Setting Environmental Standards

Barnett, V; O'Hagan, A.

• IntroductionSetting Standards: Uncertainty and VariationTerminologyOverview of Environmental Standard SettingSources of Uncertainty and VariationRepresentation of UncertaintySome Examples of Statistics at WorkProbability and Statistics in Standard-SettingBasic Considerations in Setting StandardsOutline of This ChapterPositioning a StandardIdeal and Realizable StandardsAcknowledging VariationStatistically Verifiable Ideal StandardsMultiple StandardsAnalyzing Costs and BenefitsCurrent Approaches to Setting a LevelConcluding RemarksThe Pollutant-Effect Relationship and Other LinksLinks in the ChainDescribing and Measuring the Pollutant-Effect RelationshipRecent Major ReviewsSelective Overview of Recently Published on Pollutant-Effect RelationshipsSome Current Less Formal Emphases for Analysing or Categorizing the Pollutant-Effect RelationshipSummaryCurrent and Developing Incorporation of Uncertainty and Variability in Standard-SettingIntroductionStatistical Pollution Studies Linked to Standards InterestsThe Changing Scene: Attempts to Incorporate Statistical Arguments in the Setting of StandardsProgressionCurrent Standards: ExamplesThe Extent to Which Uncertainty and Variation Are ConsideredExamples Where Quite Sophisticated Treatment of Uncertainty and Variation Is EmployedExamples Which Pay No Regard for Uncertainty and VariationSummaryConclusions: The Current Situation and a Forward LookBroad Principles for Setting Sound StandardsThe Present SituationA Look ForwardOverview

"This book is a report prepared for and at the request of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. The objective is to provide a critical review of the importance of, and the current status of treatment of, uncertainty and variation in environmental standard-setting…The book has six chapters and reflects the constructive and positive outcomes of the workshop."--T. Postelnicu, Zentralblatt Matt, Vol. 942"For environmental statisticians, the book will provide reinforcement of many of their own thoughts and initiatives, and, for other statisticians, it will provide an introduction to the topic in general…"--S. R. Esterby, Short Book Reviews, for ISI