Evaluation and use of monitoring information obtained for determining compliance with environmental regulations

Abstract To increase the understanding of the significance and utility of compliance monitoring information, a concept of data evaluation is presented. The proposed evaluation technique includes: a) the use of standardized test information fonts, b) calculation (via computer) and printout of data reliability and suitability information, c) the classification of results into one of four use‐categories, and d) a statistical expression of the probability of compliance. Three examples of how this concept could be implemented are provided by considering the evaluation of data for the environmental tests of: acute toxicity, biochemical oxygen demand, and continuous gaseous pollutant concentration.