JV Unitod States Environmental Protection M mAgoncy Annual Report 2015 EPA 910-R-17-001 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Laboratory Network ------- Cover: Cover photos were obtained from EPA Office of Multimedia intranet site. ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Table of Contents Page Executive Summary ii Section I — U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories/Regional Laboratory Network: An Overview 1 U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories 2 Regional Laboratory Network: An Overview 4 Section II — Regional Laboratory Network Highlights 7 Protecting Water: A Precious, Limited Resource 8 Addressing Climate Change and Improving Air Quality 13 Taking Action on Toxics and Chemical Safety 15 Making a Visible Difference in Communities across the Country 18 Launching a New Era of State, Tribal, and Local Partnerships 20 Embracing EPA as a High-Performing Organization 22 Working toward a Sustainable Future 25 Section III — FY2015 Laboratory Accomplishment Results Summary 27 Section IV— Regional Laboratories Capabilities Tables — FY2015 31 Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities — FY2015 32 Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 35 Regional Laboratories Developing Capabilities — FY2015 45 I Appendix A — Acronyms/Abbreviations A-1 List of Illustrations Figure Page 1. Analytical Support to EPA Programs in FY2015 28 2. FY2015 U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories Analyses Provided by Program 28 3. Projects/Sites Supported by Regional Laboratory Data FY2015 by Program Element 29 4. Method Development Project Support to EPA Programs in FY2015 29 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Executive Summary The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Regional Laboratories are state-of-the-art, full-service environmental laboratories delivering analytical services, field support, quality assurance and data review, and expert technical assistance. Ten Regional Laboratories individually support the 10 EPA regions while also collaborating to form a highly effective Regional Laboratory Network (RLN). This report highlights the diversity of support and capabilities, all of which reinforce EPA's mission and ongoing priorities. In Fiscal Year 2015 (FY2015), Regional Laboratories performed over 150,000 analyses to support agency priorities and to solve emerging environmental issues. This analytical work supported activities related to over 1,700 sites and projects associated with a wide range of agency programs. One particular environmental challenge, Gold King Mine became a multi- regional response where mine drainage from Silverton, Colorado caused mine water to discharge to Cement Creek, a tributary to Animas River. Region 6, Region 8 and Region 9 were all involved in the response and Regional Laboratories were critical in providing analysis, data review and quality assurance support. To enhance collaboration between regional, program and research and development laboratories, the Laboratory Enterprise Forum was formed in FY2015 to provide a mechanism to work across the agency laboratory system, to identify approaches to enhance the efficient use of facilities, and to evaluate tools promoting high-performance organizations. Emerging contaminants continue to be a concern for the agency and Regional Laboratories continue to evaluate methods and analytical technologies to develop approaches to meet the demands for detection. For FY2015, analyzing for perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and new testing tools for cyanotoxins were of significant interest. Accomplishments presented in this report capture only a few of the overall activities provided by all Regional Laboratories. These accomplishments underscore the commitment of RLN to be an integral part in protecting human health and the environment. EPA Agency Themes Meeting the Challenge Ahead II Protecting Water: A Precious, Limited Resource Addressing Climate Change and Improving Air Quality Taking Action on Toxics and Chemical Safety Making a Visible Difference in Communities across the Country Launching a New Era of State, Tribal, and Local Partnerships Embracing EPA as a High-Performing Organization Working Toward a Sustainable Future ii EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Section I — U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories/Regional Laboratory Network: An Overview I vvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agoncy i3A-i 0 R-17- 0 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories 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 Woodbridge Ave. Edison, NJ 08837 Phone: 732-321-6706 Fax: 732-321-6165 Region 3: Environmental Science Center Laboratory Branch Karen Costa, Manager Costa.Karen@epa.gov 701 Mapes Road Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350 Phone: 410-305-2689 Fax: 410-305-3095 Region 4: Analytical Support Branch Danny France, Director France.Dannv@epa.gov 980 College Station Road Athens, GA 30605-2720 Phone: 706-355-8551 Fax: 706-355-8803 Region 5: U.S. EPA Region 5 Laboratory, Chicago Regional Laboratory Dennis Wesolowski, Director wesolowski.dennis@epa.gov 536 S. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 312-353-9084 Fax: 312-886-2591 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories Region 6: Region 7: Region 8: Region 9: Region 10: Environmental Services Branch Wes McQuiddy, Director Mcaulddv.Davld@epa.gov 10625 Fallstone Road Houston, TX 77099 Phone: 214-665-6722 Fax: 281-983-2124 Regional Science & Technology Center Margie St. Germain, Director Staermain.maraie@epa.gov 300 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101 Phone:913-551-5154 Fax: 913-551-7873 U.S. EPA Region 8 Laboratory Mark Burkhardt, Director Burkhardt.Mark@epa.gov 16194 West 45th Drive Golden, CO 80403 Phone: 303-312-7799 Fax: 303-312-7800 U.S. EPA Region 9 Laboratory Pete Husby, Director husbv.peter@epa.qov 1337 S. 46th Street, Bldg. 201 Richmond, CA 94804-4698 Phone: 510-412-2311 Fax: 510-412-2302 Manchester Environmental Laboratory Barry Pepich, Director Pepich.Barrv@epa.gov 7411 Beach Drive East Port Orchard, WA 98366 Phone: 360-871-8701 Fax: 360-871-8747 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report EPA's Regional Laboratory Network: An Overview m EPA has 10 regional offices and each region has a laboratory The Regional Laboratories provide mission-critical support to the Agency, protecting human health and the environment. Service and expertise provided by each Regional Laboratory are tailored to meet the needs of that particular region or program and to address complex and emerging environmental issues. In addition to supporting each region, the 10 Regional Laboratories collaborate to form the Regional Laboratory Network (RLN). Efficiency, effectiveness, and flexibility are maximized by using scientific expertise, implementing and developing methods, and maximizing partnerships within the network and across the nation. Services tailored to meet regional needs and to address complex and emerging environmental issues Environmental decisions and policies provide the RLN with the analytical structure to meet program needs. Regional Laboratories also provide support to national initiatives and research. Each laboratory within the RLN constantly and consistently meets and supports project-specific objectives, achieves quality goals, provides analytical expertise, and produces accurate data within the Agency. Support special project- specific objectives and goals towards a sustainable future EPA Regional Laboratories are committed to producing quality data. The laboratories follow EPA organizational directives for a high-performing organization. All 10 laboratories are accredited by National or International Accreditation programs ensuring effective quality systems, improved performance, and defensible data. External assessments are performed regularly at RLN laboratories. Accreditation following National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) or International Standards Organization (ISO) 17025 Contracting mechanisms are used within the RLN to provide additional procurement of analytical services. The Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) provides standard analytical methods supporting the Superfund Program. Each laboratory uses an Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT), which is a contract to support laboratory functions. RLN supports Agency quick responses to emergencies This organizational structure permits EPA Regional Laboratories to provide quick response to emergencies, while providing timely completion of all projects. During FY2015, 10 Regional Laboratories supported over 150,000 sample analyses and over 1,700 projects. EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report EPA Regional Laboratories provided analytical responses to approximately 15 significant emergency response events in FY2015 including the Gold King Mine response. EPA Regional Laboratories are capable of analyzing samples suspected to contain a variety of chemical and biological compounds, including chemical warfare agents. Also, some Regional Laboratories developed and validated new methods for perfiuorinated organic compounds, Cyanotoxins and other compounds that characterize and remediate contaminated areas. Respond to Homeland Security events Within each Regional Laboratory, core capabilities allow support to various EPA programs. Unique capabilities provide the flexibility for each laboratory to meet geographical environmental demands or regional and national initiatives. Three tables (core, unique, and developing) summarize chemical, physical and biological/microbiological capabilities for each region. The Core, Unique, and Developing capabilities tables for each Regional Laboratory are provided in Section IV and are available on the following EPA websites. Core, Unique, and Developing capabilities span across RLN Regional Laboratory scientists are certification officers for the Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program and participate in state drinking water audit programs. Laboratory scientists also provide management, technical, logistical, and oversight support to EPA, State and tribal programs, operate air monitoring quality assurance programs, and support field sampling functions. Serve crucial roles in regional drinking water audit programs Regional Laboratory scientists are a valuable resource. Scientists have expertise in analytical methods, quality assurance and quality control principles, data validation, field analytical techniques, and solving complex analytical problems. During FY2015, the 10 Regional Laboratories supported more than 125 method improvement projects. Support analytical method improvements EPA's Regional Laboratory Network: An Overview Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities — FY2015 https://www.epa.gov/regionallabs Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 http://www.epa.gov/regionallabs/epa-regional-laboratories-unigue-analvtical-capabilities-and-documentation-region Regional Laboratories Developing Capabilities — FY2015 http://www.epa.gov/measurements/collection-methods EPA-910-R-17-001 5 ------- ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Section li — Regional Laboratory Network Highlights Ok J\ United States Environmental Protection !¦! #mAgoncy EPA-910-R-17-001 / ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Protecting Water: A Precious, Limited Resource Regional Laboratories play an important role to ensure drinking water is safe, to restore and maintain oceans, watersheds, and their aquatic ecosystems to protect human health, to support economic and recreational activities, and to provide healthy habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife. \ FY2015 HIGHLIGHTS ENSURE SAFE DRINKING WATER GOLD KING MINE RESPONSE MEASURING CYANOTOXINS Regional Laboratories play ari important part in protecting and restoring the nation's water resources by providing: • key data for regions and their partners and target actions to protect human health and aquatic ecosystems more efficiently • technical and regulatory support to drinking water laboratories and training and support for water quality monitoring efforts • analytical support for various projects across the U.S. Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Laboratories that analyze drinking water samples are required to be certified by an approved certifying authority. The EPA Regional Laboratory personnel and trained certification officers conduct on-site evaluations of drinking water laboratories operated by states and tribal communities. Certification Officers also conduct audits of state certification programs to ensure all laboratories analyzing drinking water samples are following approved methods mandated by EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Ultimately, the effort of the laboratory certification program ensures drinking water is free from harmful contaminants. Regional Laboratories Supported 223 Compliance Reinforcement related Drinking Water Projects 8 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Protecting Water: A Precious, Limited Resource Gold King Mine Response In August 2015, a plug in the Gold King Mine breached sending yellow-orange colored water into Cement Creek, a tributary of the Animas River in Colorado, which then ran into the San Juan River in northwestern New Mexico. Overall response coordination was implemented with Region 8, Region 6, and Region 9. EPA Region 6 emergency response crews began collecting samples for i i drinking water to assess possible mine waste leaching into local groundwater wells near the river. - '* Region 6 and Region 8 Laboratories provided analytical support to confirm results obtained from commercial laboratories. Analysis required expedited turnaround time, with final reports submitted within 48 hours. Analysis included metals, mercury, and calculated hardness. Based on Region 6 and Region 8 Laboratories, confirmation results provided focused resampling, which yielded usable metal results that previously indicated abnormalities. Updates on continued efforts are provided on EPA's website at: www.epa.gov/goldkingmine District of Columbia (DC) Drinking Water Emergency Mid-December 2015, after a "Do Not Drink" advisory was issued for portions of the District of Columbia's neighborhoods when petroleum was detected in tap water, Region 3 Laboratory was called upon to provide screening and confirmatory analysis for a "petroleum or tar-like" substance. Based on the Region 3 Laboratory results DC Aqueduct was able to lift the "do not drink" restriction. EPA-910-R-17-001 9 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Protecting Water: A Precious, Limited Resource New Detection Methods for Cyanotoxins arid Algal Blooms Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae occur around the world in nutrient-rich water environments. Some of these cyanobacteria produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Humans and animals can be exposed to these harmful toxins by several pathways, including ingestion, inhalation, and contact with the skin (bathing and/or recreation) in the effected waters. These toxins impacted over 500,000 people in Toledo, Ohio when citizens were ordered to not drink their water. Some of these toxins are being detected in surface waters in Region 8 arid elsewhere in the United States (U.S.). Low-level chronic exposure to mixtures of these chemicals can have adverse ecological or human health effects. For example, new (2015) United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Health Advisories (HAs) have recommended at, or below 0.3 micrograms per liter for microcystins and 0.7 micrograms per liter for cylindrospermopsin in drinking water for children of pre-school age and younger (less than 6 years old). For school-age children through adults, the recommended HA levels for drinking water are at, or below 1.6 micrograms per liter for microcystins and 3.0 micrograms per liter for cylindrospermopsin. Data from both the Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water and the Harmful Algal Bloom arid Hypoxia Research arid Control Act are used in the Regions, States, and Municipalities to assess their drinking water and recreational water facilities. This coordination improves our scientific understanding of the fate, transport, and affects from algal toxin exposure, and regional and national water quality initiatives. The analysis of waters affected by algal blooms also provided timely data for making local public health risk decisions. This teamwork- based effort is improving and maintaining improvements in water quality as well as fostering partnerships within the agency, between the regional states and other federal agencies. The Drinking Water Unit from the Office of Partnerships & Regulatory Assistance (OPRA), the Water Quality Unit from the Office of Ecosystems, Protection and Remediation (EPR), arid the Laboratory Services Program from the Office of Technical and Management Services worked together to identify and develop the algal toxin analysis methods. This coordination resulted in the development of two analytical methods to monitor for four individual toxins, and one field screening method. Data collected from three regional states and one municipality were shared with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as, EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD). Expansion of the analytical methods (new analytes) and laboratory sample analysis capacity are planned for 2016. Regional Laboratories provide cyanotoxin testing and develop methods for improved detection 10 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Protecting Water: A Precious, Limited Resource Microbial Source Tracking Of the 138 watersheds in Island County, Washington, 67 have been tested and 60% exceed Washington's water quality standards for fecal coliform. Exceeding fecal coliform standards requires beach closures and fishing restrictions. These exceedances negatively affect shellfish harvesting areas, public beaches, lakes, and streams bearing salmon listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This impact on commercial and recreational shellfish opportunities has significantly affected economic resources to Island County. Since the summer of 2014, Region 10 Laboratory, in coordination with local county health officials, has supported studies to identify sources of this pollution using microbial source tracking (MST) analyses on surface waters. MST is capable of differentiating ruminant from human fecal contamination. The goal of these studies is to help improve water quality by identifying the source of contamination in the three identified watersheds, reopen shellfish harvest areas, improve beaches for water recreation, and improve the habitat for native aquatic species. Once the contamination source is identified, Island County will move forward with corrective actions. Cherokee Water Quality and Biological Assessment Region 4 Laboratory, in collaboration with the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians (EBCI), conducted stream assessments to provide updates on the condition of the environmental, recreational, and cultural quality, and the significance of the Hiawassee and Valley River Watershed streams. Many recreational activities, such as maintaining native trout species and supporting trout hatchery fishing, are supported in these streams. Existing biological data records date back to 1988, attesting to excellent water quality conditions. The last assessment of these streams was conducted in 2005, with data indicating sustainable water quality conditions and possibly improvement. The EBCI Tribe requested assistance from Region 4 in conducting similar assessments. Proctor Creek Watershed Proctor Creek, a 9-mile stream that flows from downtown Atlanta, Georgia, to the Chattahoochee River, is listed for impairment due to fecal coliform bacteria. Collaboration between the Region 4 Laboratory, Region 4 Water Protection Division (WPD), and community groups led to the development of the monitoring plan, which addresses data gaps for Proctor Creek. The planned monitoring event data will allow identification of contaminant sources in the watershed and potential exceedances of water quality standards. Each sampling event will provide EPA scientists opportunities to demonstrate sampling methods in the field, train citizen researchers, and interact with members of community. Regional Laboratories provide the data to help protect food sources and assess watershed quality ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Protecting Water: A Precious, Limited Resource Water Quality Assessment and TMDL Program Support Crucial for management about our water resources, water quality data are used to characterize waters, identify trends, identify emerging problems, determine whether pollution control programs are working, and help direct pollution control efforts to where they are most needed. A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that load among the various sources of that pollutant. Regional Laboratories provide substantial analytical support for water quality assessments to, and TMDL development for, water bodies throughout the country. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Studies in Springfield, Missouri The Wilson, Jordan and Pearson Creek TMDLs were established January 2011, after named as impaired waters from multiple point sources and urban nonpoint sources. The pollutant causing the impairment is listed as unknown; however, toxicity from multiple pollutants and changes in hydrology from increased impervious surfaces are the suspected cause of the impairment. By establishing these TMDLs, EPA met the milestones of the 2001 Consent Decree. However, after a ruling in 2011, EPA was required to further consider impacts based on additional water quality criteria. To meet settlement agreement, Region 7 conducted monthly water and sediment sampling and diurnal dissolved oxygen monitoring. Water grab samples were analyzed for total phosphorus, total nitrogen, suspended solids, dissolved solids, total solids, dissolved metals, and hardness. Sediment grab samples were analyzed for metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Water and sediment samples from urban streams in Springfield were collected for over 10 different traditional methods, including metals, PAHs, anions, hardness, semi-volatile organics, and pH. This effort supports EPA's interest in determining what pollutants may be present, and whether the creeks meet Missouri water quality standards to effectively restore those streams. The Region 7 laboratory and field staff collected water and air samples and performed field analysis using the mobile laboratory, while traditional analysis was conducted by the Region 7 Laboratory. The results will be used to confirm the conditions in the Springfield urban streams for the TMDL Program. All 10 Regional Laboratories provide scientific expertise to support Regional and National Water Programs and Initiatives, which can include: • analysis • field support • quality assurance • data review • technical support ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Addressing Climate Change and Improving Air Quality Protect and improve the air so it is healthy to breathe and risks to human health and the environment are reduced. Reduce greenhouse gas intensity by enhancing partnerships with businesses and other sectors and common-sense regulatory initiatives. FY2015 HIGHLIGHTS AIR QUALITY INDOOR AIR I PM 2.5 / Regional Laboratories actively support the objectives of the Agency's air goals through a variety of activities. These activities include: • technical support and training • air monitoring and air monitoring quality assurance • laboratory support for various air toxics assessments • laboratory support for numerous other local projects that address specific community risks and method development. Fuel Oil Terminal Air Emissions In the summer of 2015, the Region 6 Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division's Air/Toxics Enforcement Section conducted an inspection at a fuel oil storage terminal located near the Houston, Texas Ship Channel. The terminal's operations and associated processes are subject to Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements, including the Texas State Implementation Plan. At the on-site inspection, Region 6 performed a number of activities to evaluate the site's ambient air emissions using different instruments, including photoionization detectors (PIDs) and special infrared (IR) cameras. Air samples were taken based on PID screening and IR results using SUMMA™ canisters. The stainless steel evacuated canisters are widely used for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Grab sampling using SUMMA™ canisters was representative of the ambient air at the facility, because the samples were taken on the downwind side of the oil storage tanks for the No, 6 fuel oil, and samples were taken in background air for comparison purposes. Region 6 Laboratory provided analysis of the SUMMA™ air samples taken at the fuel oil storage site. Extensive dilutions of many samples were required to keep instrument saturation to a minimum. High concentrations of VOCs, and hydrocarbons (HCs), were identified by the combined gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) instrument used to analyze the canisters for HCs. including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEXs). BTEXs are usually considered among the worst of the HC ambient air pollutants due to associated breathing difficulties of long-term exposures and possible cancer risks. Region 6 Laboratory sample results were provided to the Enforcement Division and wiil aid future actions for this site. ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Addressing Climate Change and Improving Air Quality Air Monitoring in Pennsylvania CONSOL Energy Inc. and the Allegheny County Pennsylvania Airport Authority unveiled a proposed Marcellus Shale natural gas production project on Pittsburgh International Airport (Imperial Pointe) property. The proposed plan outlines six well-pad locations and three centralized water impoundments. Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Air Quality Program, Monitoring section, will conduct ambient air sampling for VOCs in the Imperial Pointe residential neighborhood in Findlay Township. This air monitoring program is part of a larger national network designed by EPA to monitor ambient air pollution concentrations nationwide. The ACHD monitoring program is part of the State and Local Agency Monitoring Station (SLAMS). SLAMS consists of a network of monitoring stations whose size and distribution is determined by the needs of state and local air pollution control agencies, to meet their respective state implementation plan (SIP) requirements. The primary purpose of air monitoring is to determine if concentrations of certain VOCs can be shown to statistically correlate to gas exploration and production activities. Air samples are being collected for a period of up to 18 months, which began in April 2014 and will continue for a year after gas exploration begins. The samples are being analyzed by Region 3 Laboratory air chemists. 682 PM 2.5 AUDITS CONDUCTED IN FY2015 Sorbent Tube Analysis of High Humidity Samples An increase in understanding the high concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) in homes sitting above contaminated groundwater plumes has caused the agency to investigate the gas vapors under the homes and the ground surrounding the homes. The sample type is vapor intrusion and is accomplished by drilling holes through the foundation and collecting air samples using TO-15. air canisters. Because of the cost and limited resources, sorbent tubes were being investigated for these high-humidity air samples. If the target list is limited to chlorinated VOCs, a single sorbent tube using tenax can capture the sample and analyze it for TCE. This method is anticipated to produce reliable data. The sorbent was identified and tests began in FY2015. The method should be finalized in FY2016. Once this method is completed, this technique could be used for testing air samples in caves and other high-humidity situations. PM 2.5 Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) The goal of the PEP is to evaluate total measurement system bias of the particulate matter (PM) 2.5 monitoring network. The laboratory component of the program includes PM filter handling, inspection, equilibration, and weighing: data entry, validation, management, and distribution to client regions; and filter archival and data submittal to the Air Quality System (AQS). The PM filter weighing laboratory is located at Region 4. Other Regional Laboratories also provided support for PEP through performance evaluation audits, quality assurance collocations, and PEP audits. Regional Laboratory staff provided training classes for the PM 2.5 PEP program. Regional Laboratories have the capability to analyze for Organic Compounds in Air 14 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Taking Action on Toxics and Chemical Safety Keeping communities safe and healthy by reducing risks associated with exposure to chemicals in commerce, indoor and outdoor environments, and products and food. FY2015 HIGHLIGHTS DIESEL SPILL RESPONSE PESTICIDES & ASBESTOS BROWNFIELDS SUPPORT Incremental Sampling Technique Used at Oregon Brownfields Site The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, arid Liability Act (CERCLA), or Superfund, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) provide the legal basis for EPA's efforts to preserve and restore land using the most effective waste management and cleanup methods available. By supporting these programs, the Regional Laboratories: • Analyze hazardous and non-hazardous waste • Implement applied research and method development to meet evolving analytical needs of Superfund and RCRA programs • Ensure vigilant readiness for emergency response to environmental disasters, hazardous materials releases, time-critical removals, and inland oil spills. The Heritage Square site is located in a primarily commercial area of downtown Astoria, Oregon. Historical activities at this site, including an automobile repair garage and paint shop, dry cleaner, and printer are potential sources of contamination that warranted further investigation. An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) also identified indications of underground storage tanks. To support site remediation, Region 10 Laboratory applied the incremental sampling methodology (ISM) to process samples from excavated soil piles. SM processing (or homogenization procedure) consists of many small increments of soil materials over a wide area and requires the use of unique grinding and mixing equipment with procedure-specific Quality Control (QC) samples (process blanks). The ISM application results yield the need for fewer samples to be analyzed and better statistical assessment of soil contamination. Region 10 Laboratory analyzed the processed soil samples for polychlorinated biphenyls (RGBs), PAHs and petroleum hydrocarbons. Site support is continuing through FY2016. ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Taking Action on Toxics and Chemical Safety West Virginia Diesel Spill A tractor trailer accident resulted in a spill of approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Two drinking water intakes, within 50 miles of the spill, were shut down. Region 3 Laboratory analyzed drinking water samples for semi- volatile organic analysis (SVOA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by selected ion monitoring (SIM), and volatile organic analysis (VOA) under an expedited turnaround time (less than 7 days). Sumas Mountain Asbestos Region 10 has been investigating the release of asbestos from an earth-flow landslide on the west side of the Sumas Mountain near Bellingham, Washington, since 2006. The landslide initiated around 1940, resulting in significant deposition of asbestos-bearing sediments into Swift Creek and the Sumas River, especially during periods of rain and snow melt. Sampling and analysis conducted by EPA over the past several years has confirmed relatively high concentrations of chrysotile asbestos and lower concentrations of actinolite asbestos in water and sediments that settle in Swift Creek and the Sumas River. Historically, when the deposition of sediments impaired the flow of Swift Creek, it would flood onto farmland and surrounding residential properties. The sediments were dredged and placed along the banks of the creek and offered to the community as fill. Recognizing the potential health risk to the community, EPA worked with local government to restrict the dredging of Swift Creek sediments. However, during significant rain events like what occurred in the winter of 2009, the Sumas River flooded and deposited asbestos-bearing sediments over a much larger area. Appropriate disposal of these sediments is not feasible due to the extraordinarily high costs associated with transport and disposal. Over last year, Region 10 Laboratory continued supporting assessment efforts at the Sumas River site using a variety of analytical tools, including polarized light microscopy (PLM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) to determine the mineralogy of sediments with emphasis on the identification and quantitation of asbestos. In addition, an experimental device called a fluidized bed asbestos segregator (FBAS) has been used to process samples from the site. The FBAS uses air elutriation to separate fibrous mineral structures from heavier matrix particles and deposits them onto a filter that is analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). which is contracted out to commercial laboratories. This unique approach allows measurement of low-level concentrations of asbestos structures that may become airborne when soil and sediments are disturbed. The sensitivity of this technique far exceeds traditional methods, such as PLM and XRD. Over 6,000 analyses conducted by Regional Laboratories for Emergency Response Activities ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Taking Action on Toxics and Chemical Safety Village Creek Dieldrin Study Achieves Lower Detection Limits to Prevent Health Impacts Village Creek has been classified as impaired on the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) 303(d) list for the legacy pesticide dieldrin, Dieldrin is an organochlorine pesticide and is no longer produced in the U.S. due to harmful bioaccumulative effects on humans, fish, and wildlife. Previous ADEM data collected showed no detection of dieldrin, leading to consideration of removal of Village Creek from 303(d). However, the reporting level of ADEM data was above the 0.03 ng/l human health criteria making an impairment decision uncertain. By using modified methods and cutting-edge analytical technology, Region 4 Laboratory was able to achieve detection limits almost 300 times lower than the routine detection limits previously achieved by the State where dieldrin was not detected. Results of the analysis showed concentrations of dieldrin in Village Creek roughly 40 times higher than the human health criteria. The State of Alabama reconsidered delisting and is planning further stream assessments. Had delisting occurred, efforts to remediate the stream segment would have ceased and undetected amounts of dieldrin remaining in the stream could biomagnify through the food chain and contribute to severe health effects. ~ mm r * m 58% of Regional Laboratory analyses support Superfund Program Trichloroethylene (TCE) Investigated at Meramec Caverns The topography of Southeastern Missouri is characterized by numerous caves, sinkholes, fissures, and underground streams. Meramec Caverns is one of the largest cave systems in Missouri. Unfortunately, it is also impacted by a subsurface plume of TCE that originates from a site approximately 5 miles away. Concerns were raised about TCE exposures to visitors and employees touring or working in the commercialized portion of Meramec Caverns and the ecological health of cave dwelling fauna. Using Region 7 mobile laboratory, on-site TCE concentrations in both the commercialized and native portions of Meramec Caverns were analyzed by GC/MS on samples of cave air using portable bag samplers. The data generated characterized distribution, concentration, and ventilation of TCE throughout the cave complex. This is a multi-year project and continues into FY2016. Pesticide Residue Tested The Office of Pesticide Programs' (OPP) Environmental Fate and Effects Division (EFED) requested assistance from the Region 3 Laboratory for total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, which was part of a study on pesticide residues. OPP analyzed 50 pesticide soil samples and needed TOC results to use in risk assessment calculations for bioavailability. Region 3 Laboratory was able to analyze all 50 samples within a very short timeframe. ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Making a Visible Difference in Communities across the Country Align community-based activities to provide seamless assistance to communities, both urban and rural, while maximizing efficiency and results. Expand support of community efforts to build healthy, sustainable, green neighborhoods and reduce and prevent harmful exposures and health risks to children and underserved, overburdened communities. FY2015 HIGHLIGHTS LEAD IN SCHOOLS COMMUNITY SUPPORT HEALTHY GARDENS Environmental and public health impacts affect people most significantly where they live - at the community level. EPA is focused on providing better support to communities, especially in environmentally- overburdened, underserved, and economically- distressed areas where the needs are greatest. Regional Laboratories coordinate technical assistance and other resources across EPA Programs; with states, tribes, and local governments; and with other federal agencies to support communities as they pursue environmental improvements that enhance economic opportunity and quality of life. Assessing Soil Quality Impacts to Gardening Soil safety is of particular interest to Austin, Texas and its citizens due to the city's food-to-table ordinance allowing any garden to provide food to local restaurants. Garden soils may harbor contaminants, such as heavy metals and organic chemicals. Because of Austin's food-to-table ordinance, Austin's Brownfields Revitalization Program requested assistance from Region 6 in conducting a Soil Kitchen, an event that provides home, school, and community gardeners with the opportunity to test garden soil samples. Since soil safety testing can be quite costly, free testing is a valuable service. Region 6 collaborated with Austin's Brownfields Revitalization Program to provide testing of garden samples during the Soil Kitchen. Region 6 Laboratory deployed its mobile lab and provided on-site X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing of soil samples for the presence of heavy metals during the event. Additional garden samples were analyzed for legacy pesticides and semi-volatile compounds. Region 6 Laboratory, Houston, analyzed over 150 garden soil samples. There were no significant amount of metals; small amounts of lead and arsenic were present in some soil samples. Gardeners were provided test results through a private online process, along with best and safe gardening practices and recommendations for gardening in contaminated soils. The Soil Kitchen raised awareness about soil health and safety. 9 18 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Making a Visible Difference in Communities across the Country Lead in Schools Project Lead in drinking water can have adverse health effects, especially for children who can experience impaired mental development, IQ deficits, shorter attention span, and lower birth weight. Testing for lead in schools and daycare is important since children spend a large portion of their day in these types of facilities. The 1988 Lead Contamination Control Act (LCCA) is aimed at identifying arid reducing lead in drinking water in schools and child care facilities. In 2013, the Office of Water (OW) established a 3-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 study was in collaboration with the Kellogg Foundation and the Calhoun County Public Health Department located in Calhoun County, Michigan. The OW pilot study was 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 active involvement in the Lead-in-Schools Program, OW reached out to Region 2 for analytical support for this study. Due to the large-scale nature of this study, Region 2 Laboratory coordinated the analytical support for this study, using RLN resources. Regions 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 Laboratories participated in the study, providing over 4,000 analyses of over 100 schools and child care facilities in Calhoun County, Michigan, over a 3-year period between 2013 and 2015. The use of regional laboratories yielded significant cost savings compared to use of commercial laboratories, allowing precious funds to go toward the sampling of many more schools and day care facilities. The analytical results and field data were directly used to make a determination as to whether drinking water distributed from outlets were contaminated with lead above the 20 ug/L standard and, where applicable, provided guidance to the school/facility on how to remediate. The Kellogg Foundation, the grantee for this project, plans to publish a guide that synthesizes lessons learned and best practices regarding lead sampling and analysis in schools and childcare facilities across the country. The aim of this guide is to help staff and other stakeholders (for example, parents and students) from schools and childcare facilities develop their own affordable, voluntary program. In addition, other groups (for example, public health partners, community members, and researchers) may choose to use this as a guide to support the implementation and evaluation of these efforts among schools and childcare facilities in their area. Former Kil-Tone Superfund Site Region 2 Laboratory provided analytical support to the former Kil-Tone Superfund site. The Former Kil-Tone Company Site is located within the City of Vineland, Cumberland County, New Jersey. As part of a two-phase, extensive evaluation to assess contamination found in residential and surrounding areas, including flood plains, the Region 2 Laboratory analyzed over 2,000 soil samples, primarily for metals analysis, in support of removal and remedial program activities at the site. The results were used to calculate the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) score and propose that the former Kil-Tone Superfund Site be listed on the National Priorities List (NPL). The laboratory provided validated results within 4 weeks of each sample delivery. Internal staff performed these tasks, which resulted in an overall cost savings, keeping site cleanup activities on track. ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Launching a New Era of State, Tribal, and Local Partnerships I Strengthen partnerships with states, tribes, local governments, and global communities central to the success of the national environmental protection program through consultation, collaboration, and shared accountability. \ } FY2015 HIGHLIGHTS CARIBBEAN SCIENCE CONSORTIUM i MUCKLESHOOT TRIBE ! J / STATE AND TRIBE SUPPORT I J By providing support at the regional level, opportunities abound to work in concert with states, tribes, and local entities providing technical support. Types of activities where Regional Laboratories become involved include: • Analytical support to states or tribes • Assisting communities and volunteer monitoring groups with implementation of Citizen Science • Providing training and technical support, including training in preparation of the Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs). Caribbean Science Consortium A common problem in the Caribbean is that individual territories and academic research institutions lack adequate resources (in terms of capability or capacity) to conduct environmental science programs in any systematic, comprehensive way. Representatives from Region 2 have addressed this issue by establishing a collaborative partnership with government and academic scientific institutions in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico: EPA Region 2 Caribbean Science Consortium. The Consortium comprises members of Region 2, government and university organizations (including minority academic institutions) in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin islands and is managed by Region 2 Laboratory. The Consortium's main objective is to expand science collaboration on mutual environmental science programs, including the leveraging of resources, technical assistance, education, and outreach. The Consortium established a Charter and an annual work plan. The Consortium focused on addressing "signature" research issues on the islands, including water quality of rural communities not served by public dr inking water. I EPA-910-R-17-001 20 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Launching a New Era of State, Tribal, and Local Partnerships Region 10 Laboratory supported a Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) study conducted along the LDW that may help predict the fate of inorganic arsenic in Mya. Mya samples collected from the LDW experimental area were analyzed for arsenic species using a method developed at Region 10 Laboratory that uses liquid chromatography (LC) and inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). Region 10 Laboratory also developed the use and analysis method capability of diffusive thin-film gradient (DGT) samplers that were included in the study. The DGT sampler technology was studied to determine if it was as a suitable substitute for actual Mya in exposure studies. This work is continuing into FY2016. Lower Duwamish Waterway Arsenic Study Region 10 Laboratory developed a method for detecting arsenic speciation along with assessing the effectiveness of a new sampling technology for the Lower Duwamish Waterway (LDW) Superfund Site. This site is a 5 -mile stretch of the Duwamish River that flows into Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. A century of heavy industrial use has left the waterway contaminated with toxic chemicals from many sources - industries along its banks, storm water pipes, and runoff from upland activities, streets, and roads. Pollution in the river sediments includes PCBs, dioxins/furans, carcinogenic PAHs, and arsenic. Many of these chemicals are persistent in the environment and tissue concentrations are unsafe in some resident fish and shellfish. The LDW is part of the Muckleshoot Tribe's Usual and Accustomed tribal fishing areas. The Muckleshoot Tribe expressed interest in harvesting clams in the waterway, but currently does not because of chemical contamination. Consumption of inorganic arsenic in clams, chiefly Mya arenaria (Mya), contributes 40-50% of the total risk in the Reasonable Maximum Exposure (RME) seafood consumption scenario for tribal fishers. Understanding how and from which media Mya bioaccumulates arsenic is critical to make science-based decisions on whether and how to remediate arsenic-contaminated sediments so that clam consumption-based risks to Tribal members is minimized. Although, reducing sediment arsenic concentrations is expected to decrease inorganic arsenic (the most toxic form) concentrations in tissues, it is not currently possible to reliably predict this decrease. The relationship between sediment and Mya tissue concentrations has considerable variability. Mya, as a filter feeder, likely consumes suspended solids-associated arsenic (seston) and the importance of this pathway has not been quantified. Mya retains approximately 50% of bioaccumulated arsenic in inorganic form rather than transforming it to less toxic organometallic form, as occurs in other clam species. EPA-910-R-17-001 21 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Embracing EPA as a High-Performing Organization Maintain and attract EPA's diverse and engaged workforce of the future with a more collaborative work environment. Modernize our business practices, taking advantage of new tools and technologies, and improve the way we work as a high-performing Agency. FY2015 HIGHLIGHTS QA & FIELD ACTIVITIES CROSS-AGENCY COLLABORATION I LEAN GOVERNMENT One of the most important regional and state laboratory partnerships is sharing unique expertise, when needed. In 2015, Regional Laboratories supported various projects. Laboratories relied on the expertise of other Regional Laboratories with unique capability/capacity. Collaboration with the Office of Research and Development (ORD) provided opportunities for scientists to expand their knowledge and skills through the Regional Research and Partnership Program. Quality Assurance Field Activities Procedures (formerly FOG) Under the leadership of Region 4, the Field Operations Group (FOG) develop operational guidelines for managing and ensuring adequate quality of the Agency's field activities. FOG's main goals: • Promote greater consistency in field measurement and sampling activities that are performed by EPA • Produce reliable and legally-defensible data from field measurement and sampling activities • Participate in training of other regions and programs to assure the implementation of the program In 2013, by direction from EPA's Acting Deputy Administrator, ali EPA organizations conducting field activities were required to implement the FOG Guidelines by February 2016. The Office of Environmental Information (OEI), with the help of Region 4 personnel, authored the EPA QA Field Activities Procedure (QAFAP), which incorporates all 10 FOG Guidelines, adopted in September of 2014 by OEI as QAFAP (CIO 2105-P-02.0) under the Agency's Quality Policy. To facilitate the Agency's implementation of the QAFAP, EPA Senior Leadership organized the FOG implementation Team (FIT) with Region 4 having a pivotal role as national leaders. Region 4 provided seven members to FIT, including four QAFAP subject matter experts (SMEs) and the leadership of two high-level managers and the Deputy Regional Administrator as a champion to support this national initiative. Region 4 SMEs developed and provided training on QAFAP requirements across the Agency, drafted procedural templates for other EPA organizations to use, as needed, and conducted gap assessments at ten regions and five Offices to assess the Agency's progress toward implementing the QAFAP by February 2016. The Region 4 FIT management team provided the necessary leadership across the Agency that has made this initiative so successful. ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Embracing EPA as a High-Performing Organization Collaborating within Regional Lab Network Region 10 provided specialized incremental sampling methodology (ISM) to assist Region 3 on a Superfund Site. The Clearview Landfill Superfund Site, located near Philadelphia, PA, was privately owned and operated without a permit from the 1950s to 1970s, and was used for the disposal of municipal and industrial waste collected from the City of Philadelphia and portions of Delaware County. In 1973, the owners were ordered to cease ail waste disposal activities at the landfill and follow a prescribed closure plan, but the property continued to be used for other waste disposal operations for many years after the cease order. EPA conducted a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) to estimate the risks from the presence of contamination, which included polychlorinated PCBs, PAHs, and heavy metals. The outcome of HHRA indicated unacceptable risks related to soils (for applicable areas and receptors), shallow groundwater, and modeled fish tissue concentrations that exceeded EPA target levels. In partnership with Region 3, Region 10 Laboratory supported a remediation project for the site by preparing samples collected using the incremental sampling methodology (ISM). This ISM processing (or homogenization procedure) of soil materials consists of many small increments over a wide area, and requires the use of unique grinding and mixing equipment with procedure-specific Quality Control (QC) samples (process blanks). The ISM application yields fewer samples requiring analysis and better statistical assessment of soil contamination. ORD Collaboration using RARE The Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) is an Office of Research and Development (ORD) program that responds to high-priority research needs of EPA Regions. Region 3 identified a research need to investigate the impact of highly brominated source water into drinking water treatment plants. The "RARE Bromide" project was a multi-year project conducted by the Region 3 Water Protection Division (WPD). WPD looked at the effect of bromide on the formation of brominated trihaiomethanes (THMs) in the surface-water intake at public water system treatment plants. Region 3 Laboratory provided support by analyzing thousands of samples for total trihaiomethanes (TTHMs), alkalinity, ammonia, pH. and conductivity. RARE Bromide research is ongoing. Region 10 Laboratory analyzed the processed soil samples for PCBs and PAHs. The analysis results were used to develop final design plans and specifications for the remedial action phase of the project. This support is ongoing through FY2016. Regional Laboratories routinely conduct studies under the RARE program sponsored by Office of Research and Development (ORD) with 152 projects in 2015 I EPA-910-R-17-001 23 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Embracing EPA as a High-Performing Organization Laboratory LEAN Events Regional Laboratories use LEAN to improve processes and eliminate unnecessary steps. One example is the outcome of the Region 7 Laboratory LEAN events that began in FY2015 with a goal to make routine laboratory processes more efficient. Two events were held in FY2015 with more events scheduling in FY2016. The first FY2015 event dealt with a problem related to completion of documentation for Demonstrations of Capability (DOCs) in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Historically, documentation showing the completion of DOCs took 3- 6 months after completion of the analysis. Even though the DOC packages were similar to actual data packages, the DOC packages were not seen as a priority. A team of chemists, quality staff, and computer staff met for two 4-hour sessions for a mini-Kaizen event. At these sessions, the team learned that a 5-day turnaround (comparable to real data) was possible. The team identified and eliminated wasted steps and duplicate steps. Ultimately, the team recommended a routine turnaround of 10 working days as the goal for streamlining the process and recommended revisiting the process in FY2017. The second FY2015 event addressed a problem with sample cubitainers. The manufacturer of cubitainers sold its business and the production was moved to China. Obtaining shipments of cubitainers in a timely manner, and receiving properly-cleaned cubitainers became a significant challenge. A team, including purchasing, sample receipt, inspectors, field staff, disposal staff, and a facilitator met and discussed the history and problems. They mapped the major steps and methods of the process that used the cubitainers. Specifications of the substitute bottle that would work at all stages of the sample collection and analysis were identified. Finally, catalog options of possible substitutes and next steps to ensure that new bottles would perform well and meet laboratory specifications were reviewed. After the meeting, the solution was identified and implemented immediately. The unexpected benefit of this event was a cost savings of $30,000 a year, using the substitute, pre-cleaned bottle. LEAN-a set of principles and methods used to identify and eliminate waste in any process, helps organizations improve speed and quality of their processes. Kaizen events are used to map out the process and find ways to streamline or eliminate unnecessary steps. Region 7 Laboratory used Lean Process yielding $30,000 a year cost savings Efficacy of Disinfection — Support to Office of Pesticides and Pollutants The Office of Pesticide Programs-Antimicrobial Division (OPP-AD) recently requested assistance from the Region 3 Laboratory in analyzing one of their disinfectant products for silver content. The mission of OPP-AD is to confirm, by analysis, the active ingredients in current disinfectant products. This confirmation is normally run using organic methodologies. But in this case, silver was the active ingredient and OPP does not have any metals instrumentation. Following the supplied manufacturer method (with minor changes) Region 3 analyzed the disinfectant for silver. Matrix issues caused the silver to fall out of solution; therefore, the manufacturer's stated formulation did not meet required specifications. ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Working toward a Sustainable Future Advance sustainable environmental outcomes and optimize economic and social outcomes through Agency decisions and actions, which include expanding conversation on environmentalism and engaging a broad range of stakeholders. \ FY2015 HIGHLIGHTS Laboratory Enterprise Forum Established \ i IMPROVING ANALYTICAL METHODS EPA established the Laboratory Enterprise Forum (LEF) in July 2015 to increase efficiency and impact of Agency laboratory functions. The primary purpose is to 1 LABORATORY ENTERPRISE FORUM strengthen communication, coordination, and collaboration among the laboratory enterprise; strengthen efficient and effective management processes and strengthen overall interactions with external lab organizations. g REDUCING CHEMICAL USE IN LABS R J Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) Method Development and Partnership Region 7 chemists have been developing several SPE extraction methods, which reduce the solvent usage while maintaining or improving detection limits. This year is the culmination of extensive method development in partnership with two different vendors and the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). EPA Region 7 was one of 25 laboratories participating in a two-phase study that provided a technical response to the comment period for the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) update of EPA Methods 608 and 625. I Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) Region 5 Laboratory completed development of two methods for the determination of Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). The method for non-potable waters was adopted by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as Method D7979 and the method for soils and biosolids was adopted as D7968 in FY2015. Both methods are being used to analyze samples by Region 5 for the Office of Research and Development (ORD), Cincinnati National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) study of PFCs from sewage plant operations and land application of biosolids. Regional Laboratories continue to explore opportunities to reduce chemical usage or improve processes. I ------- ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Section III — FY2015 Laboratory Accomplishment Results Summary I vvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agoncy i3A-i 0 R-17- 0 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report FY2015 Laboratory Accomplishment Results Summary This section summarizes a number of the common support services provided by the RLN. Because of the unique nature of the support provided by Regional Laboratories, the ideal Regional Laboratory scientist is one part research scientist and one part production scientist. Regional Laboratory scientists are capable of developing methods (often with short lead times), focusing on quality control, and operating under demanding delivery schedules. Regional Laboratory staff support diverse and challenging requests. During FY2015, RLN supported more than 150,000 analyses. The distribution of work by the RLN is shown in Figures 1 and 2. These totals exclude Quality Control (QC) samples, which add an additional 20%. In keeping with prior years, the Superfund program continues to be the largest volume requestor of analytical services (55.9%), followed by Water Programs (30.3%). Emergency Response program support continues to be significant at 3.7%, with RLN laboratories analyzing 5,538 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, which aided in timely and cost-effective decision-making in the field. All 10 Regional Laboratories augmented the National Enforcement Investigations Center's (NEIC's) capacity in support of important criminal cases, analyzing 196 criminal samples during the year. Figure 1. Analytical Support to EPA Programs in FY2015 (150,587 Total Analyses) Pesticides Emergency Response <3.7% TSCA .<1% LUST <1% Brownfields <1% RCRA <1%_ Other 7.2% Superfund 55.9% Water 30.3% Figure 2. FY2015 U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories Analyses Provided by Program (150,572 Total Analyses) 90000 84133 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report FY2015 Laboratory Accomplishment Results Summary Figure 3 summarizes the number of analytical projects supported by RLN according to EPA program element. Collectively, RLN supported 1,753 projects. Figure 3. Projects/Sites Supported by Regional Laboratory Data FY2015 by Program Element (1,753 Total Sites/Projects Supported) Superfund - Pre-remedial/Remedial i — 750 Field Sampling (field sampling audits and events, etc.) < 235 Water-Enforcement • :—< 145 Water- Program Implementation (REMAP, TMDL, TOXNET. etc.) i ¦ I 95 Superfund-Removal I fit Water - Drinking Water Compliance and Emergencies I 78 Air- Program Implementation (monitoring, peimrts, etc.) i < 74 Other i A 72 Superfund - Emergency Response U—-j| RCRA - Corrective Action -4 34 RCRA - Enforcement -1 24 LUST | M 23 Brownfields \ -4 22 Pesticides | -4 22 Criminal Investigation U 15 TSCA - Enforcement 1 5 Air-Enforcement l 1 3 TSCA- Remedial I 1 3 A significant amount of work supported during the year required methods be developed specifically to address the unique needs of a particular region (Figure 4). 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. Figure 4. Method Development Project Support to EPA Programs in FY2015 (93 Methods) I RCRA Other Superfund 24.7% Water 43.0% Emergency Response <1% Pesticides 6.5% Enforcement 3.2% i3A-i 0 R-17- 0 ------- ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report L Section IV — Regional Laboratories Capabilities Tables — FY2015 United States Environmental Protection Agoncy SEPA EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities — FY2015 I. Chemistry Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Regional Capability INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Acidity Water Titrimetric X X X X X X Alkalinity Water Titrimetric X X X X X X X X X X Asbestos Solids/Bulk material PLM X X X X Soil/Sediment PLM X X X X Anions Water IC X X X X X X X X X X Water Titrimetric X X Chromium, Hexavalent (Cr+6) Water Colorimetric X X X X Soil/Sediment Colorimetric X X Water IC X X X X X X Soil/Sediment IC X X Cyanide, Amenable Water Colorimetric X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment Colorimetric X X X X X X Cyanide, Total Water Colorimetric X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment Colorimetric X X X X X X X X X Waste Colorimetric X X X X X X X X Fluoride Water ISE X X X X Water IC X X X X X X X X X X Hardness Water Colorimetric Water Titrimetric X X X X Water I CP/Calculation X X X X X X X X X X Mercury, Total Water CVAA X X X X X X X X X Water Direct Hg Analysis X Soil/Sediment CVAA X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment Direct Hg Analysis X X X X Tissue (fish &/or plant) CVAA X X X X X X X X X Tissue (fish &/or plant) Direct Hg Analysis X Waste (oil, drum, etc.) CVAA X X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum,(etc.) Direct Hg Analysis X X Mercury (TCLP) Soil/Waste (oil, drum, etc..) CVAA X X X X X X X X Soil/Waste (oil, drum, etc..) Direct Hg Analysis X X Metals, Total Water ICP/AES X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment ICP/AES X X X X X X X X X X Tissue (fish &/or plant) ICP/AES X X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc.) ICP/AES X X X X X X X X X Metals (TCLP) Soil/Waste (oil, drum, etc..) ICP/AES X X X X X X X X X Metals, Total Water GFAA X Soil/Sediment GFAA X Tissue (Fish &/or plant) GFAA X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GFAA X Metals (TCLP) Soil/Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GFAA Metals, Total Water I CP/MS X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment I CP/MS X X X X X X X X X X Tissue (Fish &/or plant) I CP/MS X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) I CP/MS X X X X X Metals (TCLP) Soil/Waste (oil, drum, etc..) I CP/MS X X X X X Nitrogen (Ammonia) Water Colorimetric X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment Colorimetric X X X X Water Electrode X 32 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities — FY2015 I. Chemistry Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Regional Capability INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Nitrogen (N03&/or N02) Water Colorimetric X X X X X X X X X Soil Colorimetric X X X X Water IC X X X X X X X X X Soil IC X X X X X X X Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl Water Colorimetric X X X X X X X X Soil Colorimetric X X X X X Perchlorate Water IC X X X Soil IC X X Water IC with LC/MS confirmation X X X Water, Soil/Sediment LC/MS X X Water LC/MS/MS X X X X Phosphorus, Ortho Water Colorimetric X X X X X X Water IC X X X X X X X X X Phosphorus, Total Water Colorimetric X X X X X X X X X X Soil Colorimetric X X X X X Sulfate Water IC X X X X X X X X X X Soil IC X X X X X X X Water Turbidimetric X X Soil Turbidimetric X Sulfide Water Colorimetric X X Soil Colorimetric Water IC, Turbidimetric X Soil Titrimetric X X ORGANIC CHEMISTRY BNA Water GC/MS X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment GC/MS X X X X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GC/MS X X X X X X X X X X Tissue (fish &/or plant) GC/MS X X BNA (TCLP) Solid/Waste GC/MS X X X X X X X X X BNA (TPH) Water GC/MS or GC X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment GC/MS or GC X X X X X X X X BOD Water Membrane Electrode X X X X X X X X X COD Water Photometric X X Water Colorimetric X X X X X EDB& DBCP Water GC/ECD X X X X X X Herbicides Water GC/ECD GC/NPD X X X Soil/Sediment GC/ECD GC/NPD X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GC/ECD GC/NPD X Tissue (fish &/or plant) GC/ECD GC/NPD X Herbicides (TCLP) Solid/Waste GC/ECD X X X Solid/Waste HPLC/UV Detection X Oil & Grease Water Gravimetric X X X X X X Soil/Sediment Gravimetric X X X Pesticides/PCBs Water GC/ECD X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment GC/ECD X X X X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GC/ECD X X X X X X X X X X Tissue (fish &/or plant) GC/ECD X X X X X X Pesticides (TCLP) Solid/Waste GC/ECD X X X X X X X X Phenolics Water Gravimetric X X X X Soil/Sediment Gravimetric X X X I ------- I U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities — FY2015 I. Chemistry Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Regional Capability ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PAHs Water GC/MS X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment GC/MS X X X X X X X X X X Air GC/MS X X Tissue (fish &/or plant) GC/MS X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GC/MS X X X X X X X X TOC Water Combustion/IR X X X X X X X Soil Combustion/IR X X X X X X X Water UV/Persulfate X X X X VOA Water GC/MS X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment GC/MS X X X X X X X X X X Air GC/MS X X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GC/MS X X X X X X X X X Water GC X X Soil/Sediment GC X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) GC X X X X X X X VOA (TPH) Water GC/MS or GC X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment GC/MS or GC X X X X X X X II. Physical and Other Determinations Flash Point Aqueous/Liquid Waste (oil, drum, etc..) Pensky-Martens or Setaflash X X X X X X X X Conductivity Water Specific Conductance X X X X X X X X X X Ignitability Soil/Sediment Ignitability of Solids X X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) Pensky-Martens or Setaflash Closed Cup X X X X X X X X pH Water Electrometric X X X X X X X X X X Soil/Sediment Electrometric X X X X X X X X X X Waste (oil, drum, etc..) Electrometric X X X X X X X X X X Solids, Non-Filterable Water Gravimetric X X X X X X X X X X Solids, Percent Soil/Sediment Gravimetric X X X X X X X X X X Solids, Total Water Gravimetric X X X X X X X X X X Solids, Total Dissolved Water Gravimetric X X X X X X X X X X Solids, Total Volatile Water Gravimetric X X X X X X X Turbidity Water Nephelometric X X X X X X X X X X III. Biology/Microbiology Coliform, Total Water, Soil &/or Sludge Various X X X X X X X X Coliform, Fecal Water, Soil &/or Sludge Various X X X X X X X X E. coli Water, Soil &/or Sludge Various X X X X X X X X Toxicity (Acute & Chronic) Water Fathead, Ceriodaphnia X X X X Heterotrophic PC Water Various X X X X X X X X 34 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 1 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Inorganic Anions Water IC (EPA Method 300.0) Water Mercury Water, Tissue Direct Mercury Analyzer (Thermal Decomposition, Amalgamation & Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) EPA Method 7473 Superfund, Water Metals Water, Sediment, Soil, Waste (drum), Paint, Dust, Cosmetics XRF (EPA Method 6200) Superfund, TSCA (Pb) Field Screening and Laboratory Testing Perchlorate Water LC/MS/MS (EPA Method 331.0) ' Superfund/Water ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Carbonyls Air HPLC (EPA Method TO-11A) Air 1,4-Dioxane Water GC/MS Purge & Trap (EPA Method 8260) Superfund Ethylene Glycol Water GC Explosives Water, Soil HPLC (EPA Method 8330) Superfund Oil Identification Water GC/FID (ASTM D-3415-79) Superfund Organic Compounds Solid, Liquid FTIR Superfund - ERB Unknown ID Oxygenated Compounds/ Benzene Fuel IR (RFG Inspector's Manual) Air PAHs Soil/Sediment Immunoassay (EPA Method 4035) Superfund PCBs Air, Wipes GC/ECD (EPA Method 3508A) Air/Superfund Pentachlorophenol Soil, Sediment Immunoassay (EPA Method 4010) Superfund Pesticides/PCBs Water, Soil, Sediment, Waste (drum) GC/ECD (EPA Method 8081 A/8082) Superfund Water, Soil, Sediment, Waste (drum) GC/ECD (EPA Method 680) Superfund Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) Water LC/MS/MS Water VOCs Air (mini-cans) GC/MS (EPA Method TO-15) Superfund Water, Soil, Air GC/ECD/PID Superfund PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS Grain Size Soil, Sediment Sieve (Modified ASTM) Superfund, Water Region 1 SOP Loss on Ignition (LOI) Sediment Water Percent Lipids Tissue Gravimetric BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Enterococci Ambient water Enterolert Ambient monitoring Chlorophyll a Ambient water EPA 445.0 Ambient monitoring Toxicity (Acute) Sediment C. dilutus, H. azteca Water, Superfund Bulk sediment ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY CO Air/N2 EPA Reference or Equiv. Method as in 40 CFR Part 58 Air NOx Air/N2 EPA Reference or Equiv. Method as in 40 CFR Part 58 Air S02 Air/N2 EPA Reference or Equiv. Method as in 40 CFR Part 58 Air Percent Sulfur Fuel Oil ASTM D4294 Air Vanadium Fuel Oil ICP/AES Air Dry ashing at 525° C REGION 2 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Asphaltenes (Hexane Insolubles) Fuel Oil ASTM 3279 Air Methane, Ethane, Ethene Water GC/FID SF/RCRA Ozone Precursors (hydrocarbons) Air GC/MS/FID Air Pesticides Wipes LC/MS/MS and GC/MS General Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Water, Solid Hexane Extraction (EPA Method 1664) Water PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS Density Ink, Paint ASTM D1475 Air Grain Size Solid Pipet Method Superfund, Water Solid Hydrometer Method (based on ASTM D422-63) Superfund, Water Particulates (Fine) Air EPA Reference or Equiv. Method as in 40 CFR Part 58 Air Percent Volatile Matter ASTM D2369 Air Percent Water Ink, Paint ASTM D4017 Air Viscosity Fuel Oil ASTM D88 Air BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Cryptosporidium Water 'Fluorescent Microscopy (EPA Method 1623) Water DNA - qPCR (Enterococcus) Water (Fresh & Marine) EPA/Cepheid Methodology Water DNA-qPCR E. coli Water (Fresh & Marine) EPA/CDC Protocols Water DNA, Markers Various Water (Fresh & Marine) Geese, Gull, Cow, HF183, Gen Bacteroidales Water Enterococcus Group Water Membrane Filtration Water Giardia Water Fluorescent Microscopy (EPA Method 1623 Water mColiblue24 Water MF/Hach Water Enterolert w/ Quantitray Water Defined Substrate Technology Water Colilert 18/Colilert w/Quantitray Water Defined Substrate Technology Water 36 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 3 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Nitroaromatics & Nitroamines Water, Soil/Sediment HPLC Water Method 8330 Nitroglycerine Water, Soil/Sediment HPLC Water Method 8332 Nitrogen, Total Water Colorimetric Emergency Response Chemical Warfare Agents Water/Solid/Wipe GC/MS PCB Congeners Water, Soil/Sediment, semi permeable membrane device (SPMD) HR GC/MS Method 1668C PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS ID Ozone Depleting Compounds Propellants/Aerosols FTIR Air Enforcement ID Unknowns Bulk Mercury Density Superfund, RCRA Water FTIR Water Screening it, identify unknowns Soil/Sediment FTIR Screening it, identify unknowns Alcohols Water, Soil/Sediment FTIR RCRA When necessary for Ignitability ID Unknowns Wastes FTIR Screening it, identify unknowns BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Benthic Macroinvertebrate Freshwater Identification Water Marine/Estuarine Benthic Invertebrate Taxonomy Invertebrate Specimens or Unsorted Sediment EPA EMAP Protocols Organisms identified to species or lowest taxonomy possible REGION 4 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Chromium (+6) Soil/Sediment Std Method 3500 CrD DW, Superfund Mercury, Total - Ultra Low Detection Level Water CVAF Water Method 1631 Tissue CVAF Water, Superfund Appendix 1631 Soil/Sediment CVAF Water, Superfund Appendix 1631 Metals, Total Waste (oil, drum, etc.) ICP/MS RCRA Not Commonly Available Air Hi-Vol Filters Air Not Commonly Available Metals (TCLP) Soil/Waste (oil, drum) ICP/MS RCRA Not Commonly Available ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Freon Products Canister & Air GC/MS Air, OECA Special analysis technique developed for criminal investigations of illegal Freon Natural Attenuation Analytes Water HR GC/MS (EPA Method 1668A) Superfund Methane, ethane, ethene PCB Congeners Water HR GC/MS (EPA Method 1668A) Superfund High resolution GC/MS Soil/Sediment HR GC/MS (EPA Method Superfund, RCRA High resolution GC/MS Tissue HR GC/MS (EPA Method Superfund, RCRA High resolution GC/MS Toxaphene Congeners Water/Soil GC/NIMS (EPA Method 8276) Water, Superfund 6 Parlars, 2 breakdown products Ultimate BOD Water Membrane Electrode (Std Method 5210C) Water BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Chlorophyll Water Water I ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 5 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Bromide/Chloride Ratio Brine Samples IC & related characterization techniques; ion balance Water, UIC & SDWA Difficult analyses Chloride Soil/Sediment IC Sediment Metals Suspended Particulate Matter ICP/MS Air Analysis of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 filters for metals ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Nonylphenol (NP), NP-1 and 2- ethoxylate, octyl phenol & bisphenol-A Water GC/MS (ASTM D7065-11) Water Endocrine disruptor - High Concentration method (ppb) Nonylphenol (AP), AP-1 and 2- ethoxylate, octyl phenol & bisphenol-A Soil/Sediment GC/MS (8270 modified / Internal SOP) Water Endocrine disruptor Nonylphenol (NP), NP-1 and 2- ethoxylate, octyl phenol Water LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7485-09) Water Endocrine disruptor Low level method (ppt) Bisphenol-A Water LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7574-09) Water Endocrine disruptor Low level method (ppt) Nonylphenol carboxylates Water LC/MS/MS Water Endocrine disruptor Long chain NP, NPEOs (n=3- 18) Water LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7742-11) Water Endocrine disruptor COD Soil/Sediment Colorimetric PCBs Water, Oil, Soil, Wipes 8082 (GC/EC) TSCA Aroclor specific TSCA reg. Compliance method & multiple action levels PCB Congeners Water. Sludge GC/MS/MS, GC/NCI-MS RCRA, SF, TSCA, Water Compare with HRGC/HRMS method Chlorthalonil Water GC/MS FIFRA Stream Survey Purgeable 1,4-Dioxane & Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Water Method 624-Dioxane (Wide- Bore Capillary Column GC/ MS) Superfund Specific analyte analysis method Various analytes (VOAs, SVOCs & Pesticides/PCBs) Water, Soil/Sediment ESAT FASP Methods GC/EC for VOAs, SVOCs & Pesticides/PCBs (XRF for metals) Superfund 'Fast TAT on-site; Screening or better data; Fast extraction for organics Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) & CWAdegradants Drinking Water LC/MS/MS Library Screening WSD, NHSRC Library search routine developed under CRADA with Waters Corp. Now use NIST LC/MS/MS Library of over 2,000 analytes Aldicarb, aldicarb sulfone, aldicarb sulfoxide, carbofuran, oxamyl, methomyl and thiofanox Water LC/MS/MS, ASTM7645-10 NHSRC SAP Method Aldicarb, bromadiolone, carbofuran, oxamyl, and methomyl Water LC/MS/MS, ASTM7600-09 NHSRC SAP Method Thiodiglycol Water LC/MS/MS, CRL SOP MS015 NHSRC SAP Method Soil LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2787-11 NHSRC SAP Method Wipes LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2838-11 NHSRC SAP Method ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 5 - continued Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Diethanolamine, triethanolamine, n- methyldiethanolamine and methyldiethanolamine Water LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7599-09 NHSRC SAP Method Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate (DOSS) in Seawater Stormwater LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7730-11 NHSRC/SF SAP Method Dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether in seawater Stormwater LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7731-11 NHSRC/SF SAP Method Bromodiolone, brodifacoum, diphacinone and warfarin in water Water LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7644-11 NHSRC SAP Method Diisopropyl methylphosphonate, ethyl hydrogen dimethylamidophosphate, ethyl methylphosphonic acid, isopropyl methylphosphonic acid, methylphosphonic acid and pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid Water LC/MS/MS, ASTM 7597-09 NHSRC SAP Method DIMP, EMPA, IMPA, MPA, PMPA Soil LC/MS/MS, ASTM WK34580 NHSRC SAP Method PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS Corrosivity by pH Hazardous Waste SW846 1110 RCRA Waste characterization Particle Size Soil/Sediment Particle size analyzer provides continuum of sizes- CRLSOP GLNPO, Water- Sediment For modelling and soil migration calcs. Water Content Hazardous waste SW846 -9000 RCRA, Superfund Support for flashpoint Paint Filter Test Paints and coatings RCRA, Superfund Specific Gravity Soil/Sediment Appendix IV of the Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual (F10-F22) Sediment I EPA-910-R-17-001 39 II ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 6 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Ammonia Air (passive coated filter) IC CAA Ogawa passive air collection device Ozone Air (passive coated filter) IC CAA Ogawa passive air collection device NOx Air (passive coated filter) IC CAA Ogawa passive air collection device SOx Air (passive coated filter) IC CAA Ogawa passive air collection device Trace level Hex Chrom Water IC/UV Water Perchlorate Water IC/MS/MS Water Metals by X-Ray Fluorescence Soil portable XRF Superfund, RCRA field screening ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Incidental PCBs Water GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue Series TSCA, RCRA grouped by number of chlorine Soil/Sediment GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue Series TSCA, RCRA grouped by number of chlorine Waste GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue Series TSCA, RCRA grouped by number of chlorine Chemical Warfare Agents PAMS (C2s and C3s identified) Water/Sol id/Wi pes GC/MS Emergency Response Air GC/MS/FID (split) CAA C2s and C3s are individually quant itated PCBs (Aroclor) Electrical Cable GC; Separation, extraction, analysis of individual components. Mod of program specific technique TSCA Toluene is extraction solvent PAHs (trace) Water/Solid/Oil GC/QQQ RCRA, Superfund Chemical Warfare Agents- Degradation products Water LC/MS/MS Emergency Response VOCs by OVM Air GC/MS CAA passive air monitoring Alcohols by headspace Water GC/MS RCRA, Superfund Light Hydrocarbons (dissolved gases) Water GC/MS RCRA, Superfund Organophosphorous Pesticides (OPPs) Water GC/NPD RCRA, Superfund Soil/Sediment GC/NPD RCRA, Superfund Waste GC/NPD RCRA, Superfund PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS Corrosivity by pH Waste Method 1110 - Corrosivity Toward Steel RCRA EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 7 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY CD Air 40 CFR Part 58 Air OAQPS Protocol Gas Verification Program NOx Air 40 CFR Part 58 Air OAQPS Protocol Gas Verification Program S02 Air 40 CFR Part 58 Air OAQPS Protocol Gas Verification Program 03 Air 40 CFR Part 58 Air NIST Standard Reference Photometer In-vitro Bioaccessibility Assays for Arsenic and Lead in Soil Soil ICP-MS/ICP-AES Superfund/RCRA SUPR Exposure/Toxicity Assessment ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Chlordane Air(PUF) GC/ECD (EPA Method TO- 4A) Special Project Herbicides Water, Soil/Sediment GC/ECD Water Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) Pesticides Water, Soil/Sediment, Tissue GC/ECD Water Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) VOCs Air Canister GC/MS (EPA Method TO-14 &TO-15) Air/Superfund Air Toxics Air Sorbent Tube GC/MS (EPA Method TO-17) Air/Superfund Air Toxics Water GC/MS Superfund/ORD In-Situ Chemical Oxidation Site Support PCBs Soil/Sediment, Waste GC/ECD Superfund/ORD Rapid Site Screening Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) Water LC/MS/MS Water Endocrine disruptors PAHs, Pesticides, Herbicides Water Twister GC/MS Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (solventless extraction) Water Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) VOCs Water, Soil, Air GC/MS Mobile Laboratory Superfund Rapid Site Characterization VOCs from In-situ Chemical Oxidation Sites Water GC/MS Superfund Improved Precision of VOC Samples from In-situ Chemical Oxidation Sites BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY E. coli Water (drinking/waste/ ambient) qPCR Water 2008 NFWA Enterococci Water qPCR Water Heterotrophic Bacteria Water Plate Count - Standard Methods Water 2008 NFWA Chlorophyll a Ambient water EPA 445.0 Ambient monitoring Invertebrate Taxonomy Invertebrates EPA EMAP Protocols Water Marine/Estuarine Benthic Taxonomy Benthic Organisms Water Organisms identified to species or lowest taxonomy possible ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 8 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Silica Water Colorimetric Water/Superfund Gadilinium Water ICP/MS Water/Superfund Wastewater Indicator ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Alcohols Water GC/FID Chlorophyll Water HPLC Water/Superfund Endothall Water GC/MS Water/Superfund TPH (VOA & BNA) Water, Soil/Sediment GC/MS or GC/FID Water/Superfund LC/MS/MS Pesticides Water LC/MS/MS Water/Superfund Monitoring for States and Tribes Low Level Pesticides/CLLE Water GC/MS Water/Superfund Monitoring for States and Tribes Metals - Arsenic/Selenium speciation Water, Soil, Tissue IC/ICP/MS Water/Superfund Speciation data needed for risk assessment Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) Water IC/ICP/MS Water/Superfund Endocrine disruptors Waste Indicator Compounds Water GC/MS Water/Superfund Monitoring for States and Tribes Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons- Diesel Range Organics Water, Soil GC/FID Water/Superfund Hydro-Fracking VOAs Water, Soil/Sediment GC/PID/ELCD Water/Superfund BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Bacteria (Arsenic-Reducing) Water, Sediment MPN Water/Superfund Bacteria (Iron-Reducing) Water, Sediment MPN Water/Superfund Bacteria (Sulfate-Reducing) Water, Sediment MPN Water/Superfund Bacteria (Clostridium perfringens) Water Membrane Filtration Water/Superfund Water Membrane Filtration Water/Superfund 42 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 9 Analyte/Group Name Sample Media Analytical Technique Supported Program(s) Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Ferrous Iron Water Titration with Dichromate Superfund Mercury, Vapor, Particulate and Reactive Ambient Air Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Air, Water (TMDL) Methyl mercury Water CVAF (EPA 1630) Water Metals (with mercury) Dust wipes, Ghost wipes ICP, ICPMS, CVAA Tribal Program Metals (SPLP) Soil, Sediment, Solid, Waste, Tissue SW846 1312: ICP, GFAA, CVAA, I CP/MS Superfund, RCRA Low level hexavalent chromium Drinking Water IC with post column reaction/ UV detection Water Metals Soil Portable XRF Superfund, Criminal Investigation Platinum Group Metals Catalytic converter washcoat Portable XRF Enforcement, Air Lead (Pb) in Air TSP High-Volume filters FEM EQL-0710-192, ICP/MS Air New Pb NAAQS Perchlorate Water, Soil LC/MS/MS (EPA Method 331.0) Superfund/Water In vitro bioaccessibility assays for arsenic and lead in soil Soil EPA 9200.1-86 Superfund ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Diazinon Water ELISA WQM 1,4-Dioxane Water, Soil, Sediment GC/MS Superfund, RCRA EDB/DBCP Water GC (EPA 504.1) Superfund, RCRA Methane, Ethane, Ethene Water GC/FID (RSK-175) Superfund, RCRA BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Benthic Taxonomic Identification Sediment (Marine) Taxonomic Identification Water, WQM Chlorophyll/Pheophytin Water/Periphyton Standard Method 10200 H, Procedure 2b Water, WQM Enterococci Water Enterolert Water, NPDES, WQM Heterotrophic Bacteria Water Plate Count - Standard Methods Water, NPDES, WQM Microcystin Water Immunoassay Water Toxicity Test, Red Abalone (Haliotis rufescens) Larval Development Water EPA/600/R-95/136 NPDES Toxicity Test, Sea Urchin Fertilization [Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus] Water EPA/600/R-95/136 Water, NPDES I EPA-910-R-17-001 43 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 10 Analyte/Group Name | Sample Media Analytical Technique | Supported Program(s) | Comments INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Asbestos, Bulk Solids EPA 600/R93/116 - XRD Superfund Low Level Mercury Water CVAF, Method 1631E Water, Superfund 0.2 to 0.5 ng/L reporting limits Methyl Mercury Water GC/CVAFS, Method 1630 Water, Superfund Metals Air filters ICP/MS, ICP CAA Blood ICP/MS Superfund Soil Portable XRF Superfund, Criminal Screening results for metals Paint Portable XRF TSCA, Criminal Lead in paint Solid X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) Superfund Characterizes the form metals exist in sample Metals - Arsenic speciation Fish/shellfish/seaweed IC/ICP/MS Superfund, Water Speciation data needed for Metals (TAL) + Total Uranium Small mammals, invertebrates Microwave Digestion, ICP/ AES, ICP/MS Superfund, RCRA Biomonitoring projects Metals (SPLP) Soil/Waste ICP/AES, ICP/MS Superfund Chlorophyll a Water SM 1002H Water In-vitro Bioaccessibility Assays for Lead in Soil Soil Leachates by Method 1340, IC/AES Superfund Percent Water Liquid Waste Karl Fischer titration RCRA Perchlorate Produce (fruits, milk) IC/MS Superfund ORGANIC CHEMISTRY BNA (Selected) Tissue SW846 Methods Superfund Butyl/tins Soil/Sediment GC/MS Superfund, Criminal WDOE method 1,4-Dioxane Water EPA Method 8270D SIM/ Method 522 Superfund Explosives (Nitroaromatics & Nitroamines) Water, Soil, fish/ shellfish EPA Method 8330/HPLC Superfund Hydrocarbon Identification Water, Soil/Sediment NWTPH-HCID Superfund, Criminal N-Nitrosodimethylamine Water, Soil Method 521 Superfund Herbicides Water, Soil/Sediment GC/MS Superfund Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) Water GC/MS Low Resolution Water Sediment/bio solids GC/MS Low Resolution Superfund, Water Tissue (fish) GC/MS Low Resolution Superfund Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons- Gasoline Range Organics Water, Soil NWTPH-Gx Superfund, RCRA Water, Soil NWTPH-Dx Superfund, RCRA VOAand SVOA Industrial wastes, Solids, Tissues Vacuum distillation, Methol 8261A Superfund, RCRA Low Level Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Other Neutral Organics Soil, Sediments GC/MS-MS Superfund, Brownfields, Water PCB aroclors Wipes GC/ECD Brownfields, RCRA Low Level Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons Shellfish, Water GC/MS-MS Superfund, Brownfields PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) Preparation of Soil Samples for Organic and Inorganic Analyses Soil Described in Method 8330B Appendix Superfund, Brownfields Variety of water quality tests Water Various probe-type measurements Superfund Flow thru cell system; performed in the field BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Aeromonas spp Drinking Water EPA Method 1605 SDWA- Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) EPA Approved Cryptosporidium and Giardia Water EPA Method 1623 (Filtration/ IMS/Staining) SDWA, Water, Ambient Monitoring Rule - recreational waters On approval list for LT-2 regulation Enterococci Ambient Water EPA Method 1600 Ambient Monitoring Rule Microbial Source Tracking Water PCR Water Microscopic testing Drinking/Source Water Microscopic particulate analysis Surface Water Treatment Rule Microscopic technique used to establish GWUDI characteristics of drinking ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Developing Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 1 Project Method Developmental Need Status Projected Completion Enterococcus in water by qPCR (EPA Method 1611 capability development Water In progress FY2014 REGION 2 SIM analysis for VOA and semi-VOA analysis Drinking and Surface Water Developing methods on current instrumentation FY2015 REGION 3 Arsenic speciation for water, soil/ sediment & tissue by IC or ICP/MS Speciation data to be used for risk assessments in support of Clean Water Act and Superfund. Identified developmental need; initiated research and evaluation of analytical procedures; project placed on hold due to lack of demand for analysis On hold EPA Method 1694 for Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCP) by LC/MS/MS Need for capability to identify and quantify pharmaceutical and personal care products. Cancelled due to loss of analyst. On hold PCR quantitation and source tracking Need for capability to determine source of E.coli contamination in support ofWater Program. In-progress. FY2013 Glycols in water Need for capability to identify glycol compounds in groundwater using LC/MS/MS to achieve lower quantitation limits. Complete FY2013 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Need for in-field testing of surface and drinking water for presence of estrogen and estrogen-like compounds. Complete FY2013 Dissolved Gases Superfund Initiated. Method 537 SVOCs in drinking water Drinking Water Initiated. Method 537 REGION 4 EPA Method 8261 VOCs in difficult matrices Initial investigation Unknown Internal Method - GC/MS/MS Low-level pesticides w/MS confirm Institute of Technology and Marine Engineering (ITME) is in process Jan-15 Lead bioavailability in soil, Method 1340 Superfund continued work REGION 5 PFOA/PFOS in biosolids and water Water Division study - Resource Management Information System (RMIS) Initial work done, new instrument installed and standards run to set up instrument. SOP in draft. FY2016 qPCR, Gene Sequencing Guar Gum Hydrofracking (HF) fluid screening tool - Region 3 support Some samples sequenced, screening tool in process. FY2016 Glyphosate in water by IC/MS Pesticide program request for stream survey Method development completed, SOP in process. FY2016 Fluorotelomer alcohols in water by MS/ MS Water Initiated. SOP in draft. FY2016 Glyphosate by IC/MS Pesticides completed Pesticide screen by LC/MS/MS Pesticides completed Low-level 1,4-Dioxane by GC/MS Superfund initiated PCB congeners by GC/MS/MS Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) completed LC/MS methods ORD completed ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Developing Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 6 Project Method Developmental Need Status Projected Completion Anions and Oxyhalides by IC Remove dependence on State Lab for this test. Superfund, RCRA, CWA Method developed, need DOC/MDL; SOPs,. continued April 2016 Direct mercury analysis (CVAF - Milestone) CWA, RCRA, Superfund DOC/MDL; SOP preparation, continued December 2016 Expanded 8270 list by GC/QQQ RCRA, Superfund Continued method development December 2016 High Dissolved Solids/Modified Method/ Anion CWA RCRA, Superfund Method being developed, continued October 2016 High Dissolved Solids /Modified Method/ Cation CWA, RCRA, Superfund Method being developed, continued October 2016 High Dissolved Solids/Modified Method/ OA CWA, RCRA, Superfund Method being developed continued. January 2017 Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCP) analysis CWA Method being developed, continued August 2016 Passive formaldehyde Clean Air Act (CAA) Method being developed, continued On hold Asbestos Superfund, RCRA On hold Induction-coupled plasma axial method Superfund continued Low molecular weight acid in resource extraction analysis Safe Drinking Water ACT (SDWA) continued Haloacetic acids in resource extractor analysis SDWA continued REGION 7 EPA Method 1694 for (PPCP) by HPLC/ MS/MS-Direct injection analysis-direct Speciation data to be used for Risk Assessments in support of Clean Water Act and Superfund. Performing method validation studies on surrogate compounds; developing SOP, expanded list of targets in FY2015 and FY2016. continued work FY2016 Pesticides by GC/MS/MS Confirmational analysis of pesticide analytes previously performed by GC/ECD CWA RCRA Superfund Instrument installed, method development and validation pending nitiated FY2016 Microbial Source Tracking Using qPCR TMDL and Stormwater Non human marker test completed; Pending additional technical method guidance from ORD continued work FY2015 Arsenic speciation for water, soil/ sediment & tissue by IC or ICP/MS Speciation data to be used for Risk Assessments in support of Clean Water Act and Superfund. Method development currently underway, on hold On hold due to limited staff. EPA Method 1694 for PPCP by HPLC/ MS/MS-direct injection analysis. Speciation data to be used for Risk Assessments in support of CWA and Superfund. Water Program Sample analysis for Urban Stream Monitoring, continued improvements. Ongoing PAH/SVOC in Water by Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction Water Program Sample analysis for Urban Stream Monitoring, continued improvements. Continued work pending final Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Ongoing Airborne VOC by Solid Sorbent Tube (EPA Method TO-17) Air Program Air sample monitoring for ongoing sites with regular re-evaluations. Use three- ohased sorbent tubes for low to moderate humidity. FY2015, field tests in FY2016 Airborne VOC by Solid Sorbent Tube (EPA Method TO-17) Air Program, vapor Intrusion Developing a single-phase sorbent method for evaluating high humidity uses for vapor intrusion and cave air evaluations. This method will focus on a short list of chlorinated VOCs FY2016 Independent Laboratories Institute Solid -Phase Extraction Study Office of Water Participation in the second phase of the study using two different solid ohase extraction techniques: Horizon SPE, and Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction FY2016 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Developing Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 8 Project Method Developmental Need Status Projected Completion Asbestos / Electron Microscope Need for capabilities to analyze water and soils for asbestos contamination at Superfund sites. Instrument operational and running samples. Ongoing Endocrine Disruptor Studies / LC/MS/MS Emerging needs for the Water orogram and ORD. Performing method validation. Ongoing Macroinvertebrate - Freshwater Benthic / Manual Enumeration Redevelop capability for Water orogram support due to loss of staff. Planning to hire replacement staff. Ongoing Microbial Source Tracking Develop capabilities in this technology for use in projects and emerging needs for the Superfund, Water programs and ORD. Biolog system installed; some staff trained; assessing method. Ongoing Microbial Source Tracking by PCR Develop capabilities in this technology for use in projects and emerging needs for the Water, Enforcement programs and ORD. Instruments and sample processing, ESAT staff training and/or assessing methods. Ongoing Arsenic Speciation for Water, Soil/ Sediment & Tissue/ IC/ICP/MS Speciation data to be used for Risk Assessments in support of Clean Water Act and Superfund. Identified developmental need; initiated research and evaluation of analytical procedures; necessary modifications to laboratory in progress. Ongoing Toxicity - Acute & Chronic in Mobile Lab On-site assessment for potential needs by the Water program. Mobile lab available; team lead initiating discussion of projects and team development. Ongoing Pharmaceuticals by LC/MS/MS Water and ORD Progress continuing. Ongoing Pesticides by LC/MS/MS Water Progress continuing. Ongoing Hormones and Steroids by LC/MS/MS Water and ORD Progress continuing. Ongoing Algal Toxins Water completed REGION 9 Low level total mercury in water (EPA 1631E) Address regional priority. Instrumentation installed. Method development initiated. FY2015 Analysis of Radiello passive air samplers for VOCs Address regional priority. Assessing health and safety issues FY2015 Anatoxin-a analysis using Receptor Binding Assay (RBA) Water Program monitoring for cyanotoxins Method development initiated. No new equipment needed. SOP drafted. Early FY2016 Analysis of VOCs in air using passive diffusive sampling media Superfund (vapor intrusion) completed FY2015 Precious metals analysis of washcoat from automobile catalytic converters using a Niton ZL3t Field-Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (FPXRF) Air enforcement completed FY2015 REGION 10 Develop Methyl Mercury Analysis Capability for Sediment Samples Methyl mercury data needed to support regional mercury strategy toward characterizing levels in the environment and evaluate public nealth risks. 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. Progress delayed due to workloads and program needs are uncertain. Ultra-trace Concentration Phosphorus Method for Treated Wastewater Effluent and Surface Water NPDES compliance monitoring at ultra low phosphorus levels. 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. Progress delayed due to workloads. Method developed but validation through matrix testing still to be done. New expected completion date to be determined. ------- I U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Regional Laboratories Developing Capabilities — FY2015 REGION 10 - continued Project Method Developmental Need Status Projected Completion Develop Diffusive Thin-Film Gradient (DGT) Preparation and Arsenic Analysis Capability The DGT disks are being tested at a Superfund site to determine if the material can effectively mimic arsenic uptake of bivalves in marine sediment. The DGTs require special conditioning at the aboratory and the arsenic analysis method needed to be developed for this matrix. The development of the methods was nitiated in 2015. Actual use of the disks and comparisons to actual data of clams are scheduled for early 2015. FY2015 Develop Pesticides Analysis Capability for Wipe Samples Wipe samples are planned to be collected at various tribal childcare facilities in OR to test for pesticides during CY 2016. The pesticides were identified and a iterature search of methods was conducted. FY2016 Methyl Mercury Analysis for Sediment Samples Superfund, water continued work Develop/Mobilize Activity Analysis Capability by SM2310GB in Water Samples Superfund, water nitiated Develop New extraction Methods for Pyrethroids and other common pesticides in wipe samples Enforcement and ORD nitiated 48 EPA-910-R-17-001 ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Appendix A — Acronyms/Abbreviations vvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agoncy ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Acronyms/Abbreviations -A- ACHD Allegheny County Health Department ACIL American Council of Independent Laboratories ADEM Alabama Department of Environmental Management -B- BTEX benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes -C- CAA Clean Air Act CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CLP Contract Laboratory Program -D- DGT diffusive thin-film gradient DOC demonstration of capability -E- EAID Environmental Assessment & Innovation Division EBCI Eastern Band Cherokee Indians EDXA energy-dispersive x-ray analysis EFED Environmental Fate and Effects Division EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPR Office of Ecosystems, Protection and Remediation ESA Environmental Site Assessment ESAT Environmental Services Assistance Team -F- FBAS fluidized bed asbestos segregator FBT Office of Monitoring and Assessment Freshwater Biology Team FIT FOG Implementation Team FOG Field Operations Group FY Fiscal Year -G- GC/FID gas chromatography/flame ionization detector GC/MS gas chromatography/mass spectrometry -H- HA Health Advisories HC hydrocarbon HHRA Human Health Risk Assessment HRS Hazard Ranking System ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Acronyms/Abbreviations -I- ICP inductively coupled plasma ICP/MS inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry IR infrared ISM incremental sampling methodology ISO International Standards Organization -J- -K- -L- LC liquid chromatography LDW Lower Duwamish Waterway LIMS Laboratory Information Management System LTAB Laboratory Technology and Analysis Branch -M- MST microbial source tracking -N- NEIC National Enforcement Investigations Center NELAC National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPL National Priorities List -O- OASQA Office of Analytical Services and Quality Assurance OEI Office of Environmental Information OPP Office of Pesticide Programs OPP-AD Office of Pesticide Programs Anti-Microbial Division OPRA Office of Partnerships & Regulatory Assistance ORD Office of Research and Development OTMS Office of Technical & Management Services -P- PAH polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon PCB polychlorinated biphenyl PID photoionization detector PLM polarized light microscopy ------- U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2015 Annual Report Acronyms/Abbreviations -Q- QA Quality Assurance QAFAP QA Field Activities Procedure QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan QC Quality Control -R- RARE Regional Applied Research Effort RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RLN Regional Laboratory Network RME Reasonable Maximum Exposure -S- SEM scanning electron microscopy SESD Science & Ecosystem Support Division SIM Selected Ion Monitoring SIP state implementation plan SLAMS State and Local Agency Monitoring Station SME subject matter expert SPE solid-phase extraction STC Science and Technology Center SVOA semi-volatile organic analysis -T- TCE trichloroethylene TEM transmission electron microscopy THM trihalomethanes TMDL total maximum daily load TOC total organic carbon TSS total suspended solids TTHM total trihalomethanes -U- U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency -V- VOA volatile organic analysis VOC volatile organic compound -w- WPD Water Protection Division -X- XRD X-ray diffraction XRF X-ray fluorescence -Y- -Z- ------- ------- ------- |