1 of 55 the epa 7-step dqo process step 1 - state the problem presenter: sebastian tindall 60...
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The EPA 7-Step DQO Process
Step 1 - State the Problem
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall
60 minutes
DQO Training CourseDay 2
Module 9
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Objective
Based on comprehensive Scoping, to be able to develop, for a specific project:
1. a list of Contaminants of Potential Concern,
2. a conceptual site model (CSM),
3. a problem statement(s)
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Generic Flow Chart
Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Information
OUT to
Next Step
Information IN
From Previous
StepActions
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Information
OUT to
Next Step
Information IN
From Previous
StepActions
Added information is presented in bubblesto explain how to implement an action orexplain items to consider.
Generic Flow Chart
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Step Objective:
To clearly define the Problem so that the focus of the Project will be unambiguous
Step 1: State the Problem
Step 4: Specify Boundaries
Step 2: Identify Decisions
Step 3: Identify Inputs
Step 1: State the Problem
Step 5: Define Decision Rules
Step 6: Specify Error Tolerances
Step 7: Optimize Sample Design
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlines
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Continue activities
Scoping Process Results:
• Collect site history, process knowledge,
• Summarize existing analytical data
• Specify areas to be investigated
• Summarize all recorded spills and releases
• Document applicable regulations
• Current housekeeping practices
• Current local environmental conditions
Administrative and logistical elements
Step 1b - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepConduct interviews with decision makers and Stakeholders to determine their:
•Objectives
•Requirements (applies to decision makers only)
•Concerns
Specify interview issues
Hold Global Issues Meeting to resolve scoping and interview issues
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Step 1c - State the Problem
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlines• The DQO Team is the technical group that
will develop the DQOs for the project• The number of members will be directly related to the size and complexity of the problem
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlines
DQO Team may include:• Chemist• Hydrogeologist• Engineer• Safety Specialist• Statistician• Modeler• Quality Assurance (QA)/ Quality Control (QC) Specialist• Etc.
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlines
• Stipulate the anticipated budget, available personnel, and contractual vehicles to be used• Enumerate any deadlines for completion of the study and any intermediate deadlines that may need to be met
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Budget and Milestones
As is the case in the example, budgets and schedules are often set without any systematic planning
It is preferred that the DQO Process be performed well before the budget and schedule are established
Budgets for implementing the DQO Process are a must
The results of the DQO Process can then be used to set the remaining project schedule and budget
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlines
Have the ultimate authority for making final decisions basedon the recommendations of the DQO Team:• Federal Facility• Environmental Protection Agency• State Regulatory Agency
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlines
Decision Makers:• Seek, consider, and represent the concerns of the Stakeholders
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlinesStakeholders are groups or individuals that will be impacted
by the decisions made as a result of the DQO Process.
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Scoping Process Results:
• Collect site history, process knowledge,
• Summarize existing analytical data
• Specify areas to be investigated
• Summarize all recorded spills and releases
• Document applicable regulations
• Current housekeeping practices
• Current local environmental conditions
Administrative and logistical elements
Step 1b - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepConduct interviews with decision makers and Stakeholders to determine their:
•Objectives
•Requirements (applies to decision makers only)
•Concerns
Specify interview issues
Hold Global Issues Meeting to resolve scoping and interview issues
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Continue activities
Any differences in interviewees’ objectives, requirements or concerns are listed as issues.
Step 1c - State the Problem
Note
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepConduct interviews with decision makers and Stakeholders to determine their:
•Objectives
•Requirements (applies to decision makers only)
•Concerns
Specify interview issues
Hold Global Issues Meeting to resolve scoping and interview issues
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Continue activities
Global Issues Meeting:Resolve any outstanding scoping issues and/or interview issues with decision makers.
Step 1c - State the Problem
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What are the decision drivers:(risk? regulatory limits? etc.)
What is distribution of COPCs at site?
Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
How has fate & transport affected site?
What are the COPCs?
Develop Conceptual Site
Model
Concise Statement of the Problem
How did COPCs arrive at site?
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Define the total list of COPCs :Identify:
• Source of contamination: Reactor fuel rods• Type of contamination from each source: Fission products• Specific COPCs Sr-90, Cs-137, etc.
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Identify COPC Exclusions:• Develop rationale for the exclusion of any of the COPCs• Document the rationale for any exclusions
Example: - Isotope with short half-life- No health or ecological risk
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Consider the following questions:1. Was the compound/element ever used at the site?2. Does the compound react with water and thus no longer exist?3. For waste, does the pH of the matrix degrade the compound?4. Is the compound volatile and thus evaporate?
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Identify the Final List of COPCs
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
How the release occurred?Still occurring?Single large release?Small release over long time?Stack release of gases?Contaminated debris?
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Begin to evaluate the fate & transport of COPCs
Begin to evaluate the distribution of COPCs
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Step 1d - State the ProblemUsed to make assumption on the distribution (lateral/vertical) of COPCs
Dependent on:• Types of COPCs expected• How they arrived• Amount of time since the release• Environmental conditions since the release• Effect of natural processes• Wind, weather, erosion, re-charge, etc.
Types of sampling media:• Soil• Concrete• Groundwater• Gravel• Etc.
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Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Examples of receptors are • Humans• Plants• Animals
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Spatial and frequency distributions
This is key point for determining the number of samples
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Football Field
One-AcreFootball Field
30'0"
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Spatial Distribution - Football Field
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Probability Density Function
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Frequency DistributionConcentration,
pCi/gNumber of occurances
1 02 03 94 785 2696 3737 2258 439 3
10 0
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Liquid spill Plume model (decreasing with distance)Burn pit Lateral and vertical heterogeneityTank sludge Lateral homogeneity/vertical heterogeneityFill What information is available about the fill?Concrete Drivers? Air; Water; Contact
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Mo = Md = Mn
Normal
Mo Md Mn
Lognormal
M0 = modeMd = medianMn = mean
% of time when x < is high,(when n is small)
Distribution Curves
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Identify driver compounds (e.g., based on greatest risk or movement or half-life)Examine concentration range and compare to action limit(e.g., far below or above action limit, near action level)
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCsOverall objectives of the project:
• Is the decision risk based?• Waste characterization based?• Regulatory restraints?• Future land uses?• Pilot study?• Remedial action?• Monitoring effort?• Characterization effort?• All potential data uses/users identified?
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCsUse information gathered from the scoping process,decision maker interviews and the Global Issues Meeting to develop a CSM
The CSM may be presented in the following forms:• Narrative statement• Graphical • Tabular
Step 1d - State the Problem
The CSM narrative summary states clearly the current understanding of the condition of the site
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CSM Narrative
The Heli-101 Pad and the surrounding soil (surface and underlying) extending laterally up to 95 ft in any direction from the perimeter of the pad and up to a depth of 10 ft constitutes the conceptual model for the contaminated site. It is graphically depicted in the plan view and section view in the following section. Surface soil is defined as soil up to a depth of 6 in. and underlying (subsurface) soil is defined as soil up to a further depth of 10 ft.
(Etc.………………………………………..)
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Plan View
Section View
Former PadLocation
RunoffZone
0 50 100 150 ft0 15 30 46 m
Former PadLocation
RunoffZone
Grade Level
0 50 100 150 ft0 15 30 46 m
Vertical not to scale
BufferZone
CSM Spatial Graphical
BufferZone
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Overview of the Receptor Pathway(CSM) Tabular
PrimarySources
PrimaryRelease
Mechanism
SecondarySources
SecondaryRelease
MechanismPathway
Oil andFuel
Residualfrom
Equipment
Spills
Cleaning
Soil
Dust
StormWaterRunoff
Wind
SurfaceWater &
Sediments
ReceptorHuman Biota
Exposure Route A
rea
Res
iden
tsS
i te
visi
tors
Terr
estr
ial
Aqu
atic
IngestionInhalation X X XDermal Contact
Ingestion X X XDermal Contact X X X
Ingestion X X X XInhalationDermal Contact X X X X
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
The goal of the DQO Process is to develop a sampling design that will confirm or reject the CSM.
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Problem Statements
The CSM is used to constrain the problem statement(s)
The Problem Statement(s) allows the planning to be focused on issues that must be resolved with data and makes the problem unambiguous
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
A concise problem statement describes:• The problem as it is currently understood• The conditions that are causing the problem
Step 1d - State the Problem
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Problem Statement Format
General Format: In order to [achieve one of the objectives of
this study] data regarding [general type of contamination] are needed.
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In order to confirm that the on-site in-situ GC/MS analysis can replace method 8260B results for use in final verification of closure, data regarding volatiles using both methods are needed.
In order to determine whether the concrete should be disposed at a TSCA incinerator, data regarding the PCBs in the concrete surface are needed.
Problem Statement Examples
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Process knowledge indicates that there would have been low plutonium concentrations in the wastes disposed through the tank and relatively few other radionuclides should be present. Limited sampling of the sludge indicates that plutonium is distributed within strata throughout the tank; however, this distribution is somewhat heterogeneous and ill-defined. Characterization data are required to evaluate the need for an early removal action and, as required, to determine the appropriate methods for (1) removal of the sludge from Tank Y, (2) stabilization and packaging of the waste, and (3) sludge disposal.
‘Typical’ Problem Statement Example (YUCK!)
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Problem Statement Example
In order to [show that lead is contributing to the decrease in duck populations in the wetlands] data regarding [levels of lead in the surface water, sediments, and vegetation in the marshlands] are needed.
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Step 1 Summary
Comprehensive Scoping is the most important activity Professional Judgment is the most important skill set Adequate resources (time, money, people) must be provided for
scoping Adequate resources must be provided for the DQO Process Identify the decision makers’ objectives, requirements, and
concerns upfront Performing interviews allows the facilitator to understand each
decision maker’s objectives, requirements, and concerns Resolving global issues allows technical staff to focus on
providing defensible designs
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Global issues include land use and interpretation of regulations
Logic for inclusion and exclusion of COPCs must be documented
It is possible to greatly decrease the number of COPCs based on sound technical logic
Remember, if there is no receptor there is no risk CSM is based on Comprehensive Scoping and Professional
Judgment The DQO Process goal is to test the CSM CSM allows one to focus on problems that are resolved by
data/information
Step 1 Summary (cont.)
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepIdentify the DQO Team and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Continue activities
Identify the decision makers and define each member’s roles and responsibilities
Identify the Stakeholders and determine who will represent their interests
Planning Meeting
Identify available resources and relevant deadlines
Step 1a - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Continue activities
Scoping Process Results:
• Collect site history, process knowledge,
• Summarize existing analytical data
• Specify areas to be investigated
• Summarize all recorded spills and releases
• Document applicable regulations
• Current housekeeping practices
• Current local environmental conditions
Administrative and logistical elements
Step 1b - State the Problem
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next StepConduct interviews with decision makers and Stakeholders to determine their:
•Objectives
•Requirements (applies to decision makers only)
•Concerns
Specify interview issues
Hold Global Issues Meeting to resolve scoping and interview issues
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Step 1c - State the Problem
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
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Information IN Actions Information OUT
From Previous Step To Next Step
Scoping Process Results
Scoping Process Issues
Global Issues Resolutions
Conceptual Site Model
Problem StatementEstimate COPC distributions
Provide rationale for COPC exclusions
Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions
Specify release mechanisms
Identify fate and transport mechanisms
List potential receptors
Discuss decision drivers
Write CSM Summary Narrative
Identify COPCs
Step 1d - State the Problem
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End of Module 9
Thank you
Questions?