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

Building Consensus Methods to Support Environmental Laboratories
Oral Presentation

Prepared by R. Dominguez1, D. Elam Jr2
1 - South Coast AQMD/ASTM D22, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA, 91765, United States
2 - TRC, 5540 Centerview Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC, 27606, United States


Contact Information: rdominguez@aqmd.gov; 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. An overview of the organization including history, goals, membership, the ASTM consensus process, and the relevance of ASTM test methods, practices and guidelines to environmental laboratories and other stakeholders is provided.

Discussion continues with presentation of the structure and activity occurring under ASTM D22 on Air Quality. This committee focuses on the development and maintenance of test methods, practices, and guidelines for air quality determinations including sampling procedures. Representative activities underway within this committee 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 in its efforts to produce high quality standards with high relevancy to the environmental laboratory community.