Quality Assurance Project Plan Including Sampling And Analysis Plan (Page 43 of 67) in pdf

Hunters Point Shipyard Parcel F ESTCP Demonstration Plan

Appendix A: Quality Assurance Project Plan

A.3.7

Instrument/Equipment Calibration and Frequency

Laboratory and field equipment will be calibrated in accordance with U.S. EPA guidance or the

manufacturers’ recommendations. Field equipment refers to articles used for on-site monitoring and

testing, whereas laboratory equipment refers to articles used in the laboratory in support of data collection

(e.g., refrigerators). Laboratory instruments are units used for sample analysis (e.g., GC/ECD).

Calibration procedures and frequencies are provided in this section.

A.3.7.1

Field Equipment

The location of the five plots is an important measurement for the ESTCP DP. GPS coordinates will be

recorded in the field using a handheld GPS unit (Garmin Geko™ 201) with WAAS-enabled accuracy of

±3 m. The exact GPS coordinates will be defined with the latitude and longitude in terms of degrees and

decimal minutes using WGS 84 datum. The dimensions of the plot are on a similar scale to that of the

unit’s accuracy, so only the center of each plot will be defined with GPS coordinates. The five sampling

locations of each plot will be marked on a scale map (with magnetic North identified) in relation to the

plot center, plot corners, and an external permanent marker. GPS coordinates will be recorded for water

column samples taken over the plot areas.

The GPS unit will be calibrated by conducting a comparison measurement of a known reference position

at a specific location versus the position location that is acquired by the GPS unit. The reference position

is Benchmark SUAA0000-CORS established by the National Geodetic Survey, defined as 37° 25.614’

Longitude (N) and 122° 10.396’ Latitude (W). This position is identified with a marker that is a bolt in a

metal plate. The marker is mounted on a 2 meter metal tower fixed to the roof of the Durand Building on

the Stanford University campus. The calibration will be done each day prior to use. If the GPS unit fails

to attain a reading within 10 m of the known reference position, then the unit will be recalibrated to this

position.

Calibration information will be recorded in the field logbook. In addition, a label specifying the scheduled

date of the next calibration will be attached to each piece of field equipment. If this identification is not

feasible, then calibration records for the equipment will be readily available for reference.

Should any of the field equipment become inoperable, it will be removed from service and tagged to indi-

cate that repair, recalibration, or replacement is needed. The Technology Leaders and Research Studies

Leaders will be notified so that prompt service or substitute equipment can be obtained. Backup systems

will be available for each instrument in use and will be calibrated prior to use in the field.

A.3.7.2

Laboratory Equipment and Instruments

Laboratory equipment and instrument calibration procedures will be completed in accordance with the

laboratory SOPs. Specific DoD requirements for general laboratory equipment are defined in Table A-12.

Calibration of the GC/ECD that will be used for PCB congener analysis by all laboratories (Stanford,

ERDC, UMBC, and BDO) is summarized below.

Certified calibration standards used for instrument calibration will be obtained from commercial vendors

for PCB congeners. Where possible, standards will be traceable to the National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST). Stock solutions for spiking solutions will be made from reagent-grade chemicals or

as specified in the SOPs. Stock standards may also be used to make intermediate standards from which

calibration standards are prepared. All analytical stock solutions will be prepared using Class-A

volumetric ware. Documentation relating to the receipt, mixing, and use of standards is recorded in the

laboratory logbooks or on data sheets. Specific handling and documentation requirements for the use of

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Quality Assurance Project Plan Including Sampling And Analysis Plan Page 43

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