The complexity of environmental data collection operations requires a systematic planning process and structure so that decision makers can rely on high-quality data to inform their decisions. ERT uses the systematic planning process and the Uniform Federal Policy for Quality Assurance Project Plans (UFP-QAPP) to document the planning activities.

The systematic planning process is based on the scientific method and includes concepts such as objectivity of approach and acceptability of results. The process uses a common-sense approach to ensure that the level of documentation and rigor of effort in planning are commensurate with the intended use of the information and the available resources. The systematic planning approach includes well-established management and scientific elements that result in a project’s logical development, efficient use of scarce resources, transparency of intent and direction, soundness of project conclusions, and proper documentation to allow determination of the appropriate level of peer review.