The Concept of Relevant and Valid Data

One of the main concerns of any environmental project is the collection of relevant and valid data. These are the data of the type, quantity, and quality that are appropriate and sufficient for the project decisions. The standards for data relevancy and validity stem from the intended use of the data since different uses require different type, quantity, and quality of data. For example, the data requirements for a risk assessment project are drastically different from those of a waste disposal project the requirements for site investigation data are different from these for site closure. 

Data relevancy and validity are two different concepts, a fact that is not always recognized by all project participants. Data can be perfectly valid, and yet irrelevant for their intended use. Conversely, the quality of data may be flawed in some way, as is usually the case in the real world, nevertheless they can be used for project decisions. 

Each of the three phases contains several major tasks that are conducted consecutively. The data collection pyramid is built from the bottom up through carrying out these seven tasks. Take one pyramid layer or one task out, and the whole structure becomes incomplete. 

The foundation for the collection of relevant and valid data is laid out in the planning phase through the completion of Task 1—Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) Development and Task 2—Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) Preparation. The DQO process enables the project participants to come to the understanding of the 

Task 5. Field and Laboratory QA/QC Task 4. Laboratory Analysis Task3. Sampling and Field Data Collection 

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