Zeons Corporation (ZEON)

[Data Driven]

Chain of Custody
By definition, "chain-of-custody" is "an unbroken trail of accountability that ensures the physical security of samples, data, and records." (USEPA 2001) Traditional environmental quality assurance practice primarily associates the term "chain of custody" with the trail of accountability associated with the journey of physical samples from their in situ locations through the analytical laboratory. However, the concept of a trail of accountability for data and records has always been present in environmental projects so that the results could eventually be of sufficient quality for evidentiary purposes. All projects, regardless of whether they use traditional or Triad approaches should include a rigorous program for assuring that the above definition of "chain of custody" is met. Guidance is available in 1) EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans (USEPA 2001) and in 2) Uniform Federal Policy for Implementing Environmental Quality Systems - Evaluating, Assessing, and Documenting Environmental Data Collection/Use and Technology Programs (USEPA 2003).