The compendium is divided in four sections. The first section addresses the application and uses of monitoring data. While many of the monitoring methods have been developed for purposes other than monitoring at Superfund sites, the first section addresses applications within the Superfund decision making process, and not the broader area of marine or aquatic environmental monitoring. The monitoring methods are presented in three sections by the matrix being monitored water, sediment, and biota. Each of these sections contains separate subsections on sampling methods and immediate field processing, chemistry and physical analysis methods, and biological analysis methods. In situ data collection methods are presented in the sampling methods section. Some of the methods, particularly the chemistry methods, are applicable to more than one matrix and, thus, have been presented more than once.

"November 2003." "EPA/600/R-03/065."