The board may, by contract or otherwise, undertake plans, surveys, research, development, and studies necessary or desirable to carry out this article, and may prepare recommendations with regard thereto, including the preparation of comprehensive statewide or areawide studies and reports on the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste, and wastewater recycling. For the purposes of this section, “research” may include the design, acquisition, installation, or construction of monitoring and

testing equipment and related facilities.