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Thanks to the Regional Laboratory Managers and
scientists in all 10 regions of the United States for
contributing to this report. It is your dedication to
the science of the agency that directly supports
and ensures clean air, land, water and chemical
safety for the American people.
Thanks also to Region 4 Science and Ecosystem
Support Divisions amazing support team includ-
ing Jeff Hendel, Norma Stafford and Marilyn
Maycock for all of their efforts in compiling, for-
matting, reviewing and revising this report.
-------
Executive Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Regional Laboratory Network
(RLN) consists of state-of-the-art, full-service environmental laboratories delivering mission
critical analytical services, field support, quality assurance and data review, and expert tech-
nical assistance. The analytical data produced by the Regional Laboratories is used regularly
by EPA Regional Program offices as well as EPA's state, tribal, and local partners to make im-
portant public health and environmental decisions.
Sound analytical data is crucial for environmental decisions and effective environmental
policy. EPA scientists use state of the art instruments and techniques and apply rigorous quality
assurance methods. The regional lab network produces environmental analytical data that meet
EPA's data needs for EPA's air, water, waste and enforcement programs. Importantly, the re-
gional labs have the capability to support special or non-routine analytical needs that cannot be
readily obtained from any other source. Because of this, the regional labs fill a gap between
basic research and commercially available analyses.
Regional laboratories are responsive to specific regional needs. Services and expertise
provided by each regional lab are tailored to meet the particular regional needs their state, local
and tribal partners to address complex and emerging environmental issues, often where little
background experience or knowledge exists. Scientific communication and collaboration across
the regional laboratory network leverages regionally-specific expertise and methods across the
nation thereby maximizing efficiency and flexibility while assuring responsiveness. The Re-
gional Laboratories have significant analytical capabilities, as they are all accredited to run nu-
merous methods addressing multiple matrices. While they generally provide routine data need-
ed daily by the EPA Regional programs, they have the flexibility to quickly focus regional re-
sources and capacity on the agency's highest priorities at any time [e.g., Per- and fluorinated
Alkyl Substances (PFAS), harmful algal blooms, micro-plastics, Flint drinking water response,
disaster response, etc.].
Additionally, through their close coordination with Regional program staff, they identi-
fy and then develop special methods and unique capabilities to address Region-specific needs.
Examples include: human waste source-tracking method for identifying and documenting illic-
it sewage connections; nutrients in salt water; PFAS compounds and other emerging contami-
nants; chemical warfare agent analyses; pesticide formulation testing for FIFRA. The combina-
tion of routine, regular data outputs coupled with the flexibility to apply expertise and resources
to address Regional challenges and priorities is what makes the Regional laboratories so valua-
ble to the Regions.
Finally, to ensure and enhance the defensibility of our data, each regional laboratory
participates in external third party accreditation programs for laboratories under either the NE-
LAC Institute or ISO 17025. Under these programs the labs undergo periodic third party audits,
conduct their own internal audits and participate in numerous Proficiency Testing studies all to
ensure effective quality systems that continually improve performance and ensure high quality
defensible data is produced.
Accomplishments presented in this report capture only a few of the overall activities
provided by all Regional Laboratories. These accomplishments underscore the commitment of
the RLN to be an integral part in protecting human health and the environment. This report
highlights the diversity of support and capabilities, all of which reinforce EPA's mission and
ongoing priorities.
-------
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements 2
Executive Summary 3
Table of Contents 4
Regional Laboratory Network 5
Locations and Contacts 6
Overview 7
2016 Analytical Summary 9
Support to EPA Programs 10
Projects/Sites Supported by Program 11
Method Development for EPA Programs 12
Success Stories that Support Agency Priorities 13
Protect and Improve Air Quality 16
Accelerate the Pace of Cleanups 20
Improve the Safety of Chemicals 24
Empower Communities, States and Tribes 27
Protect Water; a Precious Limited Resource 30
Increase Environmental Law Compliance Rate 36
Affirm EPA as a High Performing Organization 40
Regional Lab Capabilities 45
Core Methods 46
Unique Capabilities 51
Developing Capabilities 62
4
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USEPA REGIONAL
LAB NETWORK
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Regional Lab Locations & Contacts
Region 1
New England Regional Laboratory Investigation &
Analysis Branch
Ernest Waterman, Director
Wate rm a n. E rn est@e pa .gov
11 Technology Drive
N. Chelmsford, MA 01863-2431
Phone: 617-918-8632
FAX: 617-918-8532
Region 2
Division of Environmental Science and
Assessment Laboratory Branch
John Bourbon, Director
bourbon.john@epa.gov
2890 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-321-6706
Fax: 732-321-6165
Region 3
Environmental Science Center Laboratory Branch
Cynthia Caporale, Manager
Caporale.cynthia@epa.gov
701 Mapes Road
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350
Phone: 410-305-2732
Fax:
Region 4
Analytical Support Branch
Danny France, Director
France.Danny@epa.gov
980 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30605-2720
Phone: 706-355-8551
Fax: 706-355-8803
Region 5
U.S. EPA Region 5 Laboratory, Chicago Regional
Laboratory
George Schupp, Director
Schupp.george@epa.gov
77 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-353-1226
Fax: 312-385-5337
Region 6
Environmental Services Branch
Wes McQuiddy, Director
Mcquiddy.David@epa.gov
1445 Ross Ave.
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 214-665-6722
Fax: 281-983-2124
Region 7
Regional Science & Technology Center
Margie St. Germain, Director
Stgermain.margie@epa.gov
300 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-551-5154
Fax: 913-551-5115
Region 8
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
Region 9
U.S. EPA Region 9 Laboratory
Pete Husby, Director
husby.peter@epa.gov
1337 S. 46th Street, Bldg. 201
Richmond, CA 94804-4698
Phone: 510-412-2311
Fax: 510-412-2302
Region 10
Manchester Environmental Laboratory
Barry Pepich, Director
Pepich.Barry@epa.gov
7411 Beach Drive East
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-871-8701
Fax: 360-871-8747
6
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Regional Lab Network Overview
EPA has 10 regional offices, each of which has an analytical laboratory. The Regional Labora
tories provide mission-critical support to the Agency, protecting human
health and the environment. Service and expertise provided by each Re-
gional 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 Region-
al Laboratories collaborate to form the Regional La-
boratory Network (RLN). Efficiency, effectiveness,
and flexibility are maximized by using scientific expertise, implementing
and developing methods, and maximizing partnerships within the RLN and
across the nation.
Services tailored to
meet regional needs
and to address com-
plex and emerging
environmental issues
Environmental decisions and policies provide the RLN with the ana-
lytical 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 pro-
ject-specific objectives, achieves quality goals, provides analytical
expertise, and produces accurate data within the Agency.
Support special pro-
ject-specific objec-
tives and goals to-
wards a sustainable
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 Nation-
al or International Accreditation programs ensuring effective quality
systems, improved performance, and defensible data. External assess-
ments are performed regularly at RLN laboratories.
Accreditation following Na-
tional Environmental Labora-
tory Accreditation Conference
(NELAC) or International
Standards Organization (ISO)
17025
Contracting mechanisms are used within the RLN to provide addi-
tional procurement of analytical sendees. The Contract Laboratory
Program (CLP) provides standard analytical services supporting the
Superfund Program. Each laboratory uses an Environmental Ser-
vices Assistance Team (ESAT), which is a contract to support labor-
atory functions. This organizational structure permits EPA Regional
Laboratories to provide quick response to emergencies, while
providing timely completion of all projects. During FY2016, 10 Re-
gional Laboratories supported over 148,000 sample analyses and
over 1,300 projects.
RLN supports Agency
quick responses to
emergencies
7
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Regional Laboratory Network Overview
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 analyti-
cal projects. During FY2016, the 10 Regional Laborato-
ries supported more than 40 method improvement pro-
jects.
Support analytical method
improvements
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 pro-
grams, and support field sampling functions.
Serve crucial roles in keeping
drinking water safe
Provide emergency re-
sponse support for Home-
land Security
EPA Regional Laboratories performed 4,367 analyses in FY2016 in
support of significant emergency response events. EPA Regional
Laboratories are capable of analyzing samples suspected to contain
a variety of chemical constituents, including chemical warfare
agents. Some Regional Laboratories developed and validated new
methods for chemical warfare agent degradation compounds to
characterize and remediate contaminated areas.
Within each Regional Laboratory, core capabilities allow support to various EPA programs. Unique ca-
pabilities provide the flexibility for each laboratory to meet geographical environmental demands or re-
gional and national initiatives. Three tables (core, unique, and developing) summarize chemical, physi-
cal and biological/microbiological capabilities for each region. The Core, Unique, and Developing capa-
bilities tables for each Regional Laboratory are provided at the end of this report and are available on
the following EPA websites.
Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities
http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/regional-science-and-technology-lab-core-capabilities
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities
http://www.epa.gov/regionallabs/epa-regional-laboratories-unique-analytical-capabilities-and-
documentation-region
Regional Laboratories Developing Capabilities
http://www.epa.gov/measurements/collection-methods
8
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2016 ANALYTICAL
SUMMARY
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Analytical Support to EPA Programs
Regional Laboratory staff support diverse and challenging requests from the programs, states
and tribes. During FY2016, the Regional Laboratory Network (RLN) conducted more than
148,655 analyses. The distribution of work by the RLN is shown in Figure 1. These totals ex-
clude Quality Control (QC) samples, which add an additional 20%.
r
116,
0.08%
412,0.28%
Figure 1. Analytical Support to EPA Programs FY2016
(148,655 Total Analyses)
665, 0.45% 7,900,
5.3% 698, 0.47%
1,038, 0.70%
4,367,
2.9% 2,547, 1.7%
54,117, 36%
76,795, Superfund,
52%
1 Air
Water
Superfund
RCRA
1 Emergency Response
' LUST
1 Pesticides
1 TSCA
1 Brownfields
1 Other
L
In keeping with prior years, Superfund program continues to be the largest volume requestor
of analytical services (51.7%), followed by Water Programs (36.4%). Emergency Response
program support continues to be significant program at 2.9%, with RLN laboratories analyzing
4,287 samples in conjunction with time-critical responses to environmental disasters, hazard-
ous 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 382 criminal samples during the
year.
10
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Sites/Projects Supported by Program
This graph summarizes the number of analytical and field projects supported by the Regional
Lab Network (RLN) for each program . Collectively 1,333 laboratory projects and 283 field
projects were supported.
SitesandProjectsSupported bythe
Regional Lab Network in FY2016
0
LabSupport Field Support
¦ Air iWater ¦Superfund 1RCRA iBrownfields BUST ¦ Pesticides 1TSCA ¦ Criminal Investigation lOther
ii
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Method Development for EPA Programs
Because of the unique nature of the support provided by Regional Laboratories, the ideal Re-
gional Laboratory scientist is part research scientist and part production scientist. Regional La-
boratory scienti sts are capable of developing methods (often with short lead times), focusing on
quality control, and operating under demanding delivery schedules.
A significant amount of work supported during the year required methods be developed specifi-
cally to address the unique needs of a particular region. Often, methods developed by a region
to address a local environmental challenge are mobilized in other regions as their benefit is re-
alized and/or as the need arises.
Method Development Project Support to EPA Programs in FY2016
41 Methods
I
RCRA
7%
Air
5%
12
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SUCCESS STORIES
THAT SUPPORT AGENCY PRIORITIES
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Success Stories Supporting Agency Priorities
The Regional Lab Network directly supports Agency Priorities to provide Ameri-
cans with clean air, land, and water and to ensure chemical safety. The following
is a list of Agency Priorities and just a few examples of Regional Lab Network
projects supporting those priorities, as well as the regional lab leading this effort.
Brief project summaries are also provided in this Section.
Protect and Improve Air Quality
• Vapor Intrusion Field Analysis (Region 7)
• Grenada Manufacturing (Region 4)
• Chloroprene Air Analysis & Data Review-LaPlace, LA (Region 6)
• Comparison of Passive/Active Sampling Methods for Assessing PCB
Aroclors in Schools (Region 2)
• VOC Analysis of Radiello Passive Diffusion Sampling Devices
(Region 9)
Accelerate the Pace of Cleanups
• Former Kil-tone Superfund Site Response (Region 2)
• Ely Mine Superfund Site Bat Study (Region 1)
• Cinnabar Mine Mesocosm Experiment (Region 10)
• Lead Bioaccessibility Method (Region 4)
Improve the Safety of Chemicals
• Progress on the analysis of Per- and fluorinated Alkyl Substances
(PFAS) (Region 4)
• Heritage Crystal Clean (Region 6)
• Sky Valley Education Center PCB Inspection (Region 10)
• PFOA/PFOS Method Validation Study (Region 5)
• Dicamba Overspray in Missouri (Region 7)
Empower Communities, States and Tribes
• Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (Region 1)
• E Coli Concentrations in Bear Creek Watershed (Region 8)
Continued on next page
14
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Success Stories Supporting Agency Priorities
(cont.)
Protect Water
• Passaic River Pathogen/Microbial Source Trackdown Study (Region 2)
• Region 3 Ocean's Program Ocean Vessel Artificial Reef (Region 3)
• Molecular Biology Analytical Support to RARE Projects
• Region 8 Algal Toxins in Water Method Development (Region 8)
• Flint Michigan Drinking Water Response (Region 5)
• Region 3 and Trash Free Maryland Work Together to Identify Micro-
plastic in the Chesapeake Bay (Region 3)
• F ormaldehyde in NW Aquaculture Facility Effluents and Receiving
Waters (Region 10)
Increase Environmental Law Compliance Rate
• Allied Waste Landfill Enforcement Investigation - Joint Regional
RS&T Project (Region 2)
• Region 3 Lab Response to Potomac River Sheen Discharge (Region 3)
• Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
• Catalytic converter Washcoat Analysis for Platinum Group Metals by
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (Region 9)
Affirm EPA as a High Performing Organization
• Advanced Monitoring and Next Generation Compliance Tools
(Region 1)
• Forward Looking Infrared Cameras (Region 1)
• PhyloChip Development (Region 7)
• Ft. Riley Groundwater Analysis for Green Infrastructure (Region 7)
• Lead Bioavailability Study in Missouri (Region 7)
• Region 7 Lean Events (Region 7)
15
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Protect and Improve Air Quality
Vapor Intrusion Field Analysis
Region 7 scientists provide a wide variety of field
sampling and characterization services to regional
program offices. Vapor intrusion from subsurface
plumes of volatile organic compounds into residential
living spaces is a major concern in Region 7. Our
Monitoring and Environmental Sampling Branch
(MESB) collects subsurface water, soil, and vapor
samples using novel approaches developed locally.
Using Geoprobe direct push technology coupled with
the Membrane Interface Probe (MIP), MESB scien-
tists can provide real-time information to site manag-
ers about site geology, depth to water, depth to con-
taminant, and contaminant characterization. Real time
MIP data are used to determine contaminant plume
extent, depth, composition, and location producing
significant savings to project managers and programs
over routine sampling approaches to site characteriza-
tion. Additionally, MESB scientists have developed a
novel approach to collection of shallow soil-gas sam-
ples that does not require employment of Geoprobe
technology. Using a wagon mounted generator and a
customized industrial hammer drill, our scientists can
rapidly collect shallow soil gas samples at a depth of
seven feet, typically representative of basement level
elevations in residential homes. The trailer mounted
generator is also used to power a pump that evacuates
a sampling chamber equipped with a tedlar bag to col-
lect the subsurface vapor plume sample from the soil
gas sampling probe. When used in combination with
Region 7's mobile gas chromatography/mass spec-
trometry (GC/MS) laboratory, this approach allows
for very rapid characterization of shallow soil gas
plumes with over seventy field samples collected in a
day. In FY-2016, Region 7 scientists provided sam-
pling support to ten different vapor intrusion sites and
performed field analysis of 979 samples in our mobile
laboratory providing substantial site characterization
savings in both time and money.
16
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Protect and Improve Air Quality
Grenada Manufacturing
The Eastern Heights in Grenada, Mississip-
pi is a subdivision located near a facility
that utilized trichloroethene (TCE) in the
manufacturing of automobile parts. For
several years, EPA has worked to delineate
a TCE groundwater plume around the man-
ufacturing facility. Between 2011 and
2015, groundwater and soil vapor collected
on the edge of the Eastern Heights neigh-
borhood indicated a potential concern for
TCE. It has been documented that the con-
taminated groundwater flows beneath the
community raising concern among the resi-
dents regarding potential exposure to the
contaminants from volatile organic com-
pound (VOC) vapors, which could be re-
leased into their homes via crawl spaces
and concrete floor slabs. Beginning in the
Spring of 2016, Region 4 conducted five
vapor intrusion sampling investigations to
determine if the residents were being ex-
posed to harmful contaminants. Based on
results of these studies, EPA has determined
that there is no immediate threat to public
health in the Eastern Heights neighborhood
due to TCE.
EPA works in cooperation with states,
tribes, and local governments to design
and implement air quality standards and
programs. EPA relies on other federal
agencies, academia, researchers, industry,
other organizations, and the public. These
partnerships are critical to achieving im-
provements in air quality and reducing
Indoor Air
Crawl-
Space |_
Vadose Zone or
Soil Gas
Chemical
Vapor
Migration
17
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Protect and Improve Air Quality
Chloroprene Air Analysis and Data Review - LaPlace, LA
In December 2015, EPA released the results of its 2011 National Air Toxics Assessment
(NATA) that provides information on the potential risks from breathing air toxics. This as-
sessment identified higher than expected levels of chloroprene in the community of LaPlace,
Louisiana. Chloroprene, a chemical used in the production of Neoprene, was recently classi-
fied by EPA as a likely human carcinogen.
To determine if elevated levels of chloroprene were indeed present in the air in LaPlace, the
EPA and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality conducted air monitoring in the
community. Samples were collected in summa canisters in the neighborhoods near a LaPlace
facility. The Region 6 Laboratory provided analytical support of multiple air samples to de-
termine the presence of chloroprene. As the project continued, later samples were analyzed
by a contract laboratory. The Region 6 Laboratory performed data review of 10% of the sam-
ples analyzed by the contract lab and collected in LaPlace. Region 6 Laboratory sample re-
sults and data review were provided to the Multimedia Division and will aid future actions for
this site.
Comparison Study of Passive/Active Sampling
Methods for Assessing PCB Aroclors in Schools
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) Aroclors were used extensively in school building materials
(caulk and lighting fixture ballasts) during the approximate period 1950-1978. A small sam-
pling of such schools has registered elevated indoor air concentrations of PCBs. The com-
mon, standard method is based on an active sampling technique using pumps to collect air
over a 24-hour period. Passive air sampling holds promise as a low cost, easily implemented
method that can provide longer time-integrated sampling in public schools.
The performance of a passive air sampling device against the standard accepted active air
sampling method in a school setting has not been established. A Region 2 Regional Applied
Research Effort (RARE) project was approved to evaluate a side-by-side performance of a
passive air sampling device versus an active air sampling for measuring levels of PCB Aro-
clors in select, representative New York City public schools. The research was intended as a
limited-scale effort to assess whether a passive sampling method for PCBs in indoor air can
be used as a cost-effective approach for quantitatively measuring PCBs in school environ-
ments.
The Region 2 Laboratory provided the analytical support to this RARE project. This was
largely an applied research effort and the Laboratory worked for several weeks to optimize
the extraction method of the Poly Urethane Foam (PUF) material. This development in-
volved several rounds of testing of QC samples and adjusting method parameters to obtain
acceptable contaminant recovery with no appreciable contamination. After completion of the
method development phase, The Laboratory processed over 50 PUF samples for the project,
stemming from both the passive and active sampling methods applied during the study. The
PCB Aroclor results of the two sampling methods were fairly consistent and comparable.
The laboratory provided a summary of the results to the program office for evaluation.
18
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Protect and Improve Air Quality
VOC Analysis of Radiello Passive Diffusion
Sampling Devices at the EPA
Region 9 Laboratory
Vapor Intrusion (VI) of toxic vapors into homes and businesses from contaminated soil and
groundwater has become a growing concern. The customary method for collecting indoor air
samples is through the use of steel air summa canisters. The canisters are expensive, bulky, and
intrusive when left to collect air for 24 hours in a home or other building. Passive diffusive
sampling cartridges offer some advantages over steel canisters. They are smaller, cheaper, less
intrusive, and may potentially offer greater sensitivity than analysis from canisters. At many of
the sites of concern, Region 9 has begun large sampling projects using Radiello passive diffu-
sion samplers, rather than using the traditional steel canisters with VOCs analyzed by GCMS
SIM analysis using Method TO 15. The use of Radiello samplers is not dependent on the avail-
ability of canisters from the laboratory and the analysis of the samples, once collected on Radi-
ellos, tends to be less expensive than steel canister analyses.
All 10 Regional Laboratories provide scien-
tific expertise to support Regional and Na-
tional Water Programs and Initiatives, which
can include analysis, field support, quality
assurance and data review, and technical sup-
port
Summa Canister & Radiello
Passive Sampler
At the request of the EPA Region 9 Vapor Intrusion Work Group, the Region 9 Laboratory de-
veloped the capability to analyze Radiello samplers for VOCs. The capability developed by the
Region 9 Laboratory uses a method that employs chemical desorption with carbon disulfide and
analysis by GC-FID or GC/MS. This approach allows for the usage of cartridges that have larg-
er capacity, which allows for cartridges to be left in place for a longer time, providing a lower
reporting limit. With the addition of this capability, the
Region 9 Laboratory anticipates significant additional re-
quests for analytical support from our Superfund clients.
During FY2016, the Superfund program submitted 367
samples from 5 sites that were collected and analyzed with
this new methodology.
19
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Accelerate the Pace of Cleanups
Former Kil-tone Superfund Site Response
Region 2 Regional Science and Technolo-
gy (RS&T) field and laboratory staff pro-
vided consistent, effective and high quality
field sampling and analytical support to the
Removal and Remedial Programs at the
Former Kil-tone Company Superfund site.
The community was very sensitive to the
historic release of arsenic based pesticides
contamination found on their residential
properties immediately adjacent to the site. The application of innovative technologies such
as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) by the field team to analyze > 900 soil samples collected during
the initial characterization, coupled with data visualization via Excel, guided residential sam-
pling of the surrounding neighborhood. A correlation was established between the XRF val-
ues for arsenic, lead, copper and zinc, which minimized the number of samples requiring tra-
ditional laboratory analysis and significantly reduced analytical costs during this Phase 1 ef-
fort. The geography surrounding the site was further explored and contamination was dis-
covered migrating 3 miles offsite via a creek bed which required extensive characterization.
As a part of this response, the Region 2 Laboratory analyzed over 2000 sediment and residen-
tial yard flood-plain soil samples, primarily for Metals analysis, and provide validated results
within 4 weeks of each sample delivery. In addition, another innovative technique, stable
isotope analysis, was employed and generated results supporting the HRS scoring and NPL
listing of this site. Use of the RS&T field and laboratory staff to form a multi-faceted project
team resulted in a $200,000 overall cost savings to the limited site budget and kept the site
cleanup activities on schedule.
By providing support at the regional level, opportunities abound to work in
concert with states, tribes, and local entities in 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 implementa-
tion of Citizen Science
• Providing training and technical support, including training in preparation
of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs).
20
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Accelerate the Pace of Cleanups
Ely Mine Superfund Site Bat Study
As part of Region l's laboratory ecological risk assessment
support to the Superfund program, lab staff performed a study
of Threatened Northern Long-Eared Bats (NLEB) at the Ely
Copper Mine Superfund Site (Ely Mine Site). The study find-
ings supported consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service on how to remediate mine wastes at the Ely Mine Site
while minimizing adverse effects on NLEB, which were listed
as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2015. The
consultation process is required where remedial activities
might disrupt habitat used by a Threatened species.
The Ely Copper Mine Superfund Site (Ely Mine Site) is an
abandoned copper mine located in the town of Vershire, Vermont. Copper mining activities oc-
curred at the Ely Study Area from 1821 to 1920 with the most significant activities occurring from
1850s through 1880s. The Ely Mine Site encompasses approximately 350 acres, including about 30
acres of waste material. Remedial activities are planned to remove wastes that contribute to acid
mine drainage into Ely Brook and Schoolhouse Brook. The site includes a number of historic mine
openings that are used by several species of bat, including NLEB, for hibernation. These openings
are critical habitat features because bats migrate from all over the Northeast to hibernate in caves
and mine openings. Bat populations have been greatly reduced by a disease called White-Nose Syn-
drome, which damages the skin of bats and causes them to starve during winter hibernation.
Starting in the Fall of 2015, the Region 1 lab worked with contractors from TechLaw (ESAT) and
the Biodiversity Research Institute to monitor the use of bats over a 1-year cycle. This cycle cov-
ered the fall when bats congregate near hibernation locations (hibernacula), spring emergence from
hibernation, and summer foraging at the Ely Mine Site. The study
included passive collection of bat echolocation and social calls
(acoustic monitoring), which can be used to identify the species of
bat present, capture and radio telemetry which is used to track the
daytime roosting and night foraging areas of bats, and emergence
counts at roosting locations to see how many bats come out of each
roost. The acoustic monitoring took place at nine stations. Call files
were evaluated by bat experts to identify the species present at each
site. 147 nights of capture and radio tagging occurred at 24 sites.
Weather permitting, capture would start at sunset and end at approxi-
mately 1:00 AM every night during the summer and fall. 647 bats
were captured, of which 9 were NLEB in the summer capture season,
and 1 in the fall. Overall this project suggests that some NLEB use
the site for summer foraging at night, but not for daytime roosting.
NLEB activity drops off significantly in the fall. This study provides
an excellent baseline survey of bat activity, which will be used to
establish when and where on the Ely Mine Site EPA can pursue re-
medial activities while minimizing disruption of bats' use of the site.
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Accelerate the Pace of Cleanups
Cinnabar Mine and Mesocosm Experiment with
Carbon Amended Tailings
Cinnabar mine, located in central Idaho, is an abandoned mercury (Hg) mine which operated
from 1921 to 1958. Cinnabar Creek flows through the tailings at the mine site and delivers wa-
ter with elevated Hg concentrations into the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River.
The streams and river impacted by Hg releases from the Cinnabar mine contain several federally
-listed threatened fish species and are part of the Nez Perce Tribe's usual and accustomed har-
vest areas. Limited road access to the mine site precludes traditional heavy equipment removal
options. As a result, alternative remediation strategies are being considered that involve the ad-
dition of organic material to the tailings pile to promote vegetation growth in order to decrease
erosion. While this action would likely reduce the bulk loading of Hg to Cinnabar Creek, it also
has the potential to increase methylmercury (MePIg) production at the site through methylation
by anaerobic bacteria. MeHg is a more toxic and bioaccumulative form of Hg. The goal of re-
mediation at the site is to reduce Hg loading to the creek and, at the same time, not increase
MeHg concentrations.
Region 10's Office of Environmental Review and Assessment (OERA) Environmental Ser-
vices Unit and Laboratory worked with the Office of Environmental Clean-up to design a
study to help site managers make effective remediation options by investigating potential in-
creases in MeHg production at the Cinnabar mine from organic matter amendments to the tail-
ings. While previous studies have established that additions of organic carbon stimulate micro-
bial methylation of Hg, it was uncertain how bioavailable the Hg associated with the tailings
would be to the methylating organisms. The investigation involved both field measurements of
ambient environmental conditions as well as controlled laboratory experiments. The controlled
laboratory experiments were run in triplicate and consisted of un-amended tailing and tailings
amended with an engineered soil media typically applied at mine sites. The experimental re-
sults showed that the organic carbon amendments stimulated microbial activity which resulted in
a large increase in MeHg concentrations, while the un-amended tailings did not show a change
in MeHg concentrations over time. In addition, the experiments showed that the addition of or-
ganic amendments significantly increased the mobility of dissolved inorganic Hg in water,
which has important impli cati ons for understanding the potential for increasing MeHg produc-
tion downstream from the mine site. These results are currently being used by site managers to
design an effective remediation at the site that is optimized to reduce MeHg production and de-
crease Fig mobility. The results are of interest to the Nez Perce Tribe which invited the EPA to
present the results at a recent meeting.
Figure 1. Photos show the abandoned Cinnabar mine site
in central Idaho (left) and the setup of the laboratory meso-
cosm study to identify the impact of organic carbon amend-
ments on Hg methylation (right).
22
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Accelerate the Pace of Cleanups
Keeping communities safe and healthy by reducing risks asso-
ciated with exposure to chemicals in commerce, indoor and out-
door environments, and products and food.
Lead Bioaccessibility Method
The Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
(OSRTI) directed the program to lower the action level for lead in soils
in order to be more protective of sensitive human populations. In re-
sponse, the Region 4 Labomtoiy adopted the in-vitro bio accessibility
Assay for Lead in Soil (SW-846 Method 1340) to determine the frac-
tion of total lead in a sample that is will likely be available for accumu-
lation in human tissue. A sample preparation method was chosen that
extracts lead for the relevant particle size under conditions which mim-
ic as nearly as possible the conditions of human ingestion. The Super-
fund Division has used the bio accessibility data for a high profile case
in the Region to accurately assess the risk to human health from lead in
soil.
Solubility
Intestinal
Permeation
First-pass
Metabolism
\
/
Oral Bioavailability
23
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Improve the Safety of Chemicals
Progress on the analysis of Per- and fluorinated
Alkyl Substances (PFAS) including Gen-X
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a broad class of environmental contaminants
of emerging concern. PFOA and PFOS are two well-known compounds within this broader
class of compounds. PFAS are increasingly being detected at low levels in our nation's eco-
systems, including contamination of drinking water sources. Environmental monitoring for
PFAS is becoming more requested at Superfund remedial and removal sites. PFAS analysis
can be very challenging, especially given their diversity and lack of well-established analytical
In an effort to address this increasing demand for analytical support for PFAS, the Region 4
laboratory is actively involved in a cross-EPA workgroup on method validation and exposure.
The workgroup consists of staff from HQ, Regional laboratories and ORD.
Currently, the focus within the chemistry subgroup is to develop multi-laboratory validated
methods for water samples other than drinking water (surface, ground and waste water) and
quantifying 24 PFAS. At this time, validation samples have been prepared, distributed, ana-
lyzed and the sample results submitted for statistical analysis by six laboratories. That data
will be used in the effort to provide validated methods for non-drinking water matrices. The
Science and Ecosystem Support Division (SESD) laboratory is actively participating in this
As PFOA and PFOS have been eliminated from production, alternative replacement com-
pounds are being produced. Recently, the scientific literature has shown these replacement
compounds to be detectable in the environment. One area where these newer contaminants of
concern have been detected is in the Cape Fear Watershed. Region 4 staff have been involved
in a workgroup formed to address these detections. The workgroup consists of staff from NC
environmental agencies, ORD and SESD. To monitor these emerging contaminants, the Re-
gion 4 SESD is currently single-lab validating a procedure to monitor water for hexafluoropro-
pylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (technical product known as Gen-X), a PFOA replace-
ment. It is expected that the method validation will be completed in FY 2017.
methods.
effort.
FFFFFFFF
24
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Improve the Safety of Chemicals
Heritage Crystal Clean
A special request was made to the Region 6 Houston Lab to analyze samples from the Heritage
Crystal Clean site, a facility that reuses hazardous wastes as manufacturing ingredients in parts
cleaning products. Routine laboratory analyses volatiles, semi-volatiles, and metals were per-
formed for these samples with an unusual request to determine a total volatile organic concen-
tration (VO) and total organics by percentage (per RCRA Air Rule Requirements Section 3004
(n)). Routine laboratory tests normally report volatile and semi-volatile compounds as individu-
al concentrations not as summations or percentages. To perform these complex calculations, the
laboratory had to develop a special reporting package to meet the needs of the customer. The
first step was to separate organic compounds as volatile or semi-volatile, according to the regu-
lation, in highly concentrated and difficult samples. The RCRA Air Rule requires that only
compounds with Henry's Law Constants (HLC) >0.1 can be included in the VO calculation
(HLCs are a measure of how much of the compound in water is released to atmosphere versus
how much is retained in the liquid). The regulation does not have a set list of compounds with
HLCs to include in the VOC calculation but has a list of compounds that are specifically exclud-
ed; therefore, each target and tentatively identified compounds (TICs) peak had to have the HLC
individually verified through research of multiple sources to ensure they met or exceeded HLC
criteria of other volatile compounds. To complicate matters further, the same organic com-
pounds, predominantly TICs, were detected in both volatile and semi-volatile analyses, and the
reviews had to ensure they weren't being counted by both techniques (i.e. counted twice). If
the HLC could not be verified as >0.1, the compound was reported separately under the semi-
volatiles analysis. Separation of the peaks between the analyses became a painstaking and
lengthy process. Once the volatile and semi-volatile compounds were confirmed, the total or-
ganic concentration by percent was calculated using a summation of target and TICs for both
volatile and semi-volatile analyses. This sample set took herculean effort to complete because
they were highly concentrated samples, required complex calculations, and needed a special re-
porting package. Significant research and manual calculations were required for this project,
which made the analysis, reporting, and reviews of the data very complicated and lengthy.
Sky Valley Education Center
In the fall of 2015, the Sky Valley Education Center (SVEC) in Monroe, WA began receiving
complaints from parents and students regarding illnesses they believed were related to contami-
nants in the building. The complaints reported to the County Health Department were suspected
to be associated with conditions at the school such as leaking ballasts of old fluorescent light
fixtures. The EPA Region 10 Laboratory and the Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE)
assisted the SVEC in determining whether Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) were an issue at
the school.
The Region 10 Laboratory worked with OCE and EPA Region 5 PCB inspectors to collect wipe
samples of school room surfaces and light fixtures for the analysis of PCBs. The Region 10 La-
boratory also analyzed caulking material samples for PCBs. Preliminary results were provided
within a few days of the samples' receipt. To verify detected PCBs as aroclors, a gas chroma-
tograph/triple quad mass spectrometer was used to confirm identifications. The results deter-
mined that the light fixtures were a source of PCBs and that the school needed to take remedial
action. Additional sampling and analyses by the Region 10 Laboratory occurred after the school
spent over $350,000 to replace light fixtures with LED lighting. The results indicated that the
PCB sources had been removed.
25
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Improve the Safety of Chemicals
PFOA/PFOS Method Validation Study
The Region 5 Laboratory conducted a multi-lab validation study for direct injection of non-
drinking water per fluorinated chemical samples into a Liquid Chromatograph-Tandem
Mass Spectrometer. The effort is multi-programmatic with participation from OLEM ORD
and several Regions. The data are being evaluated. The method was developed in the
Regional lab and a similar method for soils/sediments is also ready for method validation.
The methods have been used for the analysis of PFCs at several sites across the county for
ORD Environmental Response Team and the Regions. The methods for soil and water
were adopted by ASTM International as ASTM Standards D7968 and D7979 respectively,
and are being referenced worldwide.
Dicamba Overspray in Missouri
In the spring of 2016, over 100 dicamba overspray complaints were filed with the State of
Missouri DEQ and Department of Agriculture. Cotton growers had planted GMO cotton
that were resistant to dicamba, which improves the farmers ability to kill weeds without
destroying their crops. Dicamba and a new Dicamba/2,4-D mixture was used on the genet-
ically modified organism (GMO) crops. Unfortunately, non-GMO crops were adjacent to
these cotton fields. Two main issues arose from this event. First, the pesticide label did
not specify that it could be used on GMO crops, so it was a violation of the Federal Insecti-
cide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Second, many of the neighboring farmers
lost large amounts of edible crops such as peaches, beans, tomatoes, cantaloupes, and soy-
beans. Because dicamba is so volatile, it does not have a typical overspray pattern directly
adjacent to the applied field. The number of complaints overwhelmed the state of Mis-
souri, and EPA was invited to assist. Chemists were brought in to discuss options with the
state and FDA, as well as OPPS. Region 7 chemists set-up an analytical method following
directions from OPPS, and prepared for additional samples. Region 7 chemists also
worked with the local FDA office to understand the methods used by them for the food side
of the project. By ensuring EPA's method is comparable to FDA's method, the data could
be compared and used. The Region 7 lab director shared this information with Region 4
and 6 lab directors when the complaints expanded into Illinois, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
EPA Region 7 has the method working and is ready for future events analyzing both soil
and vegetation.
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Empower Communities, States & Tribes
Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative
Cyanobacteria and their associated toxins are a major issue in New England. Starting in 2013, EPA's
New England Regional Laboratory partnered with our states (including NY) to convene a region-wide
cyanobacteria monitoring and "bloom watch" workgroup to collaboratively establish a uniform and con-
sistent regional approach to monitoring cyanobacteria. Now called the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Col-
laborative, the program has significantly expanded each year. The Collaborative includes state
environmental water quality and beach monitoring programs and departments of public health, tribes,
public water suppliers, NGOs, citizen moni toring groups, and academics. Three key components of the
Collaborative are:
BloomWateh - a crowdsourcing, citizen science smart phone app that the public can use to iden-
tify and report potential cyanobacteria blooms by uploading time, location and pho-
tos of a potential bloom to the citsci.org webpage, which can be relayed immediately
to a state specialist for follow up. BloomWateh not only educates people, but pro-
motes the use of quality assured data submitted by the public to address the cyano-
bacteria issue.
CyanoScope - Developed for trained citizen scientists and professional wa-
ter quality managers to collect water samples and upload microscope images of cya-
nobacteria to the inaturalist.org webpage at http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/
cyanoscope. Field monitoring kits complete with digital field microscopes and cya-
nobacteria samplers are provided through Region l's Equipment Loan Program.
Cyanomonitoring - this component engages environmental professionals and trained citizen
scientists in monitoring using a field fluorometer to test for cyanobacteria in water samples to track the
progression through the course of the sampling period, helping in the ability to forecast upcoming bloom
events and manage recreational waterbodies and drinking water sources. The Collaborative's webpage
(http://cyanos.org/) provides detailed information and links each of the three components. There is also
a listserv with more than 300 subscribers.
Region l's new mobile biology laboratory is being used extensively to conduct on-site training for
engaged watershed protection and citizen science groups around the region. EPA staff have held train-
ings at more than 40 different locations around New England and trained in person more than 400 indi-
viduals, including state and local water quality staff and boards of health, munic-
ipal drinking water suppliers, citizen associations, academic researchers, lake
and river associations, and others. EPA staff have also held numerous national
webinars attended by hundreds. There have been numerous positive articles,
news clips, blog posts, tweets and Facebook posts about the program, including
a National Geographic blog including the program in the top ten citizen scientist
programs in the US.
The architecture of this program has been designed to be flexible enough to be
easily incorporated into existing monitoring and educational programs, yet rigor-
ous enough to ensure uniformly consistent monitoring methods and protocols so that data can be aggre-
gated across the region and utilized by many different entities. It can easily be implemented by citizen
scientists and volunteer monitoring groups to advanced drinking water programs with limited invest-
ments of funds or labor. The program provides an educational component as well as the data necessary
to responsibly manage our water resources. As a result of the national conferences, webinars and arti-
cles, the approach is being adopted by almost all Regions, many states, watershed groups across the
country and even internationally. This program has been a highly successful collaboration between
EPA and the states, involving the best experts working together to tackle a growing public health and
environmental crisis, while engaging citizen scientists to collect quality data during these times of
shrinking resources.
27
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Empower Communities, States and Tribes
EPA will strengthen its community-driven approach, which emphasizes public participation to
better partner with states, tribes, and communities and to maximize the support and resources
of the entire Agency to create tangible environmental results.
E Coli Concentrations in the
Bear Creek begins in wilderness snow atop 14,271 -foot Mount Evans, visible to residents
around metro Denver. The creek cascades through pristine forests starting in the foothills near
Evergreen. Pristine water reaches suburban homes, roads, reservoirs, septic tanks, parks used by
dog-walkers, golf courses and commercial sites. Chemical and biological contamination gets
worse as Bear Creek approaches the South Platte River. In 2008, The USEPA deemed Bear
Creek "impaired". Denver, Lakewood and Sheridan taxpayers would be fiscally responsible,
facing federal Clean Water Act penalties, if Bear Creek water quality isn't improved. E. coli
contamination in Bear Creek has been measured as high as 2,400 colony-forming units (cfus)
per 100 milliliters. The state health limit is 126 cfus. The occurrence, fate, and transport of E
Coli is an important water quality concern, both nationally and regionally and has gained public
interest. The work conducted by this Region 8 Team is providing valuable information to ad-
dress those concerns and fill information gaps which could then be used to inform the imple-
mentation of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Clean Water Act (CWA), as appropri-
ate. (continued on next page)
28
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Empower Communities, States and Tribes
E Coli Concentrations in the
Bear Creek Watershed (cont.)
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the training of Metropolitan State
University of Denver students and the training of Sheridan High School students. The stu-
dents were trained in the proper sampling of the creek, the proper safety precautions, some
were taught analysis methods, and then data review, data interpretation, and finally presen-
tation skills. Region 8 Laboratory scientists, each with their own specialty, contributed to
the outreach to these students. They accompanied them on sampling events, helped them
understand the reasons why what they were doing was important, and helped them explain
their results to the Sheridan City Council. The Region 8 Laboratory scientists, also made
presentations about the methodology, background science on E Coli contamination, and
results of the testing to all of the partners. Region 8 Laboratory scientists were also con-
tributors to the City of Lakewood Sustainability Plan, (continued on next page)
The Region 8 Laboratory scientists negotiated, educated, and jointly developed plans to be
more strategic with sampling locations. This strategic planning resulted in a more compre-
hensive monitoring program and the inclusion of more sampling sites than was initially
fiscally possible. Over 1000 measurements have been made in the last three years.
The work by this team supported the development of a multi-partner surface-water moni-
toring programs. Data generated from this study is being used in the region by states and
local municipalities, but was also shared with OW, ORD, and other federal agencies. The
data has been used to determine the broadness of the E Coli issue and to try and identify
sources. This coordination, use, and sharing of data expands the utility of the data to im-
prove our scientific understanding of the E Coli fate and effects, for use in regulatory deci-
sions, and implementation of national water quality initiatives. This effort is improving
and maintaining improvements in water quality as well as fostering partnerships within the
agency and between the agency and local municipalities, universities, and citizen groups
(Groundwork Denver and Trout Unlimited).
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, under-
served, 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.
29
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Protect Water: a Precious, Limited Resource
Provide for Clean and Safe Water: Ensure waters are clean
through improved water infrastructure and, in partnership with
states and tribes, sustainably manage programs to support drinking
water, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational, economic, and subsist-
Passaic River Pathogen/Microbial
Source Trackdown Study
The Second River, a major tributary of the Passaic River located in Northern New Jersey, flows
through an Environmental Justice area that is largely urbanized and includes several large town-
ships. The river has shown some of the highest levels of fecal bacteria in the New York-New
Jersey Harbor and the source of these elevated levels was not clear. The Region 2 program of-
fice, with the assistance of the Region 2 RS+T field and laboratory staff, designed an intensive
study with the primary objectives of 1) assessing bacteria levels at multiple key locations
throughout the Second River and 2) identifying the sources of the bacteria, specifically whether
they were of human origin.
The Region 2 Laboratory provided analytical support for the project, analyzing samples for con-
ventional bacteria indicators followed by molecular DNA marker testing of the bacteria to iden-
tify the sources. This conventional bacteria analysis included testing for Enterococcus, Esche-
richia coli, and Fecal Coliforms; the molecular DNA analysis included testing for two Human
DNA markers to assess if the sources were of human, e.g., sewerage, or non-human, e.g., water
fowl, animals.
The Laboratory processed approximately 25 samples each week during the study period, span-
ning over three months, for a total analysis of nearly 1200 analysis. The analysis for the conven-
tional bacteria was especially demanding as the samples had to be processed within 6 hours of
collection, with a team working several hours each afternoon to meet the time constraint.
The Laboratory provided a comprehensive analytical report to the program office, summarizing
the conventional bacteria results and the molecular-based DNA results, for evaluation. The pro-
gram office analyzed the study results and has identified several potential sources of the fecal
contamination, from human origin, to the Second River. The study data will directly assist in
the development of management strategies to address major sources of contamination.
Regional Laboratories play an important part in protecting and restoring the nation's water re-
sources by providing:
• key data for regions and their partners and target actions to protect human health and aquat-
ic 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.
30
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Protect Water: a Precious, Limited Resource
Region 3 Ocean's Program Assists with Sink-
ing Ocean Vessel to Create Artificial Reef
Region 3's Ocean Program Team wit-
nessed the former menhaden vessel,
Shearwater, sinking as an artificial reef
26 nautical miles off the coast of Dela-
ware on December 11, 2015. Because
the approximately 180 foot long former
military and fishing vessel was built in
the late 1940s as a Coastal Fast Supply
Ship for use in WWII, verification of
the removal of PCB-laden materials was
completed prior to the sinking. In Sep-
tember, EPA completed a walk-through of the vessel to verify that it had been fully stripped
based on EPA and US Maritime Administration's (MARAD's) National Guidance: Best Man-
agement Practices for Preparing Vessels Intended to Create Artificial Reefs. The U.S Coast
Guard also performed an inspection of the vessel to confirm there was no oil on-board. Residu-
al plastic debris and insulation were removed during the walk-through and loose, peeling paint
was exfoliated. At no time during the sinking process was any floatable debris or sheen seen
coming from the Shearwater. A sonar survey of the Shearwater completed after deployment
showed the top of the artificial reef is now 115 feet below the surface and she is resting on her
side on the sand bottom in 127 feet of water. While the Shearwater will never see the light of
day again it should have many productive years in her new role as an artificial reef providing
food and habitat for fish and recreation for fisherman and divers
Molecular Biology Analytical Support to
RARE Projects
The regional lab is supporting several ORD Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) and
Regional Methods (RM) projects in Regions 1, 3, 5 and 8. Non-EPA partners as well as EPA
ORD Cincinnati scientists are assisting the effort as well. The region has a molecular biolo-
gist operating quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) equipment to determine the ef-
fects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface waters on the feminization of male fish and
the impact of reproductive health of aquatic life. The effort is being conducted in the north-
east, Chesapeake Bay, and Colorado. Large numbers of fish samples are processed and ana-
lyzed by gene expression, then the results are shared via a cloud based data portal with the
research teams.
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Protect Water: a Precious, Limited Resource
Algal Toxins in Water Method Development
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 recrea-
tion) in the effected waters. Over 500,000 people
were ordered to not drink or boil their drinking
water in Toledo, Ohio in August 2014 due to the
detection of some of these toxins in the city's
drinking water. Some of these toxins have been
and are being detected in surface waters in Region
8 and across the United States. There are con-
cerns that low-level, chronic exposure to mixtures
of these chemicals can have adverse ecological or human health effects. For example, new
(2015) USEPA Health Advisories (HA) have recommended at or below 0.3 micrograms per liter
for microcystins and 0.7 micrograms per liter for cylindrospermopsin in drinking water for chil-
dren pre-school age and younger (less than six 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 mi-
crocystins and 3.0 micrograms per liter for cylindrospermopsin.
The occurrence, fate, and transport of these chemicals are an important water quali ty concern,
both nationally and regionally and have gained considerable public interest. The work conducted
by Region 8 scientists is providing critical information addressing concerns in both a routine
monitoring capacity and as needed when algal blooms develop. The gathered data are shared
with the regional states and local agencies. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive and Region
8 was commended for developing this capacity by States and Tribal Nations alike. Additionally,
Region 8 scientists are collaborating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and Office of Research and Development (ORD) and providing some of the first data in the re-
gion for their inland Phytoplankton Monitoring Network initiative. These regional efforts direct-
ly support the EPA's recommendations for the management of cyanotoxins in public water sys-
tems, the Algal Toxin Risk Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water, and
the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act. Data generated from this col-
laborative approach are used in the Region by states and a municipality to access their drinking
water and recreational water facilities. This coordination expands the utility of the data to im-
prove our scientific understanding of the fate, transport, and affects from algal toxin exposure,
and for 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), and the
Laboratory Services Program from the Office of Technical and Management Services all worked
together to identify and develop the algal toxin analysis methods. This coordination resulted in
the development of 2 analytical methods to monitor for 4 individual toxins, and 1 field screening
method. Data have been collected in 3 regional states, for one municipality, and shared with one
other federal agency (NOAA) as well as Office of Research and Development. Expansion of the
analytical methods (new analytes) and laboratory sample analysis capacity are planned for 2016.
32
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Protect water: a precious, limited resource
Flint Michigan Drinking Water Response
The City of Flint, Michigan was discovered to have improperly treated dri nking water at the
end of 2015. The Region 5 Laboratory and later the regional lab network was invoked to assist
with the response, totaling 11,830 analyses reported out within 5 days of receipt between all of
the participating regional labs during Fy2016. The effort lasted throughout the entire fiscal year
2016 and into 2017. The Region 5 Lab in Chicago had the lead, analyzing drinking water sam-
ples for lead, copper, and zinc as the field team tried to locate residences with lead service lines.
The workload was very high and regional labs in Kansas City, KS, N. Chelmsford, MA, Ath-
ens, GA, and Port Orchard, WA, volunteered to assist to alleviate the load of samples ar-
riving every day. This effort involved taking one or two days
of sampling each week, allowed the Chicago lab to keep pace
with the rest of the week's sampling and all regional labs were
able to meet the 5 day turnaround for all samples. The Chica-
go lab also performed anion, total phosphorus and alkalinity
tests to support the Flint response effort.
Staff at the Chicago laboratory made many process improve-
ments in order to keep up with what amounted to a doubling
of the Chicago lab's annual workload. Three staff were
trained on the use of the metals instrument to analyze samples,
doubling this staff capability. This also helped with data re-
view after the samples were analyzed. Three additional metals preparation stations were pro-
cured quickly with the assistance of the regional acquisitions team. This was necessary to en-
sure the drinking water samples were digested quickly so as to not hold up sample analysis.
Several additional Chicago lab staff were trained to log in samples upon receipt, pour samples
into digestion tubes and many other tasks to ensure peak efficiency of the entire sample process.
One staff member kept a special log spreadsheet of each sample as they arrived to make sure
none were lost or overlooked. One staff member took the lead to address questions from the
field team and other regional labs, so those involved with processing samples were left undis-
turbed.
The Regional lab in Kansas City shifted
to assisting with other projects the Chica-
go lab could not take, thereby allowing
regular non-drinking water projects to
continue while the Chicago lab was deal-
ing with the Flint sampling effort. Many
samples collected also meant many prob-
lems with shipping and receiving. The
sample custodian had need of two back-
ups to assist with the log-in of samples
and many sample labelling or container
issues that needed to be resolved before
the samples could be prepped and ana-
lyzed in the lab.
The entire effort was a great example of
staff innovation, process improvement
and regional lab network cooperation.
Regional Lab staff receiving a bronze medal for their
efforts during the Flint, MI emergency response
33
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Protect Water: a Precious, Limited Resource
Region 3 and Trash Free Maryland Identify
Microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay
The Region 3 Laboratory is collaborating with Trash Free Maryland (TFM), a non-governmental
organization, to analyze water and fish tissue samples for microplastics. TFM received grant funds
from the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program, funded in part by EPA, to investigate
the presence of microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay. Micro-
plastics, which are small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters
(mm), are marine debris that are of particular concern because
they are found in numerous personal care products that find their
way into coastal and estuarine waters. Microplastics are also
formed by degradation of plastic trash such as plastic bags and
bottles and may enter the food chain when consumed by fish.
The Region 3 Laboratory received 30 water samples and 5 fish
gut samples. Water samples were collected from the top of the
water column using a "manta" net with 2.5 um holes. Fish guts
were removed by TFM from a variety of fish speci es provi ded
from a single source from the Anacostia River Basin, a tributary
of the Chesapeake Bay.
Beads and monofilaments
found in bay waters samples
Isolating the microplastics particles from the water samples was
based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA methods compendium ), Laboratory Methods for the
Analysis of Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Recom-
mendations for qualifying synthetic particles in water and sedi-
ment. The Region 3 Laboratory provided the mass of particles
per sample and photos of the isolated particles.
1
Isolating microplastics from fish tissue is the second phase of the project. The Laboratory is
working with a digestion method provided by TFM. The method utilizes potassium hydroxide
(KOH) to breakdown the fish tissue. Due to the harsh nature of a KOH digestion and concern
that KOFI may degrade some of the target particles the Region 3 Laboratory has performed
some preliminary test utilizing papain, a proteolytic enzyme used to tenderize meat, in place of
KOFI. The tests revealed that the papain worked efficiently in the break-down of tissues. The
papain is also inexpensive, readily available, non-toxic and does not appear to harm the parti-
cles.
The final step in the project will be to identify the different types of plastics in each sample.
This will be done utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR can be
used to identify the different polymer types in the microplastic samples. The FTIR identifica-
tion of microplastics will also be used to support two upcoming Office of Research and Devel-
opment Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) projects , which collaborates with Region
1 and Region 2 Laboratories. Region 1 will be looking at microplastics in sediment samples.
Region 2 will be looking at coral samples.
34
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Protect Water: a Precious, Limited Resource
Study of Formaldehyde in NW Aquaculture
Facility Effluents and Receiving Waters
In 2016, the Region 10 Office of Environmental Review and Assessment (OERA) and the
Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) conducted water sampling and field anal-
ysis at 10 federal and state fish hatcheries in Washington and in Idaho. The objective was to
provide data on the concentrations of formaldehyde being discharged from hatcheries after ap-
plications of formalin, which is used by the hatcheries to control external parasites on hatchery
fish and their eggs. Formalin is a generic term that describes a solution of 37% formaldehyde
gas dissolved in water. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a 10-fold dilution
of finfish treatment water and a 100-fold dilution of finfish egg treatment water. This should
lead to an effluent discharge concentration of no more than 25 parts per million (ppm), which
is equivalent to 25 |iL/L formalin, or 10 ppm of the formaldehyde active ingredient. Recently,
a risk assessment of hatchery effluents under the EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimina-
tion System (NPDES) General Permit for Federal and Indian Country Aquaculture Facilities in
Washington State was conducted by EPA Region 10. The assessment concluded that formalin
use at hatcheries (which is covered in the NPDES General Permit) is not likely to affect salm-
onids listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) if present at concentrations below 10
ppm formaldehyde in the receiving water.
EPA and Ecology worked with staff and managers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify which hatcheries in the North-
west use the most formalin, and to ensure that sampling included a range of formalin use sce-
narios (i.e., egg, juvenile, and adult treatments). By sampling formaldehyde in the effluent of
Washington and Idaho facilities that use the most formalin, and by sampling during peak for-
malin use, the study was designed to capture reasonable worst-case concentrations. Sampling
was performed in accordance with an approved quality assurance project plan (QAPP) at a
minimum of three locations per fish hatchery: 1) the influent (raw water); 2) the effluent; and
3) the receiving water. Samples of treated effluent from facility outfalls were collected both as
grab samples and by discrete interval sampling with an automated sampler. Grab samples
were collected at a period when the highest likely concentration of formaldehyde was being
discharged through the outfall. The analytical parameters collected for the influent and efflu-
ent included applicable field measurements (temperature, total chlorine, ammonia, dissolved
oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, pH, and formaldehyde screening) and laboratory analysis for
formaldehyde. Sample collection and shipment was coordinated with the Region 10 Laborato-
ry to ensure that samples were processed on the day of receipt (formaldehyde samples have a
short hold time due to analyte degradation). Sample extracts were analyzed with an analytical
method mobilized for this project. Based on the data collected from the hatcheries that partici-
pated in this study, as well as the available toxicological data for threatened and endangered
salmonids, EPA believes that current levels of formalin use are generally protective of aquatic
life and ESA listed salmonids in Pacific Northwest waters.
-------
Increase Environmental Law Compliance Rate
Allied Waste Landfill
Enforcement Investigation
Joint Regional RS&T Project
Region 2 Regional Science and Technology (RS&T) provided support to
an enforcement monitoring investigation for air pollutants at a major Landfill,
the Allied Waste Landfill, located in Niagara Falls, New York. The site in-
vestigation included monitoring at 35 locations for Methane, Ethane and Air
Toxics. The site investigation included two phases, Phase 1 was performed
by three inspection teams made up of Region 2 and Region 5 inspectors to
monitor the landfill surface and vents with flame ionization detectors for the
presence of air toxics, particularly Methane. Based on the results of the Phase
1 monitoring, the Region conducted Phase 2 of the monitoring. This phase
included the collection of air samples using summa canisters for the analysis
of methane, ethane and air toxics by Method TO-15. As the Region 2 Labora-
tory did not have the analytical capability for these air contaminants, Region 2
reached out to the other laboratories within the Regional Laboratory Network
for support. The Region 4 Laboratory offered their services for the analysis of
Methane, Ethane and Air toxics. It involved pre-cleaning and shipping of 35
SUMMA canisters, followed by the analysis using two separate methods -
one for Methane and Ethane and the second for Air Toxics. In addition, com-
pounding the effort, nearly all of the samples required dilutions demanding
more attention to analysis, data processing and data review.
After several months of collaboration and preparation between the staff from
all three Regions (2,4 and 5) this project was successfully implemented and
yielded results for the Region to take the necessary actions to improve nearby
community air quality. This type of support, leveraging the expertise of the
RS&T field inspectors and regional laboratories to assist in meeting critical
mission needs, is a testament to the need, importance, and value of collabora-
tion among the RS&T's and the regional laboratories.
36
-------
Increase Environmental Law Compliance Rate
W
In all of its works, EPA's enforcement program strives to address
noncompliance in an efficient and timely manner; applying a broad
range of enforcement and compliance tools to achieve the goals of
reducing noncompliance
Region 3 Laboratory Response to
Potomac River Sheen Discharge
In November 2016, an oil spill from an unknown source was reported in the Potomac Riv-
er near Montgomery County, MD. The NRG Dickerson Power Plant notified the National
Response Center of accumulated oil on the Potomac River outside their facility outfall. A
Unified Command was assembled including EPA, Maryland Department of the Environ-
ment, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the District Department of the
Environment. Approximately 10 miles of heavy sheen was observed from the air. Several
water authorities were impacted and utilities were forced to shut down Potomac intakes.
The Region 3 Water Protection Division reached out to the Region 3 Laboratory for assis-
tance. Initially, the laboratory provided technical advice on best methods based on exist-
ing data from the DC Forensics Laboratory. Analysis of the spill presented some chal-
lenges since it was not detected by any of the standard drinking water methods.
The Region 3 Laboratory was able to provide rapid analysis of the river samples. The an-
alysts utilized Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as volatile, semi-
volatile and hydrocarbon analysis for identification of the unknown. Results were report-
ed in less than 24 hours. Additional analytical support was provided by the Maryland De-
partment of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). Through the diligent work of the Re-
gion 3 analysts, the laboratory was able to identify the contaminant as "lube oil" based on
pattern matching the results of the hydrocarbon analysis. Results of fingerprint analysis
from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) agreed with the Region 3 laboratory results.
The USCG was able to determine that the cause of the sheen was a turbine lubricant oil
from the NRG Dickerson Power Plant.
37
-------
Increase Environmental Law Compliance
Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
EPA is responsible for designating and managing ocean dumping sites under the
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). Many of these ocean
disposal sites are located offshore of major ports and harbors nationwide. Desig-
nated ocean disposal sites are selected to minimize the risk of potenti ally adverse
impacts of the disposed material on human health and the marine environment.
Science and Ecosystem Support Division (SESD) Chief Scientists, in collabora-
tion with EPA Region 4 program office, plan and conduct oceanographie surveys
at and around ocean disposal sites located off the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts to
monitor the impacts of regulated dumping at these sites. The surveys characterize
the changes in chemical, biological and physical properties in and around OD-
MDS sites to ensure that dumping will not endanger human health or the environ-
ment and to verify that unanticipated adverse effects are not occurring from past
or continued use of the site. Data collection and analyses conducted through OD-
MDS surveys include water measurements and chemistry, sediment chemistry,
topography, coral habitat and fish community assessments.
38
-------
Increase Environmental Law Compliance
Catalytic Converter Washcoat Analysis for
Platinum Group Metals by
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
EPA conducts vehicle and engine exhaust system inspections to verify compliance with mobile
source Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements. Engine exhaust
systems may be equipped with catalysts to accelerate the
chemical reactions that decrease nitrogen oxides (NOx) con-
centrations in combustion exhaust gas, oxidize hydrocarbons
that were not initially combusted, and oxidize carbon monox-
ide to carbon dioxide (C02). Vehicle manufacturers are re-
quired to submit catalyst specifications, including dimensions
and precious metal catalyst content, in the application for cer-
tificate of conformity and ensure that all vehicles entering the
U.S. meet the design specifications. Typical precious metal catalysts used in small engines are
platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh). For small engines, the precious metals are
mixed with a binding agent such as aluminum oxide and then applied as a washcoat to a ferrous
metal substrate. The Region 9 Lab developed the capability to extract catalyst washcoat sam-
ples from small engine exhaust systems, verify catalyst dimensional specifications and quantify
the precious metal content of the washcoat using a FP-XRF.
The Air Enforcement Program uses the data to prevent the importation of sub-standard engines
and assure compliance with CAA requirements. During FY2016, the Lab processed over 50
exhaust system samples collected by Region 9 inspectors at the Ports of Los Angeles, Long
Beach, and Oakland. The results of these tests led to the seizure of 3,035 vehicles and engines
and prevention of 1.5 million pounds of emissions being released into the air.
Muffler: cut open
Drilled Catalyst
39
-------
EPA as a High Performing Organization
Advanced Monitoring and
Next Generation Compliance Tools
Region 1 deployed a real time, continuous flow, optical sensor system from ZAPs LiquID
technologies. The unit was first set up at the Regional lab and tied into the lab's wastewater
pretreatment system which allowed field staff to become familiar with instrument operation
and maintenance in a secure setting. The device was then field deployed to an Massachusetts
Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) railyard in Boston where it monitored total suspended
solids (TSS), E. coli, a surrogate for refined hydrocarbons, chemical oxygen demand (COD),
and nitrate/nitrite. Low flow conditions at the site defined one operational limitation of the de-
vice, but also prevented a true test of system capabilities in the right setting. The device was
redeployed to a municipal wastewater treatment system where it monitored the biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) and COD loads from an individual manufacturing operation that dis-
charges to a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) through a dedicated pipeline. Upon
preliminary review, the device's outputs were well correlated with the results of concurrent
grab sample lab data. In both field deployments, there has been a need for high frequency man-
ual maintenance tasks to be performed. In the future, an add-on technology will be tested to try
Region 1 has continually explored new applications of Forward Looking Infra-Red cam-
eras (FLIR). During 2016 we partnered with:
• New Bedford and Coast Guard to evaluate potential ability of FLIR to spot illegal fishing
vessel bilge water discharges in New Bedford Harbor.
• The Region 1 drinking water program to evaluate ability to rapidly determine groundwater
discharge zones into surface waters.
Low-level aerial photography - EPA is prohibited from using drones, so we went old school
and borrowed a small blimp from Region 4 with a remote controlled camera mount. We tested
the device at Shepley Hill Landfill in Massachusetts and on first deployment were able to cap-
ture high-resolution images of a groundwater seep adjacent to the landfill discharging to a
nearby pond. These aerial images provide a perspective not attainable from ground level and
help focus efforts to quantify post-slurry wall groundwater seepage and contaminant flux es-
sential to remedial performance evaluation. The method shows great promise for reviewing
dozens of other Region 1 superfund sites in relation to site characterization, remedial perfor-
mance monitoring and long-term monitoring.
Forward Looking Infra-Red Cameras
40
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EPA as a High Performing Organization
PhyloChip Development
Region 7 is collaborating with Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory (LBNL) to deploy, assess, and evaluate PhyloChip
technology under a wide variety of environmental conditions
through a contract mechanism available to EPA partners na-
tionwide. The ultimate goal is to develop the capability and
capacity to perform PhyloChip analysis in-house at the Region
7 Science & Technology Center. The PhyloChip is a forensics
tool that identifies human, animal and environmental sources
of bacteria with a single test. It can provide a source-specific
DNA fingerprint of contaminant sources by measuring the
composition of the entire microbial community.
Animal feces and environmental sources contain unique combinations of thousands of distinct
microbial species—highly specific "fingerprints." PhyloChip can detect this microbial finger-
print. The PhyloChip contains a unique microarray that can simultaneously detect most known
microorganisms—testing for over 58,000 bacterial taxa. The glass microarray holds 1.1 million
separate tests, each measuring a specific nucleic acid sequence. PhyloChip has the ability to
measure thousands of source-specific microbes at very high or low quantities, and has many
built in statistical controls and quantitative standards. Older methods of sampling and growing
cultures in the lab took days to weeks and could miss species that cannot grow on the culture
medium. In validation studies, the PhyloChip has a high degree of sensitivity and specificity
for human sources, cattle, swine, house pets, birds, and diverse wildlife. PhyloChip also has the
unique capability to identify non-fecal bacteria sources such as sediments, soils, and decaying
vegetation.
The costs of using the PhyloChip are the device itself (about $250 each) and analytical costs.
Currently, the analytical test for each chip costs $500 with labor and results typically obtained
within a week (batches of at least 10 chips). Analyti cal testing is done by the University of Cali-
fornia Berkeley.
EPA is currently testing the use of the PhyloChip in several regions under a wide variety of en-
vironmental conditions in urban and rural settings. Several collaborative projects are currently
underway in cooperation with states and tribes using Region 7's contract mechanism with
LBNL . Data uses are expected to include waste profiling, pollutant source bracketing
(upstream and downstream), emerging contaminants, sewage effluent, groundwater contamina-
tion, and harmful algal bloom research. EPA will be seeking to determine the effectiveness of
PhyloChip in each of these unique circumstances and how this technology may be effectively
applied in the future.
Region 1 also collaborated on this multi-regional project proposal to evaluate the PhyloChip
system. Field staff screened, selected, and sampled waters downstream from Concentrated
Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) and bay shoreline waters in the St. Albans Bay, Lake
Champlain, Vermont watershed. The project study area is a heavy agricultural use area, with
several dairy operations and a vast amount of crop field acreage. The project evaluated Phylo-
Chip capability to apportion microbial indicators between CAFOs and other sources (i.e., hu-
man, non-human, birds, cows, septic systems, wildlife, etc.). An important result in this agri-
culturally dominated setting was an indication that failed septic systems are a significant po-
tential contributor to nutrient loading. Further study of Vermont CAFOs are being planned to
further evaluate this new technology.
41
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EPA as a High Performing Organization
Ft. Riley Groundwater Analysis for
Green Infrastructure
The Office of Research and Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
U.S. Army facilitating collaboration on the Army's Net Zero initiative on conserving energy
and water while recycling waste at military installations. Ft. Riley, Kansas, was the selected
site as a pilot NetZero Water facility. Region 7 facilitated research relationships with ORD,
Ft. Riley, and the U.S. Geological Survey, using RARE funding to support Green Infrastruc-
ture (GI) at a Ft. Riley elementary school educating the community on the benefits of the sus-
tainable water resource management.
Managed properly, green infrastructure applications and technological approaches can re-
duce, capture, and treat storm water runoff at its source. There is clearly a need for commu-
nities to better understand how to set up monitoring and modeling environments for GI activ-
ities. These data and models are necessary to understand the anticipated functionality of
green infrastructure, especially as an alternative for grey water and to furthermore determine
its efficiencies as a compliance method to correct combined sewer overflow violations.
In the Fall of 2015, Region 7 chemists agreed to assist ORD/ADA with sampling and analy-
sis. At this point, constaiction had been completed on a new school parking lot which was
permeable, and 25 test wells had been drilled. The monitoring plan tested horizontal and ver-
tical water samples for contamination migration, if any. Four large sampling events were
scheduled to analyze a wide range of pollutants to determine the impact on the ground water
from a permeable surface. In support of this project, Region 7 chemists performed a wide
range of extractable organics using the Gerstel SBSE technology (Twister), volatiles, nutri-
ents, and metals. In addition, laboratory chemists provided field support to ORD chemists
during these large sampling events. Chemists met ORD staff at the site, assisted with sample
collection and transported samples back to the laboratory for analysis. The data was submit-
ted to ORD for their review. This project has been extended, and Region 7 chemists will
continue to provide field and laboratory support for this study.
jjr =
42
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EPA as a High Performing Organization
Lead Bioavailability Study in Missouri
Thousands of residential and other properties in the U.S. are sampled each year to detect high
levels of lead, due to concern of contamination by past mining or smelting activities or materi-
als. The financial burden of these investigations is an incentive to find procedures that reduce
costs while still providing the desired level of confidence that unacceptable exposures and un-
necessary cleanups are avoided. Soil heterogeneity can cause contaminant data to be highly
variable, thus diminishing this level of confidence. Statistical analysis is the tool that can be
used to control the chance of decision error when data uncertainty exists. In partnership with
Region 7, the Technology Integration and Information Branch (TUB) within EPA's HQ
Superfund program conducted a field study that examined several sampling design factors rel-
evant to residential sampling for metals. EPA Region 7, EPA Headquarters and the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources collaborated on a field study involving 18 residential prop-
erties in the Furnace Creek Lead Superfund Site in Caledonia, Washington County, MO
(impacted by Pb from mining operations). A total of 23 yard areas (DUs) were sampled for
surficial soil. All DUs were sampled with triplicate 5-, 9-, and 30-point composites, so that all
DUs produced 9 independent samples each. All samples were processed to control within-
sample heterogeneity via drying, disaggregation, and sieving to a <250-micron particle size.
The data collected for this field study were utilized to address data gaps identified through the
expansion of this Superfund Site and to help develop a site specific cleanup goal for the Rec-
ord of Decision for this same Site
Region 7 chemists supported this work in several ways. First, they provided input and sugges-
tions to the draft plan. Second, they provided space for contractors to dry and sieve 400 sam-
ples in a safe environment. Two hoods, and six ovens were reserved for this month long pro-
ject. Finally, the chemists analyzed the samples for total lead, and bioavailable lead. The data
were submitted for evaluation. ORD's report compared the various triplicate composite re-
sults to each other and to the XRF readings. This information was used to determine an accu-
rate and rapid approach to single property evaluations at this particular site, as well as future
sites.
43
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EPA as a High Performing Organization
Lean Events
In 2016, Region 7 completed two LEAN events and initiated a third LEAN event. As a result
of initiating QAFAP, the staff realized that there was not a good system to track field training,
and many supervisors were not tracking the training at all. A small team of laboratory chem-
ists and field staff met to discuss what programs existed, if any could be adopted, or if we
needed to develop our own training tracking system. The team identified the critical compo-
nents of a tracking system, and began the research of possible existing systems. As part of
the research, an Access database that existed with NEIC was obtained, modified and imple-
mented.
The laboratory continues to review and map the various laboratory processes. In 2016, the
team of chemists tackled the sample disposal process to understand and streamline, if possi-
ble, the process. One of the problems observed by the laboratory was receiving responses
from project managers to identify the legal status of the samples (litigation hold), the disposal
status of the original samples, and to provide customer feedback. The LEAN team completed
the process mapping in less than 8 hours, and then spent another 4 hours to create an electron-
ic survey with customer oriented and understood questions. The discussions centered on why
this information was needed. Once the project managers understood that the laboratory had
to comply with RCRA standards on waste disposal, and needed customer feedback for the
laboratory certification, they were more willing to comply with a response. Unfortunately,
the number of response have not improved because of a number of new project managers.
The next step is educating the new project managers.
A third event was initiated focusing on laboratory sample data and the IT issues. As a result
of the initial meeting to discuss processes by chemists and computer scientists, a smaller task
was implemented. Instead of tackling the complete LIMS system, EPA compatible comput-
ers, and the many differences in methods of implementation, the management team decided to
implement installing EPA compatible computer on analytical instruments. After one year, 15
of 45 computers have been deployed to analytical instruments on three different vendors' in-
struments. The computer updates are controlled by the chemists, preventing untimely inter-
ruptions of sample analyses. The new installations require a chemist, a programmer, and a
computer scientist with the vendor's IT service. Each time an installation happens, it takes all
four staff approximately 2 days to ensure the full operation of the instruments. This smaller
scoped team is now testing remote control of the instruments and remote/electronic data re-
duction.
44
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LAB CAPABILITIES
-------
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Inorganic Chemistry
FY2016
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGION
AL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Acidity
Water
Titrametric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Alkalinity
Water
Titrametric
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
Titrametric
X
X
Chromium, Hexavalent
(Cr+6)
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
X
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
IC
X
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
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hardness
Water
Colorimetric
Water
Titrametric
X
X
X
X
Water
ICP/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
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Direct Hg Analysis
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
CVAA
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Direct Hg Analysis
X
Water
ICP-MS
X
Soil/Sediment
ICP-MS
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
46
-------
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Inorganic Chemistry
FY2016
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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
X
Metals (TCLP)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
ICP /AES
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Metals, Total
Water
ICP/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
ICP/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tissue (Fish &/or plant)
ICP/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
ICP/MS
X
X
X
X
X
Metals (TCLP)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
ICP/MS
X
X
X
X
X
Nitrogen (Ammonia)
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
Water
Electrode
X
Nitrogen (N03 &/or
N02)
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
IC
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
Perch I orate
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
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
47
-------
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Inorganic Chemistry
FY2016
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Sulfide
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
Soil
Colorimetric
Water
IC, Turbidimetric
X
Water
Titrimetric
X
X
Biological Oxygen De-
mand
Water
Membrane Elec-
trode
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Oxygen De-
mand
Water
Photometric
X
X
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
Oil & Grease
Water
Gravimetric
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Gravimetric
X
X
X
Total Organic Carbon
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
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
FY2016
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
123456789 10
Coliform, Total
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Various
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Coliform, Fecal
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Various
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
E. coli
Water, Soil &/or
Sludge
Various
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Toxicity (Acute & Chron-
ic)
Water
Fathead, Ceriodaph-
nia
X
X
X
X
Heterotrophic PC
Water
Various
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
48
-------
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Organic Chemistry
FY2016
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
123456789 10
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
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS or GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
EDB& DBCP
Water
GC/ECD
X
X
X
X
X
Water
GC/MS
X
Water
LC/MS/MS
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
Solid/Waste
HPLC/UV Detec-
tion
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
Pesticides / PCBs
Water, Soil, Waste
GC/MS/MS
X
X
Pesticides / PCBs
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
Pesticides (TCLP)
Solid Waste
GC/MS/MS
X
Phenolics
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
X
X
X
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
49
-------
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
Organic Chemistry
FY2016
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
123456789 10
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
VOA (TCLP)
Solid/Waste
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
VOA (TPH)
Water
GC/MS or GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS or GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES CORE CAPABILITIES SUMMARY
PHYSICAL & OTHER DETERMINATIONS
FY2016
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
123456789 10
Flash Point
Aqueous/Liquid
Waste (oil, drum,
etc.)
Pensky-Marten or Se-
ta
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
Waste (oil, drum,
etc.)
Pensky-Marten or Se-
ta 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
50
-------
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 1
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
GRAM^)
COMMENTS
Inorganic Anions
Water
IC (EPA Method 300.0)
Water
Mercury
Water, Tissue
Direct Mercury Analyzer
(Thermal Decomposition, Amal-
gamation & 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
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 Com-
pounds/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, Sedi-
ment, Waste
(drum)
GC/ECD (EPA Method
8081 A/8082)
Superfund
Field Method
Pesticides/PCBs
Water, Soil, Sedi-
ment, Waste
(drum)
GC/ECD (EPA Method 680)
Superfund
Field Method
Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products
(PPCPs)
Water
LC/MS/MS
Water
Endocrine disrup-
tors, Illicit Discharge
Detection
PFAS
Water
LC/MS/MS (EPA Method 537)
Superfund/ Drinking
Water
VOCs
Air (mini-cans)
GC/MS (EPA Method TO-15)
Superfund
Air Toxics
VOCs
Water, Soil, Air
GC/ECD/PID
Superfund
Field Screening
Grain Size
Soil, Sediment
Sieve (Modified ASTM)
Superfund, Water
Region 1 SOP
Loss on Ignition (LOI)
Sediment
Water
Percent Lipids
Tissue
Gravimetric
Enterococci
Ambient water
Enterolert/ EPA Method 1600
Ambient monitoring
Chlorophyll a
Ambient water
EPA 445.0
Ambient monitoring
Toxicity (Acute)
Sediment
C. dilutus, H. azteca
Water, Superfund
Bulk sediment
51
-------
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 2
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
GRAM^)
COMMENTS
CO
Air / N2
EPA Reference or Equiv. Meth-
od as in 40 CFR Part 58
Air
NOx
Air / N2
EPA Reference or Equiv. Meth-
od as in 40 CFR Part 58
Air
so2
Air / N2
EPA Reference or Equiv.
Method as in 40 CFR Part 58
Air
Percent Sulfur
Fuel Oil
ASTM D4294
Air
Methane, Ethane, Eth-
ene
Water
GC/FID
SF/RCRA
Ozone Precursors
(hydrocarbons)
Air
GC/MS/FID
Air
Pesticides
Wipes
LC/MS/MS and GC/MS
General
Perfluorinated Alkyl
Substances
Water
LC/MS/MS
Superfund, Water
EPA Method 537
PCB Aroclors
PUF
GC/ECD
Air
EPA Method TO-
10A
Total Petroleum Hydro-
carbons
Water, Solid
Hexane Extraction (EPA Meth-
od 1664)
Water
Density
Ink, Paint
ASTM D1475
Air
Grain Size
Solid
Pipet Method
Superfund, Water
Grain Size
Solid
Hydrometer Method (based on
ASTM D422-63)
Superfund, Water
Particulates (Fine)
Air
EPA Reference or Equiv. Meth-
od 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
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
52
-------
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities - FY2016
REGION 3
ANALYTE/GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
GRAM^)
COMMENTS
Nitroaromatics & Ni-
troamines
Water, Soil/
Sediment
HPLC
Water
Method 8330
Nitroglycerine
Water, Soil/
Sediment
HPLC
Water
Method 8332
Chemical Warfare
Agents
Water/Solid/Wipe
GC/MS
Emergency Re-
sponse
Poly fluoroalkyl sub-
stances (PFAS)
Water
LC/MS/MS
Superfund
Method 537
Benthic Macroinverte-
brate
Freshwater
Identification
Water
Marine/Estuarine Ben-
thic Invertebrate Taxon-
omy
Invertebrate
Specimens or
Unsorted Sedi-
ment
EPA EMAP Protocols
Organisms identi-
fied to species or
lowest taxonomy
possible
ID Ozone Depleting
Compounds
Propellants/ Aero-
sols
FTIR
Air Enforcement
ID Unknowns
Bulk Mercury
Density
Superfund, RCRA
ID Unknowns
Water
FTIR
Water
Screening it, identify
unknowns
ID 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
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities - FY2016
REGION 4
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
GRAM^)
COMMENTS
Chromium (+6)
Soil/Sediment
IC
Superfund
Std Method 3500
CrD
Water
IC
Water, Superfund
Method 218.1
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
Lead bioaccessibility
Soil/Sediment
ACID EXTRACTION/ICP
ANALYSIS
Superfund, RCRA
High resolution GC/
MS
Metals (TCLP)
Soil/Waste (oil,
drum)
ICP/MS
RCRA
Freon Products
Canister & Air
GC/MS
Air, OECA
Special analysis
technique devel-
oped for criminal
investigations of
illegal Freon
Natural Attenuation Ana-
lytes
Water
GC/FID
Superfund
Methane, ethane,
ethene
Toxaphene Congeners
Water/Soil
GC/NIMS (EPA Method 8276)
Water, Superfund
6 Parlars, 2 break-
Chlorophyll
Water
Water
37
-------
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 5
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
GRAM^)
COMMENTS
Bromide/Chloride Ratio
Brine Samples
IC & related characterization
techniques; ion balance
Water, UIC & SDWA
Difficult analyses
Chloride
Soil/Sediment
IC
Sediment
Metals
Suspended Par-
ticulate Matter
ICP-MS
Air
Analysis of TSP,
Pm10, PM2.5 filters
for metals
Pb, As via IVBA
SW846 1340
Soil
ICP-AES
SF
Nonylphenol (NP), NP-1
and 2-ethoxylate, octy-
phenol & bisphenol-A
Water
GC/MS (ASTM D7065-11)
Water
Endocrine disrupter
- High Concentration
method (ppb)
Nonylphenol (AP), AP-1
and 2-ethoxylate, octy-
phenol & bisphenol-A
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS (8270 modified / Inter-
nal SOP)
Water
Endocrine disrupter
Nonylphenol (NP), NP-1
and 2-ethoxylate, octy-
phenol
Water
LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7485-09)
Water
Endocrine disrupter
Low level method
(PPt)
Bisphenol-A
Water
LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7574-09)
Water
Endocrine disrupter
Low level method-
(PPt)
Nonylphenol carbox-
ylates
Water
LC/MS/MS
Water
Endocrine disrupter
Long chain NP, NPEOs
(n=3-18)
Water
LC/MS/MS (ASTM D7742-11)
Water
Endocrine disrupter
COD
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
Sediment
PCBs
Water, Oil, Soil,
Wipes
8082 (GC/EC)
TSCA
Aroclor specific
TSCA reg. Compli-
ance method & mul-
tiple action levels
PCB Congeners
Water. Sludge
GC/MS/MS, GC/NCI-MS
RCRA, SF, TSCA,
Water
Compare with
HRGC/HRMS meth-
od
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
Toxic Industrial Chemi-
cals (TICs) & CWA
degradants
Drinking Water
LC/MS/MS Library Screening
WSD, NHSRC
Library search rou-
tine developed un-
der CRADA with
Waters Corp. Now
use NIST LC/MS/
MS Library of over
54
-------
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 5
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
GRAM^)
COMMENTS
Aldicarb, aldicarb sul-
fone, 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
Thiodiglycol
Soil
LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2787-11
NHSRC
SAP Method
Thiodiglycol
Wipes
LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2838-11
NHSRC
SAP Method
Diethanolamine, trieth-
anolamine, n-
methyldiethanolamine
and methyldiethanola-
mine
Water
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7599-09
NHSRC
SAP Method
Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
(DOSS) in Seawater
Seawater
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7730-11
NHSRC/SF
SAP Method
Dipropylene glycol
monobutyl ether and
ethylene glycol mono-
butyl ether in seawater
Seawater
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7731-11
NHSRC/SF
SAP Method
Bromodiolone, brodi-
facoum, diphacinone
and warfarin in water
Water
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7644-11
NHSRC
SAP Method
Diisopropyl
methylphosphonate,
ethyl hydrogen
dimethylamidophos-
phate, 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
Corrosivity by pH
Hazardous Waste
SW846 1110
RCRA
Waste characteriza-
tion
Particle Size
Soil/Sediment
Particle size analyzer provides
continuum of sizes-CRL SOP
GLNPO, Water- Sed-
iment
For modelling and
soil migration calcs.
Water Content
Hazardous waste
SW846 -
RCRA, Superfund
Support for flash-
point
Paint Filter Test
Paints and coat-
ings
RCRA, Superfund
Specific Gravity
Soil/Sediment
Appendix IV of the Corps of
Engineers Engineering Manual
(F10-F22)
Sediment
55
-------
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 6
ANALYTE / GROUP
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
COMMENTS
Ammonia
Air (passive coat-
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air
Ozone
Air (passive coat-
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air
NOx
Air (passive coat-
ed filter)
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air
collection device
SOx
Air (passive coat-
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air
Trace level HexChrom
Water
IC/UV
Water
Perch lorate
Water
IC/MS/MS
Water
Metals byX-Ray Fluo-
rescence
Soil
portable XRF
Superfund, RCRA
field screening
Incidental PCBs
Water
GC/MS; Method 680 Homo-
TSCA, RCRA
grouped by number
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS; Method 680 Homo-
TSCA, RCRA
grouped by number
Waste
GC/MS; Method 680 Homo-
TSCA, RCRA
grouped by number
Expanded 8270 list by
GC/QQQ
Liquid
GC/QQQ; Method 8270
Superfun, RCRA
Chemical Warfare
Water/Solid/Wipe
GC/MS
Emergency Re-
PAMS (C2s and C3s
identified)
Air
GC/MS/FID (split)
CAA
C2s and C3s are
individually quanti-
tated
PCBs (Aroclor)
Electrical Cable
GC; Separation, extraction,
analysis of individual compo-
nents. Mod of program specific
technique.
TSCA
Toluene is extrac-
tion solvent
PAHs (trace)
Water/Solid/Oil
GC/QQQ
RCRA, Superfund
Chemical Warfare
Agents- Degradation
products
Water
LC/MS/MS
Emergency Re-
sponse
VOCs by OVM
AIR
GC/MS
CAA
passive air monitor-
ing
Alcohols by headspace
Water
GC/MS
RCRA/Superfund
Light Hydrocarbons
(dissolved gases)
Water
GC/MS
RCRA/Superfund
Organophosphorous
Pesticides (OPPs)
Water
GC/NPD
CWA, RCRA, Super-
fund
Soil/Sediment
GC/NPD
RCRA, Superfund
Waste
GC/NPD
RCRA, Superfund
Corrosivity by pH
Waste
Method 1110 - Corrosivity To-
RCRA
56
-------
Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 7
ANALYTE / GROUP
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
COMMENTS
CO
Air
40 CFR Part 58
Air
OAQPS Protocol
Gas Verification
Program
NOx
Air
40 CFR Part 58
Air
OAQPS Protocol
Gas Verification
Program
so2
Air
40 CFR Part 58
Air
OAQPS Protocol
Gas Verification
Program
03
Air
40 CFR Part 58
Air
NIST Standard Ref-
erence Photometer
In-vitro Bioassessibility
Assays for Arsenic and
Lead in Soil
Soil
ICP-MS / ICP-AES
Superfund / RCRA
SUPR Exposure /
Toxicity Assessment
Chlordane
Air (PUF)
GC/ECD (EPA Method TO-4A)
Special Project
Herbicides
Water, Soil/
GC/ECD
Water
Use Attainability
Herbicides
Water
LCMSMS
Water
Dicamba analysis
Pesticides
Water, Soil/
GC/ECD
Water
Use Attainability
SVOCs, Pesticides,
Emerging Contaminants
Water
Twister GC/MS Stir Bar
Sorbtive Extraction (solventless
extraction)
Water
Low MDL for water
monitoring
VOCs
Air Canister
GC/MS (EPA Method TO-14 &
TO-15)
Air / Superfund
Air Toxics
VOCs
Air Sorbent Tube
GC/MS (EPA Method TO-17)
Air / Superfund
Air Toxics
VOCs
Water
GC/MS
Superfund / ORD
In-Situ Chemical
Oxidation Site Sup-
port
PCBs
Soil/Sediment,
GC/ECD
Superfund / ORD
Rapid Site Screen-
Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products
(PPCPs)
Water
LC/MS/MS
Water
Endocrine disruptors
PAHs, Pesticides, Herbi-
cides
Water
Twister GC/MS Stir Bar
Sorbtive Extraction (solventless
extraction)
Water
Use Attainability
Analysis (UAA)
VOCs
Water, Soil, Air
GC/MS Mobile Laboratory
Superfund
Rapid Site Charac-
terization
VOCs from In-situ
Chemical Oxidation
Sites
Water
GC/MS
Superfund
Improed Precision of
VOC Samples from
In-situ Chemical
Oxidation Sites
E. coli
Water (drinking/
waste/ambient)
qPCR
Water
2008 NFWA
Enterococci
Water
qPCR
Water
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Water
Plate Count - Standard Meth-
Water
Heterotrophic Bacte-
Chlorophyll a
Ambient water
EPA 445.0
Ambient monitoring
Invertebrate Taxonomy
Invertebrates
EPA EMAP Protocols
Water
Marine/Estuarine Ben-
thic Taxonomy
Benthic Organi-
sing
Water
Organisms identi-
fied to species or
lowest toxonomy
possible
57
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Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 8
ANALYTE / GROUP
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
COMMENTS
Silica
Water
Colorimetric
Water/Superfund
Gadilinium
Water
ICP-MS
Water/Superfund
Wastewater Indica-
tor
Algal Toxins
Water
LC/MS/MS
Water/Superfund
Monitoring for
States and Tribes
Alcohols
Water
GC/FID
Water/Superfund
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/
Water
GC/MS
Water/Superfund
Monitoring for
Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products
(PPCPs)
Water
LC/MS/MS
Water/Superfund
Endocrine disrup-
tors
Waste Indicator Corn-
Water
GC/MS
Water/Superfund
Monitoring for
Total Petroleum Hydro-
carbons-Diesel Range
Organics
Water, Soil
GC/FID
Water/Superfund
Hydro-Fracking
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
Bacteria (Clostridium
perfringens)
Water
Membrane Filtration
Water/Superfund
58
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Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 9
ANALYTE / GROUP
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
COMMENTS
Ferrous Iron
Water
Titration with Dichromate
Superfund
Mercury, Vapor, Particu-
Ambient Air
Cold Vapor Atomic Fluores-
Air, Water (TMDL)
Mobile laboratory
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, Tis-
sue
SW846 1312: ICP, GFAA,
CVAA, ICP/MS
Superfund, RCRA
Low level hexavalent
Drinking Water
IC with post column reaction/
Water
Metals
Soil
Portable XRF
Superfund, Criminal
Investigation
Platinum Group Metals
Catalytic convert-
Portable XRF
Enforcement, Air
Lead (Pb) in Air
TSP High-Volume
filters
FEM EQL-0710-192, ICP/MS
Air
New Pb NAAQS
Perch lorate
Water, Soil
LC/MS/MS (EPA Method
331.0)
Superfund / Water
In vitro bioassessibility
assays for arsenic and
lead in soil
Soil
EPA 9200.1-86
Superfund
Diazinon
Water
ELISA
WQM
1,4-Dioxane
Water, Soil, Sedi-
ment
GC/MS
Superfund, RCRA
EDB/DBCP
Water
GC (EPA 504.1)
Superfund, RCRA
Methane, Ethane, Eth-
Water
GC/FID (RSK-175)
Superfund, RCRA
Benthic Taxonomic Iden-
Sediment
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 Meth-
Water, NPDES,
Microcystin
Water
Immunoassay
Water
Toxicity Test, Red Aba-
lone (Haliotis rufescens)
Larval Development
Water
EPA/600/R-95/136
NPDES
Toxicity Test, Sea Ur-
chin Fertilization
[Stronglyocentrotus purpu-
ratusj
Water
EPA/600/R-95/136
Water, NPDES
59
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Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 10
ANALYTE / GROUP
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
COMMENTS
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 re-
porting limits
Methyl Mercury
Water
GC/CVAFS, Method 1630
Water, Superfund
Metals
Air filters
ICP/MS, ICP
CAA
Metals
Blood
ICP/MS
Superfund
Metals
Soil
Portable XRF
Superfund, Criminal
Screening results for
metals
Metals
Paint
Portable XRF
TSCA, Criminal
Lead in paint
Metals
Solid
X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD)
Superfund
Characterizes the
form metals exist in
sample
Metals - Arsenic specia-
tion
Fish/shellfish/
seaweed
IC/ICP/MS
Superfund, Water
Speciation data
needed for risk as-
sessment
Metals (TAL) + Total
Small mammals,
Microwave Digestion, ICP/AES,
Superfund, RCRA
Biomonitoring pro-
Metals (SPLP)
Soil/Waste
ICP/AES, ICP/MS
Superfund
Chlorophyll a
Water
SM 1002H
Water
In-vitro Bioassessibility
Assays for Lead in Soil
Soil
Leachates by Method 1340,
ICP/AES
Superfund
Percent Water
Liquid Waste
Karl Fischer titration
RCRA
Perch lorate
Produce (fruits,
milk)
IC/MS
Superfund
Acidity
Water
SM2320b
Superfund
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 & Ni-
troamines)
Water, Soil, fish/
shellfish
EPA Method 8330 / HPLC
Superfund
Hydrocarbon Identifica-
Water, Soil/
NWTPH-HCID
Superfund, Criminal
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
Water, Soil
Method 521
Superfund
Herbicides
Water, Soil/
Sediment
GC/MS
Superfund
Polybrominated diphenyl
Water
GC/MS Low Resolution
Water
Polybrominated diphenyl
ethers (PBDEs)
Sediment/bio sol-
ids
GC/MS Low Resolution
Superfund, Water
Polybrominated diphenyl
Tissue (fish)
GC/MS Low Resolution
Superfund
60
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Regional Laboratories Unique Capabilities -- FY2016
REGION 10
ANALYTE / GROUP
NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PRO-
GRAM^)
COMMENTS
Total Petroleum Hydro-
carbons-Gasoline Range
Organics
Water, Soil
NWTPH-Gx
Superfund, RCRA
Total Petroleum Hydro-
carbons-Diesel Range
Organics
Water, Soil
NWTPH-Dx
Superfund, RCRA
VOA and 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, Brown-
fields, Water
PCB aroclors
Wipes
GC/ECD
Brownfields, RCRA
Low Level Polyaromatic
Hydrocarbons
Shellfish, Water
GC/MS-MS
Superfund, Brown-
fields
Formaldehyde
Water
Method 1667A/HPLC
Enforcement
Multi=lncrement Sam-
pling (MIS) Preparation
of Soil Samples for Or-
ganic and Inorganic
Analyses
Soil
Described in Method 8330B
Appendix
Superfund
Variety of water quality
tests
Water
Various probe-type measure-
ments
Superfund
Flow thru cell sys-
tem; performed in
the field
Aeromonas spp
Drinking Water
EPA Method 1605
SDWA - Unregulated
Contaminant Moni-
toring Rule (UCMR)
EPA Approved
Cryptosporidium and Gi-
ardia
Water
EPA Method 1623 (Filtration/
IMS/Staining)
SDWA, Water, Ambi-
ent Monitoring Rule -
recreational waters
On approval list for
LT-2 regulation
Enterococci
Ambient Water
EPA Method 1600
Ambient Monitoring
Rule
Microbial Source Track-
ing
Water
PCR
Water
Microscopic testing
Drinking/Source
Water
Microscopic particulate analy-
sis
Surface Water Treat-
ment Rule
Microscopic tech-
nique used to estab-
lish GWUDI charac-
teristics of a drinking
water
61
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LABORATORY SUMMARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED
COMPLETION
Region 1
PFAS in water by Method 537
Support to States in Region, re-
gional Superfund and Drinking
Water programs.
SOP in place. Will bring any
new EPA methods for PFAS
in other matrices on-line in
FY17/18
Completed
FY2016
Region 2
Perfluorinated Alkyl Substanc-
es in water by Method 537
Need for capability to support to
regional Superfund and Drinking
Water programs.
Completed
Completed-FY17
PCB Aroclors in air (PUF me-
dia) by Method TO-10A
Need for capability to support to
regional indoor Air Programs.
Completed
Completed-FY17
Region 3
PFAS in water by Method 537
Need for capability to support
to regional Superfund and
Drinking Water programs.
In-prog ress.
FY2016
SIM Analysis for Volatiles in
Need for capability to achieve
In-prog ress.
FY2018
Microplastics in Water
Need for standard method for
extracting microplastics from
water and fish tissue
In-prog ress.
FY2018
Dissolved Gases in Air by GC
Need for capability to support
to regional Superfund pro-
grams.
On hold
FY2018
Semi-volatiles in Drinking Wa-
Need capability to support
Complete
FY 2018
Long Chain Alcohols by GC
Capability needed to support
specific Superfund project
request
In-prog ress.
FY2017
Region 4
EPA Method 8261
VOCs in difficult matrices
Initial investigation
Unknown
Internal Method - GC/MS/MS
Low Level Pesticides w/MS
ITMEs in process
42005
Mercury by 200.8
Laboratory Efficiency
Complete
42948
Herbicide by 8321
Herbicides by better extrac-
tion method
Complete
42994
62
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LABORATORY SUMMARY OF DEVLOPING CAPABILITIES
Region 5
PFOA/PFOS in Biosolids and
Water
Water Division study - RMI
Initial work done, new instru-
ment installed and standards
run to set up instrument. SOP
in draft.
Completed FY 2016
qPCR, Gene Sequencing Guar
Gum
HF fluid screening tool - Re-
gion 3 support
Some samples sequenced,
screening tool in process.
FY 2017
Glyphosate in Water by IC/MS
Pesticide program request
for stream survey
.Method development com-
pleted, SOP in process.
Discontinued in FY 2016.
Program completed the
associated project.
Fluorotelemer Alcohols in Water
by LC/MS/MS
Water
Initiated. SOP in draft.
Completed FY 2016
Region 6
Anions and Oxyhalides by IC
Remove dependence on
State Lab for this test.
Method developed, DOC/MDL,
SOP Done; seeking ISO Accred.
December 2017
Direct mercury analysis (CVAF -
Milestone)
Clean Water Act, RCRA,
Superfund
DOC/MDL; SOP preparation.
December 2016
High Dissolved Solids /Modified
Method/Anion
Clean Water Act, RCRA,
Superfund
Method being developed.
October 2017
High Dissolved Solids /Modified
Method/ Cation
Clean Water Act, RCRA,
Superfund
Method being developed.
October 2017
High Dissolved Solids /Modified
Method/ OA
Clean Water Act, RCRA,
Superfund
Method being developed.
October 2017
PPCP analysis
Water
Method being developed.
October 2017
Passive Formaldehyde
Clean Air Act
Method being developed.
ON HOLD
Region 7
EPA Method 1694 for Pharma-
ceuticals and Personal Care
Products by HPLC/MS/MS-
Direct injection analysis.
Speciation data to be used for
Risk Assessments in support
of Clean Water Act and Su-
perfund.
Performing method validation
studies on surrogate compounds;
developing SOP, expanded list of
targets in 2015 and 2016. Corn-
Ongoing
Pesticides by GC/MS/MS
Confirmational analysis of
pesticide analytes previously
performed by GC/ECD
Instrument installed, method de-
velopment and validation pend-
ing
Ongoing
Microbial Source Tracking Using
qPCR
TMDL and Stormwater
Non Human marker test complet-
ed. Pending additional technical
method guidance from ORD
FY 2015
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 Su-
perfund.
Method development currently
underway. Participated in multi-
lab study
FY2018
EPA Method 1694 for Pharma-
ceuticals and Personal Care
Products by HPLC/MS/MS-
Direct injection analysis.
Speciation data to be used for
Risk Assessments in support
of Clean Water Act and Su-
perfund. Water Program
Sample analysis for Urban
Stream Monitoring, continued
improvements.
Ongoing
PAH/SVOC in Water by Stir Bar
Sorbtive Extraction
Water Program
Sample analysis for Urban
Stream Monitoring, continued
improvements.
Ongoing
63
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LABORATORY SUMMARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
Region 7
Airborne VOC by Solid Sorbent
Tube (EPA Method TO-17)
Air Program
Air sample monitoring for ongo-
ing sites with regular re-
evaluations. Use three phased
sorbent tubes for low to moder-
ate humidity. Limited use at this
time.
Ongoing
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 in-
trusion and cave air evaluations.
This method will focus on a short
list of chlorinated VOCs
FY2018
Region 8
Algal Toxins
Need for analysis of individual al-
gal toxins in algal blooms.
In Progress
Utah Lake, Cherry
Creek Reservoir,
Ongoing
Asbestos / Electron Microscope
Need for capabilities to analyze
water and soils for asbestos con-
tamination at Superfund sites.
Instrument operational and
running samples.
Ongoing
Endocrine Disrupter Studies / LC/
MS/MS
Emerging needs for the Water pro-
gram and ORD.
Performing method validation.
Ongoing
Macroinvertebrate - Freshwater
Benthic / Manual Enumeration
Redevelop capability for Water
program support due to loss of
staff.
Planning to hire replacement
staff.
Ongoing
Microbial Source Tracking by
PCR
Develop capabilities in this tech-
nology for use in projects and
emerging needs for the Water,
Enforcement programs and ORD.
Instruments and sample pro-
cessing, ESAT staff training
and/or assessing methods.
Ongoing
Toxicity - Acute & Chronic in Mo-
bile Lab
On-site assessment for potential
needs by the Water program.
Mobile lab available; team
lead initiating discussion of
projects and team develop-
ment.
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
Region 9
Low level total mercury in water
(EPA 1631E)
Address regional priority.
Completed, receiving samples.
Early FY 2016
Acidity in by SM231 Ob
Address a regional priority for
mine related responses
In development
Early FY2017
Determination of Ferrous Iron in
Water Samples by Colorimetric
Analysis - SM3500-Fe
An improved method of determin-
ing ferrous iron in samples
In development
FY2017
64
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LABORATORY SUMMARY OF DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES
Region 10
Fluidized Bed Asbestos Seg-
regates (FBAS)
Being able to measure asbestos fibers
at low levels in soils is possible with
this technology. The fibers are better
separated from the soil matrix using
the FBAS and so are detected easier.
The FBAS has been developed
and is undergoing method vali-
dation including interlaboratory
studies.
Unknown due to
uncertainty in
funding.
Develop Formaldehyde Anal-
ysis Capability for Aquacul-
ture Water Samples
The Office of Compliance and Enforce-
ment planned to conduct a survey of
formaldehyde use and discharges from
several aquaculture facilities in Wash-
ington and Idaho. This capability was
needed to analyze the samples collect-
ed.
The capability was developed in
time for the sampling schedule.
Completed.
Develop Methyl Mercury
Analysis Capability for Sedi-
ment Samples
Methyl mercury data needed to support
regional mercury strategy toward char-
acterizing levels in the environment
and evaluate public health risks.
Some initial testing on instru-
ment conducted. Based on the
effort needed to develop the
water method, capability for
sediment analyses will likely
require much experimentation
with the Brooks-Rand instru-
ment to acquire the needed ac-
curacy and sensitivity for sedi-
ments.
Progress de-
layed due to
workloads and
program needs
are uncertain.
Develop Acidity Analysis Ca-
pability
Acidity analyses are needed to support
mining sites remediation activities.
The capability development was
completed this period. Previ-
ously Region 5 was able to pro-
vide this analytical support
when needed for Region 10
Superfund sites.
Completed.
Develop Diffusive Thin-Film
Gradient (DGT) Preparation
and Arsenic Analysis Capa-
bility
The DGT disks are being tested at a
Superfund site to determine if the ma-
terial can effectively mimick arse-
nic uptake of bivalves in marine sedi-
ment. The DGTs require special condi-
tioning at the laboratory and the arse-
nic analysis method needed to be de-
The development of the meth-
ods were initiated in 2015. Ac-
tual use of the disks and com-
parisons to actual data of clams
are scheduled for early 2015.
Completed.
Develop Pesticides Analysis
Capability for Wipe Samples
Wipe samples are planned to be col-
lected at various tribal childcare facili-
ties in OR to test for pesticides during
CY 2016.
GC/MS conditions are being
developed. Extraction studies
of wipes were also initiat-
ed. The sampling schedule for
the project was postponed to
early CY2018.
FY 2018
65
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