Which standard governs QA/QC for environmental data collection?

• A. ANSI/ASQC E4-1994
• B. ISO 14001
• C. ISO 9001
• D. ASTM E1527

Answer: (A)

QA/QC for environmental data collection is governed by ANSI/ASQC E4-1994 because this standard provides the specific framework for quality assurance and quality control of environmental data throughout the collection, handling, analysis, and validation processes. It outlines how to plan QA/QC activities, specify equipment calibration and maintenance, implement field and laboratory QC samples, document procedures, assess data quality, and ensure data are usable and defensible for decision-making.

In comparison, ISO 14001 focuses on environmental management systems at an organizational level rather than the detailed QA/QC of data; ISO 9001 covers quality management systems across products and services in general without environmental-data specificity; and ASTM E1527 targets Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for due diligence, not the broader QA/QC requirements for environmental data collection across programs.