Feasibility study for automating the Kansas City Surveillance and Analysis Division Laboratory, Environmental Protection Agency Region VII
Eric Peck, George W. Barton, Eileen Fisher · OSTI OAI (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information) · 1977
The Kansas City Surveillance and Analysis Division Laboratory provides analytical support for several EPA divisions; its primary function is compliance monitoring and field surveys in a four-state area. We propose four optional automation systems to improve laboratory analytical capacity, quality control, sample management, and reporting capabilities. These systems are similar to systems installed at other EPA laboratories; we suggest some modifications and include communications to a sample file control host computer. We estimate that the initial cost of one option of the system would be recouped in slightly more than seven years but that automation is not cost effective at this time. However, we also describe certain unquantifiable benefits that could override the direct dollar cost-benefit analysis.