Data Quality Assurance for Permit Compliance Monitoring, 1994 Process & Product Quality Conference Proceedings

L. Norton, K. Hoffer

For many years, the paper industry has been asked by state and government agencies to test for a variety of different chemical substances. Most paper mills are required to monitor Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) on effluent samples on a daily basis. Strict sampling protocol and testing procedures must be employed to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

An internal Data Quality Assurance program (DQA) can assist in maintaining high quality data for mill permit testing. A DQA program that inspects and troubleshoots your permit compliance monitoring will enable you to identify and correct existing and potential problems. A complete DQA program consists of auditing internal labs and external contract laboratories.

Internal laboratory auditing examines each mill’s sampling, testing, and record-keeping procedures through a yearly on-site audit by a trained auditor and participation in a corporate proficiency testing program.

External auditing is necessary to choose a quality laboratory able to meet each mill’s individual permit compliance needs. A good external laboratory should supply client services, such as assisting with proper sampling protocol and collection, have documented state certification, qualified and knowledgeable analysts, and a written quality control/quality assurance program.