Developing sampling plans for the verification of the effectiveness of management measures based on reliability analysis: An erosion and sediment controls case study

We demonstrate the use of acceptance sampling by attribute to verify the effectiveness of technical measures in meeting the requirements of environmental regulations, standards or guidelines. Acceptance sampling plans are used to verify that technical measures are meeting such requirements at the time of the verification at the worksite. Applying power statistics used in acceptance sampling, Type II Error (β) is considered as the environment’s risk to achieving environmental protection policies while Type I Error (α) is considered as the proponent’s risk for the person having to implement such measures. Using a case study, we demonstrate the development of acceptance sampling plans by attribute using a reliability analysis of erosion and sediment controls. Working from a hypothetical policy for the environment’s risk and the proponent’s risk, we also underline the importance of sample sizes to make the correct decisions when verifying if technical measures are functioning as intended based on a policy for acceptable levels of non-conformity. The report provides an overview of the probability mathematics used in acceptance sampling plans that include the calculation of the acceptance numbers for a given sample size and the calculations of the environment’s risk and the proponent’s risk.