Original Date: 11/03/1996
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Lockheed Martin Energy Systems’ (LMES’) Environmental Restoration (ER) program supports multi-site projects by addressing the release (or threatened release) of potential contaminants from geographical regions and assessing the possible risks to people and the environment. To ensure the data is quickly and accurately obtained, Oak Ridge developed the Project Environmental Measurements System (PEMS). PEMS integrates environmental measurements data management with the Environmental Restoration (ER) process.

Prior to PEMS, ER teams relied on multiple subcontractors to collect and maintain the data associated with a particular ER project such as environmental compliance requirements or annual assessment reports. As a result, data existed across several companies in varying formats and quality which made data collection and evaluation very difficult. PEMS resolved these obstacles by providing a cradle-to-grave data management system along with a common application software and database which was accessible from numerous locations.

PEMS works with large or small projects, supports various environmental media (groundwater, surface water, air, soil, sediment, biota), and adapts to variations in a project’s workflow. The system provides reference tables to populate sampling tasks (including locations, frequencies, analysis, containers, and field measurements) and supports sample planning activities (including the generation of sample container bar code labels). PEMS keeps track of a sample’s status and the forms and logbooks associated with sampling events. By collecting information from field sheets and sample containers, PEMS generates Chain of Custody documentation for sample shipment. In addition, the system supports electronic loading and screening of analytical results to ensure quality data.

As a result of using this system, ER data can be captured and verified as it is created. PEMS omits multiple searches, reduces data maintenance, and eliminates redundant and complex systems. Oak Ridge realized a savings in excess of $500,000 from these benefits. In addition, PEMS is model driven which allows for adaptability to any environmental project requiring sampling and analysis. After adapting PEMS for use at Sandia National Laboratory, the facility reported a savings of $1 million.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.