A Tier-Testing Strategy for Managing Programs of Environmental Effects Monitoring

Abstract A good environmental effects monitoring program (EEM) provides answers to clear, well-defined questions. The answers should be quantitative and lead directly to decisions about the effluent being studied and about further EEM studies. Preliminary studies should trigger more in-depth monitoring only when predefined thresholds are exceeded. When in-depth work suggests that further studies are unnecessary, there should be a return to a lower level of effort. These criteria lead directly to a tiered strategy for managing EEM that defines the sequence and choice of studies through successive cycles. The benefits of a tiered approach are (1) rules that all stakeholders can understand and comply with; (2) monitoring limited to that which is essential; and (3) assurance that all appropriate elements are included, but only when necessary. Within the context of the new pulp and paper EEM program, tier testing is an efficient, logical and systematic strategy for managing monitoring.