality assurance/quality
control program for sample analysis needed to permit data
verification and validation, and how to determine which parameters
are appropriate to monitor in the field. Instructors will
provide an overview of what instrumentation options are currently
available to provide qualitative and quantitative data for
parameter-specific analysis of solid and liquid samples and
provide a checklist of instrumentation selection criteria
which should be evaluated on a project-specific basis. Discussions
will also include subjects such as understanding instrumentation
accuracy; precision vs. resolution; common sources of error
in field parameter measurement; common sources of error in
field instrumentation use, maintenance and calibration; documentation
of field instrumentation calibration procedures and field
data or measurements taken during a field event.
This course
will be highlighted by a one-half day field session in which
students will have the opportunity to work hands-on with a
variety of field instrumentation. Students will also have
the opportunity to work in small groups to develop a field
Sample Analysis Plan to permit application of the concepts
discussed in the class to several real field site situations.
Course Outline
Day 1
- Overview
of Field Screening vs. Field Sample Analysis
- Definition
of Terminology
- Advantages
and Limitations of Screening Methods vs. Sample Analysis
- Difficulties
Experiences Historically in Field Sample Analysis Programs
- Real-Time
Data vs. Near Real-Time Data
- US
EPA's Perspective on Field Sample Analysis
- EPA
Field Analytical Technology Evaluation Programs
- US
EPA TIO Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE)
- US
EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program (ETV)
- US
EPA Environmental Response Team (ERT) Procedures for
Field Analytic Procedures
- Center
for Field Analytical Studies and Technology
- REACH-IT
Program
- Incorporating
Field Analysis Into Field Investigations
- Developing
a Field Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program
- Objectives
of a Field Analysis QA/QC Program
- Key
Components of a Field QA/QC Program
- Defining
the Type, Quality and Quantity of Data Required
- Ensuring
Data Verification and Validation
- Incorporating
Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
- Matrix
for Determining Which Parameters Should Be Selected for
Field Analysis
- Ability
to Provide Relevant Information for Site Conditions
- Ease
of Performing Analysis in the Field
- Instrumentation
Availability
- Instrumentation
Accuracy, Precision and Detection Limits
- Operation
of Instrumentation Under Field Conditions
- Generation
of Potentially Hazardous Wastes as a Result of Sample
Analysis
- Operator
Skill
- Costs
to Analyze Samples In The Field vs. In The Lab
- Sources
of Negative and Positive Bias and Error
- Sensitivity
of Parameters to Handling
- Location
of Sample Parameter Measurement
- In-Situ
- In
The Immediate Vicinity of Sample Collection Point
- Remote
from the Point of Sample Collection
- Criteria
for Selection of Field Instrumentation for Field Parameter
Measurement
- Ability
to Analyze Sample Medium(ia) of Interest
- Ability
to Meet Accuracy and Precision Performance Criteria
Required
- Ease
of Use
- Reliability
in the Field
- Ease
of Calibration and Servicing in the Field
- Cost
- Practical
Problem: Develop a Field Sample Analysis Quality Assurance/Quality
Control Plan
Day 2
- Overview
of Field Instrumentation Options on a Parameter-Specific
Basis
- Volatile
Compounds
- Semivolatile
Compounds
- Petroleum
Hydrocarbons
- Pesticides
- Radionuclides
- Metals
- Inorganics
- Salts
- Calibration
of Field Instrumentation
- Calibration
vs. Instrumentation Calibration Checks
- When,
Where and How Often to Calibrate
- Common
Errors in Instrument Calibration
- Documentation
of Calibration Activities and Results of Calibration
- Common
Sources of Error in Field Sample Analysis and Instrumentation
Use
- Determining
if the Numbers Make Sense During Data Collection Activities
- Field
Verification and Validation of Field Analytical Data
- Documentation
of Sample Analysis Data and Field Instrumentation Operation
- Field
Session: Operation of a Wide Range of Field Instrumentation
Capable of Analyzing Solid and/or Liquid Samples for a Variety
of Parameters
Possible
Course Locations
- Columbus,
Ohio
- San
Antonio, Texas
- Boston,
Massachusetts
- Tampa,
Florida
- San
Diego, California
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The
Accelerated Site Characterization Field Course - 2 Days
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Course
Description
If
you conduct environmental investigations at contaminated sites,
and you want to improve data quality while cutting costs and
saving time, you must attend this course! Environmental
site characterization has changed radically in the past few
years, and it is critical to know the latest technology and
field methods that can be applied to contaminated sites to
gain a competitive edge. This intensive two-day course will
teach you: what accelerated site characterization is; what
new field methods make accelerated site characterization possible;
how to effectively use these methods for rapid sample collection
and field analysis to generate real-time data; how to develop
and implement dynamic work plans; and how to use and interpret
real-time data in the field to guide a project to rapid completion.
You will learn how to complete site characterization programs
in one trip to the site, allowing you to save from 30% to
70% of costs, and shave weeks to months off project length.
Course
instructors will provide a wealth of information that will
prove invaluable to attendees in future projects. While attending
this course, you will learn: the importance of defining objectives
and data needs prior to initiating field work; what types
of site-specific data you need to collect to design effective
long-term monitoring and remediation programs; how to develop
flexible work plans to define site geology, hydrology, and
the 3-D extent of contamination; how to use direct-push technology
to sample rapidly and to generate valid data; how to conduct
field sample analyses for a wide range of parameters using
field-portable gas chromatographs, immunoassay kits, XRF,
and other methods; and what elements of field QA/QC are critical
to producing defensible field data.
Course
Outline
Day 1
- Principles
of Accelerated Site Characterization (ASC)
- The
Importance of Thorough Site Characterization in Monitoring
and Remediation Program Design
- Typical
Time Lines, Logistics, Personnel Needs and Costs for ASC
- Developing
and Implementing Flexible Work Plans to Allow In-Field Decision
Making
- Background
Information Review
- Developing
and Refining Site Conceptual Models
- Selecting
Optimum Investigative Tools Based on Site Conditions
- Interpreting
Real-Time Data
- Rapid
Subsurface Data and Sample Collection Methods and Their
Capabilities and Limitations
- Direct-Push
Technology for Collection of Soil, Soil-Gas and Ground-Water
Samples, Soil Conductivity and VOC Data
- Dynamic
Sampling Strategies
- Use
and Interpretation of Direct-Push Data
Day 2
- Rapid
Field Analytical Methods and Their Capabilities and Limitations
- Types
and Levels of Field Analysis
- Field-Portable
Instrumentation for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
of Samples
- Analytes
Detectable Using Field Instrumentation and Levels of
Detection
- Use
and Interpretation of Field Analytical Data
- Field
Session on ASC:
- Soil,
Soil-Gas and Ground-Water Sampling
- Soil
Conductivity Measurement and Direct Detection of VOCs
- Correlation
and Interpretation of Direct-Push Data
- Field
Sample Analysis Using PIDs, FIDs, Field-Portable GCs,
Immunoassay Kits and Sample Extraction Methods
- Correlation
and Interpretation of Field Analytical Data
- Generating
and Revising Site Conceptual Models Using Real-Time Data
Possible
Course Locations
- San
Antonio, Texas
- Columbus,
Ohio
- Boston,
Massachusetts
- Tampa,
Florida
- San
Diego, California
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Course
Description
Monitored
Natural Attenuation (MNA) is being increasingly accepted by
federal, state and local regulatory authorities as a viable
option in site remediation, particularly at petroleum hydrocarbon-impacted
sites. However, acceptance of MNA at any given site depends
heavily on developing a sufficient database to provide the
evidence required to demonstrate that this option will be
effective as either a stand-alone remedy or as an adjunct
to active remediation. This evidence must be developed through
detailed and thorough site characterization to define the
3-D distribution of the contaminant in all of its phases in
the subsurface and intensive monitoring to establish spatial
and temporal variations in contaminant concentrations.
This
course includes a brief introduction to the framework for
the use of MNA and the physical, chemical and biological mechanisms
important to MNA, and provides attendees with the practical
background necessary to properly characterize and monitor
a site. Instructors emphasize practical field methods for
site characterization and monitoring, including 3-D sampling
methods and field analytical methods for soil and ground water;
field data evaluation techniques; monitoring well location,
design and installation; and ground-water sampling and field
analysis methods. The objective is to provide information
on methods that can be sued to cost-effectively develop the
database required to establish the viability of MNA, to estimate
attenuation rates, to model contaminant transport and attenuation,
and to provide justification for site closure. Data analysis
and presentation techniques useful in evaluating the progress
and effectiveness of MNA will also be addressed. While emphasis
is placed on MNA of petroleum hydrocarbons and MTBE, chlorinated
solvents, metals, radionuclides and other contaminants are
also discussed.
Course
Outline
Day
1
- Framework
for the Use of Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA)
- Source
Control
- Site
Characterization
- Conceptual
Models
- Short-Term
Monitoring
- Predictive
Models
- Long-Term
Monitoring to Site Closure
- Review
of Important Natural Attenuation (MA) Documents and Regulatory
Requirements
- US
EPA Directive on Monitored Natural Attenuation
- ASTM
Standard E-1943
- US
Air Force Guidance Documents
- Current
Regulatory Requirements
- Dynamics
and Behavior of Contaminant Plumes
-
Contaminant Sources and Types
-
Phases of Contamination
- Movement
of Dissolved Phase Contaminant Plume
- Natural
Attenuation Mechanisms
- Physical
Mechanisms
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Chemical Mechanisms
- Biological
(Aerobic and Anaerobic) Mechanisms
- Lines
of Evidence Used to Evaluate Natural Attenuation
- Demonstrating
Contaminant Loss Over Time
-
Geochemical and Biological Indicators
-
Laboratory Microcosm Studies
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Criteria for Success for MNA
Day 2
- Site
Characterization, Data Analysis and Evaluation
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Data Needs and Uses
- Conventional
vs. Accelerated Site Characterization
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Importance of 3-D Site Characterization
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Data Analysis and Interpretation
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Conceptual Model Refinement
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Evaluating the Evidence for NA
- Developing
and Implementing a Monitoring Program for Natural Attenuation
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Short Term vs. Long Term Monitoring
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Positioning Monitoring Wells in Three Dimensions
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Well Design and Installation
-
Ground-Water Sampling
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Evaluating and Implementing Monitoring Data
- Visualizing
Trends in the Data
-
Monitoring Frequency and Duration
- Evaluating
the Progress of Natural Attenuation
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Meeting the Goals of Natural Attenuation
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Data Presentation
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Justifying Site Closure
- Field
Session on Site Characterization and Monitoring for Natural
Attenuation:
Possible
Course Locations
- San
Antonio, Texas
- Boston,
Massachusetts
- Tampa,
Florida
- Columbus,
Ohio
- San
Diego, California
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