Accurate classifications of shellfish growing areas are completed through a comprehensive sanitary survey. The principal components of the sanitary survey report include:

1. An evaluation of all actual and potential sources of pollution,
2. An evaluation of the hydrography of the area, and
3. An assessment of water quality.

Complete intensive sanitary surveys are conducted every 12 years with interim narrative evaluations, reappraisals, completed on a three-year basis. Reappraisal reports are less detailed discussions of the principle components included in the sanitary surveys. In addition, the reappraisal report does not require a full shoreline survey. If major changes to the shoreline or bacterial quality occur, then the intensive sanitary survey report is initiated prior to its 12 year schedule. If only a section of a growing area is either upgraded or downgraded from its current shellfish classification, a partial intensive report (Partial Sanitary Survey) is conducted for that shellfish growing area. Annual Reviews are written on a yearly basis for each shellfish growing area.