scope:

Purpose.

This Engineer Manual (EM) provides specific guidance, procedures, criteria, and tools to improve the evaluation of chemical environmental data. In particular, the EM presents strategies to more effectively evaluate data in the context of its end use, which is referred to as "performance-based data evaluation." Performance-based data evaluation is recommended to help ensure that only scientifically defensible data are used to support the decision making process after project-specific data quality objectives have been establish. This EM is intended for use by USACE personnel as a critical companion document to ER 1110-1-263.

Applicability.

This EM applies to HQUSACE elements, major subordinate commands, districts, laboratories, and field operating activities having responsibility for hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste (HTRW) projects. This includes, but is not limited to, execution of the following programs: Defense Environmental Restoration Programs; Base Realignment and Closure; Superfund; Civil Works; Military Construction; installation environmental compliance; Defense Logistics Agency; Department of Energy; work for others; and any construction projects involving hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste.