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A general method for the efficient selection of sampling locations for problems in environmental restoration
Problems in environmental restoration that involve detecting or monitoring contamination or site characterization often benefit from procedures that help select sampling or drilling locations for obtaining meaningful data that support the analysis. One example of this type of procedure is a spatial sampling program that will ``automatically`` (based on the implementation of a computer algorithm) guide an iterative investigation through the process of site characterization at a minimal cost to determine appropriate remediation activities. In order to be effective, such a procedure should translate site and modeling uncertainties into terms that facilitate comparison with regulations and should also provide a methodology that will lead to an efficient sampling plan over the course of the analysis. In this paper, a general framework is given that can accomplish these objectives and can be applied to a wide range of environmental restoration applications. The methodology is illustrated using an example where soil samples support the characterization of a chemical waste landfill area.