MONITORING AND SAMPLING
Parsons sampling programs achieve a specified level of effectiveness at minimum cost, or an acceptable level of effectiveness at a specified cost. We offer the full spectrum of air, water, and soil monitoring and sampling services including asbestos, lead, chemical agents used for weapons, radiological elements, and biological contaminants.
The magnitude of the sampling effort is clearly defined so time and monetary resources are used effectively. Four criteria are used in choosing sampling locations:
1. Objectives of the study
2. Cost-effectiveness of sampling design
3. Patterns of environmental contamination and variability
4. Practical considerations such as convenience, site accessibility, security of sampling equipment, and political sensitivities
Parsons sampling programs are designed to monitor or characterize ambient concentrations or to collect research data. Objectives may include:
- Assess controls for the release or containment of pollutants
- Detect long-term trends
- Detect unplanned releases or accidents and determine their causes
- Provide a spatial or temporal summary of average or extreme conditions
- Demonstrate or enforce compliance with regulatory standards
- Establish baseline data for future reference or long-term planning
- Determine the extent to which additional data is required
- Assure the public that effluent releases or environmental levels are adequately controlled
- Study the transport of pollutants through the environment by biological receptors
- Determine the cause-and-effect relationships that control the variability of pollution concentrations
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