(1) The purpose of this chapter is to assure that chemical, physical, biological, microbiological and toxicological data used by the Department are appropriate and reliable, and are collected and analyzed by scientifically sound procedures. To this end, this chapter defines the minimum field and laboratory quality assurance, methodological and reporting requirements of the Department.
    (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this rule, this chapter shall apply to all programs, projects, studies or other activities that are required by the Department, and that involve the measurement, use or submission of environmental data or reports to the Department. This chapter shall apply to all entities that participate in the process of generating environmental data. This process includes, but is not limited to: field activities (sample collection, sample preservation, field measurements, and site evaluation); sample handling, storage and/or transport (except common carriers); laboratory activities (e.g., sample receipt, analysis, data review and data validation); additional data review, summaries or data presentation activities; and all activities that impact data quality such as providing sample containers, instrument calibration services, or reagents and standards (except commercial vendors).
    (3) Programs, projects, studies or activities pertaining to air quality, meteorology, atmospheric radiation, atmospheric noise, electric and magnetic fields or air pollutant emissions, and having no requirements for monitoring contamination of soil, water, or tissue are excluded from the scope of this chapter. These excluded activities include those specified in Chapters 62-204, 62-210, 62-212, 62-213, 62-214, 62-252, 62-296 and 62-297 (Air Resources Management), F.A.C.
    (4) The provisions of this chapter shall take precedence over quality assurance requirements in any other Department rule except as otherwise specifically provided for elsewhere in this chapter. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent additional or more stringent requirements imposed by any specific contract, order, permit, or Title 62 rules.
    (5) All local and state programs or other organizations with delegated responsibility for Department activities shall assure that the Quality Assurance requirements of this chapter are met for the specified activities.
    (6) If specifically required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for activities conducted for or funded by the EPA, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) shall be prepared in accordance with “”EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans, EPA QA/R-5,”” which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(4), F.A.C. These QAPPs will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate EPA office or the Department, when delegated to the Department by EPA for specific activities.
    (7) This chapter supports the DEP Quality Management Plan required by the EPA for any environmental programs funded in part or in whole by the EPA.
    (8) All requirements specified in this chapter shall take effect on the date that this chapter is effective. Quality assurance requirements in Department contracts, orders or permits issued or entered into prior to the effective date of this chapter shall remain in effect until such contracts, orders or permits are modified or renewed.
Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History-New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.110, Amended 3-24-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08, 7-30-14, 4-16-18.