This guidance is designed to improve quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) for model applications, especially in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program.

A QAPP template, companion checklist and example QAPP are provided for writing QAPPs for model applications. The template may be used for writing a generic QAPP or project-specific QAPPs. Included in the template document are internet links for EPA guidance and other state-of-the-art technical references on quality assurance and good modeling practices.

The checklist helps QAPP writers track the completeness of their work and may assist QAPP reviewers by readily identifying missing information. The QAPP template and checklist outline defines specific information that should be compiled in the plan including:

Identification of model selection and model fit to problem; Notification of changes to model code; Use of independent data sets for model calibration; Identification of calibration stop criteria; Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses; and Modeling Report requirements

The example QAPP is from the above generic template and contains quality assurance specifications. It is an example using the Total Maximum Daily Load Program. It may also be used for other programs and projects.

You may save the template and checklist to your computer, and fill them with information at your leisure. You may also fill them with the information on screen and then save to your computer.

• Template document here (DOC)(18 pp, 207 K)
• Checklist document here (XLS)(20 pp, 51 K)
• Example (populated) QAPP here (DOC)(77 pp, 1 MB)