The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) integrates all technical and quality aspects of a project, including planning,
implementation, and assessment. The purpose of the QAPP is to document planning results for environmental data operations
and to provide a project-specific “blueprint” for obtaining the type and quality of environmental data needed for a specific decision or use.
The QAPP describes how QAQC procedures are applied to an environmental data operation to assure that the results obtained are of the type
and quality needed and expected. Note: A QAPP is necessary for all federally funded projects that collects data.
Generally, state and federal review and approval is required.
For additional information refer to The Requirements for QAPPs.
This manual describes QAPP preparation for activities conducted and/or funded by EPA.
Other resources include USEPA's New QAPP guidance
for citizen scientist (CS), Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative QAPPs,
WIBs QAPP guidance for §319 projects and
multiple QAPP resources from the RiverNetwork. Additionally, WVDEP's NPS Coordinator can provide examples of approved QAPPs upon request.
Another option for agencies or large NGO programs is the Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPrP). A QAPrP establises policies that define the type of data needed for
program level environmental decisions, and describes the methods for collecting, analyzing and addressing data to support those decisions.
Review EPA's QAPrP guidance at https://www.epa.gov/quality/epa-region-9-guidance-quality-assurance-program-plans-r9qa032
Note: Impaired streams can be removed from the 303(d) list if the data shows water quality standards have been achieved. However, additional steps are needed to ensure de-listing. Learn more.