Organization:

The Quality Assurance Program for water, waste and resource management programs is managed by the Standards and Assessment Section (SAS) in the Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support.

Quality Assurance Mission:

To ensure that the environmental sampling and analysis data received by the Department is appropriate and scientifically sound and that the proposed procedures are designed to produce data that are reproducible, comparable, reliable, representative, and defensible within known limits of precision, accuracy and sensitivity. The Department's quality assurance requirements for analytical laboratories and field activities are codified in Chapter 62-160, F.A.C., Quality Assurance

Scope:

The QA Program provides technical guidance and support for sample collection and analytical tests related to:

• Chemistry (including radiochemistry and biochemistry)
• Microbiology
• Toxicity/Bioassays
• Macro Invertebrate Identification

Excluded are sample collection and/or analytical tests related to the following activities:

• Air Quality/Air Monitoring
• Asbestos

Services Offered:

• Conduct on-site field and laboratory audits to determine compliance Chapter 62-160, F.A.C. rule requirements, and to provide assistance in improving processes.
• Conduct project audits on completed work to determine the reliability and usefulness of the data.
• Review Quality Plans or other sampling and analysis proposals ensure compliance with Chapter 62-160, F.A.C.
• Provide training in a wide range of subjects including NELAC readiness, field activities, data review, data validation, auditing, and quality planning.
• Provide a pool of technical assistance to the Department community on matters relating to proper and appropriate methods for sampling and analysis, quality control requirements, and data interpretation.