Setting Environmental Standards: The Statistical Approach to Handling Uncertainty and Variation

Introducing a novel approach to setting environmental pollution standards that allow for proper treatment of uncertainty and variation, this book surveys the forms of standards and proposes a new kind of "statistically verifiable ideal standard." Setting Environmental Standards includes: a current analysis regarding the treatment of uncertainty and variation in environmental standard setting a review of basic principles in standard setting, including costs, actions and effects, and benefits examples where uncertainty and variation have been well-treated in current practice as well as examples where clear deficiencies are apparent specific proposals for the future approach to setting environmental pollution standards - encompassing the anticipated elements of uncertainty and variability The issues discussed serve statisticians as well as those persons involved with environmental standards. Scientists in agencies responsible for setting standards, in organizations advising such agencies or working in industries subject to these standards, will find Setting Environmental Standards an invaluable reference.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Setting Standards: Uncertainty and Variation Terminology Overview of Environmental Standard Setting Sources of Uncertainty and Variation Representation of Uncertainty Some Examples of Statistics at Work Probability and Statistics in Standard-Setting Basic Considerations in Setting Standards Outline of This Chapter Positioning a Standard Ideal and Realizable Standards Acknowledging Variation Statistically Verifiable Ideal Standards Multiple Standards Analyzing Costs and Benefits Current Approaches to Setting a Level Concluding Remarks The Pollutant-Effect Relationship and Other Links Links in the Chain Describing and Measuring the Pollutant-Effect Relationship Recent Major Reviews Selective Overview of Recently Published on Pollutant-Effect Relationships Some Current Less Formal Emphases for Analysing or Categorizing the Pollutant-Effect Relationship Summary Current and Developing Incorporation of Uncertainty and Variability in Standard-Setting Introduction Statistical Pollution Studies Linked to Standards Interests The Changing Scene: Attempts to Incorporate Statistical Arguments in the Setting of Standards Progression Current Standards: Examples The Extent to Which Uncertainty and Variation Are Considered Examples Where Quite Sophisticated Treatment of Uncertainty and Variation Is Employed Examples Which Pay No Regard for Uncertainty and Variation Summary Conclusions: The Current Situation and a Forward Look Broad Principles for Setting Sound Standards The Present Situation A Look Forward Overview

About the Author :
Barnett, V; O'Hagan, A.

Review :
"This book is a report prepared for and at the request of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. The objective is to provide a critical review of the importance of, and the current status of treatment of, uncertainty and variation in environmental standard-setting…The book has six chapters and reflects the constructive and positive outcomes of the workshop." --T. Postelnicu, Zentralblatt Matt, Vol. 942 "For environmental statisticians, the book will provide reinforcement of many of their own thoughts and initiatives, and, for other statisticians, it will provide an introduction to the topic in general…" --S. R. Esterby, Short Book Reviews, for ISI