United States
Environmental Protection
Aaencv
Office of Ground Water
and Drinking Water
Cincinnati, OH
EPA-815-N-99-002a
June 1999
&EPA Labcert Bulletin
We're Back
In this issue you will find tables, tables, tables.
The first table lists the long awaited errata for
the Fourth Edition of the Lab Cert Manual.
We discussed these last year and have finalized
them. Next are two tables with information on
providers who have requested NIST accreditation
to supply drinking water PEs for the certification
program. One table includes names, addresses,
etc. and the second table charts the proficiency
testing program designations for which they have
applied.
If there are certification topics you would like to
see discussed, please call, write, fax or e-mail the
editors. Again, we have included a FAX sheet to
update or add your name to our mail list.
EdGlick 513 569-7939, glick.ed@epa.gov
Carol Madding 513569-7402,
madding.caroline@epa.gov
26 W. Martin Luther King Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45268
FAX: 513 569-7191
This Issue
"S Lab Cert Web:Page ; :
v* 4thEditionLafe(CertManual;Errata
V' Contact Information for Proficiency
Test Providers th^A^
for Accreditation
'V, Acceptance Criteria.forProficiency
Testing (PT) Samples;
The New Millennia
With the approaching new era we too have
taken the steps to propel ourselves into
the twenty first century (hopefully not
screaming). We wish to welcome you to our web
page on laboratory certification at
www.epa.gov/ogwdw/standards. If you visit,
you'll find interesting information about drinking
water regulations as well as a page for lab
certification. On our page is the "Manual for the
Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking
Water" the errata sheets, past issues of the
Labcert Bulletin, and this issue. Hope you enjoy
your visit and please provide any comments to the
editors. ,
Two other websights that you may find helpful are
www.epa.gov/ow/resources/wpeval, where the PT
provider applicants and areas for which they have
applied are listed, and www.frwebgate.access.
gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces!40, where you can find
the drinking water regulations.
Fax It To Us
Please add/change (circle one) my name to the
Lab Cert Bulletin mailing list.
Name
Company
Address
Telephone
Fax#
Fax to:
Susan Hagedorn
USEPA - TSC
26 W. M.L. King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7191
-------
4th Edition Lab Cert Manual Errata
Chapter IV Chemistry
Page
IV-2
IV-3
IV-4
IV-5
IV-5
IV-5
IV-6
IV-6
IV-6
IV-7
rv-8
IV-25
IV-2S
IV-47
Section
4.3.1
6.2
7.1.4
7.2.1
7.2.4
7.2.4
7.2.7
Second paragraph
7.2.8
7.2.9
7.2.12
8.2
Table IV-7
Nitrate/
Nitrite
Table IV-7 o-
Phosphate
Checklist
Change
Change "be free from interferences" to "contain less
than two times the MDL"
Change 4C to 4C+/-2C
Change 'Verified each day they are used" to "verified at
least annually"
Change last sentence to read: "A laboratory should not
be certified for an analyte that it fails repeatedly. (See p
III-7 & 8)"
Insert after first sentence, "on a daily basis. Where the
determinative time is extensive such as for Methods
508/508.1, 515.1, 524.2, 525.2, etc. and the
instrumentation is very stable,"
Insert before the last sentence: "The concentration of
the standard should vary from day to day across the
range of analyte concentrations being measured." For
some methods an initial conditioning shot needs to be
made to deactivate active sites that may have developed
overnight. The blank may or may not be appropriate
depending on the method.
change FRB to LFB
Change second sentence to read: "It is recommended
that an IDC be performed by each analyst."
Add: "It is also recommended that an IDC be performed
for each instrument."
Add reference: "EPA SW 846 Test Methods for
Evaluating Solid Waste Physical/Chemical Methods,
Third Edition" after the mention of EPA Method 8081
Insert after the first sentence: "The LFBs should be
analyzed across the range of analyte concentrations
being measured."
Insert after the second sentence: "Changes in
ownership, mergers or closures of laboratories do not
eliminate these requirements."
See Method 300, Section 8
delete: "filter immediately"
delete
"Excitation at 340nm" & "detection at >308" Replace
with: "Absorption at 257nm & 308nm
Reason
Clarification
To make practical .
Previous statement was impractical.
It is not the intention of this regulation to allow a
laboratory to be certified for an analyte that it fails
consistently.
Clarification
It is important to know the curve is correct for all
concentrations being measured.
Clarification
Consistency with preceding paragraph.
It is not necessary for an analyst to do numerous IDCs
of the same method on similar instruments.
Gives publication name
It is important to know the curve is correct for all
concentrations being measured.
These procedures need to be followed during these
circumstances.
What is in the table is in the regulation. However,
these preservation techniques are incorrect. The
techniques listed in EPA Method 300 are correct and
will be in MUFRN II.
Drinking water samples do not have to be filtered, but
if using method 300.0, it would be wise to filter the
sample or you might clog the instrument filter.
Diquat is absorbed at 308nm and paraquat is absorbed
at 257nm
-------
Chapter V. Critical Elements for Microbiology
Page
V-2
V-3
V-4
V-4
V-5
V-5
V-5
V-5
V-5
V-7
V-7
V-9
V-9
V-9
V-10
V-12
V-13
V-13
V-14
V-15
Section
3.1.5
3.6.3
3.11.5
3.11.6
3.14
3.14.1
3.14.2
3.14.3
3.17
4.3.2
4.3.2
5.2.5
5.2.5
5.3.2.2
5.3.5
5.6.6
5.6.8
5.7.2.5
5.9.1
5.9.4
Change
Change to read: "Buffers should
be discarded upon the expiration date."
Delete "or ampule"
The lot number for membrane filters and the date received
should be recorded. Add: "Assure that membrane filters are not
brittle nor distorted." Insert as second sentence: "Have
available manufacturer's specification/certification sheet."
Insert "Forceps"
"Forceps should be blunt, smooth tipped without corrugations
on the inner sides of tips."
Delete title "Culture tubes and Closures" and replace with 3.16
Glassware and Plasticware" Renumber 3.14.
Delete. Replace with 3.16.1 and 3.16.2, and renumber as 3.14.1
and 3.14.2
Change to 3. 14.3
Change to 3.14.4
Change to 3. 16
Change "Ratio of growth rate
0.8:3.0." to "Ratio of growth rate 0.8 to 3.0."
Footnote 3. Change to read: "See Standard Methods, Section
9020B. This bacteriological quality test is not needed for
laboratories that meet the criteria for Types I and II reagent
water, as defined in Standard Methods, Section 1080."
Change 3rd sentence to read: "If no sheen colonies are observed,
verify up to five red questionable sheen or non-sheen atypical
colonies per sample."
Change 1st sentence to read, "All sheen colonies up to a
maximum of five must be verified..."
Insert at start of second sentence: "Optionally, ... '
Insert at end of sentence "... and a fecal coliform/ E. coli test
must be conducted."
Change third sentence to read: "If the medium changes from
yellow to a magenta color, the sample must be reported as total
coliform positive"
Line 6, change to read "...ensure that the specified incubation
period at that temperature is followed (see 5.6.5 and 5.6.6)."
Add at end: "Alternatively, pre-warm the sample. Avoid
overcrowding the incubator."
Change first sentence to read: "In accordance with paragraph
5.1.7.4..."
Change reference in first sentence to: "141.74(a)(l)"
Insert in second sentence after (44-46°C) "...plate count
(tryptone glucose yeast) agar..."
Reason
Buffers are not discarded before the expiration date.
Ampule will explode
Explanation for recording date.
Sentence inserted requires documentation of quality
control of membranes.
Moved from previously proposed 3.18 insertion to
"Membrane Filter Equipment," more appropriate
location.
Clarification and improved organization
3.14.1 is repeated in 3.16.1. 3.14 and 3.16 belong
under "Glassware and Plasticware"
Clarification
Clarification of statement. Delete reference to ASTM
Type I and II reagent waters. Insert Type II waters and
reference to Standard Methods (not ASTM) types.
Clarification
Clarification
Clarification
Consistent with 5.4.4
Correction in interpretation of test result
Clarification
Correction of cross reference
Correction of reference
Clarification
-------
Page
V-15
V-16
V-I8
Section
5.9.7
6.3
8.3.5
Change
Change "darkfield" to "dark field"
Delete "Source water samples must be held at <10°C (see
Standard Methods, Section 9060B).
After parenthesis, change to read "a negative result must be
tagged as an invalid sample."
Reason
Grammar
Not in regulations
Clarification
Checklist
V-21
V-23
V-24
V-24
V-27
V-30
V-31
V-31
V-39
V-41
3.1
4* block
3.11
3.14
4.3
7a block
5.3
10* block
6.3
2nd block
Insert: QC Commercial buffer solutions dated upon receipt,
and when opened. Buffers discarded upon expiration date.
delete "or ampule"
Change to be consistent with 3 . 1 1 .5 and 3 . 1 1 .6 in text
Change to respond with chapter changes, deleting 3.16 and
changing 3.17 to 3.16.
Change "0.8:3.0" to "0.3 to 3.0"
Change to be consistent with 5.2.5
Insert second sentence after item beginning "Refrigerated
sterile MTF ..." to read: "Media discarded if evaporation
exceeds 10% of original volume."
add "and a fecal co\iforrnJE. Coli test conducted"
Delete: "(... required for source water)
after parenthesis change to read "negative sample tagged as an
invalid sample
Item inadvertently left out of checklist. Consistent
with 3.1. 5.
Consistent with text
Consistent with text
Consistent with text
Consistent with text
Consistent with text
Consistent with 5.3.2.4
Consistent with 5.3.5
Not in regulations
Consistent with text at 8.3.5
Microbiology Laboratory Analysis Review Checklist
H-21
H-23
pH meter
Change to: "Commercial buffer solutions dated upon receipt
and when opened. Buffers discarded upon expiration date."
Delete statement about confirmation ofE.coli in EC Mug
Consistent with text at 3.1.5
Consistency
Chapter VI Radiological*
Page
VI-2
VI-6
H-6
H-25
H-28
H-28
Section
3.1.2
8.4.6
2.4
Checklist
checklist
line 7
checklist
line 12
Change
Add "natural uranium" to list of analytes
Add "sample volume"
Add liquid scintillation counters and alpha spectrometry
systems.
Add "radioactive materials license"
Delete "field and"
Add "system" after detector
Reason
You can do natural uranium using this system, but
other methods are better
You need to know the volume to do DL calculations
Now allowed by the regulations
Need to check that the lab has one
Field blank analysis is not part of the instrument
performance check.
It is the whole system that must meet DL requirements
-------
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-------
Water Supply (WS) Proficiency Testing Program Designations
Included in Designated Organization's NIST NVLAP PPT Application (January 1999)
NVLAP Code
20/U01
20/U02
20/U03
20/U04
20/U05
20/U06
20/U07
20/U08
20/U09
20/U10
20/U11
20/U12
20/U13
20/U14
20/U15
20/U16
20/U17
20/U18
20/U19
20/U20
20/U21
20/U22
20/U23
20/U24
20/U25
20/U26
20/U27
USEPA Designation
WSCHEM Trace Metals
WSCHEM Sodium
WSCHEM Nitrate, Nitrite, Fluoride, and
Orthophosphate
WSCHEM Bromate, Bromide, Chlorate,
and Chlorite
WSCHEM Sulfate
WSCHEM Residual Free Chlorine
WSCHEM Cyanide
WSCHEM Asbestos
WSCHEM Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) Group I
WSCHEM Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) Group H
WSCHEM Insecticides (Pesticides)
WSCHEM Herbicides
WSCHEM Carbamate Pesticides
WSCHEM Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
WSCHEM Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(PCBs/Aroclors)
WSCHEM Toxaphene and Chlordane
WSCHEM Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)
WSCHEM Adipate and Phthalate Esters
WSCHEM Haloacetic Acids
WSCHEM Chloral Hydrate
WSCHEM Total Organic Carbon (TOO
WSCHEM Alkalinity (as CaCO,)
WSCHEM Calcium Hardness (as CaCO,)
WSCHEM Total Filterable Residue
WSCHEM pH
WSCHEM Turbidity
WSMICRO Coliform (Presence/Absence)
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
X
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
11
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
12
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-------
Water Pollution (WP) Proficiency Testing Program Designations
Included in Designated Organization's NIST NVLAP PPT Application (January 1999)
NVLAP
Code
20/U28
20/U29
20/U30
20/U31
20/U32
20/U33
20/U34
20/U35
20/U36
20/U37
20/U38
20/U39
20/U40
20/U41
20/U42
20/U43
20/U44
20/U45
20/U46
20/U47
20/U48
USEPA Designation
WPCHEM Trace Metals
WPCHEM Minerals : Calcium, Magnesium,
Potassium, and Sodium
WPCHEM Minerals: Chloride, Fluoride, and
Sulfate
WPCHEM/DMRQACHEM Nutrients
WPCHEM/DMRQACHEM Total Residual
Chlorine
WPCHEM/DMRQACHEM Cyanide
WPCHEM Volatile Halocarbon Compounds
WPCHEM Volatile Aromatic Compounds
WPCHEM Chlorinated Pesticides
WPCHEM Chlordane
WPCHEMPolychlorinatedBiphenyls (PCBs
as Aroclors) in Water
WPCHEMPolychlorinatedBiphenyls (PCBs
as Aroclors) in Oil
WPCHEM Total Phenolics
WPCHEM Demands
WPCHEM Total Alkalinity fas CaCO,)
WPCHEM Total Hardness (as CaCCO
WPCHEM Total Dissolved Solids
WPCHEM/DMRQACHEM Non-Filterable
Residue
WPCHEM/DMRQACHEM Oil and Grease
WPCHEM/DMRQACHEM pH
WPCHEM Specific Conductance
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
11
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
12
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
l=Absolute Standards, Inc.
2=Accustandard
3=Analytical Standards, Inc.
4=Analytical Products Group, Inc. (APG)
5=CHRISTOPE Technologies, A Division of Remel
6=Environmental Resource Associates (ERA)
7=Microscheck, Inc.
8=New York State
9=Protocol analytical supplies
10=R.T. Corporation/NSI Environmental Solutions
11=SPEXCERTIPREP
12=ULTRA Scientific
-------
Acceptance Criteria for
Proficiency Testing (PT)
Samples
W
Ie have recently been apprised of the need
for clarification regarding the acceptance
criteria to be used on PT samples.
Depending on the contaminant, your PT provider
must use the fixed limits (stated as ± percentages)
as written in the Code of Federal Regulations or
the statistical algorithms (stated as regression
equations) that NERL-Ci has generated. These
algorithms are presented in the document entitled
"National Standards for Water Proficiency Testing
Studies - Criteria Document."
The NERL statistical limits were derived using
past data from performance evaluation (PE)
studies. We are using these to provide more
accurate criteria than could be generated by smaller
studies of similar design to the NERL-Ci PEs.
Any of the twelve providers listed on page five
already have these statistical algorithms. Other
providers may obtain a copy of the Criteria
Document by contacting Mr. Raymond Wesselman
at the following address:
US EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Ecological Exposure Research Division
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
or by calling (513) 569-7235.
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Official business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
PRESORTED STANDARD
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA
PERMIT No. G-35
EPA-815-N-99-002a
------- |