QAA,LLC - Representative Projects in Quality Assurance and Litigation Support

Quality Assurance Associates
QAA, L.L.C.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

The following projects for Quality Assurance Services and Litigation Support demonstrate the size and diversity of objectives that can be fulfilled by QAA. The list is not all-inclusive, so please contact us if you are not sure if QAA is suited to your particular project. Also, please feel free to contact us for references. Our experience and dedication to client needs have resulted in an excellent reputation with our present and former clients.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICES PROJECTS

Quality Assurance Services for a Federal Superfund Site

Site: Gulfco Marine Maintenance Federal Superfund Site (Freeport, Texas)
Client: Pastor, Behling, & Wheeler (PBW)
Program: CERCLA Superfund
Tests: Volatiles, Semivolatiles, Metals, Pesticides, PCBs
Samples: Over 500 soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, and fish tissue samples
Function: QAA prepared the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), provided analytical expertise to the environmental firm, coordinated with the laboratory, and completed the Level III or Level IV data validation (primarily electronic) of all samples. During the validation, QAA uncovered an error in the laboratory GC data system that resulted in the reporting of over 130 false positives for pesticides (i.e., the analyte was reported as present when actually not detected). This error was found and the laboratory submitted revised results before decisions were made using the erroneous results, which resulted in significant cost savings.

TCEQ State Superfund Data Validation

Site: San Angelo Electric Service Company (SESCO) Proposed State Superfund Site (San Angelo, Texas)
Client: Tetra Tech
Program: Texas State Superfund
Guidelines: TCEQ Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the Superfund Program (Document Control No. 200919.4)
Tests: Volatiles, Semivolatiles, Metals, PCBs, BTEX/MTBE
Samples: Over 600 soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, NAPL, concrete, and sludge samples
Function: QAA provided oversight and analytical expertise, performed data review/ validation, and prepared Data Usability Summaries (DUS) for the Phase I Remedial Investigation and ongoing additional sampling. QAA also submitted a detailed review of PCB chromatograms to the TCEQ, which the agency deemed clear and helpful in establishing site conditions.

TCEQ TRRP-13 Data Review

Client: Various including Pastor, Behling, & Wheeler, W.E.S.T., Entact Services, Michael Pisani and Associates, and Trinity Environmental
Program: TCEQ TRRP (Texas Risk Reduction Program)
Guidelines: TCEQ Review and Reporting of COC Concentration Data (RG-366/ TRRP-13 December 2002)
Tests: Volatiles, Semivolatiles, TPH, Metals, Pesticides, PCBs, Herbicides, Glycols, Organotin, Wet Chemistry (Nitrate, Sulfate, etc.)
Samples: over 1,000 soil, sediment, groundwater, and fish tissue samples
Function: QAA completed the data review checklists per TRRP13 requirements and prepared a Data Usability Summary (DUS).

USEPA Region 7 Data Validation

Client: Risk Assessment & Management (RAM) Group of Gannett Fleming, Inc.
Program: Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action (MRBCA)
Guidelines: USEPA CLP National Functional Guidelines for Organic Data Review (October 1999) and National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Data Review (October 2004); USEPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS); and USEPA Guidance for Data Useability in Risk Assessment
Tests: Volatiles, Semivolatiles, Alcohols, TPH (Extractables and Gasoline), Arsenic, Chlorinated Pesticides, Organophosphorus Pesticides, Herbicides
Samples: 65 groundwater samples
Function: QAA performed a data validation and review of all data from periodic groundwater monitoring, which will be used for risk assessment, for this complex analytical protocol and difficult sample matrix (due to presence of multi-component pesticide).

TCEQ PST Data Review

Client: Geo Strata Environmental Consultants (State Lead Contractor)
Program: TCEQ PST (Petroleum Storage Tank)
Guidelines: TCEQ PST Program Quality Assurance Project Plan FY2009
Tests: BTEX/MTBE, TPH, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
Samples: over 5000 soil and groundwater samples
Function: QAA completed a data review and prepared a Quality Assurance (QA) Summary.

NPDES Permit Compliance Audit and Data Review

Site: Offshore Drilling Platforms, Louisiana
Client: Major oil company
Program: NPDES Permit Compliance (Permit GMG290000 for Discharges of Synthetic Drilling Fluids)
Guidelines: USEPA CLP National Functional Guidelines (NFG); USEPA Guidance on Evaluation, Resolution, and Documentation of Analytical Problems Associated with Compliance Monitoring (the "pumpkin" book)
Function: QAA assisted the client in complying with the modification to permit GMG29000. QAA developed procedures and performed the first-ever audits of mobile laboratories on eight offshore drilling platforms. QAA also developed procedures and performed data validation of the mud certification laboratory results.

USEPA Region 4 Data Validation

Site: Confidential Superfund Site in West Tennessee
Client: Environmental Resources Management (ERM)
Guidelines: USEPA CLP National Functional Guidelines for Organic Data Review (October 1999) and National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Data Review (October 2004); USEPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS); and USEPA Guidance for Data Useability in Risk Assessment
Tests: Volatiles, Semivolatiles (Appendix 9), Metals, Cyanide, Pesticides, PCBs, Herbicides, Formaldehyde, Carbaryl
Samples: approximately 220 soil, sediment, and groundwater samples
Function: QAA performed a data validation and review of all data for this extensive analytical protocol, which included several analytes that are typically poor performers. The review included the upward adjustment of the reporting limits for several of these analytes, which accounted for low instrument response while allowing use of the data. Additionally, QAA worked with the laboratory in developing a method for GC/MS confirmation of suspect results for pesticides, which showed that several of the results initially confirmed by GC were actually false positives.

LDEQ RECAP Environmental Data Validation and EDD Verification

Site: Former Ardis Works - Anderson Island; Shreveport, LA
Client: Conestoga-Rovers & Associates
Program: LDEQ RECAP (Louisiana's Risk Evaluation Corrective Action Program)
Guidelines: USEPA CLP National Functional Guidelines (NFG); USEPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS); and USEPA Guidance for Data Useability in Risk Assessment
Tests: BTEX, PAH, Criteria Work Group TPH (VPH and EPH), Metals
Samples: approximately 220 soils
Function: QAA completed the data validation, review, and useability determination per RECAP requirements for the Site-Wide Characterization and the AOI Phase I Assessment at this site. QAA also examined and made necessary corrections to the EDD (Electronic Data Deliverable) so that all submitted results were correct and in the appropriate format. Due to the complex nature of the samples, numerous QC issues arose for this project. Through extensive communications with the laboratory, QAA was able to thoroughly document and investigate the analytical difficulties encountered and qualify the data accordingly. QAA's detailed report allowed the user to understand and account for the data qualifications and as a result, the project was able to proceed without re-sampling.

USEPA Region 2 Quick-Turnaround Data Validation

Site: Pedricktown Superfund Site; Pedricktown, NJ
Client: Entact Inc.
Program: CERCLA
Guidelines: USEPA Region II SOP HW-6 for organics data; USEPA Region II SOP HW-2 for metals data; and USEPA Region II SOP No. HW-7 for TCLP data
Tests: Total and TCLP Metals (Lead), Semivolatile Organics (SVOC), Volatile Organics (VOC)
Samples: over 1000 soils and 40 waters
Function: After developing procedures approved by the agency, QAA performed the data validation, review, and suitability determination for all samples at this site. Due to limited space at the site, most of the work required a 24-hour turnaround so that the stabilized material could be immediately disposed of off-site. QAA met this schedule for over 2 years.

GC Raw Data Reprocessing

Site: Confidential
Client: Confidential
Tests: Pesticides, Herbicides, PCB
Function: Using a dedicated computer loaded with Hewlett Packard data processing software (EnviroQuan ChemStation), QAA reprocessed archived GC raw data using standardized integrating techniques. QAA then compared the results to those originally submitted by the analyst to determine if fraudulent practices were used to process the data.

USEPA Region 1 Tier I and Tier III Data Review

Site: Haverhill Landfill; Haverhill, MA
Client: Camp Dresser & McKee Inc.
Program: EPA Region I Remedial Investigation
Guidelines: USEPA Region I Data Validation Functional Guidelines for Organic Analysis; USEPA Region I Data Validation Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Analysis
Tests: VOC, SVOC, Pesticides, PCB, TPH, Metals, Miscellaneous Wet Chemistry
Samples: approximately 130 groundwater and 30 sediment samples
Function: QAA performed a data validation and review of all data from one year of quarterly monitoring in support of a Comprehensive Site Assessment, which included extent of contamination studies and risk assessment. The QAPjP called for a Tier I review on 80% of the data with a Tier III review on 20%. The client stated that the agency representative considered QAA's reports to be excellent.

Resolution of Data Quality Problems for a High Profile Site

Site: Carver Elementary School; Baytown, TX
Client: ERM-Southwest, Inc.
Program: RCRA
Guidelines: USEPA CLP National Functional Guidelines (NFG) and USEPA Guidance for Data Useability in Risk Assessment
Parameters: VOC, SVOC, PAH, Pesticides, PCB, Metals
Samples: approximately 350 groundwater and soil samples
Function: QAA performed a Level IV data validation, review and useability determination in two weeks for 250 samples, which had been collected and analyzed prior to QAA's involvement in the project. Low internal standard areas were reported for several of the samples, which indicated reduced instrument sensitivity and thus indefensible reporting limits. After communication with the laboratory, QAA obtained the data necessary to calculate defensible reporting limits for each specific sample using a technique similar to that used for dioxin analysis, thereby eliminating the need for resampling. For the second phase of the project, QAA coordinated with the laboratory and instituted corrective actions that raised the completeness for QC tests from approximately 65% before QAA involvement to over 90% after QAA involvement.

· Total Quality Assurance Services for a Superfund Site

Site: French Limited Superfund Site; Crosby, TX
Client: French Limited Task Group
Program: CERCLA
Function: QAA contracted to provide all QA services for this site, which resulted in cost savings, increased data reliability and enhanced project image. Services performed include:

Preparation of the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPjP), which was reviewed by the EPA and rated exemplary in nearly all respects
Selection of the subcontractor laboratories and preparation of the laboratory contract, which allowed for the recovery of $350,000 in late delivery penalties
Centralized management of all sample, analytical, and QA data using an electronic database designed and implemented by QAA
Electronic data validation of approximately 8,000 samples (air, water, sludge, and soil), which reduced labor costs compared to manual validation by 75%
Evaluation and interpretation of analytical data, which resulted in a refinement notice that reduced the air-monitoring costs by 70% while still meeting project goals to protect the public health
Quality assurance oversight and auditing of subcontractor laboratories

LITIGATION SUPPORT PROJECTS

Automobile Cooling System Failure Analysis

Client: Duncan, Green, Brown, Langeness, and Eckley, P.C.; Des Moines, IA
Contact: Matt Duncan
Case: Confidential
Representing: Plaintiff
Function: QAA completed a literature search then sampled automobile coolants, identified analyses to be performed, selected the analytical laboratory, and coordinated the analytical effort. QAA is currently in the process of interpreting the results to determine the cause of corrosion in 900 vehicles and identify the source of contamination.
Disposition: Pending

Medical Equipment Personal Injury Claim

Client: Holtkamp, Leise, Beckemeier, and Childress; St. Louis, MO
Contact: Gil Beckemeier, Jr.
Case: Abtox vs. various plaintiffs
Representing: Defendant
Function: Plaintiffs alleged that a surgical instrument sterilizer sold by Abtox formed deposits on ophthalmic instruments, which caused eye injuries upon use. QAA managed a team of experts and gathered, catalogued, evaluated, and summarized scores of documents in a searchable database for easy reference. Extensive knowledge was gained on FDA procedures for approval of medical devices and hospital sterilization procedures. QAA developed and performed an experimental testing protocol to study deposit formation and determine origin and composition.
Disposition: Settled

Pesticide Exposure Personal Injury Claim

Client: Holtzman, Urqhuart, & Moore, P.C.; Houston, TX
Contact: John Ghezzi and Laura Santos
Case: Confidential
Representing: Defendant
Function: QAA completed a data validation, review, and suitability determination of pesticide data serving as the basis for a personal injury claim by the plaintiff. Data discredited for lack of quality control and mis-interpretation.
Disposition: Settled in favor of defendant

Fate and Effects of Chemical Contamination

Client: Campbell and Associates; Houston, TX for Bickle & Brewer, Attorneys; Dallas TX
Contact: Michael D. Campbell
Case: IMC Global vs. Angus Chemical Company
Representing: Defendant
Function: QAA completed a data validation, review, and suitability determination of site chemical characterization data. Evaluated depositions and literature citations pertaining to fate and effects of 2-nitropropane contamination. Prepared written report on fate and effects of 2-nitropropane, acetone, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Disposition: Pending

Chemical Exposure from Automobile Fire

Client: Francis W. Weir, Ph.D.; Houston, TX for Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell; Miami, TX
Contact: Dr. Frank Weir and Hayden Dempsey
Case: Lee Marks vs. Saab Cars, U.S.A.
Representing: Defendant
Function: QAA evaluated deposition of plaintiff's expert. Evaluated literature gathered on sampling and analysis methods for isocyanates, degradation of isocyanates, and thermal stability of isocyanates. Designed and performed experiments to measure isocyanate evolution from polyurethane. Prepared written report.
Disposition: Jury found in favor of defendant

Fingerprint Source Identification

Client: Vinson & Elkins, Attorneys at Law; Houston, TX
Contact: Scott Hooper
Case: Texaco, Inc. vs. Colonial Pipeline
Representing: Defendant
Function: Plaintiff claimed analysis of soot particles collected near a pipeline could be used to identify source of material burned in a pipeline fire. QAA evaluated current literature and applied experience in GC and GC/MS pattern recognition (fingerprinting) to refute this claim. Verbal report.
Disposition: Settled in favor of defendant

Fire Site Investigation

Client: Clayton and Associates; League City, TX and Donato and Associates, Attorneys at Law; Houston, TX
Contact: Judd Clayton and Randy Donato
Case: Houston Distribution Warehouse Fire Site Investigation
Representing: Plaintiff
Function: This fire occurred at a chemical storage warehouse and produced a hazardous waste site. As a member of the fire site investigation team representing warehouse depositories, QAA was responsible for sample collection, storage, and analysis. Site investigation was conducted in Class B (self contained breathing apparatus) personal protective gear. QAA served as consultant/ expert witness to correlate laboratory analysis results to cause and origin based on research of chemical reactivity of stored products and development of chemical reaction pathways under fire conditions.
Disposition: Pending

Laboratory Performance Evaluation (PE) Samples

Client: Bastianelli, Brown, and Touhey, Attorneys at Law; Washington, DC
Contact: Charles Reifel
Case: Flint Environmental et al vs. US Environmental Protection Agency
Representing: Plaintiff
Function: Plaintiffs sued EPA to recover laboratory analysis, incinerator lease, and associated operating costs that had been withheld due to alleged failure of the laboratory to produce acceptable results for incinerator trial burn performance evaluation samples. QAA served as consultant/ expert witness on dioxin sampling and analysis procedures, EPA regulations, methods comparison, incinerator sampling procedures, and all associated quality control practices. Prepared report and assisted counsel in presenting plaintiff's case to EPA. Received letter of commendation.
Disposition: Settled in favor of plaintiff

Occupational Exposure Personal Injury Claim

Client: Caldwell Fletcher, Attorney at Law; Houston, TX
Contact: Caldwell Fletcher
Case: Carolyn Fairweather vs. Georgia Gulf Corporation
Representing: Plaintiff
Function: Ms. Fairweather claimed personal injury due to exposure to phenol and other harmful chemicals while working in the Pasadena laboratory of Georgia Gulf. QAA performed an audit of the laboratory for violations of the OSHA Laboratory Standard and prepared a report of findings. Dr. Donald A. Flory of QAA testified on findings at a TEC (Texas Employment Commission) hearing.
Disposition: Settled in favor of plaintiff

Chemical Pathways of Toxic Chemicals from Automobile Fire

Client: Liebert, Short & Hirshland, Attorneys at Law; Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Eric Weiss and Philip D. Priore
Case: Moore vs. Chrysler
Representing: Defendant
Function: QAA evaluated depositions and laboratory data for blood analysis offered as evidence for personal injury suffered by plaintiff as a result of a car fire. Data discredited for lack of quality control and mis-interpretation. QAA evaluated chemical pathways for producing toxic chemicals from non-toxic freons under the conditions of the fire. Prepared and submitted sworn affidavit. Assisted attorney in preparing for cross-examination of plaintiff's witnesses. Dr. Donald A. Flory of QAA testified in court.
Disposition: Jury found in favor of defendant