Statistical Significance and Baseline Monitoring.
Abstract
Scientists developing environmental monitoring programs must consider the ultimate question: Has a significant impact occurred? This question represents a primary concern of environmentalists and regulatory agencies alike. Therefore, the investigator must design baseline and trend assessment studies in such a way as to allow detection of environmental impacts. However, to properly address this question the investigator should have a basic definition of a 'significant' impact. Typically, it is approached as two components: 1) What is a statistical impact? and 2) What is an ecological impact? In order for an impact to be considered ecologically significant, it really should be statistically significant. However, the converse is not necessarily true. In fact, it would be desirable to design a monitoring program which would allow the statistical detection of ecological changes before they become critical. This document offers strategies for defining statistical impacts for an environmental monitoring program. Specifically, a series of statistical techniques have been developed to estimate 'minimum detectable impacts' (MDIs) for variables examined during the baseline phase of a monitoring program at an open ocean dredged material disposal site. The MDIs are dependent upon natural spatiotemporal variability of baseline data and the intensity of the monitoring effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA165290
Entities
People
- Raymond W. Alden Iii
Organizations
- Old Dominion University