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  1. Home
  2. Managing the Quality of Environmental Information

Managing the Quality of Environmental Data at EPA Region 1

On this page:
  • Program Guidance & Requirements
  • Quality Assurance Tools
On other page:
  • Region 1 Quality System Documents

The Quality Assurance Unit is a multi-disciplinary group of chemists, scientists, environmental protection specialists and a chemical engineer. The staff is responsible for assuring the quality of data used to make decisions in support of the Agency mission and implementing and assessing the regional Quality system.

The QA Unit provides the following services:

  • Technical Assistance:
    • Project planning
    • Expert chemistry and engineering advice
    • Method reviews
    • Document reviews
  • Plan Reviews:
    • Quality Assurance Project Plans
    • Quality Management Plans
  • Training:
    • Quality Assurance and Technical
  • Assessments:
    • Laboratory
    • Field
    • Management systems
    • Data
  • Contract Management:
    • Contract Laboratory Program
    • Environmental Services Assistance Team
  • Quality Systems Documents
Photo from a Meeting of the Region 1 Quality Team

Region 1 States

  • Connecticut
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • 10 Tribal Nations

Program Guidance & Requirements

  • Region 1 - EPA New England Environmental Data Review Program Guidance (pdf) (463.01 KB, June 2018)
  • Region 1 - EPA New England Environmental Data Review Supplement for Region 1 Data Review Elements and Superfund Specific Guidance/Procedures (September 2020) (pdf) (766.6 KB, September 2020)
  • EPA R1 Data Validation Worksheet: INORG (pdf) (529.3 KB)
    Example Inorganic Worksheets
  • EPA R1 Data Validation Worksheet: VOA/SV/Pest/PCB (pdf) (844.36 KB)
    Example Organic Worksheets
  • General Guidance

Quality Assurance Tools

EPA New England Quality Assurance Training
Training forms a vital part of the EPA New England Quality System. To assure that quality assurance and quality control responsibilities and specifications are understood at every stage of project implementation, the QA Unit provides training for all levels of EPA management and staff. In addition, QA training is made available to state and tribal partners, grantees and EPA contractors.

Tables

  • Contaminants of Concern and Other Target Analytes Table (Project Action Limits and Reporting Limits Table) (pdf) (19.44 KB)
  • Field Sampling, Field Analytical, and Fixed Lab Equipment Calibration Table (pdf) (16.88 KB)
  • Data Quality Indicators Table (pdf) (17.11 KB)
  • Project Documentation and Records Table (pdf) (15.85 KB)
  • Printable Distribution List Table for use in a Quality Assurance Project Plan (pdf) (15.99 KB)
  • Field and Laboratory Quality Control Sample Summary Table (pdf) (25.21 KB)
  • Sample Preservation and Holding Time Table (pdf) (21.42 KB)
  • Reports to Management Table (pdf) (14.53 KB)
  • Sampling Location and Rationale Table (pdf) (9.31 KB)

Miscellaneous

  • Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Water and Wastewater Laboratories
  • Introduction to Using Excel Spreadsheets to Assist in Developing Quality Assurance Project Plans (pdf) (384.14 KB)
  • Generic Quality Assurance Project Plan Guidance for Programs Using Community Level Biological Assessment in Wadable Streams and Rivers
  • The Volunteer Monitor's Guide to Quality Assurance Project Plans
  • Quality Assurance Guidance for Conducting Brownfields Site Assessments
  • Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plan Development for EPA Funded Cooperative Agreements with State and Tribal Agencies for the Conduct of FIFRA Pesticide Programs: December 2000 (pdf) (1.92 MB)
  • Methods for Biological Sampling and Analysis of Maine's Rivers and Streams from April 2014 (pdf) (715 KB)
  • Volunteer Lake Monitoring: A Methods Manual
  • National Recommended Water Quality Criteria: 2004 (pdf) (1.42 MB)
  • Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual from November 1997
  • Statistical Methods in Water Resources (Download or purchase a copy of the document from the U.S. Geological Survey website)
  • Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use in Fish Advisories: Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis: Third Edition: November 2000 (pdf) (4 MB)
  • Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use in Fish Advisories: Volume 2: Risk Assessment and Fish Consumption Limits: Third Edition: November 2000 (pdf) (1 MB)

Managing the Quality of Environmental Information

  • About the Quality Program
  • Program Directives
  • Information Quality Guidelines
    • IQG Contacts
    • Request for Correction and Reconsideration
  • Quality Assurance Managers
  • Resources
  • Regional Offices
  • Frequent Questions
Contact Us About the Quality Program
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on January 14, 2025
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