ASTM International and the Building of Consensus Standards in Support of Environmental Laboratories

Crafting Consensus Methods for Environmental Sampling and Measurement
Oral Presentation

Prepared by R. Dominguez
South Coast AQMD, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, 91765, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 909-396-2225


ABSTRACT

ASTM International offers a structured, consensus-based approach for developing standardized and internationally recognized test methods, practices and guidelines for a wide range of industries, including those interested in environmental measurements. ASTM’s environmental standards address atmospheric analysis, sampling procedures, environmental assessment and risk management, toxicology, waste management, and water testing. This presentation starts with an overview the ASTM consensus process and relevance to stakeholders and society followed by a brief discussion on the importance of standards with respect to fulfilling federal United States requirements under the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NATTA) and other governmental requirements will be provided.

Discussion continues with presentation of the structure and activity occurring under ASTM D22 on Air Quality and ASTM D34 on Waste Management. Representative activities underway within these committees will be presented to provide insight into how the ASTM process can accelerate standards and methods development in fields where measurement technology and stakeholder needs are outpacing the capacity of regulatory agencies. The presentation concludes with an emphasis on the importance of contributions from users in the building of consensus standards and an invitation to attendees to join ASTM D22 or D34 in their efforts to produce high quality standards with high relevancy to the environmental laboratory community.