Tuesday, December 2, 2003

Agenda Day 1

Managing Uncertainty and Systematic Planning for Environmental Decision Making

3-Day DQO Training

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII
Conference Room
901 North Fifth Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7258

Presented by:

Sebastian Tindall - DQO Coordinator, BHI, Richland, WA

8:00 AM - 8:40 AM   Introductions of Class Members

The members of the class will be asked to introduce themselves, who they represent, and why they are attending and/or what they hope to get out of the training.

8:40 AM - 9:00 AM   Module 0: Introduction to Course and Module Objectives, Agenda, and Key Concepts
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module briefly discusses the mission to institutionalize the DQO Process throughout the DOE complex and provides an overview and presents the day's agenda, the objectives of each of the day's 9 modules, the contents of the Appendices, and the course evaluation form.

9:00 AM - 9:20 AM   Module 1: Evolution of the DQO Concept
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module illustrates how the DQO Process has matured over time from a qualitative concept to a practical implementation.

9:20 AM - 9:30 AM   Morning Break

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM   Module 2: EPA Inspector General Audit Reports
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module will highlight findings from EPA Inspector General Audit Reports. We will also show that EPA itself has not been implementing the DQO Process properly and present EPA's new commitment to a systematic planning process for environmental decision-making.

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM   Module 3: How Many Samples Do I Need - Part 1
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Sampling and analysis methods are used to estimate the true condition of site. However, estimation introduces uncertainty into the decision-making process. This uncertainty can be managed through planning so that you can "do it and prove it" efficiently and effectively. Concepts in Module 3 include census versus estimates and the DPGD.

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM   Module 4: Key Concepts Underlying DQOs and VSP
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Using innovative, interactive demonstrations, the class will become familiar with the important and often critical environmental sampling statistical concepts in order to develop defensible sampling designs.

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM   LUNCH BREAK

1:00 PM - 1:35 PM   Module 5: How Many Samples Do I Need - Part 2
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Concepts in Module 5 include the UCL, sample representativeness, the TRIAD approach, and need for knowing the distributions of contaminants in formulating sampling designs.

1:35 PM - 1:40 PM   First Afternoon "Stretch" Break

1:40 PM - 2:15 PM   Module 6: How Many Samples Do I Need - Part 3
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Ramsey's Rules, the concept of Fundamental Error, and an introduction to Multi-Increment sampling are presented in this module.

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM   Second Afternoon Break

2:30 PM - 3:10 PM   Module 7: Introduction to the EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Steps 1-4)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module introduces the first four steps in the EPA 7-Step DQO Process. Each step is discussed in terms of the information that is needed to begin the step, the actions that need to be performed, and the information that is needed to conclude a given step and begin the next step.

3:10 PM - 3:50 PM   Module 8: Introduction to the EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Steps 5-7)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall
This module introduces the last three steps in the EPA 7-Step DQO Process. Each step is discussed in terms of the information that is needed to begin the step, the actions that need to be performed, and the information that is needed to conclude a given step and begin the next step.

3:50 PM - 4:30 PM   Module 9: DQO Implementation Process Flow and Wall Charts
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

The work process flow diagram for implementing the DQO process is discussed. Pivotal elements of this process are getting the key decision-makers involved both early and often, and keeping meetings to a minimum.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2003

Agenda Day 2

Managing Uncertainty and Systematic Planning for Environmental Decision Making

3-Day DQO Training

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII
Conference Room
901 North Fifth Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7258

Presented by:

Sebastian Tindall - DQO Coordinator, BHI, Richland, WA

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM   Module 10: Introduction & Agenda and Objectives
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module briefly discusses the mission to institutionalize the DQO Process throughout the DOE complex and provides an overview and presents the day's agenda, the objectives of each of today's 5 modules and 4 exercises.

8:15 AM - 9:45 AM   Module 11: The EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Step 1 - State the Problem)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module presents the EPA 7-Step DQO Process in detail, with both general and specific examples. Each step is discussed in terms of the information that is needed to begin the step, the actions that need to be performed, and the information that is needed to conclude a given step and begin the next step. Step 1 is covered in this Module. A case study is carried through the 7-Step DQO Process in today's class.

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM   Morning Break

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM   Exercise 0 - Introduction to Statistical Concepts: Demonstrations and Simulations
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Fundamental concepts necessary for the understanding of managing uncertainty and development of statistical sampling designs are presented to the students in the form of "hands-on" demonstrations, slides, and computer simulations.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM   Module 12: The EPA 7-Step Process (Step 2 - Identify the Decisions)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module presents the EPA 7-Step DQO Process in detail. Step 2 is covered in this Module.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM   Exercise 1 - Populations, Histograms, Range, & Simulations
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This exercise introduces a bag of 450 colored beads to represent a target contaminant population. Students will take a sample of five beads and construct a histogram and find the sample range. Data will also be combined to observe what happens when the sample is 50 beads. Computer simulations provide the results of repeated sampling.

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM   Lunch Break

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM   Module 13: The EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Step 3 - Identify Inputs)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module presents the EPA 7-Step DQO Process in detail. Step 3 is covered in this Module.

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM   Exercise 2 - Hypothesis Testing for Alpha Error Using X-Bar
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Students conduct hypothesis tests on samples of beads using the sample average as the test statistic. Students will gain understanding of alpha error rate. This exercise provides a hands-on example of a typical alpha error rate. Computer simulations will illustrate this exercise.

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM   Afternoon Break

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM   Module 14: The EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Step 4)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module presents the EPA 7-Step DQO Process in detail. Step 4 is covered in this Module.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM   Exercise 3 - Hypothesis Testing for Alpha Error Using the 95% UCL
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Students conduct hypothesis tests on samples of beads using the 95% UCL as the test statistic. Computer simulations illustrate this exercise.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM   Module 15: The EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Step 5)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module presents the EPA 7-Step DQO Process in detail. Step 5 is covered in this Module.

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Thursday, December 4, 2003

Agenda Day 3

Managing Uncertainty and Systematic Planning for Environmental Decision Making

3-Day DQO Training

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII
Conference Room
901 North Fifth Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7258

Presented by:

Sebastian Tindall - DQO Coordinator, BHI, Richland, WA

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM   Module 16: Introduction & Agenda and Objectives
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module briefly discusses the mission to institutionalize the DQO Process throughout the DOE complex and provides an overview and presents the day's agenda and the objectives of each of today's 9 modules and 2 exercises.

8:15 AM - 8:45 AM   Exercise 4 - Hypothesis Testing: Beta Error
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Students conduct hypothesis tests on samples of beads using the 95% UCL as the test statistic. Here the true mean of the population equals the Lower Bound of the Gray Region and thus this exercise provides a hands-on example of a beta error rate. Computer simulations illustrate this exercise.

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM   Module 17: The EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Step 6)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

The presentation of the EPA 7-Step DQO Process, in detail, is continued. Step 6 is covered in this session.

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM   Morning Break

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM   Exercise 5 - Hypothesis Testing for Clean & Dirty Sites
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Students conduct hypothesis test on samples of beads using the 95% UCL as the test statistic. Here populations from a clean and a dirty site will be tested. Computer simulations illustrate this exercise.

10:30 AM - 12:00 AM   Module 18: The EPA 7-Step DQO Process (Step 7)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

The presentation of the EPA 7-Step DQO Process, in detail, is continued. Step 7 is covered in this session.

12:00 AM - 1:15 PM LUNCH BREAK

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM   Module 19: Discussion: EPA 7-Step DQO Process
Presenters: Sebastian Tindall

Students will be given the opportunity to discuss their impressions, questions, and concerns regarding the EPA 7-Step Process and the Case Study presented in Steps 1-7.

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM   Module 20: DOE Hanford DQO Web Page and DQO
e-Workbook
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

This module takes the class on a tour of the DOE Hanford DQO Web Page, displaying and demonstrating the many DQO materials and tools developed to support the DQO Process. In addition we will demonstrate the DQO Electronic Template (DQO e-Workbook), based on EPA QA/G4, as a method to document your DQO Process.

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM   Afternoon Break

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM   Module 21: Introduction to Visual Sample Plan & Applications
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

The development of a sample plan involves evaluating trade-offs between decision error, sampling costs, and remediation costs. Visual Sample Plan software provides a quick and easy way to visualize the impacts of various sample designs.

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM   Module 22: Field Analytical Methods (FAM)
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Success in managing uncertainty may depend on using a robust field analytical approach. Surface and sub-surface imaging using Direct Push Technology, Sensor Technology, and On-Site Analytical methods can greatly assist in making defensible decisions. FATE, hosted by the EPA TIO, is an online encyclopedia intended to provide information about technologies that can be used in the field. FRTR FSAT Matrix works to build a collaborative atmosphere among federal agencies involved in hazardous waste site cleanup.

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM   Module 23: Visual Decision Suite & Visual Decision Tutor
Presenter: Sebastian Tindall

Visual Decision Suite software is being developed to provide managers with automated decision-making tools to accelerate site cleanup and closures. The latest beta version of Visual Decision Tutor will be also demonstrated.

4:15 PM - 4:30 PM   Module 24: Closing Remarks
Presenters: Sebastian Tindall

Key points to remember are summarized in this module. They all highlight how the DQO process helps you create order out of the chaos of regulations and requirements that surround collecting and analyzing environmental data and lead you to defensible decision-making.