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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA 910-R-14-004
US EPA Regional
Laboratory Network
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
I
1
July 2014
www.epa.gov
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
US EPA Regional Laboratory Network Annual Report 2013
Table of Contents i
List of Acronyms ii
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Regional Project Highlights 5
Region 1 6
Region 2 8
Regions 10
Region 4 12
Regions 14
Region 6 16
Region? 18
Regions 20
Region9 22
Region 10 24
3.0 Regional Laboratory Support Services 27
Appendix A: EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities 33
Appendix B: EPA Regional Laboratory Unique Capabilities 39
Appendix C: EPA Regional Laboratory Methods In Development 53
Regional Lab Address and Contact List 59
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
List of Acronyms
AMD Acid Mine Drainage
BNA Base/Neutrals and Acids Extractable Organics
BMP Best Management Practice
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
CAFO Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation
CIMEK Cumulative Impacts of Mining in
Eastern Kentucky (project)
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
CRL Chicago Regional Laboratory
CVAA Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
CWA Chemical Warfare Agent or Clean
Water Act (dependent on context)
DBCP Dibromochloroproprane
EDB Ethylene dibromide
EDC Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
ERLN Environmental Response Laboratory Network
EPA US Environmental Protection Agency
GAO General Accounting Office
GC GasChromatography
GC/ECD GC/Electron Capture Detector
GC/NPD GC/Nitrogen - Phosphorus Detector
GC/MS GC/Mass Spectrometry
GFAA Graphic Furnace Atomic
Absorption Spectrometry
HAPSITE Hazardous Air Pollution on Site
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
LCAA Lead Contamination Control Act
LC/MS Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
LC/MS/MS ...Liquid Chromatography/Dual MS
MADEP Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection
MIP Membrane Interface Probe
NAS National Academy of Sciences
NEIC National Enforcement Investigations Center
NIST National Institute of Standards
and Technology
NPL National Priorities List
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRMRL National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
NO3 Nitrate
NO2 Nitrite
NWCI National Water Quality Initiative
OGWDW Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
ORD Office of Research and Development
OW Office of Water
PAHs Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls
PEP Performance Evaluation Program
PLM Polarized Light Microscopy
PPCP Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
PRASA Puerto Rico Sewer and Aqueduct Authority
QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan
QC Quality Control
REMAP Regional Monitoring and
Assessment Program
RLN Regional Laboratory Network
RNCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
RPM Remedial Project Manager
SCDHEC South Carolina Department of Health
and Environmental Control
SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act
SIM Selected Ion Monitoring
SPLP Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure
SRB Sulfate-reducing Bacteria
TCLP Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TKN Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
TOC Total Organic Carbon
TSS Total Suspended Solids
TTP Through-The-Probe
USGS US Geological Servey
VOA Volatile Organic Analytes/Analyses
WSD Water Security Division
XRF X-ray Fluorescence
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
1.0 Introduction
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Services are tailored to
meet particular regional
needs to address complex
environmental issues
where little experience
or knowledge exists.
Support special or non-routine
analytical requests that
cannot be readily obtained
from commercial sources
while consistently meeting
project-specific DQOs.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Laboratory Network
(RLN) consists of ten regional laboratories that provide mission-critical support
to the Agency in the protection of human
health and the environment. Services and
expertise provided by each regional lab are
tailored to meet the particular needs of a
region or program to address complex and
emerging environmental issues where little
background experience or knowledge exists.
Scientific communication and collaboration
across the Laboratory Network leverages regionally-specific expertise and
methods across the nation thereby maximizing efficiency and flexibility while
assuring responsiveness.
Sound analytical data form the underpinning of cogent environmental decisions
and effective environmental policy. The RLN produces environmental analytical
data that meet EPA's data needs for our air,
water, waste and enforcement programs.
Most importantly, the Regional labs have the
capability to support special or non-routine
analytical needs that cannot be readily
obtained from any other source. In that
particular niche, the RLN fills a gap between
basic research and commercially available
analyses. Even though these requests encompass the most challenging analytical
work garnered by the Agency, data from our regional labs consistently meet
project data quality objectives.
To further ensure and enhance the defensibility of our data, each regional
laboratory adheres to the Science Policy Council directive for "Assuring the
Competency of Environmental Protection Agency Laboratories", February 23,
2004 and the Administrator's commitment
to High Performance Organizations by
participating in external third party
accreditation programs for laboratories under
either the NELAC Institute (TNI) or ISO 17025.
Additionally, some are also accredited for
forensic work under ILAC G19:2002. Under
these programs the labs undergo periodic
third party audits, conduct their own internal
audits and participate in numerous Proficiency Testing studies all to ensure
effective quality systems that continually improve performance and ensure data
of known quality are generated.
The RLN has access to additional mechanisms for procurement of routine
analytical services such as the Contract Laboratory Program, which provides
readily available standard analyses from private sector labs using methods that
were developed and refined by EPA for the
Superfund program. RLN laboratories are
also equipped with Environmental Services
Assistance Team (ESAT) contractor support
to supplement EPA's existing capabilities.
The RLN complements rather than competes
with these service delivery mechanisms.
The organizational structure provides for
maximum flexibility to support Agency response to natural disasters and
emergencies, while maintaining sufficient laboratory infrastructure to continue
high priority national program work. During FY 2013, EPA's RLN labs supported
over 159,000 sample analyses in support of 1,249 projects. In keeping with prior
Laboratory Quality Systems
are accredited by independent
external auditors following
rigorous quality standards
to yield High Performance
Organizations.
Provide maximum flexibility
to support Agency response
to natural disasters and
emergencies by developing
effective approaches for a wide
range of analytical challenges.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Developed 44 different
non-routine analytical
methods to satisfy
regional needs to address
emerging contaminants.
years, Superfund remained the most significant requester of analytical services
with over 62% of the total analyses.
Because of their expertise, Regional laboratory scientists are a valuable resource
for reviewing Quality Assurance Project Plans, validating data not generated
by the regional labs, and providing expert witness testimony. This expertise,
complemented with that of our ORD partners, also ensures that our regional
labs are poised to tackle the most difficult
analytical projects requiring method
development. During the year, our regional
labs worked on development of 44 different
non-routine analytical methods, with the
Office of Water again being the largest source
of requests (44%). Much of this work is driven
by regional needs for new methods to address emerging contaminants or to
modify a current method for a regulated contaminant to achieve lower detection
limits or apply it to a new sample matrix. Our ORD partners played a role in about
20% of these projects.
According to EPA's Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water, scientists with
recent bench level experience in OGWDW methods make the best drinking water
certification officers. It is only prudent that many of our regional laboratories
play crucial roles in their regional drinking
Serve crucial roles in regional water audit programs by providing important
drinking water audit programs. oversight for our primacy state drinking water
laboratory programs and principal state
laboratories. The regional labs also operate the air monitoring quality assurance
programs by providing management, technical oversight and logistical support
to EPA and State programs, and in many regions the regional labs house the field
sampling functions.
In response to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9, which was issued
in 2004, EPA established the Environmental Response Laboratory Network
(ERLN) and the Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA) to provide coordinated
analytical response to nationally significant events requiring large scale
environmental responses and/or drinking
water contamination. Each regional lab
serves as the region's principal laboratory
in the ERLN/WLA and has responsibility for
coordinating support from their network labs
in conjunction with a national incident. This
new responsibility, which is practiced under
joint functional exercises, has significantly
strengthened both our nation's ability to
respond to a national incident and our important relationships with our state
laboratory partners. Currently, five regional labs have the capability to analyze
environmental samples suspected to contain chemical warfare agent (CWA). Also,
several regional labs developed and validated new methods for CWA degradation
compounds important in characterizing and remediating contaminated areas.
In the section that directly follows, each regional laboratory has provided
two Project Highlights that illustrate how their work products contribute to
the Agency mission under the Administrator's seven key priorities. Section 3
includes additional support services provided by the RLN labs. While this list is
not comprehensive, it captures some major areas of support common to our
network labs. The appendices at the end of this report summarize by laboratory
core analytical capabilities shared by several of the regional labs, unique
analytical capabilities that are region-specific, and method development projects
that are underway.
Mobilize and coordinate the
national network of state and
private sector labs during a
nationally significant incident
while serving as principal
labs for incidents involving
chemical warfare agents.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
2.0 Regional Project
Highlights
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and 10 Tribal Nations
MA
CT
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
EPA Priority 6: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
Palmer River Source Tracking
The EPA Region 1 Laboratory has played a leadership
role in designing and conducting a large and complex
agricultural source tracking project on the Palmer River,
a small rural, agricultural watershed in southeastern
Massachusetts (MA) that drains into Rhode Island (Rl).
The Rl Department of Environmental Management
(RIDEM) had identified high bacteria concentrations from
sources in MA as a predominant contributor to bacterial
contamination in the Rl reaches,
significantly impacting the water
quality of downstream portions
of the Palmer River and beyond,
resulting in permanent shellfish
bed closures, and requested the
EPA Lab's assistance in tracking the
sources. Previous studies conducted
by MA Department of Environmental
Protection (MADEP) implicated
farms as potential bacteria sources.
The Region 1 Lab worked with RIDEM
and MADEP to jointly develop a
plan to look at E. coli bacteria levels
throughout the watershed and then
narrow down the sources with a
second and third round of sampling
to track the bacteria. Samples for
E. coli bacteria were collected at
44 road crossings throughout the
watershed in 2012 to conduct an
initial assessment the water quality
conditions using bracket sampling
and bacteria source tracking
methodologies to pinpoint the
sources of elevated bacteria and narrow down the sources
of contamination for future sampling. Additionally, water
quality sondes with sensors were used to measure pH,
dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, and salinity
at each location. Results indicated relatively low E.coli
numbers throughout the watershed with a few hot
spots identified for follow up. The group conducted two
additional multi-agency surveys in 2013. In addition to
helping scope this multi-year, multi-agency project, EPA
lab staff coordinated field sampling efforts and conducted
more than 150 microbiological analyses at the Region 1
Lab.
In 2013, this study became an EPA
Regional priority when MADEP
selected the Palmer River as its
watershed for participation in the
Natural Resources Conservation
Service's (NRCS) National Water
Quality Initiative (NWQI), a program
where the NRCS works with
farmers to improve water quality
by implementing agricultural Best
Management Practices (BMPs).
A major focus of the NWQI is
monitoring to determine possible
areas impacted by nonpoint
sources that NRCS can assist the
farmers in correcting practices,
and in-stream monitoring was
designed and undertaken in such
a way to assess whether water
quality and/or biological condition
related to nutrients, sediments, or
(livestock-related) pathogens has
changed in the watershed, and if so
whether this can be associated with
agricultural conservation practices.
For this project, some nutrient sampling and analysis by
the Region 1 Lab will be included during 2014 to establish
a baseline, but plans are to continue using bacteria as a
surrogate indicator in future sampling.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and 10 Tribal Nations
MA
CT
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 6: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
Rapid Development of a Sampling and Analysis Method for Chlorpyrifos
in Residential Wipe Samples by UPLC/MS/MS
In June 2013 when the Vermont
Agency of Agriculture suspended
the license of AAA Accredited Pest
Control Company for the misuse of
a pesticide in treating a residence
for bed bugs, they had no idea of
the extent of the problem. The
subsequent investigation revealed
that well over a hundred homes
had been treated for bed bugs with
chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate
pesticide banned by the U.S. EPA
for all indoor use in 2001. State
of Vermont Department of Health
immediately issued a health advisory to
healthcare providers in Rutland County,
warning of possible residential exposure
to chlorpyrifos. Soon thereafter EPA
Region 1 was contacted for assistance
in clean-up, removal, and analytical
services.
The EPA New England Laboratory
responded with the rapid development
of an LC/MS/MS sampling technique
and analytical method to screen for
this banned pesticide. This quick
turnaround method has allowed EPA on
scene coordinators to rapidly identify
concentrations of chlorpyrifos in the
contaminated residences. The method
uses a pre-cleaned 3"x3" cotton gauze
pad which is pre-wetted with methanol.
The chlorpyrifos is extracted off the
wipe samples by sonication with an
acidified acetone solvent. The solvent
is then evaporated to dryness
using a Biotage V10 evaporator.
The sample is re-dissolved in
methanol and HPLC buffer.
The chromatographic run was
reduced to only seven minutes
to maximize sample throughput
and uses a binary gradient of 20%
acetonitrile/ water and methanol
with 0.1% formic acid using a
Waters Acquity BEH CIS 1.7
u.m UPLC column (2.1x 50 mm).
Deuterated chlorpyrifos D-10
was employed as an internal standard,
and diazinon D10 is used as the
surrogate compound to ensure accurate
quantitation and confirm acceptable
analyte recovery. Target compounds
include both chlorpyrifos and the
metabolite Chlorpyrifos-oxon. The
positive electrospray LC/MS/MS method
incorporated a secondary qualifier ion
for chlorpyrifos which can be used to
verify isotopic ratios further confirming
analyte presence. The reporting limit for
each compound based on a 100 cm2 wipe
area is 0.4ng/cm2, which meets project
goals based on health guidelines from
ATSDR. The method has a throughput of
approximately 40 samples per day.
To date over 1000 wipe samples
have been analyzed at EPA New
England Laboratory for this on-going
investigation and clean-up.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and eight Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
National Study - Lead in Drinking Water from Schools and Child Care Facilities
Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human
health when ingested. Young children a re particularly
sensitive to the effects of lead because their bodies
are still undergoing development. Lead is rarely
found in source water, but enters tap water through
corrosion of plumbing materials containing lead.
Common sources of lead in drinking water include:
solder, fluxes, pipes and pipe fittings, fixtures, and
sediments. Thus, it is possible that different water
outlets in a given building could have dissimilar
concentrations of lead.
There is no federal law requiring testing of drinking
water in schools, except for schools that have their
own water supply and would be subject to the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 as amended
in 1986 and 1996. The 1988 Lead Contamination
Control Act (LCCA) is aimed at identifying and
reducing lead in drinking water in schools and child
care facilities. The LCCA created lead monitoring and
reporting requirements for all schools, and required
the replacement of drinking water coolers that
contained excessive levels of lead. The provisions are
not enforceable. As a result, states have the option
to voluntarily enforce the provisions of the Act (or
alternate provisions) through their own authority.
In 2013, the Office of Water (OW) established a
three year pilot study to promote awareness of
the potential sources of lead in schools and child
care facilities. The primary objective is to reduce
children's exposure to lead from drinking water. The
pilot is in collaboration with the Kellogg Foundation
and the Calhoun County Public Health Department.
A total of 100 schools and child care facilities will be
tested in Calhoun County, Michigan, over a three
year period, from 2013 to 2015. The OW pilot study
is a first step in a nationwide effort to promote
awareness of the potential exposure to lead in
schools and day care facilities with a focus on testing
and remediation options.
Based on its experience in Lead in Schools
program, Region 2 provided guidance on the use
of the appropriate sampling and quality assurance
procedures for the pilot study. The Region 2
Laboratory coordinated the analytical support
for this large-scale initiative, using the resources
of EPA's Regional Laboratory Network to provide
the analytical services for the nearly 4,000 lead
analyses expected during the study. The Region 2,
3, 5, 6, 9, and 10 laboratories are participating in
the study. The use of the regional laboratories will
yield significant cost savings compared to use of
commercial laboratories and ensure data quality
and consistency.
The analytical results and field data will be used to
make a determination as to whether drinking water
distributed from outlets (i.e., fountains, bubblers,
and faucets) is contaminated with lead. If the
drinking water at a source is found to contain lead
at a concentration greater than 20 micrograms per
liter (ug/L) or parts per billion (ppb), guidance will
be provided to the facility on how to remediate the
problem.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and eight Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 6: Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism
and Working for Environmental Justice
EPA Priority 7: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
Science Outreach Through EPA's Region 2 Caribbean Science Consortium
In November of 2011, representatives of the Region
2 Division of Environmental Science and Assessment
visited Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and met
with government and university representatives of the
islands. This "science" visit was a first of a kind and
focused on mutual environmental science programs and
opportunities for science outreach and collaboration
in serving those programs. A common problem in the
islands is that government and academic research
institutions, individually, lack adequate resources in
terms of capability or capacity to conduct environmental
science programs and activities. The limited resources
are not leveraged in any systematic way.
Based on the science visit, the Region established the
EPA Region 2 Caribbean Science Consortium to expand
science collaboration and facilitate the exchange of
information among the key science organizations of the
islands. The Science Consortium is comprised of members
of Region 2 and government and university organizations
in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. It is coordinated
and managed under the Region 2 Laboratory as part of
our lead for science in the Region.
The main goal of the Science Consortium is to expand
science communication and collaboration among the
environmental science programs and activities of the
member organizations. The Science Consortium will
identify and share resources, where applicable and
within the member organization's resources, including
technical assistance, education, and outreach. It will
also leverage the strengths and resources of individual
member organizations in order to build the capacity of
the territories to respond to their environmental science
needs.
One of the goals of the Science Consortium is to coordinate
and collaborate, where appropriate, in addressing the
critical research needs on the islands. One of the major
research areas in Puerto Rico is the assessment and
impact of drinking water systems that are not covered
under the Puerto Rico Sewer and Aqueduct Authority
(PRASA), referred to as "Non-PRASA Systems." There are
nearly 250 Non-PRASA Systems serving an estimated
population of 115,000, including a significant number
of children and older people. The Non-PRASA systems
only comply marginally, and just a few of them have the
technical, managerial and financial capacity required to
comply with the SDWA. Research into the health impact
on the communities that are served by these systems is
a high priority for Region 2, the Puerto Rico Department
of Health, the local universities, and the community at
large.
In FY'13, the second year of the Science Consortium, the
group focused their efforts on the issue of Non-PRASA
systems and some of the studies that are planned
among its university members. The Science Consortium
held a special half-day meeting in Puerto Rico to bring
all of the research partners together to discuss how
to best collaborate, focusing on establishing common
objectives, current activities, and how to best leverage
limited resources into addressing the research needs
going forward. The Science Consortium established a
workgroup among Consortium members, additional local
universities, and EPA program staff to address the issues
affecting the Non-PRASA systems and to develop a plan
of action moving forward.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
Supporting an Emergency Removal Program Effort at the Price Battery Site
Under EPA's Emergency Removal
Program, a multi-year cleanup
effort is being conducted at the
Price Battery Superfund Site
located in Hamburg, Berks County,
Pennsylvania. Since 2002, EPA has
been in the process of cleaning up
over 500 residential properties that
were contaminated with lead due
to the Price Battery Plant and the
on-site lead smelter located in the
county. Hamburg is located at the
foot of the Blue Mountains along the
Schuylkill River. The site, about three-fourths square mile
in size, is located in a mixed commercial/residential area
in the vicinity of the former Price Battery facility.
The Price Battery plant operated in the Borough of
Hamburg from approximately 1940 to the mid-1990s.
The on-site lead smelter was dismantled in 1971. In
addition to the lead emissions produced from the lead
smelter stack during operations, battery casings were
broken open and the lead plates were removed for
smelting. Lead-contaminated battery waste and casings
were used as fill material throughout the Borough of
Hamburg. Emissions and the fill material contaminated
nearby residential homes around the facility.
To date, 554 home exteriors and
402 home interiors of residential
properties have been cleaned
up. The cleanup process involved
excavation of residential surface
soils and in-home decontamination.
Historically, some of the residential
surface soils had lead concentrations
above 50,000 parts per million.
,
The cleanup action level is 572
parts per million. These soils were
assumed to have been tracked into
homes, posing an additional risk to
residents.
In November 2002, EPA initiated
the removal cleanup on residential
properties that had lead levels
above EPA's cleanup action level.
Exide Corporation, the company
potentially responsible for the
contamination, has been carrying
out a separate RI/FS on the Price Battery plant property
since September 2008.
Several days were required to fully clean each resident's
home and rapid analytical results were required to ensure
the success of the cleanup. Residents were temporarily
housed in hotels during cleanup work at their homes.
Dust and wipes samples were collected during and after
each residential cleanup to ensure lead levels were
well below the site-specific action level. The Region 3
Laboratory analyzed these sediment, dust and wipe
samples at the request of the Region 3 Removal Program.
Because residents were being moved to temporary
housing during the cleaning process, the lab was asked
to submit results within 24 hours of receipt. During FY13,
the Region 3 laboratory completed
37 project requests which included
234 dust and wipes, 90 sediment
samples, and 55 vacuum dusts. For
the vacuum dusts, the empty bags
were pre-weighed by the lab prior
to vacuuming the homes so that
total lead per bag (ug/sample) and
the lead per sample (ug/g) could be
determined.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
EPA Priority 5 - Protecting America's Waters
Evaluation of Immunoassay Test Kits used to Measure Endocrine
Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) in Animal Feedlot Runoff
Immunoassay tests kits provide
a relatively fast low-cost means
of measuring contaminants in
surface waters. The technology
involved exploits the unique
relationship between an
antibody compound and the
specific antigen compound to
which the antibody will bond.
Antibodies have been designed
to detect a wide range of
antigens or target compounds.
Although immunoassays are
widely used in clinical settings,
their ability to quantify target compounds in highly
complex environmental samples has not been evaluated.
A Region 3 / ORD collaboration was established to
address this issue by evaluating the performance of two
commercially-available immunoassay test kits designed
to measure estrone, a known EDC, in water. Of particular
interest was the capability of each kit to measure estrone
in "real-world" complex water samples, such as might be
collected downstream of concentrated animal feeding
operations (CAFOs). Estrone is the most stable and
persistent form of estrogen, a hormone used to promote
animal growth in CAFOs.
For the purpose of validating kit performance, Standard
Method Performance Requirements were established
by a Stakeholders' Committee organized and led by the
Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). This
effort was the first attempt to use the capabilities of
the AOAC to assist an EPA Region in method validation.
Subsequently, the Region 3 Laboratory in collaboration
with NRMRL (Cincinnati) conducted three rounds of
multi-laboratory testing. In each
round, 15 complex aqueous
samples (three concentrations
of estrone2 , 5, and 50 ng/L
spiked in triplicate, a matrix
duplicate spike in triplicate, and
three blanks) were sent to each
of six laboratories (including
Region 3) each of whom used
the two test kits under study to
analyze all samples for estrone.
A 15-sample set was also
analyzed by ORD using LC/MS/
MS. All testing was preceded
with a practice round that assessed the capability of each
laboratory to perform the assays.
The two test kits performed reliably well even at low
concentrations. Their performance appeared to be
dependent on the skill of the laboratory. Statistical
analysis, however, showed that, although the laboratory
and the sample matrix had some effect on the results,
the performance of the two test kits were statistically
the same. Furthermore neither kit produced any false
negatives, a key result enhancing their value as screening
tools. If used to screen samples, it would be very unlikely
that one would miss any samples containing estrone.
Overall, the study demonstrated that the test kits could
be useful in measuring hormones in stream water,
particularly as a rapid screening tool. The design of these
kits allows for the analysis of many samples quickly and
at low cost compared to LC/MS/MS, the conventional
analytical method.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Fl
Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribes
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Cumulative Impacts of Mining in Eastern Kentucky (CIMEK)
The CIMEK project is designed to
assess the water and habitat quality
of targeted streams in the Right Fork
Beaver Creek watershed in the Eastern
Kentucky area, which may be impacted
by surface mining operations. Region
4 scientists, with the support of the
Region 4 Laboratory, conducted a
number of in situ and laboratory
water quality measurements aimed
at providing information on the
ecosystem. Headwater streams and
watersheds in Appalachia are keystone components of
the region's ecology. They are sources of clean, abundant
water for larger streams and rivers, are active sites of
the biogeochemical processes that support both aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems, and are characterized by
exceptional levels of plant and animal biodiversity. The
benefits of healthy headwaters are cumulative as the
critical ecological f u nctions of many small streams flowing
into the same river system are necessary for maintaining
ecological integrity.
The practice of mountaintop mining and valley fills,
which has become increasingly common in Appalachian
states, can have major environmental consequences
for the mountain ecosystem, the nearby valleys, and
the downstream water quality. The effluent waters
from valley fills are generally not acidic and can be
somewhat alkaline (pH is generally 7.0
or greater). The alkaline pH has been
attributed to exposure of the water to
carbonate minerals within the valley
fill that originate from fragmentation
of the non-coal formations that form
the overburden or are added during
construction of the valley fill. However,
there is a growing body of information
in the scientific literature indicating
that mining may cause deleterious
ecological effects. Data indicate that
concentrations of chemical ions are,
on average, about 10 times higher
downstream of mining operations than
in streams in unmined watersheds.
Sulfate (SO4-2), bicarbonate (HCO3-),
calcium (Ca+2), and magnesium
(Mg+2) are the dominant ions in the
mixture, but potassium (K+), sodium
(Na+), and chloride (CI-) are also
elevated. These ions contribute to the
elevated levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) typically
measured as specific conductivity and observed in the
effluent waters below valley fills. Water from sites having
high chemical ion concentrations downstream of mining
operations is acutely lethal to invertebrates in standard
aquatic laboratory tests, and models of ion toxicity based
on laboratory results predict that acute toxicity would be
expected from the ions alone.
In 2013, the Region 4 Laboratory analyzed over 700
samples collected at 60 sampling locations for the CIMEK
project. Lab personnel performed over 4,600 analyses
for these samples which included alkalinity, ammonia-
nitrogen, total metals, nitrite/nitrate - nitrogen, total
phosphorus, sulfates, solids, and total organic nitrogen.
In addition, 79 samples were analyzed and reported for
ultra trace mercury in the parts per trillion concentration
range. The data from this project is
being used by Region 4 to document
the current water quality conditions
and biological structure of the
watershed. The data will also be used
in the development of a computational
model to determine the impact of
surface mining on stream health based
on land use percentage of mining in
the watershed.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Fl
Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning up Our Communities
US Finishing/Cone Mills NPL Superfund Site
The US Finishing/Cone Mills site, three
miles north of downtown Greenville,
South Carolina includes an area used
for various manufacturing operations
from 1903 until 2003. Union Bleachery
constructed the original facility in 1903
as a textile bleaching and finishing
operation. The facility was sold in
1947, and then became the Cone Mills
Operation in 1952. Cone Mills prepared
and dyed grey goods and dyed other
fabrics, including corduroy, denim and cotton-synthetic
blends. American Fast Print purchased the facility in
May 1984 and operated the facility under the name US
Finishing. The facility shut down in 2003 after a fire.
EPA and the South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control have investigated site conditions
and taken steps to clean up the site in order to protect
people and the environment from contamination. EPA
placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in
2011 because of contaminated surface water, ground
water and sediment resulting from facility operations.
The area of known contamination is about 14 acres.
Surroundings include Langston Creek and Highway 253
to the east, a residential neighborhood to the west, Old
Buncombe Road to the north and Reedy River to the
south. EPA is working with the community and its state
partner to develop a long-term cleanup plan for the site,
reflecting the Agency's commitment
to safe, healthy communities and
environmental protection. Community
engagement and public outreach are
core components of EPA program
activities.
The Region 4 Laboratory provided
significant support to the site
investigation by analyzing over 350
samples and performing almost 1,900
analyses during a 12-month period.
Among the analyses performed were
total metals, hexavalent chromium,
volatileorganiccompounds,semivolatile
organic compounds, pesticides, and
PCBs. Contamination in surface water,
ground water and sediment was
identified that could potentially harm
people in the area. Contaminated
areas include surface impoundments,
surface and below-ground soils, ground
water underneath the facility property, and sediments
in Langston Creek and the Reedy River. Contamination
resulted from facility operations and waste handling
practices at the site. Potential contaminants of concern
include metals such as chromium.
EPA is currently conducting the site's remedial
investigation/feasibility study. After completing the
study, EPA will issue a proposed cleanup plan to address
any contamination and related risk to people and the
environment. After receiving input from SCDHEC and
the community, EPA will issue the final cleanup plan (a
Record of Decision, or ROD), and will begin preparations
to carry out the approved cleanup activities. EPA selected
this site as an Integrated Cleanup Initiative pilot project to
demonstrate an innovative combination of management
approaches and cleanup techniques. One of the early
outcomes of this effort is the development of the US
Finishing/Cone Mills Database Viewer,
which shares more than 30 years of
data and summaries of actions taken.
EPA is also using the viewer to share
removal action work plans, real-time
perimeter air monitoring and progress
metrics. In the future, EPA will link
webcams thru the data viewer to allow
real-time visual access to site activities
such as demolition.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Region 5
(Gre ' '
Serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and 35 Tribes
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Ensuring Continued Readiness to Provide Drinking Water Security
The Chicago Regional Laboratory
(CRL) participated in the
Headquarters Water Security
Division (WSD) "Full Scale Exercise"
in December, 2012. The purpose
of this exercise was to practice
laboratory response in the event
of a large hurricane in the Gulf
of Mexico. The scenario involved
severe damage to drinking water
resources as well as food storage
and distribution systems throughout
the southwest and mid-western
parts of the country. The area affected involved 19 states.
The objective was to coordinate lab efforts through the
EPA's Water Lab Alliance to distribute "real" samples
and generate useful data for a variety of chemical
and biological contaminants in source and finished
drinking waters The exercise covered a four day period.
EPA partnered with the FDA, CDC, USDA and state
laboratories. Overall 51 labs participated in the exercise.
The water contamination portion of the exercise involved
a barge containing carbamate pesticides on the Ohio
River that broke loose and spilled its contents just
upstream of the Evansville, Indiana
drinking water intake. Also, some
old canisters of the nerve agent,
Sarin, were dislodged and ruptured
in Arkansas flood waters and posed a
threat to neighboring communities.
This allowed three methods
developed by CRL to be used and
evaluated during the exercise. One
was for carbamate pesticides and
the other two for phosphonic acid
degradation compounds of Sarin in
water and soil.
Based on the choice of chemical
contaminates, CRL was able to
incorporate a multi-lab validation
study for our carbamate pesticide
method. Several of the participating
labs volunteered to do the validation
procedure as part of the exercise.
In collaboration with WSD and its
contractor, spiked samples were
sent to the labs including CRL to
mimic the "spill". The method was performed in each lab
as written. The data generated were consistent and the
results gave a successful method validation. As a result,
the method was adopted by ASTM as a standard D7645
in January, 2014.
Even though methods developed by regions for their
particular need may be usable by others, a single lab
validated method does not demonstrate the necessary
robustness for general use. Therefore, multi-lab
validation is important to ensure sound data. CRL
explores any opportunity to validate methods through a
low cost voluntary action as happened in the full scale
exercise. CRL had several methods
successfully multi-lab validated
through voluntary actions. Five
other methods associated with
water security concerns were
developed by CRL for chemical
warfare degradation compounds
and other threat agents through our
partnership efforts with the National
Homeland Security Research Center
over the last several years.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Region 5
(Gre ' '
Serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and 35 Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
Compliance Assistance to Region 5's RCRA Program
The Region 5 RCRA Enforcement
Program and the Chicago Regional
Laboratory (CRL) began an effort to
investigate the possibility of treating
arsenic contaminated sediments
at the TYCO Fire Products facility
in Marinette, Wisconsin. The effort
became a Regional Administrator's
priority to demonstrate cooperation
with the facility through compliance
assistance. The facility worked with
the RCRA Enforcement Officer and
CRL during the initial treatment
process to determine the amount of Portland cement
and ferric sulfate necessary to reduce the arsenic
concentration. Arsenic concentrations were determined
by the RCRA toxicity characteristic leachate procedure
(TCLP). The goal was to use the
treatability process to reduce arsenic
concentrations below the regulatory
threshold of arsenic in the RCRA
toxicity characteristic.
CRLandtheTYCO contract laboratory
worked closely to ensure each step of
the TCLP was completed as specified
in the SW846 1311 test procedure.
CRL discovered that the initial fluid
determination steps to decide which
TCLP extraction fluid should be used
were being interpreted differently
by each lab. The fluid determination
procedure was broken down into
more detailed steps, and the impact
of each on the final TCLP results
was examined. It was agreed that
in order to proceed, each lab would
have to follow the same steps in
completing the fluid determinations
exactly, since the final TCLP results
were dependent upon it.
Both laboratories agreed to the
procedural details along with the
facility and the RCRA Enforcement
Officer. Bench sheets documenting
the additional details for the TCLP
fluid determination procedure were
shared and evaluated before any
further testing was attempted. These
new bench sheets for the fluid determination included
additional key factors such as timing between treatment
and testing, and temperature variability during the fluid
test.
This effort took several weeks and
was followed by each lab analyzing
several dozen split samples of
treated sediments applied with
differing proportions of the
cement-ferric sulfate mixture. The
results showed greatly improved
agreement between the labs. This
collaboration gave confidence to the
RCRA Enforcement Program that the
treatability process would work and
meet federal regulations.
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Serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 2: Improving Air Quality
Using Innovative Technologies to Advance Regional Capabilities in the
Identification and Screening of Potential Vapor Intrusion Sites
Vapor intrusion is a general term
given to the migration of volatile
chemicals from subsurface
contaminated soils and groundwater
into the indoor air spaces of overlying
buildings through openings in the
building foundation (for example,
cracks and utility openings). Vapor
intrusion investigations traditionally
rely on conventional sampling of soil,
ground water, sub-slab and indoor
air sites using analysis techniques
which can be time consuming and
expensive.
The Region 6 Vapor Intrusion Assessment Team comprised
of Region 6 Laboratory, Superfund, and RCRA personnel,
developed a new Regional vapor intrusion investigative
approach based on the field capabilities of an instrument
which can help to identify and measure very low
concentrations of volatile organic compounds. This new
investigative approach dramatically increased the ability
to obtain field-screening (same day) quantitative data
that can be used to make real-time dynamic sampling
decisions such as where to collect additional samples
and which samples to send to the
laboratory.
To assist in establishing this new
investigative approach, the Region
6 Laboratory used its experience in
mobile lab field operations and GC/
MS air analysis to train Superfund
site managers, contractors, and
others in the use of the HAPSITE
ER (Hazardous Air Pollution on
Site) portable GC/MS. The Region
6 Laboratory developed a standard
operating procedure for the use
of the HAPSITE ER and performed
comparison quality assurance
analysis of the instrument's results
with that of conventional air analysis
methods.
Field screening wasfurther enhanced
by using the Region 6 Laboratory
to support very low quantitation
levels of the target compounds after
the field samples were collected
in vacuum canisters. The canisters
were analyzed by GC/MS using an analysis technique
known as Synchronous Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM)
for lower detection levels combined with full scan mass
spectral data for library searching (also called SIM-SCAN)
thereby collecting both SIM data and full-scan data in a
single run. Sites studied in Region 6 by this new approach
included Bandera Road, R&H Oil and Jones Road which
were undergoing different phases of investigation,
such as initial site assessment, hazard characterization
or extensive remedial studies. Field sampling and
screening using the HAPSITE ER
made confirmatory analysis by the
Region 6 Laboratory more efficient.
The ability to obtain real-time
vapor intrusion data combined with
confirmatory laboratory analysis at
the low part per billion detection
level has enabled the Region to
identify and take positive actions to
address human health risks.
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Serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Development of a Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method
MacMillan Ring-Free Oil Company is a
100 acre site located in Union County
Arkansas that was recently proposed
for inclusion on the Superfund
National Priorities List. The site has
been subjected to numerous actions
including an emergency removal to
dispose of more than 300,000 pounds
of hazardous waste, and is in critical
need for remediation as it is bordered
by residences, schools, parks, and
creeks. The site is visibly contaminated with oil and
asphalt products and has no drainage containment to
prevent their migration off-site.
The Region 6 Laboratory received 58 samples from the
site. All samples received were highly contaminated
with oil which made preparation and analysis very
labor intensive. The oil also masked the presence of
target compounds using routine EPA
Methods 8270 and 8081/8082, which
initially yielded non-detects with high
reporting limits. It was suspected
that many PAHs were present in
the samples but masked by the oil.
After discussion with the customer,
the decision was made to develop
a method for analyzing PAHs using
gas chromatography/tandem mass
spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) to better
meet the needs of the project. The
analytical results were needed in a
very rapid time-frame in order to get
the site ranked.
The development of a tandem mass
spectrometry method required a
multi-step process to determine
potential transitions and optimize
collision energies but also to test the
selectivity of the transitions in the oily
matrix. Unresolved hydrocarbons that
chromatograph as "humps" tend to
contain practically every mass, making
the selection of unique transitions
critical to identifying the target
analytes. All samples were re-prepared
and re-analyzed by this new method.
Where more unique transitions could not be found or
where the matrix resulted in significant retention time
shifting, the laboratory performed multiple analyses at
various dilutions and employed post preparation spikes
to ensure that target analytes were properly identified.
With all of the difficulties encountered, the Region 6
Laboratory was able to provide analytical results for PAHs
at the part per trillion levels in very
complex samples in a rapid timeframe
using tandem mass spectrometry. Over
400 analyses were performed during
the combined method development
and sample analysis for the project. In
addition to the PAH analyses, pesticide,
aroclor, volatile and metals analyses
were also provided for the 58 samples.
All of the PAH and metals analytical
data were used to get the site ranked
under the Hazardous Ranking System,
confirming the highest possible scores
for observed releases. As a result, the
site was proposed for NPL in the Federal
Register in December 2013.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
NE
KS
IA
MO
Serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Nine Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 2: Improving Air Quality
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning up our Communities
Innovative Field Support for Vapor Intrusion Projects
Indoor vapor intrusion is caused by the
migration of hazardous volatile organic
compounds through the soil above
subsurface plumes. Region 7 has a large
number of historical Superfund sites
consisting predominantly of dry cleaner/
industrial degreaser sites and leaking
underground petroleum storage tanks.
Many of these historical sites are located in
small rural communities and are typically
surrounded by residential areas and
historical business districts. Additionally,
much of the geology in Region 7 consists
of sandy/loamy soils which are highly
permeable and conducive to transmission
of subsurface vapor.
As part of Superfund's five year review
process, remedial project managers,
regional risk assessors, and managers
concluded that it is appropriate and
necessary to characterize the potential
for intrusion of subsurface plume vapors
into the indoor living and working spaces
of homes and businesses. As a result, the
Region 7 Laboratory developed unique
and specialized capability to support
collection and analysis of samples in the
vapor space directly below residential
and industrial structural slabs.
Depending upon the structure being
sampled, building basement slabs can vary
in thickness from less than two to over ten
inches. Regional lab scientists developed,
designed, and manufactured specialized
stainless steel vapor intrusion probes
of varying lengths to allow collection of
Figure 1: Vapor Probe Installation
Figure 2: Vapor Sampling
subsurface vapor samples over extended
periods of time. Additionally, Regional
scientists developed a unique process
for slab drilling, probe installation,
grouting and sealing that assures a gas-
tight installation for long-term sampling
that is also aesthetically pleasing and
unobtrusive in the occupied areas of
residential dwellings and industrial
facilities. In 2013 alone, Region 7 scientists
installed over 160 sub-slab sampling ports
in 40 different residences and businesses.
In addition to sub-slab sampling for
vapors, it is often desirable to collect
subsurface vapor samples using either
truck ortrack-mountedGeoprobe systems
that hydraulically drive hollow probes
to depth to facilitate sample collection.
This type of sampling in residential
areas can be particularly difficult due to
limitations in available space between
buildings and the potential for damage to
homeowner property. To overcome this
issue, Regional lab scientists engineered
and manufactured a unique method
which allows hollow vapor sampling
probes to be driven to depth using an
industrial hammer drill. Once sampling is
completed, the sampling probe must be
removed. Again, our scientists engineered
and manufactured a unique probe pulling
tool that completely removes the installed
probe once sampling is completed. In
total, over 500 sub-slab air samples were
collected and analyzed by the Region 7
Laboratory in 2013.
Figure 3: Probe Removal
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
NE
KS
IA
MO
Serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Nine Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning up our Communities
Real-Time Site Characterization Speeds Time Critical Removals
Superfund time critical removals require
rapid deployment of multiple resources
to characterize and assess the extent
of pollutant plumes and the potential
for public health impact. In order to
promote cost effective approaches to
real-time site characterization, Region
7 Laboratory scientists partnered with
Superfund Project Managers to develop
and deploy a suite of advanced field
technologies to characterize chemical
plumes in-situ and to analyze samples
on-site.
For rapid characterization of subsurface
plumes, regional laboratory scientists
operate and maintain a Geoprobe
Membrane Interface Probe (MIP)
system. The MIP consists of a specialized
set of sensors that are incorporated
into a Geoprobe sampling system. The
MIP detects and maps soil conductivity,
aromatics (BTEX) by PID, hydrocarbons
by FID, and halogenated species by an
XSD detector. The MIP allows laboratory
staff to determine in real time not only
the depth to various contaminant zones,
but also the general type of contaminant
that is present. MIP profiles are also very
useful for determining the subsurface
geology and depth to the water table at
Superfund removal sites.
Data from the MIP is used to characterize
the plume extent and concentration
gradient of subsurface pollutants in
near real time while working on-site.
Additionally the data from the MIP also
guides subsequent sampling events
that would be supported through our
Figure 1: Membrane Interface
Probe
Figure 2: Trailer Mounted GC/
MS System
Figure 3: Loading the GC/MS
into the mobile lab
Regional mobile analytical laboratory
capacity.
Regional laboratory scientists have
designed, engineered, and deployed
a trailer mounted mobile laboratory
platform that allows for rapid on-site
analysis of samples for volatile organic
compounds at Superfund sites by GC/
MS. This application is particularly
novel because our scientists have
modified the original purge and trap
sample introduction system to make it
compatible with not only water samples,
but also capable to analyze contaminated
air and soil.
Additionally, laboratory scientists
have resolved the issue of instrument
installation and removal by placing the
entire GC/MS system on a portable
wheel mounted platform that facilitates
the process of instrument removal
and installation and allows the GC/MS
system to be operated under laboratory
conditions when not mounted in the
mobile lab trailer.
In 2013 alone, the Geoprobe Membrane
Interface Probe system was deployed
to characterize five different sites with
76 different borings resulting in 860
different data points. In concert with the
MIP work, over 750 total field samples
were analyzed for air, water or soil
contaminants in our mobile laboratory
offering substantial savings in both
analytical cost and time to our Superfund
partners.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations
EPA Priority
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region 8 Laboratory Mercury in Fish Tissue Project
Millions of pounds of sport
fish are caught and consumed
in Region 8 each year. Results
obtained by the scientists in
Region 8 demonstrate that
mercury is being detected in
surface and ground waters
within the Region. There is
increasing concern that the
potential exists for low-level,
chronic exposure to mercury
may have adverse ecological or
human health affects if these
fish, birds, or macroinvertebrates
are consumed. Bioconcentration is the concentration of
mercury via the consumption of a food source containing
mercury and the inability of the consumer to eliminate the
accumulated substance. The result is the concentration
of mercury in the tissue of higher members of the food
chain.
The occurrence, fate, and transport of mercury are
an important water quality concern, both nationally
and regionally. This concern has gained wide public
interest particularly with sport fishermen. The work
conducted by Region 8 scientists is providing useful
information to address these
concerns and fill information
gaps which can be used for the
implementation of the SDWA
and CWA, as appropriate. The
Region 8 data are shared with
the State Agencies and used to
make policy decisions about the
placement of warning advisories
around lakes and streams.
Emission & Transport '
Oxidation ^_
-=> Hg{0) =0 Hg(ll) lF^\
Wet & Dry O_O_J
Deposition , ,
The Pesticide Program within
the Office of Partnerships &
Regulatory Assistance (OPRA),
the Water Quality Unit within
the Office of Ecosystems,
Protection and Remediation,
and the Laboratory Services
Program within the Office of
Technical and Management
Services collaborated to develop
this program. Data has been
collected from over 2500 fish,
bird livers, bird eggs, brine
shrimp and macroinvertebrates
in all 6 states in the Region, for 12 individual tribes, and
in collaboration with two other federal agencies (DOI and
USDA). Surprisingly, every fish sample tested to date has
had measureable concentrations of mercury present.
Data generated from this collaborative approach were
used in the Region by states and tribes, but was also
shared with other USEPA divisions and offices, and other
federal agencies to assess risk to human health. This
coordination expands the utility of the data to improve
our scientific understanding of the effects from mercury
occurrence, for use in regulatory decisions such as
implementation of the Clean
Water Act and Safe Drinking
Water Act, for regional and
national water quality initiatives,
and to serve as a national
program model. This teamwork-
based effort is improving the
water quality as well as fostering
partnerships within the agency,
states, tribes, and other federal
partners.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
EPA Priority 6: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
Pesticides in Surface Water
Millions of pounds of pesticides
(herbicides, insecticides, arachnicides,
etc.) are used yearly in Region 8. Results
obtained by the scientists in Region 8
demonstratethatpesticidesand pesticide
degradates, and other compounds of
emerging concern are being detected
in surface and ground waters within the
Region. There is increasing concern that
low-level, chronic exposure to mixtures
of these chemicals may have adverse ecological or human
health effects. For example, new information has shown that
many of these chemicals may pose a threat to aquatic life,
such as deformation of frog species exposed to pesticides
and pesticide degradates in streams and lakes.
The occurrence, fate, and transport of pesticides and
pesticide degradates are an important water quality
concern, both nationally and regionally. The work
conducted by Region 8 scientists is providing useful
information to address those concerns and fill information
gaps, which can be used for the implementation of the
SDWA and Clean Water Act, as appropriate. The Region 8
data were shared with the National Academy of Sciences
(MAS) in a review of the science being performed
by USEPA. The feedback was overwhelmingly
positive, and Region 8 was commended for
this innovative work by the MAS committee.
Furthermore, a Government Accountability
Office report (GAO-11-346 August 8, 2011)
recommended that EPA collect the pesticide and
pesticide degradates environmental occurrence data
to address these issues and their relationship to
other contaminants in the nation's waterways.
The work conducted by Region 8 directly
addresses the recommendations outlined in
the GAO report by collecting occurrence
data and examining the co-occurrence of
pesticides and pesticide degradates and
other contaminants.
The Pesticide Program within the Office
of Partnerships & Regulatory Assistance,
the Water Quality Unit within the
Office of Ecosystems, Protection and
Remediation, and the Laboratory
Services Program within the Office of
Technical and Management Services
collaborated to develop a list of over
75 compounds for monitoring. Data
has been collected in all 6 states in
the Region for 12 individual tribes, three municipalities,
two universities, and two other federal agencies (DOI
and LJSDA). The analytical method serves as a foundation
for gathering the data needed to start evaluating what
chemicals are present, what concentration they are at if
present, downstream affects, what the human, ecological,
and economic effects are, if any, and what synergistic
affects are present. Example compounds include common
pesticides such as 2,4-D, atrazine, and atrazine degradates.
Data generated from this collaborative approach were used
in the Region by states and tribes, but were also shared
with other USEPA divisions and offices, and other federal
agencies to assess risk to human health. This coordination
expands the utility of the data to improve our
scientific understanding of fate and effects from
emerging contaminants, for use in regulatory
decisions such as re-registration of pesticides
and implementation of the Clean Water Act and
SDWA, for regional and national water quality
initiatives, and to serve as a national program
model suggested by MAS. This teamwork-
based effort is enhancing and maintaining
improvements in water quality as well as
fostering partnerships within the agency,
between the agency and states, tribes, and
other federal partners.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Arizona. California. Hawaii. Nevada. Pacific Islands & 148 Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 6: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
Navajo Birth Cohort Study
The Navajo Nation was heavily
mined for uranium from 1942
through the late 1960s leaving
behind over 1000 mine waste sites
associated with over 500 mines. In
2007, Congressional Hearings were
held on the impact of uranium
mining on the Navajo Nation. As a
result of those hearings, the U.S.
House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform appropriated
funds for a number of activities in
the Navajo Nation, including health
studies on uranium-impacted
communities.
The resulting Navajo Birth Cohort Study is a multi-year,
multi-agency prospective public health study to determine
if exposures to uranium and other heavy metals affect
pregnancies and child development in the Navajo Nation.
The study involves 1,000 to 1,500 pregnant women living
in the Navajo Nation who are monitored during their
pregnancy and their infants who
are followed through their first
year. Environmental monitoring,
biological sample analysis, surveys,
and developmental screenings will
be performed for each participant.
Dust wipe sampling was performed
in homes and workshops on the
Navajo Reservation as part of
efforts to assess exposure to various
metals in the home environments
of research participants. After
developing sample digestion
protocols for these wipe samples, the Region 9
Laboratory analyzed over 50 wipe samples for a wide
variety of metals and uranium. Analytical support for
dust wipe samples will continue throughout the multi-
year study. Ultimately, the results of this study will be
used to improve future birth outcomes and services, and
to inform policy on clean-up of environmental hazards.
DiNEH Project Team
UNM Community Environmental
Health Program (CEHP)
UNM Pediatrics Department,
Center for Development and
Disability
Southwest Research and
Information Center (SRIC)
Consultants
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention/Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry
Birth Cohort
Navajo mothers,
fathers and
babies; other
community
members;
chapters
th Help From
Navajo Area Indian
Health Service (NAIHS)
Navajo Nation
Division of Health
^^^^^^^^^
Growing in Beauty
(developmental
disabilities services
provider)
1
638 Facilities
(Ft. Defiance, Tuba City)
1
Other Navajo Nation Agencies
(Environmental Protection Agency.
WIC, Health Education.
Office of Uranium Workers)
i
USEPA
Region 9
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Arizona. California. Hawaii. Nevada. Pacific Islands & 148 Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Treatability Studies at the Blue Ledge Mine Superfund Site
The Blue Ledge Mine Superfund
site is located within the Rogue
River - Siskiyou National Forest
in Northern California. Historical
mining operations have resulted
in generation of mine influenced
water containing high acidity
and toxic concentrations of
copper, zinc, and other metals.
A removal action was completed
by the United States Forest
Service (USFS) and EPA in 2010
and 2011. The removal action
addressed surface source
materials at the site by removal
of waste rock piles and consolidation at a near-site
repository. Although the majority of waste rock was
removed, acid mine drainage discharges continue from
a combination of on-site adits, groundwater seeps, and
runoff from reclaimed waste
rock piles. These discharges
continue to impact aquatic life
in nearby Joe Creek.
The Blue Ledge Mine pilot-scale
treatability studies providea cost-
effective means of evaluating
potential options for field
treatment of acid mine drainage
(AMD). The overall purpose
of the treatability studies was
to determine if a particular
method and/or amendment
provides more desirable results
with regard to reduction
of metals concentrations,
neutralization of AMD, and
practical considerations for full-
scale field implementation. Both
in-situ and ex-situ treatment
methods involve a biologically-
mediated process in which a
carbon source (substrate) is
provided as an electron donor
for sulfate-reducing bacteria
(SRB) to reduce sulfate present
in the mine influenced water to
various aqueous sulfide species.
The Region 9 Laboratory provided over 350 analyses
of samples associated with various treatment options
at the site. Analyses included sulfide, alkalinity, anions,
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD,) metals, metals with
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP,) metals with
Synthetic Precipitation Leaching
Procedure (SPLP,) mercury,
ammonia, nitrate, nitrite,
total phosphorus and percent
solids. The data provided by
the laboratory is being used to
evaluate the effectiveness of
various treatment options.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Region 10
(Pacific Northwes'
Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Native Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Black Butte Mine Study of Methylmercury Formation
The Black Butte Mine Superfund Site
is located near Cottage Grove, Oregon
in Lane County. The mine operated
between the 1890s and late 1960s
and was one of the largest mercury
mines in Oregon. It was added to EPA's
National Priorities List in 2010. Mercury
and other contaminations from tailing
piles at the abandoned mine site affect
creeks that flow into Cottage Grove
Reservoir and the Coast Fork of the
Willamette River.
The Cottage Grove Reservoir (constructed in 1942) is
located approximately 10 miles downstream from the
Black Butte Mine site. This reservoir is operated for flood-
control, and water levels are dramatically decreased
between the spring and fall, when 75% of the reservoir
area sediments are exposed to the air. Fish in the reservoir
have elevated mercury concentrations relative to other
reservoirs in the area where mining in the watersheds
did not occur. In 1979, Cottage Grove Reservoir was the
first water body in Oregon to have a fish advisory issued
because of mercury contamination found in the fish. From
other studies, it was determined that the vast majority
of mercury that accumulates in fish is an organic form
of mercury, termed methylmercury.
Methylmercury is the form of mercury
most readily incorporated into
biological tissues and is also the most
toxic to humans. Most of the mercury
transported over time from the Black
Butte Mine to the reservoir is believed
to be inorganic mercury. Moreover, it
is not clear what processes control the
rate of conversion of inorganic mercury
in sediments to methylmercury in
water within the lake. Addressing
this question is the objective of this
study, which is being conducted in
collaboration with the EPA Office of
Research and Development. This study
investigated the impact of the changing
water levels on the activity of sulfate
reducing bacteria and methylmercury
production in the reservoir. Sediment,
porewater and water-column samples
were collected from several locations
in the reservoir during both low-pool
and high-pool conditions to identify
changes in total and methylmercury
concentrations as well as changes in sulfur speciation and
organic carbon.
The Region 10 Laboratory supported this study during
FY2013 with over 1,300 analyses for various parameters
that included methylmercury, mercury and other metals,
and general chemical parameters (sulfate, alkalinity,
nitrate/nitrite, dissolved/suspended solids and organic
carbon). Methylmercury analyses were performed using
EPA Method 1630, which is a new Laboratory capability
that was first developed in 2011 to address increasing
regional needs. Continued collection of these data will
allow for an assessment of the net mass of methylmercury
generated in the reservoir during different seasonal
conditions and water-level changes.
So far, methylation activity was found
to be higher in sediments subjected to
wet/dry conditions from water level
fluctuations. Future activities will aim
at further understanding bioavailable
fractions of inorganic mercury and other
variables affecting methylmercury
production that will further assist in
human and ecological risk assessment.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Region 10
(Pacific Northwes'
Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Native Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Support to the Kasaan Tribe during the Salt Chuck Mine Remedial Investigation
The Salt Chuck Mine is an inactive
former gold, silver, and copper mine
located on Prince of Wales Island
in the Tongass National Forest at
the northern end of Kasaan Bay,
Alaska. The mine and mill operated
from 1905 to 1941, processing
more than 326,000 tons of ore. The
mine entrance is about a half mile
uphill from the mill area, which
is on the northern shore of Salt
Chuck Bay. Earlier site investigations
determined that mine tailings had
contaminated intertidal areas of Kasaan and Salt Chuck
Bay, and that shellfish may be at levels posing a threat to
human health and the environment. This area is host to the
Kasaan Tribe, which uses Salt Chuck Bay as a commercial
and subsistence shell fishery.
The extent to which releases of contaminants from tailings
present within the intertidal areas of Salt Chuck Bay had not
been adequately defined. The Organized Village of Kasaan
(the federally recognized Tribal government) expressed
concern regarding the contamination within the intertidal
lands, particularly as it relates to subsistence consumption
practices. Potential impacts on the beneficial use of crab
and shrimp harvesting are of particular concern, both from
past releases and from potential
releases from any proposed
remedial actions.
EPA initiated a remedial
investigation of this site in 2011
to characterize potential risks to
human health and the environment
and to support a remedial decision.
During the first year, the Region 10
Laboratory analyzed marine tissue
samples from this site for metals
and organic pollutants. In FY13, the
Region 10 Laboratory performed
over 1,350 analyses for metals,
polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH),
and a number of general chemical
parameters (anions, hardness, Cr+6,
%lipids, %solids, moisture and TOC)
in vegetation, bivalve (clam) and
crab tissue samples. Except for crab,
the tissue samples were received
in whole form as collected in the
field; therefore, homogenization
techniques needed to be developed
prior to analyses. The vegetation
matter consisted of berries and sea asparagus, which were
especially difficult due to their fibrous nature. A freeze
drying/grinding procedure that had been developed at the
Region 10 Lab earlierwas applied to the tissues priorto metals
and/or PAH analysis. The tissues for PAH analysis required
the additional development of Quechers extraction method
to minimize the coextraction of background contaminants
and GC/MS/SIM to achieve required selectivity and
sensitivity. The Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure
(SPLP, EPA Method 1312) was employed for metals in the
soil/sediment/tailings samples. To further address human
health risks, tissue samples were also analyzed for arsenic
species using a method developed at the Region 10 Lab
that separates the arsenic species by liquid chromatography
followed by ICP/MS analysis of the
eluate.
A comprehensive Remedial
Investigation Report is expected to
be completed in 2014. At that time,
the EPA will also complete their site
Risk Assessment process for human
and ecological receptors.
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
3.0 Regional Laboratory
Support Services
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES
In this section we summarize a number of the common
support services that are provided by our RLN labs. As
mentioned earlier, this is not a comprehensive list, but
rather a list that is common to the RLN member labs.
Because of the unique nature of the support provided
by our regional labs, the ideal regional lab scientist is
typically one part research scientist, one part production
scientist. They must be capable of developing methods
often with short lead times, but must also have a tight
focus on quality control and the ability to operate under
demanding delivery schedules. In practice, our staff
are key in the ability of our regional labs to support the
wide diversity of challenging requests. During fiscal year
2013, the RLN supported over 159,000 analyses. The
distribution of this work by EPA program is shown in
Figure 3.1. This count excludes QC samples, which can
add an additional 20%.
In keeping with prior years, our Superfund Program
continued to be our largest volume requestor of analytical
services (62.2%) followed by our Office of Water (23.8%).
Support to the Emergency Response Program (4.7%)
continued to be significant, with the RLN labs analyzing
7,449 samples in conjunction with time-critical responses
to environmental disasters, hazardous materials releases,
priority contaminant removals and other threats to
human health and/or the environment. Field analyses
(8,877 samples) almost doubled from the prior year as the
regions increased their use of real-time results, which aid
in timely and cost-effective decision making in the field.
Our RLN labs augmented the NEIC's capacity by analyzing
970 criminal samples. All 10 RLN labs supported criminal
projects during the year, and in doing so strengthened
the Agency's ability to prosecute important cases.
Projects supported at each lab during a fiscal year
typically vary in size and in the number of sampling
events. In Figure 3.2, we summarize the number of
analytical projects supported by the RLN labs by EPA
Program element. In aggregate, the RLN labs supported
1,249 projects during 2013. Multiple rounds of analytical
work for the same site represent just one site supported.
More than one round of work at the same site for a
different purpose or client may be counted as two sites
supported. Multiple sample site monitoring projects like
those related to the Regional Monitoring and Assessment
Program (REMAP) are counted by individual water body.
For example, all sampling locations at a single lake or
stream count as one site, but different lakes or streams
count as different sites, even though it may support only
one project.
Figure 3.1: Sample Analyses by EPA Program in FY13 (159,930 total)
Pesticides
Other
6.1%
RCRA
1.0%
Emergency
Response
4.7%
&EFA
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Figure 3.2 Projects/Sites Supported by Regional Laboratory Data
FY 2013 by Program Element (1,249 total)
Air - Enforcement
Air - Program Implementation (monitoring, permits, etc.)
Brown fields
Criminal Investigation
Field Sampling (field sampling audits and events, etc,)
LUST
RCRA - Corrective Action
RCRA - Enforcement
Superfund - Emergency Response
Superfund - Pre-remedial/Remedial
Superfund - Removal
TSCA- Remedial
TSCA - Enforcement
Water - Drinking Water Compliance and Emergencies
Water- Enforcement
Water - Program Implementation (REMAP, TMDL, TOXNET, etc]
Other
20
16
J 29
120
J 166
121
1414
100
200
300
400
500
The sample analyses reported above were supported
using a wide range of analytical methods. Some of
these, which are common to a number of regional labs,
are listed in Appendix A as Core Methods. A significant
amount of our work supported during the year required
methods that have been developed specifically to
address the unique needs of a particular region. These
methods are listed in Appendix B. Often, methods
developed by a region to address a local environmental
challenge are mobilized in other regions as their benefit
is realized and/or as the need arises. Recent examples of
this are the bioassessibility for arsenic and lead in soils,
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water by
LC/MS/MS, the methods developed to monitor potential
ground water contamination associated with new oil
and gas extraction techniques, and the new method for
methyl mercury.
The ability of our RLN labs to develop new methods that
keep pace with our changing program needs is vital to the
Agency's mission. During the year, our regional labs had
44 active method development projects (see Appendix
C), including methods that were completed during the
year. Some of this work was illustrated in the Project
Highlight section of this report. It is fairly common for
regional projects to require method development. For
our Superfund work, this often entails the requirement
of lower detection limits and/or a developing a method
for a new sample matrix. For our water program, the
challenge often involves new or emerging contaminants
(or contaminant family). For our criminal and
enforcement programs, each sample set seems to bring
a new set of unique hurdles often requiring our most
seasoned method development staff. Figure 3.3 shows
the distribution of the method development projects by
program for fiscal year 2013. The distribution of this work
differs from Figure 3.1 with Office of Water being the
largest requestor, followed by Superfund. This difference
is largely driven by the need to develop new methods
for emerging contaminants as EPA works to protect our
watersheds.
Whenever possible, regional scientists take advantage
of the research conducted in our ORD labs by mobilizing
draft methods or SO Ps that may be available from our ORD
partners. For long-lead projects requiring new methods,
ORD involvement through the Regional Applied Research
Effort Program (RARE) and/or the Regional Research
Partnership Program continues to be a valuable resource
for the regions. ORD and their scientists played some role
in 9 of the 44 method development projects supported
during the year. For new methods that are in the critical
path to project mobilization where no ORD method
exists, our regions must rely on the expertise of their
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Figure 3.3: Method Development Project Support to EPA
Programs in FY13 (44 methods)
Pesticides
1.4%
Other
RCRA
17.1%
Emergency
Response<1
in-house scientists to get the job done. This work, often
termed "just-in-time" method development, poses one
of the greatest challenges to today's modern analytical
laboratories. The ability of our RLN labs to consistently
meet this challenge and generate data that meet project
DQOs is a testament to the technical strength of our
network labs, and a key science contribution.
The knowledge of our regional staff in a number of
quality and oversight-related areas continued to benefit
regional and state programs (see Table 3.1). Bench-level
method experience keeps our drinking water auditors
sharp and able to strengthen the programs they audit.
Participation in EPA drinking water audit program starts
with the successful completion of a grueling, week-long
drinking water audit course taught by the EPA's Office
of Groundwater and Drinking Water (OGWDW) in
Cincinnati. Our auditors attend monthly conference calls
to keep abreast of new OGWDW requirements to ensure
regional audits are in keeping current national guidance.
Audit findings contained in the lab and program audits,
and the state's response to these deficiencies, form the
basis of important certification decisions made by each
regional EPA Drinking Water Certification Authority and
in turn help ensure the effective implementation of state
drinking water oversight programs. During the period,
regional staff conducted 44 audits of state drinking water
labs and programs.
Work done at EPA and contract labs require the
development of quality assurance project plans (QAPPs).
While these documents are often prepared in the
regional offices by quality staff, RLN staff participated
in or prepared 679 QAPPs during the period. Upon
occasion, RLN labs are asked to validate analytical work
not supported in their labs. During the year, the regions
supported the validation of 9,193 samples.
Table 3.1. Support during FY2013 in oversight-related areas.
Activity
Drinking Water Lab Audits
Drinking Water Program Audits
QAPP Reviews
Samples Validated
Expert Witness Testimony
PM Filter Weighings
PM 2.5 Audits
PM Through-the-probe Audits
PM Filter Weighings for Lead
Other PM-related Audits
Supported During 2012
30
14
679
9,193
4
7,576
483
285
476
20
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
American communities, and in particular environmental
justice communities, face serious health and
environmental challenges from air pollution. Improved
monitoring and assessment is a critical building block for
air quality improvement. 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 a number
of important 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.
The laboratory component of the program includes
particulate matter (PM) filter handling, inspection,
equilibration, and weighing; data entry, data
validation, data management and distribution to
regional clients. The laboratory component of the
programs also includes filter archival and data
submittal to the Air Quality System. The PM filter
weighing lab is located at the Region 4 Laboratory
in Athens, Georgia. In FY 2013, the laboratory
processed and weighed over 7,570 filters from state
agencies, tribal nations and all ten EPA regions. The
Region 4 Laboratory also reviewed the data from
PM2.5 PEP audits and evaluated individual audits
for submittal to EPA's national ambient air database.
The other regional laboratories provided support
for the PM 2.5 PEP through performance evaluation
audits, quality assurance collocations and PEP audits.
In FY 2013, the regional laboratories supported the
completion of 483 PM2.5 PEP audits.
Lead Performance Evaluation Program (PEP):
The national lead monitoring network measures
concentrations of lead in the outdoor air, to assess
compliance with the lead National Ambient Air
Quality Standards. Similar to the PM 2.5 PEP, the goal
of the Lead PEP is to evaluate total measurement
system bias of the lead monitoring network. The
Lead PEP requires extensive laboratory activities,
including filter handling, sample extraction, analysis,
data entry/management and archival. The Region 9
Laboratory in Richmond, California currently serves
as the Lead PEP Laboratory and in FY 2013 performed
analysis of 476 particulate samples from around the
nation to support this PEP.
Through-The-Probe(TTP)AuditSystem:TheThrough-
The-Probe audit system provides performance audits
at state and local ambient air monitoring stations.
In FY 2013, the regional laboratories supported
the completion of 285 through-the-probe audits.
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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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Appendix A:
EPA Regional
Laboratory Core
Capabilities
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Analyte / Group Name
INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY:
Acidity
Alkalinity
Asbestos
Anions
Chromium, Hexavalent
(Cr+6)
Cyanide, Amenable
Cyanide, Total
Fluoride
Hardness
Mercury, Total
Mercury, Total
Mercury (TCLP)
Metals, Total
Sample Media
Water
Water
Solids/Bulk
material
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Soil/Sediment
Tissue (fish &/or
plant)
Tissue (fish &/or
plant)
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Soil/Waste (oil,
drum, etc..)
Soil/Waste (oil,
drum, etc..)
Water
Soil /Sediment
Tissue (fish &/or
plant)
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Analytical Technique
Titrametric
Titrametric
PLM
PLM
1C
Titrametric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
1C
1C
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
ISE
1C
Colorimetric
Titrametric
ICP/Calculation
CVAA
Direct Hg Analysis
CVAA
Direct Hg Analysis
CVAA
Direct Hg Analysis
CVAA
Direct Hg Analysis
CVAA
Direct Hg Analysis
ICP /AES
ICP /AES
ICP /AES
ICP /AES
Regional Capability
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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
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
X
X
X
X
X
X
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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
X
X
X
X
X
X
&EFA
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Analyte / Group Name
INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY:
Metals (TCLP)
Metals, Total
Metals (TCLP)
Metals, Total
Metals (TCLP)
Nitrogen (Ammonia)
Nitrogen (NO3 &/or NO2)
Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl
Perchlorate
Phosphorus, Ortho
Phosphorus, Total
Sulfate
Sulfide
Sample Media
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..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Water, Soil/
Sediment
Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Soil
Water
Analytical Technique
ICP /AES
GFAA
GFAA
GFAA
GFAA
GFAA
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
Colorimetric
1C
Colorimetric
Colorimetric
1C
1C
Turbidimetric
Turbidimetric
Colorimetric
Regional Capability
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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
7
X
X
X
X
X
X
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
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
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
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Analyte / Group Name
INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY:
ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY:
BNA
BNA (TCLP)
BNA(TPH)
BOD
COD
EDB&DBCP
Herbicides
Herbicides (TCLP)
Oil & Grease
Pesticides / PCBs
Pesticides / PCBs
Pesticides (TCLP)
Phenolics
PAHs
Sample Media
Soil
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Tissue (fish &/or
plant)
Solid/Waste
Water
Soil/Sediment
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
Water
Soil/Sediment
Air
Tissue (fish &/or
plant)
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Analytical Technique
Colorimetric
1C, Turbidimetric
Titrametric
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS or GC
GC/MS or GC
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
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
Regional Capability
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
X
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
7
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
8
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
&EFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Analyte / Group Name
ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY:
TOC
VGA
VGA (TCLP)
VGA (TPH)
Sample Media
Water
Soil
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Air
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Solid/Waste
Water
Soil/Sediment
Analytical Technique
Combustion / IR
Combustion / IR
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
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5
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
X
X
8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Analyte / Group Name
BIOLOGY/
MICROBIOLOGY
Coliform, Total
Coliform, Fecal
E.coli
Toxicity (Acute & Chronic)
Heterotrophic PC
Sample Media
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Water
Water
Analytical Technique
Various
Various
Various
Fathead, Ceriodaphnia
Various
Regional Capability
1
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
4
5
6
X
X
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
X
8
X
X
X
X
X
9
X
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Analyte / Group Name
PHYSICAL & OTHER
DETERMINATIONS:
Flash Point
Conductivity
Ignitability
PH
Solids, Non-Filterable
Solids, Percent
Solids, Total
Solids, Total Dissolved
Solids, Total Volatile
Turbidity
Sample Media
Aqueous/Liquid
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Water
Water
Analytical
Technique
Pensky-Marten or
Seta
Specific
Conductance
Ignitability of Solids
Pensky-Marten or
Seta Closed Cup
Electrometric
Electrometric
Electrometric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Gravimetric
Nephelometric
Regional Capability
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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
X
X
6
X
X
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
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
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
Appendix B:
EPA Regional
Laboratory Unique
Capabilities
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 1 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Inorganic Anions
Mercury
Metals
Perchlorate
Water
Water, Tissue
Water, Sediment, Soil,
Waste (drum), Paint,
Dust, Cosmetics
Water
1C (EPA Method 300.0)
Direct Mercury Analyzer
(Thermal Decomposition,
Amalgamation & Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry)
EPA Method 7473
XRF (EPA Method 6200)
LC/MS/MS (EPA Method 331.0)
Water
Superfund, Water
Superfund, TSCA(Pb)
Superfund /Water
Field Screening and
Laboratory Testing
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Carbonyls
1,4-Dioxane
Ethylene Glycol
Explosives
Oil Identification
Organic Compounds
Oxygenated Compounds/Benzene
PAHs
PCBs
Pentachlorophenol
Pesticides/PCBs
Pesticides/PCBs
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care
Products (PPCPs)
VOCs
VOCs
Air
Water
Water
Water, Soil
Water
Solid, Liquid
Fuel
Soil/Sediment
Air, Wipes
Soil, Sediment
Water, Soil, Sediment,
Waste (drum)
Water, Soil, Sediment,
Waste (drum)
Water
Air (mini-cans)
Water, Soil, Air
HPLC (EPA Method TO-11A
GC/MS Purge & Trap (EPA Method
8260)
GC
HPLC (EPA Method 8330)
GC/FID (ASTM D- 3415-79)
FTIR
IR (RFC Inspector's Manual)
Immunoassay (EPA Method 4035)
GC/ECD (EPA Method 3508A)
Immunoassay (EPA Method 4010)
GC/ECD (EPA Method 8081A/8082)
GC/ECD (EPA Method 680)
LC/MS/MS
GC/MS (EPA Method TO-15)
GC/ECD/PID
Air
Superfund
Superfund
Superfund
Superfund- ERB
Air
Superfund
Air /Superfund
Superfund
Superfund
Superfund
Water
Superfund
Superfund
Unknown ID
Field Method
Field Method
Endocrine disrupters,
Illicit Discharge
Detection
Air Toxics
Field Screening
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
Grain Size
Loss on Ignition (LOI)
Percent Lipids
Soil, Sediment
Sediment
Tissue
Sieve (Modified ASTM)
Gravimetric
Superfund, Water
Water
Region 1 SOP
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Enterococci
Chlorophyll a
Toxicity (Acute)
Ambient water
Ambient water
Sediment
Enterolert/ EPA Method 1600
EPA 445.0
C. dilutus, H. azteca
Ambient monitoring
Ambient monitoring
Water, Superfund
Bulk sediment
&EFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 2 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
CO
NOx
SO2
Percent Sulfur
Vanadium
Air/N2
Air/N2
Air/N2
Fuel Oil
Fuel Oil
EPA Reference or Equiv. Method
as in
40 CFR Part 58
EPA Reference or Equiv. Method as
in 40 CFR Part 58
EPA Reference or Equiv. Method as
in 40 CFR Part 58
ASTM D4294
ICP/AES
Air
Air
Air
Air
Air
Dry ashing at 525° C
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Asphaltenes (Hexane Insolubles)
Haloacetic Acids
Methane, Ethane, Ethene
Ozone Precursors (hydrocarbons)
Pesticides
Pharmaceuticals
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Fuel Oil
Water
Water
Air
Wipes
Water
Water, Solid
ASTM 3279
GC/ECD (EPA Method 552.2)
GC/FID
GC/MS/FID
LC/MS/MSandGC/MS
LC/MS/MS (modified EPA 1694)
Hexane Extraction (EPA Method
1664)
Air
Water
SF/RCRA
Air
General
Water
Water
Direct Injection Method
(150+) compounds
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
Density
Grain Size
Grain Size
Particulates (Fine)
Percent Volatile Matter
Percent Water
Viscosity
Ink, Paint
Solid
Solid
Air
Ink, Paint
Fuel Oil
ASTM D1475
Pipet Method
Hydrometer Method (based on
ASTM D422-63)
EPA Reference or Equiv. Method
as in
40 CFR Part 58
ASTM D2369
ASTM D4017
ASTM D88
Air
Superfund, Water
Superfund, Water
Air
Air
Air
Air
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Clostridium perfringens
Cryptosporidium
DNA - qPCR (Enterococcus)
DNA-qPCRE. coli
Enterococcus Group
Giardia
mColiblue24
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Salmonella
Water
Water
Water (Fresh & Marine)
Water (Fresh & Marine
Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil, Sludge
Membrane Filtration
Fluorescent Microscopy (EPA
Method 1623)
EPA/Cepheid Methodology
EPA/CDC Protocols
Membrane Filtration
Fluorescent Microscopy (EPA
Method 1623)
MF/Hach
Pour Plate/Sim Plate Method
EPA 1682
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 3 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Nitroaromatics & Nitroamines
Nitroglycerine
Nitrogen, Total
PCB Congeners
Water, Soil/Sediment
Water, Soil/Sediment
Water
Water, Soil/Sediment,
semi permeable
membrane device
(SPMD)
HPLC
HPLC
Colorimetric
HRGC/MS
Water
Water
Method 8330
Method 8332
Method 1668C
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
Benthic Macroinvertebrate
Marine/Estuarine Benthic
Invertebrate Taxonomy
Freshwater
Invertebrate Specimens
or Unsorted Sediment
Identification
EPA EMAP Protocols
Water
Organisms identified
to species or lowest
taxonomy possible
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS
ID Ozone Depleting Compounds
ID Unknowns
ID Unknowns
ID Unknowns
Alcohols
ID Unknowns
Propellants/ Aerosols
Bulk Mercury
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water, Soil/Sediment
Wastes
FTIR
Density
FTIR
FTIR
FTIR
FTIR
Air Enforcement
Superfund, RCRA
Water
RCRA
Screening it, identify
unknowns
Screening it, identify
unknowns
When necessary for
Ignitability
Screening it, identify
unknowns
&EFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 4 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Chromium (+6)
Mercury, Total - Ultra Low Detection
Level
Metals, Total
Metals (TCLP)
Soil/Sediment
Water
Tissue
Soil/Sediment
Waste (oil, drum, etc...)
Air
Soil/Waste (oil, drum)
Std Method 3500 CrD
CVAF
CVAF
CVAF
ICP/MS
Hi-Vol Filters
ICP/MS
DW, Superfund
Water
Water, Superfund
Water, Superfund
RCRA
Air
RCRA
Method 1631
Appendix 1631
Appendix 1631
Not Commonly
Available
"
"
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Freon Products
Natural Attenuation Analytes
PCB Congeners
Toxaphene Congeners
Ultimate BOD
Canister & Air
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Tissue
Water/Soil
Water
GC/MS
GC/FID
HR GC/MS (EPA Method 1668A)
HR GC/MS (EPA Method 1668A)
HR GC/MS (EPA Method 1668A)
GC/NIMS (EPA Method 8276)
Membrane Electrode (Std Method
5210C)
Air, OECA
Superfund
Superfund, RCRA
Suoerfund, RCRA
Superfund, RCRA
Water, Superfund
Water
Special analysis
technique developed for
criminal investigations of
illegal Freon
Methane, ethane,
ethene
High resolution GC/MS
"
"
6 Parlars, 2 breakdown
products
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Chlorophyll
Water
Water
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 5 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Bromide/Chloride Ratio
Chloride
Metals
Selenium Speciation for Selenate
and Selenite
Brine Samples
Soil/Sediment
Suspended Particulate
Matter
Water
1C & related characterization
techniques; ion balance
1C
ICP-MS
1C w/metals method backups
Water, UIC & SDWA
Sediment
Air
Water
Difficult analyses
Analysis of TSP, PmlO,
PM2. 5 filters for metals
Speciation of selenate
vs.selenite for toxicity
determination
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Nonylphenol (NP), NP-land
2-ethoxylate, octyphenol &
bisphenol-A
Nonylphenol (AP), AP-1 and
2-ethoxylate, octyphenol &
bisphenol-A
Nonylphenol (NP), NP-land
2-ethoxylate, octyphenol
Bisphenol-A
Nonylphenol carboxylates
Long chain NP, NPEOs (n=3-18)
COD
Polybrominated Diphenylether
(PBDE) congeners
PCBs
PCB Congeners
Purgeable 1,4-Dioxane &
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
Various analytes (VOAs, SVCOs &
Pesticides/PCBs
129 Toxic Industrial Chemicals
(TICs) & CWA degradants (107
validated)
Aldicarb, aldicarb sulfone, aldicarb
sulfoxide, carbofuran, oxamyl,
methomyl and thiofanox
Aldicarb, bromadiolone, carbofuran,
oxamyl, and methomyl
Thiodiglycol
Thiodiglycol
Thiodiglycol
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil/Sediment
Water, Sludge
Water, Oil, Soil, Wipes
Water. Sludge
Water
Water, Soil/Sediment
Drinking Water
Water
Water
Water
Soil
Wipes
GC/MS (ASTM D7065-11)
GC/MS (8270 modified / Internal
SOP)
LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7485-09)
LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7574-09)
LC/MS/MS
LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7742-11)
Colorimetric
GC/MS/MS, GC/NCI-MS
8082 (GC/EC)
GC/MS/MS, GC/NCI-MS
Method 624-Dioxane (Wide-Bore
Capillary Column GC/MS)
ESAT FASP Methods GC/EC for
VOAs, SVOCs & Pesticides/PCBs
(XRF for metals)
LC/MS/MS Library Screening
LC/MS/MS, ASTM7645-10
LC/MS/MS, ASTM7600-09
LC/MS/MS, CRL SOP MS015
LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2787-11
LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2838-11
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Sediment
RCRA, SF, TSCA, Water
TSCA
RCRA, SF, TSCA, Water
Superfund
Superfund
WSD, NHSRC
NHSRC
NHSRC
NHSRC
NHSRC
NHSRC
Endocrine disrupter
- High Concentration
method (ppb)
Endocrine disrupter
Endocrine disrupter Low
level method (ppt)
Endocrine disrupter Low
level method-(ppt)
Endocrine disrupter
Endocrine disrupter
Compares with HRGC/
HRMS method
Aroclor specific TSCA
reg. Compliance method
& multiple action levels
Compare with HRGC/
HRMS method
Specific analyte analysis
method
Fast TAT on-site;
Screening or better
data; Fast extraction for
organics
Library search routine
developed under CRADA
with Waters Corp. Now
use NIST LC/MS/MS
Library of over 2,000
analytes
SAP Method
SAP Method
SAP Method
SAP Method
SAP Method
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
Diethanolamine, triethanolamine,
n-methyldiethanolamine and
methyldiethanolamine
Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate (DOSS) in
Seawater
Dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether
and ethylene glycol monobutyl
ether in seawater
Bromodiolone, brodifacoum,
diphacinone and warfarin in water
Diisopropyl methylphosphonate,
ethyl hydrogen
dimethylamidophosphate,
ethyl methylphosphonic acid,
isopropyl methylphosphonic
acid, methylphosphonic acid and
pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid
DIMP, EMPA, IMPA, MPA, PMPA
SAMPLE MEDIA
Water
Seawater
Seawater
Water
Water
Soil
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7599-09
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7730-11
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7731-11
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7644-11
LC/MS/MS, ASTM 7597-09
LC/MS/MS, ASTM WK34580
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
NHSRC
NHSRC/SF
NHSRC/SF
NHSRC
NHSRC
NHSRC
COMMENTS
SAP Method
SAP Method
SAP Method
SAP Method
SAP Method
SAP Method
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS
Corrosivity by pH
Particle Size
Water Content
Paint Filter Test
Specific Gravity
Synthetic Precipitation Leaching
Procedure (SPLP)
Hazardous Waste
Soil/Sediment
Hazardous waste
Paints and coatings
Soil/Sediment
Solid Waste
SW846 1110
Particle size analyzer provides
continuum of sizes-CRLSOP
SW846 -
Appendix IV of the Corps of
Engineers Engineering Manual
(F10-F22)
SW-846 1312
RCRA
GLNPO, Water- Sediment
RCRA, Superfund
RCRA, Superfund
Sediment
RCRA, Superfund
Waste characterization
For modelling and soil
migration calcs.
Support for flashpoint
For all TCLPanalytes
except herbicides.
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 6 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Ammonia
Ozone
NOx
SOx
Trace level Hex Chrom
Perchlorate
Metals by X-Ray Fluorescence
Air (passive coated
filter)
Air (passive coated
filter)
Air (passive coated
filter)
Air (passive coated
filter)
Water
Water
Soil
1C
1C
1C
1C
IC/UV
IC/MS/MS
portable XRF
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
Water
Water
Superfund, RCRA
Ogawa passive air
collection device
Ogawa passive air
collection device
Ogawa passive air
collection device
Ogawa passive air
collection device
field screening
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Fingerprint (pattern recognition)
Incidental PCBs
Chemical Warfare Agents
PAMS (C2s and C3s identified)
PCBs (Aroclor)
PAHs (trace)
Chemical Warfare Agents-
Degradation products
VOCs by OVM
Organophosphorous Pesticides
(OPPs)
High level waste
Oil
Fuel
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste
Water/Solid/Wipe
Air
Electrical Cable
Water/Solid/Oil
Water
AIR
Water
Soil/Sediment
Waste
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS
GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue
Series
GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue
Series
GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue
Series
GC/MS
GC/MS/FID (split)
GC; Separation, extraction, analysis
of individual components. Mod of
program specific technique.
GC/QQQ
LC/MS/MS
GC/MS
GC/NPD
GC/NPD
GC/NPD
RCRA
RCRA
RCRA
TSCA, RCRA
TSCA, RCRA
TSCA, RCRA
Emergency Response
CAA
TSCA
RCRA, Superfund
Emergency Response
CAA
CWA, RCRA, Superfund
RCRA, Superfund
RCRA, Superfund
grouped by number of
chlorine
grouped by number of
chlorine
grouped by number of
chlorine
C2s and C3s are
individually quantitated
Toluene is extraction
solvent
passive air monitoring
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS
Corrosivity by pH
Waste
Method 1110 - Corrosivity Toward
Steel
RCRA
&EFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 7 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
CO
NOx
SO2
O3
In-vitro Bioassessibility Assays for
Arsenic and Lead in Soil
Air
Air
Air
Air
Soil
40 CFR Part 58
40 CFR Part 58
40 CFR Part 58
40 CFR Part 58
ICP-MS / ICP-AES
Air
Air
Air
Air
Superfund/RCRA
OAQPS Protocol Gas
Verification Program
OAQPS Protocol Gas
Verification Program
OAQPS Protocol Gas
Verification Program
NIST Standard Reference
Photometer
SUPR Exposure / Toxicity
Assessment
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Chlordane
Herbicides
Pesticides
VOCs
VOCs
PCBs
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care
Products (PPCPs)
PAHs, Pesticides, Herbicides
VOCs
Air(PUF)
Water, Soil/Sediment
Water, Soil/Sediment,
Tissue
Air
Water
Soil/Sediment, Waste
Water
Water
Water, Soil, Air
GC/ECD (EPA Method TO-4A)
GC/ECD
GC/ECD
GC/MS (EPA Method TO-14 &
TO-15)
GC/MS
GC/ECD
LC/MS/MS
Twister GC/MS (solventless
extraction)
GC/MS Mobile Laboratory
Special Project
Water
Water
Air /Superfund
Superfund/ORD
Superfund /ORD
Water
Water
Superfund
Use Attainability
Analysis (UAA)
Use Attainability
Analysis (UAA)
Air Toxics
In-Situ Chemical
Oxidation Site Support
Rapid Site Screening
Endocrine disrupters
Use Attainability
Analysis (UAA)
Rapid Site
Characterization
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
E.coli
Enterococci
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Chlorophyll a
Invertebrate Taxonomy
Marine/Estuarine Benthic
Taxonomy
Water (drinking/waste/
ambient)
Water
Water
Ambient water
Invertebrates
Benthic Organisims
qPCR
qPCR
Plate Count - Standard Methods
EPA 445.0
EPA EMAP Protocols
Water
Water
Water
Ambient monitoring
Water
Water
2008 NFWA
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Organisms identified
to species or lowest
toxonomy possible
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 8 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Silica
Gadilinium
Water
Water
Colorimetric
ICP-MS
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Wastewater Indicator
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Alcohols
Chlorophyll
Endothall
TPH (VGA & BNA)
LC/MS/MS Pesticides
Low Level Pesticides/ CLLE
Metals - Arsenic/Selenium
speciation
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care
Products (PPCPs)
Waste Indicator Compounds
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons-
Diesel Range Organics
VOAs
Water
Water
Water
Water, Soil/Sediment
Water
Water
Water, Soil, Tissue
Water
Water
Water, Soil
Water, Soil/Sediment,
GC/FID
HPLC
GC/MS
GC/MS or GC/FID
LC/MS/MS
GC/MS
IC/ICP/MS
LC/MS/MS
GC/MS
GC/FID
GC/PID/ELCD
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Monitoring for States
and Tribes
Monitoring for States
and Tribes
Speciation data needed
for risk assessment
Endocrine disrupters
Monitoring for States
and Tribes
Hydro-Fracking
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
Bacteria (Arsenic-Reducing)
Bacteria (Iron-Reducing)
Bacteria (Sulfate-Reducing)
Bacteria (Clostridium perfringens)
Bacteria (Clostridium perfringens)
Water, Sediment
Water, Sediment
Water, Sediment
Water
Water
MPN
MPN
MPN
Membrane Filtration
Membrane Filtration
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
Water/Superfund
&EFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 9 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Ferrous Iron
Mercury, Vapor, Particulate and
Reactive
Metals (SPLP)
Low level hexavalent chromium
Lead (Pb) in Air
Perchlorate
In vitro bioassessibility assays for
arsenic and lead in soil
Water
Ambient Air
Soil, Sediment, Solid,
Waste, Tissue
Drinking Water
TSP High-Volume filters
Water, Soil
Soil
Titration with Dichromate
Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence
SW846 1312: ICP, GFAA, CVAA, ICP/
MS
1C with post column reaction/UV
detection
FEM EQL-0710-192, ICP/MS
LC/MS/MS (EPA Method 331.0)
EPA 9200. 1-86
Superfund
Air, Water (TMDL)
Superfund, RCRA
Water
Air
Superfund /Water
Superfund
New Pb NAAQS
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Diazinon
1,4-Dioxane
EDB/DBCP
Methane, Ethane, Ethene
Water
Water, Soil, Sediment
Water
Water
ELISA
GC/MS
GC
GC/FID
WQM
Superfund, RCRA
Superfund, RCRA
Superfund, RCRA
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS
Pore Water Extraction
Sediment
Centrifugation
Superfund
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
Benthic Taxonomic Identification
Chlorophyll/Pheophytin
Enterococci
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Microcystin
Toxicity Test, Red Abalone (Haliotis
rufescens) Larval Development
Toxicity Test, Sea Urchin Fertilization
[Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus]
Toxicity Test, Sea Urchin
Development [Stronglyocentrotus
purpuratus]
Sediment (Marine)
Water/Periphyton
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Taxonomic Identification
Standard Method 10200 H,
Procedure 2b
Enterolert
Plate Count - Standard Methods
Immunoassay
EPA/600/R-95/136
EPA/600/R-95/136
EPA/600/R-95/136
Water, WQM
Water, WQM
Water, NPDES, WQM
Water, NPDES, WQM
Water
NPDES
Water, NPDES
Water, NPDES
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
EPA REGION 10 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF UNIQUE CAPABILITIES
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Asbestos, Bulk
Low Level Mercury
Methyl Mercury
Metals
Metals
Metals
Metals
Metals
Metals - Arsenic speciation
Metals (TAL) + Total Uranium
Metals (SPLP)
Chlorophyll-a
In-vitro Bioassessibility Assays for
Lead in Soil
Percent Water
Perchlorate
Solids
Water
Water
Air filters
Blood
Soil
Paint
Solid
Fish/shell fish/seaweed
Small mammals,
invertebrates
Soil/Waste
Water
Soil
Liquid Waste
Produce (fruits, milk)
EPA600/R93/116-XRD
CVAF, Method 1631E
GC/CVAFS, Method 1630
ICP/MS, ICP
ICP/MS
Portable XRF
Portable XRF
X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD)
IC/ICP/MS
Microwave Digestion, ICP/AES, ICP/
MS
ICP/AES, ICP/MS
SM 1002H
Leachates by Method 1340, ICP/AES
Karl Fischer titration
IC/MS
Superfund
Water, Superfund
Water, Superfund
CAA
Superfund
Superfund, Criminal
TSCA, Criminal
Superfund
Superfund, Water
Superfund, RCRA
Superfund
Water
Superfund
RCRA
Superfund
0.2 to 0.5 ng/L reporting
limits
Screening results for
metals
Lead in paint
Characterizes the form
metals exist in sample
Speciation data needed
for risk assessment
Biomonitoring projects
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
BNA (Selected)
Butyl tins
1,4-Dioxane
Explosives (Nitroaromatics &
Nitroamines)
Hydrocarbon Identification
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
Herbicides/PCBs
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDEs)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDEs)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDEs)
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons-
Gasoline Range Organics
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons-
Diesel Range Organics
VGA and SVGA
Tissue
Soil/Sediment
Water
Water, Soil, fish/shellfish
Water, Soil/Sediment
Water, Soil
Water, Soil/Sediment,
Tissue
Water
Sediment/bio solids
Tissue (fish)
Water, Soil
Water, Soil
Industrial wastes, Solids,
Tissues
SW846 Methods
GC/MS
EPA Method 8270D SIM/Method
522
EPA Method 8330 /HPLC
NWTPH-HCID
Method 521
GC/MS, GC/ECD
GC/MS Low Resolution
GC/MS Low Resolution
GC/MS Low Resolution
NWTPH-Gx
NWTPH-Dx
Vacuum distillation, Methol 8261A
Superfund
Superfund, Criminal
Superfund
Superfund
Superfund, Criminal
Superfund
Superfund
Water
Superfund, Water
Superfund
Superfund, RCRA
Superfund, RCRA
Superfund, RCRA
WDOE method
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS
Multi=lncrement Sampling (MIS)
Preparation of Soil Samples for
Organic and Inorganic Analyses
Variety of water quality tests
Soil
Water
Described in Method 8330B
Appendix
Various probe-type measurements
Superfund
Superfund
Flow thru cell system;
performed in the field
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
Aeromonas spp
Cryptosporidium and Giardia
Enterococci
Microbial Source Tracking
Microscopic testing
Drinking Water
Water
Ambient Water
Water
Drinking/Source Water
EPA Method 1605
EPA Method 1623 (Filtration/IMS/
Staining)
EPA Method 1600
PCR
Microscopic particulate analysis
SDWA- Unregulated
Contaminant Monitoring Rule
(UCMR)
SDWA, Water, Ambient
Monitoring Rule - recreational
waters
Ambient Monitoring Rule
Water
Surface Water Treatment Rule
EPA Approved
On approval list for LT-2
regulation
Microscopic technique
used to establish GWUDI
characteristics of a
drinking water
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
&EFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
Appendix C:
EPA Regional
Laboratory Methods
in Development
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGION 1 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
Chlorpyrifos & Chlorpyrifos oxon in
wipes by LC/MS/MS
Enterococcus in Water by qPCR
(EPA Method 1611 Capability
Development
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Emergency Response/Removals
Water
STATUS
Completed
In progress
PROJECTED COMPLETION
FY2013
FY2014
EPA REGION 2 LABORATORY SUM MARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
Microbial Source Tracking using
qPCR
Microbial Source Tracking using
non qPCR Techniques including
Coliphage F+ and Optical Brightners
SIM Analysis for VGA and Semi VGA
analysis
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
TMDL; Stormwater
Develop methods to complement qPCR
MST program
Drinking and Surface Water
STATUS
Non Human marker test completed
Literature Search Initiated
Developing methods on current
instrumentation
PROJECTED COMPLETION
FY2014
FY2015
FY2014
EPA REGION 3 LABORATORY SUM MARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
Arsenic Speciation for Water, Soil/
Sediment & Tissue by 1C or ICP/MS
EPA Method 1694 for
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care
Products by LC/MS/MS
PCR: Conventional and Quantitative
Source Tracking
Glycols in Water
ELISA
1,4-Dioxane
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Speciation data to be used for Risk
Assessments in support of Clean Water
Act and Superfund.
Need for capability to identify and
quantify pharmaceutical and personal
care products.
Need for capability to determine source
of E.coli contamination in support of
Water Program.
Need for capability to identify glycol
compounds in groundwater using LC/MS/
MS to achieve lower quantitation limits.
Need for in-field testing of surface and
drinking water for presence of estrogen
and estrogen-like compounds.
Need for lower quantitation limits for
determination of 1,4-dioxane in GW and
DW.
STATUS
Identified developmental need;
initiated research and evaluation
of analytical procedures; necessary
modifications to laboratory in
progress.
Reading and researching the
method.
Conventional PCR established;
Quantitative PCR In-progress.
In-progress; SOP Complete; MDL/
DOC submitted
Report completed
Possible RM Project
PROJECTED COMPLETION
Not known
Not known
FY 2015
FY 2015
Done
FY2015
&EFA
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGION 4 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
EPA Method 8261
Internal Method - GC/MS/MS
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
VOCs in difficult matrices
Low Level Pesticides w/MS Confirm
STATUS
Initial investigation
ITMEs in process
PROJECTED COMPLETION
Unknown
January 2015
EPA REGION 5 LABORATORY SUM MARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
PFOA/PFOS in Biosolids and Water
qPCR, Gene Sequencing Guar Gum
Methane, Ethane and Ethene in
Water by GC/FID
Fluorotelemer Alcohols in Water by
LC/MS/MS
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Water Division study - RMI
HF fluid screening tool - Region 3 support
Water Program request
Water
STATUS
Initial work done, new instrument
installed and standards run to set
up instrument.
Some samples sequenced,
screening tool in process.
Method developed, SOP in draft.
Initiated.
PROJECTED COMPLETION
FY 2014
FY 2014
FY 2014
FY 2014
EPA REGION 6 LABORATORY SUM MARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
Anions and Oxyhalides by 1C
Asbestos
Alcohols by Headspace GC/MS
Analysis
Dissolved Gasses in Water by GC/
FID
Direct mercury analysis (CVAF -
Milestone)
PAHs by GC/QQQ
Dinitrotoluene minor isomers
High Dissolved Solids /Modified
Method/ Anion
High Dissolved Solids /Modified
Method/ Cation
High Dissolved Solids /Modified
Method/ OA
PPCP analysis
Passive Formaldehyde
Induction Coupled Plasma Axial
Method
Cyanide in Soil Matrix
Sulfide in Water Matrix
Low Molecular Weight Acids in
Resource Extraction Analysis
Haloacetic Acids in Resource
Extraction Analysis
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Remove dependence on State Lab for
this test.
Superfund/RCRA/Enforcement
Energy Extraction
Energy Extraction
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
RCRA, Superfund
Superfund
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
Water
Clean Air Act
Superfund. New technique to generate
lower reporting limits for metals.
RCRA and Superfund
RCRA and Superfund
Drinking Water
Drinking Water
STATUS
Method developed, need DOC/
MDL; SOPs.
Training; DOC; SOP preparation.
Completed during FY 2013
Completed during FY 2013
DOC/MDL; SOP preparation.
Continued method development
Continued method development
Method being developed.
Method being developed.
Method being developed.
Method being developed.
Method being developed.
Method being developed.
Performance studies are ongoing.
Method being developed.
Initiated method development.
Method being developed.
Method being developed.
PROJECTED COMPLETION
September 2014
program dependent
December 2013
December 2013
Dec-14
December 2014
December 2014
October 2014
October 2014
October 2014
April 2014
Summer 2014
FY 2014
FY 2014
FY 2014
Spring 2015
FY 2014
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGION 7 LABORATORY SUM MARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
EPA Method 1694 for
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care
Products by HPLC/MS/MS
Improving Precision of Volatile
Organics Analysis Samples from In-
situ Chemical Oxidation Sites
PAH/SVOC in Water by Stir Bar
Sorbtive Extraction
Microbial Source Tracking Using
qPCR
Airborne VOC by solid sorbent tube
(EPA Method TO-17)
Arsenic Speciation for Water, Soil/
Sediment & Tissue by 1C or ICP/MS
Rapid Screening Method for PCBs
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Speciation data to be used for Risk
Assessments in support of Clean Water
Act and Superfund.
Superfund
Drinking Water / Ambient Water / TMDL
TMDLand Stormwater
Trace Level VOC assessment for vapor
intrusion studies
Speciation data to be used for Risk
Assessments in support of Clean Water
Act and Superfund.
Superfund
STATUS
Performing method validation
studies on surrogate compounds;
conducted gap analysis to address
infrastructure, safety and security
requirements; developing SOPs;
modifying infrastructure as needed.
Publication in process.
Developing additional analytes.
Non Human marker test completed.
Method development currently
underway.
Method development currently
underway.
Continued progress.
PROJECTED COMPLETION
FY 2014
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2014
FY 2014
FY 2014
FY 2013
EPA REGION 8 LABORATORY SUMMARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
Asbestos / Electron Microscope
Endocrine Disrupter Studies / LC/
MS/MS
Macroinvertebrate - Freshwater
Benthic / Manual Enumeration
Microbial Source Tracking
Microbial Source Tracking by PCR
Arsenic Speciation for Water, Soil/
Sediment & Tissue/ IC/ICP/MS
Toxicity - Acute & Chronic in Mobile
Lab
Pharmaceuticals by LC/MS/MS
Pesticides by LC/MS/MS
Hormones and Steroids by LC/MS/
MS
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Need for capabilities to analyze water
and soils for asbestos contamination at
Superfund sites.
Emerging needs for the Water program
and ORD.
Redevelop capability for Water program
support due to loss of staff.
Develop capabilities in this technology for
use in projects and emerging needs for
the Superfund, Water programs and ORD.
Develop capabilities in this technology
for use in projects and emerging needs
for the Water, Enforcement programs
and ORD.
Speciation data to be used for Risk
Assessments in support of Clean Water
Act and Superfund.
On-site assessment for potential needs by
the Water program.
Water and ORD
Water
Water and ORD
STATUS
Instrument operational and running
samples.
Performing method validation.
Planning to hire replacement staff.
Biolog system installed; some staff
trained; assessing method.
Instruments and sample processing,
ESAT staff training and/or assessing
methods.
Identified developmental need;
initiated research and evaluation
of analytical procedures; necessary
modifications to laboratory in
progress.
Mobile lab available; team lead
initiating discussion of projects and
team development.
Progress continuing.
Progress continuing.
Progress continuing.
PROJECTED COMPLETION
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
&EFA
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA REGION 9 LABORATORY SUM MARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
Lead (Pb) in Air on Teflon PM2.5
Filter
Methyl Mercury in Environmental
Samples
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Address analytical needs associated with
new Pb NAAQS.
Address regional priority.
STATUS
Final stages of development.
Instrumentation installed. Method
development nearly complete with
SOP drafted.
PROJECTED COMPLETION
9/30/2014
FY 2014
EPA REGION 10 LABORATORY SUM MARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT /METHOD
Develop Methyl Mercury Analysis
Capability for Sediment Samples
EPA Method 8330B Marine Tissue
Method Evaluation/Development
Ultra-trace Concentration
Phosphorus Method for Treated
Wastewater Effluent and Surface
Water
Low Level PAH Analyses of Soil and
Sediments
Bioavailability of Lead at the Bunker
Hill Superfund Site
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
Methyl mercury data needed to support
regional mercury strategy toward
characterizing levels in the environment
and evaluate public health risks.
Explosive concentration data in marine
tissue samples are needed to help
evaluate marine areas polluted with
military munitions.
NPDES compliance monitoring at ultra
low phosphorus levels.
Measure PAHs at low concentrations in
marine sediments to assess against NW
states clean-up standards with organic
carbon normalization.
Human health risk assessment support
for residences near mining sites.
STATUS
Some initial testing on instrument
conducted. Based on the effort
needed to develop the water
method, capability for sediment
analyses will likely require much
experimentation with the Brooks-
Rand instrument to acquire the
needed accuracy and sensitivity for
sediments.
Method development completed.
Multi-laboratory study through the
OATS contract is in progress.
Ultra-trace standard concentration
measurements were achieved on
a Lachat colorimetric instrument
and an ICP-MS system. Testing on
actual effluent samples still to be
planned.
GC/MS-MS system being set-up
for extract analyses at very low
concentrations.
Completed.
PROJECTED COMPLETION
FY 2015
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2014
FY 2013
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
Regional
Lab Address
and Contact List
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES
I
Region 1: New England Regional Laboratory
Investigation & Analysis Branch
Ernest Waterman, Director
waterman.ernest@epa.gov
11 Technology Drive
N. Chelmsford, MA 01863-2431
Phone: 617-918-8632
FAX: 617-918-8540
Region 2: Division of Environmental Science
and Assessment Laboratory Branch
John Bourbon, Director
bourbon.iohn@epa.gov
2890 Wood bridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-321-6706
Fax: 732-321-6165
Region 3: Environmental Science
Center Laboratory Branch
Cynthia Caporale, Director
caporale.cynthia@epa.gov
701 Mapes Road
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350
Phone:410-305-2732
Fax: 410-305-3095
Region 4: Analytical Support Branch
Danny France, Director
france.danny@epa.gov
980 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30605-2720
Phone:706-355-8551
Fax: 706-355-8803
Region 5: USEPA Region 5 Lab, Chicago Regional Lab
Dennis Wesolowski, Director
wesolowski.dennis@epa.gov
536 S. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone:312-353-9084
Fax: 312-886-2591
&EFA
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US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
FY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES
Region 6: Environmental Services Branch
Houston Laboratory
Marvelyn Humphrey, Acting Director
humphrey.marvelyn@epa.gov
10625 Fallstone Rd.
Houston, TX 77099
Phone: 281-983-2100
Fax: 281-983-2124
Region 7: Regional Science & Technology Center
Michael Davis, Director
Regional Laboratory
davis.michael@epa.gov
300 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone:913-5515042
Fax: 913-551-8752
Region 8: USEPA Region 8 Lab
Mark Burkhardt, Director
burkhardt.mark@epa.gov
16194 West 45th Dr.
Golden, CO 80403
Phone: 303-312-7799
Fax: 303-312-7800
Region 9: USEPA Region 9 Lab
Duane James, Acting Director
james.duane@epa.gov
1337 S. 46th Street, Bldg. 201
Richmond, CA 94804-4698
Phone:510-412-2300
Fax: 510-412-2302
Region 10: Manchester Environmental Laboratory
Barry Pepich, Director
pepich.barry@epa.gov
7411 Beach Drive East
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-871-8701
Fax: 360-871-8747
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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