The Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Analytical Protocols
Manual addresses the need for a nationally consistent approach
to producing radioanalytical laboratory data that meet a
project's or program's data requirements.
MARLAP was developed by a workgroup that included representatives
from the federal government, and the states:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Energy
Department of Defense
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
National Institute of Standards and Technology
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
State representatives were from the Commonwealth of Kentucky
and the State of California.Contractors to EPA, DOE, and
NRC, and members of the public, have been present during
the open meetings of the MARLAP workgroup.
MARLAP provides guidance for the planning, implementation,
and assessment phases of those projects that require the
laboratory analysis of radionuclides. The guidance provided
by MARLAP is both scientifically rigorous and flexible enough
to be applied to a diversity of projects and programs. This
guidance is intended for project planners, managers, and
laboratory personnel.
Each year, hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on
projects and programs that rely, to varying degrees, on
radioanalytical data for decision-making. These decisions
often have a significant impact on human health and the
environment. Of critical importance to informed decision-making
are data of known quality appropriate for its intended use.
Making incorrect decisions due to data inadequacies, such
as failing to remediate a radioactively contaminated site,
necessitates the expenditure of additional resources, causes
delays in project completions and, depending on the nature
of the project, can result in the loss of public trust and
confidence.
The Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Analytical Protocols
(MARLAP) Manual addresses the need for a nationally consistent
approach to producing radioanalytical laboratory data that
meet a project's or program's data requirements.
A Draft version of the Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory
Analytical Protocols (MARLAP) Manual is currently available.
The manual is undergoing a peer review by the EPA Science
Advisory Board in 2002 and will be finalized in 2003. Meetings
of the group are open to the public on a first come, space
available basis with advance registration.
