The quality management system as a tool for improving stakeholder confidence.

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Environmental engineering
• Public health

Background:

• Restoration Advisory Boards (RABs) facilitate community involvement in the environmental assessment and restoration of former military bases.
• Community members often have concerns regarding the quality of environmental data used in decision-making.
• Technical complexities and personal stakes can lead to contentious RAB meetings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of including quality assurance (QA) professionals in RAB meetings.
• To improve communication regarding laboratory data quality and project management.
• To enhance community trust in environmental restoration decisions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of communication dynamics in RAB meetings.
• Inclusion of QA professionals in discussions on laboratory data quality.
• Assessment of community member understanding and trust.

Main Results:

• QA professionals can clarify complex technical information about data quality.
• Direct communication from QA experts can address community concerns about laboratory errors and data flags.
• Involving QA professionals can increase community confidence in the restoration process.

Conclusions:

• Integrating QA professionals into RAB discussions is effective for improving data quality communication.
• This approach can foster greater trust between the community and environmental restoration agencies.
• Enhanced communication leads to more informed and accepted decisions for safe land reuse.