1.0 qa project plan identification and approval (element...

Tribal Template QAPP for meteorological measurements5/5/2023DRAFT

of 34

Model Quality Assurance Project Plan

for Meteorological Monitoring by Tribal Organizations

Grant # XXXXXXXXXXX

Office Providing Grant or Funds Information


of 34

Instructions for using this template:

All of this material is guidance only. Information that must be completed with your particular Tribal Air Office's relevant terms and names is indicated in strikeout text, and BACKGROUND INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN ALL CAPS. Material that is particularly sensitive to your instrument specifications is highlighted in yellow. This and all other text and tables may be revised, deleted or added as you deem appropriate. (To delete strikeout format select the text, go to Format, Font, then uncheck the strikeout box; to change the background color select the text or box and then go to Format, Borders and Shading, Shading.)

Acknowledgements

This model QAPP was developed with the help of Lauren Rich of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Helmick Road Reservation and Toni Richards of the Bishop Paiute Tribal Environmental Office. Melinda Ronca-Battista used their assistance extensively to create this QAPP specifically for tribal organizations and is grateful Lauren and her management for their generosity in sharing their knowledge with other tribal air organizations.

1.0 QA Project Plan Identification and Approval (Element A1)

Title: The tribal air office QA Project Plan for the Tribal Meteorological Air Monitoring Program. This QAPP commits the tribal air office to follow the procedures described and referenced in this plan. If appropriate: Plan development funded by grant #insert # from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Technical assistance received from xxx and xxx.

Tribal air office Officials

Signature: __________________________________________ Date:________Name - Technical Manager, or the title of the manager

Signature: __________________________________________ Date:________Name - Field Technician, or the title of the person doing most of the field work

If there are others working on the project, add their names, titles, and their signatures here

Signature: __________________________________________ Date:________Name – Tribal Quality Assurance Coordinator, or the title and organization of the person who reviews QC data (at least some portion every month), final and interim data reports, and serves as an independent reviewer of the quality of the project to assist the field technician and technical manager, and may be available to the project for consulting on procedures, data management, and reporting.


of 34

Signature: __________________________________________ Date:________XXX, Air Monitoring Specialist,XXX office (audits)

EPA Region Y (if using EPA grant)

1) Signature: __________________________________________ Date:________name, title, and organization (branch or division) of the EPA official who approves the QAPP


of 34

2.0 Table of Contents (Element A2)


of 34

3.0 Distribution List (Element A3)

Paper copies of this QAPP have been distributed to the people listed in Table 3-1. As portions of this QAPP are revised, revised sections or the entire QAPP are sent to these people.

Table 3-1 Distribution List

Name Position Address and email

tribal air office

Name Title

Name Title

Name Title

Add more rows to include all people getting copies of this QAPP

EPA Region Y

Name Title

Name Title

Add more rows to include all people getting copies of this QAPP


of 34

4.0 Project/Task Organization (Element A4)

4.1 The Role of the Tribal Air Office

This tribal agency incorporates quality assurance activities as an integral part of any program that gathers environmental data, from work in the field, from their own data analysis and reporting, and from any consulting and contractor laboratories which they may use.

The following sections list the responsibilities of each individual in the Tribal Air Office.

Supervisor Title - Name

The Supervisor Title, name has overall responsibility for managing the tribal air office air monitoring program. Ultimately, the Supervisor Title is responsible for establishing QA policy and for resolving QA issues identified through the QA program. Major QA-related responsibilities of the Supervisor Title include: Reviewing acquisition packages (contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, inter-

agency agreements) to determine the necessary QA requirements; Assuring that the tribal air office develops and maintains this QAPP and ensures

adherence to the document by staff, and where appropriate, outside contractors and consultants;

Maintaining regular communication with the field, and other technical staff; Developing QA documentation and providing answers to technical questions; Ensuring that all personnel involved in this program have access to any training or

QA information needed to be knowledgeable in QA requirements, protocols, and technology of that activity;

Reviewing and approving this QAPP; Ensuring that this program is covered by appropriate QA planning documentation

(e.g., QA project plans and data quality objectives); Ensuring that reviews, assessments and audits are scheduled and completed, and at

times, conducting or participating in these QA activities; Recommending required management-level corrective actions; and Serving as the program QA liaison with EPA regional QA Managers or QA Officers

and the EPA regional Project Officer.

Field Personnel - Names of Field Personnel (and describe each ones’ duties if they are responsible for different activities)

The tribal field personnel are responsible for carrying out the work in the field and ensuring that the data they gather meet the requirements of this QAPP. Their responsibilities include:$ Writing and implementing the QAPP; Participating in training and certification activities; Writing and modifying standard operating procedures (SOPs);


of 34

Verifying that all required QA activities are performed and that measurement quality standards are met as required in this QAPP;

Following all manufacturer's specifications; Performing and documenting preventative maintenance; Documenting deviations from established procedures and methods; Reporting all problems and corrective actions to their supervisor; Assessing and reporting data quality; Preparing and delivering reports to their supervisor; and Flagging suspect data.

Quality Assurance Coordinator

The Quality Assurance Coordinator (QAC) conducts and reviews quality assurance, quality assessment, and quality control activities and ensures that ambient air quality data meet or exceed the data quality objectives of the tribe. The QAC is responsible for assessing the acceptability of the air quality data prior to its use, purchasing NIST-traceable standards (if relevant to your program), and certifying standards used in the field and generating QC reports. The QAC also serves as the program QA liaison with EPA regional QA Managers or QA Coordinators (NOTE THAT THIS ACTIVITY OF COORDINATING WITH THE EPA REGIONAL OFFICE MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE IF NOT OPERATING UNDER AN EPA GRANT, OR THE COMMUNICATION WITH THE EPA REGION MAY BE CONDUCTED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER).

4.2 The Role of the EPA Region Y Office

EPA Regional Offices have been developed to address environmental issues related to the tribal air offices within their region. EPA's Region Y Office is responsible for the following activities in support of this program:

Reviewing, providing assistance with, and approving this QAPP; Responding to requests for technical and policy information and interpretations; Evaluating quality system performance through technical systems audits,

performance evaluations and network reviews, as appropriate for each grant and the tribal air office; and

Making available the technical and quality assurance information developed by EPA to the tribal agencies, and making the tribe aware of any unmet quality assurance needs of the tribal agencies;

4.3 Contractor Support

Insert descriptions of contractor support, including to whom they report, the length of their contract, and their responsibilities.


of 34


of 34

Alexandria Washington, Kamchatka Air Quality

Program Manager

EPA Region 11Project Officer

(name)

Weworkforyou Analysis Laboratory

contact person who delivers reports

Weworkforyou Analysis Laboratory

Laboratory QA Manager

EPA Region 11

QA Officer

John W. Smith, DirectorKamchatka Tribe Environmental

Department

Alexandria WashingtonKamchatka Air Quality

Program

Alexandria Washington*

Kamchatka Air Quality

* if there are insufficient personnel to assign a different person to the task of QA Manager, there needs to be some provision made for the person to “disconnect” their roles of data gathering and QA manager. This may be done by allotting one day (for example) every five or ten days to QC tasks such as reviewing the status of files, data, procedures, results of QC checks, etc. In addition, the


of 34

5.0 Problem Definition/Background (Element A5)

The Tribe is initiating regular meteorological monitoring as part of an integrated, Reservation-wide environmental protection effort. Tribal goals for environmental protection are to protect human health and natural resources. The objective of the Meteorological Monitoring Program is to characterize ambient meteorological conditions where ambient air quality measurements are made. The meteorological data are then used to support the (INSERT AS APPROPRIATE) air monitoring program, fire management, burn permits, smoke control, aerial drift of pesticides, or water management.

This QAPP describes project methods, establishes data quality objectives, and defines data quality assurance and control methods for meteorological monitoring by the Tribe. The QAPP was developed to ensure consistent, repeatable results and to improve the reliability and comparability of data collected. Approval of this QAPP is a funding source requirement.

The meteorological monitoring station(s) will be located describe the location using UTM coordinates, or exact addresses, or other identification that is understandable to an outside person reading this QAPP. List the elevation(s), the land use on or nearby the stations, e.g., about how many people live nearby, if land is farmed or grazed, etc. Describe who owns the land and briefly how you have arranged for site access and security. If possible, include a map.

6.0 Project Description (Element A6)

Briefly describe the objective of the project, including a list of the parameters measured, such as: The objective of the Meteorological Monitoring Project is to characterize ambient meteorological conditions where ambient air quality measurements are made. The meteorological data are then used to support environmental planning in air and water resource management. Parameters measured are listed below and in Table 9-1 in more detail and include (add or delete or modify to suit your program):

Wind speed Wind direction Wind direction variability (sigma theta) Barometric pressure Ambient air temperature

Site visits will be conducted at least once every two weeks during the initial months (if this is summer this may work?) or until the QAC has reviewed the data and it is determined that this is reliable and that site visits only need to be conducted once every quarter (?). (Describe how often you plan to visit the site and how you will change this if your equipment is reliable and such frequent site visits are not needed). Data are transmitted directly to a computer in the air office via a modem and serial port and are automatically save every 24 hours.


of 34

7.0 Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measuring Data (Element A7)

The intended use of the data generated from this project will help support watershed characterizations for use in fisheries management, air management, water resource management, smoke management, pesticide application, controlled burning,, energy planning, and for public information. The information may be used to model air transport of pollutants. Data collected will be used to DO NOT USE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING – THEY ARE EXAMPLES ONLY AND YOU NEED TO SPECIFY YOUR PURPOSES FOR GATHERING DATA: characterize weather conditions at the site qualitatively and quantitatively assess weather conditions influencing the tribal land correlate weather conditions with other resource data to inform a variety of programs and

departments managing multiple resources support partners in modeling NAAQS attainment, pollution transport and dispersion, and determine if there is a need for further actions to ensure human health and welfare and

ecological integrity are protected.

Quality assurance (QA) procedures are required to insure that the data collected meet standards of reliability and allowable error. QA procedures include site inspections, independent assessments (may be conducted by a tribal person who is not involved in the routine data gathering, such as someone from the water or solid waste office, or someone from another tribe or state or local organization, or a qualified consultant—see Section 20 for a more detailed description of assessments), calibrations as necessary, data screening, data review and validation, and preventive maintenance. Data review and validation is a process in which suspect data are identified and flagged for additional review, possible screening and corrective action as necessary. The data validation process provides an additional level of quality assurance for the monitoring program.

Because data gathered as part of the ambient air-monitoring program, we are not determining a new set of data quality objectives for the meteorological monitoring data. Instead, we are using the most stringent set of criteria for meteorological data, which is generally the criteria recommended by EPA for modeling purposes, as specified in reference (a) in the references list for this section. All meteorological instruments comply with or surpass the guidance in the References list at the end of this section. The criteria listed in Table 7-1 apply to the measurements made for this program.

Audits conducted semiannually will use the instrument specifications in this QAPP, including those listed in Table 7-1, as the basis for recommending recalibration of the sensor. Audits will be conducted by someone other than the site operator.

The critical performance requirements are summarized in Table 7-1. All specifications refer to conditions at sea level, and adjustments for high elevation should be made in consultation with the equipment manufacturer.


of 34

Table 7-1: Meteorological Instrument Requirements and Specifications (change or modify to suit your program’s needs and instrument specs)

Parameter Most stringent requirement from the references; this is generally is the requirement for modeling (reference a in the list on the previous page)

Instrument Specifications (these are examples for Met One sensors; change according to the sensors you have)

Temperature ± 0.5 C estimated total error a ± 0.4 C (MetOne) + 0.3 C (Handar435C)

Relative Humidity RH accuracy at 20 degrees C

±2% RH (0-90% RH)

±3% RH (90-100% RH)

0.04% RH/°C or 1% with every change of 25 C (MetOne)

+ 1% between 1 and 100% RH (Handar435C)

Wind Speed: Starting Threshold

Total Error

Distance Constant

0.5 m/s

± 5%

5 m

0.4 m/s

± 0.5%

2.1 m

Wind Direction: Starting Threshold

Total Error

Delay Distance (distance over which wind eddies can be detected)

Damping Ratio (for vane sensors; also called overshoot; indicates how the vanes oscillate back and forth after a gust)

0.5 m/s

± 5.0 degrees

5 m

0.4 - 0.65

0.5 m/s

± 3.0 degrees

1.2 m

0.45

a This value is based on verifications comparing instrument response against a second instrument at intervals based on the guidance in Section 14 of this QAPP and on QAC approval.


of 34

Parameter Most stringent requirement from the references; this is generally is the requirement for modeling (reference a in the list on the previous page)

Instrument Specifications (these are examples for Met One sensors; change according to the sensors you have)

Barometric pressure + 1% + 1% (Handar435C)

Precipitation Up to 0.254mm/hr ±1%0.25-0.51mm/hr (1 to 2 in) + 2.5%, 0.51-0.762mm/hr + 3.5%

Obtain from owner’s manual


of 34

References for Section 7

(a) Meteorological Monitoring Guidance for Regulatory Modeling Applications, EPA-454/R-99-005 (Met Monitoring Guidance),

(b) Ambient Monitoring Guidelines for Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), EPA-450/4-87-007, May 1987, (PSD Monitoring Guidelines), Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 1 (FMH-1), Appendix C (Sensor Standards), published by the National Weather Service, and

(c) Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume IV, EPA/600/R-94/038d (QA Handbook). In addition, these procedures are consistent with the California Air Resources Board QAPP for meteorological measurements (Air Monitoring Quality Assurance, vol. I, 1995).

8.0 Special Training Requirements/Certification (Element A8)

Workshops and courses hosted by ITEP and other similar resource agencies will be made available to project personnel. Records on personnel qualifications and training are maintained in personnel files and are accessible for review during audit activities.

Adequate education and training are integral to any monitoring program that strives for reliable and comparable data. Training is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of employees and the tribal air office. Sufficient time (at least 16 hours) will be provided by management to the personnel directly involved in this project (including field technicians) to read and understand this QAPP and the referenced documents.

The tribal air quality department also monitors the availability of training courses offered by EPA’s Air Pollution Training Institute and Region VIII facilities, Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), and private consulting firms. Such institutions conduct professional services and ensure certification of their courses offered. When circumstances warrant, staff members may be enrolled in one or more training courses offered by these institutions.

9.0 Documentation and Records (Element A9)


of 34

9.1 Measured Parameters

Table 9-1: Field Measurements (modify to suit your instruments and program)

Parameter Parameter Code (column header or field on the data sheet that represents this parameter)

Frequency Units Comment

Monitor ID MONID Every sample event

N/A Unique AIRS-AQS Monitor ID (or, if you are not reporting to AIRS-AQS, your own ID for that monitor) that include the combination of STATE, COUNTY, SITE, PARAMETER, and POC fields

Site Name SITENAM Every sample event

Site 1, etc, as named by monitoring org.

Unique site name associated with the site

Wind Direction

WDIR Every sample event

Degrees (angle from north)

Wind Speed WSPEED Every sample event

Meters/second

Sigma Theta SIGMATH Every sample event

Degrees (sample stnd dev of wind direction)

Temperature TEMP Every sample event

Degrees (C)

Humidity RH Every sample event

%RH


of 34

Free Form Notes

FFM As needed Text "Free form" notes about the sampling run, unusual conditions, etc.

Barometric pressure

BP Every sample event

HPa (hectoPascals) which are equivalent to millibars, or in Hg, see Glossary


of 34

9.1 Standard Operating ProceduresProcedures for data entry are provided in SOPs listed below, and are included in Appendix A. These SOPs describe in detail the steps that must be taken to properly operate and maintain the instruments in the field, and how to obtain and record data electronically and manually.

SOP XX–Operation of XXX Temperature/Relative Humidity Sensor provides procedures for operation of the temperature/relative humidity instrumentation, including the procedure and field data sheet for a performance assessment. SOP XX–Operation of XXX Wind Speed Sensor provides procedures for operation of field monitoring sites for the wind speed, including the procedure and field data sheet for a performance assessment. SOP XX–Operation of XXX Wind Direction Sensor describes the procedures for operation of field monitoring sites for the wind direction instrumentation, including the procedure and field data sheet for a performance assessment. SOP XX–Operation of XXX Data Logger describes how to use the datalogger. SOP XX--Data Management, Entry, and Validation lists the steps taken to download data, enter data from the field data sheets, and validate the data monthly.SOP XX --Barometric pressure Sensor describes the procedures for determination of the barometric pressure, including the procedure and field data sheet for a performance assessment. SOP XX --Fuel temperature and moisture sensor describes the procedures for operation of the fuel temperature and moisture sensor, including the procedure and field data sheet for a performance assessment. SOP XX --Solar panel describes the procedures for use of the solar panel, including the procedure for checking its stable output. SOP XX --Rain gauge describes the procedures for operation of the rain gauge, including how to test its accuracy for different rain levels.

9.2 LogbooksA log of all site activities is a major component of the quality procedures. All maintenance and record keeping will be logged in pen with date, time, and initials. This logbook will be kept in the (shelter or tribal air office—state which one) when it is not in the field during site visits.

9.3 File OrganizationFiles are organized into (1) site information, (2) temperature/RH sensor information, such as calibration and repair records, (3) wind speed sensor information, (4) wind directions sensor information, (5) data logger information, (6) pressure sensor information, (7) fuel temperature sensor information, (8) solar panel and (9) rain gauge records, (10) the data itself, with summaries on paper and all data on disk, (11) reports to management, (12) data validation records, including notes, and (13) assessments and corrective action. Separate files will be maintained for each station. Files for each of the 13 sections will be verified at least monthly by the QAC, who will verify that each file is kept updated.

9.4 Reports


of 34

Summary reports will list average temperature, wind direction, wind speed, (other parameters as measured--LIST THEM HERE APPROPRIATE TO YOUR PROJECT) and sigma theta over one-hour periods. Ranges of wind speed and direction and a wind rose will be reported over quarterly and seasonal time periods, and other periods of interest such as during pesticide applications, controlled burning or wildfires, harvesting, volcanic eruptions, wars, or vehicle traffic.

Quarterly summaries for internal use only will document data checks, verification, validation and site visits. Annual verification reports (conducted by the site operator or someone else) will be filed and provided to the Project Coordinator.

Quarterly progress reports will be provided to the funding Project Officer for the duration of initial funding period.

Semi-annual reports will be developed to discuss data acquisition results and sources of error, assess seasonal trends, and recommend further investigation of site operations as necessary.

Annual reports will be developed that include an assessment of annual trends and comparison with historic data, provide a program evaluation for the year and identify recommendations for the upcoming year.


of 34

9.5 Data Transmittal

Data transmittal occurs whenever information is transferred from one person or location to another or copied, by hand or electronically, from one form to another. Some examples of data transmittal are copying raw data from a notebook onto a data entry form for keying into a computer file and electronic transfer of data over a telephone or computer network.

The QAC (or specify the person who does this task,) is assigned the task of making a random selection of at least five percent of the data during each quarter that has been transmitted from one form to another or one place to another and checking its accuracy. This check and the results will be documented in the records for data validation; notes made in the header of each file or in the top several lines include what information/sources were compared, results, name, and date.

AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE Tribal Management, all meteorological data and information specified by the AIRS Users Guide (Volume II, AQS Quality Data Coding, and Volume III, AQS Quality Data Storage), coded in the AIRS-AQS format will be reported to AIRS. This data will be validated and submitted directly to the AIRS-AQS via electronic transmission, in the format of the AIRS-AQS, and in accordance with the quarterly schedule.

10.0 Sampling Design (Element B1)

10.1 Location(s)

The met-data site(s) was (were) chosen because of its (their) access, describe why you have chosen your sites. This (these) locations have been selected because it (they) is (are): typical of the weather conditions influencing the community’s airshed; enables us to evaluate the 24-hour and seasonal wind speed and direction of pollution

sources likely to affect the tribal community; provides data suitable for evaluating factors that help us to understand potential

pollutant deposition effects on the community; helps us to inform tribal departments about weather related construction delay days,

assessment of solar and wind energy development; correlate weather observations with flow and run-off data support modeling of pollution transport and dispersion ; possibly use the meteorological data to assess health exposure effects from off-site

pollutant sources.

The locations for the met station(s) will be re-evaluated annually or more frequently, if important new information is obtained from the met stations or from outside sources such as the National Weather Service (NWS).


of 34

Table 10.1 Siting Requirements

Parameter Criteria SiteVertical placement Inlet 3 to 15 meters above ground 3.5 meters above ground

Inlet locationInlet at least one meter from support structure vertically or horizontally

1 meter separation

Inlet exposure Unrestricted air flow 270° around inlet

Approximately 350° unrestricted flow

Spacing from obstructions

Distance between inlet and obstruction at least twice the height of obstruction

> Twice nearest building height

Spacing from roads Depends on traffic volume Area traffic minimal, not applicable

Spacing from trees Inlet at least 20 meters from drip line > 20 meters

10.2 Schedule

Insert the schedule for your project, including: purchasing the equipment, obtaining permission from the landowners, setting up the equipment in the tribal air office and training the personnel who

will be conducting site visits, verifying data (the QAC), and conducting maintenance on the equipment,

estimated dates for the first data retrieval, and how often data will be gathered after that initial date,

estimated dates for the first reports, and how often reports will be issued or filed after that initial date,

estimated dates for any external or internal audits that are planned.

11.0 Sampling Methods (Element B2)

The meteorological software and datalogger will provide for sensor data to be collected automatically every minute and an hourly average will be computed by the data logger, stored and later used for reporting. Hourly average data retention is consistent with the time frame needed for temporal and spatial analysis of pollutant transport and dispersion modeling.

Datalogger retrieval is scheduled to occur twice daily, and is conducted by insert name of person and who does it when they are gone. Power is provided through a power supply charger with regulator and sealed rechargeable battery. Data is retrieved remotely through digital telemetry to the office computer. Where data retrieval does not occur due to internet or telephone service failure, the data is maintained in the site’s datalogger until


of 34

service is restored. Data screening and data quality checks will follow standard operating procedures described in Appendix B and the quality control requirements.

12.0 Sample Handling (Element B3)

The meteorological data does not require laboratory or chain of custody handling procedures. Data handling is described in the following sections.

In the case of these instruments that do not sample collection, sample custody is data custody. Because the data may be used for a variety of purposes as described in Section 7, we will take extreme care and allow for adequate time in downloading data, verifying correct download, copying and naming electronic files, transferring data, and data entry. Figure 12.1 represent chain of custody forms (change forms to suit your program) that will be used to track the stages of data handling throughout the data collection operation. Although entries on this form will be made by hand, the information will be entered into the computer database, where an electronic record will be kept (see section 19--Data Management).


of 34

Figure 12.1: CHAIN OF CUSTODY RECORD FOR DATA DOWNLOAD (EXAMPLE—MODIFY TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS)

Date Operator Name

Saved onto disk

nameData File Name

Number of Records

(N)

Date/time of Record

#1

Date of Record

#NNotes

Data transfer into TRIBAL AIR OFFICE database file

Date Operator Name

Data File Name

transferred from

Number of

Records (N)

Date/time of Record #1

Date of Record #N Notes


of 34


of 34

13.0 Analytical Methods (Element B4)

The instruments used to gather meteorological data are self-contained and do not require any actual analyses by the operator. However, it is important that management and the personnel working on this project know the frequency at which system and data checks need to be conducted, and allow sufficient time for such checks. Such QC checks are described in Section 14.

14.0 Quality Control Requirements (Element B5)

QC verification checks are conducted both by the site operator and by another person; preferably someone other than the routine site operator who is not involved in the data gathering aspects of the project. The checks conducted by the site operator(s) can be relatively informal, but must be documented and reported. The checks conducted by the person other than the site operator should be more formal, and will be conducted using equipment and standards other than those used by the routine site operator for her verifications. Note that if the instruments are sent back to the vendor for calibration, that calibration will be followed by verification, and this can serve as the every-three-year verification. This is only acceptable if the vendor provides a complete calibration report and describes the ranges, results and standards used and they are consistent with those listed in Table 14.1. It may be necessary to ask the vendor to provide this information, because some standard calibration reports do not list enough information.

The verifications performed and their limits and frequencies are described in Table 14.1. A QC-specific schedule is in Table 14.2.


of 34

TABLE 14.1: QUALITY CONTROL VERIFICATION LIMITS (change or add information to suit your instruments—the owners manuals should have guidance for how to conduct such verification checks)Sensor Paramete

rRanges for verifications (site operator conducts) or audits (conducted by someone other than the routine site operator)

Acceptance Criteria Frequency of Verification Conducted by Site Operator

Frequency of Verification Conducted by Someone other than the Site Operator

Wind Speed

Speed Accuracy

Zero and four speeds (specify the approximate speeds planned)

± 5% of “known” for speeds > 5 mps

Initially when the program begins and at least annually or more often if the equipment is not exhibiting stable behavior

At least once during the first year and at least every three years thereafter, if the site operator’s verifications are within limits

Wind Direction

Orientation Accuracy

Linearity

Parallel to north/south alignment rod

Eight cardinal points

± 5 ° from True North/South

± 5 ° from “known”

“ “

Temperature

Accuracy Comparison to collocated standard at ambient conditions

±0.5oC “ “

Relative Humidity


±2% RH at RH greater than 90%, and ±3% RH at RH

“ “


of 34

less than 90%

Barometric Pressure


Within one percent “ “

Precipitation

Accuracy Compared to a known volume dripped slowly into the funnel

Within ten percent for values between 0.51-0.762 mm/hr

“ “


of 34

Table 14.2. QC Schedule for Meteorological MonitoringItem Daily Monthly Quarterly Semi

annuallyAnnually

Verify that displays on all instruments have values that are reasonable for current meteorological conditions.

X

Print out plot of wind speed and direction to file with PM-10 information as needed

X

Printout and file NOAA reports.

X X

Back up data to CD XCheck instruments on roof for insects, dust, etc., and clean as necessary.

X X X

Calibrate instruments. Repair / replace as necessary.

X X

Schedule audit with GBUAPCD and calibrate / repair / replace instruments as needed based on audit findings.

X

15.0 Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection and Maintenance (Element B6)

Instruments will be tested upon receipt for proper operation and achievement of the limits in Tables 14.1 and 14.2 in conformance with manufacturer’s operating manuals. Instrument inspections will occur at least quarterly and when the instruments appear to be producing erratic or wrong data, or after unusual conditions such as high wind, severe precipitation, wars, or earthquakes……and of course alien landings.

Table 15.1: Instrument MaintenanceSensor Manufacturer/

SupplierRecommended Action and Frequency*

Wind Speed Insert name replace bearings annually; list owner’s manual recommended maintenance or refer to page in owner’s manual

Wind Direction replace bearings annuallyTemperature list owner’s manual recommended

maintenance or refer to page in owner’s manual

Relative Humidity list owner’s manual recommended


of 34

maintenance or refer to page in owner’s manual

Precipitation – Rain Bucket

list owner’s manual recommended maintenance or refer to page in owner’s manual

Barometric Pressure list owner’s manual recommended maintenance or refer to page in owner’s manual

16.0 Instrument Calibration and Frequency (Element B7)

Calibration is defined as changing the response of a sensor by adjustment. The manufacturer calibrates the meteorological sensors at the time of purchase. Instrument calibration will occur in conformance with manufacturer recommendations.

Continued sensor stability is assessed through site visits, routine maintenance and verifications. If the performance of any sensor is out of the range specified in Table 4, or if the equipment is moved or damaged, verification should be conducted to determine if the instrument is still operating within limits or if it should be sent to the manufacturer for calibration.

A contract is ongoing with the instrument manufacturer to provide calibration for at least three years after the initial purchase.

17.0 Supplies & Consumables Inspection/Acceptance Requirements (Element B8)

Instrument and/or equipment supplies will be inspected and tested prior to payment.

The Site Operator is responsible for routine preventive and corrective maintenance. A stock list of replacement supplies will be developed and maintained with warranty data.

18.0 Data Acquisition Requirements (Element B9)

Data from other sources is not required to support this project. Where data is obtained from other sources and referenced in relation to this project, the data obtained must indicate that it is traceable to NIST or be obtained from the National Weather Service.

19.0 Data Management (Element B10)


of 34

19.1 Data RecordingSite logbooks shall record site inspections, instrument maintenance, repair and replacement; quarterly performance audits (internal and external); and instrument calibration, as described in Section 9..

Electronic downloaded data records will be maintained in raw files and in managed files that include data screening checks, monthly summaries, quality control records and analytical charts.

19.2 Data ProcessingSensor data capture is automated and recorded electronically at the site to the data logger. The data logger information is transferred by telemetry to the office computer and recorded to the hard-drive. The hard-drive is routinely backed up. After the data is downloaded, it is screened, validated and summarized to various reports.

19.3 Data ValidationThe site operator will conduct data screening/control checks of the downloaded data, review the data against the values listed in Table 6, and identify missing data, unacceptable shifts in values, and record the acceptance, qualification or rejection of data. The data verifications and reports will be reviewed by the Project QA Coordinator or other staff member and validated. Validated data will be documented with the reviewer’s initials, dates and notes. Initials, dates and notes will be hand written on the paper copy of the data print out or on a separate page attached to the data print out, and in a header in the computer file (or in the “document properties” file associated with the excel or text or word file used to store the data in the computer.

TABLE 19.1: DATA SCREENING CRITERIASensor Screening Criteria for InvestigationWind Speed -Always between 0 & 25m/s

-Always varies by more than 0.1 m/s for 3 consecutive hours-Always varies by more than 0.5 m/s for 12 consecutive hours

Wind Direction -Always between 0 and 360-Always varies by more than 1 for 3 consecutive hours-Always varies by more than 10 for 18 consecutive hours

Sigma theta -Always between 0 and 90Temperature -Within monthly local record high and record low

-No changes of more than 5 C from the previous hour-Always varies by more than 0.5 C for 12 consecutive hours

Relative Humidity(Dew Point)

-Always between 10 and 100%-Always varies by more than 10% from one hour to the next

Precipitation – Tipping Rain Bucket

-Never greater than 25 mm per hour-Never greater 100 mm per 24 hours

Barometric Pressure -Always between 900 & 1000 mb (USIT1 @ 2600’)


of 34

-Always changes > 6 mb in 3 hoursSolar Radiation (Pyronometer)

-Each day peaks between 50 & 800 W/m2

-Each night is at but not below 0 W/m2

19.4 Data Assessment

Data assessment is conducted on an ongoing basis, when the data are downloaded, when reports are produced, when verifications are conducted, and during site visits when specific parameters are visible on screen in the units. In general, the major criterion for data assessment is reasonableness. Common sense will be applied more often than any sophisticated tests or evaluations. In addition, the data screening values in Table 6 will be used as benchmarks for data reasonableness.

Data error will be evaluated during formal and informal instrument verifications. The percent difference between the “known” value and the instrument reading, prior to any adjustments, will be used as an estimate of the measurement error from the time of the verification to the last previous verification.

Data completeness will be determined for each parameter and expressed as a percentage. The data completeness goal is 90% for all parameters. Percent valid data will be documented quarterly and represent a gauge of the amount of valid data obtained from a sensor compared with ideal conditions (24 hours per day, 365 days per year).

19.5 Data Archiving

Site log books, all associated forms, and reports are grouped by calendar year and kept a minimum of five years before archiving. All electronic data is stored by calendar year. All archived records are stored indefinitely at the tribal environmental program office.

20.0 Assessments and Response Actions (Element C1)

The meteorological parameters are automatically measured and electronically logged and stored in the monitoring station’s data logger. The site’s data logger will be downloaded state how often to the project’s office computer. The downloaded records are captured to the office computer hard-drive and the hard-drive are backed up at least every week.

The station will be visited quarterly to inspect the equipment and sensors, or more frequently as needed.

Quarterly audits will be performed by the Site Operator at the station for all equipment and sensors. External audits will be performed semi-annually.


of 34

The site operator is responsible for inspecting, testing and accepting instruments and supplies, and for reporting to the Project Coordinator equipment and supply needs. The Project Coordinator is responsible for procurement.

The site operator is responsible for performing routine preventive and corrective maintenance. Instrument calibration will be performed by the manufacturer and scheduled in accordance with manufacturer specifications. The site operator is responsible for scheduling with the Project Coordinator manufacturer calibration requirements and any other major maintenance and/or repair needs.

21.0 Reports to Management (Element C2)

Quarterly summaries for internal use only will document data checks, verification, validation and site visits. Annual verification reports (conducted by the site operator or someone else) will be filed and provided to the Project Coordinator.

Quarterly progress reports will be provided to the funding Project Officer for the duration of initial funding period.

Semi-annual reports will be developed to discuss data acquisition results and sources of error, assess seasonal trends, and recommend further investigation of site operations as necessary.

Annual reports will include an assessment of annual trends and comparison with historic data, provide a program evaluation for the year and identify recommendations for the upcoming year.

22.0 Data Review, Validation and Verification Requirements (Element D1)

The meteorological instrumentation must be verified and operated according to standard operating procedures identified herein and in Appendix B. The data must be accompanied and/or associated with validated data verification forms, summary operating and analytical reports. More complete descriptions of the standard operating procedures are included in the Appendix B. The project staff as identified in Section 4 is responsible for conducting data review and validation. All data verification and internal and external reports are reviewed and approved by the Project QA Coordinator. The files will contain the indication of the review and approval of the QA Coordinator either as a handwritten note on the top of the page or as a separate page attached to the report or data print out.

23.0 Validation and Verification Methods (Element D2)

The site operator will conduct data screening/control checks of the downloaded data, review the data against the limits listed in Table 6 and identify missing data, unacceptable shifts in values, and record the acceptance, qualification or rejection of data. The data checks will be reviewed by the Project Coordinator or other staff member and validated. Validated data will be


of 34

documented with the reviewer’s initials, dates and notes on the margin or header of the paper copy, in a header or comment field in the computer file, and kept in the files.

24.0 Reconciliation with User Requirements (Element D3)

The project results and associated variability, accuracy, and precision will be compared with project objectives. If results do not meet criteria established at the beginning of the project, this will be explicitly stated in the semi-annual and annual reports. Based upon data accuracy some data may be discarded. If so the problems associated with data collection and analysis, reasons data were discarded, and potential ways to correct sampling problems will be reported. In some cases accuracy project criteria may be modified. In this case the justification for modification, problems associated with collecting and analyzing data, as well as potential solutions will be reported.


of 34

DEFINITIONS

Barometric pressure can be measured in millibars (mb or mbar), hectoPascals (hPa--note that 1 hPa=1 mbar), inches of mercury (inHg), and even pounds per square inch! One standard atmosphere of pressure is 1013 mbar, 29.9 inHg (when the temperature is freezing, or 0 degrees C), and 14.7 lbs/in2 .

Sigma theta is the sample standard deviation of the wind speed direction over a specified (e.g. 15 minute) time period. This is useful information because it conveys how changeable the wind speed was during that time, or how much it changed directions. It is calculated by most met station data logger systems.

Telemetry is the wireless transmission and reception of measured quantitiesfor the purpose of remotely monitoring environmental conditions.

Wind rose is a term used to describe a plot of wind speed and direction around a central point, which is the met station itself. It is so called because the plot looks like a flower, with long "petals" showing where the wind blew strongest and most often.


of 34

References

40 CFR 58, Appendix A, Quality Assurance Requirements for State and Local Air Monitoring Systems (SLAMS)

40 CFR 58, Appendix B, Quality Assurance Requirements for Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Air Monitoring.

EPA, Meteorological Monitoring Guidance for Regulation Modeling Applications, EPA-454/R-99-005

EPA Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems:, Volume 1 – Principles and Volume 4 – Meteorological Measurements

EPA, Meteorological Monitoring Guidance for Regulation Modeling Applications, EPA-454/R-99-005

EPA Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems:, Volume 1 – Principles and Volume 4 – Meteorological Measurements

1.0 qa project plan identification and approval (element...

Documents