What is the purpose of sampling during environmental inspections?

Sampling during environmental inspections is primarily conducted to collect evidence of compliance or non-compliance with environmental regulations and standards. The process involves taking samples of air, water, soil, or waste materials in order to assess whether a facility is adhering to established legal limits and guidelines aimed at protecting public health and the environment.

By obtaining and analyzing these samples, inspectors can determine if pollutants are being appropriately managed, if emissions are within permissible levels, or if any unauthorized discharges are occurring. This data is crucial for making informed decisions about a facility's environmental performance and for taking enforcement actions if necessary.

The other options, while important in different contexts, do not align with the primary objective of environmental sampling during inspections. Analyzing employee productivity, measuring facility operating costs, and evaluating community attitudes toward a facility are not the core goals of sampling in this context, as they pertain to operational or social factors rather than direct compliance with environmental regulations.