For many, an environmental laboratory is a black box – samples go in, and numbers come out. But there are some basic questions that each data user should ask.
Is My Sample Representative of the Site?
Did the Laboratory Use a Representative Sub-Sample?
Is the Data Subject to Any Errors or Bias?
Obtaining reliable environmental analytical data on which to base critical decisions is the ultimate goal for regulated entities, parties involved in litigation, or businesses responsible for environmental remedial activities. A well-developed approach to laboratory data improves technical quality, customer service, laboratory consistency, and cost efficiency while providing a mechanism to simplify contracting practices. We have developed (and are currently maintaining) laboratory programs for numerous clients, many of whom realize a 20 to 30 percent annual savings in analytical costs. Our professionals assess your needs, identify candidate laboratories, perform on-site laboratory audits, oversee performance evaluation studies, and develop comprehensive technical requests for proposals and evaluate laboratory responses.
Project Quality Assurance Plan
A comprehensive QAPP leads to consistent quality of field sampling efforts and generation of reliable analytical data. Environmental Standards has prepared project-specific QAPPs by carefully documenting the sampling and analysis quality assurance and quality control procedures necessary to achieve project data quality objectives. We avoid the pitfalls – such as delays, excessive costs, and jeopardizing an industry’s relationship with regulators – of submitting a deficient QAPP for agency review.
Laboratory Audits
Laboratory audits are an important tool for assessing liabilities that may arise from using a commercial laboratory. Our Chemistry Quality Assurance Department has performed hundreds of audits of laboratories in North America, Central and South America, and Europe on behalf of industrial clients, potentially responsible party committees, and engineering firms. These rigorous audits may exceed regulatory-based and ISO Standard 17025 requirements.
Data Validation
Analytical results that are generated from environmental samples become the basis for assessments and remedial decisions. The degree to which data are valid can make the difference between a correct assessment and an unnecessary cleanup effort. We examine raw data to determine if a particular analysis conforms to client, method, and regulatory agency specifications. Our data validation offers justification and reassurance that analytical data are usable for their intended purpose and will withstand rigorous litigation proceedings or agency scrutiny.
