1. 1 of 55 The EPA 7-Step DQO Process Step 1 - State the Problem Presenter: Sebastian Tindall 60 minutes DQO Training Course Day 2 Module 9

2. 2 of 55 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)

3. 3 of 55 Generic Flow Chart Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Information OUT to Next Step Information IN From Previous Step Actions

4. 4 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Information OUT to Next Step Information IN From Previous Step Actions Added information is presented in bubbles to explain how to implement an action or explain items to consider. Generic Flow Chart

5. 5 of 55 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

6. 6 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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

7. 7 of 55 Information INActions 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

8. 8 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Conduct 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

9. 9 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

10. 10 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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

11. 11 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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

12. 12 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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

13. 13 of 55 Budget and Milestones n As is the case in the example, budgets and schedules are often set without any systematic planning n It is preferred that the DQO Process be performed well before the budget and schedule are established n Budgets for implementing the DQO Process are a must n The results of the DQO Process can then be used to set the remaining project schedule and budget

14. 14 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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 based on the recommendations of the DQO Team: Federal Facility Environmental Protection Agency State Regulatory Agency Step 1a - State the Problem

15. 15 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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

16. 16 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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 Stakeholders are groups or individuals that will be impacted by the decisions made as a result of the DQO Process. Step 1a - State the Problem

17. 17 of 55 Information INActions 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

18. 18 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Conduct 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

19. 19 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Conduct 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

20. 20 of 55 What are the decision drivers: (risk? regulatory limits? etc.) What is distribution of COPCs at site? Information INActions 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

21. 21 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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 COPCsSr-90, Cs-137, etc. Step 1d - State the Problem

22. 22 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

23. 23 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

24. 24 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

25. 25 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

26. 26 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

27. 27 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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 Used 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.

28. 28 of 55 Create final list of COPCs with rationale for inclusions Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

29. 29 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

30. 30 of 55 Football Field One-Acre Football Field 30'0"

31. 31 of 55 Spatial Distribution - Football Field

32. 32 of 55 Probability Density Function

33. 33 of 55 Frequency Distribution

34. 34 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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 heterogeneity Tank sludge  Lateral homogeneity/vertical heterogeneity Fill  What information is available about the fill? Concrete  Drivers? Air; Water; Contact Step 1d - State the Problem

35. 35 of 55 M o = M d = M n Normal Mo  Md  MnMo  Md  Mn Lognormal M 0 = mode M d = median M n = mean % of time when x <  is high, (when n is small) Distribution Curves

36. 36 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

37. 37 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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 Overall 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

38. 38 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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 Use 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

39. 39 of 55 CSM Narrative n 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.………………………………………..)

40. 40 of 55 Plan View Section View Former Pad Location Runoff Zone 050100150 ft 0153046 m Former Pad Location Runoff Zone Grade Level 050100150 ft 01530 46 m Vertical not to scale Buffer Zone CSM Spatial Graphical Buffer Zone 40 of 101

41. 41 of 55 Overview of the Receptor Pathway (CSM) Tabular

42. 42 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

43. 43 of 55 Problem Statements n The CSM is used to constrain the problem statement(s) n The Problem Statement(s) allows the planning to be focused on issues that must be resolved with data and makes the problem unambiguous

44. 44 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

45. 45 of 55 Problem Statement Format  General Format:  In order to [achieve one of the objectives of this study] data regarding [general type of contamination] are needed.

46. 46 of 55 n 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. n 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

47. 47 of 55 n 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!)

48. 48 of 55 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.

49. 49 of 55 Step 1 Summary n Comprehensive Scoping is the most important activity n Professional Judgment is the most important skill set n Adequate resources (time, money, people) must be provided for scoping n Adequate resources must be provided for the DQO Process n Identify the decision makers’ objectives, requirements, and concerns upfront n Performing interviews allows the facilitator to understand each decision maker’s objectives, requirements, and concerns n Resolving global issues allows technical staff to focus on providing defensible designs

50. 50 of 55 n Global issues include land use and interpretation of regulations n Logic for inclusion and exclusion of COPCs must be documented n It is possible to greatly decrease the number of COPCs based on sound technical logic n Remember, if there is no receptor there is no risk n CSM is based on Comprehensive Scoping and Professional Judgment n The DQO Process goal is to test the CSM n CSM allows one to focus on problems that are resolved by data/information Step 1 Summary (cont.)

51. 51 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Identify 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

52. 52 of 55 Information INActions 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

53. 53 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Conduct 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

54. 54 of 55 Information INActions Information OUT From Previous Step To Next Step Scoping Process Results Scoping Process Issues Global Issues Resolutions Conceptual Site Model Problem Statement Estimate 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

55. 55 of 55 End of Module 9 Thank you Questions?