The link between planning and data integrity

The link between proper environmental project planning and the data usability in environmental assessments and risk assessments cannot be over stated. In addition, robust environmental project planning allows for better oversight, deliverable completions, accurate budget projections and project closeout. Finally, project planning protects environmental firms from the costs associated with project delays that occur with personnel changes, and allows for the more seamless transition when project alternatives must be employed due to site specific conditions. 

The investment in project planning, data verification and data validation ensures that projects stay on track and that environmental decisions are sound, credible and defensible. In my 20 years of experience in the environmental field, my project management training and my chemistry background, I have found that such investment is often minimal, if it occurs at all. I'd like to help change that and normalize increasing the use of quality data in decision making through planning and validation.