RCRA leapfrog: How statistics shape and in turn are shaped by regulatory mandates

During the past ten years, a statistical program applicable to RCRA groundwater monitoring data has been developed with input from regulators, geologists, regulated individuals, and a small group of professional statisticians. At first driven by the RCRA regulations, the evolution of the statistical program now often influences changes in regulatory requirements, which in turn affect opinions on the best statistical approach for addressing the requirements. This article describes that evolution and the issues that have emerged over the years. In the following article, Dr. Robert Gibbons, another of the professional statisticians involved in the debate, responds to comments made in this article.