Introduction to Reporting Limits

Reporting limits (RLs) are crucial to environmental project planning and the production, review, and assessment of analytical data. A failure to consider RLs in any of these stages may result in data that are neither scientifically nor legally defensible. Because each environmental project has a unique set of objectives, analytical capabilities, and applicable regulations, it must also have unique RLs for each of its target analytes and parameters. This course will give an introduction to the process for establishing project-appropriate RLs, and will clarify the relationship between RLs and related terms like method detection limits, minimum levels, practical quantitation limits, and action limits. Finally, it will identify key lines of communication between project, field, and laboratory personnel. The Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory (MPSL) is a collaborative research consortium of the California State University system hosted by the San Jose State University Research Foundation (501(c)(3) non-profit). This unique, long-term assemblage of scientists has evolved to provide expertise to government, academic, private-sector, and non-profit organizations charged with environmental monitoring and assessment. The services offered by MPSL include quality assurance (QA), data management, and sampling. https://mpsl.mlml.calstate.edu/ Copies of this presentation can be found at: https://acwi.gov/monitoring/webinars/...