QA - Pb Analysis Audit

Requirements for the Pb (lead) analysis audit program can be found in 40 CFR Part 58 Appendix A section 3.4.6.

Each laboratory analyzing Pb filters receives Pb strips that are prepared with a known amount of Pb. The Pb strips can be supplied by USEPA (OAQPS), or made by the PQAO’s analyzing laboratory.

The analyzing laboratory analyzes the strip and reports the mass to the PQAO (or reporting organization) for entry into AQS. The known mass, and the analyzing laboratory’s determination of the mass, comprise the pair of values submitted on the transaction, and are used to calculate QA statistics.

Pb strips should be analyzed every quarter (or sampling quarter for PSD). Three samples in each of 2 ranges are required every quarter, distributed over the quarter evenly. The ranges are defined as equivalent ambient Pb concentrations of:

Threshold Values for the Pattern Tests

Parameter

Range

Equivalent ambient Pb concentration (ug/m3)

Acceptable Levels

TSP LC (14129)

1

30 - 100% of Pb NAAQS

4 - 40 ug/strip[1]

TSP LC (14129)

2

200 - 300% of Pb NAAQS

41 - 125 ug/strip

PM10 LC (85129)

1

30 - 100% of Pb NAAQS

1 - 4 ug/filter

PM10 LC (85129)

2

200 - 300% of Pb NAAQS

5 - 11 ug/filter

[1]Acceptable audit levels based on assessment of various monitoring organizations.

Format

QA - Pb Analysis Audit transaction format

Seq.

Name

Description

Formatting Rules

Required

Key

1

Transaction Type

Quality Assurance transaction identifier.

Must = QA

Always

2

Action Indicator

Indicator for Insert, Update, or Delete action.

Must = I, U, or D

Always

3

Assessment Type

Indicates the specific QA assessment associated with the transaction.

Must = Pb Analysis Audit

Always

Y

4

Performing Agency Code

Agency Code of organization performing assessment.

Must exist in AGENCIES reference table.

Always

5

PQAO Code

Agency Code of organization responsible for the quality of data for Monitoring Organization.

Must exist in AGENCIES Reference Table.

Always

6

Parameter Code

The AQS parameter code assigned to the monitor in AQS.

Must exist in PARAMETERS reference table.

Always

Y

7

Assessment Date

Date that the assessment was performed

YYYYMMDD.

Always

Y

8

Assessment Number

A unique number associated with an assessment performed at a site on a given day. Value should be “1” unless additional same assessments are performed.

Integer.

Always

Y

9

Reported Unit Code

Units for mass of lead on test strip. Required by Part 58.3.3.4.(c) to be unit code 077 (micrograms).

Must = 077

Unless Delete

10

Laboratory Response Value 1

The mass of lead reported by lab for level 1.

Decimal.

Insert

11

Assessment Mass 1

The known mass of lead on the test strip for level 1.

Decimal (must be in range of mass values for audit level 1 in AUDIT LEVELS table in database).

Insert

12

Laboratory Response Value 2

The mass of lead reported by lab for level 2.

Decimal.

Insert

13

Assessment Mass 2

The known mass of lead on the test strip for level 2.

Decimal (must be in range of mass values for audit level 1 in AUDIT LEVELS table in database).

Insert