Laboratory Certification Updates

1. May 2, 2019 Lab Technology Day Laboratory Certification Updates Beth Swanson Division of Water Resources, Water Sciences Section

2. Laboratory Certification Staff

3. Overview • New Policies • Updated Policies • Proposed Rule Revision • Changes on the Horizon • PT Study Reminders Rules, policies, technical assistance and more can be found on our website, which is listed on the last slide of this presentation.

4. New Policies • Factory-Set Curve Verification – Sets minimum requirements for laboratories using factory-set curves • Turbidity Sample Dilution – Samples are not to be diluted unless their concentration exceeds the range of the meter • SW-846 Method Implementation – The minimum recommended quality control benchmarks in the method are considered the minimum QA/QC requirements (i.e., should will be interpreted as must) • Chlorophyll Sample Collection, Preservation and Holding Time – Sets standard practices among laboratories using different methods for Chlorophyll • VAR Option 3 Minimum Sample Volume – Minimum sample volume required is 2 liters Department of Environmental Quality

5. Updated Policies • Ammonia/Fluoride Distillation (4/9/19) • Notable changes: distillation studies can be performed for matrices other than effluent (e.g., influent, stream, etc.); the initial 9 spiked-sample study can be conducted over a 12 month period (3 will be required for consideration of initial certification); after the initial study, no ongoing studies required unless characteristics of the permitted matrix change • REMEMBER it is the responsibility of the permittee to ensure that monitoring is conducted according to test procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 even if the permittee does not operate the laboratory that performs the analytical testing on the waste stream. • Temperature-measuring Device Calibration and Verification (8/30/18) • Notable changes: added a section about the accuracy and verification requirements for devices used in incubators that require a ±1 °C tolerance (this was inadvertently left out of the June 2018 policy)

6. Proposed Rulemaking Schedule *Implementation deadline to be determined.

7. Proposed Rule Revision Key Revisions • Codifying many polices that labs are already adhering to • Expanding list of parameters considered Field Parameters (Turbidity, Salinity, Sulfite, VAR Options 5, 6 & 12) • Eliminating leachate procedures (no other preparatory procedures require Certification) • Fee increase • SOPs required for Field Laboratories (this will be phased in over time and we are working on templates for all the Field Parameters) • Documented training program for all lab types

8. Proposed Rule Revision Examples of policies that are being codified (not all inclusive) • Matrix spike requirements • Chemical, reagent and standard traceability requirements • Documentation requirements for sample non-compliance notifications • Mechanical liquid-dispensing device calibration requirements • Requirements for Continuing Calibration Blank/Continuing Calibration Verification (CCB/CCV), Blank, Second Source Standards, Factory-set Curve verification

9. Proposed Rule Revision

10. Proposed Rule Revision • Documented training program required for all labs (i.e., Field and Non-Field) • Required elements include, at a minimum: • staff have the education, training, experience, or demonstrated skills needed to generate quality control results within method-specified limits and/or that meet the requirements of these Rules; • staff have read the laboratory Quality Assurance Manual and/or applicable Standard Operating Procedures; and • staff have obtained acceptable results on Proficiency Testing samples pursuant to Rule .0803(1) of this Section or other demonstrations of proficiency.

11. On the Horizon Residues • These are considered method-defined parameters per the definition in the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 136.6, Section (a) (5). This means that the methods may not be modified per Part 136.6, Section (b) (3). • The drying time study and dry filter blank we have been allowing in lieu of constant weights are modifications and we will no longer be able to accept them MDLs • We have only been requiring MDLs for methods that include them in the method itself (e.g., EPA 300.0). • MDLs for all the methods that require them in separate QC chapters or methods (e.g., SM 3020, 4020, 5020, SW-846 Chapter 1, etc.) will need to be phased in • See our technical assistance page for calculator, last year’s presentation and a “cliff notes” version Currently no timeline for implementation, we will give advanced notification

12. Ongoing PT Reminders • Choosing a method description: Look at your Certified Parameters Listing (CPL) and make sure they match • Include your lab Certification # • Include your EPA ID • We will ask for revised reports if these are missing or incorrect • As always, make sure the study you are participating in closes well before the due date of September 30th.

13. Questions? Beth Swanson (919) 733-3908 ext. 259 Beth.Swanson@ncdenr.gov Website address: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-resources-data/water-sciences-home-page/laboratory-certification-branch Sign up for the listserv! DENR.DWQ.Lab_Cert-join@lists.ncmail.net