Citation:

Black, K. SMARTe Site Characterization Tool. In: SMARTe20ll, EPA/600/C-10/007. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2010.

Impact/Purpose:

The purpose of the Site Characterization Tool is to: (1) develop a sample design for collecting site characterization data and (2) perform data analysis on uploaded data.

Description:

The purpose of the Site Characterization Tool is to: (1) develop a sample design for collecting site characterization data and (2) perform data analysis on uploaded data. The sample design part helps to determine how many samples should be collected to characterize a site with potential contamination. SMARTe allows the user to import a map and overlay the sampling locations on their map. Cost estimates for the sampling activities and uploading of any existing data are included. The data analysis part of the Site Characterization Tool enables you to upload site characterization data, and view it using exploratory data analyses. Typically site characterization data are statistically evaluated for two decision endpoints of interest: (a) background comparisons; and (b) risk assessment. The SMARTe tool offers standard statistical methods for performing both of these decision endpoints. Statistical evaluation of background comparisons are used to determine if site chemical concentrations are greater than background levels. Statistical support for risk assessment involves estimating concentration source terms for use in human health or ecological risk assessment, or performing Classical one-sample statistical tests to determine if the site concentration data are greater or less than a risk threshold concentration.

(HOW TO FIND––www.SMARTe.org
Other-→Fact Sheets-→Site Characterization-→SMARTe Site Characterization Tool)