Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board Meeting ELAB November 21, 2018;

ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Monthly Teleconference: 202-991-0477/7939251#, November 21, 2018; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
MEETING SUMMARY
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board
(ELAB or Board) teleconference meeting was held oil November 21, 2018. 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
Dr. Michael Delaney called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for their time today right
before the Thanksgiving holiday.
APPROVAL OF THE PRIOR MINUTES
Mr. Brad Meadows requested edits on the 'Future Topics" category in the October 2018 ELAB
Meeting Minutes. Dr. Delaney said he would make those edits. Mr. Meadows motioned to
approve the October 2018 ELAB Meeting Minutes and Dr. Jayesh Gandhi seconded the motion.
Dr. Anderson abstained. The motion passed. Dr. Delaney staled that approval of the Minutes is
contingent upon the proviso that Mr. Meadow's edits are addressed as well as correcting typos.
OPENING REMARKS AND UPDATES FROM THE DFO
Dr. Thomas O'Farrell welcomed everybody to today's meeting and wished everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving. The November 2019 ELAB meeting will not be on the day before Thanksgiving.
Dr. O'Farrell thanked everyone for sending in their completed membership acceptance forms.
For the face-to-face meeting in January in Milwaukee. WI. it would be ideal to have the meeting
chair attending in-person. Dr. Delaney may not be able to attend, in which case the Vice Chair,
Mr. Flournoy would try to attend, if able. Otherwise another chair will be identified. Dr.
O'Farrell addressed Dr. Tom Sinks' role as the Director of the Office of the Science Advisor
(OSA) who reports to EPA's Science Advisor, Dr. Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta.
TASK GROUP UPDATES ON CURRENT TOPICS
User-Generated Library Acceptance Criteria
ELAB received a letter back from Dr. Sinks and it has been distributed to everyone. Dr. Brian

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Buckley plans to create a response and distribute it to the Committee and go from there. Dr.
OTarrell said the recent letter was reviewed in the Science Advisor's office and distributed to
the Principal Deput\ Assistant Administrators of Ihe Office of Land and [Emergency
Management (OLEM) and the Office of Water (OW) and technical leads within those Offices for
them lo consider the recommendations as they apply to the methods under their purview. It was
also sent to the EPA Science and Technology Policy Council, Scientific Support Panel, which
has representatives from alt EPA Offices and Regions. If Offices and Regions want to engage
further, Dr. OTarrell will get back to HLAB on that. It is likely still under review. This topic
originated when some users of the methods with state-of-the-art instruments said that they
cannot, in good conscience, degrade the performance of their instruments to meet the
requirements of older methods. Mr. David Thai expressed interest in the history of this topic.
Acrolein and Aery ton itrile
This is a topic that Dr. Delaney and Dr. Mahcsh Pujari have been trying to pursue. Data was sent
to EPA and conversations were had with Dr. Adrian Hanley. ELAB received a response stating
that there is insufficient data lo change Part 136 preservation to allow pH 2 preservation for
acrolein and acrvlonitrile. Dr. DeSancy and Dr. Pujari pursued this with Dr. I lanley and received
a detailed email describing what kind of a study it would take to convince EPA of this and
concluding with the question of whether this is something ELAB should be working on. Dr.
Delaney distributed Dr. Ilanley's email to everyone on the Board. From the commercial lab
perspective. Mr. Meadows reiterated the complexity of preserving acrolein and acrylonitriie and
thinks that ELAB should come to a resolution. Mr. Meadows sits on the Environmental Sciences
Section (ESS) of the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) and offered to bring
this topic up with them to see if there is any interest in ACIL membership participating in
generating the data. Alternatively, perhaps the Independent Laboratories Institute would be
interested in conducting the study. Dr. Delaney expressed his willingness to assist in writing a
study plan to help facilitate the transition.
PCB Congener Method
Laboratories collecting wastewater samples for the multi-laboratory validation had just received
the sample containers. They are collecting a large volume of a wide variety of wastewater
matrices that will be then be homogenized, aliquoted. and ultimately sent out to the labs that are
participating in the method validation. Dr. Delaney anticipates that this will be happening soon
and. at the moment, is unsure of the timeframe given to the labs to analyze the samples, but
sometime in earl\ 2019, the data from the study should be available and if things go well, EPA
would be proposing that method to be added to Part 136. Then it is likely to become the de facto
PCB congener method for wastewater testing. Mr. David Thai said he has experience with this
kind of sample collection and Dr. Delaney will send Mr. David Thai an email with Adrian
Hanley" s contact information if he wants to talk to him.
600-Series Meth ads
At the October 2018 ELAB Meeting, the formation of a task group was discussed to look at the
new 600-Series Methods and identify current gaps. Most of the new members indicated that thev
were willing to think about joining the task group. Dr. Delaney inquired about who would like to
participate in the task group. Dr. Delaney cited this as a great opportunity to get EPA's ear on

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how to improve the new 600-Series Methods. Dr, Dclancy. Ms. Crandall, Mr. Rich Gossett, Mr.
Flouraoy. and Mr. Thai agreed to participate on this task force with Dr. Leibovitz.
OOH'Dlf Guidance on Drinking H ater MDLs
Ms. Deb Waller. Ms. Sharon Mertens, and Dr. Dclancy have been exchanging emails on this
topic. The Drinking Water Guidance on MDLs was brought up at our August meeting by a
member of the public who found the document to be confusing on whether it was guidance or
policy, or not. Dr. Dclancy would like to bring a letter to the December 2018 HLAB Meeting
advising EPA on how they could improve the process of telling labs what they need to do. EPA
does not normally regulate by guidance in the Drinking Water Program, but Dr. Delaney also
was unclear whether his lab should be following it or not. A letter dratted by Ms. Waller, Ms.
Mertens. and Dr, Dclancy will be brought to the December 201 8 ELAB Meeting.
Inactive Topics
a) Cyanide Methodology
There is no update for this topic. ELAB believes that KPA Drinking Water Program is working
on a revision to its cyanide guidance on cyanide testing and drinking water.
b) Whole Effluent Tax icily PT Standards
There is no update for this topic. Since the last meeting. Dr. Delaney spoke with Ms. Teresa
Norbcrg-King (ORD-NI 1EHRL), who is EPA's expert on toxicity testing, and she is aware of the
issue of to what extent the test conditions should be specified for the DMR-QA and other WET
PT samples.
c) In-Line/On-L'me Monitoring Interagency
This is no update for this topic and ELAB is awaiting on further guidance from EPA.
d) Addressing Emerging (. 'ontaminants
This is no update for this topic and ELAB is awaiting on further guidance from EPA.
e) Drinking Water Program Adoption of Recent Approved Methods
This letter has been sent to directly to OGWDW who will consider it and respond directiy to
ELAB. It was sent out a week and a half ago and a response is anticipated.
NEW TOPICS/ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION
a) "Mercury Free " Analysis for Lead (Ph) and Copper (Cu) by Electrochemistry
Dr. Gandhi addressed the issue of lead and copper, along with other heavy metals, posing a huge
issue for analysis, especially in the field. Classic electrochemistry methods involve a substantial
amount of mercury-bascd detectors or mereur\-based reagents, which both cause hazardous
waste disposal issues. Metrohni USA has developed a mercury-free electrochemical system to
mimic classical electrochemistry specifically designed for groundwater, drinking water, and
surface water. This mercury-free system has been tested for about two years in the field to
conduct analyses. Dr. Gandhi is seeking guidance 011 where he should apply this method and

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liow he should approach HP A for gelling this method on their radar. Dr. Delaney responded by
stating EPA had published guidance documents on alternative test procedures (ATPs). Dr.
Bueklev proposed that Dr. Gandhi discuss this method with EPA's Inorganic Methods Working
Group first. This working group evaluates new techniques for potential incorporation in the CFR
and everything else.
Mr. David Thai asked if ELAB could work on emerging contaminants.
Dr. O'Farrell was requested to reach out to OLHM regarding their efforts on PFAS testing in
non-drinking water matrices and inquire about the work they are currently doing.
VVRAP-IU7SUMMAUY OF AC TION I'll!MS
Dr. Delaney announced he will put together the list of action items with Dr. OTarrell.
C LOSING RKMARKS/ADJOl'RNMENT
The December 2018 ELAB Meeting will be held on December 19. 2018 at 1:00 pm. Dr. Buckley
moved to adjourn. Mr. Flournoy seconded, and the motion w as passed. The meeting adjourned at
2:23 pm.

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Attachment A
ELAB Meeting
AGENDA
Teleconference Numbers 202-991-0477 / 7939251#
November 21, 2018
Webconference:
epawebconferencing.acms.com/of3rrelll/
!. Call Meeting to
Order	Delaney
II.	Introduction of Board Members/Roll
Call	Board
III.	Approval of Minutes for Previous Meeting	Delaney
IV.	Remarks and Updates from the
DFO	O'Farrell
V.	Updates on Current Topics
a.	User-Generated Library Acceptance Criteria	Buckley
b.	Acrolein and Acrylonitrile Preservation and pH	.	Delaney
c.	Improving PCB Congener Method Option	Delaney
d.	600-Series Methods	Leibovitz
e.	OGWDW guidance on drinking water MDLs	Delaney
VI, Inactive topics awaiting feedback/input:
a.	Cyanide Methodology	Delaney
b.	Whole Effluent Toxicity proficiency study standards	Leibovitz
c.	In-Line/On-Line Monitoring	Flournoy
d.	Addressing Emerging Contaminants	Mertens
e.	Drinking Water Program Adoption of Recent Approved Methods	Waller
f.	Selected Ion Monitoring	Delaney
VI. New Topics/Issues for
Consideration	Delaney

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"Mercury Free" analysis for Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu) by
Electrochemistry	Gandhi
VII. Wrap-Up/Summary of Action
Items	O'Farrelt/Delaney
Closing Remarks/Adjourn	O'Farrell/Delaney

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Attachment I)
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 Fiournoy (Vice-
Chair)
Euro fins Environment Testing
USA
Representing: American
Council of Independent
Laboratories
Y
Dr. Thomas OTarrell (DFO)
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Representing: EPA
Y
Dr. Kim Anderson
Oregon State University
Representing: Academia-
Oregon State University
Y
Dr. Brian Buckley
Rutgers I Environmental and
Occupational I lealth Sciences
Institute
Representing: Acadcmia and
Laboratory—Rutgers
Y
Dr. Francoisc Chauvin
NYC Dept. of Environmental
Protection
Representing: NYCDHP
N
Dr. Deyuan (Kitty) Kong
Chevron Energy Technology
Company

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Representing: Chevron
Y
Ms. Stacie Crandall
1 iampton Roads Sanitation
District
Representing: 11SRD
N
Dr. Hcnrv Lcihovitz
Rhode island State I lealth
Laboratories
Representing: Association of
Public Health Laboratories
Y
Mr. Brad Meadows
liabcock Laboratories. Inc.
Representing: Commercial
Laboratory Babcock
Laboratories. Inc.
N
Ms. Sharon Mertens
Milwaukee Metropolitan
Sewerage District
Representing: The NKLAC
Institute
Y
Mr. Richard Gossett
PliYSIS Labs
Representing: PIIYSIS Labs
Y
Mr. David Thai
Environmental Standards Inc.
Representing: Environmental
Standards Inc.
Y
Dr. Jaycsh Ghandi
Metrohm USA
Representing: Metrohm USA
N
Ms. Debra (Deb) Waller
New jersey Department of
Environmental Protection
(NJDKP)
Representing: State

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Government—NJDEP
Y
Mr. Ray Frcderici
Test America
Representing: TeslAmerica
PARTICIPANTS LIST (CONT)
Contractors and Guests
Attendance (Y/N)
Name
Affiliation
Y
Ms. Manisha Kumar
Contractor at EPA
Y
Mr. Dan Havalo
First Energy
Y
Ms. Patricia Carvajal
San Antonio River Authority

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Attachment C
Action Items
1.	User-Generated Library Acceptance Criteria: waiting on additional input from HP A.
2.	Universal validation of analytical methods for new instrumentation and citizen science:
Dr. Delaney will send documents to Dr. Buckley,
3.	Acrolein and Acrylonitrile: Mr. Meadows will reach out to ACIL and I LI about their
interest in a study to change the preservation criteria lor acrolein and acrylonitrile.
4.	PCB Congener Method: Dr. Delaney wilt send the recent information on the PCB
Congener Method samples to Mr. Thai
5.	600-Series Methods: Dr. Leibovitz will be asked to set up a task group meeting to discuss
changes to the 600-Serics Methods.
6.	OGWDW Guidance on Drinking Water MDLs: Dr. Delaney will continue to engage in
discussion with Ms. Mortens and Ms. Waller.
7.	New Topics: Dr. Buckley will provide Dr. Gandhi with contact information for the
Inorganic Methods Working Group.
8.	Dr. OTarrell will check with OLKM regarding work that EPA is doing on PFAS testing
of non-water matrices. Mr. Meadows will forward the technical bulletin on that topic.
9.	Dr. O'Farreli and Dr. Delaney will work on a PowerPoint presentation for the January
2019 ELAB Meeting and the PowerPoint will be discussed at the December 2018 KLAB
Meeting.

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Attachment I)
I hereby certify thai this is the final version of the minutes for the Knvironmental Laboratory
Advisory Board Meeting held on November 21. 2018,
(S)
X	X
Dr. Michael Delarey
Chair
Dr. Thomas O'Farretl
Designated Federal Officer

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