Data collection activities performed for the Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are divided into four categories, depending on the intended use of the data. Quality Assurance (QA) Project Plans are written to ensure that project needs will be met and that quality control procedures are sufficient for obtaining data of known quality. The level of QA required, however, depends on the project category selected for a given project. Projects that produce results for the purpose of assessing suppositions are identified as Category IV projects. 'Pure' research and development projects frequently fit into the category. To assist professional scientists and engineers in preparing QA Project Plans, separate guidance manuals in an easy-to-read format have been developed for each category. The Category IV manual contains detailed descriptions of each of the 5 required elements of a Category IV QA Project Plan. Also included are definitions and explanations of frequently used terms, examples of QA forms and charts, sample equations and numerous types of tables suggested for summarizing information.

"EPA/600-8-91-006." "February 1991." Includes bibliographical references (page 35).