ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Monthly Teleconference: 202-991-0477/7939251#, January 28, 2019; 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET
MEETING SUMMARY
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board
(ELAB or Board) face-to-face meeting was held on January 28. 2019 in Milwaukee. WI at the
NELAC Institute (TNI) Forum on Environmental Accreditation. The agenda for this meeting is
provided as Attachment A, a list of meeting participants is provided as Attachment B, and action
items are included as Attachment C. The official certification of the minutes by the Chair or
Vice-Chair and the Designated Federal Officer is included as Attachment D.
ROLL CALL/ INTRODUCTION
Ms. Sharon Mertens called the meeting to order. Dr. Thomas O'Farrell called roll.
APPROVAL OF THE PRIOR MINUTES
The December 2018 ELAB meeting minutes are not ready to be approved, but they will be for
the February 2019 meeting.
OPENING REMARKS AND UPDATES FROM THE DFO
Dr. OTarrcIl welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked everyone for attending on short
notice. He reminded attendees calling in to mute phone lines to avoid unnecessary background
noise. He announced that he was sharing the PowerPoint to everyone on the conference phone
line.
TASK GROUP UPDATES ON CURRENT TOPICS
For the benefit of the audience, Ms, Mertens reviewed the ELAB FACA Charter. Dr, Delaney
reviewed the ELAB progress since the August face-to-face meeting,
User-Generated Mass SpectraI Library Acceptance Criteria
Dr. Michael Delaney presented this topic on behalf of Dr. Brian Buckley. Regarding EPA mass
spectrometry methods, the task group is suggesting criteria that would allow labs to generate
their own mass spectral libraries, tuning criteria and when to use NIST libraries, and what
reference materials (cholesterol, e.g.) can be used to evaluate performance. ELAB sent a letter to
EPA October 2018 regarding this topic. Dr. O'Farrell announced that a response was received
-------
from the Office of Water and Mr. Adrian Hanley. and he aims to share that within a week. Also,
another response will be coming from OLEM.
Acrolein and Acrylonitrile Preservation
This topic was presented by Mr. Brad Meadows. ELAB reviewed the analysis requirements for
acrolein and acrylonitrile in wastewater, specifically whether the pH needs to be preserved in
analysis samples. In June 2014. ELAB recommended that the EPA drop method 603. in favor of
method 624, The EPA response was that there was insufficient data to change the method of
preservation. In 2017, acrolein and acrylonitrile analysis was included in method 624.1.
However, the requirements were the same. In May 2018. ELAB sent another letter to the EPA
requesting a change in the preservation requirement. The letter included supplemental data from
industry stakeholders. The EPA responded that while the data supported the request, the scope of
the study was too limited. ELAB decided to conduct a more comprehensive study, and to include
the EPA Office of Water in the development. ELAB also enlisted the help of AC1L, who will be
recruiting volunteers in the industry to submit data for the study in a month or so. Dr. O'Farrell
reminded ELAB that Mr, Hanley suggested that once a study protocol has been drafted, he
should be consulted before the study is conducted.
600-Series Methods
Dr. Henry Leibovitz presented this topic. ELAB is considering the concerns of industrial labs for
EPA method 608.3, 624.1, and 625. Dr. Leibovitz will convene a task group and would like for
the laboratory community to provide input.
OGWDW Guidance on Drinking Water MDLs
This topic was presented by Ms. Debra Waller. In August 2018, a lab representative raised
concerns about the EPAs latest documents on Drinking Water MDLs. It was unclear whether this
document wras meant to be used as a guidance or policy. There was a discussion on how the
different states handle these documents differently. Dr. Delaney, Ms. Mertens, and Ms. Waller
formed a task group, and they are working on drafting a letter to the EPA asking for more
transparency and clarity. They will bring the letter to the Board for approval in February.
Inactive Topics
a) Interagency Data Quality Task Force (IDQTF)ZData Quality Objective Process
Dr. Leibovitz stated that ELAB submitted a letter to the EPA in October 2018. It included
ELAB's final recommendations for this topic: 1) primary contractors should involve labs early in
the planning process because it is important for having successful projects 2) ACIL and EB1
should educate primary contractors on how to engage laboratories in the project planning
process. This topic is now closed.
b) Cyanide Methodology
Dr. Delaney stated that this topic awaiting input from the EPA. ELAB previously provided the
-------
EPA with recommendations, and the EPA agreed to revise their guidance.
c) Improved PC'B Congener Method
Dr. Delaney presented this topic. ELAB recommended to the EPA a simple method for using
low resolution MS for PC3 congeners in wastewater. Mr. Adrian Hanley {EPA) developed a
method, and the single lab validation is complete. A multi-lab validation is in progress. The
method has not been released to avoid it becoming a de facto standard before the method is
complete. The method validation is expected to be completed in the Spring.
d) Whole Effluent Toxicity PT Standards
Dr. Leibovitz presented this topic. ELAB reviewed a white paper on proficiency testing (PT) for
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET), as requested by TNI. ELAB submitted a response in May 2017.
The response was 1) Labs should follow WET PT conditions and instructions identified in the
study 2) WET PT programs should drop NOEC requirement so that labs must only submit one
endpoint each for acute and chronic tests.
There are two conflicting ideas regarding WET PT testing within EPA. The first: All labs should
use the same conditions so that all PT samples are comparable. The second: All labs should use
the conditions mandated by their wastewater treatment permit for PT testing. Dr. Leibovitz
suggested the adoption of a Quality Control Sample (QC'S) as a solution for both ideas. A QCS
would ensure the conditions that satisfy the permit produce results that are satisfactory for a
WET PT study. Labs would be able to produce results that are comparable for a PT study while
satisfying their permits. ELAB and TNI have submitted recommendations to the EPA.
Dr. Delaney suggested inviting Mr. Greg Savitske (EPA) and Ms. Lynn Bradley (TNI), along
with the TNI WET PT testing committee members to the next ELAB meeting. Ms. Mertens and
Dr. Leibovitz supported this idea. Ms. Mertens suggested someone present this idea at the next
TNI meeting. Dr. Delaney commented that the TNI meetings occur simultaneously with ELAB
meetings, so someone from TNI would need to be willing to miss a meeting. Ms. Mertens
proposed that instead of someone missing the TNI meeting, Mr. Savitske could attend the next
TNI meeting. Ms. Stacie Crandall volunteered to be added to the PT testing task group. Dr.
Delaney expressed interest in inviting Ms. Waller to the task group because she audits WET labs.
He will ask Mr, Savitske and Ms. Bradley if they will participate in a WET PT task group
meeting.
e) In-Line/On-Une Monitoring Interagency
Mr. Michael Flournoy stated there are no updates on this topic.
/) Addressing Emerging Contaminants
Ms. Mertens provided updates on this topic. The current process for addressing emerging
contaminants is slowr and inefficient. ELAB has asked the EPA if they have any requests from
ELAB lo help streamline the process. The EPA responded yes but has not shared specific details
-------
to date. There are many groups working on solutions for this broad topic.
Ms. Mertens asked the audience for any questions or concerns. An audience member asked Ms.
Mertens to clarify whether she was discussing drinking water or wastewater issues. She replied
both. Then he asked how the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) and the Unregulated
Contaminant Monitoring Rules (UCMR) and other entities working on drinking water can be
used to develop matrices on other emerging contaminants. Dr. Delaney suggests inviting a PFAS
analysis expert lo the next ELAB meeting to talk about this issue.
g) Drinking Water Program Adoption of Recent Approved Methods
Ms. Waller, and this task group, previously submitted a letter to EPA asking EPA to only allow
the most recently approved version of the drinking water method. Dr. OTarrell replied that EPA
OW will be providing a response to the letter.
h) Selected Ion Monitoring
Dr. Delaney said KLAB sent a letter to EPA suggesting minimum criteria for Selected Ion
Monitoring. The EPA provided comments on the criteria. ELAB revised the criteria and sent
another letter to EPA and is awaiting further input from EPA. He suggested removing this topic
from next agendas.
NEW TOPICS/ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION
a) What does the laboratory community want ELAB to work on?
There were 110 comments. People can email suggestions to EPA.
b) Is EPA following its policy and guidance on method validation?
Ms. Mertens addressed this question, stating the EPA has implemented methods that have not
been properly validated. ELAB is working on a letter asking EPA to follow their policy requiring
methods to be validated before promulgation.
An audience member informed KLAB that at the last NEMC they had a meeting regarding
method validation. He raised concerns about the definition of validation: some people view
multi-lab studies as validation, while others do not. He is working in a group to develop a
document on how to define validation and how to validate methods before the multi-lab study.
Dr. Delaney will discuss this issue during the February meeting.
WRAP-UP/SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS
1. Dr. O'Farrell and Dr. Delaney will complete the draft December minutes and distribute.
2, Dr. Leibovitz will convene a meeting of the 600 Series Methods task group.
-------
3. Dr. Delaney will invite EPA (Greg Savitske and perhaps someone from compliance) and
the TNI WET Committee to discuss WET PTs at either an ELAB meeting or a task group
meeting. Additional members may be added lo the task group (Stacey Crandall and
perhaps Ms. Waller).
4. Ms. Mertens. Ms. Waller, and Dr. Delaney will complete a draft of the DW MDL letter.
5. Dr, O'Farrell will follow up with OW on a response to the DW methods letter.
6. Dr. O'Farrell will provide Dr. Delaney and Dr. Buckley with any EPA comments on the
MS Library letter.
7. Dr. Delaney will look at the EPA method validation documents and suggest how ELAB
should pursue.
8. Mr. Meadows will continue to follow up with ACIL on the possible aero lei n/acrylonitrile
wastewater preservation study. A draft study plan should be sent to Adrian i lanley for
review.
9. The SIM and IDQTF topics will be taken off the "inactive" list.
CLOSING REMARKS/ADJOURNMENT
The February 2019 ELAB Meeting will be held on February 20, 2019 at 1 pm Eastern.
Ms. Mertens moved to adjourn, and it was passed.
-------
Attachment A
AGENDA
Teleconference Numbers 202-991-0477 / 7939251ft
January 28, 2019
Webconference:
epawebconferencing.acms.com/ofarrelll/
I. Call Meeting to Order Waller
II. Introduction of Board Members/Roll Call Board
III. Approval of Minutes for Previous Meeting Waller
IV. Remarks and Updates from the DFO O'Farrell
V. Updates on Current Topics
a. User-Generated Library Acceptance Criteria Delaney/Buckley
b. Acrolein and Acrylonitrile Preservation and pH Meadows
c. 600-Series Methods Leibovitz
d. OGWDW Guidance on Drinking Water MDLs Delaney
f. Inactive topics awaiting feedback/input:
• Interagency Data Quality Task Force/Data Quality Objective
Process Leibovitz
• Cyanide Methodology Delaney
¦ Improved PCB Congener Method Delaney
¦ Whole Effluent Toxicity proficiency study standards Leibovitz
¦ In-Line/On-Line Monitoring Flournoy
¦ Addressing Emerging Contaminants Mertens
¦ Drinking Water Program Adoption of Recent Approved
Methods Waller
¦ Selected Ion Monitoring Delaney
VI. New Topics/Issues for Consideration Waller
o What does the Laboratory community want ELAB to work on?
o Is EPA following its policy and guidance on method validation?
VII.
VIII.
Wrap-Up/Summary of Action Items
Closing Remarks/Adjourn
O'farrell/Waller
O'Farrell/Waller
-------
Attachment B
PARTICIPANTS LIST
Board Members Attendance
(Y/N)
Name
Affiliation
Y
Dr. Michael (Mike) Delaney
(Chair)
Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority
(MWRA)
Representing: MWRA
Y
Mr. Michael Flournoy (Vice-
Chair)
Euro fins Environment Testing
USA
Representing: American
Council of independent
Laboratories
Y
Dr. Thomas O'Farrell (DFO)
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Representing: EPA
N
Dr. Kim Anderson
Oregon State University
Representing: Academia-
Oregon State University
N
Dr. Brian Buckley
Rutgers Environmental and
Occupational Health Sciences
Institute
Representing: Academia and
Laboratory—Rutgers
Y
Dr. Francoise Chauvin
NYC Dept. of Environmental
Protection
Representing: NYCDEP
Y
Dr. Deyuan (Kitly) Kong
Chevron Energy Technology
Company
-------
Representing: Chevron
Y
Ms. Stacie Crandall
Hampton Roads Sanitation
District
Representing: HSRD
Y
Dr. Henry Leibovitz
Rhode Island State Health
Laboratories
Representing: Association of
Public Health Laboratories
Y
Mr. Brad Meadows
Babcock Laboratories, Inc.
Representing: Commercial
Laboratory— Babcock
Laboratories, Inc.
Y
Ms. Sharon Mcrtens
Milwaukee Metropolitan
Sewerage District
Representing: The NELAC
Institute
Y
Mr. Richard Gossett
PHYSIS Labs
Representing: PHYSIS Labs
Y
Mr. David Thai
Environmental Standards Inc.
Representing: Environmental
Standards Inc.
Y
Dr. Jayesh Gandhi
Metrohm USA
Representing: Metrohm USA
Y
Ms. Debra (Deb) Waller
New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection
(NJDEP)
Representing: State
-------
Government—NJDEP
Y
Mr. Ray Frederici
TestAmerica
Representing: TestAmerica
PARTICIPANTS LIST (CONT)
Contractors and Guests
Attendance (Y/N)
Name
Affiliation
N
Ms. Alexis Bryant
Contractor at EPA
-------
Attachment C
Action Items
1. Dr. O'Farreil and Dr. Delaney will complete the draft December minutes and distribute.
2. Dr. Leibovitz will convene a meeting of the 600 Series Methods task group.
3. Dr. Delaney will invite EPA (Greg Savitske and perhaps someone lrom compliance) and
the TNI WET Committee to discuss WET PTs at either an ELAB meeting or a task group
meeting. Additional members may be added to the task group (Stacey Crandall and
perhaps Ms. Waller).
4. Ms. Mertens. Ms. Waller, and Dr. Delaney will complete a draft of (he DW MDL letter.
5. Dr. O'Farreil will follow up with OW on a response to the DW methods letter.
6. Dr. O'Farreil will provide Dr. Delaney and Dr. Buckley with any EPA comments on the
MS Library letter.
7. Dr. Delaney will look at the EPA method validation documents and suggest how ELAB
should pursue.
8. Mr. Meadows will continue to follow up with AC1L on the possible acrolein/acrylonitriie
wastewater preservation study. A draft study plan should be sent to Adrian Han ley for
review.
9.
The SIM and IDQTF topics will be taken off the "inactive'" list.
-------
Attachment D
I hereby certify lhat this is the final version of the minutes tor the Environmental Laboratory
Advisory Board Meeting held on January 28, 2019.
x
Dr, Michael Delanev Dr, Thomas O'Farrelt
Chair Designated Federal Officer
-------
------- |