Analysis of composite sampling data using the principle of maximum entropy

A new tool is presented based on the principle of maximum entropy for enhan ced hot spot detection based on composite sampling with no (or minimal) req uirement for composite breakdown. The methodology presented here is easy to implement and facilitates the use of multiple criteria for evaluating atta inment of site remediation objectives. The new methodology provides very si mple decision rules that can easily be used by non-statisticians and comple ments the use of composites for control of residual mean concentrations.