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Professional Review and Documentation
Subjecting documented methods and assessment reports to a rigorous peer review is ultimately the best way to ensure an agency’s credible data and scientific underpinnings. Inherent in a review is that it is conducted in an objective and independent manner (outside the agency and with no vested interest in the outcome) by technical and policy experts able to provide valid critique and suggestions, and recommendations for improvement and refinement are taken in good faith. Validation of standard operating procedures for all aspects of the assessment and monitoring program by outside experts is an initial step in establishing confidence in the resulting data. Programs that do not address and implement critical recommendations fail to benefit from an independent endorsement of their procedures and assessments.
As an example of good peer review practices, please visit EPA's Peer Review homepage.