The Emmett Environmental Law & Policy Clinic is pleased to share our Manual for Citizen Scientists Starting or Participating in Data Collection and Environmental Monitoring Projects. We developed this manual to support people who are researching and responding to public health and environmental concerns. Whether collecting, generating, analyzing, or distributing information, citizens from all backgrounds can play an important role in protecting their own communities and the environment.
This manual aims to empower citizen scientists and to promote the practice of community-based citizen science as a vehicle for environmental justice. It outlines practical suggestions for how to design and carry out a citizen science project. It also contains an overview of relevant laws and regulations, as well as technical suggestions regarding data collection, analysis, and compliance with relevant scientific and quality standards.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the Clinic prepared an Appendix to the Manual that provides additional information specific to citizen data collection in Texas, and the Houston and Galveston areas more specifically.
We welcome your feedback on the Manual and the Texas Appendix, and we thank you for your interest in participating in efforts to promote and protect public health, local communities, and the environment.