EPA Region 3 Data Validation
EPA Region 3 has discontinued the use of its Innovative Approaches to Data Validation (1995) and Modifications to the National Functional Guidelines (1994). We are currently validating Superfund Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) data according to the Superfund Program's National Functional Guidelines.
All CLP data automatically undergoes data review and assessment via the Electronic Data Exchange and Evaluation System (EXES) which also enables Region 3 to eliminate its "zero validation" option.
Given these changes, Region 3 has renamed its tiered system of data validation. The following table visually represents a cross-walk of the former validation level nomenclature to the current nomenclature, which was derived from the National Contract Laboratory Program's Guidance for Labeling Externally Validated Laboratory Analytical Data for Superfund Use.
| Old Level | New Name | Summary | Superfund Stage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM-1 or Zero Level | INORGANIC LEVEL 1 | QC, false negatives, detection limits | Stage 2B Validation Electronic and Manual | S2BVEM |
| IM-2 | INORGANIC LEVEL 2 | CLP National Functional Guidelines with Region 3 Modification (Use of ‘B’ qualifier) | Stage 4 Validation Electronic and Manual | S4VEM |
| M-1 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| M-2 or Zero Level | ORGANIC LEVEL 1 | QC, false negatives, detection limits | Stage 3 Validation Electronic and Manual | S3VEM |
| M-3 | ORGANIC LEVEL 2 | CLP National Functional Guidelines with Region 3 Modification (Use of ‘B’ qualifier) | Stage 4 Validation Electronic and Manual | S4VEM |
Region 3 Data Validation Guidelines
- Dioxin/Furan Data Validation Guidance
- National Functional Guidelines for Data Review - Superfund Contract Laboratory Program Data Review Guidelines, containing information on the National Functional Guidelines used to complete data review for organic (multilevel and low concentration), inorganic and dioxin data
- PCB Congener Data Validation Guidance