FY2005 Annual Report
10625 FALLSTONE RD :
^-^^^^^^^
--*^J^
, '
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 6
Management Division
Environmental Services Branch
-------
FY2005 Annual Report
\
Hi
C3
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 6
Management Division
Environmental Services Branch
-------
Table of Contents
Environmental Services Branch Mission 2
Executive Summary 3
Introduction 4
o Organization 5
FY2005 Accomplishments 7
Regional Science, Outreach, A Support Accomplishments 11
o Homeland Security 14
o Region 6 Dive Team '. 17
o EMS 19
o NELAP 21
o Papers A Presentations 22
o Technical Assistance/Drinking Water Certification 23
o Mobile Lab 24
o TAGA 25
Customer Service 27
Superfund Division Assistance 28
o CLP 30
Multimedia Planning A Permitting Division Assistance 34
o Passive Ozone Monitoring .-. 35
o PM2.5 36
o NPEP-TTP 37
Compliance Assurance & Enforcement Division Assistance 39
Water Quality Protection Division Assistance 41
Criminal Investigation Division Assistance 45
Quality Assurance A Regional Support Assistance 46
Glossary 48
-------
Environmental Services Branch Mission
The Region 6 Environmental Services Branch provides environmental analytical services
for Regional Programs, and serves as the source of scientific expertise and prowess for
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National and Regional regulatory and
executive decisions. The environmental analytical services provided by the Laboratory
are conducted and completed within critical time frames for use in deliberations and
decision-making in various Region 6 and National EPA programs.
The scientific expertise required to design and execute these analyses is also called upon
to provide advice and expert testimony in Regional and National Program decisions, and
civil and criminal litigation. This expertise is often utilized to perform critical
environmental analyses for sensitive enforcement cases.
The reliability of the design, analyses, and results of projects undertaken by the Region
requires adherence to sound science and requires rigorous quality control and quality
assurance. The Environmental Services Branch serves a critical role in scientific support
and oversight of regional Quality Assurance efforts. This includes Quality Assurance
oversight of the Region's Superf und Contract Laboratory Program (CLP). The
Laboratory's capability can also serve as a referee in controversial cases.
The fast pace of emerging technologies and science requires that the laboratory keep at
the forefront of new analytical procedures. An evermore-important aspect of the
Branch's mission is the development and adaptation of analytical methods and procedures.
Moreover, this capability serves as the basis for technical advice and assistance to our
partner agencies in Federal, State, and local government.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 2
-------
Executive Summary
The Environmental Services Branch provides both analytical and technical support to
Region 6 programs as well as the Criminal Investigation Division. This work spans the
range of activities from pH analysis to interpreting and defending complex analytical data
during federal criminal prosecutions. Laboratory activities are conducted in support of
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superf und),
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA),
Clean Air Act (CAA), National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES), Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA), and the Clean Water Act (CWA).
The Environmental Services Branch laboratory analyzed 7,540 parameters during
FY2005.
In addition to in-house analytical work, the Environmental Services Branch performs
technical oversight of the Superf und Contract Laboratory Program (CLP). The branch
monitors CLP contracts in Region 6, which provide laboratory services nationwide. The
Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT) contractor with EPA oversight and
concurrence performed data validation and verification activities on 8,348 parameters1
analyzed by the CLP during FY2005.
The Government Performance Results Act (GPRA) placed new management expectations
and requirements on federal agencies by creating a framework for more effective
planning, budgeting, program evaluation, and fiscal accountability for federal programs.
The intent of the Act was to improve public confidence in federal agency performance,
by holding agencies accountable for achieving program results and to improve
congressional decision making by clarifying and stating program performance goals,
measures, and costs "up front." In response to SPRA, laboratory staff track work by
GPRA Code as well as by division, by program, and by project type.
CLP Parameters are not equivalent to Region 6 Laboratory parameters.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 3
-------
Introduction
The original Houston Laboratory consisted of several mobile buildings located near the
Houston Ship Channel. This operation was established as a result of an enforcement
conference conducted in 1970 and 1971 under the terms of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Refuse Act Program. A recommendation of the conference was for a joint
study of Galveston Bay, which was conducted by the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration and the Texas Water Quality Board. The study determined the waste
loads flowing into Galveston Bay from the Houston Ship Channel, and other sources.
The results were utilized in wastewater discharge permits to prevent the further
degradation of Galveston Bay.
A permanent facility was constructed and occupied by EPA in June of 1972. This
facility was designed to handle the classical water quality parameters, such as
biological oxygen demand (BOO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon
(TOC), nutrients, metals, total and fecal coliform, pesticides, oil and grease, and
bioassays.
As environmental programs evolved into addressing toxic and hazardous wastes, the
requirements for regional laboratory support experienced significant changes. The
natures of the samples were becoming more hazardous, thereby requiring specialized
handling and newer and more sophisticated analytical instrumentation. Due to the age
and design of the existing facility, EPA determined that a new laboratory would be
needed to satisfy these new requirements as well as provide a safe working
environment for employees.
The impetus for acquiring a new facility was begun in 1988 and the new laboratory was
completed and occupied in June 1990. This laboratory incorporates features in design
and operation considered to be state of the art for environmental laboratories at the
time. Now as we approach the end of the 20-year lease, we must take into
consideration the facility's adequacy for our expanding environmental analytical
needs, including response and preparedness in support of homeland security. This will
entail a revisiting of current and future requirements for environmental analytical
capability and capacity.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 4
-------
Introduction
Organization
The Environmental Services Branch is part of Region 6, Management Division. A
Branch Chief and a Deputy Branch Chief supervise lab operations. Other Region 6
organizational functions collocated at the laboratory facility are a surveillance team
(Enforcement Division), an air monitoring coordinator (Multimedia Division), and on
scene coordinators (Superfund Division).
The Branch is organized into four teams (Organic Laboratory Team, Inorganic
Laboratory Team, Sample Management Team, and the External Lab Oversight Team)
and one group (Management Support Group).
The Organic Team is responsible for the analysis of volatile organic compounds, semi-
volatile organic compounds, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs), and
herbicides on a variety of matrices in support of Regional program needs. The Organic
Team also provides technical assistance to the Region and the public sector regarding
organic chemical analysis and methodology. The Organic Team is under the supervision
of the Deputy Branch Chief.
Region 6 Environmental Services Branch
- - ' Upfca
The Inorganic Team provides
analysis of inorganic
compounds and trace metals in
environmental media. Technical
oversight and validation is
performed on wet chemistry data
provided by the Texas
Commission of Environmental
Quality (TCEQ) Laboratory.
Technical expertise and
analysis is provided to
programs for monitoring
activities as well as for civil and criminal enforcement. The Inorganic Team is under
the supervision of the Deputy Branch Chief.
The External Lab Oversight Team performs technical oversight of the Regional
Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT) and the Contract Laboratory
Program (CLP) contracts. The team oversees contractor data verification and
validation activities, performs CLP sample scheduling and determines contractor
FY2005 Annual Report Page 5
norganic Analysis lean
-------
Introduction
generated technical data usability for client programs. The team is responsible for
CLP Regional Sample Control Center (RSCC) activities and the Regional ESAT Project
Officer and the CLP Regional Project Officer are members of this team. In addition,
the team coordinates the Drinking Water Certification Program, maintains the Region
6 Laboratory website, and serves as the regional point of contact for laboratory
related technical assistance. The External Lab Oversight Team is under the
supervision of the Branch Chief.
The Sample Management Team is responsible for the Region 6 Sample Control Center
and is the point of contact for all analytical services. The team is responsible for
scheduling sample analysis for the Region 6 Laboratory and/or the CLP, sample
receiving, sample log-in, tracking all samples through the Region 6 Laboratory, and the
coordination of mobile laboratory activities. The Team is responsible for providing
analysis of microbiological and aquatic biological organisms in environmental media, air
toxics, and ion chromatography on various media. In addition, the team serves as the
focal point for the branch's customer service activities. The Sample Management
Team is under the direction of the Deputy Branch Chief.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 6
-------
FY2005 Accomplishments
The Environmental Services Branch has completed another very successful year in
terms of science, outreach, analysis, and assistance. These accomplishments were in
addition to our continuing efforts in customer service, pollution prevention, and
diversity.
The laboratory processed 7,540 parameters during FY2005.
The chart on the right
illustrates the total
number of parameters
processed each fiscal
year from FY2001
through FY2005.
Parameters in FY2005
were dispersed on
routine work, not on any
one special project.
Total Number of Parameters
FY2001 - FY2005
8000n
6000
4000
2000
0
I I I I I
I I I I I
Parameters Received By Division
FY2005
3%
47%
I6SF
G6EN
28%
I6CI
The chart on the left illustrates the usage
of laboratory services by the region's
divisions for FY2005. QA/RS includes
analytical support for performance testing
samples required for NELAC certification
and analytical support provided to a Region
10 project. 6WQ includes analytical
support for Hurricane Katrina and
Hurricane Rita.
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 7
-------
Parameters Received by Division
FY2001 - FY2005
FY2005 Accomplishments
The chart on the right shows
historical usage of laboratory
services through the number of
parameters received from FY2001
- FY2005. Beginning back in FY97,
the divisions were no longer limited
to laboratory usage through the
old workload/FTE allocation
scheme. This scheme was removed
by the Deputy Regional
Administrator as a result of a
FY96 workgroup report on funding
and usage of the laboratory. The
laboratory provides services to all
divisions. The QA/RS Division includes all performance-testing sample parameters
required to meet NELAC certification requirements and analytical support provided to a
Region 10 RCRA project. 6WQ is inflated this year due to analytical support provided to
the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita relief efforts.
To provide our customers with a snapshot of the media and programs that utilize regional
laboratory services, we also track parameters by the program requesting the analysis,
and by the type of sampling project. The chart below depicts the programs/projects the
laboratory worked on during FY2005.
cv>
cV
I6SF
D6EN
I6WQ
I6CI
I6PD
IQA/RS
Parameters Received by Program
FY2005
1%
39%
11%
FY2005 Annual Report
D 6%
Q Super-fund
BTSCA
D RCRA
BSDWA
HCW A
FIFRA
Page 8
-------
FY2005 Accomplishments
The Superfund slice represents all of the Superfund projects (i.e. SA, SSI,
Removal, Remedial, RI/FS, Criminal etc) for FY2005, which amounted to 16% of
the total laboratory analytical workload.
TSCA includes analysis for 6EN PCB sampling inspections.
CAA included assistance to 6EN and 6PD for air analysis support as well as
performance testing samples.
RCRA represents the parameters received from 6EN, 6PD, and 6CI in support of
RCRA sampling inspections as well as performance testing samples.
SDWA includes assistance to 6WQ for the analysis of lead/copper samples for the
tribal drinking water monitoring program, analytical support to the Hurricane
Katrina relief effort, and performance testing samples.
CWA represents parameters received from 6WQ in support of CWA sampling
inspections, analytical support to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort (floodwater
samples), and performance testing samples.
FIFRA includes analysis support to 6PD and 6CI.
Government Performance Results Act (£PRA)
The Region 6 Laboratory also tracks parameters by the 6PRA Code. The chart below
depicts the GPRA Codes for the parameters the laboratory worked on during FY2005.
Paremeters Received By GPRA Code - FY2005
101A59C
201B53C
B 202BD4C
D302D99C
302DC6C
D 302DD2C
D401C92C
B501E14C
501E44C
501E52C
FY2005 Annual Report
105
174
150
1952
1400
1481
1265
1980
Page 9
-------
FY2005 Accomplishments
101A59C- Four Corners, Ozone, N02, Nox, OKDEQ Assist.
201B53C - Tribal Lead/Copper and SDWA performance testing
202BD4C - Toxnet and TMDLs (Terrebonne DO Study, Arkansas Lake Study, Coffee
Creek), BST Pilot, and performance testing
302D99C - Support to a Region 10 project
302DC6C - Hurricane support
302DD2C - Superf und
401C92C - 6PD FIFRA
501E14C - TSCA from 6EN
501E44C - Analytical support to 6EN for inspections and performance testing
501E52C - Analytical support provided to 6CI for criminal investigations
302D99C - RCRA work from 6PD
FY2005 Annual Report Page 10
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Science and Data
The Branch successfully implemented the latest version of the LIMS (Laboratory
Information Management System at the laboratory. Several new Crystal Reports
were developed in FY2005. The LIMS provides data management from initial client
contact through final data archival. It also provides electronic data deliverables in
various formats to customers.
The Region 6 Laboratory chemists continued to participate in the LTTG
(Laboratory Technology Information Group) on various
workgroups, conference calls, and annual meetings. This group
of scientists from EPA environmental laboratories was
organized in an effort to exchange information to improve
knowledge, expertise, quality, and contacts within the EPA
laboratory system.
Laboratory chemists continue to participate in the FEM (Forum on Environmental
Measurements) Action Team conference calls on improving Agency Methods. One
lab chemist was one of the representatives for the FEM Action Team at the ELAB
meeting at NEMC and another was a contributing author for the "Validation and
Peer Review of U.S. EPA Chemical Methods of Analysis".
Laboratory Team Leaders participated in the EPA Homeland Security Chemical
Methods Review Workshop and helped to write the Standard Analytical Methods
Manual (SAMM). Comments were also provided for 8270 SAP (Standardized
Analytical Protocol).
Lab chemist has been assisting the Technical Service Center of ORD in Cincinnati
on updating Method 524.2.
Participation in the RCRA Organic Workgroup continued. Comments were
submitted for Method 8260C update and for last minute changes to Method
8270D which will be included in the soon to be released version.
Laboratory chemists have been working with Perkin Elmer, EPA OSW, and Region 4
on Headspace/Trap Interlab Study and Method Validation.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 11
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
The Inorganic Team has been working on developing the use of axial view ICP for
low detection levels.
The Sample Management Team continues to develop methodologies to assist the
Multi Media Planning A Permitting Division in several passive air monitoring
projects.
The development of a sophisticated IC/MS technique for Perchlorate analysis was
completed with vendors from two different companies. Analysts were invited to
present this work combining the instrumental techniques from ion chromatography
and mass spectrometry to the American Chemical Society.
The Organic Team participated in the Lowest Concentration Minimum Reporting
Level (LCMRL) Drinking Water Study by providing
extraction and analysis support to the Office of
Drinking Water.
Organic Team members are assisting the University
Of Texas School Of Public Health (UTSPH) on
analysis techniques for estradiols using GC/MS
Negative Chemical lonization.
The Branch provided a co-instructor for the Environmental
Data Validation and Verification course given at the Region 6 Annual Quality
Assurance Conference in Dallas, Texas.
The Branch continues assisting the Superfund Program in tracking non-CLP
analyses using the ANSETS tracking system. Region specific instructions for
completing the ANSETS form are posted on the Analytical Operations Center
Internet web site. ANSETS information was forwarded to headquarters for
tracking.
The External Laboratory Oversight Team provided data review services for the
non-Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) data for the Hurricane Katrina aftermath
samples analyzed by the EPA Region 6 Laboratory. Approximately 30 parameters
were reviewed.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 12
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
The Organic Team assisted the Region 10 Laboratory with the analysis of PCB
samples for a RCRA project.
Partnerships and Outreach
ESB staff coordinated numerous outreach activities during FY2005. Laboratory
and administrative staff volunteer to provide outreach to the approximately 4
million people located in the Houston-Galveston area. A few examples of the many
outreach activities conducted by ESB staff during FY2005 are:
* Science demonstrations for local schools
-» Health fairs
-* Earth Day events
-» Job fairs
-» Lab tours
-» Science fairs
-* Presentations to schools, industry, state and local agencies, and private
organizations
The Environmental Services Branch has been maintaining an Internet web page.
The page contains information and links on quality assurance, analytical methods,
pollution prevention, and special laboratory projects.
The Environmental Services Branch staff is active in the Houston Federal
Executive Board (HFEB). One benefit of the HFEB involvement is the sharing of
training programs between Federal agencies in the Houston area.
The External Laboratory Oversight Team participated in the monthly Superfund
Field and Analytical Services Teaming Advisory Committee (FASTAC) workgroup
meetings with headquarters OSRTI (formerly OERR) staff.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 13
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Homeland Security
The Region 6 Laboratory has played a key role in defining the EPA Regional Laboratories
analytical responsibilities during catastrophic and terrorist incidents responses. Our
Laboratory Branch Chief, Dr. Douglas Lipka, was on detail to EPA Headquarters last fiscal
year when EPA Laboratories roles came into question. He was instrumental in inserting
Regional Laboratories potential responsibilities in the EPA Homeland Security Strategic
Plan (HSSP). These responsibilities are described as follows in the HSSP (£oal 4.4): "
EPA will address Homeland Security laboratory issues with other Federal Agencies, such
as the Department of Homeland Security and/or CDC, and will develop intergovernmental
response networks of environmental and health laboratories' capabilities and capacities
for the analyses of standard chemical, biological and radio-chemical compounds and of
chemical, biological and radiological contaminants of concern in support of emergency
response/WMb events."
A first step in defining EPA's role is to determine internal laboratory capacity. A Sub-
Workgroup was set up initially under the auspices of the HSSP Workgroup. The charge to
set up this Sub-Workgroup arose during an HSSP Workgroup meeting in August (2002)
where both Ramona Trovato (OEI) and Doug Lipka brought up the issue of numerous
requests from the Center for Disease Control to EPA for laboratory assistance in their
laboratory response network activities, both biological and chemical. CDC has a network
of state public health laboratories to respond biological and chemical incidents. These
are clinical laboratories analyzing human fluids and biological agents. They are not set up
for environmental samples, which are of larger volume and different matrices (soil, water,
sediment, etc.).
The first task of the Subcommittee was to gather information on the capabilities of all
EPA's laboratories (37 in all). A contractor was utilized to gather this information
together in a Compendium. This Compendium is now complete, containing information on
all EPA laboratories and most state laboratories - over 180 laboratories. This
information is on a secure website (www.epa.gov/compendium) which can be accessed by
users upon registering with EPA.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 14
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Homeland Security)
The second task of the Laboratory Capabilities Subcommittee was to explore EP/A's role
in developing and participating in laboratory response networks. EPA should pursue the
development of an Environmental Laboratory Response Network (ELRN), which
addresses CBR hazards. The laboratory network should be coordinated with CDC and
FDA networks and directed at meeting the environmental testing needs of the states and
the nation. The ELRN would involve federal and state laboratory resources, similar to
the existing CDC and FDA networks, and includes private sector laboratory capacity to
address the very high volume requirements that would be expected in a major incident.
Subsequent meetings with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CDC, FDA, FBI,
Department of Agriculture, and the White House Office of Homeland Security have
resulted in the development of a draft interagency memorandum of agreement to a
establish an Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks. Concurrent with this
effort, EPA has committed to the establishment of a Headquarters Coordination Office
for the developing EPA environmental response network.
An important issue is the procedure of how to screen for unknowns. It is not necessarily
the method, but the initial handling of the sample (triage), that is, which laboratory
(capabilities for biological, chemical, radiological, or warfare agents) should receive the
sample. An interagency workgroup has been developing a protocol for the triage of
unknown hazardous samples. This protocol would involve the use of a mobile triage unit as
recommended by a Workshop sponsored by the Association of Public Health
Laboratories in January 2003. These units would be capable of securely evaluating and
characterizing specimens for single and mixed hazard chemical and biological agents and
confirmation of pre-screening for absence of radiological and explosive hazards. Two
prototypes are being funded by the DHS for use by EPA. The APHL Workshop
recommended the need for 60.
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 15
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Homeland Security
At a senior management meeting in Chicago in February 2003, the EPA Administrator
asked that all regions open a dialogue with state laboratories concerning improving
laboratory preparedness for response to emergencies. In EPA Region 6, The Regional
Laboratory convened its first meeting with State Laboratories in Houston on July 10,
2003. A subsequent meeting was held on June 10 and 11, 2004. At both meetings, all
five States were represented. Four sectors of State laboratories were invited ~
Environmental; Public Health; Agriculture; Veterinary medicine. One outcome of the
meeting was the establishment of a secure website for communication between Region 6
State laboratories and EPA.
The HSSP Workgroup is still active through the convening of quarterly meetings of all its
members (including two States representatives and biweekly conference calls. The HSSP
Workgroup, in essence, is the active forum for all participating organizational components
of EPA in the development of a needed environmental response network.
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 16
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
The US EPA Diving Safety Board recently approved Region 6 ESB to establish a Dive
Team. EPA Region 6 personnel enter the dive program through a periodic recruitment
process available to all permanent EPA employees located in Region 6. Selection
factors for dive candidates include physical fitness, swimming ability, experience with
field surveys, SCUBA certification level, and importance of diving to their present
position. After a candidate is selected for a position on the Region 6 Team, he or she
must complete introductory level training to gain Scientific Diver certification. This
initial and more advanced diver training is available from EPA and NO A A. EPA Dive
Team members will obtain EPA Diver certification each year (normally the second
week of May) through the SHEM HQs funded EPA Scientific Diver Training Program.
The Region 6 Dive Team will provide scientific diving services to the Region through
inspections (of EPA permitted NETPENS in the 6ulf of Mexico, active A inactive oil
rigs, etc), sampling, surveys, and long term monitoring. Over 30 years ago at the
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, several divers developed a team to
support their Agency's need for scientific expertise. Now the successor agency, EPA,
has a dive team supporting Superf und and Clean Water Act work, and other related
EPA offices, agencies, and governments.
In 1997 EPA and Mineral Management Services (MMS-Dept. of Interior) established a
memorandum of understanding to examine the environmental impacts of oil drilling and
other activities within the Gulf of Mexico. EPA agreed to establish procedures for
grab sampling as well as composite sampling techniques for air, water, sludge, and
other matrices to test for impacts to the environment around these oil rigs
The Region 6 Dive Team will concentrate on collecting samples assisting
the Minerals Management Services (MMS) Pilot Seaf loor Monitoring
Project. They would coordinate sample collection for monitoring mineral resources on
the outer continental shelf, examine potential harm created during platform removals,
collect air samples from offshore platforms for monitoring, and any other sample
collection needed.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 17
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
In FY2005, the dive team supported the Region 4 Dive Program <& ODMDS Project.
They worked with Region 4, NOAA, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Nova South
Eastern University to address concerns regarding the potential impacts to coral
communities in SE Florida as a result of disposal of dredged material at the Miami
ODMDS about 3 miles off shore. A biological component was added to this project
this year to monitor any sedimentation stress induced in corals via a genetic screening
tool developed with Georgia Institute of Technology.
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 18
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Environmental
Management
Systems
Formal Environmental Management Systems (EMS) emerged in the early 1990s to
provide organizations with a proactive, systematic approach for managing the potential
environmental consequences of their operations. Such systems have been widely
adopted by industry and government and have been effective at improving regulatory
compliance and environmental performance. In April 2000, President Clinton signed
Executive Order 13148 ("Greening the Government through Leadership in
Environmental Management") that established a 5 - year EMS implementation goal for
all federal facilities. President Bush and the current administration have supported
this position. The EPA, as the principle steward for the environment, has taken a
leadership position by developing an EMS implementation initiative. This training
course supports that initiative and aims to assist EPA organizations with EMS
implementation.
EPA's mission is to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment by
setting standards for environmental protection, assisting others in reducing or
preventing pollution, conducting environmental research and enforcing environmental
protection standards in conjunction witb other government
agencies. In support of that mission, proper management of the
environmental impacts of our own operations at the Region 6
Laboratory is essential. With this policy, EPA is committing to
implements EMS's with these attributes for our own employees,
operations, and facilities at the Region 6 Laboratory in Houston, The Region 6
Laboratory will endeavor to become a leader in executing a model environmental
management system with the Agency.
We commit to reduce the environmental impacts and consumption of natural resources
from our laboratory facility operations and comply with all legal and applicable
requirements. Our EMS will be designed to meet the following goals:
Ensure compliance by meeting or exceeding all applicable environmental
requirements
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 19
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Environmental
Management
Systems
Strive to continuously improve environmental performance in terms of both
regulated and unregulated environmental impacts (i.e., energy and water
conservation)
Employ source reduction and other pollution prevention approaches whenever
practical
Require consideration of environmental factors when making planning,
purchasing, and operating decisions
Establish, track, and review scientific environmental performance goals
Share information on environmental performance with the public and allow
appropriate opportunities for input into EMS development and implementation
The EMS process consists of 12 sequential steps for completion. The final External
Audit of the Region 6 Lab's EMS program was completed in FY2005. In addition, the
Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Division (SHEM&) - Headquarters has
selected our lab to serve as a "model" lab in EMS implementation.
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 20
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
State and Local Capacity Building
Branch staff manages the National Environmental Laboratory
Accreditation Program (NELAP) for Region 6. The ESB is
responsible for conducting accrediting authority reviews
(2 during FY2005), accrediting authority laboratory /
audits, and providing information and assistance to
state agencies. Staff also attends bi-annual
meetings, work on NELAC committees, and represent Region 6
in the NELAC House of Representatives (the official voting body that
approves/disapproves changes to the standards).
Louisiana Department of Health <£ Hospitals has been recognized as a NELAP
Accrediting Authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has been recognized as a NELAP
Accrediting Authority for Organic <& Inorganic Chemistry, Microbiology, and
Radiochemistry under the Clean Water Act (CWA), Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Clean Air
Act (CAA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and for Whole
Effluent Toxicity under the CWA, CERCLA, and RCRA.
Several branch personnel have completed the NELAC Lab and ISO 17025
Assessor Training Course.
,
Arkansas Louisiana New Mexico Oklahoma Texas
FY2005 Annual Report Page 21
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
The following papers and presentations were given during FY2005:
"Overview of BST in the EPA Houston Laboratory" at the BST Conference in Dallas
Texas in April 2005.
"Trace Level Perchlorate Analysis By Ion Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry"
was published in The Journal of Chromatography.
"Evaluation of Passive Sampling Devices as an Alternative
Measurement Method for the Nitrogen Dioxide Annual
Standard in El Paso, Texas" was submitted to
Environmental Science and Technology.
Laboratory chemists participated in the Inorganic Discussion Panel during the
Region 6 Annual QA Conference.
"Data Validation and Verification Course" at the EPA Region 6 Annual QA
Conference.
"FASTAC, Mobile Laboratory Services, and Homeland Security Update" to
Superf und Division in Dallas.
"Laboratory Environmental Management Systems (EMS)XISO 14001 at the 8th
Annual Force Health Protection Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, Arkansas
Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon State University, and The
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
"The Do's A Don'ts of Laboratory Ethics" twice at the Region 6 Laboratory to EPA
and TCEQ personnel.
"Laboratory Basics" at the Basic Inspector Course in Dallas Texas.
"The Environmental Sampling, Analysis, and Results (ESAR) Data Standard" at the
EDSC in New Jersey.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 22
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Technical
The Environmental Services Branch serves as a point of contact for all types of
technical assistance. The branch maintains an Internet web page. The page contains
information and links on quality assurance, analytical methodology, pollution prevention,
and special laboratory projects. Technical assistance questions are received by
telephone, email, and the internet. Technical assistance questions pertain to all
programs including RCRA, CWA, SDWA, CAA, TSCA, and CERCLA.
Branch staff processed approximately
17 official requests for Alternate
Test Procedures. Branch staff also
responded to many technical questions
relating to Alternate Test Procedures
and technical interpretations.
Technical Assistance
Internet
Email
Branch staff manages the Drinking Water Certification Program for Region
6. The ESB is responsible for conducting audits of drinking water labs
(State primacy labs and certain federal labs) and determining certification
status. In October 2005, ESB hosted the annual Region 6 State
Certification Officers Meeting at the QA Conference in Dallas.
Drinking Water Certification Audits
New Mexico Department of
Health
Louisiana Department of
Health A Hospitals
Chemistry 4
Microbiology
Louisiana Department of Health
A Hospitals
New Mexico Department of
Health
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 23
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
irarory
The branch procured a 20-foot long "fifth wheel" trailer, which is configured as a
laboratory for analytical services in the field. The unit serves as a mobile platform for
an array of instrumentation in support of numerous Agency activities. The unit can be
equipped to analyze both organic and inorganic parameters in a variety of matrices.
Control measures are in place to insure data quality.
Potential uses of the unit include:
Superf und site characterization and/or remediation
Real - time analysis at remote public water supply sites
Regional enforcement activities
Homeland Security activities
Installed generators supply the necessary electricity when shore power is unavailable.
Heating and air-conditioning allow for year round use. Except for certain consumables,
the unit can be self-sufficient.
The Region 6 Lab in Houston serves as the base of operations and is able to provide
confirmation analysis. Chemists currently at the lab are qualified to staff the unit.
In addition to analytical equipment, the unit has:
Mounting bracket for snorkel to allow air sampling/analysis while mobile
Mounting bracket for weather station to measure wind speed, direction, ambient
temperature, and humidity
A satellite dish for data transfer to the Regional Lab/Office
The unit was deployed on 2 events with Compliance Assurance <& Enforcement Division
during FY2005 as well as during Hurricane relief efforts
(Katrina A Rita).
Page 24
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Trace
Atmospheric
Gas
Analyzer
The Trace /Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) is a self-contained mobile laboratory
capable of real-time sampling and analysis in the low part per billion level of outdoor air
or emissions from various environmental sources and concerns. In addition, the TAGA has
specialized sampling equipment for measuring indoor air and at remote locations. The
newest TAGA unit is staged at the Region 6 Environmental Services Branch Laboratory
and is available to service sites in the western regions (Regions 6, 7, and 8) in partnership
with the National Environmental Response Team (ERT) based at Edison, NJ.
Some of the expected uses for the TAGA include real-time emission studies of
Superf und and possibly Brownf ield sites. The air monitoring and analysis instruments
aboard the TAGA insure that such site assessments and investigations are done in a safe
manner and that airborne contamination from sites is identified and tracked. The TAGA
can be used in cleanup, removal, and remediation efforts to track their progress and to
monitor that air emissions from such waste disposal sites and operations are within
acceptable limits. Investigations of uncontrolled
releases from chemical spills, unknown or suspected
sources of "bad" odors such as nearby chemical or
refinery plant operations, indoor airborne
contaminants (such as misapplied pesticides) are
other examples of possible uses of the TAGA.
The TAGA unit mobile laboratory can also carry
equipment (SUMMA canisters, Bucket air samplers,
Tedlar bags, resin beds, etc.) for sampling and
capture of emissions from various environmental sources for fixed laboratory analysis.
This sampling and analysis ability in either real-time or by fixed laboratory further
increases the versatility, scope, and quality assurance of the sampling and analysis plans.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 25
-------
Regional Science, Outreach, and Support Accomplishments
Trace
Atmospheric
Gas
Analyzer
Delivery of the mobile laboratory van to the Houston facility took place in the third
quarter of FY2001. Several demonstrations were done and plans were being made for
site support work when priorities of the operational group at ERTC were diverted
elsewhere. After the events of September 11, 2001 the TAGA unit has responded to
both the World Trade Center and the anthrax in the Hart Senate Office Building. In the
latter, the TA6A unit was used to monitor for chlorine dioxide (C\Oz) in the ambient air
near residences adjacent to the Hart building. The low detection limits for CIO2 - 900
parts per quadrillion by volume in real time was more sufficient to meet the action limits
imposed by Washington DC, which was 25 parts per
billion by volume for 15 minutes at a location.
Due to analytical priorities and the need for TA&A
support at clean-up activities related to Anthrax and
other similar incidents, the Western TA£A (now the
name of the unit stationed in Region 6) was relocated in
June 2004, to the ERTC base in New Jersey where it
was also undergoing a refit of new hardware and
improved instrumentation.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 26
-------
Customer Service
Customer service plays a major role in Environmental Services Branch activities. As part
of the Agency's goal to increase customer service performance, Environmental Services
Branch staff visited with many of their customers in the regional office in an effort to
discuss the customer's needs and expectations as well as to improve overall
communication and information exchange.
Several initiatives continue to assist in our outreach and customer service efforts. The
Region 6 Sample Control Center (SCC) streamlines sample scheduling and increases
communication with the laboratory's customers. The SCC is the point of contact for
scheduling analytical services with the regional laboratory, the Contract Laboratory
Program (CLP), and for assistance with scheduling special analytical services. The Sample
Control Center also serves as a contact point for technical assistance for regional
sampling efforts concerning sample custody issues, sample container requirements,
sample holding times/preservatives, and methodology.
As an additional source of information for Environmental Services Branch customers, the
Branch has its own Internet
home page. The page
contains information on the
laboratory mission and
organization, the Field and
Analytical Services Teaming
Advisory Committee
(FASTAC), current
laboratory activities such as
methods development,
pollution prevention, quality
assurance, and links to other
EPA home page information.
The page can be found by
clicking on Houston
Laboratory from the Region
6 home page. The home
page address is
http://www.epo.gov/eQrthlr
6/6lab/r6lab.htm
*"
- ~
Environmental Services
Branch
Hoiitfon Laboratory
1OG25 Fait it one Kd. Houston, TX "*?O99
PhiMte (781) W3 210O - Fax (281) 9S3-21 24
Professional papers
Cc-ntra-rt Labor at :-ry
r-r? ;u*nlv,- Asked
2u«rtions
MnwonsAOWo"*
Er.lofV'tm'^re/'rarplun':*
ice of Use Hslg Contact
C^nmwrii SeM-ch
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 27
-------
Superfund Division Assistance
The Environmental Services Branch assisted the Superfund Division with analytical and
technical support, Contract Laboratory Program training, laboratory on-site evaluations,
quality assurance support, and data review services during FY2005.
Laboratory Analysis
The Laboratory analyzed 1,212 parameters for the Superfund Division during FY2005.
The chart and table below show the number of parameters analyzed for the different
Superfund activities during FY2005.
Project Types Received From
Superfund Division
1354
D 56
793
REMEDIAL ACTION
D ESI - RI
RI/FS
REMOVAL
Site Name
American Creosote Works
Central Wood Preserving
Eagle Picher
Fruit Avenue Plume
Grants Chlorinated Solvents
Jones Road Groundwater Plume
Malone Services
Number of Parameters Date(s) Received
16
22
47
228
184
17
41
8/16/05
1/25/05 - 7/1/05
4/5/05
11/9/04 - 4/19/05
3/24/05
8/4/05
7/26/05 - 8/31/05
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 28
-------
Superfund Division Assistance
Site Name
Oklahoma Refining Co.
Old Esco
Petro-Chemical Systems
Turtle Bayou
South Valley
State Road 114
Tar Creek
Texarkana Wood
Preserving
Number of Parameters
140
9
118
9
156
72
153
Date(s) Received
11/5/04 - 5/10/05
8/19/05
10/13/04 - 6/22/05
8/23/05
11/9/04 - 12/16/04
6/28/05 - 7/26/05
10/22/04 - 4/15/05
Field and Analytical Services Teaming Advisory Committee
The Field and /Analytical Services Teaming Advisory Committee (FASTAC) was
established in March 1998. The committee, comprised of Headquarters,
Regional Superfund Program, and Research, Science, and Technology (RSAT)
managers, was convened to promote coordination and customer service
between the Superfund Program and RSdT Divisions, improve the Superfund
Quality Assurance program with an emphasis on field activities, and to
complete the analytical services strategy for Contracts 2000.
The Contracts 2000 process examined future acquisition of Superfund
analytical services. This workgroup recommended the use of a decision tree
for source selection from the existing suite of analytical service sources. Use
of this decision tree helps to establish national baseline consistency in
acquiring analytical services.
FASTAC was tasked with the responsibility to finalize the analytical services strategy
recommended by Contracts 2000.
FASTAC evaluated the universe of available analytical sources and considered the
following parameters in developing the Decision Tree structure: quality, timeliness, cost,
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 29
-------
Superfund Division Assistance
efficiency, availability (on-board resource), and potential vulnerabilities. The FASTAC
"Decision Tree" Strategy for selecting an analytical vehicle is listed in order of
preference:
Tier 1 - EPA Regional Laboratory and ESAT Contract
Tier 2 - National Analytical Services Contracts (i.e. Contract Laboratory Program)
Tier 3 - Region Specific Analytical Services Contracts
Tier 4 -Analytical Services Inter-Agency Agreements (lAGs) and Field
Contracts/Subcontracts
Currently, the Region 6 hierarchy consists of Tiers 1, 2, and 4. Superfund and
Management Division Directors signed the Region 6 FASTAC Implementation Plan in April
1999. The Analytical Services Memorandum of Understanding between Management
Division and Superfund Division, which includes the SOP entitled "Acquiring and
Coordinating Superfund Analytical Services in Region 6", was signed in December 2000.
The Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) provides routine analytical services (RAS) to
Superfund through contracts with private laboratories. The private laboratories operate
under a statement of work (SOW) and must perform analyses by specific methods with
predefined deliverables. The private laboratories receive samples shipped from the field
and the completed sample data packages are sent to the Environmental Services Branch
External Laboratory Oversight Team. The data packages undergo data review and
validation by the Environmental Services Team (ESAT) contractor.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 30
-------
Superfund Division Assistance
The latest Organic Statement of Work (SOW) OLMO4.3 and Inorganic SOW ILMO5.3
includes flexibility clauses. The flexibility clause enables data users to request minor
changes to current SOW analytical methods in order to meet specific site requirements.
The changes are limited in scope and must be approved by the EPA CLP Program Manager
and the Contracting Officer (CO) before implementation.
The Environmental Services Branch External Lab Oversight (ELO) Team has primary
responsibility for regional oversight of the CLP. This oversight includes:
^ Scheduling samples through contracted laboratories, buring FY2005 5,193
organic, 18 Dioxin, and 3,137 inorganic parameters1 were shipped through the CLP
for Region 6
^ Coordinating sample collection between samplers and laboratories
> Monitoring technical performance of laboratories
-> Resolving technical problems
> Monitoring data usability
> Approving laboratory invoice payments. 682 invoices totaling $1,643,000 were
processed. 461 were approved without suspension, 220 invoices were approved
with a suspension, and 1 invoice was disallowed in FY2005. Reasons for suspension
included late data, non-compliant data, non-compliant initial assessment, and
sample/prelim not billable.
'CLP Parameters are not equivalent to Region 6 Laboratory Parameters
CLP Utilization by Mail Code
10%
30%
34%
6SF-RA
6SF-AP
D6SF-LP
B6SF-LT
6SF-RE
Q6SF-AT
6SF-RR
7°/c
16%
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 31
-------
Super-fund Division Assistance
The External Lab Oversight Team also performs oversight of the Environmental
/Assistance Team (ESAT) contractor. The ESAT contractor performs CLP data
verification and validation. This ensures the Agency receives the requisite product that
was contracted for and that it is of known quality. If deficiencies exist, then re-analysis
occurs or liquidated damages are assessed against the laboratory. ESAT data reviews
were conducted on all parameters during FY2005.
Non - CLP Data Review Services
The ESAT data reviewers evaluated one data package consisting of 30 parameters of
Hurricane Katrina samples analyzed by the EPA Region 6 Laboratory.
Review
In FY2005 the External Lab Oversight Team continued offering data review options for
both organic data acquired from the OLMO4.3 SOW and inorganic data acquired from
the ILMO5.2 and ILMO5.3 SOWs. The options utilize a data assessment tool (DAT) that
enables the Region to complete the review in a shorter amount of time, thus providing the
CLP data user with reviewed analytical results in a much shorter time frame.
The options consist of three levels of data review. Review levels differ mainly by the
amount of raw data validation and the data review turnaround times. The original two-
week turnaround time data review remains a choice under the new options and is the
highest, most in-depth level of review.
The External Lab Oversight Team continues to utilize the "Data Uses Matrix" that
consists of data use categories with predetermined levels of review. Use of the matrix
can help reduce the chance of a backlog developing when a large number of samples are
received for review at the same time. A full validation is no longer performed on all
packages, only those listed on the matrix or through a special request. Thus, allowing
more samples to be processed in a shorter time frame than in the past.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 32
-------
Superfund Division Assistance
The ESAT contractor also provides limited analytical assistance to EPA Region 6 including
preparation of organic and metals samples for analysis, and analysis of mercury. In
FY2005, ESAT provided sample preparation and/or analysis support for approximately
1100 parameters. Other support provided to the Superfund Division included:
^ CLP Training for samplers and project officers from tribes, states, Region 6
employees and contractors.
S Data validation report training for Superfund personnel.
^ Audits of CLP and non-CLP laboratories. These audits included data/tape audits,
and technical and evidentiary audits.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 33
-------
Multimedia Planning <& Permitting Division Assistance
Laboratory Analysis
The Laboratory analyzed 2,122 parameters for the Multimedia Planning <& Permitting
Division during FY2005. The chart and table below show the number of parameters
analyzed for the Multimedia Planning d Permitting Division activities during FY2005.
Parameters by Program
1926
188
Site Name
2005 Four Corners Ozone
Precursor Monitoring Study
2005 Passive NO2/SO2
Study
Albuquerque Nox Project
Filling Ozone Gaps in Region 6
Former KAFB-PBR-N10
Four Corners Ozone Precursor
Monitoring Study (2004)
Houston Area Passive 502
Study
Powell Lumber Co.
RARE NO/NO2/Nox
Monitoring Project
Number of Parameters
72
121
704
792
188
105
8
123
Date(s) Received
6/23/05 - 9/20/05
2/1/05 - 9/13/05
11/8/04 - 12/20/04
07/25/05 - 8/29/05
1/18/05 - 1/20/05
10/4/04
6/22/05 - 6/28/05
4/20/05
2/25/05 - 3/14/05
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 34
-------
Multimedia Planning A Permitting Division Assistance
The Region 6 Laboratory once again assisted the Multi-Media Planning <& Permitting
Division's Air Quality Analysis Section by coordinating the logistics of purchasing
monitors, shipping, operator support, tracking, and analysis of passive ozone, nitrogen
oxides, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide samples for different sites in summer as well
as year round 2005.
The Region 6 Lab did a study of ozone in northern New Mexico as well as northern
Oklahoma. As a recommendation from FY2004 the laboratory included ambient VOC
monitoring in the western and northeastern part of San Juan County, New Mexico. The
laboratory provided clean air canisters for the collection of the ambient VOC samples as
well as the analysis of the samples.
Lab personnel co-presented year 2004 and 2005 draft results of passive air monitoring
(ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide) to Tribal offices at Jemez and Mescalero
New Mexico and to the city of Albuquerque. Site managers and site engineers and
modelers attended the meetings. The city of Albuquerque consulted for a new location
for continuous monitoring.
These types of monitoring studies allow us to gather data gaps. This is the cheapest and
most efficient way of monitoring ozone without continuous monitoring. The study helps
us to find the optimum location for the continuous monitors. It also helps in set back
studies where we can monitor ozone from the impact of mobile sources.
The Multi-Media Planning and Permitting Division's Air Quality Analysis Section and the
Region 6 Lab will continue to work with New Mexico and Oklahoma on follow-up data
analyses and future additional monitoring studies. The Region 6 Lab also assisted in
passive NOa and SO2 monitoring research program for 2005 in El Paso and New Mexico.
During this project we will evaluate the passive NOz and SOa results with continuous
monitors and check to see if it as comparable as passive ozone.
There are also plans to develop a method for passive Ammonia analysis. Currently, there
are only two continuous monitors being tested for ammonia in the United States. A
passive method might be beneficial for screening as well as for collecting data.
F/2005 Annual Report Page 35
-------
Multimedia Planning & Permitting Division Assistance
Particulate Monitoring 2.5 Micron Program fWlTl m
\ *c\ "* ^ ^
The PM 2.5 particulate monitoring program was mandated as part of the Clean Air Act
legislation over concerns about the possible health effects of ambient air containing
particles of 2.5 microns or smaller. The PM 2.5 effort commenced nationwide in calendar
year 1999 through a buy-in from the EPA Office of Air to the national Environmental
Services Assistance Team (ESAT) contract, including Region 6. Technical direction for
the PM 2.5 program in Region 6 is provided by the Project Officer in the Air Quality
Analysis Section (6PD-Q). The Environmental Services Branch staff does logistical
support, contract items, and technical oversight.
The purposes of ESATs PM 2.5 Work Assignment is:
To implement a performance evaluation on established ambient air field
instruments used to monitor particulates with an aerometric diameter of 2.5
microns or less.
To perform required pre-sampling and post-sampling laboratory activities to ensure
proper results and adherence to quality assurance regulations.
The Federal Reference Method (FRM) Performance Evaluation is a quality assurance
activity which will be used to evaluate measurement system bias of the PM 2.5 monitoring
network. The pertinent regulations for this performance evaluation are found in 40CFR
Part 58, Appendix A, section 3.5.3. The strategy is to co-locate a portable FRM PM 2.5
air sampling instrument with an established routine air monitor from the State or City at
the site, operate both monitors in exactly the same manner, and then compare the data.
EPA using the Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) database will conduct
the result comparison.
buring FY2005, the PM 2.5 program in Region 6 performed audits at 35 sites, including 6
Tribal sites under a buy-in to the program. Each site was audited four times a year and
the audits were performed as specified in the PEP PM 2.5 standard operating procedure
manual. An overall sample capture rate of greater than 95% was achieved; well above the
90% program requirement. Due to PM sampling support for the Hurricane Katrina Relief
Effort, regular audits were suspended during September 2005.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 36
-------
Multimedia Planning <& Permitting Division Assistance
Particulate Monitoring 2.5 Micron Program
Region 6 ESAT also demonstrated and trained other EPA and contractor personnel in the
PM2.5 audits as our equipment and staff were used at the EPA National Re-certification
and Training Conference held in Las Vegas in April 2005.
Non-PM2.5 Performance Evaluation Program - Through The Probe
The Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) is assisting states in
implementing the requirement in 40CFR Part 58, Appendix A for participation in the
National Performance Evaluation Program by funding and managing contract support to
the Program. State and local agencies have thousands of air monitoring samplers for
Ozone, CO, SO2, NO/NO2, and for particulate matter such as PM10 and PM2.5. The
timeliness, accuracy and resulting usefulness of the non-PM2.5 audits has long been
debated, in part due to the limitations of current technology and the auditee-operation
of such equipment. EPA has proposed improvements in the non-PM2.5 audits by using the
PEP approach and resources for audit device delivery and operation wherever possible and
useful. Support provided by the contractor under this activity includes performing site
or project specific work and the travel to set-up/dismantle the specified instrumentation
at the various sites located within Region 6. Support also includes maintenance (including
trouble shooting malfunctions and shipment of instruments and equipment or components
to manufacture for repairs), data analysis for completeness, shipment of data and
analysis logs, creation and revision of SOPs, training, health and safety, environmental
compliance and other QA/QC functions as directed.
This new task order as described above for Region 6 ESAT commenced during FY03 in
June with the delivery of the TTP trailer and associated hardware and instrumentation,
followed by checkout and road-worthiness tests. When possible, the NPEP-TTP audit
site locations were near the current PM2.5 site locations, in order to minimize travel
dollars and maximize use of ESAT resources while doing PM2.5 audits at nearby sites.
Initially, the NPEP -TTP program started using only ozone as a criteria calibration
FY2005 Annual Report Page 37
-------
Multimedia Planning <& Permitting Division Assistance
Non-PM2.5 Performance Evaluation Program - Through The Probe
gas at the start of the program in FY2004. Several other criteria gases were added to
the program during FY05 dependent upon the monitor instrument being audited.
Region 6 ESAT had scheduled inspections and audits under the NPEP-TTP task order at
28 sites, including about 8 Tribal sites, during FY05, but resources were diverted to
Region 2 in order to assist their TTP monitoring program. Region 6 expects to complete
its audit schedule later in 2005 and early 2006.
Region 6 ESAT had a vital role in the demonstration and training of other EPA and
contractor personnel in the NPEP-TTP procedures as our equipment and staff were used
at the EPA National Re-certification and Training Conference held in Las Vegas in April
2005.
FY2005 Annual Report Page 38
-------
Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division Assistance
Laboratory Analysis
The Laboratory analyzed 266 parameters for the Compliance Assurance A Enforcement
Division during FY2005. The chart and table below show the number of parameters
analyzed for the different Compliance Assurance A Enforcement Division activities during
FY2005.
Project Types Received From
Compliance Assurance A Enforcement Division
D40
D 47
105
HCAA
ITSCA
IRCRA
D Mobile Lab
Site Name
Air Toxics BR (RA000121)
Allied Waste Gulf Landfill
American Electric Power
Texas North Co.
B P Amoco
Carroll Company
Central Texas Salvage &
Recycling Inc.
Certainteed
Clint Landfill City of El Paso
Continental Carbon
Covel Gardens Landfill A
Recycling
FY2005 Annual Report
Number of Parameters
8
6
27
3
18
6
9
Date(s) Received
1/8/05
8/29/05
6/14/05
5/6/05 - 9/1/05
4/21/05
5/5/05
4/13/05
7/25/05
4/5/05
8/5/05
Page 39
-------
Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division Assistance
Site Name
Duratherm Inc
El Paso International
Airport - City of El Paso
Environmental Management
of Texas, Inc.
Esco Marine, Inc.
Flex Tank Systems
Georgia Gulf
Holmes Road Salvage
Kendrick Electric Corp
McCombs Landfill - City of
El Paso
Nickco Recycling
Oiltanking Houston Inc.
OK&EQ
Shintech (Addis LA)
Texas Petrochemicals
Texas Steel Co
TM beerpark Services
Management LLC
Number of Parameters
7
3
7
3
21
6
7
12
6
3
3
29
4
16
Date(s) Received
9/16/05
8/24/05
5/23/05
8/12/05
9/15/05
2/4/05
9/13/05
3/28/05
7/25/05 - 9/20/05
5/27/05
9/1/05
10/6/04
12/9/04
9/27/05
10/19/04
9/1/05
f)
,s
^
V,,.,,,"
Site Name
Georgia Gulf
Certainteed
Type of Service
Mobile Laboratory
Hapsite
Number of Parameters
30
10
Dates
1/31/05 - 2/4/05
4/11/05 - 4/15/05
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 40
-------
Water Quality Protection Division Assistance
Laboratory Analysis
The Laboratory analyzed 3,569 parameters for the Water Quality Protection Division
during FY2005. The chart and table below show the number of parameters analyzed for
the different Water Quality Protection Division activities during FY2005.
Project Types Received From
Water Quality Protection Division
1789
D31
885
D310
DSDWA
Toxnet
Water Quality
Assess
DBST
Katrina Floodwater
D Katrina - Mobile Lab
Katrina - State DW
Assist
Site Name
Number of Parameters
Date(s) Received
Tribal Lands Lead / Copper Monitoring
Acoma - Pueblo Main
Cochiti - Cochiti Pueblo
Iowa Tribal Complex - Tribal
Council
Isleta - Eastside
Isleta - Gaming Palace
Isleta - Subdivision
Jemez - Jemez Pueblo
Jicarilla - Apache Gold Nugget
Casino
Jicarilla - Apache Tribe -
Dulce
26
7
12
7
7
11
12
6/9/05 - 6/16/05
5/11/05
6/22/05
6/23/05
12/28/04
6/23/05
11/12/04
5/27/05
7/29/05
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 41
-------
Water Quality Protection Division Assistance
Site Name
Number of
Parameters
Date(s) Received
Tribal Lands Lead / Copper Monitoring
Jicarilla - South Woodyard
Laguna - Laguna Valley
Laguna Paguate Subdivision
Laguna - Route 66 Casino
Mescalero - Inn of Mt Gods
Mescalero - White Tail
Parajitos San Ildef onso
Picuris - Picuris Pueblo
Pojoaque - North Pojoaque
Pojoaque - South Pojoaque
Pueblo of Laguna Paguate
San Felipe - Casino
Hollywood
San Ildef onso Pueblo
San Juan New York
San Juan Pueblo
Sandia Pueblo
Santa Ana Westside
Santa Clara - bream Catcher
Theater
Santa Clara Pueblo
Santo Domingo Pueblo
Tesuque-Camel Rock Casino
Tunica - Biloxi
Water Quality Assessment
Arkansas Lake Study
Coffee Creek, Mossy Lake,
Ouachita River
Rayburn Pond
Terrebonne Basin
Terrebonne Basin DO Study
FY2005 Annual Report
11
12
6
24
7
7
9
7
7
12
12
14
7
12
4
19
12
12
7
27
1102
247
77
185
178
5/27/05 - 9/12/05
10/1/04
11/26/04
2/14/05
11/24/04
8/31/05
7/28/05 - 8/1/05
8/3/05
7/25/05
7/25/05
9/8/05
10/27/04
7/28/05 - 8/1/05
8/19/05
8/19/05
9/28/05
8/12/05 - 8/23/05
5/31/05
8/29/05
8/18/05
2/7/05
4/14/05 - 6/29/05
10/19/04 - 7/26/05
8/10/05
9/14/05
10/28/04 - 2/17/05
8/16/05 - 9/2/05
Page 42
-------
Water Quality Protection Division Assistance
Site Name
Number of Parameters
Date(s) Received
Hurricane Katrina Floodwater
Hurricane Katrina - Region 6
885
Hurricane Katrina - Mobile Laboratory Support
Hurricane Katrina - Region 6
310
Hurricane Katrina DW Assistance to LDHH
Katrina Greater New
Orleans Surface Water
Chemical Samples
70
9/4/05 - 9/30/05
9/8/05 - 9/21/05
9/14/05 - 9/30/05
TOXNET
Site Name
Angelina River
Atoka Lake
Bitter Creek
Foss Reservoir
Heyburn Reservoir
Hominy Creek
Leon Creek
Lost Creek
Lower Rio Grande
Ontario Creek
Paper mi II Creek
Rio Grande River
Rio Grande River @ Alamo
Grade
Number of Parameters
6
12
8
12
24
6
6
2
8
4
2
8
8
Date(s) Received
4/26/05 - 8/23/05
11/2/04 - 12/14/04
6/14/05 - 7/26/05
10/12/04-11/30/04
3/1/05 - 7/19/05
3/29/05 - 6/21/05
12/14/04
4/26/05
10/5/04
3/29/05 - 6/21/05
4/26/05
12/7/04
11/30/04 - 8/30/05
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 43
-------
Site Name
Rio Pueblo de Taos
Rio San Jose
South Fork Caddo
Spring River
Turkey Creek
Two Bayou
Number of Parameters
8
4
4
12
8
4
Bacterial Source Trackinq (BST)
Pilot BST Project - Piney
Creek Watershed
31
Date(s) Received
3/22/05 - 7/19/05
10/5/04
5/3/05 - 6/28/05
11/2/04 - 8/23/05
6/14/05 - 7/26/05
5/3/05 - 6/28/05
11/19/04 - 1/14/05
Bacterial Source Tacking (BST) is a methodology of microbiological and chemical
techniques that is used to determine sources of fecal bacteria in environmental water
samples. The main goal of having BST in our laboratory is to support the Water Quality
Protection Division's TMDL Program. There are several techniques available to perform
BST studies. The ESB Laboratory had to search for one that was easily adaptable in our
facility considering our other current capabilities. The Antibiotic Resistance /Analysis
(ARA) was selected since it was easy to learn in a short period of time and it fit well into
our laboratory capabilities. A Region 6 Biologist spent 5 weeks at the Office of Research
and Development's Laboratory in Gulf Breeze, Florida training on this technique in
FY2004. The ARA method uses 12 antibiotics at 3 different concentrations.
EPA Region 6 Water Quality Division's Bacterial Source Tracking Demonstration Pilot
Project and TMDL Development in Piney Creek, Arkansas provided an opportunity for the
ESB Laboratory to begin developing the ARA technique in our facility. Two hundred
seventy-two (272) known samples have been received to develop a library and 55 water
samples have been received at the ESB Laboratory for analysis (31 samples during
FY2005).
This special project has helped us to get started using BST in our laboratory. The
lessons learned from this pilot project will be used to further develop our methods.
F/2005 Annual Report
Page 44
-------
Criminal Investigation Division Assistance
Laboratory Analysis
The Laboratory analyzed 150 parameters for the Criminal Investigation Division during
FY2005. The chart and table below show the number of parameters analyzed for the
different Criminal Investigation Division activities during FY2005.
Project Types Received From
Criminal Investigation Division
102
Site Name
Texas Vet Wholesale
Musgrove
Number of Parameters
48
102
Date(s) Received
6/13/05
6/9/05 - 7/1/05
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 45
-------
Quality Assurance <& Regional Support Assistance
Laboratory Analysis
The Laboratory analyzed 221 parameters for quality assurance and Regional Support
during FY2005. The chart and table below show the number of parameters analyzed for
the different activities during FY2005.
Project Types for Quality Assurance <&
Regional Support Activites
12
25
184
I Region 10 Lab Assist
I Performance Evaluation
Sxs for NELAC
I Method Study
Site Name
Number of Parameters
Date(s) Received
Region 10 Lab Assistance
Lower Duamish Triad/WA
Performance Evaluation
2005 Ambient Air NMHC Lab
Comparison Check
DMR-QA25
25
3
2
11/23/04
9/29/05
6/7/05
P/2005 Annual Report
Page 46
-------
Quality Assurance & Regional Support Assistance
Site Name
Soil 50 PE Study
Soil 51 PE Study
TCEQ-OAL
Water Supply WS103 PE
Study
Water Supply WS107 PE
Study
Water Supply WS109 PE
Study
WP-123 PE Study
WP-126 PE Study
Method Studies
USEPA OSW Perchlorate
Method Validation Study
Number of Parameters
27
6
3
73
7
20
37
6
12
Date(s) Received
4/26/05
7/27/05 - 8/1/05
8/12/05
2/17/05
6/16/05
8/19/05
4/7/05
7/7/05
5/27/05
FY2005 Annual Report
Page 47
-------
Glossary
6CI Region 6 Criminal Investigation Division
6PD Region 6 Multimedia Planning & Permitting Division
6SF Region 6 Superf und Division
6WQ Region 6 Water Quality Protection Division
ABN Acid/Base Neutral Analysis Parameter Code
BST Bacterial Source Tracking
CLP Contract Laboratory Program
CWA Clean Water Act
DW Drinking Water
ESAT Environmental Services Assistance Team
ESB Environmental Services Branch
FASTAC Field and Analytical Services Teaming Advisory Committee
FIFRA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
GFAAS Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
GPRA Government Performance Results Act
HERB Herbicides Analysis Parameter Code
ICP Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry
ICP/MS Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry
INORG Inorganic Analysis
LTIG Laboratory Technical Information Group
NELAC National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference
NERL National Exposure Research Laboratory
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
PARAMETER A discreet analytical procedure performed on a sample
PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyls Analysis Parameter Code
PES Pesticides Analysis Parameter Code
PH Analytical procedure which measures acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity of a
QA Quality Assurance
QMP Quality Management Plan
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SAMPLE An aliquot taken from a given site at a specific end point in time
SCC Region 6 Sample Control Center
SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act
SEE Senior Environmental Employee
SIS Stay In School Employee
TAGA Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer
TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act
VOA Volatile Organic Analysis Parameter Code
WQ Water Quality
FY2005 Annual Report Page 48
------- |