A Three-Tiered Approach to Long Term Monitoring Program Optimization |
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Authors: | Carolyn Nobel John W. Anthony |
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Affiliation: | 1. Parsons , 1700 Broadway, Suite 900 , Denver , CO , 80290 , USA;2. Mitretek Systems , 7720 E. Belleview Avenue, Greenwood Village , CO , 80111 , USA |
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Abstract: | Long term monitoring optimization (LTMO) has proved a valuable method for reducing costs, assuring proper remedial decisions are made, and streamlining data collection and management requirements over the life of a monitoring program. A three-tiered approach for LTMO has been developed that combines a qualitative evaluation with an evaluation of temporal trends in contaminant concentrations, and a spatial statistical analysis. The results of the three evaluations are combined to determine the degree to which a monitoring program addresses the monitoring program objectives, and a decision algorithm is applied to assess the optimal frequency of monitoring and spatial distribution of the components of the monitoring network. Ultimately, application of the three-tiered method can be used to identify potential modifications in sampling locations and sampling frequency that will optimally meet monitoring objectives. To date, the three-tiered approach has been applied to monitoring programs at 18 sites and has been used to identify a potential average reduction of over one-third of well sampling events per year. This paper discusses the three-tiered approach methodology, including data compilation and site screening, qualitative evaluation decision logic, temporal trend evaluation, and spatial statistical analysis, illustrated using the results of a case study site. Additionally, results of multiple applications of the three-tiered LTMO approach are summarized, and future work is discussed. |
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Keywords: | long term monitoring network optimization Mann-Kendall temporal trends geostatistics kriging |
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