UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
JAN ' 4 1999
OFFICE OF
ENFORCEMENTAND
COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE
Dear NPDES Permit Holder: i
Thank you for participating in the 1998 Discharge Monitoring Report - Quality Assurance (DMR-QA)
Study 18. This program covers all major and selected minor permittees within the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The United States Environmental Protection Agency's
(USEPA) evaluation of your results is enclosed. Please provide a copy of the enclosed
performance evaluation report to any laboratory which performed analyses for you.
In the enclosed report, each result you reported has been placed in one of four categories:
"acceptable," not acceptable," "unusable," or "check for error." You are required to provide a
written response which explains the masonfs) for all "not acceptable" or. "unusable"
data
evaluations to your State or Regional Coordinator. A "check for error" evaluation is advisory and
does not require an official response.
Use the attached check lists to identify data handling and analytical problems for all reported values
that are "not acceptable." Where sources of error are not readily apparent, your laboratory should
make a systematic examination of all portions of its analytical and data reporting system.
If any of your reported values are "unusable," this does not mean your data are incorrect, but our
samples are designed to be quantifiable using approved methods Of analysis. Check your reporting
procedures and the detection limits of your analytical system and provide a written explanation for
your selection of any "less than" or "greater than" response to your State or Regional
Coordinator.
To make sure problems have been adequately resolved we strongly recommend that your laboratory
demonstrate correction of analytical problems by analyzing a JQC sample for each analyte for
which performance was "not acceptable." Suitable chemistry GJC samples are commercially
available. If toxicity reference samples are needed the laboratory may use materials left over from
the study, or obtain additional reference toxicant samples from the USEPA contractor (ManTech ,«*"-:
Environmental Technology, Inc., phone (919) 406-2114, FAX (919) 406-2246). *
Send documents of corrective actions and results from analyses of QC samples to vour State
or Regional Coordinator (as specified in the attached pages). Your response is due no later than
March 29.1999. and will be considered by the USEPA/State in determining the need for further
follow-up. Please refer to your NPDES permit number in all correspondence. Contact your
coordinator with any questions or to request "true" values for additional analytes present in the
samples.
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Recycled Paper (40% Postconsumer)
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Beginning with the 1999 DMR-QA Study 19, designated permittee will be required to obtain study
samples from National Institute of Standards and Technology accredited commercial providers. If
you are required to participate in DMR-QA Study 19, you will be receiving an announcement letter
from the USEPA in the next several months. This letter will provide specific directions for obtaining
test samples and reporting test results.
On behalf of the USEPA and your state environmental agency, I would like to thank you for your
cooperation and participation in this QA program. I trust that this program will continue to fulfil the
needs of all stakeholders under its new organizational structure.
Sincerely,
Elaine G. Stanley, Director
Office of Compliance
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DMR-QA STATE COORDINATORS
Alabama.
E. John Williford
ALDept. ofEnv.Mgt.
1890 A. Cong. W.L. Dickinson Dr.
Montgomery, AL 36109
(334) 260-2700 .
Alaska
Karen Hoover
US EPA, Region X
OW-133
1200 Sixth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 553-1213
American Samoa
Sheila Wiegman
American Samoa EPA
Environmental Quality Commission
Pago Pago, AS 96799
(684) 633-2304
Arizona
Gary Brussels
AZ Dept. of Health Services
Environmental Lab Licensure
3443 North Central Ave., Suite 810
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 255-3454
Arkansas
Dick Cassat
AR Dept of Poll. Ctrl. & Ecology
8001 National Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 682-0744
California
Bill Ray
CA State Water Res. Control Board
PO Box 944213
Sacramento, CA 95814-0100
(916)657-1123
Colorado
Carla Lenkey
CO Dept. of Public Division
Field Support Section
4300 S. Cherry Creek Dr.
Denver, CO 80222-1530
(303) 692-3603
Connecticut
Donald Gonyea
CT Dept. of Env. Protection
Water Management Bureau
PO Box 5066
Hartford, CT 06106-5066
(860)424-3827
Delaware
Joe Mulrooney
DNR&EC
Water Pollution Branch
PO Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903
(302)739-5731
* NPDES Delegated State
District of Columbia
William Ruby
Environmental Regulation Admin.
Water Resources Management Div.
2100 M.L. King Jr. Ave, SB
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 645-6601 ext. 3032
* Florida
EdSinis
US EPA, Region IV
Water Management Div. (CWAES)
100 Alabama St., SW - Atlanta Federal
Center
Atlanta, GA 30303-3104
(404) 562-9768
Carlos Boueres
FL Dept. of Env. Protection
Quality Assurance Section
2600 Blear Stone Road, MS 6505
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(904)488-2796
Georgia
Jeff Larson
GADept of Natural Resources
Env. Protection Div.
4244 Int. Pkwy, Suite 110 - Atlanta
Tradeport
Atlanta, GA 30354
(404)362-2680
Guam
Jesus Salas
Guam EPA
POBox22439-GMF
Tiyan Barrigada, GU 96921
(671)472-8863
* Hawaii
Rendy Chow
HI Dept. of Health
State Laboratories Div.
2725 Waimano Home Rd.
Pearl City, HI 96782
(808)453-6684
Idaho
Karen Hoover
US EPA, Region X
OW-133
1200 Sixth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 553-1213
* Illinos
Erin Rednour
. BHnois EPA
Bureau of Water
PO Box 19276
Springfield, IL 62702
(217)782-9720
Indiana
Barbara D. McDowell
IN Dept. of Env. Mgt, OWM
Oper. Assist. & Training Section
PO Box 6015
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6015
(317)233-6464
Iowa
Charles Furrey
IA Dept. of Natural Resources.
Henry A. Wallace Bldg. '
900 E. Grand '',
DesMoines.IA 50319
'(515)281-4067
Kansas ;
JackMcKenzie
Kansas Dept. of Health & Env.
Laboratory Services & Research
Forbes Field Bldg. #740
Topeka, KS 66620-0001
(913)296-1639 ,
Kentucky ;
Donna Drury :
KY Dept. for Env. Protection
Division of Water
14 Reilly Rd. Ft. Boone PJaza
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3410 ext. 461
Louisana
Elaine Sorbet '
LDEQ Water 1Mb
8618 GSRI .
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(504) 765-2406
Maine ',
David Dodge
ME Dept. of Env. Protection
Div. of Water Resource Regulation
State House, Station 17
Augusta, ME 04333 , '
(207) 287-7659
* Maryland ,
MarlenePatillo1
MD Dept. of the Environment
Div. of Municipal Compliance
2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410)631-3646;
Melvin Knott ;
MD Dept. of the Environment
Industrial Wastewater Program
2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410)631-3906;
Massachusetts
PingYee i
MA Dept. of Env. Protection
Div. of Water Pollution Control
Training Center - Route 20
Milbury, MA 01527
(508)756-7281
' Michigan
Clyde Marion !
US EPA, Region V
(WC-15J)
77 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353-5966
Minnesota
Kim Sandrock
MN Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651)296-7387
Mississippi
Phillip Bass
MS Dept of Env. Quality
Office of Pollution Control
POBox 10385
Jackson, MS 39204
(601) 961-5143
Missouri
Jack Pate
MO Dept. of Natural Resources
Water Pollution Control Program
205 Jefferson Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-1399
Montana
Mike Pasichnyk
MT Dept of Environmental Quality
Water Protection Bureau
POBox 200901
Helena, MT'59620-0901
(406)444-5326
Nebraska
Chris Helms
Dept of Env. Quality
Water Quality Division
PO Box 98922
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922
(402)471-2186
Nevada
Wendall McCurry
NV Div. of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Quality Planning
333 W. Nye Lane, Capitol Complex
Carson City, NV 89701
(702) 687-4670 ext. 3098
New Hampshire
Stephanie Larson
NH Dept. of Env. Services
Water Supply & Poll. Ctrl. Div.
P.OBox95
Concord, NH 03301
(603)271-1493
New Jersey
Linda Mauel
US EPA, Region JJ
2890 Woodbridge Ave. (MS-220)
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(732)321-6766
New Mexico
Patrick Hanson
NM Environmental Dept.
Rennels Bldg., Rm. N 2050
POBox 26110
Santa Fe.NM 87501
(505)827-2799
Study 18
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DMR-QA STATE COORDINATORS
' New York
Linda Mauel
US EPA, Region II
2890 Woodbridgc Ave. (MS-220)
Edison. NJ OSS37-3679
(732)321-6766
North Carolina
Jim Meyer
NC DEMflUboraloty Section
NC Dept, of Env. Health & Nat. Res,
4405 Reedy Creek Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27607-4405
(919) 733-3908
North Dakota
Jtwi Pficfcr
NO Dept of Health
Div. of Water Quality, Missouri Office
Bldg,
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarek,ND S850S-5520
(701)328-5228
Northern Islands
John I. Castro Jr.
Div, of Env. Quality
Muiina Island
TO Box 1304
StlpM).CM 96950
(670)234-6950
*Qhio
Dave Foulkes
Cftio EPA
1571 Pcny Street
Columbus, OH 43201
(614)644-4240
Oklahoma
Aaron Milligan
OK Dcpt of Environmental Qlty.
1000 ME Tenth, 10th Floor
Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1212
(405)271-5205
* Oregon
JadyJohndohl
OR Dep<, of Environmental Quality
Executive Bldg,
811SW Sixth Avc.
Portland, OR 97204
(503)229-6896
Pennsylvania
R. LturucWyrick
PA DEP - Bureau of Water Quality Mgt.
Div. of Permits &. Compliance
PO Box 8465
Hamburg, PA 17105-8465
(717)783-2940
CaryPcsek
PA DEP
Northwest Region, Water Mgt. Program
(DMR-QA)
101 South Mercer Street
New Castle, PA 16101
(412)656-3267
David Long
PA DEP
North-central Region, Water Mgt.
Program (DMR-QA)
208 W. Third St., Suite 101
Williamsport, PA 17701-6448
(717) 327-3781
Randy King
PA DEP
South-central Region, Water Mgt.
Program (DMR-QA)
One Ararat Boulevard
Harrisburg,PA 17110
(717) 657-4671
Thomas Sherk
PA DEP
Northeast Region, Water Mgt. Program
(DMR-QA)
2 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre,PA 18711-0790
(717) 826-2533
David Burke
PA DEP
Southeast Region, Water Mgt. Program
(DMR-QA)
555 N. Lane, Lee Park, Suite 6010
Consheohocken, PA 19428
(610) 832-6106
Charles Brethauer
PA DEP
Southwest Region, Water Mgt. Program
(DMR-QA)
400 Water Front Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4745
(412)442-4328
Puerto Rico
Linda Mauel
US EPA, Region H
2890 Woodbridge Ave. (MS-220)
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(732)321-6766
Rhode Island
Benjamin Lovesky
RIDept. of Env. Mgt.
Div. of Water Resources
235 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908-5767
(401) 222-3961 ext. 7268
South Carolina
Wayne Davis
SC Dept of Health & Env. Control
Laboratory Certification
POBox72
State Park, SC 29147
(803) 935-6856
South Dakota
Stacy Reed
SD Dept. of Env. & Natural Res.
Point Source Control Program
523 E. Capital, Joe Foss Bldg.
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3351
Tennessee
Pamela Townsend
TN Dept. of Env. & Conservation
Div. of Water Pollution Control
401 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37243-1234
(615) 532-0677
Texas
Mary Stordal
TNRCC
5144 E. Sam Houston Pkwy. N.
Houston, TX 77015
(281) 457-5229
Trust Territory
Patricia Mack
US EPA, Region DC
Laboratory
1337 South 46th St., Bldg. 201
Richmond, CA 94804-4698
(510)412-2333
Carolyn Tambwekar
US EPA, Region K
1337 South 46th Street, Bldg 201
Richmond, CA 94804-4698
(510)412-2383
*Utah
Mike Herkimer
UT Dept. of Env. Quality
Div. of Water Quality
288 North 1460 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801)538-6146
Vermont
Andrew Fish
VT Dept. of Env. Conservation
103 S. Main Street, Sewing Bldg.
Waterbury, VT 05676
(802)241-3739
Virgin Islands
Linda Mauel
US EPA, Region H
2890 Woodbridge Ave. (MS-220)
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(732) 321-6766
Virginia
Elizabeth Ziomek
VA Dept. of Env. Qlty.
Water Division
PO Box 10009
Richmond, VA 23240
(804) 698-4181
Washington
Stewart Lombard
WA State Dept. of Ecology
Quality Assurance Section
PO Box 488
Manchester, WA 98353
(360) 895-4649
West Virginia
Don E. Caldwell
State of West Virginia
Dept. of Natural Resources
1201 Greenbrrer Street
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2108
Wisconsin
Mike Kvitrud
WI Dept of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 621-8459
Tom Basher
WI Dept. of Natural Resources
North Central District
PO Box 818
Rhinelander, WI 54501
(715)369-8964
Don Domincick
WI Dept. of Natural Resources
Southeast District
PO Box 12436
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 263-8717
Colleen Higgins
WI Dept. of Natural Resources
Western District
PO Box 4001
Eau Claire, WI 54702
(715) 839-1603
Janet LaRose
WI Dept. of Natural Resources
Northwest District
810 W- Maple St.
Spooner,WI 54801-1255
(715) 635-4067
Roy Lemke
WI Dept. of Natural Resources
Southern District
3911 Fish Hatchery Road
Fitchburg,WI 53711
(608)275-3283
Linda Vogeri
WI Dept. of Natural Resources
Lake Michigan District
PO Box 10448
Green Bay, WI 54307-0448
(414)492-5876
Wyoming
Edward Mock
WY Dept. of Env. Quality
Water Quality Division
122 W. 25th St.
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7317
* NPDES Delegated State
Study 18
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DMR-QA LABORATORY PERFORMANCE EVALUATION STUDY 18
CHECK LIST FOR FOLLOW-UP ON "NOT ACCEPTABLE" CHEMISTRY DATA
1. CHECK YOUR METHODS
a. EPA has approved specific methods for effluent monitoring. The list of approved
methods is contained in 40 CFR Part 136, Table 1B, although official exemptions are
possible; check to see that you are using an approved method.
b. Check to determine that your personnel are properly trained to perform these analyses.
c. If you are using an approved method and your personnel are properly trained, check to
be sure the method is being performed properly.
2. CHECK THE DATA FROM YOUR ROUTINE QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM
a. Assess your QC program. Are you employing appropriate QC checks (methods blanks,
calibration check samples, quality control samples, etc.) with your sample?
b. Assess your QC data results. Are they within or outside of appropriate control limits? If
outside, check factors that may have caused the abnormal reading (for example: if
results from your method blanks show interfering substances; check the purity of your
reagents, reagent water, glassware, etc.) :
c. For further information on intralaboratory quality control programs and other good
laboratory practices, see D 3856 Standard Guide for Good Laboratory Practices for
Laboratories Engaged in Sampling and Analysis of Water, Vol. 11.01 of the Annual
Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken PA
19428-2959. ;
3. CHECK YOUR CALCULATIONS
Be sure your calculations were properly done and that you reported the results in the proper
units, e.g., for trace metals, were micrograms/liter (ug/l) used instead of milligrams/liter (mg/L)?
Check the original instruction packet and have a colleague perform independent calculations to
verify your results.
4. CHECK FOR DATA REPORTING ERRORS
Data reporting errors should be taken seriously. If you had a data reporting problem, e.g.,
transcription error, etc., how are you going to strengthen your system for reporting routine DMR
data to avoid similar problems in the future?
5. CHECK TO SEE IF THE DMR-QA STUDY SAMPLES WERE PREPARED AND ANALYZED
ACCORDING TO THE STUDY INSTRUCTIONS.
6. DOCUMENTATION
Submit all identified problems with supporting information and corrective actions, to your State or
Regional Coordinator (as specified in the previous pages).
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DMR-QA LABORATORY PERFORMANCE EVALUATION STUDY 18
CHECK LIST FOR FOLLOW-UP ON "NOT ACCEPTABLE" DATA FROM
WHOLE EFFLUENT TOXICITY TESTS
1. CHECK TO SEE THAT STUDY INSTRUCTIONS WERE FOLLOWED
r ' b ..' ' &
a. Were the dilution water and "Simulated Effluent" prepared according to the study
instructions? , « .,; .. , .. .,. ., . . ... ,
b. Was the test conducted according to the instructions?
c. Check to be sure you reported the correct method code for your test procedure.
2. CHECK THE DATA FROM YOUR ROUTINE QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM
a. Assess if you are performing reference toxicant testing at an appropriate frequency.
b. CHECK YOUR CULTURE CONDITIONS: Were culture/holding conditions
(temperature, hardness, salinity, pH, etc.) similar toitest conditions?
Was your test water less than 48 hours old or more than 2 weeks old?
What was the hardness (or salinity) of the culture versjjs the test water?
c. TEST ORGANISMS: Were the test organisms of suitable age and condition (e.g., free
from disease, taken from adequate brood size, low holding mortality, healthy condition
upon arrival from supplier)?
d. TEST CONDITIONS: !
i. Check all required test conditions and make sure they have been met, e.g.,
temperature+1°C. ' '.
ii. Were test conditions (temperature, dissolved oxygen, hardness or salinity, pH,
etc.) within acceptable limits?
Hi. Was a performance control (water of known or proven quality) employed in
addition to that specified in the instructions? If so, did it perform as expected?
fv. Was a reference toxicant series included in the study? If so, how did the results
compare to the control data chart? ;
3. CHECK YOUR CALCULATIONS
a. Did you use the correct amount of toxicant and dilution water in making your "simulated
effluent"?
b. Was a simulated data set (with known endpoints) subjected to statistical manipulations?
c. Check your computer program or hand calculations to verify your reported results. Are
your programs working properly? Are you using them properly?
(Turn page over to see remainder of Check list)
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d. Be sure you reported the results properly on the data reporting form.
e. Did you use the correct analysis method according to the study directions and analysis
flowchart? In other words, did you check hypothesis testing assumptions, etc.?
4. CHECK FOR DATA TRANSCRIPTION ERRORS
5. CHECK TO DETERMINE THAT YOUR PERSONNEL ARE PROPERLY TRAINED TO
PERFORM THESE ANALYSES
Were personnel experienced with test procedures? Have the personnel run at least five
reference toxicant tests?
6. DOCUMENTATION
Submit all identified problems with supporting information and corrective action, to your State or
Regional Coordinator (as specified in the previous pages).
.a GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1998 -750-101/00011
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