ASTM International and the Building of Consensus Standards Supporting Environmental and Analytic Laboratories

Crafting Consensus Methods for Environmental Sampling and Measurement
Oral Presentation

Prepared by R. Dominguez
South Coast AQMD, 13096 Le Parc, Unit 74, Chino Hills, CA, 91709, 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 standards address atmospheric analysis, sampling procedures, environmental assessment and risk management, toxicology, waste management, renewable fuel composition, fuel quality, and water testing. This presentation presents 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 and other governmental entity requirements under the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NATTA).

Discussion continues with presentation of the structure and example activity of potential interest to environmental laboratories occurring in ASTM committees D22 on Air Quality, D03 on Gaseous Fuels, and D34 on Waste Management. Example 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, D03, or D34 in their efforts to produce high quality standards with high relevancy to the environmental laboratory community.