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Quality Assurance/Quality Control

The way QC protocols are formulated and implemented have significant planning and logistical implications for Triad data collection projects.

Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) dimensions associated with the Triad are discussed in greater detail in the section entitled QA/QC Dimensions. How QC protocols are formulated and implemented have significant planning and logistical implications for Triad data collection projects. The question that needs to be answered for each decision to be made based on real-time results is the level of QC required prior to making decisions. Adequate arrangements (time, staffing, etc.) must be in place to accommodate the minimal data set QC review required to allow decision-making to go forward. The term "minimal QC" is used, recognizing that in some cases decisions can be made on a provisional basis until data verification and validation is complete. For example, selecting new sampling locations based on the analytical results from previous results may require that locational information has been verified as adequate, but not that all analytical QC results have been reviewed. In the case of deciding to backfill an excavated dig-face, however, one would likely require all QA/QC work to be complete and reviewed before back-rilling takes place.



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