Steve Hilfiker was elected chairperson of the newly formed ASTM subcommittee for Forensic Environmental Investigations. The committee is designated E50.06 and was organized to define the ASTM standards for forensic environmental investigations. Anyone with an interest in contributing to this process is encouraged to contact Steve via email at steve@ermi.net.
Title: Subcommittee on Forensic Environmental Investigations E50.06
1.0 Scope and Structure of Activity
1.1 The scope of the activity shall be the development of standards for processes and technologies applied to judicial, private, and/or administrative procedures. The activity will encourage research in this field and sponsor symposia, workshops, and publications to facilitate the development of such standards. The activity will promote liaison with other ASTM International committees and other organizations with mutual interests. 1.2 The initial structure of the proposed activity was drafted as described in the minutes of the June 6, 2005 meeting. The proposed task groups (an initial list of eight was developed) would focus on the specific areas in need of standards development as outlined in section 2.0 below.
2.0 Title & Scope of Proposed Work Items
The primary objective of the subcommittee is to research and define the objectives of the first four task groups (TG) defined in the June 6, 2005 meeting, as outlined below. NOTE: as the subcommittee evolves, the work item focus will expand (or possibly contract) as necessary.
2.1 TG 1 – Title: Standard Terminology for Forensic Environmental Investigations
This task group will research peer reviewed literature and other published (and unpublished) materials to list and define the terminology used in forensic environmental investigations. Users of the standard, relevant associations, organizations, and entities with mutual interests will also be identified. Keywords will also be defined to help establish the proper usage taxonomy and aid in the classification of this activity.
2.2 TG 2 – Title: Standard Guide for Use and Interpretation of Forensic Environmental Investigation Methodology.
The need (i.e., legal context) for developing a set of standards in the field of environmental forensics will be defined by this task group. Despite the evolution of environmental forensics in recent years there is, at present, an absence of standardized procedures outlining proper use and interpretation of the methodology deployed on a daily basis.
2.3 TG 3 – Title: Standard Guide for Reference Materials/Guidance Documents
This task group will identify existing technical resources prepared by governmental, academic, and professional organizations in the field of environmental forensics.
2.4 TG 4 – Title: Standard Guide for Qualifications, Experience, & Education of Professionals
A minimum set of credentials and/or alternative experience will be established.