ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Monthly Teleconference: 202-991-0477/7939251#, October 17, 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 on October 17, 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 welcomed the members and guests to the meeting. He took roll of the
members present and guests.
APPROVAL OF THE PRIOR MINUTES
Dr. Delaney asked the ELAB to approve the minutes from the September meeting. If new
members have not read through them, they may abstain. Mr. Frederici, Dr. Chauvin, Ms.
Crandall. Mr. Gossett. and Mr. Thai abstained. The minutes were moved for approval by Mr.
Brand Meadows and the motion was seconded by Ms. Sharon Mertens. The Board unanimously
approved the minutes.
OPENING REMARKS AND UPDATES FROM THE DFO
Dr. Thomas O'Farrell, the Designated Federal Official (DFO) for ELAB, welcomed everyone to
today's meeting. Dr. O'Farrell proceeded to introduce the six new ELAB members. Dr.
Franeoise Chauvin is a Quality Assurance Supervisor with the New York City Department of
Environmental Protection. She is responsible for the quality assurance of microbiology,
chemistry (metal and organic), and testing drinking water. Dr. Chauvin added that her
Committee work was with the TNI Chemistry Expert Committee and they did work with MDLs
and calibration.
Ms. Stacie Crandall is the Chief of the Laboratory Division with the Hampton Roads Sanitation
District. Prior to that, she was the Quality Assurance Manager for HRSD for 15 years. Ms.
Crandall added that she is excited to work with everyone and appreciates the opportunity.
Mr. Ray Frederici is the Vice President of Quality Environmental Health and Safety with
TestAmerica. He has held quality management positions in the environmental laboratory sector
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for 30 years, Mr. Frederic! thanked Dr. OTarrell and said he looks forward to joining the
Committee.
Dr. Jaycsh Gandhi is the Regulatory Affairs Manager with Melrohml ISA and has over 20 years
of experience developing environmental measurement methods and instrumentation and has
served on FPA FTM Committees. Dr. Gandhi stated that he is excited to join the Committee and
appreciates the opportunity to serve.
Mr. Richard Gossett is the owner of PHY SIS F.nvironmentai Laboratories. Inc. in Anaheim. CA.
i ie has over 40 years of experience in project management, quality control, and method
development, and certification and has served on several committees for environmental
measurement organizations. Mr. Gossett stated that he is thankful for the opportunity and is
looking forward to being on the Committee.
Mr. David Thai is a Principal Chemist with F.nvironmentai Standards Company and has ox er 30
years of experience in the development, application, and validation of advanced analytical
methods, Mr. Thai expressed his thanks to everyone who has been serving and thai he is happy
to help in any way.
Dr. OTarrell added that everyone will be receiving a PDF from him of the membership
acceptance form. He requested that it be filled out and PDF'd back to him. Dr. OTarrell will also
be sending an invitation letter from the Administrator that will be sent via PDF and a hardcopy
by mail as well.
Dr. OTarrell wanted lo remind everyone that the next meeting will be the day before
Thanksgiving and requested that everyone respond to the electronic invite in order to determine
whether there will be a quorum.
TASK GROUP UPDATES ON CURRENT TOPICS
The Board possesses broad expertise and works on a variety of topics identified by FLAB
members, the Agency or the environmental laboratory community. The Board addresses these
topics through temporary Task Groups. The Task Group leaders or their representatives provided
a report of current topics/activities.
Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM)
Dr. Delaney announced that everyone should have received a proposed letter to go back to FPA
with some minor changes to the minimum SIM criteria that has been in discussion over the last
1-2 years. Recently, we received a few comments back from FPA and we have made minor
changes to the document to address those comments and it has been looked at by the SIM task
group. We are making suggestions to HP A about minimum SIM criteria that should be used. Dr.
Delaney made the motion for approval of the SIM minimum criteria letter to be sent back to
FPA. The motion was approved. This will be placed in the inactive topics category unless we
receive a substantive response from FPA on it.
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Iser-Generated Library Acceptance Criteria
Dr. Delaney stated that at the last meeting, the Committee voted to send the letter dratted by Dr.
Brian Buckley and the task group to FPA to engage them in a discussion on mass spectral
libraries and has not received a response from FPA yet. Dr. O'Farrell replied that we are reading
the letter and preparing to send it out to all the relevant parties within a week. Dr. O'Farrell also
added that three offices within the Office of Research and Development (ORD) are being merged
into one office: OSA (Office of the Science Advisor). OSP (Office of Science Policy), and
NCFR (National Center for [Environmental Research) which is the extramural grant arm of OR D.
The new office will be called the Office of Science Integration and Policy (OS1P). Dr. Jennifer
Orme-Xavaleta will still be the point of contact to report to. OSA will retain all its functions,
including management of FLAB. Dr. Delaney replied to Dr. O'Farrell inquiring if there will
need to he changes to the FLAB Charter and asked if the Committee is still allowed to advise the
Administrator. Dr. O'Farrell replied to Dr. Delaney slating that there may be changes upcoming
to the FLAB Charter but not because of the merge and that LLAB will still be allowed to advise
the Science Advisor.
. (crolein ami A cry Ion itrile
FLAB had lobbied FPA for wastewater testing to allow volatile samples for acrolein and
acrylonitrile lo be preserved at pH 2 instead of pi 1 4 to 5. FLAB sent data to FPA and a
response from LP A was received staling that data was insufficient to be compelling enough to
change it. Dr. Mahesh Pujari cheeked with Mr. Adrian Hanlev but has not received a firm
answer. The question was how many samples would be sufficient to FPA to make this
preservation change. Dr. Delaney is unsure about what the answer is at the moment and HLAR
is not able to generate its own data per say. Ms. Crandall stated that her workplace has a large
volume of organic expertise and offered to put something together to contribute to the
discussion. Dr. Delaney will discuss this with Vis. Crandall further offline. Ms. Mertens
inquired if we received a response from Mr. Hanley saying this is not worth pursuing. Dr.
O'Farrell stated that Mr. Hanley wanted Dr. Pujari to talk to him offline on that issue.
PCJR Congener Method
Dr. Delaney provided an update on improving the PCB Congener Method. A single laboratory
validation was done and now they are doing a multi-laboratory validation. Ms. Crandall, Dr.
Pujari, and Dr. Delaney were talking about providing samples to FPA from different industrial
and water treatment sources that FPA has contracted to provide labelled standards for the
congeners and they arc preparing to do the multi-laboratory validation this fall. A meeting was
held a couple weeks ago with laboratories that were interested. If the multi-laboratory validation
is successful, it will be proposed as an addition to Part 136. The method has not yet been
released.
Drinking H ater Program Adoption of Recent Approved Methods
Dr. Delaney shared that there was a draft letter written by Ms. Debra Waller to be sent to FPA.
The letter says that it would be a good thing if only the most recent version of methods were
approved for drinking water so everybody is using the same methods. Dr. Delaney stated that
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this letter is being proposed for approval by KI.AB for HPA with recent additions made to it and
Dr. Delaney asked Ms. Waller if she lias any other words before motioning for approval. Ms.
Waller added that she wanted to make this about data quality and not money and moved to take
this letter to a vote. Dr. Delaney seconded Ms. Waller and moved this letter to a vote by asking
the group if they are in favor of sending this letter. Mr. Gossett abstained. The letter is now
approved and will be finalized by Dr. Delaney and sent to Dr. OTarrel! to write a cover letter
and send it to the Agency.
Suggestions for ELAK from August Meeting
Dr. Delaney recalled the suggestions for LLAB received at the August meeting regarding topics
that 1-I.AB should work on. The suggestions have been transcribed into the September meeting
minutes and you can see the suggestions that were received. One particular suggestion was that
somebody should put together a single volatile organics method that works for everybody. Dr.
Delaney asked if somebody wants to work on a single volatile organics method.
600-Series Methods
Dr. Henry Leibovitz announced that a few minutes ago. everyone should have received an email
that was brought to IT.AB's attention that there are serious issues associated with the 600-series
methods as the methods update rule is going through the process of review. Dr. Richard Burrows
from TestAmeriea brought to the Board's attention that they should take this up in discussion.
Dr. Burrows identified three major issues: (1) for all 3 methods (608.3. 624.1. and 625,1) these
issues are the coefficient of determination requirement of 0.920. which is far looser than other
EPA methods. Dr. Burrows feels this could result in poor calibration curves and poor data
quality. (2) Acceptance of second tries for various quality controls including continuing
calibrations, laboratory control samples, and method blanks. (3) Regarding Method 608.3 for
pesticides and the requirement to meet the MDL.s and MLs given in the method Dr. Burrows
feels that the GC/liCD is not selective enough to obtain reliable data at these levels. At this point
in time, we have not convened a task group to take on this topic but the Board agreed that it is
worthwhile to create one and Dr. l.eibovitz agreed to put one together. Dr. Leibovit/. wanted to
offer up an opportunity to new members as well as others to get involved in this task force. Some
of the new members were interested but wanted to take some time to think about it. Dr. Delaney
reminded KI.AB members that there is a limitation on task groups in that they cannot consist of
more than half of the membership otherwise it will be considered a quorum. It needs to be a
subset of FLAB members who meet at a convenient time to propose and talk about topics. They
then draft a letter that will be presented to KLAB. and are welcome to call on the expertise of
nonmembers. The most difficult part of a task group is scheduling a meeting. Dr. l.eibovitz will
chair the task group and plans to coordinate times to meet with those who are interested.
OGWDW Guidance on Drinking Water MDLs
Dr. Delaney reminded members that at the August meeting, somebody in the audience brought
up this document that HPA had written about MDLs for drinking water analysis and his
understanding is that it went from HPA headquarters to the Regions and ultimately the States.
The individual who brought it up said it was unclear whether it was guidance or policy and staled
that it is confusing and sends mixed messages and that it would be helpful if F.PA could clarify
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thai. Dr. Delaney will distribute this document to everybody alter the meeting. Dr. Delaney is
unsure of what the outcome will be on this but any interest or thoughts are welcome. Ms. Waller.
Ms. Mortens, and Dr. Delaney will give an update at the next meeting oil what FLAB will do
about the letter. Ms. Mertcns added that part of the issue is the MDL guidance but the bigger
issue for drinking water is once we have a methods update rule, additional memos just go to a
select group (e.g.. Regions. States). This muddies the waters because sonic people will take thai
as guidance, others will take it as new requirements, and laboratories having to carry this out are
not all receiving this. The bigger issue to consider is advising I*PA that this is not a good way to
conduct business. FPA should not regulate by guidance.
Inactive Topics
1. Cyanide Methodology
Dr. Delaney announced that there is no update at this time. KPA has worked on a revision to a
drinking water cyanide document and is not ready to release that yet.
2. Whole Effluent Toxicity PT Standards
Dr. l.eihovitz had some recommendations for the TNI Chemistry Committee and submitted his
own personal ideas that do not represent the Board. There has been an ongoing debate within
programs in EPA on whether all laboratories should follow die same instructions performing the
same tests for whole effluent toxicity proficiency test (PT) samples or should the laboratories be
allowed to perform the proficiency test according to the routine conditions that they use in their
respective laboratories for the permits they support. ELAB wrote to EPA and recommended that
whole effluent toxicity PTs should be performed following the same set of instructions across
ail laboratories. This recommendation went over well with some at EPA. but not others. ELAB
does not have anything else further to contribute on this issue at this time.
3. Drinking Water Certification Officer's Training Course
Ms. Mortens stated at the last meeting that ELAB did not see anything further to pursue with
this. E.PA look some of our recommendations. Ms. Mertens proposed taking this off the list as a
done deal unless somebody has something new to add.
4. In-line 'On-Line Monitoring Interagency
Mr. Michael Flournoy proposed taking this topic off the list until F.PA brings it up again. He
has not heard anything further from EPA's Mr. Lemuel Walker on this.
5. Inter-agency Data Quality Task Forced)ata Quality Objective Process
Dr. I .eibovitz addressed a close out letter thai everyone should have receiv ed as an email
attachment. The letter sums up what (he issue was that ELAB task group investigated, which was
brought to ELAB by the environmental lab testing community. There was frustration that
contract laboratories are not involved early enough in the quality assurance project planning
process. The question then became "how do we get them involved and who do we need to speak
to?" The task group spoke with someone from DoD and EPA regarding the interagency data
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quality task force which involves multiple branches in the government. Dr. Leibovitz learned
through the meetings that this is a process that is dictated by the prime contractors themselves.
The only way to educate the prime contractors is to have organizations representing them
conduct outreach and training on the benefits of involving laboratories early in the quality
assurance planning process. The final letter to KPA says that LLAB has completed its
investigation and the final recommendation explains that HP A should reach out to organizations
such as ACIL and the Ln\ ironmenta) Business Institute. Dr. Leibovitz asked that the Board
review the letter and consider whether or not it is ready to be sent.
Dr. Delaney asked if all are in favor of sending the letter. Mr. Gossett has not seen it and has
opted to abstain. Dr. Ohauvin also abstained. The letter was been approved ami will be sent
along. If a rcspon.se is received. LT..AB will consider revisiting the topic.
6. Addressing Emerging Contaminants
This is an inactive topic and KI.AB is awaiting on further guidance from LP A.
MAY TOPIC S/1SSI ES FOR CONSIDERATION
Dr. Buckley asked if HLAB could be involved in providing guidance to HP A on QA/QC on any
methods and measurements ranging from new instrumentation to citizen science data.
Dr. Delaney explained that HLAB is what you make it to be. Members are encouraged to engage
us with problems, concerns, major issues.
WRAP-UP/SI'MM ARY OF ACTION ITEMS
Dr. Delaney announced he will put together the list of action items with Dr. OT'arrell. Everyone
will fill out acceptance forms and return them to Dr. OT'arrell.
CLOSING REMARKS/ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Leibovitz moved to adjourn the meeting and the motion was seconded Dr. Buckley the
motion. The Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 2:19 pm.
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Attachment A
AGENDA
Teleconference Numbers 202-991-0477 / 7939251#
October 17, 2018
Webconference:
epawebconferencing.acms.com/ofarrelll/
I. 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. Selected ion Monitoring Delaney
b. User-Generated Library Acceptance Criteria Buckley
c. Acrolein and Acrylonitrile Preservation and pH Delaney
d. Improving PCB Congener Method Option Delaney
e. Drinking Water Program Adoption of Recent Approved
Methods Waller
f. Suggestions for ELAB from August Meeting Waller
g. 600-Series Methods Leibovitz
h. OGWDW guidance on drinking water MDLs Delaney
i. Inactive topics awaiting feedback/input:
¦ Cyanide Methodology Delaney
¦ Whole Effluent Toxicity proficiency study standards Leibovitz
• Drinking Water Certification Officer's Training Course Mertens
» In-Line/On-Line Monitoring Flournoy
¦ Interagency Data Quality Task Force/Data Quality Objective
Process........ .....Leibovitz
¦ Addressing Emerging Contaminants Mertens
VI. New Topics/issues for Consideration Delaney
VII. Wrap-Up/Summary of Action Items O'Farrell/Delanoy
VIII. Closing Remarks/Adjourn O'Farrell/Delaney
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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 Floumoy (Vice-
Chair)
Eurolins Environment Testing
USA
Representing: American
Council of Independent
Laboratories
Y
Dr. Thomas OTarrell (DFO)
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Representing: EPA
N
Dr. Kim Anderson
Oregon State University
Representing: Academia-
Oregon State University
Y
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
N
Dr. Deyuan (Kitty) Kong
Chevron Energy Technology
Company
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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 Mertens
Milwaukee Metropolitan
Sewerage District
Representing: The NELAC
Institute
Y
Mr. Richard Gossett
PHYSIS Environmental Labs
Representing: PHYSIS
Environmental Labs
Y
Mr. David Thai
Environmental Standards Co.
Representing: Environmental
Standards Co.
Y
Dr. Jayesh Gandhi
Metrohm USA
Representing: Metrohm USA
Y
Ms. Debra (Deb) Waller
New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection
(NJDEP)
Representing: State
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Government—N J D E P
Y
Mr. Ray Frederici
Test America
Representing: TestAmeriea
PARTICIPANTS LIST (CONT)
Contractors and Guests
Attendance (Y/N)
Name
Affiliation
Y
Ms. Manisha Kumar
Contractor at EPA
Y
Jeff Loewe
NiSource Environmental
Y
Sandy McDonald
Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency
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Attachment ('
Action Stems
1. All—fill out and return your acceptance form.
2. All—confirm your availability for the November 21st meeting, which is the day
before Thanksgiving.
3. All—please accept an open invitation to put things on the board's agenda or to
bring up for discussion at our meetings. ELAB will be what you make of it.
4. Mike D. - needs a better phone connection.
5. Mike D. and Tom - finalize the September minutes.
6. Mike D. - finalize three approved letters and send to Tom for distribution.
7. Mike D. - check with Adrian Hanley about acrolein preservation to see how many
samples EPA would require to approve a preservation change.
8. Henry - schedule a meeting of the 600-series task group and invite Francoise,
Rich, Dave, Jay, and Ray to participate.
9. Brian - continue to work on his thoughts on universal guidelines for judging the
quality of data, including field sensors and citizen science.
10. Tom - try to track down the status of the EPA policy on chemistry method
validation that was mentioned in the August minutes.
11. Deb, Sharon, and Mike D. - continue to discuss the EPA drinking water MDL
document and what ELAB should suggest to EPA. Mike D. will send Deb's
comments on this document to the board.
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Attachment I)
I hereby certify thai this is the final version of the minutes for the Environmental Laboratory
Advisory Board Meeting held on October 17, 2018.
x X ,,|27,,e
Dr. Michael Delaney Dr. Thomas O'Farrell
Chair Designated Federal Officer
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