25b_NCS000250_NCDOT_QualityAssuranceProgramPlan_Final

Highway
Strom
PROGU'V.
Quality Assurance Project Plan
NC Department of Transportation
Hydraulics Unit
1590 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1590
919.707.6700
August 2013

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1 Introduction............................................................................................................1
1.1 Research Program Background.......................................................................................................1
1.2 Plan Scope..........................................................................................................................................2
2 Research Program Management Approach ..................................................
3
2.1 Program Management Team...........................................................................................................
3
2.2 Quality Oversight..............................................................................................................................
4
3 Data Quality Objectives.......................................................................................
6
4 Training Requirements.......................................................................................
8
4.1 New Staff Training............................................................................................................................8
4.2 Field Safety.........................................................................................................................................8
4.2.1 Safety Controls..........................................................................................................................9
4.2.2 Work Zone Safety...................................................................................................................11
4.2.3 Confined Space Entry............................................................................................................12
5 Sampling Process Design..................................................................................13
5.1 Project Goals....................................................................................................................................13
5.2 Sampling Site Selection...................................................................................................................14
5.2.1 Clear Recovery Zone..............................................................................................................15
5.3 Parameters of Concern...................................................................................................................15
5.4 Representative Storms....................................................................................................................17
5.5 Sampling Size...................................................................................................................................18
6 Sampling Methods...............................................................................................21
6.1 Water Quality Sampling..................................................................................................................21
6.2 Sediment Sampling..........................................................................................................................23
6.2.1 Sediment Collection................................................................................................................23
6.2.2 Sweeping Solids.......................................................................................................................24
6.3 Biological Sampling.........................................................................................................................24
7 Analytical Methods.............................................................................................26
7.1 Particle Size Distribution Analysis................................................................................................29
8 Quality Control.....................................................................................................30
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8.1 Blanks................................................................................................................................................30
8.2 Replicates..........................................................................................................................................30
8.3 Matrix Spikes....................................................................................................................................31
9 Equipment Testing, Inspection & Maintenance........................................32
10 Data Management................................................................................................
33
10.1 Periodic Reporting..........................................................................................................................33
10.2 Deliverables......................................................................................................................................33
10.3 Record Retention............................................................................................................................33
11 Data Analysis and Presentation......................................................................
34
11.1 Data Validation................................................................................................................................34
11.2 Handling of Censored Data...........................................................................................................34
11.3 Identification of outliers.................................................................................................................36
11.4 Computation of EMCs and Loads...............................................................................................36
11.5 Data Presentation............................................................................................................................37
12 Data Dissemination.............................................................................................38
References....................................................................................................................39
Appendix A Project QAPP Template
Appendix B STORMDATA data collection template [UNDER DEVELOPMENT]
Appendix C Excerpts from the Workplace Safety Operations Procedure Manual
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Table of Figures
Figure 1. Unacceptable and Approved Safety Vest Design.......................................................................10
Figure 3. Sample size required for paired testing for 95% confidence and 80% power .......................19
Table of Tables
Table 1. Research Program Management Team............................................................................................3
Table 2. Potential Parameters of Concern and Sources in the Highway Environment ........................16
Table 3. Suggested sample handling parameters for analyte handling (for reference purposes only) .22
Table 4. Suggested multipliers and RPD objectives for MDL..................................................................27
Table 5. Target Reporting Limits Required for Stormwater Monitoring................................................28
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Document History
OMM.
Summary of Changes
I
04/10/2013 Initial draft
0.1
0.2
Revised draft based on internal NCDOT comments
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List of Acronyms
AASHTO
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
ADT
Average daily traffic
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
ASTM
American Society of Testing Materials
BMP
Best management practices
COV
Coefficient of variation
DQO
Data quality objectives
EMC
Event mean concentration
HDPE
High density polyethylene
HSP
Highway Stormwater Program
IQR
Inter quartile range
MDL
Method detection limit
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
NCDOT
North Carolina Department of Transportation
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
PE
Polyethylene
PI
Principal investigator
POC
Parameter of concern
PPE
Personal protective equipment
PQL
Practical quantitation limit
QAPP
Quality assurance project plan
QPR
Quarterly progress report
RL
Reporting limit
RPD
Relative percent difference
ROS
Regression of order statistics
SOP
Safe operating procedure
STORMDATA
Stormwater Research Monitoring Database
TN
Total nitrogen
TP
Total phosphorous
USGS
United States Geological Survey
VOC
Volatile organic compounds
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1 Introduction
1.1 Research Program Background
The Highway Stormwater Research Program evolved as a requirement of the North
Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit NCS000250, originally issued in June 1998. The
original permit and subsequent reissuances have required NCDOT to conduct a
research program with universities and independent research agencies to quantify the
impacts of stormwater from permitted activities, to evaluate the effectiveness of
various Best Management Practices (BMPs), and enhance existing or develop new
methods and processes to ameliorate these impacts.
The Highway Stormwater Program (HSP) is charged with managing compliance
with the Department's NPDES permit. Management of the HSP is a collaboration of
several NCDOT operating units, with the Hydraulics Unit in Preconstruction and the
Roadside Environmental Unit in Field Support, serving in primary management roles.
The Hydraulics Unit and the Roadside Environmental Unit co -manage the HSP research
program, although one Unit may play a more active role in managing a given research
project based on the nature of the project and staff expertise in the given area of
investigation.
The HSP's primary funding mechanism for research projects is the NCDOT's
Annual Research Cycle, which solicits ideas for new research projects in July or
August, followed by a review process of pre -proposals and full proposals that results
in kickoff of awarded projects the following August. A detailed discussion of this
process can be found in the HSP Research Plan, which is available upon request from
the Hydraulics Unit.
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In addition to the Annual Cycle, the HSP contracts directly with universities under
Masters Services Agreements to provide varied research services, including execution
of pilot projects and monitoring studies, review of technical documents, and training
services. A discussion of these services is also discussed in the HSP Research Plan.
1.2 Plan Scope
The purpose of this Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) is to ensure consistent
application of quality principles in the planning, design and execution of research
projects under the HSP Research Program. Following the implementation of this
QAPP, all researchers performing research projects under the purview of this QAPP
will be required to comply with the requirements of this plan, unless explicitly
exempted in writing from specific requirements by the NCDOT Program Manager or
Research Coordinator (Section 2.1).
None of the requirements of this QAPP eliminate the requirement for appropriate
due diligence to quality concerns by the research team's Principal Investigator (PI).
Rather, this document serves as a minimum framework for quality, and also sets
requirements to facilitate consistency among projects to allow comparison of results
across studies.
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2 Research Program Management Approach
2.1 Program Management Team
The key personnel with the HSP organization are listed in Table 1. The personnel
and their roles are subject to change; an updated list can generally be found on the
HSP Research Sharepoint site.
Table 1. Research Program Management Team
Andy McDaniel, PE
HSP Program Co-
Manage program funding; set strategic goals;
Manager and
approve funding of research projects; provide
Research Co-
design engineers' perspective; advise Project
Manager
Manager on invoices
Ken Pace, PE
HSP Program Co-
Manage program funding; set strategic goals;
Manager
approve funding of research projects; provide
roadside environmental engineers' perspective
Chris Niver, PG
Roadside Env.
Provide roadside environmental engineers'
Engineer
perspective
Bob Holman, PhD
Research Co-
Set strategic goals; evaluate research proposals;
Manager
provide maintenance perspective
Karthik Narayanaswamy,
Research
Ensure the day-to-day execution of the Research
PhD
Coordinator
Program; develop long-range planning products;
review quarterly progress reports and technical
deliverables; review and provide feedback on
invoices
Brian Lipscomb, PE
Retrofits Manager
Oversee field activities; ensure research projects
support Retrofit Program goals; liaison with
Division staff for construction support
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!Ryan
Mullins, PE
Principal Engineer
Coordinate field activities and NCDOT
equipment; ensure compliance with NCDOT
safety requirements
John Kirby
Research Project
Manage contract; review and approve invoices;
Manager
manage change requests; close out projects
2.2 Quality Oversight
The management team listed in Section 2.1 will provide broad oversight of the
Research Program Quality Program; however, the principal responsibility for oversight
rests on the PI for each individual project. NCDOT recommends a member on the
project team be designated as a Quality Officer for the university research project
team to coordinate compliance with this QAPP as well as providing quality oversight
and training to graduate students on the team. This could be the PI, a staff member,
or a graduate student.
To assist the Research Coordinator with ensuring compliance with the QAPP, the
PI(s) or Quality Officer for each research project shall be responsible for providing the
following information:
• Project QAPP. At the start of each research project, the researchers shall
provide a brief project QAPP discussing the Data Quality Objectives (DQO;
see Section 3), conformance with (or proposed variations from) this
program QAPP, analytical standards, etc. A form is provided in Appendix A
for convenience and efficiency; however, the researchers are not required
to use this template.
• Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR). Universities are required to submit
quarterly progress reports describing the status of projects, potential or
ongoing issues, and resources needed for continued project success. All
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future projects will be required to also report on project quality; e.g., is
the project meeting its DQOs, is data generated of sufficient quality to be
useful, proposed changes in the monitoring approach to address quality
concerns, etc. If there are significant site issues that prevent the
generation of quality data (e.g. poor drainage conditions), the APRs shall
propose site or design modifications to ameliorate these issues. The QPR
shall include the cumulative dataset to date.
• Draft and Final Reports. The draft and final reports for every research
project shall include the project QAPP (as an appendix), and shall discuss
DQOs and compliance with this QAPP. All data shall be required to be
submitted using the Stormwater Research Monitoring Database
(STORMDATA) template provided in Appendix B.
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3 Data Quality Objectives
Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) refer to the qualitative and quantitative
objectives of the project with respect to the project purpose and scope, quality
control, performance measures, and decision framework. The DQO framework, as
defined by the USEPA, consists of a series of planning steps to prepare for data
collection and is discussed in extensive detail in the USEPA's Guidance on Systematic
Planning Using the Data Quality Objectives Process (USEPA, 2006). This QAPP provides
the minimum requirements for HSP research projects based on USEPA's DQO
guidance.
All new research projects shall be required to establish Data Quality Objectives
during project initiation, to be presented at the project kickoff meeting or shortly
after that, prior to initiation of any activities under the project. Specifically, the
following elements should be discussed:
• Problem statement, discussing why the project is necessary, proposed
schedule and budget, and resources needed. The problem statement should
be based on the approved proposal but should highlight any material
changes to the proposed approach since the proposal.
• Project goals, including an identification of specific study questions to
meet the project's objectives (Section 5.1)
• Boundaries of the study, including spatial and temporal coverage, and
scope of the investigation (Section 5.2)
• Field methods, including types of samples, sampling methods (Section 6),
and safety considerations (Section 4.2)
• Analytical approach, including identification of parameters of concern
(Section 5.3), sample size (Section 5.5), analytical methods (Section 7),
and data presentation (Section 11.5)
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• Data evaluation methods, including the approach to developing
statistically valid conclusions based on available data (Section 11) and
confidence intervals
• Quality objectives such as precision, accuracy, and completeness
(Section 0)
• Sampling design (Section 5) to meet the quality objectives (Section 0) and
other considerations
• Communication strategy for dissemination of study results at the
conclusion of the project (Section 12)
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4 Training Requirements
4.1 New Staff Training
Every member of the research team shall be subject to staff training at the
initiation of the project. When a new staff member is added to the team, he/she will
undergo similar training prior to participation in NCDOT-funded research. The exact
scope of the training will be at the discretion of the PI; however, at a minimum, this
training shall include:
• The requirements of this QAPP, including providing every team member
with an electronic or hard copy of this document
• Laboratory analytical procedures, equipment maintenance, and laboratory
safety protocols
• Field safety (Section 4.2)
Elements of the training may be eliminated if outside the scope of the staff
member's work; for example, no field safety training is required for a laboratory
technician without any responsibility for field work.
After completion of the training, the PI will document the scope of the training.
Training records should be kept for the duration of the research project. Record
retention is discussed in greater detail in Section 10.3.
4.2 Field Safety
Field operations in the highway environment can represent a significant safety
risk to the members of the Research Program. New members should be trained on all
safety protocols relevant to the specific project. The Research Program has several
safety -related training materials and videos that can be used for this purpose; contact
the Research Coordinator for access to this information. The PI should initiate every
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meeting with a safety review to emphasize the importance of safety, review principal
hazards from laboratory and field operations, discuss any emerging safety concerns
within the project, and identify safer methods of performing work. A safety meeting
should be held at least once a month during routine field operations, and a brief `tail
gate' safety meeting should be held at the start of each field outing.
4.2.1 Safety Controls
Every research team member in the field should have appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE). In general, this will include, at a minimum, an American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) 107-2004 Class 2 safety vest and safety toe shoes
or boots, but could also include hard hats, safety glasses, or other PPE at different
stages of the project.
Figure 1 shows acceptable and unacceptable styles of safety vests. Other Class 2
styles exist; always check the label or manufacturer's certification. Every researcher
is required to bring their own safety vest and wear it while in the field. Staff without
an approved vest should not be allowed to disembark from the vehicle.
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Old Style Vest New Style Vest
ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 Safety Vest
This Old Style Safety Vest Must Be Used.
Can No Longer Be Used. One Pictured Above is Available from
Central Inventory.
Figure 1. Unacceptable and Approved Safety Vest Design
In addition, other PPE may be needed during construction, operation of
equipment or other special conditions. The PI is responsible for determining
appropriate safety requirements. Consideration should be given to the Division of
Highways' Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) 10-16 Personal Protective Equipment -
DOH, included in Appendix C. Staff are required to wear full-length pants and not
shorts during field work. Tank tops, sandals and canvas shoes are also not appropriate
while performing field work for NCDOT.
All staff must wear appropriate protective shoes, compliant with one of the
following standards: American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) F2412-05 Standard
Test Methods for Foot Protection, ASTM F2413-05 Standard Specification for
Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear or ANSI Z41-1999 or Z41-1991
American National Standard for Personal Protection - Protective Footwear. This
generally means appropriate steel toe or composite -toe shoes.
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Safety controls also include administrative controls, such as limiting sun exposure.
See NCDOT SOP 10-18 Sun Exposure, included in Appendix C, for a discussion of sun
exposure.
4.2.2 Work Zone Safety
NCDOT SOP 10-21 Work Zone Safety/Traffic Control included in Appendix C
discusses work zone safety. During the execution of research projects, it is not always
practicable to have traffic control. In such circumstances, it is advisable to follow the
following steps:
• If the vehicle has a safety light such as strobes that can be mounted on the
vehicle, turn the lights on. If no safety lights is available, discuss
acquisition of one with the Research Coordinator at the initiation of the
project. Safety lights are strongly recommended while performing work at
the edge of roadways.
• If no strobe light is available, use your vehicle lights well in advance to
signal your intention to move into the shoulder.
• Drive on the shoulder and slowly come to a stop. Park upstream of traffic
from the work location (e.g. sampling location) so that the vehicle serves
as a barrier from stray vehicles. Leave your hazard lights on.
• If you will be on site for more than 15 minutes, place orange cones around
the perimeter for additional safety.
• In general, research staff should not work after dark. If there is a need for
such work during the course of the project, at a very minimum, the
researcher must have a meeting with the PI(s) to review appropriate safety
procedures and the anticipated night time hours of work. It is
recommended that the researcher call the PI at the conclusion of the night
time work to verify their safe return.
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4.2.3 Confined Space Entry
A confined space is any space whose configuration hinders the activities of
employees to enter, work in, and exit them. In a stormwater setting, this typically
relates to catch basins, manholes, pipes, and certain culverts. Confined spaces pose
the risk of a worker being entrapped or exposed to poor air quality and unable to exit.
Depending on the nature of the confined space, there might be other hazards
associated with the space.
No individual should engage in confined space entry at any time while
performing NCDOT sponsored research.
If the PI envisions that confined space entry will be necessary to successfully
conduct the research project then the PI must meet with NCDOT representatives and
receive approval prior to conducting any work in confined spaces. For reference,
NCDOT SOP 11 E-1 Confined Space Entry is included in Appendix C.
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5 Sampling Process Design
This QAPP requires researchers to define the monitoring strategy during project
initiation or prior to the initiation of field activities. Specifically, the sampling process
should be designed to address the specific research questions the study aims to
answer (Section 5.1), and should include the sampling site selection criteria
(Section 5.2), parameters of concern (5.3), definitions of what constitutes a qualifying
storm and the number of qualifying storms that will be monitored (Section 5.4), a
monitoring strategy including sampling frequency (Section 5.5), and triggers for the
researcher to perform sampling, including information on how sample holding times
will be met.
5.1 Project Goals
At the initiation of every project, the researchers must present a clearly stated
project goal, including specific statements of the purpose(s) and the proposed
application of generated data, e.g.
"a) to characterize the particle size distribution of total suspended solids in
stormwater runoff and after vegetative treatment to support predictive models
of vegetative treatment efficiency, and
b) to determine the variability in particle size distribution by physiographic
region, traffic density, and adjacent land use."
Clearly defined project goals are vital in the successful design of a research
project. Specifically, due consideration must be given at every stage of the research
project to the collection of quality data that would allow statistically valid
conclusions to be reached that would support the project goals. Generic goals such as
characterizing runoff coming from bioretention basins should generally be eschewed
in favor of specific goals that said data would support, as in the stated example
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above. This allows the design of the research project to be oriented towards
generating data that facilitates specific actions that NCDOT can readily apply, rather
than simply information. A critical consideration in evaluating project goals is to
identify what actions NCDOT may be able to implement based on the study.
5.2 Sampling Site Selection
The selection of sampling sites should be driven by the definition of project goals.
Specifically, it is necessary to identify the spatial and temporal boundaries of the
study, what factors need to be evaluated, and the constraints that may limit selection
of adequate sites and samples. For example, if physiographic variability is of interest,
then sites should be located in different ecoregions. However, care must be exercised
to not include additional variability in the process, e.g. using an urban watershed in
the Piedmont and a rural watershed in the Blue Ridge ecoregion for the study of
nutrient levels in runoff.
Sampling in a highway environment presents unique challenges:
• Traffic loads present risk exposure to field staff and equipment. See safety
considerations in Section 4.2.
• Limited right-of-way can result in restricted ability to install monitoring
equipment.
• Small drainage areas can result in short times of concentration, which can
impose challenges such as the need to increase the frequency of flow
monitoring, or in subpar data quality. In general, flow data must be
collected as frequently as the time of concentration.
• Difficulty in controlling site conditions, such as longitudinal slope of the
highway, can disrupt flow regimes and compromise data quality.
• The monitored site may not be representative of other highway sites, and
there might be a need to select a diverse cross-section of sites in different
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ecoregions, with different average daily traffic loads (ADT) and different
pavement types.
• Clear recovery restrictions (Section 5.2.1), which prevent the installation
of equipment within the clear recovery zone.
The researcher should evaluate these and other concerns during initial site
selection, and discuss any issues with NCDOT staff as appropriate. A discussion of site
selection considerations should be included in the draft and final research reports.
5.2.1 Clear Recovery Zone
NCDOT highways must comply with the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design standards, which include a stipulation for a
clear recovery zone. When a vehicle accidentally leaves the travel zone, the clear
recovery zone is used by the driver to safely navigate the vehicle back into the travel
lane. The size of the clear recovery zone depends in part on the ADT and the posted
speed limit. Researchers should coordinate with NCDOT staff to determine the clear
recovery zone.
The key implication of the clear recovery zone requirements is that no
stormwater sampling equipment shall be positioned such that it impedes a vehicles
ability to traverse the zone. Equipment that will not impede the vehicle's safe travel
is allowed. Researchers are encouraged to consult with NCDOT staff regarding the
location of the clear recovery zone when scouting for potential monitoring sites.
5.3 Parameters of Concern
NCDOT uses the concept of parameters of concern (POC) to identify analytes of
relevance to the Research Program. A POC is defined here as an analytical constituent
whose maximum concentration in a field monitoring investigation might be expected
to exceed the most stringent water quality criteria as defined by federal or state
standards. Essentially, the concept is to focus resources on parameters that may be
environmentally relevant. It should be noted that identification of a water quality
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analyte as a POC should not be construed to imply deleterious effects on the
environment.
Potential parameters of concern (POCs) in the highway environment, and their
sources are listed in Table 2. Actual POCs should be identified on a project -by -project
basis.
Table 2. Potential Parameters of Concern and Sources in the Highway Environment
Total Suspended Solids
Pavement wear, vehicles, atmospheric deposition, maintenance
activities, soil erosion
Nitrogen, Phosphorus
Atmospheric deposition and fertilizer application
Lead
Leaded gasoline from auto exhausts, tire wear, lubricating oils, grease
Zinc
Tire wear, motor oil, grease
Iron
Auto body rust, break lining and bearing wear, steel highway structures
such as bridges and guardrails, moving engine parts
Copper
Metal plating, bearing and brushing wear, moving engine parts, brake
lining wear, fungicides and insecticides
Cadmium
Tire wear, insecticide application
Chromium`
Metal plating, moving engine parts, brake lining wear
Nickel
Diesel fuel and gasoline exhaust, lubricating oil, metal plating, bushing
wear, brake lining wear, and asphalt paving
Arsenic
Fossil fuel combustion products, insecticides, atmospheric deposition
Aluminium
Construction materialse
Mercury
Batteries, atmospheric deposition
Manganese
Moving engine parts
Sodium, Calcium,
Chloride`
Deicing salts
Petroleum`
Spill, leaks, antifreeze and hydraulic fluids, and asphalt surface leachate
Notes:
a. POCs listed are as identified in URS (2010)
b. Sources: USDOT (2000); Wang et at. (1980); McKenzie et at. (2009)
c. Not identified as POCs in URS (2010) but listed here because they are common analytes of
interest in stormwater monitoring
d. Mitchell et at. (n.d.)
e. Mauna et at. (2005)
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The following POCs are of broad interest across much of NC and should be
considered for inclusion in every research project:
• Total Suspended Solids
• Nitrogen species, including total nitrogen (TN), ammonia N and
nitrate+nitrite N, reported as mg/L N, so the summation of the different
species is comparable to TN
• Phosphorous species, including total phosphate (TP) and ortho-phosphate,
reported as mg/L P, so the summation of the different species is
comparable to TP
In addition, it may be desirable to consider inclusion in the monitoring protocol of
the following parameters of concern:
• Total and dissolved metals, especially copper, cadmium, lead and zinc, to
be performed by an approved "clean hands" method
• Particle size distributions
• Total hardness (especially when metals analyses are included)
5.4 Representative Storms
Unless explicitly requested and approved by NCDOT, a representative storm must
yield at least 0.1 inch of precipitation; must be preceded by at least 72 hours with
less than 0.1 inch of precipitation; and, if possible, the total precipitation and
duration should be within 50% of the average or median storm event for the area
USEPA, 1992; USDOT, 2001). Where the scope of work identifies a certain number of
storms that will be monitored, only representative storms shall count towards this
number. The quarterly progress report and the draft report should report the number
of representative storms monitored (Section 0 and 10.2).
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5.5 Sampling Size
The number of samples required for statistically relevant conclusions is a function
of the variability of the parameter in question between the study site and control site
and the temporal variability at each site. The most common method to rigorously
determine the number of samples required is using a power equation.
There are two types of error in hypothesis testing. A Type I error is a false
positive, e.g. when a water was deemed to be polluted when the water was free of
the pollutant, and the probability of this type of error is denoted by a. A Type II error
(also known as R) refers to the inference that the hypothesis is false when it truly is
valid, e.g. when a polluted sample exceeding a regulatory limit is deemed to be
below regulatory levels. Confidence refers to the probability of not making a Type I
error, and power refers to the probability of not making a Type II error. Unless
otherwise approved by NCDOT, the sample size is expected to have 95% confidence
and a power of 80%; the target confidence and power should be stated during the
DQO process (Section 3) during project initiation.
Burton and Pitt (2002) present several nomographs for a variety of situations to
assist with the determination of the sample size to meet these requirements. These
figures should only be used as a guide as they are based on several assumptions,
including normality of the underlying distributions and equivalence of the standard
deviation when there are multiple sites or timeframes. Neither is entirely accurate in
reality; nevertheless these nomography offer an estimate for sample size.
As an example, Figure 1 presents the sample size required for paired sampling
when 95% confidence and 80% power is desired. If the coefficient of variation is 50%
and the difference in the treated site versus the control site is 80% (e.g. high
concentration in runoff versus effluent from a BMP), only 5 sample pairs are required.
In contrast, when the difference between the treated and control sites are only 20%,
then a total of 75 sample pairs are required, and a reasonable conclusion might be
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that field monitoring is not a feasible strategy to distinguish between these
treatments.
1 G-C
R
d
2
Number of Sample Pairs Needed
(Power --SO% Confidence-a5 )
5
0
20
ti
k
1
20G
i
i
i
i
F
i
X
X
1.00 0.25 0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25 1.60
1.75
2.4
Coefficient of Variabm
0
Source: Burton and Pitt, 2002. Figure is presented as an example only, and not to be interpreted as a
recommended method.
Figure 2. Sample size required for paired testing for 95% confidence and 80% power
Of course, this requires an a priori estimate of the levels of the concentrations in
question, which could be based on historical records from similar projects.
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Researchers are encouraged to identify other appropriate methods to identify
sampling size, as long as the selected method represents sufficient statistical rigor.
Alternative methods should be proposed to NCDOT and approved prior to adoption.
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6 Sampling Methods
6.1 Water Quality Sampling
In general, all water quality sampling for parameters of concern should be based
on flow -weighted composite sampling (or equal -weighted composite sample, in the
case of streams). The exception is for the collection of samples for bacterial analysis
or oil and grease, where grab samples are appropriate (USDOT, 2001).
Composite samples must be collected over at least 80% of the total hydrograph to
be considered a representative sample. Samples that represented over 60% but less
than 80% of the total runoff event should be presented with an appropriate qualifier.
Composite samples collected over less than 60% of the hydrograph have little
analytical value, except in special cases (e.g. first flush) and should generally not be
included in the project's dataset, and should not count toward the number of samples
collected under the project's scope of work.
Flow must be recorded in conjunction with sampling, with a frequency that is
generally sufficiently smaller than the time of concentration for the drainage area. If
flow is not recorded during a sampling event, or is recorded at such a frequency that
the duration of the storm event only spans relatively few measurements (i.e., high
error expected in total runoff estimation), the samples should not be included in the
use of aggregate statistics, and should not count in the number of samples required
under the project scope of work.
The autosampler should also be located as close to the sampling location as
possible, and at an elevation as similar to the sampling tube as feasible. Clark et at.
2( 009) found little effect of autosampling on the particle size distribution of fractions
finer than 250 pm in the sample relative to the runoff up to 8 feet elevation
difference, but at higher elevation differences, recovery of these solids by the
autosampler was affected. Recovery of solids coarser than 250 pm was poor
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independent of elevation differentials, and autosampling should not be used to
characterize gross solids in runoff.
Sample holding times and preservation requirements are generally prescribed in
the analytical method used to quantify the analyte (Section 7). Table 3 presents
suggested holding times, containers and preservation requirements for several
analytes or classes of analytes; however, these should be verified against the test
methods used for quantifying the analyte in question.
Table 3. Suggested sample handling parameters for analyte handling (for reference purposes
only)
- -
Total Hardness
180
250-mL glass or PE
HNO3
Metals (ICP/MS)
180a
250-mL HDPE
Ultra HNO3`
Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3)
28
1-L amber glass
H2SO4 to pH < 2
Et 4°C
Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3)
48 hours
125-mL glass or PE
4°C
Nitrite Nitrogen (NO2)
48 hours
125-mL glass or PE
4°C
Nitrate+Nitrite Nitrogen
28
125-mL glass or PE
H2SO4 to pH < 2
(NO3+NO2)
Et 4°C
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
28
1-L amber glass or PE
H2SO4 to pH < 2
Et 4 ° C
Nitrogen, Total
28
1-L amber glass or PE
H2SO4 to pH < 2
Et 4°C
Oil and Grease
28
500-mL amber glass
H2SO4 to pH < 2
Et 4°C
Ortho-Phosphorus, Dissolved
48 hours
250-mL glass
4°Cb
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Phosphorus, Total
d_ing
Tim
28
-
250-mL glass
Preservation
H2SO4 to pH < 2
8t 4°C
Total Suspended Solids
7
1-L glass or PE
4° C
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
28
250-mL glass
H2SO4 to pH < 2
>t 4°C
Notes
a. Sample must be filtered and acidified within 48 hours.
b. Samples must be filtered using a phosphorous -free filter.
c. For mercury, preservation of samples is at 4°C with 5 mL/L of pretested 12N HCl or 5 mL/L BrCI
solution.
d. Sources for this table include USDOT (2001) and Caltrans (2003)
e. PE - polyethylene, HDPE - high density polyethylene
6.2 Sediment Sampling
As used in this section, sediment refers to solids collected in the solid phase, such
as collection of streambed sediment, solids from the roadway surface, from a weir or
sampling gutter, a mesh net installed in a roadway gutter, etc.
6.2.1 Sediment Collection
When collecting sediment from a BMP, the following best practices should be
implemented:
• Sediment samples are collected using manual grab methods.
• Sampling equipment will be cleaned with tap water, detergent, reagent
grade water and reagent grade methanol, and stored in aluminum foil
prior to use.
• If the BMP or trough is not dry, attempt to drain the location using a drain
hole or pump, or sample the site when the location is dry. Use a stainless
steel spoon or scoop and nitrite gloves to extract solids into a stainless
steel bowl. The contents of the stainless steel bowl are to be composited
and any debris or large sediment particles removed prior to transferring
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the composited sediment to appropriate storage bags. The exception to
this is when collecting volatile organic compounds (VOC), where mixing on
the stainless steel bowl is skipped to avoid excessive volatilization of
VOCs.
• In general, sediment samples should be stored in wide -mouth glass
containers with Teflon -lined caps.
6.2.2 Sweeping Solids
Sediment might also be collected to characterize solids on the pavement surface.
When this type of evaluation is required, it will be performed using a vacuum -assisted
or regenerative -air sweeper; mechanical sweepers typically have poor removal
efficiency of finer solids. Unless otherwise approved, the following best practices
should be followed during implementation of a street sweeping sampling protocol
(URS, 2010):
• A dry period of 2-3 days preceding the sweeping event
• Sweeper hopper to be cleaned prior to the start of each sweep event
• Three full hoppers of sediment material for sampling of each event
• When the hopper is emptied at an NCDOT maintenance yard, field staff
will collect a "grab sample" representative of all sediment in the hopper
and transfer into a glass jar
The composite sample should be sieved once the glass jar is received by the
laboratory. At a minimum, the percent fines (62.5 pm or less) should be determined.
In general, it is preferable to perform a comprehensive particle size distribution
(Section 7.1), and researchers should consider including this in the sample protocol.
6.3 Biological Sampling
Benthic sampling shall be conducted in accordance with the relevant North
Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Division of
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Water Quality Standard Operating Procedure (NCDENR, 2012). These standards only
apply to freshwater streams that are wadeable, and greater than 1 meter wide. If the
sampling site does not conform to these criteria, the PI shall propose an alternate
method during project initiation or as part of a project -specific quality plan.
Bioassays shall be conducted in accordance with the time -variable bioassay
guidance developed by NCDENR for assessing the toxicity of bridge deck runoff
(NCDENR, 2009). This method is similar to the chronic whole effluent toxicity (WET)
method, except that the sample collection time is the duration of the runoff event (as
opposed to 24 hours for the traditional WET test) and the exposure time is the
duration of the runoff event (as opposed to seven days for the traditional WET
method).
Other biological water quality indicators such as phytoplankton and fish sampling
shall be approved by the Program Management Team prior to the start of the sampling
effort. These and other water quality indicators can be utilized and are dependent on
the specific scope and focus of the research project.
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7 Analytical Methods
Compliance with this QAPP requires researchers to evaluate and present reporting
limits (RL) associated with laboratory analysis. Several different types of reporting
limits exist; the PI must define the type of reporting limit used and method of
determining the limit during the DQO definition process. Generally, the reporting
limit is the practical quantitation limit (PQL), which is the lowest concentration of a
constituent that the laboratory determines can be reliably quantified within specified
limits of precision and accuracy during routine laboratory conditions.
The method detection limit (MDL) is the minimum concentration of an analyte
that can be measured and reported with 99% confidence that the concentration is
non -zero. A useful rule of thumb for the required MDL is that it should be a fraction of
the anticipated median concentration in the samples, based on a coefficient of
variation (COV) (Burton and Pitt, 2002). It should be noted that these values are
presented here for reference purposes, but the key requirement for this QAPP is that
the precision meet the requirements of Section 8.2 (which have separate precision
requirements for low concentration duplicates and high concentration duplicates).
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Table 4. Suggested multipliers and RPD objectives for MDL
COW
Multiplier b
RPD Objective' Example ConstituenIq
<0.5
0.8
<10% Specific conductance, turbidity,
chloride, sulfates, nitrates,
calcium, sodium
0.5-
0.23
<30%
Copper, lead d, nickel, zinc
1.25
> 1.25
0.12
<50%
Source: Burton and Pitt (2002)
Notes:
a. COV = coefficient of variance
b. Multiplier is equal to the recommended method detection limit (MDL) divided by the
anticipated median concentration.
c. RPD = relative percent difference of duplicate analysis
d. Example constituents are as presented in the reference document, and are presented here for
illustration purposes only. The actual levels of variability in the NCDOT dataset may differ.
e. Lead is an illustration of the comment (d). The median concentration presented in Table 6.26
of the reference document is 30 pg/L and the recommended MDL is 7 mg/L; however, the
median concentration in the NCDOT dataset is less than the recommended MDL.
NCDOT practice is to adopt the United States Geological Survey (USGS) protocol,
which assumes RL = z*MDL, where z =2 if recovery from spikes (Section 8.3) is 100%, or
divided by the percent recovery in other cases (Bonn, 2008). If the research
laboratories have different methods of reporting limits, this should be reported during
project initiation.
Specific analytical methods that will be used in the analysis of various POCs
should be defined at the start of the project and presented during the project kickoff
meeting, along with estimates of the RL achievable by such methods. Methods should
be selected that will yield RLs below the expected Event Mean Concentration (EMC) of
the constituent in runoff and in effluent from various BMPs. If stormwater EMC levels
are below permissible RLs, the researchers should contact other laboratories to
contract out analysis for the parameters in question. For example, the North Carolina
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Department of Agriculture's Soil Testing Laboratory has been used successfully in the
past for metals analysis.
A summary of the POCs and corresponding RLs is presented in Table 5. If the
researcher proposes to use a different analytical method, or anticipates a significant
deviation in the RLs from the values listed in Table 5, such information should be
shared during project kickoff or as soon as the necessity is discovered.
Table 5. Target Reporting Limits Required for Stormwater Monitoring
Total Suspended Solids
1 mg/L
EPA 160.2, SM 254013, or SM2540D
Total Hardness
10 mg/L
EPA 130.1, EPA 130.2, or SM 2340B
Particle size distribution
N/A
Coulter counter, laser diffraction or
SM 2560B
VF MIND
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
0.20 mg/L
EPA 351.1, EPA 351.2, SM 4500-
N org
Ammonia-N
0.02 mg/L
EPA 350.1, SM 4500-NH3
Nitrate+Nitrite- N
0.02 mg/L
EPA 353.2 or SM 4500-NO3
Total Phosphorus
0.02 mg/L
EPA 365.1, EPA 365.3, EPA 365.4, SM 4500-P
Orthophosphate-0
0.02 mg/L
EPA 365.1, EPA 365.1, 365.3, SM 4500-P
Total Recoverable
Cadmium
0.5 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Total Recoverable Lead
2 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Total Recoverable
Copper
2 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Total Recoverable Zinc
10 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Dissolved Cadmium
0.5 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Dissolved Lead
2 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Dissolved Copper
2 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Dissolved Zinc
10 pg/l
EPA 200.8
Notes
a. References consulted for development of this table include NCDENR (2013), Caltrans
(2003), USDOT (2001), NEMI (n.d.) and the respective EPA methods.
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7.1 Particle Size Distribution Analysis
When laser diffraction methods are used to analyze particle size distribution of
solids in sediment samples or runoff samples, the activity shall be performed in
concert with a laboratory -based standard operating procedure and/or manufacturer's
recommendations that ensure appropriate quality control. Specifically, the following
considerations apply:
• If the concentration of suspended solids is outside the manufacturer's
recommended limits for quality data, the samples shall be centrifuged or
diluted to result in an appropriate solids concentration.
• The equipment used should feature a stirring motor or other method to
ensure that coarser solids do not settle during analysis of the particle size
distribution.
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8 Quality Control
As part of the quality control process, laboratories must include matrix spikes,
replicates and blanks as part of their sampling protocol.
8.1 Blanks
Contamination of samples can occur during the sampling process or during
analysis. Blanks are required as control samples to identify such contamination. Two
types of blanks are required:
• Field blanks should be prepared preferably once per sampling event, and
at least every time a new field operator is used.
• Method blanks should be used for every batch of samples, to determine
the level of contamination associated with glassware and laboratory
reagents.
8.2 Replicates
Replicate samples involve the measurement of the same sample multiple times.
Two types of replicate samples are required (duplicates are specified, but greater
number of replicates can be used for low level concentrations):
• Field duplicate samples provide an indication of the representativeness of
the sampling and analysis procedures. Field duplicate samples should be
collected at a frequency of 5% or a minimum of one per sampling event,
whichever is more frequent. Field replicates should be reported as
separate values, but averaged into a single value before computation of
summary statistics.
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• Laboratory duplicates highlight the repeatability of the analytical
measurement and should be performed at least once per batch of samples,
or once every 20 samples, whichever is more frequent.
The precision of low-level duplicates (defined as having a concentration < 20
times the MDL) should be ±25% for metals, anions, nutrients, other inorganics, and
total organic carbon, and ±40% for all other analytes. For high-level duplicates (> 20
times MDL), the corresponding numbers should be ±10% and ±20% respectively (WEF,
1995).
8.3 Matrix Spikes
A matrix spike is a representative environmental sample that is spiked with target
analytes of interest prior to being taken through the entire analytical process in order
to evaluate matrix interference effects. Matrix spikes and spike duplicates determine
the accuracy of the analytical method in the sample matrix, and are performed by
adding a known amount of the target analyte to a representative environmental
sample and estimating "recovery" of the added compound. Generally, the recovery
rate should be in the 80-120% range for metals, anions, nutrients, inorganics and total
organic carbon, and in the 70-130% range for volatile and base/neutral organics (WEF,
1995). The frequency of matrix spikes and spike duplicates is to be determined by the
PI based on sample conditions; however, it should at a minimum be performed for the
first sample batch, and ideally for different sample conditions that may result in
different levels of matrix interferences (e.g., short intense precipitation event versus
longer, intermittent event).
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9 Equipment Testing, Inspection & Maintenance
This section offers some general recommendations for equipment inspection and
maintenance, and testing while appropriate. However, the researchers are ultimately
responsible for reviewing the manufacturer's instructions and developing an
appropriate maintenance protocol.
In general, the following elements must be included as part of an inspection protocol:
• When DC power is used, verify the duration of continual operation permissible
during continual operation of the equipment. Battery life reduces with time, so
it is important to verify this periodically.
• Flow monitoring equipment should be calibrated according to manufacturer
specifications. Flow meters typically contain desiccant packets and moisture
indicators to keep the internal components of the equipment dry. The moisture
indicators should be checked during each site visit, or at least once between
each monitoring event. The sensor(s) should be checked periodically and
calibrated on an as -needed basis. The sensor cables should be inspected at
least prior to each phase of intensive stormwater monitoring. All connections
into the flow meter should be visually inspected prior to each monitoring
event.
• At a minimum, the autosampler calibration should be tested prior to major
phases of monitoring. After each stormwater monitoring event, the volume of
the sample should be verified against the expected value, and the autosampler
calibrated if the deviation is outside of manufacturer's recommendations.
• Rain gages should be inspected after every sampling event to make sure they
are free from debris. They should be inspected and calibrated at least before
every monitoring project, and ideally before every major phase of monitoring.
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10 Data Management
NCDOT's use of data generated by a given research project may extend for many
years after the conclusion of the project. Hence the PI is expected to follow sound
data management principals to ensure adequate documentation and the integrity of
the data. To support these objectives, NCDOT requires several data management
protocols by all researchers as discussed below.
10.1 Periodic Reporting
Quarterly progress reports for all research projects shall include provisional data
collected to date, including raw data along with data qualifiers.
10.2 Deliverables
The draft and final deliverable for each research project should include the entire
raw dataset, with appropriate data qualifiers for data that were excluded or that is
associated with other quality control issues. An Excel template for submission of this
data is available by contacting the Research Coordinator, and is presented in
Appendix B.
10.3 Record Retention
Raw field and laboratory records, including notes by field personnel on site
conditions and potential data quality concerns, should be retained by the Principal
Investigator for a minimum of three (3) years after the completion of project and
ideally longer. The Principal Investigator should notify NCDOT before destroying any
historical records.
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11 Data Analysis and Presentation
11.1 Data Validation
As part of the project closeout process, researchers are required to verify
compliance with the project's DQOs prior to cessation of field activities and
submission of the draft report to the Steering Committee. Specifically, the following
activities are required:
• Verify the number of qualified sampling events (as defined in Section 5.4)
exceeds the minimum requirements in Section 5.5 based on the variability
of the data in question.
• Submit the draft dataset in Excel in the format specified by the Research
Coordinator, with appropriate data qualifiers for data, including presenting
left -censored data (Section 11.2) and identifying data associated with site
conditions that could result in compromised data quality.
• Do not remove monitoring equipment from site until NCDOT signs off on the
draft dataset, in the event it is deemed that additional sampling is
required.
11.2 Handling of Censored Data
Data that are below the reporting limit represents lower reliability, and the
method of handling these data affects the statistical aggregates of the parameter in
question, and consequently could influence the conclusions of a study. This is
especially true when two datasets with left -censored values are being compared for
statistical testing.
The common practice of researchers historically has been to report an individual
data point as less than a reporting or detection limit (e.g. "<5 mg/L"), and to use half
of that value in the computation of statistical aggregates like the mean. However, the
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use of this type of substitution could result in compromised data quality, as discussed
extensively by Bonn (2008). Substitution methods are not allowed unless explicitly
approved by NCDOT. In general, NCDOT's preference is for the use of Regression of
Order Statistics (ROS) for data that follows a normal, lognormal or gamma
distribution, or Kaplan Meier method when they do not. However, if the research
team includes a statistician who proposes a different method, the research team shall
present a memo to NCDOT during the project initiation phase or prior to the
execution of the statistical analysis. NCDOT will review the method and unless there
are specific concerns, will defer to the opinion of the research team.
The HSP Research Program follows the USGS convention for managing reporting
limits (Bonn, 2008), described briefly below. For the purposes of the discussion below,
an "information -rich" method is a method such as a spectrometric method that is
able to confirm the presence of the analyte in question.
In the draft and final report, the following reporting protocols should be
observed:
• When the data value is less than the MDL and the method is not
information rich, the value should be reported as "<RL"
• When the data value is greater than the MDL but less than the RL and the
method is not information -rich, the value should be reported as the
recorded value preceded by an "E" to indicate a greater degree of
uncertainty
• When the data value is less than RL, but the method is information -rich,
the recorded value is reported with an "E" qualifier, even if the value is
below the MDL
• When the value is greater than the RL, the value is reported as recorded
• In all cases, the MDL is also reported
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11.3 Identification of outliers
In general, it is necessary to have a systematic process to identify outliers. The
rationale for identifying and eliminating outliers must be clearly defined, ideally at
project initiation but, at a minimum, discussed in the draft report.
One method to handle outliers that has been used by NCDOT is to identify
potential outliers using the Tukey Fence method, which is based on identification of
data that represent extreme values on a normal distribution. The conditions
surrounding the exclusion of these data points were then investigated for quality
issues, such as backwater conditions, equipment issues, etc. and only excluded if
there were physical factors that supported their exclusion.
Researchers should include in the project report a section discussing how outliers
were identified and what verification processes were used to identify true outliers
that should be excluded versus statistical outliers that were not excluded.
11.4 Computation of EMCs and Loads
A variety of methods exist to estimate EMCs and loads. Analysis by NCDOT
indicates considerable variation in the estimates of loads based on the methodology
used. NCDOT may in the future identify a single method to compute EMCs and loads.
For the time being, researchers are required to document clearly the method used for
estimation of these parameters, and preferably include a sample calculation in the
project report.
All influent and effluent concentrations related to a BMP must be presented in the
project report in the form of absolute concentration levels and mass loadings. In
addition, there must be a statistical evaluation of the significance of the difference of
influent and effluent concentrations.
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11.5 Data Presentation
Data from research projects should be presented in a variety of ways, including,
at a minimum, the mean and median influent and effluent concentrations, with a
description of how the EMCs and loads (Section 11.4) were computed. Additional
clarity can be achieved by presenting percentiles of concentration, typically the 25tn
and 75t" percentile and the Inter Quartile Range (IQR). It is also beneficial to compare
the data presented to relevant benchmarks, e.g. a relevant drinking water standard,
an instream water quality or receiving water -based benchmark such as that presented
by McNett et at. (2010). The project report should also include an evaluation of the
statistical significance of the difference between the influent and effluent
concentration distributions.
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12 Data Dissemination
An important element of the Research Program is dissemination of research
results both within NCDOT and outside. Researchers are generally expected to
produce at least one journal article and two conference proceedings based on each
research project. Funding for participation in conferences may be available from
NCDOT; researchers should contact the Research Coordinator for more information.
Researchers shall submit draft journal articles and conference abstracts for
NCDOT approval prior to submission. At a minimum, researchers should provide the
NCDOT HSP team listed in Table 1 three (3) days for review of conference abstracts
and two (2) weeks for journal articles. (Note that research contracts require a longer
review window for approval by the State Research and Analysis Engineer, so
researchers should work with the Research Coordinator in advance of the 30-day
window generally required for this approval).
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References
Bonn, B.A. 2008. Using the U.S. Geological Survey National WaterQuality Laboratory LT-MDL to evaluate
and analy.Ze data. Open -File Report 2008-1227, 73p. U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
Burton, G.A. Jr. and R.E.Pitt. 2002. Stormwater effects bandbook: a toolbox for watersbed managers, scientists,
and engineers. CRC Press, 929p.
California Department of Transportation. 2003. Caltrans Comprehensive Protocols Guidance
Manual. CTSW-RT-03-105.51.42. November.
Clark, S.E., C.Y.S.Siu, R.Pitt, C.D.Roenning, and D.P.Treese. 2009. Peristaltic Pump Autosamplers
for Solids Measurements in Stormwater Runoff. Wlater Environment Research. 81(2), pp. 192-200.
Malina, J.F., M.E.Barrett, A.Jackson, T.Kramer. 2005. Characterization of Stormwater Runoff from
a Bridge Deck and Approach Highway, Effects on Receiving Water Quality. Prepared for the Texas
Department of Transportation, Austin, TX.
McKenzie, E.R., J.E. Money, P.G. Green, and T.M. Young. 2009. Metals associated with
stormwater-relevant brake and tire samples. Science of the Total Environment. 407, pp. 5855-5860.
McNett, J.K., W.F.Hunt, J.A.Osborne. 2010. Establishing Storm -Water BMP Evaluation Metrics
Based upon Ambirnt Water Quality Associated with Benthic Macroinvertibrate Populations. Journal
of Environmental Engineering. 136(5), pp. 535-541.
Mitchell, G.M., A.McDonald, and J.Lockyer. n.d. Pollution Hazard from Urban Nonpoint Sources:
A GIS Model to Support Strategic Environmental Planning in the UK. Leeds University, UK
http://www.geog.leeds.ac.uk/projects/nps/reports.htm
NCDENR. 2013. Inorganic and Microbiology Section - Methods and Reporting Limits (PQLs).
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality,
Laboratory Services. Accessed on April 29, 2013
at:http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document library/get fi1e?uuid=88daac65-0b7f-
4128-9898-2ae62a510765&grouped=38364
NCDENR. 2009. Time Variable Bioassay Guidance, Version 2 DRAFT. North Carolina
Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Aquatic and
Toxicology Unit, Raleigh, NC.
NCDENR. 2012. Standard Operating Procedure for Benthic Macroinvertibrates. Environmental
Sciences Section, Biological Assessment Unit, Raleigh, NC.
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NEMI. n.d. National Enviromental Methods Index. Accessed on April 29, 2013
at:https://www.nemi.gov
USEPA, 2006. Guidance on Systematic Planning Using the Data Quality Objectives Process. Report
EPA QA/G-4. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
USEPA, 1992. NPDES Storm Water Sampling Guidance Document. Report EPA 833-8-92-001.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
USDOT, 2001. Guidance Manual for Monitoring Highway Runoff Water Quality. Report FHWA-
EP-01-021. United States Department of Transportation, Washington, DC.
USDOT, 2000. Stormwater Best Management Practices in an Ultra -Urban Setting: Selection and
Monitoring. Publication No. FHWA-EP-00-002. United States Department of Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Wang, T.-S., D. E. Spyridakis, B.W. Mar, and R.R. Horner. 1980. Transport Deposition and Control
of Heavy Metals in Highway Runoff. Report WA-RD-39.10. Washington State Department of
Transportation, Olympia, WA.
URS. 2010. Stormwater Runoff from Bridges. Prepared for North Carolina Department of
Transportation. July.
WEE 1995. Standard Methods for the Examination of Vater and Vastewater. 19th edition. Water
Environment Federation, Washington, DC.
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DRAFT Quality Assurance Project Plan
APPENDICES:
Appendix A Project QAPP Template
Appendix B STORMDATA data collection template [UNDERDEVELOPMENT]
Appendix C Excerpts from the Workplace Safety Operations Procedure Manual
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APPENDIX A
Project QAPP Template
Quality Assurance Project Plan

NCDOi
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Quality Assurance Project Plan
Data Quality Objectives
All research projects are required to establish Data Quality Objectives during project initiation, to be presented at the project kickoff meeting or
shortly after that, prior to initiation of any activities under the project. Refer to the HSP Research Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
(P-QAPP) for additional information.
Quality Assurance Project Plan (Form Rev1— April 2013)
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h'4UGR;..V.
Data Quality Objectives
3. Boundaries
Discuss spatial and temporal coverage, and scope of the investigation (P-QAPP Section 5.2).
Include types of samples that will be collected, and indicate any deviations from the holding times or preservation methods
specified in P-QAPP Section 6, or include these for any analytes not listed there.
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Quality Assurance Project Plan
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Data Quality Objectives
SA. Parameters of Concern
Identify parameters of concern in the study (P-QAPP Section 5.3), proposed analytical method, and analytical limits (P-QAPP
Section 6). [Use insert rows to add additional POCs].
Matrix Parameter of id Reporting
Discuss the proposed number of samples (P-QAPP 5.5) and the estimation method used to determine this value.
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Quality Assurance Project Plan
Data Quality Objectives
Evaluation6. Data 1 1
Include the proposed approach to developing statistically valid conclusions based on available data (P-QAPP Section 11.0) and
proposed confidence intervals.
7. Quality Control
Field blanks
Method blanks
Field duplicates
Laboratory duplicates
Matrix Spikes
7. Quality PerformanceStandards
Metric Performancei
Precision (C < 20*M1)L)
(list general baseline and analytes with different precision)
Precision (C>20*MDL)
(list general baseline and analytes with different precision)
Matrix recovery
(list general baseline and analytes with different precision)
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Quality Assurance Project Plan
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Data Quality Objectives
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APPENDIX B
STORMDATA data collection template [UNDER DEVELOPMENT]
Quality Assurance Project Plan

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APPENDIX C
Excerpts from the Workplace Safety Operations Procedure Manual
• 10-16 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 10-18 Sun Exposure
• 10-21 Work Zone Safety/Traffic Control
• 11E-1 Confined Space Entry
Quality Assurance Project Plan

Author:
Tom Werner
Revision #:
12
Approved by:
Len Sanderson
Date Issued:
1 3/2006
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Personal Protective Equipment - DOH SOP 10-16
The following are guidelines/requirements for the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE). It is not possible to list every instance where PPE is required so it shall be the
Supervisor's responsibility to exercise prudent judgement to determine if additional
protective equipment is necessary and to insure that the appropriate equipment is worn.
The failure to wear appropriate PPE could result in disciplinary action.
Hard Hats shall be worn:
O When there is a clear and present danger of falling objects that may cause injury.
O When exposed (or reasonably expected to be exposed) to falling or flying material
O When exposed to overhead electrical conductors.
O At the direction of the supervisor.
Orange Caps shall be worn when flagging traffic except in hard hat areas.
Safety vest or approved orange shirts shall be worn:
O When exposed to moving traffic or equipment.
O At the direction of the supervisor.
O When operating equipment within the right-of-way and without an enclosed cab.
O Orange shirts must be supplemented with vests for nighttime operations.
O Reflectorized vests shall be worn for all nighttime operations on the right-of-way.
Safety glasses shall be worn:
O Whenever there is risk of injury to the eye such as: grinding, drilling or sawing.
O When operating various power tools or machines (e.g., weed eaters, woodworking
tools, power or concrete saws, rock drills, chippers, jackhammers, etc.) which may
throw particles.
O At the direction of the supervisor.
O By any person in a shop area outside of designated aisles or marked areas.
O When jump-starting a battery.
Safety goggles shall be worn:
O When their use is more appropriate than that of safety glasses (as determined by the
supervisor).
O Whenever there is a need to protect the eye from dust, sawdust, and mist (e.g.,
during sandblasting or when using a chainsaw) which can enter or blow into an
employee's eye even though he or she is wearing safety glasses.
O Whenever there is a danger of a foreign object entering through the side of the
glasses.
O When working with chemicals that may be acidic or caustic.
Personal Protective Equipment (DOH) SOP 10-16

Author:
Tom Werner
Revision #:
2
Approved by:
Len Sanderson
Date Issued:
3/2006
Face shields shall be worn:
O When there is danger of splashing chemicals or other substances that may cause
injury to the face or neck area (grinding, drilling, etc.).
O Whenever, in the judgement of the supervisor, their use is more appropriate than
other eye protection.
O When removing or installing a battery.
O When working with chain saws.
Work gloves should be worn:
O During any operation where there is a risk of abrasion, laceration, burns, blisters or
puncture to the hands. Special impermeable gloves shall be worn when picking up
dead animals.
Typical Operations include:
oo Hot mix paving or patching oo Fence and guardrail repair oo Sign repair
oo Tree trimming and related oo Welding and grinding oo Using shovels,
activities picks, etc.
oo Handling lumber oo Loading or unloading tanker or distributor
oo Sharpening tools oo Operating chain saws, weedeaters or other gas -
powered tools
Foot protection must be worn:
O By all employees except those who do not have regular exposure to hazardous
conditions (e.g., office personnel). Foot protection includes safety shoes or work
boots, toe caps, or special orthopedic shoes and must meet ASTM F2412-05. If an
employee, due to health reasons or physical abnormalities can not wear safety
shoes then toe caps shall be worn. If an employee, due to health reasons or
physical abnormalities cannot wear toe caps, then special orthopedic safety shoes
or boots constructed under the supervision of a physician shall be worn. If an
employee, due to health reasons or physical abnormalities, cannot wear special
orthopedic safety shoes or boots, then efforts will be made to move the employee to
a position with no exposure to foot hazards.
Special impermeable gloves shall be worn:
O When working with hazardous chemicals or as directed by the Material Safety Data
Sheets.
Coveralls or long-sleeved shirts should be worn:
O When welding or cutting.
O When exposed to poison oak, ivy or sumac.
O When exposed to hot materials while hot mix patching or paving, crack sealing or
placing thermoplastic markings.
Rubber boots shall be worn:
O When required by the Material Safety Data Sheets.
O When mixing and applying certain pesticides.
Personal Protective Equipment (DOH) SOP 10-16

Author:
Tom Werner
Revision #:
12
Approved by:
Len Sanderson
Date Issued:
1 3/2006
Fall protection devices (approved belt and lanyard or harness) shall be worn:
O When in the bucket of a traffic truck.
O While working on unguarded work platforms where the fall would be six feet or more.
Respirator protection shall be worn:
(filters/cartridge, supplied air, SCBA, etc.)
O When required by the product label or the Material Safety Data Sheets.
O When mixing and applying certain herbicides.
O When welding or cutting on galvanized metals.
O When sandblasting
O When working with bridge steel containing lead based paint
O When spray painting.
oo When determined by the supervisor
Hearing protection must be worn:
O When ever the noise levels in the work environment exceed 85 dba. (The noise
level can be determined by your Safety Engineer.
Examples include:
oo Sandblasting oc Jackhammers oc Chain saws and
oo Concrete Saw �c Pile drivers weedeaters
All types of heavy equipment (dozers, loaders, graders, mixers, etc.) may require
hearing protection. This equipment is included in the ongoing testing by the Safety and
Loss Control and employees will be advised on individual basis.
Floatation vests or life jackets shall be worn:
O When working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists.
oo All jackets or vests shall be inspected for defects that would alter the strength of
buoyancy.
oo Defective units shall not be used.
oc All jackets or vests shall be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Clothing NOT appropriate for NCDOT use:
O Shorts
O Tank tops that expose bare shoulders
O Sandals or canvas shoes
Personal Protective Equipment (DOH) SOP 10-16

Author:
Karen H. Goodall
Revision #:
1
Approved by:
Len Sanderson
Date Issued:
October 1, 2004
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Sun Exposure
Information for both on and off the job.
SOP 10-18
1. By far, the most common cause of skin cancer is overexposure to the sun. Ninety percent of
all skin cancers occur on parts of the body that usually are not covered by clothing.
2. People who sunburn easily and have fair skin with red or blond hair are most prone to
develop skin cancer. The amount of time spent in the sun also affects a person's risk of skin
cancer.
3. To prevent skin cancer:
a. Cover up with a wide -brimmed hat and a bandanna for your neck. Wear long-sleeved
shirts and pants that the sun cannot penetrate.
b. Use sunscreens to help prevent skin cancer as well as premature aging of your skin.
Use a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. Women may receive added
protection by using tinted opaque cosmetic foundation along with a sunscreen. Apply
sunscreen at least an hour before going into the sun and again after swimming or
perspiring a lot. Do not use indoor sunlamps, tanning parlors, or tanning pills.
c. You can still get burned on a cloudy day. Try to stay out of the direct sun at midday,
because sunrays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Beware of high
altitudes — where there is less atmosphere to filter out the ultraviolet rays. Skiers
should remember that snow reflects the sun's rays, too.
4. Know your skin. Whatever your skin type, do a monthly self-examination of your skin to
note any moles, blemishes or birthmarks. Check them once a month and if you notice any
changes in size, shape or color, or if a sore does not heal, see your physician without delay.
Related SOP's
General SOP's................................. Chapter 10
Sun Exposure — SOP 10-18

Author:
Tom Werner
Revision #:
3
Approved by:
Len Sanderson
Date:
3/2006
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Work Zone Safety/Traffic Control SOP 10-21
Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety Vests Safety Shoes Gloves
Safety Glasses Orange Hat or Hard Hat
1. Follow Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the NC
Construction and Maintenance Operations Supplement to the MUTCD.
2. For typical daytime operations, the Work Zone Safety guidelines can be used.
3. Before going to the work site:
a. Have a traffic control plan.
b. Load needed traffic control devices and check their condition.
c. Ensure employees have necessary Personal Protective Equipment. Employees
exposed to falling objects must wear a hard hat.
d. Make sure employees designated as flaggers are properly trained and equipped.
4. Vehicles and equipment in the work zone should be parked on the same side of the road
in areas that:
a. Provide safe entrances and exits for the work area.
b. Do not create potential conflicts with vehicles/equipment operating in the work
area.
c. Provide maximum protection for workers getting in and out of vehicles.
5. Employees should work facing traffic as much as possible. If this is not practical, a
lookout should be provided.
6. Employees should be alert to job site hazards and should identify appropriate escape
routes.
7. Personnel may be positioned on a truck or trailer for the placement and retrieval of traffic
devices in the workzone as long as appropriate fall protection measures are used.
8. When not actively placing or retrieving traffic cones or similar devices, employees must
be transported in the cab of the vehicle.
9. Slow moving operations shall utilize a truck mounted impact attenuator behind the
placement vehicle whenever possible.
10. Work zones should be inspected frequently to ensure devices are in place and that
traffic is flowing adequately. When inspecting, ask yourself, "What is the driver's view?"
11. Signs should not be left out during lunch or overnight unless necessary.
12. Police support may be useful under certain conditions. (Example: Traffic Signal
Technician servicing a traffic signal.) However, they must be notified as early as
possible.
13. Be alert to wide or oversized loads progressing through work zones.
14. If possible, avoid working during peak hours on high volume traffic routes.
15. Do not leave equipment (tripods, etc.) unattended when positioned in/adjacent to travel
way.
16. Remove traffic control devices in a timely manner and in a manner that provides the
workers with the most protection. Devices should be removed in the opposite order from
how they were placed. Cones first in reverse order with signs last.
Related SOP's
General SOP's Chapter 10
Work Zone Safety/Traffic Control SOP 10-21

Author:
Larry Purvis
Revision #:
1
Approved by:
Len Sanderson
Date Issued:
October 1, 2004
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Confined Space Entry
SOP 11 E-1
Hazard Review
Engulfment Toxic Gases, Fumes Oxygen Deficiency
Space related hazards -See Entry Permit
Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety Shoes Multi -gas Monitor Retrieval System
Hard Hat Special equipment -See Entry Permit
NCDOT operates in many different areas and situations where confined spaces may exist.
Typical locations include the holds of ferry vessels, paint truck storage tanks, weigh station scale
pits, vertical drill shafts, and sometimes the area between tightly spaced bridge beams. Any area
which has a limited opening for entry and exit, or unfavorable natural ventilation, or that is not
designed for continuous worker occupancy may be classified as a confined space.
1. All employees shall be trained in the procedures and hazards of the space they are to enter.
2. Employees shall be in good physical condition before entering a confined space.
3. All spaces shall be checked and evaluated by a qualified person before entry.
4. A qualified person shall test for a hazardous atmosphere and complete a confined space entry
permit before entry is allowed.
5. No entry will be allowed if any hazardous condition is detected, unless proper protective
equipment is used.
6. All persons entering a confined space shall wear the personal protective equipment that is
appropriate for the work to be performed.
7. If mechanical ventilation is provided, at least one person shall wear a multi -gas monitoring
device. If an alarm sounds, all persons shall immediately evacuate the confined space.
8. Lockout/Tagout procedures shall be followed if the confined space contains mechanically
active equipment.
9. The qualified person shall determine if the entry can be made without a qualified attendant or
if a standby person is necessary.
10. If an attendant is required, he shall:
a. Be trained in rescue from outside techniques
b. Not enter confined space under any circumstances
c. Be within sight or call of the entrant, and
d. Have the means to summon assistance.
Confined Space Entry — SOP I IE-1