U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Regional Laboratory System
EPA Regional Laboratories...
Advancing the Agency's Science Agenda
FY 2007 Annual Report
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REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface: List of US EPA Regional Laboratories ------------------------------------------------ iii
Executive Summary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ v
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SECTION II - SUPPORT FOR EPA'S STRATEGIC GOALS ------------------------------- 3
Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES
Region 1: New England Regional Laboratory
Robert Maxfield, Director
maxfield.robert@epa.gov
11 Technology Drive
N. Chelmsford, MA 01863-2431
Phone: 617-918-8311
FAX: 617-918-8540
Region 2: Division of Environmental Science and
Assessment Laboratory Branch
Deb Szaro, Director
S2aro.deb@epa.gov
2890 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-.321-6706
Fax:732-321-6165
Region 3: Environmental Science Center
Cynthia Metzger, Director
metzger.cynthia@epa.gov
701 Mapes Road
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350
Phone: 410-305-2659
Fax: 410-305-2666
Region 4: Analytical Support Branch
Gary Bennett, Director
bennett.gary@epa.gov
980 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30605-2720
Phone: 706-355-8551
Fax: 706-355-8803
Region 5: USEPA Region 5 Lab, Central Regional Lab
Dennis Wesolowski, Director
wesolowski.dennis@epa.gov
536 S. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-353-9084
Fax: 312-886-2591
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES
Region 6: Environmental Services Branch
Houston Laboratory
David Neleigh, Director
neleigh.david@epa.gov
10625 Fallstone Rd.
Houston, TX 77099
Phone:281-983-2100
Fax:281-983-2124
Region 7: Regional Science & Technology Center
Dale I. Bates, Director, Regional Laboratory
bates.dale@epa.gov
300 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone:913-551-5020
Fax:913-551-5218
Region 8: USEPA Region 8 Lab
Tony Medrano, Acting Director
medrano.tony@epa.gov
16194 West 45th Dr.
Golden, CO 80403
Phone: 303-312-7700
Fax: 303-312-7800
Region 9: USEPA Region 9 Lab
Brenda Bettencourt, Director
bettencourt.brenda@epa.gov
1337 S. 46tn Street, Bldg. 201
Richmond, CA 94804-4698
Phone: 510-412-2300
Fax: 510-412-2302
Region 10: Manchester Environmental Laboratory
Gerald Dodo, Acting Director
dodo.gerald@epa.gov
7411 Beach Drive East
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-871-8728
Fax: 360-871-8747
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Regional Laboratory System is an inter-dependent network of the ten regional
laboratories of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These laboratories
provide the analytical, technical and programmatic support that is critical to
accomplishing the Agency's mission of protecting human health and the environment.
The regional laboratories ensure that analytical and technical expertise are available at the
regional level and are well positioned to rapidly address the ever changing needs of a
variety of environmental programs.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have caused EPA to reevaluate the types of events
which might result in environmental emergencies and require laboratory support. As a result,
the role of the regional laboratories in relation to EPA's Strategic Plan for Homeland Security
has continued to increase, hi FY 2007, the Regional Laboratory System expended significant
effort to enhance regional response capability in order to respond to emergencies. With
support from the Water Security Division, the ten regional laboratories lead a national effort to
improve drinking water laboratory preparedness. In addition, the regional laboratories
provided significant support for a number of other Homeland Security related efforts including
pilot development of fixed laboratory capability for chemical warfare agents (CWA);
development of an All Hazards Receipt Facility; assistance in the development and
deployment of the Portable High Throughput Integrated Lab Identification System (PHILIS);
and validation of methods contained in EPA's "Standardized Analytical Methods for Use
during Homeland Security Events."
In addition to increased support for Homeland Security related efforts, the demand for
laboratory analytical services remained high in FY 2007. The regional laboratories
continued to provide a full range of routine and specialized chemical and biological
testing of air, water, soil, sediment, tissue and hazardous waste for ambient and
compliance monitoring as well as criminal and civil enforcement activities. In FY 2007,
the regional laboratories performed over 100,000 analyses. The Superfund program was
the largest client for laboratory analytical services, accounting for almost 66% of the total
analytical throughput of the laboratories. The regional laboratories' analytical capacity is
enhanced by the Environmental Services Assistance Teams, an on-site contract that
provides analytical and data management support to the Regions' Superfund programs.
The regional laboratories also provide a variety of field analytical support ranging from
analyses performed in mobile laboratories on-site to screening techniques performed
directly in the field. These services provide real time data to improve the efficiency of
field operations and speed environmental decision making. In FY 2007, the regional
laboratories performed 9,133 field analyses in support of a variety of regional programs.
In FY 2007, the regional laboratories also continued to provide an invaluable resource for
international, national and local organizations. Technical support, training and outreach
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued)
are routinely provided to partners in other countries; other federal agencies; state, local
and tribal governments; academia; and the private sector.
This annual report is divided into three sections.
Section I, Overview: provides general information about the regional laboratories
and outlines the mission statement of the Regional Laboratory System.
Section II, Support for EPA's Strategic Goals: summarizes the analyses provided
for EPA's programs. This section also provides examples of support provided for
each of the agency's strategic goals including Clean Air; Clean and Safe Water; Land
Preservation and Restoration; Healthy Communities and Ecosystems; Compliance
and Environmental Stewardship; and various Cross Goal Strategies including
Homeland Security.
Section III, Progress and Looking to the Future: describes accomplishments
associated with various aspects that are fundamental to the operation of the regional
laboratories. These include quality systems, environmental management, health and
safety and facilities management. Section III concludes with the identification of
future challenges facing the regional laboratories and a discussion of how the regional
laboratories will meet them.
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SECTION I:
OVERVIEW
The EPA regional laboratories were
created at the inception of the
Environmental Protection Agency in
1970. Established to furnish analytical
support, the regional laboratories also
provide advice and assistance to state and
local agencies concerning analytical
techniques, methodology and quality
control.
The regional laboratories provide a full
range of routine and special chemical and
biological testing in support of regional and national programs including:
air, ambient monitoring,
water, compliance monitoring,
pesticides, criminal and civil enforcement,
toxics, and, special projects.
hazardous waste,
The regional laboratories also perform other core functions, including:
expert witness testimony;
training of program staff and other organizations;
audits of other laboratories;
policy guidance;
technical support to federal, state and local laboratories;
technical support to internal and external organizations;
conduct applied research for regional initiatives;
support national laboratory program initiatives;
ensure the quality of laboratory data generated in support of Agency
programs;
provide benchmarks for environmental laboratories in areas such as analysis,
pollution prevention and environmental compliance.
Mission Statement
The focus of the regional laboratories is on the application of science policies and
methods in support of regulatory and monitoring programs as well as special projects.
This is done through direct implementation and through partnerships with a variety of
groups including state, local and tribal governments, private industry, the academic
community, EPA program offices, ORD and the public. The regional laboratories are
crucial to advancing the Agency's science agenda and have embraced the following
commitments to achieve this goal:
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
FY 2007 Annual Report
To integrate laboratory activities with those of field and quality assurance partners
into a comprehensive, holistic, multi-media approach to solving ecosystem-based
environmental problems.
To provide scientific data of known quality to support Agency decisions through
partnerships with regional and national media program offices, state, local and tribal
governments, academia, the private sector and the public.
To maintain a fully equipped laboratory to produce physical, chemical and biological
data of known quality to be used for environmental decision-making at all levels of
government.
To maintain and enhance a technically and scientifically skilled, dedicated and
diverse staff through the excellence of our recruitment, career development, training,
management and leadership.
To advance the Agency's science agenda at the point where decisions are made.
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
FY 2007 Annual Report
SECTION II: SUPPORT FOR EPA'S STRATEGIC GOALS
Introduction
One of the primary functions of the regional laboratories is to supply quality analytical
data to the Agency's programs in support of a broad range of regional initiatives that
range from routine
FY 2007 Regional Laboratories Analyses by Program
100,878 Total Analyses
monitoring to criminal
enforcement. The
following charts
represent the analyses
performed for the
various EPA programs
in FY 2007.
Over 100,000 analyses
were performed in
support of EPA
programs in FY 2007.
However, counting
analyses does not
completely capture the
level of effort
necessary to provide
the wide range of analytical capability represented by the regional laboratories. While
some analyses may take only a few minutes; others may take several hours or days to
complete. Also, the charts do not include analyses performed for quality assurance,
which comprise an additional 30% of the laboratories' analytical effort.
Pesticides
TSCA
Brownfields
10000
20000 30000 40000 50000
Number of Analyses
60000 70000
Regional Laboratories Analyses - FY 2007
Pesticides LUST Air
1 2%
RCRA
3%
Brownfields
Super-fund
66%
V Water
22%
'Other includes analyses in association with ORD - Regional Laboratory partnerships.
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
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In addition to fixed laboratory analytical support, the regional laboratories provide
significant field sampling and field analytical support. In FY 2007, nearly 10% (9,133
field analyses) of the total number of analyses performed were field analyses. There are
many benefits to providing analyses in the field including quicker turnaround time for
sample processing, real-time interaction between the analyst and the field staff for data
interpretation, and acceleration of environmental decisions at the site.
Field analytical methodologies cover a range of capabilities including analysis for:
volatile organic analytes,
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
total petroleum hydrocarbons,
chlorinated volatiles,
freons,
dinoseb,
PCBs,
chlorinated pesticides,
hexavalent chromium,
metals,
asbestos.
Sampling capability includes air, soil, sediment and surface waters as well as subsurface
soil and water sampling.
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
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Goal 1: Clean Air
Protect and improve the air so it is healthy to breathe and risks to human
health and the environment are reduced. Reduce greenhouse gas intensity by
enhancing partnerships with businesses and other sectors.
The regional laboratories actively support the objectives of the Agency's air goals
through a variety of activities. These activities include technical support and training,
support for air monitoring and air monitoring quality assurance, laboratory support for
various air toxics assessments, laboratory support for numerous other local projects that
address specific community risks, and method development. Some of these activities are
described below.
nSupport for Ambient Air Monitoring Quality Assurance
EPA has a number of programs in place to ensure that ambient air monitoring data are of
a quality that meets the requirements for informed decision making. The regional labs
support the following air monitoring quality assurance programs by providing
management and technical oversight of contractors, lab space for equipment storage and
calibration, field and laboratory work and audits, and logistical support.
PM 2.5 Performance Evaluation Program
(PEP): The goal of the PEP is to evaluate
total measurement system bias of the PM 2.5
monitoring network. A paniculate matter
(PM) filter weighing lab is located at the
regional lab in Region 4. In 2007, the
laboratory weighed more than 1,100
particulate matter filters from the EPA
regions. The regional laboratories also
provided support for performance evaluation
audits, quality assurance collocations and PEP
audits.
Through-the-Probe Audit System: The
through-the-probe audit system provides
performance audits at state and local ambient
air monitoring stations. These performance
audits ensure the validity of the ambient air
quality monitoring data.
Standard Reference Photometer (SRP)
Program: Standard reference photometers
(SRPs) are used to ensure that the national network of ozone ambient monitors is
accurately measuring ozone concentrations. Eight regional laboratories maintain
SRPs and provide verification or certification of primary and transfer ozone standards
from state, local and tribal organizations.
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aOther Air Projects
Emissions from Biological Treatment Units: A bioreactor is an instrument that is
used in environmental applications to determine the fraction of a compound, or
compounds, biodegraded in a biological treatment unit. A regional lab has initiated a
project to evaluate emissions from biological treatment units at petroleum refineries.
However, the project has wider implications than the measurement of the efficacy of
the organisms in a treatment unit. When coupled with appropriately configured
treatment models, the data produced can effectively define a plant's emission
inventory.
Ambient Ammonia Monitoring: High ammonia concentrations can have a variety
of effects on the environment including acidification, eutrophication, loss of
biodiversity, and impacts on regional haze and visibility. Technical support for the
evaluation of passive sampling devices for the measurement of ambient gaseous
ammonia was expanded in FY 2007. Sites monitored in FY 2007 resulted in the
analysis of 438 samples. In addition, the regional laboratory began participation in a
nationwide study of passive monitoring for ammonia.
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
FY 2007 Annual Report
Goal 2: Clean and Safe Water
Ensure drinking water is safe. Restore and maintain oceans, watersheds, and
their aquatic ecosystems to protect human health, support economic and
recreational activities, and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife.
EPA's goals for water comprise a variety of strategic targets that include increasing
compliance with drinking water standards, reducing pollution in waters with fish
advisories, restoring polluted waters to allow for safe swimming, improving the quality of
rivers, lakes, and streams on a watershed basis, improving coastal and ocean water
quality and strengthening water quality monitoring and assessment.
The regional laboratories play an important part in protecting and restoring the nation's
water resources by providing key data so that the regions and their partners have the
information they need to target actions to protect human health and aquatic ecosystems
more efficiently. In
addition, the regional
laboratories support the
agency's water goals by
providing technical support
and regulatory support to
drinking water
laboratories; by providing
training and support for
water quality monitoring
efforts, and by providing
analytical support for
various projects across the
country. Some of the areas
where the regional
laboratories provide
support to the agency's
water goals are described below.
D Drinking Water Laboratory Certification
Laboratories that analyze drinking water samples are required by EPA to be certified by
an approved certifying authority. In FY 2007, EPA regional laboratory personnel who are
trained as laboratory certification officers conducted on-site evaluations of drinking water
laboratories operated by states and tribal communities. The regional laboratory
certification officers also performed audits of states' certification programs to ensure that
all laboratories analyzing drinking water samples are following approved methods as
mandated by EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Ultimately the effort
of the laboratory certification officers ensures that public drinking water is free from
harmful contaminants.
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In FY 2007, the regional laboratories performed 18 on-site evaluations of drinking water
laboratories operated by state and tribal communities. In addition, 6 audits of states'
drinking water certification programs were performed in FY 2007. Laboratory staff at
one regional laboratory provided a hands-on training class on various organic and
inorganic drinking water methods to state Drinking Water Certification Officers
(DWCOs). The purpose of this training was to improve the ability of state DWCOs to
perform their own drinking water laboratory audits.
a Water Quality Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Program Support
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a tool for implementing water quality standards
and is based on the relationship between pollution sources and in-stream water quality
conditions. Water quality standards are set by States, Territories, and Tribes. They
identify the uses for each body of water, for example, drinking water supply, contact
recreation (swimming), and aquatic life support (fishing), and the scientific criteria to
support that use. The TMDL establishes the allowable loadings or other quantifiable
parameters for a body of water and thereby provides the basis to establish water quality-
based controls. Regional laboratories provide substantial analytical support for TMDL
development for water bodies throughout the country.
PCB Congener Analysis:
Analysis of over 40 water and
semi-permeable membrane device
(SPMD) samples was provided to
support a Total Maximum Daily
Load (TMDL) study of the
Roanoke River. The analyses
provided results for 209 different
PCB Congeners. This is a more
extensive analysis than the better
known PCB Aroclor analysis
which does not provide analysis of
each individual component of a
PCB Aroclor mixture.
Yazoo River Basin, Mississippi -
The Yazoo study was designed to
provide water quality chemistry and other data needed for the development of
TMDLs on 10 priority water bodies impacted by nutrients from a variety of sources
including agriculture, point source discharge, and catfish farming. Regional
laboratory support to this project included analyses of water column samples for long-
term BOD (including 34 point nutrient sub-sampling) and nutrient analyses including
TKN, ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, total/dissolved phosphorus, and total/dissolved organic
carbon. In addition, the laboratory provided the necessary nitrogen and phosphorus
analyses to allow for determination of sediment nutrient fluxes.
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
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a Special Water Projects in FY 2007
Examples of some activities and projects supporting a variety of water related strategic
goals in FY 2007 are listed here.
New England Beaches Initiative: Field and lab analytical support was provided for
the Region's Beaches Initiative using newly developed methods for detecting optical
brighteners (i.e., fluorescent whitening agents added to detergents which are
indicators of possible presence of human fecal contamination), Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) genetic techniques, and traditional microbiological analyses. The
regional lab collaborated with the regional water program on sanitary surveys, source
tracking studies, assessment of storm drains,
and other projects. The collaboration employed
a variety of microbial source tracking tools to
quantify and identify human fecal pollution
sources. Samples were analyzed for numerous
source-tracking markers, including optical
brighteners and fluorescent whitening agents,
caffeine, Pharmaceuticals (e.g.,
acetaminophen), and bacteria, such as
Bacteroides, E. coli and Enterococcus. The
results helped the region zero in on the possible
sources of the contamination.
Children's Health Initiative - Lead
Monitoring of Drinking Water Sources in
Public Schools: Analytical support was
provided for the monitoring of lead in drinking
water sources for schools in New York and
New Jersey. The monitoring was required to
ensure compliance with the Lead
Contamination Control Act, designed to
identify and reduce lead in drinking water sources in schools. The laboratory
processed over 500 samples for lead analysis from drinking water sources in FY
2007.
Cryptosporidium and Giardia Monitoring of the New York City Watershed: The
Safe Drinking Water Act (SOWA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) address
microbial contamination of the nation's water. The SDWA enables regulation of
finished drinking water and protection of source waters. In accordance with this
authority, the EPA released a Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD) to New
York City for the water supplies that form a significant component of the New York
City Watershed. The Region conducts an oversight monitoring program for a variety
of contaminants including protozoan pathogens Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the
watershed. The regional laboratory provides the specialized analytical support
necessary to effectively monitor the watershed and the perennial streams and
tributaries which flow into the reservoir.
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
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Investigation of Fish Kills in the Potomac and Shenandoah River Systems: In
response to continuing episodes of fish kills on two large river systems, regional lab
biologists coordinated data gathering with the States, and facilitated the use of the
Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System (CADDIS) stressor
identification process to analyze the data, define data gaps, and work through
candidate causes. Lab biologists also
participated in the response to fish kill incidents
in an attempt to document effects and identify
potential causes. In addition, the regional
toxicity testing lab performed chronic testing of
sites of known fish kills in conjunction with
Virginia's TMDL program. They followed up
with further testing later in the season to see if
seasonal affects were creating conditions
conducive to stresses on the fish.
Ambient Fish Tissue Monitoring: A regional
lab continued to provide support for the Regional
Ambient Fish Tissue (RAFT) Monitoring
program by preparing fish samples for analysis
and by analyzing the fish tissue for pesticides,
percent lipids, and total metals including
mercury. Over 800 sample analyses were
performed on fish tissue samples delivered for
analysis during 2007. The data have a number of
uses including the state issuance of fish
consumption warnings for specific lakes and
rivers.
Microcystin Toxin Analysis: In response to the
emergence of blue-green algae blooms on the
Klamath River, the regional laboratory
developed the capability to analyze water
samples for microcystin toxin by immunoassay.
Blooms of blue-green algae occurring in lakes
and rivers can produce a range of cyclic peptides
known as microcystins which can pose a
significant public health concern. Data from
this analysis was used to determine the need for
issuing public health advisories.
National Lakes Study: Regional laboratories
provided technical support, training, and
coordination for the National Lakes Study. Lab
staff assisted with the development of the
national study design, trained state participants,
and provided quality assurance oversight. In
addition, they sampled all the reference lakes for the study. The outcome of the
survey is a comprehensive inventory of the condition of all the lakes in the Region
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and nation. It is another component of the Office of Water's efforts to assess the
condition of all the nation's water resources. The Lakes Study is the second phase of
the overall survey, following the wadeable streams survey in 2006, and preceding the
non-wadeable stream survey scheduled for 2009.
Urban Stream Study: Over 1000 sample analyses were performed in FY 2007 to
one region's Urban Stream Study project. The purpose of the project is to assess the
impact of urbanization on aquatic life, determine if urban streams are in compliance
with water quality standards, and to identify potential causes of impairment. Water
and sediment samples were analyzed for a wide array of pesticides, herbicides, semi-
volatile and volatile organic compounds, metals including mercury, plus a host of
general chemistry parameters including ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogen,
nitrate/nitrite, total phosphorous, chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, and
alkalinity among others.
Bedrock Microscopic Participate Analysis Project: Microscopic Particulate
Analysis (MPA) was provided to a state Bedrock Microscopic Particulate Analysis
Project during the summer and fall of 2007. Under the federal Surface Water
Treatment Rule, states are required to determine which ground water sources are
under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI). MPA is a labor intensive,
highly technical microscopic analysis that has historically been used to make a final
decision on GWUDI systems.
Microbial Source Tracking:
Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR) methods provided by
EPA's Office of Research and
Development (ORD) were
adapted to existing equipment to
support seven Microbial Source
Tracking (MST) projects in the
State of Washington. These
projects analyzed samples
collected at numerous sites over
an extended period of time. The
purpose of these projects is to
assist the lead agency in
characterization of the sources of
fecal coliform resulting in
microbial detriments to water quality. The existing water quality issues varied from
project to project, but included closure of commercial shellfish beds, failure to meet
TMDL standards and failure to meet recreational water standards.
Evaluation of New Drinking Water Source: One regional laboratory participated
in a study with a major university to evaluate a new source of drinking water. The
regional laboratory analyzed 52 samples for volatiles, metals, mercury, nitrate, nitrite,
fluoride, and cyanide. The results of study showed that the drinking water contained
levels of these contaminants below the maximum contamination levels.
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Goal 3: Land Preservation and Restoration
Preserve and restore the land by using innovative waste management practices
and cleaning up contaminated properties to reduce risks posed by releases of
harmful substances.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA or Superfund) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
provide the legal basis for EPA's efforts to preserve and restore land using the most
effective waste management and cleanup methods available.
Nearly 66% (66,277) of the analyses performed by the regional laboratories support the
cleanup of uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites associated with the
Superfund program. While EPA's Contract Laboratory Program performs many of the
routine analyses associated with the Superfund program, the regional laboratories focus
on more specialized analyses and provide a variety of field support and mobile lab
support to the program.
In FY 2007, the regional laboratories provided 2,763 analyses to address hazardous and
non-hazardous waste issues associated with the RCRA program. In addition, the regional
laboratories provided over 1,400 analyses to address risks associated with leaking
underground storage tanks.
a Applied Research and Method Development
The regional laboratories are in a unique
position to meet the ever changing
analytical needs of the Superfund and
RCRA programs. Oftentimes, the
regional laboratories are called upon to
develop or refine methods to meet
project specific Data Quality Objectives.
Methods are often refined or enhanced
to include new pollutants of concern. In
addition, analytical procedures are often
revised to achieve lower detection limits
or to accommodate different and
challenging matrices.
Toxaphene Congener Method: At the request of its Superfund Division, a regional
laboratory began development of a Gas Chromatography Electron Capture Negative
Ion Mass Spectrometry (GC/ECNI/MS) determinative procedure for the analysis of
selected toxaphene congeners and degradation products in environmental samples.
This technique was identified in an Office of Inspector General report as the most
promising analytical technique for use at the Hercules 009 Landfill Superfund Site in
Brunswick, GA. Target analytes under consideration for this method include those
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
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toxaphene congeners and degradation products known to be environmentally
persistent and identified in fish and shell fish. Regional personnel are working
collaboratively with the SW-846 Organic Methods Workgroup to draft EPA Method
8276 for GC/NIMS.
a Superfund and RCRA Projects
Examples of some activities and projects supporting a variety of Superfund and RCRA
projects in FY 2007 are listed here.
RCRA Compliance Sampling and Analysis: Field sampling support was provided
for a major RCRA inspection at a hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal
facility (TSD). EPA laboratory field staff collected representative waste samples from
storage containers
(roll-offs, tanks,
drums, tanker trucks)
using solids sampling
devices, drum thieves
and bailers. The field
team also conducted
container Leak
Detection and Repair
Monitoring in-situ for
VOCs in air using a
toxic vapor analyzer
(TVA1000). Solid
and liquid waste
samples were
analyzed by the
regional laboratory
for waste characteristics, RCRA metals and VOCs. The inspection reports, on-site
monitoring and laboratory data were used to assist enforcement staff in evaluating
facility compliance with TSD RCRA regulations and its operating permit.
Perchlorate in Food Products: A regional laboratory continued development of the
capability to analyze food products for perchlorate. Previously watermelon samples
were analyzed in support of Superfund site assessments involving former military
bombing ranges. It was suspected that there was a direct relationship between
agricultural methods and perchlorate in groundwater and crops. In FY 2007, an
analytical method for perchlorate in milk was developed. This milk method meets the
requirements of the Food and Drug Administration analytical procedures and uses an
ion chromatograph/mass spectrometer system. Perchlorate analysis of foods is
expected to be an area of continued development in support of the Superfund
program's efforts to assess these former military sites.
Arsenic Contaminated Soil Remedial Action: Support was provided for remedial
action (RA) efforts at the Taylor Lumber and Treating (TLT) Superfund site. The site
RA was removal of arsenic-contaminated soil with concentrations greater than 159
ppm. Field x-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF) results were to be utilized to direct
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FY 2007 Annual Report
soil removal operations. The regional laboratory support occurred in two phases.
During phase one, a site specific study was conducted to compare field XRF results to
fixed laboratory results. During phase two, laboratory staff performed on-site sample
analysis for arsenic by field XRF with a subset of the samples shipped back to the
laboratory for confirmation. Over the span of more than three months laboratory
staff, collected and analyzed over 2700 samples for arsenic by field XRF with
approximately 70 being shipped back to the laboratory for confirmation.
a Emergency Response
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plays a leadership role in the national system
to respond to environmental disasters, hazardous materials releases, time-critical
removals, and inland oil spills that threaten human health and/or the environment. The
regional laboratories have provided valuable analytical support to a variety of emergency
response projects including:
Chemical Plant Explosion: On November 22, 2006, the night before Thanksgiving,
the CAI, Inc. chemical plant exploded, damaging or destroying nearly 90 homes in a
residential neighborhood in Danvers, Massachusetts. The immediate public health
and environmental concerns of emergency responders included air quality and the
impact of run-off from the fire suppression activities on a nearby river. Within hours,
air and water samples
were collected and
sent to the regional
laboratory for
analysis of volatile
(VOC), semi-volatile
(SVOC) organics,
alcohols, air toxics,
and metals. With
chemists working
into the early hours
of Thanksgiving,
analysis results were
provided to the
EPA's On-Scene
Coordinators within
eight hours of receipt. Using this data, the responders were able to assess air quality
and water runoff concerns. On November 29, the incident command was transferred
from the local Fire Chief to EPA in order to begin recovery activities. Throughout the
two month removal action, EPA conducted air sampling along the perimeter of the
site and in the surrounding residential areas. The Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Register and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health used the
analytical results generated by EPA's regional laboratory to insure public safety and
provide regular press reports for the concerned public. At the conclusion of removal
operations, the regional laboratory analyzed soil samples from the site to confirm that
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cleanup criteria had been achieved. The support provided by the regional laboratory
ultimately allowed the emergency responders and health officials to reduce public
anxiety and ensure a thorough cleanup.
Chemical Distribution Facility Explosion: In February, 2007 multiple explosions
at a Kansas City, Missouri chemical distribution facility produced a plume of dark
smoke that covered much of the downtown area and prompted the evacuation of
nearby schools, homes and businesses. A large-scale response was lead by EPA's
regional On-Scene Coordinators. The regional laboratory provide critical data to
support this response by providing rapid turn-around analysis of air and ash samples
for a variety of constituents including volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile
organic compounds, mercury, metals, and dioxins.
Natural Disasters: In May, 2007, a tornado all but leveled the city of Greensburg,
Kansas. EPA's regional On-Scene Coordinators responded by assisting with cleanup
of fuel releases, chlorine cylinders, anhydrous ammonia tanks, propane tanks,
electrical transformers,
household hazardous waste
items, and white goods.
The regional laboratory
provided support for the
cleanup efforts with
analyses for volatile
organic compounds, semi-
volatile organic
compounds, herbicides,
pesticides, PCBs, total
petroleum hydrocarbons,
metals and mercury. In
June and July, 2007; heavy
rains lead to flooding of the city of Coffeyville, Kansas and the release of 90,000
gallons of crude oil from the Coffeyville Resources Refinery. Again, the regional
laboratory provided support for the cleanup efforts with analyses for volatile organic
compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, pesticides, PCBs, total petroleum
hydrocarbons, metals and mercury. Nearly 100 sample analyses were performed per
month during the clean-up which is expected to last for one year. A second regional
laboratory provided support for response efforts downstream of the oil spill in
Oklahoma. The second regional laboratory was called upon on the July 4th holiday to
analyze water samples for fecal coliform and total coliform during the holiday. Data
was provided to the on-scene coordinators within 48 hours.
Diesel Oil Spill: An oil spill threatened to delay the start of school at a nearby
middle school and high school in Pennsylvania. The 5,000 to 6,000 gallons diesel
fuel oil spill was caused by a puncture in an underground pipeline connected to an
underground tank. The regional laboratory provided support by rapidly deploying
stainless steel air sampling canisters. In addition, the regional lab provided rapid
analysis of volatile organic compounds in air. The results of the analyses were used
to confirm the safety of the indoor air, permitting the reopening of the schools.
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Goal 4: Healthy Communities and Ecosystems
Protect, sustain, or restore the health of people, communities and ecosystems
using integrated and comprehensive approaches and partnerships
To protect, sustain, and restore the health of people, communities and ecosystems the
EPA must develop strong partnerships with federal, state, tribal and local governments
and adopt a cross-media approach. Some key components of this goal include:
encouraging community involvement and development through the
Brownfields Program, and
protecting a variety of ecosystems including the nation's most significant
water bodies in the country.
a Brownfields Program
EPA estimates that there are more than 450,000 Brownfields in the United States.
Brownfields include abandoned industrial and commercial properties, former mining sites
and sites contaminated with a hazardous substance or pollutant of concern. EPA's
Brownfields Program is designed to empower states, communities, and other stakeholders
to inventory, assess, clean up, and redevelop potentially contaminated lands in order to
recreate these lands into vital, functioning parts of their communities.
In FY 2007, the regional laboratories performed nearly 300 analyses in support of the
EPA's Brownfields Program.
a Ecosystems
EPA's strategies to protect,
sustain, and restore the health
of natural habitats and
ecosystems include identifying
and evaluating problem areas
and developing tools to
address these problems. In FY
2007, the regional laboratories
participated in several projects
to support efforts to evaluate
ecosystems. These include:
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site ODMDS
Survey: This project was conducted off the Florida coast in order to characterize the
chemical, physical, and biological status of sediment and the water column within and
surrounding the Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS). The data from
this survey will be used to evaluate changes in environmental conditions occurring
since a baseline study conducted in 1986 and will allow evaluation of potential
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elevations in specific pollutant concentrations at the site. The regional laboratory
provided significant analytical support to this project including analyses for PCBs,
pesticides, semi-volatile organics, and metals of both sediment and water samples. In
addition, several tissue samples were analyzed for a concurrent project, CFLARE,
aimed at comparison of benthic pollutant bioaccumulation of dredged material versus
reference material.
PCB Congener Monitoring of the Lake Ontario Watershed: A regional
laboratory provided support for the regular monitoring of tributaries of the Lake
Ontario Watershed for critical pollutants. The purpose of the monitoring program is
to develop reliable estimates of loadings of critical pollutants to the Lake in order to
provide accurate information for updates of the Lake-wide Management Plan. Data
from the program was also shared with modelers for use with the Lake Ontario Mass
Balance Model. The regional laboratory provided analysis for 209 PCB congeners at
the part per quadrillion (ppq) levels. The method used employs a High Resolution
Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer in order to get the trace level detection limits
required by Lake Ontario Watershed monitoring program.
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Goal 5: Compliance and Environmental Stewardship
Improve environmental performance through compliance with environmental
requirements, preventing pollution, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Protect human health and the environment by encouraging innovation and
providing incentives for governments, businesses, and the public that promote
environmental stewardship.
Compliance with and enforcement of environmental laws are key elements of EPA's goal
to improve environmental performance. The regional laboratories provide significant
technical and analytical support to both regional and national civil enforcement cases
including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
program. In 2007, the regional laboratories provided analyses of over 900 samples to
support a variety of criminal enforcement actions. Some of the highlights of regional
laboratory support for compliance assistance, civil enforcement and criminal enforcement
are listed below.
Southern California Oil Platforms: In conjunction with the US Department of
Interior, Minerals Management
Service (MMS), regional
laboratory staff collected
production water effluent samples
from oil platforms off the shore of
southern California. The
platforms were reached by both
boat and helicopter. Samples were
analyzed by the regional
laboratory for metals, cyanide,
sulfide, ammonia, volatile and
semi-volatile organic compounds
and toxicity. The sampling and
analyses supported National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance.
TSCA Enforcement Investigations: Analytical support was provided for two TSCA
enforcement investigations into PCB contamination in natural gas distribution lines
for the NICOR and AMEREN companies in Illinois. Soil, wipe and oil samples were
analyzed to determine presence and concentration of Aroclor mixtures near
residential gas meters and furnaces. Fast turnaround was required in order to
determine the extent of the problem and to protect residents.
Criminal Investigation - The regional laboratory provided analytical support to the
Criminal Investigations Division during the investigation of a manufacturing plant in
Atlanta, GA. Analyses provided include volatile and semi-volatile compounds,
pesticides, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and flash point.
Based on the results of the investigation the company pleaded guilty to a violation of
the Clean Water Act. Per the terms of the plea agreement, a U.S. District Judge
imposed a sentence of three years of probation and a fine of $3.8 million.
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Cross Goal Strategies
Many of EPA's efforts contribute to progress toward all five of the aforementioned goals.
These efforts include strengthening partnerships with states and tribes; expanding
scientific knowledge and supporting homeland security activities. Some examples of
how the regional laboratories have contributed to these cross-agency and cross-media
efforts are discussed below.
D Expanding Scientific Knowledge and Developing New
Analytical Capabilities
Scientific knowledge and technical information are critical elements in the process of
understanding and addressing complex environmental problems. Furthermore, better
analytical capabilities are fundamental to meeting the agency's goals. Better scientific
knowledge and analytical
capabilities mean
improved assessment,
better identification of
data and research needs,
greater ability to track
implementation of
specific solutions and
more meaningful
evaluation of
implementation results.
Regional laboratories
play a unique and critical
role in enhancing EPA's
ability to respond to
varied and technical
challenges such as those
presented by emerging
pollutants, complex environmental matrices, and the demands for lower detection. Some
examples of these efforts are described below.
Analytical Methods for Alkylphenol Ethoxylates: Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)
are synthetic surfactants used in some detergents and cleaning products. These
chemicals degrade into octylphenol and nonylphenol and their short chain ethoxylate
and carboxylate products. Some of these degradation products act as endocrine
disrupters. In FY 2007, analytical methods for alkyl phenols and alkyl ethoxylates
that had been developed and validated by two regional laboratories were published by
the American Society for Testing and Materials as ASTM D4252-89(2003) Standard
Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Alcohol Ethoxylates and Alkylphenol
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Ethoxylates. This method has been used in numerous studies to characterize APEs in
ambient waters and waste water discharges.
Mercury Contamination in Biota and Habitat: To address a growing regional
need to measure mercury contamination in biota and habitat, the regional laboratory
established a separate laboratory equipped with a Direct Mercury Analyzer. The
mercury analyzer has the capacity to quickly measure very low concentrations of
mercury from very small sample aliquots with little sample preparation and no waste.
For this reason it is
an ideal instrument
to measure biota,
including insects
and arachnids,
vegetation, animal
hair and feathers,
blood, eggs, as well
as plankton, fish
tissue plugs, and
exotic samples such
as ayurvedic
medicines (folk
remedies from
India). The
methodology has
already been used
to support research
focused on mercury contamination in wetland ecosystems (the Nyanza Superfund
site/RARE study, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Study, and the Peregrine
Falcon Egg Study) and aquatic ecosystems (Rhode Island Fish Study and the New
England Lakes and Ponds REMAP Study). The lab has also provided analytical
support to states and tribes, especially for fish tissue.
Microbial Water Quality Test Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR): A study was initiated to assess the sensitivity, accuracy and precision of the
quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) method, as well as the ability of
qPCR to measure ambient concentrations of Enterococcus at varying levels in the
marine environment compared to the results obtained using the traditional methods -
Membrane Filtration and DSTฎ/Enterolertฎ. Ocean and bay samples with varying
levels of expected microbial densities were sampled over a 10 week period. One
county laboratory performed analysis for Enterococcus sp. using the traditional
Membrane Filtration (MF) technique; a second county laboratory performed analysis
for Enterococcus sp. using the DSTฎ/Enterolertฎ technique; and the regional
laboratory performed analysis for Enterococcus sp. using the qPCR technique
(USEPA Draft Method 1607). The goal of the study is to assess the latest technology
that provides a more rapid assessment protocol for recreational water quality.
Evaluation of Immunoassay Test Kits for Detection of Endocrine Disrupting
Compounds: Two regional labs, EPA's Office of Research and Development
(ORD), United States Geological Service (USGS) and a private vendor joined in a
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collaborative regional methods project (RMI) to evaluate immunoassay test kits for
the quantitative determination of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs).
Currently, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-
mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)
are the primary methods used to detect EDCs; however, immunoassay techniques,
particularly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are becoming
increasingly popular due to their sensitivity, ease of use, short analysis time, and cost-
effectiveness. Issues persist, however, regarding reproducibility and accuracy when
complex environmental samples are analyzed. The primary objective of this research
is to evaluate whether commercially available ELISA kits are able to accurately and
reliably analyze common environmental samples for selected EDCs. The round robin
laboratory evaluation is being done in four phases, each focusing on a different type
of water sample (clean water, surface water, WWTP effluent, and WWTP influent)
spiked with EDCs.
Cancer Research Study: Regional lab staff participated in a study with the
University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Molecular
Pathology to evaluate various mechanisms to regulate transport of biometals as anti-
tumor agents in cultured cells. Intercellular concentrations of metals (cadmium,
copper, platinum, and zinc) were measured in the treated cells. The lab was required
to acid digest the test cells into a clear solution prior to ICP-MS analysis. The
digestion procedure was complicated and time consuming. The Lab received a total
of four sets of cell lines containing a total of 141 samples. The results of the project
will be published.
Perchlorate in Water by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS):
One regional laboratory developed
the capability to perform a more
definitive analysis for the
determination of perchlorate in
water by liquid
chromatography/mass spectrometry
(LC/MS). This analytical technique
provides confirmatory results for
perchlorate and will eliminate the
potential for false positives that limit
the usefulness of the current
analytical technique.
Bromide Interferences in ICP-MS:
A regional laboratory scientist
conducted research on bromide
interferences in ICP-MS analyses. Most interferences are well documented and
predictable, however, bromide interferences on arsenic and selenium measurements
are not well documented in published environmental analytical methods. The analyst
found that environmental labs were largely unaware of the existence of bromine
interferences and the magnitude of the problem. Several presentations on the subject
were given with the intent of publicizing and increasing awareness of the problem
among environmental labs.
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a Homeland Security
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have caused EPA to reevaluate the types of events
which might result in environmental emergencies and require laboratory support. The ability
to analyze samples for chemicals that might be used in terrorist incidents is an important aspect
of the EPA's emergency response responsibilities. The ten Regional Laboratories have
consequently made providing accurate environmental data to emergency responders and
participation in OSWER-OEM's Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ELRN) a high
priority.
To enhance regional response capability to respond to emergencies, whether from natural
causes or terrorist activity, the regional laboratories are working on three significant
development projects:
Evaluating a prototype All Hazard Receipt Facility designed to screen unknown or
suspicious samples for various hazards;
Developing capability to analyze environmental samples for chemical warfare
agents and their environmental degradation products;
Developing and testing Regional Laboratory Response Plans (RLRPs) with State
and Utility laboratories and other stakeholders to enable a coordinated multi-
laboratory response to a suspected drinking water contamination incident.
All Hazard Receipt Facility (AHRF)
Following September 11, 2001 and the subsequent
anthrax release, the public health and environmental
laboratory community requested that the federal
government develop a standardized approach to
sample receipt and screening under conditions
designed to protect laboratory facilities and staff. The
federal response is the development of the prototype
AHRF and the All Hazards Screening Protocol. The
AHRF and All Hazards Screening Protocol (the
Protocol) were designed to assess explosive, chemical
and radiological hazards that might be associated with
an unknown or suspicious sample, to assist laboratory
managers in making safe and appropriate decisions
about sample acceptance and further laboratory
analysis.
EPA and the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), in collaboration with the Department of
Defense (DoD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Center for Disease Control
(CDC), are evaluating the efficacy of the AHRF and Protocol as critical steps toward
building an environmental laboratory network capable of responding to terrorist
incidents. Evaluation of the prototype AHRF will result in a standard describing critical
laboratory design and engineering criteria and a robust unknown sample screening
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protocol which can be flexibly integrated into public health and environmental
laboratories requiring the capability to screen unknown samples throughout the country.
Status: Two prototype AHRFs were delivered in late 2007, one to a Regional Laboratory
and the other to a State Public Health Laboratory. In June and again in September 2007,
the partnering federal agencies conducted evaluations of the efficacy of the AHRF, the
Protocol and associated test equipment at the test sites. In these evaluations, EPA
regional staff processed test samples, while being observed over video feed by experts
from EPA, FBI, and DoD. The second round three-day exercise in September included
testing of 18 samples containing radiological, chemical and explosive constituents,
including surrogates for chemical warfare agents. The presentation of the samples
included complex scenarios including 'white powder' letters, leaking containers, multi-
sample packages.
The assessment will conclude with an ORD-NHSRC report slated for release in Spring,
2008. The report will summarize findings and offer recommendations to improve the
analytical testing procedure and the AHRF laboratory. Based on assessment findings,
EPA and DHS intend to publish a standard for laboratory design, and a protocol which
can be used by environmental and public health laboratories nationwide to improve safety
and enhance preparedness to deal with unknown or suspicious samples.
Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) Fixed Laboratory Pilot Project
Five regional and two state
laboratories are participating in a
DHS/OSWER-funded project to
develop an ability to analyze
samples for specialized chemicals
that might be used in terrorist
incidents. This new EPA regional
laboratory capability will allow
confirmation of low levels of CWAs
in environmental samples, such as
soil, debris, and water samples,
associated with the clean up of sites
contaminated from a terrorist
incident.
In 2007, in response to the findings of the White House Chemical End to End
Assessment, DHS launched an effort to address a critical national vulnerability by
substantially increasing the laboratory capacity for analysis of chemical warfare agents
(CWA) in environmental samples. DHS and EPA selected two EPA regional laboratories
and one state laboratory as the initial pilot sites to establish CWA capability in the
northeast. In 2007, DHS and EPA selected four additional laboratories (three EPA and
one state) pilot laboratories in the west and southeast.
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Status: In 2007, the three Phase I pilot laboratories received initial fimding from DHS
and are identifying needed improvements to laboratory infrastructure, health and safety,
chemical accountability, and security programs. The four Phase II laboratories, only
recently identified, have begun the process to identify gaps in their infrastructure.
Meanwhile, various EPA offices are providing critical technical support for the seven
pilot laboratories. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) is
heavily engaged in method development work to provide the laboratories with procedures
for use in analysis of environmental samples for CWA agents. Two EPA Regional and
one State Laboratory are assisting ORD with method development for CWA degradation
products as a part of the overall effort. EPA's Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
is working to establish an ultra dilute CWA calibration agent distribution and
accountability system and a proficiency testing program with assistance from NHSRC.
OEM is also working with all project parties to maintain a project roadmap documenting
project elements, anticipated work schedule, and dates for key deliverables and ultimately
for establishment of testing capability. EPA's National Enforcement Investigations
Center recently joined the CWA pilot project team and announced its intention to
establish environmental forensic capability to complement the capability of the seven
pilot confirmatory laboratories.
Drinking Water Regional Laboratory Response Planning
The EPA Water Security Division (WSD) is
sponsoring a nationwide project to increase laboratory
cooperation for response to drinking water
emergencies. This effort, the Drinking Water
Laboratory Response Preparedness Project, is designed
to improve intra-regional laboratory preparedness for
response to actual or suspected water contamination
incidents. The project, which was developed in
partnership with EPA regional, drinking water utility
and state laboratories, responds to Homeland Security
Presidential Directive 9, which charges EPA to develop
a comprehensive, nationwide surveillance program for
water quality and a laboratory network to support such
a program.
Status: hi collaboration with representatives from public health and environmental labs,
water utilities, and other stakeholders, each region lead by the EPA regional laboratory
has developed a Regional Laboratory Response Plan (RLRP) and completed a table top
exercise of the plan in 2007. The regional laboratories are currently engaged with WSD
in developing a Practical Exercise involving actual test samples that will be run in each
region during 2008. Each Practical Exercise will involve as many as 7 laboratories
working together to address a water contamination incident involving both a chemical
and biological "contaminant". Following this exercise the work groups will again review
their RLRP plans to further refine strategies and approaches to improve multi-laboratory
response.
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Additional Support for Homeland Security
In addition to the three projects discussed above, the regional laboratories provided
support for other projects related EPA's Strategic Plan for Homeland Security. Some
examples of the activities undertaken by the regional laboratories include:
Portable High-Throughput Integrated Laboratory Identification System
(PHILIS): PHILIS is a mobile system that can be rapidly deployed in the field and is
capable of analyzing a large volume of samples
daily in order to characterize/clear areas
contaminated with selected toxic industrial
chemicals or chemical warfare agents. This is a
self-contained mobile system able to execute, for
various matrices (surface wipes, water, soil, and
air), analytical protocols consistent with EPA
standards. PHILIS provides the capability to
rapidly determine the extent of chemical
contamination and to follow the progress of
decontamination activities toward site restoration,
up to, and including clearance. PHILIS will
utilize EPA-approved analytical methods. In June, a prototype PHILIS unit was
transported to the Region 2 Edison Facility.
Standard Analytical Protocol for Chemical Weapons Agents: Several regional
labs are participating in method validation studies to support EPA's Office of
Research and Development's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC)
efforts to provide standard methods for agents related to homeland security incidents.
For example, one regional lab continues to cooperate with NHSRC on the verification
and validation of the Standard Analytical Protocol (SAP) for metals by inductively
coupled plasma (ICP) techniques. The SAP will be used for the analysis of chemical
weapons agents during events of national significance.
Another regional laboratory completed an inter-laboratory validation study of the
liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) library for 107 compounds
including pesticides and a variety of chemical weapon agent (CWA) degradation
products. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a rapid drinking water screening
tool for chemicals that cannot be analyzed by other techniques during drinking water
threat incidents. In addition, the laboratory completed the preparation of four new
LC/MS methods for "Standardized Analytical Methods for Environmental
Restoration following Homeland Security Events " (SAM.) They are to be used to
analyze for 15 CWA degradation products.
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SECTION III: PROGRESS AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
a Quality Systems
The policy of the regional laboratories is to conduct all business with integrity and in an
ethical manner. It is the basic and expected responsibility of each staff member and each
manager to adhere to EPA's Principles of Scientific Integrity, dated November 24, 1999.
This policy statement has been incorporated into the quality management plans of all the
regional laboratories. It provides the foundation for the inclusion of ethics and ethics
training into the quality systems to insure the production of data that is scientifically
sound and defensible.
In order to maintain and improve the regional laboratory
quality systems, regional laboratories regularly conduct
internal audits, participate in performance evaluation
studies, and review and revise quality management plans
and standard operating procedures as necessary.
Regional laboratories are committed to accreditation under the National Environmental
Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) quality system standards, in part, as a
response to EPA's January 6, 2004 policy directive "Ensuring the Competency of
Environmental Protection Laboratories". Eight out often of the regional laboratories
have received and are currently maintaining accreditation under NELAC for analysis of
samples in one or more of the following matrices: drinking water, non-potable water,
solid and chemical materials, and air and emissions.
D Sustainability
Sustainability covers a variety of elements that are essential to effective laboratory
operation. These include environmental management, health and safety, and facilities
management. In recent years, identifying and implementing long-term efficiencies and
cost saving opportunities within the regional laboratory network has become another key
Sustainability issue.
While supporting the EPA goals is the primary mission of the regional laboratories, they
also strive to be good environmental stewards and to provide a healthy and safe working
environment for their employees. The reputation of the regional laboratory is judged by
the quality of science it offers to regional and national programs. Far less visible, but no
less important, is the diligence and commitment of laboratory management and staff to
supporting the infrastructure required to deliver the science.
Identifying and Maximizing Efficiencies
In FY 2007, the ten regional laboratories continued their efforts to identify and
implement long-term efficiencies and cost saving opportunities within the regional
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laboratory network. These efforts included investigating opportunities to reduce
individual laboratory costs, improve energy and water conservation, and evaluating
strategic sourcing options. A few notable examples of these efforts are described here.
Strategic Sourcing Initiative: In FY 2007, as part of the Office of Management
and Budget's (OMB) strategic sourcing initiative, a Laboratory Supplies
Commodity Team was
established to develop,
implement and assist in the
management of strategic
sourcing for laboratory
supplies. Strategic sourcing is
a collaborative and structured
process of critically analyzing
an organization's spending and
then making business
decisions about how to acquire
selected commodities and
services more effectively and
efficiently. The Laboratory
Supplies Commodity Team
includes a regional laboratory representative. During the profile step, the
laboratory supplies commodity was divided into categories, e.g., glassware,
plastic ware, consumables, reagents, standards, acids, solvents, gases, etc. The
Team decided that all categories of laboratory supplies, except for gases, could be
strategically sourced. After much consideration of all acquisition options, the
Laboratory Supplies Commodity Team recommended the solicitation be awarded
as a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The BPA will cover a five year period
for the procurement of approximately $5 million of laboratory supplies each year.
It is expected the use of this process will result in approximately $1 million of
savings each year.
Laboratory Infrastructure Study - Near Term Study: In 2007, EPA
embarked upon a review of its laboratory capabilities and operations. The review
consists of two components: a long-term external study and a near-term internal
study. EPA completed the internal review, which highlighted efficiency and
effectiveness actions that are being implemented across EPA's laboratory
network. The efforts culminated in the drafting of a report entitled,
"Commonsense Actions and Best Practices that Improve Laboratory Efficiency &
Effectiveness". Regional labs are prominently featured in the 500+ best practices
identified in the report.
Some examples of energy and other cost saving measures included in the report
are:
Replacement of Laboratory Refrigerators: One regional laboratory
performed an energy study on existing laboratory sample storage
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refrigerators. Kilowatt usage was directly measured. An evaluation of
needs and ways to reduce the overall refrigeration "footprint" was also
performed. The recommendations to replace all current laboratory
refrigerators with new, energy efficient (Energy Star) units will result in a
reduction of energy use over the lifetime of the new refrigerators.
Improved maintenance costs will also be realized. Over twenty laboratory
refrigerators were replaced with Energy Star rated units in FY'07.
Reduced Fume Hood Air Flow: A regional laboratory replaced six low-
flow fume hoods with models that reduce air flow by approximately 25%,
while
maintaining
adequate
capture and user
safety. As
laboratory areas
are renovated,
hoods are
replaced with
the reduced air
flow units.
Replacement of
these hoods has
reduced air
exhausted from
the laboratory by approximately 800 CFM. The estimated energy savings
based on the use of these hoods, mostly from the energy needed to
condition the replacement air, is approximately 920 MBTU per year and
$19,200 per year in energy costs. An additional five fume hoods will be
replaced under this program over the next two years, with an additional
projected savings of 800 MBTU per year and $17,300 per year in energy
costs.
Chemical Adoption Program (ChemShare): A cooperative program
between collocated regional and HQ laboratories was established to help
reduce the amount of chemicals purchased and ultimately disposed of by
the facility. The ChemShare program assists the scientists by identifying
all surplus chemicals in the facility and making them available for
ownership transfer before new materials are purchased. If a suitable
chemical is not transferred internally prior to expiration, they are then
offered to area public high schools for external adoption. The first set of
ChemShare donations, with approximately $1,900 worth of surplus
chemicals, was provided to two area public high schools. Not only did
these donations reduce disposal costs for expired chemicals, they provided
procurement savings for schools and promoted environmental
management awareness.
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Environmental Management
In 2007, all ten regional laboratories made progress toward integrating and utilizing
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to effectively manage environmental
initiatives and compliance requirements of Executive Order 13148, "Greening the
Government through Leadership in Environmental Management." In FY 2007, EPA's
performance in this regard was an integral metric of OMB's annual Environmental
Stewardship Scorecard. For 2007, 90 % of the regional laboratories were rated "green"
with regard to their EMS performance, up from 50% in FY 2006.
In addition, in FY 2007 the regional laboratories
continued to provide significant input to EPA
Headquarters as they developed Agency-wide EMS
Targets and Objectives for EPA laboratories. Of
particular relevance to Agency wide EMS chemical
management objectives and targets are the broad goals of
this Executive Order which identify specific obligations
for federal agency chemical use reductions. In FY 2007,
a chemical management technical working group was
established with representatives from the regional
laboratories. The purpose of the group is to identify and
coordinate implementation of pollution prevention best
practices across the laboratories.
Another notable environmental management measure is described below.
Construction of a Rain Garden: A regional laboratory Environmental
Management System (EMS) team completed construction of a rain garden. A
rain garden is designed to absorb rainwater runoff from areas like roofs,
driveways, walkways, and compacted lawn areas. This reduces rain runoff by
allowing storm water to soak into the ground instead of flowing into storm drains
and surface waters. This reduces the amount pollution reaching creeks and
streams. The project was a cooperative effort between the EMS team, facility
management staff, and employees on site. The groundbreaking for the rain
garden was held at an Earth Day event and educational materials were developed
to answer some of the myths and issues that can surround a rain garden
installation.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of laboratory personnel is the most important laboratory
management imperative. The usage of glassware, fire and heat, high-pressure
compressed gases or liquefied gases, solvents and contaminated samples combine to
increase the probability for accidents and creates safety concerns that make laboratories
inherently more risky than office environments. All of the EPA's laboratories have
invested heavily in their health and safety programs and have an excellent safety record
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as proof of their efforts. Highlights of health and safety activities for the past year
include:
All laboratories have medical monitoring programs to evaluate and track
the health of those employees with a significant possibility of workplace
exposure to hazardous compounds.
All regional laboratories undergo a periodic, comprehensive audit of
safety, health, environmental compliance and internal controls by the
Headquarters Safety, Health and Environmental Management Division.
Several laboratories completed such audits in FY 2007.
Regional laboratories have active Safety and Health Committees that are
well represented by laboratory employees. These committees provide a
forum for discussing safety and health issues, and assist the safety officer
in planning training activities and organizing safety inspections.
All laboratories conduct annual refresher health and safety training. New
employees receive 24-hour course training in health and safety.
Facilities Management
EPA regional laboratories are housed in
various types of facilities; from converted
World War I buildings to the latest
architectural designs which incorporate
energy efficiency and make use of
alternative fuel sources. While some
facilities are U.S. Government owned, most
are operated under lease agreements
through the General Services
Administration. The regional laboratories
are home to fixed laboratory functions, field
investigation functions, and mobile
laboratories. Facilities management
involves not only day-to-day oversight
activities for proper maintenance, but the
planning, budgeting, and construction of
needed modifications such as building
expansions and upgrades of servicing
equipment.
In FY 2007, the regional laboratories continued to focus a great deal of effort on energy
conservation. In part, because of Executive Order 13148 "Greening the Government
through Leadership in Environmental Management", most regional laboratories are
evaluating ways to reduce energy consumption. Energy saving activities will be
conducted in the context of the best practices identified in EPA's near term study
described above.
30
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System
FY 2007 Annual Report
a Future Challenges
Each regional laboratory is a
center of applied scientific
support that meets the unique
needs of its geographical region,
states and tribes. As
environmental analytical
laboratories, all ten
organizations share many long-
term and short-term challenges
to meeting their goals. The
following challenges represent a
summary of those needs
identified by the regional
laboratories.
Ability to meet customer needs as the demand for quicker turnaround
times for analytical results continue to be the trend in Superfund removal
actions and emergency response;
Ability to balance increasing demands for scientific support with static or
decreasing staffing levels and loss of expertise due to retirement of senior
scientists;
Ability to maintain and expand capacity to provide analytical services in a
cost-effective and efficient manner;
Ability to remain flexible and cultivate the necessary foresight to meet
changing analytical needs and to address emerging pollutants and
contaminants of concern;
Maintenance of accreditation under the National Environmental
Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC);
Expansion of collaborative efforts with the scientific community in order
to advance the science of environmental monitoring and analysis;
Involvement in a variety of efforts to support Homeland Security
including establishment of an intergovernmental environmental laboratory
response network (eLRN); development of analytical capabilities to give
appropriate analytical support in emergency situations; and acquisition of
necessary training for the identification and measurement of unknown
threat agents.
D Meeting the Challenge
The regional laboratories play a key role in supporting the agency's strategic goals and
provide significant scientific foundations to meet these goals. In addition to supporting
national laboratory program initiatives, the laboratories provide strong science and
laboratory capabilities for the regions. The laboratories are a crucial part of the integrated
31
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System FY 2007 Annual Report
analytical capacity needed to meet specific environmental objectives on a global,
national, regional and local basis. As EPA moves into the future, the regional laboratories
will take on a variety of challenges in order to continue their support for the mission of
the agency. The regional laboratories intend to meet these challenges by, among other
activities:
Identifying and addressing priorities;
Identifying and implementing additional long-term efficiencies and cost
saving opportunities
Maintaining highly skilled laboratory staff through training, employee
development, scientific collaborations, and technology and information
transfer;
Updating laboratory equipment in order to increase analytical capabilities;
Identifying opportunities for regional laboratories to pool their efforts in
order to address high priority projects;
Staying current with technology and science issues relating to analytical
methodology, instrumentation and emerging pollutants of concern.
Exploring opportunities for alternative/additional mechanisms for
financial support;
Improved marketing of services and capabilities;
Enhancing communication and coordination with programs;
Intra-regional networking with other governmental and private sector
laboratories to improve communications, coordinate development efforts
and provide mutual support.
32
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US EPA Regional Laboratory System FY 2007 Annual Report
APPENDIX A
Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities
A-l
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
I. CHEMISTRY
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Acidity
Alkalinity
Asbestos
Chloride
Chromium, Hexavalent
(Cr+6)
Cyanide, Amenable
Cyanide, Total
Fluoride
Water
Water
Solids/Bulk material
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste
Water
Water
Titrametric
Titrametric
PLM
PLM
Colorimetric
1C
Titrametric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
1C
1C
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
ISE
1C
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
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
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
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A-2
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
AN ALYTE/ GROUP
NAME
ป
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
Hardness
Mercury, Total
Mercury, Total
Mercury (TCLP)
Metals, Total
Metals (TCLP)
Metals, Total
Metals (TCLP)
Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Water
Soil /Sediment
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Tissue (Fish &/or plant)
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc.)
Colorimetric
Titrametric
ICP/Calculation
CVAA
CVAA
CVAA
CVAA
CVAA
ICP /AES
ICP /AES
ICP /AES
ICP /AES
ICP /AES
GFAA
GFAA
GFAA
GFAA
GFAA
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
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
3
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
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
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
A-3
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
Metals, Total
Metals (TCLP)
Nitrogen (Ammonia)
Nitrogen (NO3 &/or NO2)
Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl
Perchlorate
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
Water
Soil/Sediment
Tissue (Fish &/or plant)
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Water, Soil/Sediment
Water
ICP/MS
ICP/MS
ICP/MS
ICP/MS
ICP/MS
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Electrode
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
1C
1C
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
1C
1C
1C with LC/MS
confirmation
LC/MS
LC/MS/MS
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
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
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
X
,x
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A-4
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
Phosphorus, Ortho
Phosphorus, Total
Sulfate
Water
Water
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Colorimetric
1C
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
1C
1C
Turbidimetric
Turbidimetric
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
^
8
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Sulfide
SNA
BNA (TCLP)
BNA (TPH)
Water
Soil
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Solid/Waste
Water
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
1C, Turbidimetric
Titrimetric
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS or GC
GC/MS or GC
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
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
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A-5
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
BOD
COD
EDB & DBCP
Herbicides
Herbicides (TCLP)
Oil & Grease
Pesticides / PCBs
Pesticides (TCLP)
Phenolics
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Solid/Waste
Solid/Waste
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Solid/Waste
Water
Soil/Sediment
Membrane Electrode
Photometric
Colorimetric
GC/ECD
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
GC/ECD
HPLC/UV Detection
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
GC/ECD
GC/ECD
GC/ECD
GC/ECD
GC/ECD
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8
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
A-6
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
. ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
PAHs
TOC
VGA
VGA (TCLP)
VGA (TPH)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Air
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Water
Soil
Water
Water
Water '
Soil/Sediment
Air
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Solid/Waste
Water
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
Combustion / IR
Combustion / IR
Combustion/Oxidation
UV/Persulfate
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC
GC
GC
GC/MS
GC/MS or GC
GC/MS or GC
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
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
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8
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
A-7
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
II. BIOLOGY
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
Coliform, Total
Coliform, Fecal
E. coli
Toxicity (Acute & Chronic)
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Water
Various
Various
Various
Fathead,
Ceriodaphnia
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
4
5
X
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
X
7
8
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
III. PHYSICAL & OTHER DETERMINATIONS
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
Aqueous/Liquid
Conductivity
Ignitability
Waste (oil, drum, etc.)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
Pensky-Marten or
Seta
Specific
Conductance
Pensky-Marten or
Seta Closed Cup
Pensky-Marten or
Seta Closed Cup
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
8
X
X
9
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
A-8
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
PH
Solids, Non-Filterable
Solids, Percent
Solids, Total
Solids, Total Dissolved
Solids, Total Volatile
Turbidity
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Water
Water
Electrometric
Electrometric
Electrometric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Nephelometric
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A-9
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EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES - FY 2007
ABBREVIATIONS
BNA Base/Neutrals and Acids Extractable Organics
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
CVAA Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
DBCP Dibromochloroproprane
EDB Ethylene dibromide
GC Gas Chromatography
GC/ECD GC/Electron Capture Detector
GC/NPD GC/Nitrogen - Phosphorus Detector
GC/MS GC/Mass Spectrometry
GFAA Graphic Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
1C Ion Chromatography
ICP Inductively Coupled (Argon) Plasma
ICP/AES ICP/Atomic Emission Spectrometry
ICP/MS ICP/Mass Spectrometry
IR Infrared
ISE Ion Selective Electrode
LC/MS Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
LC/MS/MS Liquid Chromatography/Dual MS
NO3 Nitrate
NO2 Nitrite
PAHs Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls
PLM Polarized Light Microscopy
TCLP Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
TOC Total Organic Carbon
VOA Volatile Organic Analytes/Analyses
A-10
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