Defensible Data Begins with Proper Field Protocols Check Access

Environmental Forensics is a valuable tool for obtaining scientifically proven, court admissible evidence in environmental litigation. While an investigation into laboratory procedures is warranted for any chemical analysis, the manner in which the analyzed sample was collected and handled in the field should also be evaluated. If a sample is not properly collected, preserved, and transported in the field, even the best of laboratory practices and analytical methods cannot deliver accurate and reliable data. To ensure the most usable analytical data, the sample team should plan proper sample quantity and quality controls, along with proper sample collection and handling procedures. This chapter presents the purpose, process, and benefit to data quality by implementing these procedures.