A sparse data system is provided for verifying operational compliance of a plurality of environmental systems. To reduce operational costs to a minimum, the quantity of data transmitted is minimized and the data is only transmitted at certain times. If systems are compliant, then information is preferably not sent. If systems are non-compliant, then notices are sent to parties of interest at effectively the same time as the noncompliance occurs. Subsequent alarm detection level may also be sent after detection of an operational threshold to provide notice for continued ongoing or severe noncompliance.