PROGRAM DESIGN

CET is committed to the production of quality data through the implementation of an extensive Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) program. CET's QA/QC program covers all aspects of the environmental facility. The qualities of the environmental measurements are directly related to the completeness of the QA/QC program.

Quality Assurance is a set of operating principles that, when strictly followed during sample collection and analysis, will produce data of known and defensible quality. Quality Control is a set of measures within a sample analysis methodology to assure that the process is in control. Quality Assurance and Quantity Control interact to produce defensible, quality data. The basic features of a QA/QC program are implementation, evaluation and corrective action.

Implementation of the Quality Control System is the first step in ensuring reproducible data. The implementation of a thorough Quality Control System that is well documented eliminates the potential for individual bias. The system must have controls to ensure proper function. These controls include operator competence, training of new personnel, analysis of external standards,
blanks and duplicates, and routine maintenance.

Evaluation of the results generated from QC samples establishes the precision and accuracy of the system. Constant evaluation of the process is essential in maintaining a comprehensive system. Evaluation of performance is also monitored by analysis of blind standards, proficiency samples and internal and external audits.

Corrective action works in conjunction with the evaluation process to investigate, diagnose and correct problems. Corrective action procedures are aided by the use of instrument maintenance logs and quality control charts. All corrective action must be documented. The customer is notified of any changes in results with an appropriate explanation.

CET is dedicated to maintaining strict adherence to QA/QC protocols. We understand the importance of QA/QC procedures in producing sound, defensible data. CET has developed a manual, which it has provided the entire staff, the purpose of which is to define the mechanism through which these goals are met.

Chain of Custody
Chain of custody procedures are a necessary part of sampling. Chain of Custody procedures allow inspection of the sample history from time of collection through final analysis. Information obtained from the chain of custody form include: date of sampling, sample matrices, analysis requested, sampler's name, customer name and the dates and times of sample transferals. The Chain of Custody Form .(requires Acrobat Reader to access) can also provide specific information on projects such as sampling problems, required detection limits, time constraints for analysis, matrix difficulties, etc ...

A sample is considered under CET's custody if it is in an authorized person's physical possession, secured by that person so that no one can tamper with the sample, or secured by that person in an area restricted to authorized personnel only.

CET's policy is that all samples will have a chain of custody form completed with a copy given to the customer to validate the transfer of the samples to CET.

The acceptability of sample condition at the time of receipt and the name of the person receiving samples at the laboratory will be documented. For samples received via UPS or other mail service, a chain of custody form will be signed upon arrival. The customer will be called if the samples are unacceptable or a discrepancy exists.

The chain of custody will be attached to all paperwork related to that sample or batch of samples. A copy will be attached to the final report and maintained as a permanent record of sample receipt. A copy of the Chain of Custody Form .(requires Acrobat Reader to access) is available to view as a .pdf file.

Sample Tracking
CET uses a customized computer sample tracking system to record the receipt of all samples. The sample tracking system includes the following information: customer's name, a unique laboratory identification number associated with each sample or batch of samples, dates received, analysis requested, priority status, project number and PO number.

The tracking system documents the status of samples from receipt, analysis, reporting of data and disposal. CET has a person responsible for the receipt and logging in of samples. This person is responsible for ensuring that all samples are received intact and in proper containers. After sample log in, this person is responsible for placing samples in the appropriate storage locations as designated by EPA regulations. The sample custodian will notify the QC officer immediately if:

• Samples are received broken
• sample integrity is suspect
• samples are not in appropriate containers or are not preserved correctly
• documentation accompanying the samples is incomplete or discrepancies exist
• The volume of a sample provided is insufficient for the requested analysis.
• Sample hold times are exceeded.

Access to the sample tracking system is restricted by the use of computer entry passwords.

Sampling Protocols

When requested, CET will provide appropriate sample containers for environmental sampling. Sample containers are prepared as outlined in "Test Methods for the Evaluation of Solid Waste, " SW 846, 3rd Edition. CET can advise clients on appropriate sampling procedures, however, responsibility for sample planning and collection are entirely those of the sampler. CET will not analyze samples if hold times are exceeded, inappropriate containers or preservatives are used or correct sampling protocols were not followed unless specifically requested by the client. In these cases, a disclaimer will be added to the final report, documenting the deviation from protocol.

CET follows sample preservation and storage requirements documented in "Test Methods for the Evaluation of Solid Waste," 3rd Edition. Table 1 lists the recommended procedures for sample amount, preservation, storage and hold times for aqueous samples.