Artificial Intelligence – Helpful Tool or Liability?
by Michelle Bouwman, LSRP - VerdantasArtificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly showing up throughout most businesses, including the environmental industry. Where does that leave environmental processionals? When used appropriately, AI tools have incredible power, but the responsibility lies with LSRPs to ensure compliance with the LSRP Licensing Board Regulations and the applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and guidance.
AI tools can quickly review large volumes of historical reports, extract and summarize data, flag inconsistencies, and help organize or narrate information that would otherwise take significant staff time. Used this way, AI can improve efficiency without replacing professional judgment.
Regardless of the tools used, though, fact-checking and verification by the LSRP is critical. AI can miss nuances or generate results that look polished but are technically flawed. Results that can’t be reproduced, explained, or cited are especially problematic. Additionally, certain AI applications lack privacy and security controls that may be necessary when managing proprietary or confidential information.
A best practice is to treat AI like a trainee. Review everything, be skeptical, and require transparency. Any AI-assisted output used for decision-making should be reproducible, explainable, and defensible. The LSRP should consider whether AI prompts and outputs should be retained as part of the project record.
When AI is used within an LSRP’s area of competence with appropriate controls, it can meaningfully support efficient remediation outcomes without compromising professional responsibility.
If you’re interested in learning about AI use cases and governance, there will be a new continuing education course about AI offered on Day 2 of the Site Remediation Conference. Don’t forget to register!