While Triad QA/QC details are distinctly different than those associated with traditional CERCLA or RCRA activities, the role of QA/QC is the same. In both cases, appropriate QA/QC assures that data are of sufficient quality to support decisions that need to be made at the level of confidence required.

Triad QA/QC programs differ from traditional CERCLA and RCRA programs in three key ways. First, some of the real-time analytical techniques employed by the Triad are typically non-standard, and as such may require additional attention to make sure appropriate QA/QC has been defined. Second, real-time analytical techniques employed by the Triad may not be immediately accepted by regulatory agencies, or may raise questions about site-specific performance capabilities. In these settings, there may be the need to conduct demonstration of methods applicability before the real-time techniques are routinely deployed. Third, the availability of real-time data provides the ability to adjust QA/QC requirements for Triad programs while work is underway. For example, at the initiation of a project there may be a relatively higher level and frequency of QA/QC checks on real-time results until sufficient confidence has been gained in system performance, with QA/QC then adjusted to reflect that higher level of confidence. Conversely, real-time QA/QC data may flag potential data quality concerns that require an increase in QA/QC review and/or modifications to the real-time measurement systems used. These types of QA/QC programs are termed "focused QA/QC."