Variability and uncertainty associated with sampling, analysis, and risk assessment

Variability associated with sampling and analysis of environmental media and the uncertainty and bias inherent in risk assessment can impact the site conceptual model and thereby influence the final remedy selection and engineering design. The intrinsic variability in soil concentrations across short distances (even a few centimeters) and the temporal and spatial variability in groundwater can be challenging when determining the extent of contamination. (author)