Statistical Analysis
Trihydro’s staff has extensive expertise in statistical analysis in a variety of situations including routine compliance monitoring, spatial statistics, and probabilistic risk assessment. While federal and state guidance documents related to statistical evaluations do exist, these frequently only provide a basic outline of approaches. Frequently, statistical expertise is required to implement the guidance in a technically appropriate manner using real data in the real world. Trihydro’s statistical analysis approaches are designed to extract the salient features from the data that are crucial to both the site owner and regulatory agencies, and to do so in the most cost effective way. In addition, because our staff has experience teaching college level statistics, we can demystify the numbers and equations, and increase understanding and comfort among stakeholders.
Trihydro’s staff has extensive expertise in statistical analysis in a variety of situations including routine compliance monitoring, spatial statistics, and probabilistic risk assessment at large complex sites. We work with both small homogeneous data sets and large, heterogeneous data sets with multiple populations. Additionally, we have experience in statistical analysis in a wide range of regulatory settings in several different states and EPA regions.
Given the importance of the remediation and future use decisions that are made at contaminated sites, sound analysis of the environmental data is crucial. Frequently, federal or state statistical guidance documents provide only the basic outlines of statistical approaches, and do not adequately address real site and/or data scenarios. A great strength of Trihydro’s statistical analysis expertise is our ability to develop site specific statistical analysis plans that provide for informed decisions to be made about contaminant occurrence and distribution. In addition, we work as an integral part of a team of forensic chemists, risk assessors, and geologists to address specific and diverse questions with statistical components. We have used statistical analysis in:
- Identifying background concentrations of metals and PAHs in soil
- Alternate source identification
- Natural attenuation demonstrations
- Human health and ecological risk assessments
- Routine detection and compliance monitoring
Our staff has successfully designed detection monitoring programs at sites with remediation systems in place that may mask any leaking of regulated units.
Trihydro’s statistical analysis staff frequently participates in the initial stages of site characterization. This includes design of sampling programs to meet both spatial and numerical Data Quality Objectives (DQOs). We have participated in development of state guidance regarding project DQOs and have designed several sampling plans that meet EPA DQOs.
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