United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
US EPA Regional
Laboratory Network
Annual Report 2012
September 2013
www.epa.gov
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
US EPA Regional Laboratory Network Annual Report 2012
Table of Contents i
List of Acronyms ii
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Regional Project Highlights 4
Region 1 5
Region 2 7
Region 3 9
Region 4 11
Region 5 13
Region 6 15
Region 7 17
Region 8 19
Region 9 21
Region 10 23
3.0 Regional Laboratory Support Services 25
Appendix A: EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities 30
Appendix B: EPA Regional Laboratory Unique Capabilities 37
Appendix C: EPA Regional Laboratory Methods In Development 52
Regional Lab Address and Contact List 59
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
List of Acronyms
BNA Base/Neutrals and Acids Extractable Organics NRC
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand NRMRL.
CAFO Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation
N03
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
N02
CRL Chicago Regional Laboratory
NOAA...
CVAA Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
CWA Chemical Warfare Agent or Clean ODEQ
Water Act (dependent on context)
DBCP Dibromochloroproprane OGWDV
EDB Ethylene dibromide
EDC Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals OSWER
ERLN Environmental Response Laboratory Network
EPA US Environmental Protection Agency PAHs ....
GAO General Accounting Office P^Bs
GC Gas Chromatography PEP
GC/ECD GC/Electron Capture Detector PLM
GC/NPD GC/Nitrogen - Phosphorus Detector PPCP ....
GC/MS GC/Mass Spectrometry QAPP ...
GFAA Graphic Furnace Atomic QC
Absorption Spectrometry REMAP
GOM Gaseous Oxidized Mercury
IC Ion Chromatography RLN
ICP Inductively Coupled (Argon) Plasma RPM
ICP/AES ICP/Atomic Emission Spectrometry RTP
ICP/MS ICP/Mass Spectrometry SDWA...
IR Infrared ^RP
ISE Ion Selective Electrode ^SBE
JPHC Jackson Park Housing Complex TCLP
LC/MS Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry TDS
LC/MS/MS ... Liquid Chromatography/Dual MS TKN
MCL Maximum Contaminant Level TOC
NEIC National Enforcement Investigations Center TSS
NERL National Exposure Research Laboratory ^TP
NIST National Institute of Standards USGS ...
and Technology
NPL National Priorities List VDI-
National Research Council
National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
Nitrate
Nitrite
National Oceanographic and
Atmospheric Administration
Oklahoma Department of
Environmental Quality
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Office of Research and Development
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Performance Evaluation Program
Polarized Light Microscopy
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
Quality Assurance Project Plan
Quality Control
Regional Monitoring and
Assessment Program
Regional Laboratory Network
Remedial Project Manager
Research Triangle Park
Safe Drinking Water Act
Standard Reference Photometer
Sorbent Stir Bar Extraction
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
Total Dissolved Solids
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Total Organic Carbon
Total Suspended Solids
Through-The-Probe
US Geological Servey
Volatile Organic Analytes/Analyses
X-ray Fluorescence
ii
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Laboratory
Network (RLN) consists of ten regional laboratories that provide
mission-critical support to the Agency in the protection of human
health and the environment. Services
and expertise provided by each
regional lab are tailored to meet
the particular needs of a region or
program to address complex and
emerging environmental issues
where little background experience
or knowledge exists. Scientific communication and collaboration
across the Laboratory Network leverages regionally-specific expertise
and methods across the nation thereby maximizing efficiency and
flexibility while assuring responsiveness.
Sound analytical data form the underpinning of sound environmental
decisions and effective environmental policy. The RLN produces
environmental analytical data that meet EPA's data needs for our
air, water, waste and enforcement
programs. Most importantly, the
Regional labs have the capability
to support special or non-routine
analytical needs that cannot be
readily obtained from any other
source. In that particular niche, the
RLN fills a gap between basic research and commercially available
analyses. Even though these requestsencompassthe most challenging
analytical work garnered by the Agency, data from our regional labs
consistently meet project data quality objectives. To further ensure
and enhance the defensibility of our data, each regional laboratory
operates under an accredited quality system.
The RLN has access to additional mechanisms for procurement
of routine analytical services such as the Contract Laboratory
Program, which provides readily available standard methods from
private sector labs for the Superfund
program. RLN laboratories are also
supported by Environmental Services
Assistance Team (ESAT) contractors
to supplement EPA's existing
capabilities. The RLN complements
rather than competes with these
analytical service delivery mechanisms. The organizational structure
provides for maximum flexibility to support Agency response to
natural disasters and emergencies, while maintaining sufficient
laboratory infrastructure to continue high priority national program
work and maintain a core expertise in monitoring technology. EPA's
RLN labs provided over 165,000 sample analyses in support of 1,380
projects in FY 2012. In keeping with prior years, Superfund remained
the most significant user of analytical services with over 57% of the
total analyses requests.
Services are tailored to
meet particular regional
needs to address complex
environmental issues
where little experience
or knowledge exists.
Support special or non-routine
analytical requests that
cannot be readily obtained
from commercial sources
while consistently meeting
project-specific DQOs.
Provide maximum flexibility
to support Agency response
to natural disasters and
emergencies by developing
effective approaches for a wide
range of analytical challenges.
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Because of their expertise, Regional laboratory scientists are a valuable resource
for reviewing Quality Assurance Project Plans, validating data not generated
by the regional labs, and providing expert witness testimony. This expertise,
complemented with that of our Office of
Research and Development (ORD) partners,
also ensures that EPA programs have access
to state-of-the-art laboratory services and
expertise to tackle the most difficult analytical
projects requiring method development.
During the year, our regional labs worked on
development of over 70 different non-routine analytical methods, with the
Office of Water being the largest source of requests (50%). Much of this work is
driven by regional needs for new methods to address emerging contaminants.
Our ORD partners played a role in about one-third of these projects.
Developed over 70 different
non-routine analytical
methods to satisfy
regional needs to address
emerging contaminants.
According to EPA's Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water (OGWDW),
scientists with recent bench level experience in OGWDW methods make the
best drinking water certification officers. It is only prudent that many of our
regional laboratories play crucial roles in their
Serve crucial roles in regional regional drinking water audit programs by
drinking water audit programs. .... . . . . ,
providing important oversight tor our primacy
state drinking water laboratory programs and
principal state laboratories. The regional labs also house the air monitoring
quality assurance programs by providing management, technical oversight and
logistical support to EPA and State programs, and in many regions the regional
labs house the field sampling and monitoring functions.
EPA established the Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN) to
provide coordinated response to a nationally significant event (in response to
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9, issued in 2004.) Each regional lab
Mobilize and coordinate the
national network of state and
private sector labs during a
nationally significant incident
while serving as principal
labs for incidents involving
chemical warfare agents.
our State Laboratory partners. During the year, our regional labs completed the
second phase of mobilization for the ultra-dilute chemical warfare program.
At year-end, five regional labs have the capability to analyze environmental
samples suspected to contain chemical warfare agent (CWA). Also, several
regional labs developed and validated new methods for CWA degradation
compounds important in characterizing and cleaning contaminated areas.
In the section that directly follows, each regional laboratory has provided
two Project Highlights that illustrate how their work products contribute to
the Agency mission under the Administrator's seven key priorities. Section
3 includes additional support services provided by the RLN labs. While this
list is not comprehensive, it captures the major areas of support common
to our network labs. The appendices at the end of this report summarize by
laboratory, core analytical capabilities shared by several of the regional labs,
unique analytical capabilitiesthatare region-specific, and method development
projects that are underway.
serves asthe region's principal laboratory in the
ERLN and has responsibility for coordinating
support from their network labs in conjunction
with a national incident. This new responsibility,
which is practiced under joint functional
exercises, has significantly strengthened both
our nation's ability to respond to a national
incident and the important relationships with
3
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Regional Project
Highlights
lu
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA Priority 7: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
New England Tribal Nutrients Workshop
Strengthening our partnerships
with the ten New England tribes
has been a major initiative
for the New England Regional
Laboratory over the past two
years. Calls were held with
each tribe's environmental
department, that were
attended by Laboratory staff
and managers from various
programs that resulted in the
identification of close to forty
requests for assistance. Many of
those needs were tribe specific;
however, an overarching theme
also emerged - the need for
up-to-date information and
assistance with monitoring and
analysis of nutrients, which is
a critical water quality issue in
New England.
A small EPA-tribal workgroup
was formed to discuss how best
to tackle this, and the consensus
was to host a workshop to
assist tribes in developing skills
and knowledge to implement
nutrient monitoring and analysis strategies. The
workgroup collected information on current knowledge
and practices and designed a two-day workshop held
in March of 2012. The workshop included several
presentations on the latest science on nutrients,
discussion of the tribes' monitoring programs, and
hands-on demos of various field sampling equipment
and analytical instruments. Attendees included eleven
representatives from six tribes, three US Geological
Survey (USGS) staff who work regularly with the Maine
tribes, and a number of EPA
water program and Laboratory
staff.
The workshop kicked off with
presentations on the state of
nutrient science in New England,
including nutrient cycling, fate
and transport (freshwater and
marine), a lake nutrient budget
case study, and cyanobacteria
blooms. A session on tribal
nutrient monitoring programs
included a summary of tribal
nutrient issues, designing a
monitoring program to address
issues, setting up a program/
lab, and current tribal activities.
The afternoon and next
morning sessions addressed
field sampling, and included
demonstrations of water quality
sondes and probes, sediment
sampling, pore water sampling
using Henry samplers (photo 1),
field filtering for chlorophyll and
more. The lab analysis session
included demos of chlorophyll
using UV/VIS spectrophotometer and fluorimeter (photo
2), ion chromatograph, and Lachat. A session on QA
assistance and data issues concluded the workshop.
Feedback from the tribal representatives was very
positive. Theyfeltthatthey gained a better understanding
of the latest on nutrient science, got some practical
hands-on demonstrations, and received some useful
advice on enhancing their monitoring programs.
5
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and 10 Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Real-time Field Analysis Offers Efficiency to a Removal Action at a Former Mine Site
human contact. Removal
of these PCB contaminated
soils began in 2012 and the
regional lab provided mobile
lab and sampling services
to help provide real-time
verification of the efficacy of
removals efforts. The mobile
lab and sampling field teams
were deployed at the site on
several different occasions for
a total of 44 field days each.
The mobile lab conducted
1,653 field analyses for PCBs
with a subset of samples
sent to the fixed laboratory
for confirmatory analysis.
The field method is a rapid
analysis method in which
a gram of soil/sediment
is extracted in a 4-mL vial
using a water/methanol/
hexane mix. Analysis is
conducted using a GC/ECD.
Compound identification
and quantitation is made
by comparison of retention
times and peak shapes/patterns to a standard. A total of
124 field analyses by XRF were also conducted. The real-
time work showed many areas where PCB contaminated
soils had worked deeper into the jointed and weathered
bedrock surface and additional removal actions were
required. The fast turn analyses allowed these needs to
be identified and addressed as part of one event rather
than requiring redeployment into areas that would have
otherwise have been presumed complete. The removal
work wiil continue in 2013 and the regional lab will
continue to support the removal action.
The Callahan Mine site
is located approximately
1,000 feet east-southeast
of Harborside Village in
the Town of Brooksville,
Hancock County, Maine. The
site is the former location
of a zinc/copper open-pit
mine. Mining operations
were conducted adjacent to
and beneath Goose Pond, a
tidal estuary. The Callahan
Mine was reputedly the
only intertidal heavy metal
mine in the world at the
time of its operation. The
zinc/copper sulfide deposit
was discovered in 1880 at
low tide by a clam digger.
Main components of this
deposit were sphalerite and
chalcopyrite, accompanied
by abundant pyrite and lesser
amounts of pyrrhotite. The
first mine operated until 1887.
Ore was mined from three
shafts. Efforts were made
to mine the ore sporadically through 1964. Callahan
Mining Corporation geologists became interested in the
potential of the property in 1964 and subsequently open
pit mining operations commenced in 1968. The open pit
mine ceased operations in 1972. Facility features include
large waste piles (waste rock piles), a tailings pond, and
mine operations buildings and structures.
In addition to many areas with high levels of metals,
PCBs are present in the soil of the Mine Operations
Area at levels that are unsafe for even occasional
6
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA Priority 6: Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism
and Working for Environmental Justice
Serving New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Supporting the Region 2 Administrator's Request to Provide Technical Support to the
CDC's National Children's Study of Homes in Puerto Rico for Pesticide/Phthalates
The Regional Administrator's office requested the Region
2 Laboratory to provide support for the analysis of
pesticides and phthalates in wipe samples collected in
over 200 homes throughout Puerto Rico. This study was
part of a broader program, the National Children's Study.
The National Children's Study examines the effects of the
environment, as broadly defined to include factors such
as air, water, diet, sound, family dynamics, community
and cultural influences, and genetics on the growth,
development, and health of children across the United
States, following them from before birth until age 21
years. The goal of the Study is to improve the health and
well-being of children and contribute to understanding
the role various factors have on health and disease.
This work involved the joint effort of EPA Region 2, the
Puerto Rico Department of Health and the Center for
Disease Control. The study was particularly significant
because this is the first population-based survey of
pesticides in Puerto Rico. It was designed to assess the
presence, and potential exposure, of over 90 pesticides
and 6 phthalates to children. The focus was on homes
with children less than 6 years of age.
Door-to-door interviews were collected across the island.
Over 400 wipe samples of kitchen floors were collected
during two distinct sampling events. At each sampling
site, two samples were collected: one sample was
collected using a gauze wipe, and another was collected
using a glass fiber filter wipe. The two wipe media were
selected due to amenability for the analysis of certain
pesticides by GC/MS and others by LC/MS/MS methods,
respectively.
The Region 2 Laboratory had the instrumentation
needed for the study but did not have a method in place
for the determination of pesticides in wipe media. Based
on literature searches of published methods, there
were few methods reported that would adequately
address the needs of this project, especially for the
number of pesticide compounds and the low detection
limits needed. The method development was intensive.
It involved the selection of the native and labeled
standards used to identify the target compounds,
calibrate the instrument and determine method
recovery, optimization of extraction, cleanup and sample
reconstitution procedures as well as development of the
LC/MS/MS parameters for 60 target analytes. In all, it
took over six months to develop the LC/MS/MS method.
The Region 2 Laboratory analyzed over 400 wipe samples
(including field blanks and field spikes) in support of this
project. In all, the Laboratory reported nearly 20,000
analytical results!
This project was a good example of the regional
laboratory's ability to address a specialized, highly
complex program need in a relatively short period of
time. In addition to applying this method to future
studies, the Region 2 Laboratory intends to publish the
LC/MS/MS method for the determination of pesticides
in wipe media in a scientific journal so the environmental
laboratory community can benefit.
7
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA Priority 6: Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism
and Working for Environmental Justice
Serving New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Science Outreach Through EPA's Region 2 Caribbean Science Consortium
In November of 2011, representatives of the Region
2 Division of Environmental Science and Assessment
visited Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and met
with government and university representatives. This
"science" visit was a first of a kind and focused on mutual
environmental science programs and opportunities
for science outreach and collaboration in serving
those programs. A common problem in the islands is
that government and academic research institutions,
individually, lack adequate resources in terms of capability
or capacity to conduct environmental science programs
and activities. In addition, the limited resources are not
leveraged in any systematic way.
Based on the science visit, the Region established the
EPA Region 2 Caribbean Science Consortium to expand
science collaboration and facilitate the exchange of
information among the key science organizations of the
islands. The Science Consortium is comprised of members
of Region 2 and government and university organizations
in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. It is coordinated
and managed under the Region 2 Laboratory as part of
our lead for science in the Region.
The main goal of the Caribbean Science Consortium is to
expand science communication and collaboration among
the environmental science programs and activities of
the member organizations. The Science Consortium
will identify and share resources, where applicable and
within the member organization's resources, including
technical assistance, education, and outreach. It will also
leverage the strengths and resources of the member
organizations to build the capacity of the territories to
respond to their environmental science needs.
As part of our membership in the Caribbean Science
Consortium, the Region 2 Laboratory provided analytical
support to two projects during the year:
Cano Martin Pena, San Juan, Puerto Rico - The Ponce
School of Medicine and Health Sciences (PSMHS),
a Science Consortium member, conducted an
environmental-epidemiology study of the communities
of Cano Martin Pena, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The objective
of the study was to determine if there is an association
between gastrointestinal illness and wastewater
exposure among residents within Cano Martin Pena. As a
part of the project, students from the School conducted
sampling for bacteria and heavy metals in the drinking
water of 200 residents. The Region 2 Laboratory provided
the analytical support for metals analysis, analyzing over
200 samples.
Coral Reefs at La Parguera, Puerto Rico - The Inter-
American University, also a Science Consortium member,
conducted a study under a National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant involving the
treatment of Polynuciear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
in watershed runoff to the coral reefs at La Parguera. The
main objective of the study was to test the effectiveness
of a green infrastructure based treatment system on
the removal of PAHs to the watershed. Samples were
collected under wet weather conditions, before, during,
and after construction of the treatment system. The
Region 2 Laboratory provided support for the PAH
analysis.
The analytical support provided by Region 2 for these
two projects made these projects feasible and is an
excellent example of leveraging the limited resources in a
systematic way among the Science Consortium members.
8
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
U
A 1, (
0
Serving Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
The Clinch-Powell River System - Home of the Imperiled Mussels
The Clinch arid Powell river
systems in southwest Virginia and
northeast Tennessee, support
some of the highest numbers
of rare and imperiled species
in North America according to
NatureServe.org. The mussel
diversity is equally impressive with
at least 45 species, including one
species found nowhere else in the
world.
Unfortunately, surveys of the
mussel and fish community
structure over past decades
have shown a pattern of decline
throughout the Powell River and
on parts of the upper Clinch that
have suggested a connection to
changing land-use practices in
these river basins—in particular
to possible episodic or chronic
effects of coal mining on water
quality and hydrology.
The Clinch-Powell Clean Rivers
Initiative (CPCRI) is a collaborative
effort of numerous non-profit,
state, and federal agencies
working in Virginia and Tennessee
formed to develop a science
plan that begins to identify the
most pressing science questions
to be addressed that could
explain the decline. In 2007, a
Memorandum of Understanding
was signed between Region 3 and
Region 4, Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality, Tennessee
Department of Environment &
Conservation, and others to bring
regulatory resources to bear
upon this unique and significant
watershed.
Because of this effort, scientists
with CPCRI were able to launch
a coordinated research project
beginning the summer of 2012.
Discharge, water-quality, sediment
quality, and juvenile mussel
survival are going to be evaluated
over a period of three years at
two primary monitoring sites and
at about 8 other point locations
along this reach.
The Region 3 Office of Analytical
Services and Quality Assurance
Lab performed over 432 analyses
on waters collected from the two
rivers as part of this initiative. There
have been three sampling events
so far, beginning August 2012.
Tests included ammonia, anions,
nitrite+nitrate, TKN, alkalinity,
TDS, TSS, mercury, metals, total
nitrogen, and total phosphorus.
CPCRI will compile results of these
analyses and attempt to address
possible solutions to reverse the
decline of the imperiled mussel.
9
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA Priority 3 - Assuring the Safety of Chemicals
EPA Priority 4 - Cleaning up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5 - Protecting America's Waters
Developing New Analytical Capabilities to Assess Impacts on Drinking Water from Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing ("Fracking") has
become increasingly prevalent as a
method of extracting energy from
unconventional reservoirs such as
coalbeds, shales, and tight sands. One
concern that has been identified with
fracking is the potential for chemicals
used during the hydraulic fracturing
process to enter surface waters or
groundwater aquifers that may be
used as drinking water sources.
In 2011, EPA/ORD initiated a research
program entitled Plan to Study
the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic
Fracturing on Drinking Water
Resources. The study's goal is to assess
the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on
drinking water resources and identify
factors that may affect the severity and
frequency of impacts. Five fracking
sites were identified for retrospective
case studies. The sites are located in
Regions 3, 6, and 8 and represent a
wide range of shale formations and
fracking activities.
Of special importance to the study
are a group of chemicals commonly
found in fracturing fluids called glycols
and glycol ethers. Because they
are relatively stable, not naturally
occurring and some are considered
toxic; they may serve as reliable
indicators of contamination from
hydraulic fracturing activities.
Priorto the start of this study, standard
analytical methods for this suite of
compounds were either nonexistent
or had detection limits that were too
high for the intended data quality
objectives. In response to this concern,
analytical chemists atthe US EPA Region
3 Environmental Science Center in Fort
Meade, Maryland developed a robust
HPLC/MS/MS (High Performance
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass
Spectrometry) method for the rapid
identification and quantitation of 5
glycols and glycol ethers commonly
found in fracking fluid mixes:
diethylene glycol, triethylerie glycol,
tetraethylene glycol, 2-butoxyethanol
and 2-methoxyethanol.
Between 2011and 2013,tosupportthe
ORD Study of the Potential Impacts of
Hydraulic Fracturing ori Drinking Water
Resources, the Region 3 lab analyzed
more than 600 water samples from
homeowner wells, monitoring wells
and production wells, from the five
study sites along with water samples
from two regional sites.
The Region 3 lab is currently assisting
other ORD and Regional labs in
establishing this analytical capability
as part of a multi-laboratory validation
study. This study is in the second
phase of validation and is slated to be
a published method.
http://www2. epa.gov/hfstudy/
hydrauli c-fracturin g-wa ter-cycle
10
&Em
-------
Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 6: Expanding the Conversation of Environmentalism
and Working for Environmental Justice
Developing Methods to Help Evaluate Treatment Technologies at a Superfund Site
Solid Waste and Emergency
Response (OSWER) Office of
Resource Conservation and
Recovery and is not readily
available from commercial
laboratories. The site's target
pesticides are alpha and
gamma chlordane, dieldrin,
toxaphene and methoxychlor.
The analyses were performed
in support of a bench study
on pesticide impacted soils
collected from the site to
identify a bioremediation
formulation (Factor) that
would achieve the greatest
reductions in the site's target pesticides in the shortest
time and at the lowest cost. Since toxaphene was one
of the contaminants, the RPM was also interested in
finding out if the Factor Treatment could reduce the
concentration of the toxaphene congeners (breakdown
products of toxaphene), which may be more toxic
than the toxaphene mixture, and could pose a greater
threat to human health and the environment. The best
performing Factor in the study achieved an average
79.4% reduction on these pesticides after 10 weeks of
treatment. During any bench study of this type, the goal
is not to reduce contamination levels to non-detect, but
to identify the most effective Factors to achieve the site's
desired clean-up level.
Woolfolk Chemical Works is
a 31-acre National Priorities
List (NPL) Superfund
site resulting from the
production, formulation,
and packaging of pesticides,
herbicides, and insecticides,
activities which began in
1910. In the early 1980s, the
site was investigated based
on complaints from local
citizens. The company was
discharging waste products
to a drainage corridor leading
away from the industrial
site located in downtown
Ft. Valley. Contamination
has affected soil, sediment, and ground water on both
commercial and residential properties in and around
the former facility. The affected residents are part of an
environmental justice community.
At the request of the Superfund program, the Region
4 Laboratory analyzed 97 soil samples for a remedial
design pilot project at the Woolfolk Chemical Site, Ft.
Valley, Georgia from November 2011 through March
2012. The soil samples were analyzed for organochlorine
pesticides and toxaphene congeners. The cost of these
analyses in the commercial sector, if available, would
have been approximately $120,000. One of the analyses,
the identification of toxaphene breakdown products, was
jointly developed by the Region 4 Laboratory and Office of
11
&Em
-------
Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Meeting the New Challenges for Analyzing Hexavalent Chrome in Water at 50 PPT
the sampling challenges for
chromium-6 groundwater
samples is a short 24-hour
holding time between
sampling and analyses. This
holding time requirement
makes transport to the lab
and subsequent analysis
difficult when collecting
samples at Superfund
sites. The laboratory
performed research and
holding time studies for the
CWA 40 CFR 136 Table II
ammonium sulfate buffer
solution. The goal was to
find a preservative buffer
formulation which achieved
and maintained the correct pH in complex matrices for
an extended time period. The studies indicated that slight
modifications of the buffer solution reagents extended
the sample holding times to 28 days. Region 4 has
adopted this new preservative and currently is providing
pre-preserved bottles for both EPA and contractor
field teams. This improved preservative procedure has
significantly increased the flexibility of regional project
managers and Region 4 states to select and schedule
labs for this analysis because they no longer are required
to immediately ship samples to a lab in order to meet a
24-hour sample holding time.
Chromium is one of over 90
regulated drinking water
contaminants that must
be routinely monitored in
finished drinking waters. The
National Primary Drinking
Water regulations set a
maximum contaminant level
(MCL) of 0.1 mg/L for total
chromium, which includes
chromium-6 (hexavalent
chrome). However, recent
studies indicate the potential
for greater human health
risks from chromium-6 (the
toxic form of chromium)
than was previously thought.
When EPA completes the
human health risk assessment for chromium-6, the
conclusions will be carefully reviewed and all relevant
information will be considered to determine if a new
standard needs to be set.
The Region 4 Laboratory is certified to perform total
chromium in drinking water samples. At the request of
the Region 4 Water Protection Division, EPA Method
218.6 was modified to analyze chromium-6 at the lower
concentration levels (50 parts per trillion) recommended
in the Agency's guidance. In addition to being a regulated
drinking water contaminant, chromium-6 is also a
contaminant of concern at various Superfund sites where
chromium has been used in manufacturing processes
and subsequently released into the groundwater. One of
12
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Region 5
Serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and 35 Tribes
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
EPA Priority 7: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
Partnering with ORD and Wisconsin's Bureau of Drinking Water to
Assess Lead in Drinking Water at Local Daycare Facilities
The Chicago Regional Laboratory
(CRL) participated in the Milwaukee,
Wl, Westlawn Community Action
for a Renewed Environment project
to examine drinking water for
lead at child care facilities in that
area. The overall objective was
to determine lead concentrations
at drinking water taps within the
facilities so that corrective actions
could be taken if necessary.
There is no federal law requiring
child care facilities to test their water
for lead except those who are using
their own water supply system.
Since the facilities in question
were in-home child care facilities
with less complex plumbing than
public schools, the plan called for
a different sampling protocol from
EPA's 3T monitoring guidance for
child care schools and facilities. This
protocol was designed to identify
the potential sources of lead from
endpoint devices, underlying brass
fixtures and connectors, and internal plumbing pipes
and components. CRL participated in the planning of the
project with the Westlawn Partnership for a Healthier
Environment, the Wisconsin DNR Bureau of Drinking
and Ground Water, the Milwaukee Water Works and
ORD/National Risk Management Research Laboratory
(NRMRL).
Two 250-mL samples were taken sequentially from
each tap with six one-liter samples taken from the tap
Sample preparation and analysis followed
the CRL standard operating procedure for
metal analysis.
furthest from the point of entry
into the facility. The larger samples
were to assess any contribution to
lead concentrations due to internal
plumbing. CRL provided the
sampling bottles and conducted
the lead analyses.
Samples began arriving iri August,
2012 and are continuing into 2013.
About 56 samples were analyzed
during fiscal year 2012, with all
being well below the action level
of 15 ppb. The detection limit for
the CRL method is 0.5 ppb. Another
150 samples are expected to be
taken to complete the project.
The region 5 Drinking Water Branch
took the lead in communicating
the project to prospective facilities.
There were concerns from some
of the facilities about the possible
remediation issues that would
follow a test result that showed
elevated levels of lead. Participants
were instructed on sample collection and sent them
to CRL. Samples were acidified in CRL so no hazardous
materials were required at the child care facilities.
This project is a good example of cooperation among
federal, state and local entities working cooperatively
to assess the safety of children's drinking water in an
underserved community.
13
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Ensuring the Safety of Drinking Water in Real Time for the City of Chicago
and the US Secret Service During the 2012 NATO Summit
for all analyses for six samples and
a blank. The plan indicated three
rounds of sample collection at
drinking water points of entry to
the venue during the days of the
meetings. By the time the next
round of samples were delivered
to the lab ail the data from the
previous round had to be reported.
The North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) Summit was
held in Chicago at McCormick
Place May 19 to 21, 2012. In the
weeks that led to those meetings,
the Chicago Regional Laboratory
(CRL) worked with our Drinking
Water Security Coordinator to
plan a course of analyses to ensure
the integrity of the drinking water
supply going into the venue. The
US Secret Service was in charge
of the event, and the regional
emergency operations staff coordinated with them.
CRL worked directly with the Chicago Department of
Water Management and the Illinois EPA. A protocol was
developed between agencies to coordinate responses in
the event anomalies were found.
The week before the event,
the Chicago Dept. of Water
Management field samplers
brought samples from their established points to practice
delivery times based on traffic flow. In turn, CRL practiced
doing the analyses and reporting the data to achieve the
target three-hour turnaround time. This exercise not only
established speed but also baseline data of the drinking
water going into the venue for comparison purposes.
Although plans included having the local Civil Support
Team had their field equipment within the security
perimeter around the venue, they would only be able to
screen air and water for a few warfare agent compounds
at elevated levels. The major in charge felt that great
value was brought by CRL by screening for a wide range
of additional compounds at trace concentrations. The
analytical support that was requested included total
metals, cyanide, mercury, volatile and semi-volatile
organics, and LC/MS/MS screening against the new
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
library for various pharmaceutical, agricultural and
industrial compounds.
To prepare for the event, CRL shortened the analytical
time for organic methods based on smaller extractions,
minimal clean-up, and reduced quality control (QC).
Time was reduced to less than three hours to report data
During the actual event, there were no anomalies found
in the drinking water. However, a very small trace of an
organic compound was found and identified with the
LC/MS/MS system using the NIST library in the water
collected from a water main going to the venue that
was collected in the basement of the CRL building. The
compound was ethylene glycol butyl ether which was
determined to be a constituent of a cleaner stored near
the faucet used to take the sample. Although it was of no
concern in the context of the event, it gave us confidence
that the library system was a useful and relevant tool
for rapidly screening water samples for thousands of
compounds.
CRL received a letter of appreciation and thanks from the
City of Chicago Water Commissioner for the work done
to help protect the thousands of visitors to the NATO
Summit.
14
&Em
-------
Region 6
(South Central)
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
j Serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 Tribal Nations
_•
EPA Priority 2: Improving Air Quality
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
RARE Project to Evaluate Gaseous Oxidized Mercury Dry Deposition in Region 6
The Region 6 Houston Lab has been
actively involved in efforts to field
test new passive air devices by
providing analysis for several different
parameters, such as NOx, SO2, ozone,
and ammonia, for numerous projects,
resulting in several journal articles.
In 2011, staff from the Region 6 Air
Program and the Houston Laboratory
proposed a RARE project (2011-
2012) to continue the earlier work by
collecting GOM dry deposition data
in central and eastern Texas. It was
also decided that fish tissue data be
collected for both projects as a part
of the latest RARE project to evaluate
for correlations to airborne mercury
levels.
A total of 422 fish tissue samples
were collected and analyzed by the
Region 6 Laboratory for total mercury,
utilizing a Milestone DMA-80 direct
mercury analyzer. This device
analyzes for mercury by thermally
decomposing the sample to directly
evolve the entrained mercury from
the tissue, thus eliminating the
laborious digestion process of sample
preparation. This technique makes
mercury analysis of fish tissue much
more efficient.
Starting in 2009, the Region 6 Lab
became involved in a passive mercury
monitoring project, which was an
important priority for the Region due
to numerous potential sources for
airborne mercury, at the request of
New Mexico. Staff from the Region
6 Air Program partnered with the
Houston Laboratory to propose a
RARE project (2009-2011) to collect
gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM)
dry deposition by a new innovative
passive technique in the arid four
corners area of New Mexico and
eastern Oklahoma. The purpose of the
study was to test out the new passive
devices, establish a baseline, and to
investigate dry mercury deposition
patterns from coal-fired power plants
in the area. The study was conducted
and the analyses were done by an
outside lab which holds the patent
for the technique. The Region 6
Lab helped to compile, review, and
evaluate the data for the study. One
conclusion of this study was that up to
40-51% of airborne mercury in the Four Corners area is
GOM dry deposition, while eastern Oklahoma mercury is
mostly wet.
The R6 Lab also helped to compile,
review, and evaluate the data for the
second study.
The first project has been
published "Long-Term Gaseous
Oxidized Mercury Dry Deposition
Measurements in the Four Corners
Area and Eastern Oklahoma" in
the journal Atmospheric Pollution
Research. The fish tissue data had
to be removed from that paper due to size constraints.
These data are still being scrutinized and evaluated with
the Texas data for inclusion in a second paper.
&Em
-------
Region 6
(South Central)
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
j Serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
EPA Priority 7: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
"One EPA" Assists Oklahoma with the Red River Fish Kill
In July 2011, the Oklahoma
Department of Environmental
Quality (ODEQ) discovered a major
fish kill in the Red River. Water
samples prepared for analysis by
ODEQ's laboratory formed a white
precipitate/gel material which they
couid not identify. The ODEQ asked
the Region 6 Laboratory to provide
analytical assistance to help
identify this suspicious material or
any other substance that might be
the cause of the kill. The Region
6 Laboratory performed several
different analyses on the white gel and
water samples but could not identify
anything that would appear to be toxic
enough to cause a massive fish kill.
The Region 6 Laboratory then contacted
the National Enforcement Investigations
Center (NEIC) laboratory in Denver to see
if they could help to further identify the
white gel, which they then confirmed as
mostly magnesium hydroxide. Since that
didn't seem likely to be the source of the
fish kill, the Region 6 Lab contacted the
Office of Research and Development (ORD)
National Exposure Research Laboratory
(NERL), Las Vegas, to see if they could help find the toxin
using more exotic non-conventional techniques. The
ORD/NERL-LV laboratory was able to tentatively identify
a possible mycotoxin (ergot alkaloid) which is highly toxic
to fish and does attack the liver as found.
Iri June 2012, another fish kill was discovered in a similar
fashion and location as the 2011 kill. The ODEQ contacted
the Region 6 Laboratory again for
assistance. Since conventional
lab data did not reveal any new
potential culprits, the R6 Lab
asked the NERL-LV laboratory
if they could assist to see if the
same mycotoxins might be present
and related to this fish kill. They
performed analysis of water and
liver samples and identified a
similar but slightly different ergot
alkaloid for the 2012 fish kill.
Further investigation of the site
revealed a gas source bubbling up in the
river by ODEQ. To rule out this gas as
another possible culprit for the fish kill,
they requested assistance from the R6
Laboratory for dissolved gases and isotope
ratio analysis to determine what the gas
was and if it was natural decomposition or
geothermal. The Region 6 Laboratory was
able to provide dissolved gases analysis,
but did not have the capability for the
isotope ratio analysis and asked the NERL
-LV lab if they could assist ODEQ with their
request. Even though it presented some
challenges, the NERL-LV lab agreed to do
whatever was required to provide the
needed assistance to Region 6 and ODEQ. Final analysis
indicated that the gas was primarily naturally occurring
biogenic methane.
This collaborative effort demonstrates different parts
of the EPA efficiently working together to marshal their
unique capabilities to solve a complex environmental
problem for one of our States.
16
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
•4
Serving Iowa; Kansas, MissouriNebraska and Nine Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Rapid Public Notification of Estimated Bacteria Concentrations in Local Streams by Smart Phone App
Scientists at Region 7's Science &
Technology Center have established an
Urban Stream Monitoring Network in
the Kansas City Metropolitan area that
provides real time stream condition data
and recreation advisories to the public for
estimated bacteria levels. In addition to
providing important public data regarding
aquatic resource conditions, this novel
monitoring network design can be used
to support arid supplement the National
Aquatic Survey assessment of status,
trends, and current conditions of urban
streams nationwide.
The Region 7 Laboratory's Stream Team
designed, purchased, and installed
monitoring and satellite communications
equipment to support 18 remote,
autonomous monitoring sites located on
13 separate streams across the Kansas
City metropolitan area. Monitoring
sites are located on the upper, middle
and lower portions of each stream. This
real-time monitoring program capitalizes
on the direct correlation between
seasonal stream turbidity and bacteria
concentration. In order to develop
the regression equation, Region 7
scientists perform multiple simultaneous
| 1
3r-
il
ESSfcaBhai
¦¦¦¦
measurements of stream turbidity and
bacteria at each real-time monitoring
location over multiple seasons and flow
conditions.
Continuous stream turbidity and
temperature measurements are collected
by a sonde which is connected to a data
logging/ soiar powered, Geostationary
Observational Environmental Satellite
(GOES) satellite telemetry unit. The GOES
satellite transmits our local water quality
data to the Wallops Command and Data
Acquisition Station (Wallops Island,
Virginia) which then sends the data via
the web to our server at the University
of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC). From
the UMKC server the data is presented
on the web at www.kcwaters.org or on
your phone using the free mobile app KC
Water Bug.
This has proven to be an extremely
valuable tool. Not only for assessment of
stream conditions, but also to empower
the public with real time environmental
information they can use to minimize
potential exposure to harmful levels of
bacteria in urban waterways.
gjllnnat#0 Will of
Blue River
Na_a< Mine* Park
_
17
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Nine Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Green Chemistry - Better Sensitivity and Better for the Environment
Chemists at the Kansas City Science &
Technology Center are continually seeking
ways to develop improved, innovative, and
green methods for chemical analysis of
environmental samples.
Traditional laboratory methods of analysis
for pesticides, herbicides, polychlorinated
biphenyls and semivolatile compounds
require large quantities (50-250 mL
per sample) of toxic solvent for sample
extraction, clean up, and preparation. This
requires multiple labor intensive steps,
often spanning 2-3 days. In addition, the
extraction and preparation process results
in generation of significant quantities of
hazardous laboratory waste.
Scientistsatthe Region 7 Laboratory identified
a novel technique to simultaneously extract
water samples for pesticides, herbicides,
polychlorinated biphenyls and semivolatile
compounds using solid sorbent stir bar
extraction (SSBE) technology. The SSBE
technique typically uses a small sample
volume (<100 mL) placed in a bottle with a
solid sorbent (polydimethylsiloxane) coated
magnetic stir bar. The coating absorbs the
contaminants of interest, thus eliminating
solvent extraction and clean up of samples
for a wide variety of analytes. The stir-bar
is flash desorbed in the injection port of
the GC/MS for analysis. This innovative
technique can analyze water samples for
trace levels of semivolatiles, pesticides,
and emerging contaminants while reducing
staff solvent exposure and hazardous waste
generation. This novel method requires
substantially fewer laboratory resources for
sample preparation.
SSBE in Holder
lit! *-*4.
i M 1 i i |
M , J
; S
SSBE Ready for Analysis
The SSBE technique generates identical
levels of detection for pesticides, herbicides,
polychlorinated biphenyls and semivolatile
compounds when compared to traditional
methods by simply stirring 5 mL of water
sample for one hour with a coated stir bar.
Additionally, up to 20 SSBE extractions can
be performed simultaneously, providing
significant improvement in laboratory
throughput. This method reduced solvent
usage for one major project by 50%, saving
almost 38 liters of solvent and subsequent
waste generation. Recent additional work
using SSBE has demonstrated that analytical
detection limits can be reduced by an order
of magnitude over traditional techniques
by increasing SSBE extraction sample size
and stirring times. This innovative method
requires only hours of staff time for
preparation and analysis, as well as provides
lower detection limits for contaminants that
are insoluble or slightly soluble in water.
This method was developed and validated
against traditional sample extraction
techniques in support of our Regional
Laboratory's Stream Team sampling and
characterization of contaminants in urban
waterways. Region 7 will continue to use this
new method to support additional waterway
characterization studies and in total
maximum daily load (TMDL) development.
With improved sample turnaround
times, and less solvent consumption and
hazardous waste generation, this technique
is an example of the key advantages offered
through greening our analytical methods.
SSBE on Stir Plate
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Mountains
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
The EPA Region 8 Laboratory's Role in the ORD National Hydro-Fracking Study
Natural gas plays a key role
in our nation's clean energy
future. Recent advances
in drilling technologies-
including horizontal drilling
and hydraulic fracturing—
have made vast reserves of
natural gas economically
recoverable in the US.
Responsible development
of America's oil and gas
resources offers important
economic, energy security,
and environmental benefits.
Hydraulic fracturing is a well
stimulation technique used
to maximize production
of oil and natural gas in
unconventional reservoirs,
such as shale, coal beds,
and tight sands. During
hydraulic fracturing, specially
engineered fluids containing chemical additives are
pumped under high pressure into the well to create and
hold open fractures in the formation. These fractures
increase the exposed surface area of the rock in the
formation and, in turn, stimulate the flow of natural gas
or oil to the wellbore. As the use of hydraulic fracturing
has increased, so have concerns about its potential
environmental and human health impacts. Many
concerns about hydraulic fracturing center on potential
risks to drinking water resources, although other issues
have been raised. In response to public concern, the US
Congress directed the EPA to conduct scientific research
to examine the relationship between hydraulic fracturing
and drinking water resources.
jJji.
A
Ik
i
This study plan represents
an important milestone in
responding to the direction
from Congress. EPA is
committed to conducting
a study that uses the
best available science,
independent sources
of information, and a
transparent, peer-reviewed
process that will ensure
the validity and accuracy of
the results. The Agency will
work in consultation with
other federal agencies, state
and interstate regulatory
agencies, industry, non-
governmental organizations,
and others in the private
and public sector in carrying
out this study. Stakeholder
outreach as the study is being
conducted will continue
to be a hallmark of our efforts, just as it was during the
development of this study plan.
The Region 8 Laboratory is providing organic chemical
analysis support to this study. The R8 Laboratory provides
semi-volatile analysis, diesel range organics, and gasoline
range organics, and unknown identification analyses for
all of the sights in the ORD project. Hundreds of samples
over the last two years and thousands of results have
been provided in support of this important work. The R8
Laboratory staff also provides technical expertise, data
interpretation and other technical consultation.
19
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
The EPA Region 8 Laboratory Pharmaceutical and Pesticides Method Development
Over 98 million prescriptions were
filled at pharmacies in Region 8
alone in 2010, and over one billion
pounds of pesticides are used
in the United States each year.
Results obtained by the Scientists
in Region 8 demonstrate that
pharmaceuticals, personal care
products (PPCPs), and pesticides are
being detected in surface waters,
and there is increasing concern
that the potential exists for low-
level, chronic exposure to mixtures
of these chemicals to have adverse
ecological or human health effects. Numerous studies
have shown that some PPCPs can disrupt the endocrine
system, and at high enough concentrations pose a threat
to aquatic life, such as feminizing changes observed in
male fish. The occurrence, fate, and transport of these
chemicals are an important water quality concern, both
nationally and regionally and have gained public interest.
The work conducted by Region 8 scientists is providing
useful information to address those concerns and fill
information gaps which could then be used to guide
future studies conducted under the Safe Drinking Water
Act (SDWA) and Clean Water Act (CWA), as appropriate.
Data collected at the Region 8 Laboratory were shared
with the National Research Council (NRC) Committee,
"Science for EPA's Future" on August 8, 2011 by the
Region 8 scientist, Dr. Kristen Keteles, who was invited to
address the committee and presnet the state of Region
8 Science. The NRC Committees' report, "Science for
Environmental Protection was published in Nov 2012. Dr
Keteles reported that the committee commended Region
8 for their innovative work. This work was also cited in
the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report "Science
for Environmental Protection:
The Road Ahead" (2012, p 169)
available at: http://www.nap.edu/
catalog.php?record_id = 13510)
This work is also in keeping with
the recommendations published
by the General Accounting Office
(GAO) in their report "Action
Needed to Sustain Agencies'
Collaboration on Pharmaceuticals
in Drinking Water" (GAO-11-
346, August 8, 2011), which
recommended that "EPA establish
a formal mechanism to coordinate
research on pharmaceuticals and other contaminants in
drinking water."
The work by this team resulted in development of
analytical methods for one of the first multi-parameter,
multi-partner surface-water monitoring programs
developed in the nation. The Pesticide Program from the
Office of Partnerships & Regulatory Assistance, the Water
Quality Unit from the Office of Ecosystems, Protection
and Remediation, and the Laboratory Services Program
from the Office of Technical and Management Services
all worked together to develop a list of compounds that
resulted in the development of 3 analytical methods to
monitor over 250 chemicals. Data has been collected for
all 6 states in the region, and for 12 individual tribes, three
municipalities, two universities and two other federal
agencies (DOI and USDA). This coordination expands the
utility of the data to improve our scientific understanding
of fate and effects from emerging contaminants, and may
have use in regulatory decisions such as re-registration
of pesticides and implementation of the CWA and SDWA,
for regional and national water quality initiatives, and to
serve as a national program model suggested by NAS.
20
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
Region's
(Pacific Southwest)
Serving Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands & 148 Tribes
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Time Critical Removals Related to Ongoing Exposures
In 2010, a state of emergency
for San Bernardino County
was declared by the governor
of California after perchlorate
was detected in the City of
Barstow's drinking water.
Perchlorate is chemical used
in rocket fuel, fireworks, flares
and explosives that may have
adverse health effects. Scientific
research indicates that this
contaminant can disrupt the
thyroid's ability to produce
hormones needed for norma!
growth and development.
An assessment of the area
by the region's Emergency
Response Section found
perchlorate contaminated soil
at a nearby property associated
with Mojave Pyrotechnics,
Inc. Mojave Pyrotechnics,
Inc. is a former fireworks
manufacturing company that
operated in the 1980's.
The Mohave River Pyrotechnics
site is one of the time-critical
removals supported by the
Region 9 Laboratory in FY
2012. Time-critical removals are a high priority because
of ongoing exposures and immediate threat to human
health and the environment. In order to provide
support for assessment and removal efforts at this
site, the Region 9 Laboratory
modified EPA Method 314.0
to include a procedure for
extracting perchlorate from the
soil samples. The extraction
method utilized a mechanical
shaker and reagent water
followed by filtration with a 0.2
um filter. Ultimately, the Region
9 Laboratory performed over
300 analyses of soil and water
samples collected at the site.
Concentrations of perchlorate
in the soil samples ranged
from 203 mg/kg to 130,000
mg/kg (or 13 % by weight).
The laboratory also analyzed
samples for other contaminants
of concern, including anions
and metals. The data provided
by the laboratory was used
to determine the lateral and
vertical extent of perchlorate
site contamination and to
evaluate alternatives for
the removal, treatment,
containment and control of the
perchlorate contaminated soil.
The Region 9 Laboratory data
were also used for primary
confirmation for a field-based screening technique that
had been developed to collect real time data on site.
Clean-up activities at the site were scheduled to start at
the end of 2012.
21
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
Region's
(Pacific Southwest)
Serving Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands & 148 Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
EPA Priority 6: Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
Continuous Web Available Water Quality and Flow Monitoring at Remote Sites
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
The Region 9 Laboratory
pioneered the coupling of
remote water quality monitoring
sensors with web-based
telemetry to provide real-time
oversight of discharges and
receiving waters at Superfund
mine sites, Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations (CAFOs),
and water quality-limited lakes
and streams. These innovative
sampling methods conserve
Agency resources while
expanding the temporal scope
of monitoring by orders of
magnitude. In addition to optimizing the combination of
commercial sensors, telemetry systems, and automated
samplers, in 2012 the laboratory designed and built a
mechanized depth profiler to allow continuous real-time
water column monitoring in lakes and reservoirs.
The Region 9 Laboratory began using remote sensors to
assess impacts below mine sites 15 years ago. The initial
benefit realized was an increase in sample numbers per
location from about 10 to more than 9,000 per year. In
2007, the team added satellite telemetry to the systems
allowing year-round water quality monitoring by site
Remedial Project Managers from their desktops.
After perfecting the system at Superfund mine sites,
laboratory staff began transferring the technology to
other programs such as the TMDL program, and began
transferring the technology
to other agencies, like the
California Department of Fish
and Game, which deployed
six systems to investigate
suspected illegal discharges
from CAFOs. The laboratory also
successfully coupled the system
with automated ISCO samplers
so that a monitored parameter,
such as turbidity or conductivity,
could trigger sample collection
for subsequent lab analysis that
could later provide evidence in
enforcement actions.
The most recent success is the design and construction
of an automated depth profiling system, named "Bob",
which raises and lowers water quality monitors in lakes
and reservoirs. Water column stratification greatly
increases the complexity of characterizing spatial and
temporal variability in deep water systems. This device
was designed and built for about $300, and was first
deployed to investigate Microcystis blue-green algae
blooms in the Klamath River in northern California. Since
then, "Bob" has been used for continuous web-based
monitoring throughout the water column of numerous
routine water quality parameters as well as Chlorophyll-a
and Phycocyanin, a blue green algae pigment. With
continuous monitoring it is possible to observe toxic algal
bloom activity in real time to help guide public-health
monitoring and posting determinations.
22
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Native Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
EPA Priority 5: Protecting America's Waters
Development of an Extraction and Analysis Method for Ordnance
Compounds in Marine Tissues for the Jackson Park Site
The Jackson Park Housing Complex
(JPHC) is located east of Highway 3,
approximately two miles northwest of
Bremerton, Washington. The 300-acre
complex currently contains housing
for 3,000 military personnel. From
1904 to 1959, the facility operated as a
Navy ammunition depot and included
ordnance manufacturing, processing,
and disassembly. Residual ordnance
powders were disposed of by open
burning. Hazardous dust that was
deposited on floors during ordnance
handling was washed into floor drains that lead directly
into Ostrich Bay (Puget Sound). The munitions buildings
were demolished between 1973 and 1975, when the
housing complexes were built. According to reports from
several sources, the water in Ostrich Bay occasionally
became a yellow color due to discharges emanating from
the ordnance facility. JPHC was placed on the National
Priorities List (NPL, Superfund list) in 1994.
figure above), sea cucumbers and starry
flounders. Early in this development
it was clear that the magnitude and
potential extent of matrix interferences
were tissue specific. The effect of these
complex matrices could not be addressed
without significant experimentation.
The high level of analytical experience,
particularly for tissue matrices, at the
Region 10 Laboratory allowed various
sample homogeneity and extraction
techniques to be readily evaluated and
optimized. The most effective approach
to meeting the project's data quality objectives and
detection limit needs required a novel homogenization
step that utilizes dry ice for grinding of the tissue in an
industrial blender, extraction with acidified acetonitrile,
removal of chemical interferences using hydrophilic-
lipophilic type solid phase extraction cartridges, and then
analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
(HPLC) per EPA Method 8330B.
To conduct an NPL site-wide human
health and ecological risk assessment,
the analysis of marine organisms in the
area for the ordnance compounds listed
in EPA Method 8330B was needed.
However, previous studies as described
in literature did not evaluate all 17 EPA
Method 8330B analytes nor the multiple
site-relevant marine tissue matrices.
Initially the only EPA methods available
to the site manager for analyzing tissue
samples were associated with water,
soil, and sediment matrices. The Region
10 Laboratory took on the task of
developing the analytical methods for
marine species identified as relevant
to the site, which were Dungeness
crabs, manila clams, geoducks (see the
EPA's Remedial Project Manager (RPM)
believes this new method will have
application at other military disposal
sites, like the Waianae Coast in Hawaii
(Region 9) and the Coral Reefs of Isla de
Vieques in Puerto Rico (Region 2 - see
figure on the left), and so the Region 10
scientists are pursuing a formal method
revision. Before these modifications can
be added to EPA Method 8330B, the
new approaches must be subject to a
multi-laboratory validation. This work,
which is currently underway, involves the
manufacture of several fortified marine
tissue standards using newly-developed
methodology that was also developed
for this project.
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Native Tribes
EPA Priority 4: Cleaning Up Our Communities
Working with ORD to Mobilize a Mew Lead Bioavailability Method to Measure Soil and Dust Ingestion Levels
During 2012, the Region 10
Laboratory had a unique
opportunity to participate in a
highly-visible Region 10 study under
ORD's Regional Applied Research
Effort (RARE) program to assess soil
ingestion rates. Currently, estimates
of soil/dust ingestion rates used in
the EPA Integrated Exposure Uptake
and Biokinetic (IEUBK) Model and
the EPA Exposure Factors Handbook
are based on limited data. Moreover,
there is general scientific consensus
that uncertainty in soil ingestion
rates is high and confidence in the
supporting studies is low.
The project involved the confluence of a number of key
factors. The first and foremost was the existence of a
large archive of over 2,000 soil and 3,000 house dust
samples that were collected over a period of 15 years
(1988-2002) and linked with more than 5,000 measures
of pediatric blood-lead levels from the Bunker Hill Mining
and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site. This complex
site includes mining-contaminated areas in the Coeur
d'Alene River corridor, adjacent floodplains, downstream
water bodies, tributaries, and fill areas, as well as the
21-square-mile Bunker Hill "Box" where historical ore-
processing and smelting operations occurred. In 1974,
when the smelter was being operated without pollution
control devices, mean blood lead
concentrations exceeded 60 ug/
dL in the Smelterville population.
By 2002, mean blood levels had
been reduced to less than 4 ug/dL,
which is below the CDC's Level of
Concern for children (10 ug/dL). The
second factor was the availability
of a draft SOP published by EPA
OSWER in 2007 in conjunction with
their intra-agency workgroup on
bioavailability of metals in soils. The
third factor was a knowledgeable
regional toxicologist who proposed
connecting these two dots and who
was confident in the capabilities of
his regional lab.
Region 10 chemists interfaced
with members of the EPA National
Bioavailability Workgroup to identify
the ORD scientists knowledgeable
with the procedure, and procured
a water-equilibrated tumbler from
the University of Colorado. The
lab next determined in-house
method detection limits, and
confirmed acceptable method precision and accuracy
and documented the procedure. Staff were counseled
that the small quantities of these samples - often just
enough to sieve, weigh and extract - may allow only a
single analytical determination. Accordingly, particular
care was taken to ensure the team was well trained in the
new procedure, and that the instruments were calibrated
and ready for the challenge.
A total of 300 of the archived soil and house dust samples
with sufficient weight (> 1.25 g) were statistically selected
for analysis. During sample analysis, Region 10 scientists
noted low bias in high concentration samples, which was
determined to be a method limitation not yet observed.
Text documenting this limitation
was proposed for addition to the
method and includes a suitable
work-around. The draft method is
in preparation for the SW-846 (EPA
Draft Method 1340). Data from this
project, which met all method QC
criteria for 100% of the samples,
may support revision of the IEUBK
Model soil ingestion rate from 100
mg/day to 60 nig/day.
24
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
Regional Laboratory
Support Services
£
i £>
M
,
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
REGIONAL LABORATORY
SUPPORT SERVICES
This section summarizes most of the common support
services that are provided by our RLN labs. As mentioned
earlier, this list is not comprehensive, but indicates
services that are common to the RLN member labs.
Because of the unique nature of the support provided by
our RLN labs, the ideal regional lab scientist is typically
one part research scientist, one part production scientist.
They must be capable of developing methods often with
short iead times, but be vigilant about quality control
and possess the drive of a strong production scientist. In
practice, our staff are key in supporting the wide diversity
of challenging requests the RLN labs receive. During fiscal
year 2012, the RLN supported over 165,000 analyses.
The distribution of this work by EPA program is shown
in Figure 3.1. This count excludes QC samples, which can
add an additional 20%.
In keeping with prior years, the Agency's Superfund
Program continued to be our largest volume requestor of
analytical services (57.4%) followed by the Office of Water
(23.4%). Support to the Emergency Response Program
(8.2%) continued to be significant, with the RLN labs
analyzing over 13,600 samples in conjunction with time-
critical responses to environmental disasters, hazardous
materials releases, priority contaminant removals and
other threats to human health and/or the environment.
Field analyses (over 4,500 samples) continued to provide
important real-time results aiding in timely and cost-
effective decision making in the field. Our RLN labs
augmented the NEIC's capacity by analyzing over 3,600
criminal samples. Eight of 10 RLN labs supported criminal
projects during the year, and in doing so, strengthened
the Agency's ability to prosecute important cases.
Projects supported at each lab during a fiscal year typically
vary in size and in the number of sampling events. Figure
3.2 is a summary of the number of analytical projects
supported by the RLN labs by EPA Program element. In
aggregate, the RLN labs supported 1,380 projects during
2012. Multiple rounds of analytical work for the same
site represent just one site supported. More than one
round of work at the same site for a different purpose or
client may be counted as two sites supported. Multiple
sample site monitoring projects like those related to the
Regional Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP)
are counted by individual water body. For example, all
sampling locations at a single lake or stream count as
one site, but different lakes or streams count as different
sites, even though it may support only one project.
The sample analyses reported above were supported
using a wide range of analytical methods. Some of
these, which are common to a number of regional labs,
are listed in Appendix A as Core Methods. A significant
amount of our work during the year required methods
Figure 3.1: Analytical Support to EPA Programs in FY2012
(165,621 sample analyses total)
26
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Figure 3.2 Projects/Sites Supported by Regional Laboratory Data
FY 2012 by Program Element (1,380 total)
itigation — (
24
Air- Enforcement
J6
Air- Program Implementation (monitoring, permits, etc.) 47
Brownfields
Criminal Investigation
Field Sampling (field sampling audits and events, etc,)
LUST
RCRA - Corrective Action
RCRA - Enforcement
Superfund- Emergency Response
Superfund- Pre-remedial/Remedial
Superfund - Removal
TSCA- Enforcement
Water-Drinking Water Compliance and Emergencies ¦* 74
Water- Enforce ment
Water- Program Implementation (REMAP, TMDL, TOXNET, etc)
Other
lp~
10
_| 178
J 134
J146
17
439
100
200
300
400
that have been developed specifically to address the
unique needs of a particular region. These methods
are listed in Appendix B. Often, methods developed by
a region to address a local environmental challenge are
mobilized in other regions as their benefit is realized and/
or as the need arises. Recent examples include microbial
source tracking and monitoring potential ground water
contamination associated with new oil and gas extraction
techniques.
The ability of our RLN labs to develop new methods that
keep pace with our changing program needs is vital to the
Agency's mission. During the year, our regional labs had
71 active method development projects (see Appendix
C). Some of this work was illustrated in the Project
Highlight section of this report. It is fairly common for
regional projects to require method development. For
our Superfund work, we often require lower detection
limits and/or a method to address a new sample matrix.
For our water program, the challenge often involves new
or emerging contaminants (or contaminant family). For
our criminal and enforcement programs, each project
can involve a new set of unique hurdles often requiring
our most seasoned method development staff. Figure
3.3 shows the distribution of the method development
projects by program for fiscal year 2012. The distribution
of this work differs from Figure 3.1 with Office of Water
being the largest requestor, followed by Superfund. This
difference is largely driven by the need to develop new
methods for emerging contaminants as EPA works to
protect our watersheds.
Whenever possible, regional scientists take advantage
of the research conducted in our ORD labs by mobilizing
draft methods or SOPs that may be available from our
ORD partners. For long-lead projects requiring new
methods, ORD involvement through the Regional
Methods initiative, the Regional Applied Research Effort
and/or the Regional Research Partnership Program
continues to be a valuable resource for the regions. ORD
and their scientists were involved in 22 of the 71 method
development projects during the year. For new methods
that are in the critical path to project mobilization
where no ORD method exists, our regions must rely on
the expertise of their in-house scientists to get the job
done. This work, often termed "just-in-time" method
development, poses one of the greatest challenges to
today's modern analytical laboratories. The ability of
our RLN labs to consistently meet this challenge and
generate data that meet project DQOs is a testament
to the technical strength of our network labs, and a key
science contribution.
27
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Figure 3.3: Method Development Project Support to EPA Programs in FY12 (71 Methods)
Emergency Response
3.0
The knowledge of our regional staff in a number of
quality and oversight-related areas continued to benefit
regional and state programs (see Table 3.1). Bench-level
method experience keeps our drinking water auditors
sharp and able to strengthen the programs they audit.
Participation In EPA drinking water audit program starts
with the successful completion of a grueling, week-long
drinking water audit course taught by the EPA's Office of
Groundwater and Drinking Water (OGWDW) in Cincinnati.
Our auditors attend monthly conference calls to keep
abreast of new OGWDW requirements to ensure regional
audits are in keeping with current national guidance.
Audit findings contained in the lab and program audits,
and the States' response to these deficiencies, form the
basis of important certification decisions made by each
regional EPA Drinking Water Certification Authority and
in turn help ensure the effective implementation of state
drinking water oversight programs. During the period,
regional staff conducted over 50 audits of state drinking
water labs and programs.
Work done at EPA and contract labs requires the
development of quality assurance project plans. While
these documents are often prepared in the regional
offices by QA staff, RLN staff participated in or prepared
over 770 QAPPs in 2012. Occasionally, RLN labs are asked
to validate analytical work not supported in their labs.
During the year, the regions supported the validation of
nearly 17,000 samples.
American communities, and in particular environmental
justice communities, face serious health and
environmental challenges from air pollution. Improved
monitoring and assessment is a critical building block for
air quality improvement. EPA has a number of programs
in place to ensure that ambient air monitoring data are
of a quality that meets the requirements for informed
decision making. The regional labs support a number
of important air monitoring quality assurance programs
by providing management and technical oversight
Table 3.1. Support during FY2012 in oversight-related areas.
Activity
Supported During 2012
Drinking Water Lab Audits
34
Drinking Water Program Audits
IS
OAPP Reviews
773
Samples Validated
16967
Expert Witness Testimony
3
PM Filter Weighings
2761
PM 2.5 Audits
405
PM Filter Anaylsis for Lead
326
PM Through-the-probe Audits
200
Other PM-related Audits
232
28
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
of contractors, lab space for equipment storage and
calibration, field and laboratory work and audits, and
logistical support,
PM 2.5 Performance Evaluation Program (PEP): The
goal of the PEP is to evaluate total measurement system
bias of the PM 2.5 monitoring network. The laboratory
component of the program includes particulate matter
(PM) filter handling, inspection, equilibration, and
weighing; data entry, data validation, data management
and distribution to regional clients. The laboratory
component of the programs also includes filter archival
and data submittal to the Air Quality System (AQS).
The PM filter weighing lab is located at the Region 4
Laboratory in Athens, Georgia. In FY 2012, the laboratory
processed and weighed over 2,700 filters from state
agencies, tribal nations and all ten EPA regions. The
Region 4 Laboratory also reviewed the data from
PM2.5 PEP audits and evaluated individual audits for
submittal to EPA's national ambient air database. The
other regional laboratories provided support for the PM
2.5 PEP through performance evaluation audits, quality
assurance collocations and PEP audits. In FY 2012, the
regional laboratories supported the completion of 405
PM2.5 PEP audits.
Lead Performance Evaluation Program (PEP):
The national lead monitoring network measures
concentrations of lead in the outdoor air, to assess
compliance with the lead National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. Similar to the PM 2.5 PEP, the goal of the
Lead PEP is to evaluate total measurement system bias
of the lead monitoring network. The Lead PEP requires
extensive laboratory activities, including filter handling,
sample extraction, analysis, data entry/management and
archival. The Region 9 Laboratory in Richmond, California
currently serves as the Lead PEP Laboratory and, in FY
2012, performed analysis of 326 particulate samples
from around the nation to support this PEP.
Through-The-Probe (TTP) Audit System: The Through-
The-Probe audit system provides performance audits
at state and local ambient air monitoring stations.
In FY 2012, the regional laboratories supported the
completion of over 200 through-the-probe audits. These
performance audits ensure the validity of the ambient air
quality monitoring data.
Standard Reference Photometer (SRP) Program:
Standard reference photometers (SRPs) are used to
ensure that the national network of ozone ambient
monitors is accurately measuring ozone concentrations.
Eight regional laboratories maintain SRPs and provide
verification or certification of primary and transfer ozone
standards from state, local and tribal organizations.
29
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
mLl
Append ix A:
EPA Regional
Laboratory Core
Capabilities
'-*'-72*4
ji
JEfV
A
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities
ANALYTE /
GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY
Acidity
Water
Titrimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
Alkalinity
Water
Titrimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Asbestos
Solids/Bulk material
PLM
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
PLM
X
X
X
X
Chloride
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Water
Titrimetric
X
X
Chromium, Hexavalent
(Cr+6)
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
X
X
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
X
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
X
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
X
Fluoride
Water
ISE
X
X
X
X
X
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hardness
Water
Colorimetric
X
Water
Titrimetric
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
Mercury, Total
Soil/Sediment
CVAA
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Direct Hg Analysis
X
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
CVAA
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
Direct Hg Analysis
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
CVAA
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Direct Hg Analysis
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
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
31
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities
ANALYTE /
GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY
Metals (TCLP)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
ICP /AES
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Metals, Total
Water
GFAA
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
GFAA
X
X
X
Tissue (Fish &/or
plant)
GFAA
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
GFAA
X
X
X
Metals (TCLP)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum,
etc..)
GFAA
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
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
Nitrogen (Ammonia)
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
Water
Electrode
X
Nitrogen (N03 &/or
N02)
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
Perchlorate
Water
IC
X
X
X
Soil
IC
X
X
Water
IC with LC/MS
confirmation
X
X
X
Water, Soil/Sediment
LC/MS
X
X
Water
LC/MS/MS
X
X
X
X
Phosphorus, Ortho
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Phosphorus, Total
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
Sulfate
Water
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
IC
X
X
X
X
X
X
32
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities
ANALYTE /
GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY
Soil
Turbidimetric
X
X
Sulfide
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
Soil
Colorimetric
Water
IC, Turbidimetric
X
Water
Titrimetric
X
X
X
X
33
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities
ANALYTE /
GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY
BNA
Water
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
GC/MS
X
X
BNA (TCLP)
Solid/Waste
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BNA (TPH)
Water
GC/MS or GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS or GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BOD
Water
Membrane
Electrode
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
COD
Water
Photometric
X
Water
Colorimetric
X
X
X
X
X
EDB& DBCP
Water
GC/ECD
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Herbicides
Water
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
X
X
X
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
GC/ECD; GC/NPD
X
Herbicides (TCLP)
Solid/Waste
GC/ECD
X
X
X
X
Solid/Waste
HPLC/UV
Detection
X
Oil & Grease
Water
Gravimetric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Gravimetric
X
X
X
Pesticides / PCBs
Water
GC/ECD
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
GC/ECD
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
GC/ECD
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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
X
Phenolics
Water
Colorimetric
X
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
X
Tissue (fish &/or plant)
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TOC
Water
Combustion / IR
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil
Combustion / IR
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Water
UV/Persulfate
X
X
X
X
VOA
Water
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
34
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities
ANALYTE /
GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY
Air
GC/MS
X
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
X
Soil/Sediment
GC
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
VOA (TCLP)
Solid/Waste
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
VOA (TPH)
Water
GC/MS or GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS or GC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Warfare Agents
Water, Soil, Wipes
GC/MS
X
X
X
X
X
EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities
ANALYTE /
GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
BIOLOGY/
MICROBIOLOGY
Coliform, Total
Water, Soil &/or Sludge
Various
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Coliform, Fecal
Water, Soil &/or Sludge
Various
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
E. coli
Water, Soil &/or Sludge
Various
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Toxicity (Acute & Chronic)
Water
Fathead,
Ceriodaphnia
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Heterotrophic PC
Water
Various
X
X
X
X
X
35
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Regional Laboratory Core Capabilities
ANALYTE /
GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL
TECHNIQUE
REGIONAL CAPABILITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
PHYSICAL & OTHER
DETERMINATIONS
Flash Point
Aqueous/Liquid Waste
(oil, drum, etc..)
Pensky-Marten or Seta
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Conductivity
Water
Specific Conductance
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ign itabil ity
Soil/Sediment
Ignitability of Solids
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Pensky-Marten or Seta
Closed Cup
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
PH
Water
Elect rometric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soil/Sediment
Elect rometric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Waste (oil, drum, etc..)
Elect rometric
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
X
X
Turbidity
Water
Nephelometric
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
36
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
Appendix B:
EPA Regional
Laboratory Unique
Capabilities
If *1
' I I Jh
~ ftA
4 V
MMi
- ' «• I
37
®epa
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 1 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Inorganic Anions
Water
IC (EPA Method 300.0)
Water
Mercury
Water, Tissue
Direct Mercury Analyzer
(Thermal Decomposition,
Amalgamation &
Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry)
EPA Method 7473
Superfund, Water
Metals
Water, Sediment, Soil,
Waste (drum), Paint, Dust,
Cosmetics
XRF (EPA Method 6200)
Superfund, TSCA (Pb)
Field Screening and
Laboratory Testing
Perchlorate
Water
LC/MS/MS (EPA Method
331.0)
Superfund / Water
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Carbonyls
Air
HPLC (EPA Method TO-11A
Air
1,4-Dioxane
Water
GC/MS Purge & Trap (EPA
Method 8260)
Superfund
Ethylene Glycol
Water
GC
Explosives
Water, Soil
HPLC (EPA Method 8330)
Superfund
Oil Identification
Water
GC/FID (ASTM D-3415-79)
Superfund
Organic Compounds
Solid, Liquid
FTIR
Superfund - ERB
Unknown ID
Oxygenated Compounds/
Benzene
Fuel
IR (RFG Inspector's
Manual)
Air
PAHs
Soil/Sediment
Immunoassay (EPA
Method 4035)
Superfund
PAMS
Air
GC (EPA Method TO-12)
Air
PCBs
Air, Wipes
GC/ECD (EPA Method
3508A)
Air/Superfund
Pentachlorophenol
Soil, Sediment
Immunoassay (EPA
Method 4010)
Superfund
Pesticides/PCBs
Water, Soil, Sediment,
Waste (drum)
GC/ECD (EPA Method
8081A/8082)
Superfund
Field Method
Pesticides/PCBs
Water, Soil, Sediment,
Waste (drum)
GC/ECD (EPA Method 680)
Superfund
Field Method
Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products
(PPCPs)
Water
LC/MS/MS
Water
Endocrine disruptors
VOCs
Air (mini-cans)
GC/MS (EPA Method
TO-15)
Superfund
Air Toxics
VOCs
Water, Soil, Air
GC/ECD/PID
Superfund
Field Screening
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
Grain Size
Soil, Sediment
Sieve (Modified ASTM)
Superfund, Water
Region 1 SOP
Haz. Waste
Characterization
Water, Soil, Waste (drum)
Miscellaneous
Reactivity with water, pH,
ignitability, toxicity (PCBs,
cyanide, sulfides)
Loss of Ignition (LOI)
Sediment
Water
Percent Lipids
Tissue
Gravimetric
38
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 1 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Dehalococcoides
ethogenes
Groundwater
qPCR
Superfund-Bioremediation
E. coli
Water (drinking/waste/
ambient)
qPCR
CWA, SDWA, Ambient
Monitoring Rule-
recreationaal waters
2008 NFWA
Enterococci
Water (drinking/waste/
ambient)
qPCR EPA Method 1611
CWA, SDWA, Ambient
Monitoring Rule-
recreationaal waters
Enterococci
Ambient water
Enterolert/ EPA Method
1600
Ambient monitoring
Chlorophyll a
Ambient water
EPA 445.0
Ambient monitoring
Toxicity (Acute)
Sediment
C. tentans, H. azteca
Water, Superfund
Bulk sediment
39
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 2 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
CO
Air/ N2
EPA Reference or Equiv.
Method as in
40 CFR Part 58
Air
NOx
Air/ N2
EPA Reference or Equiv.
Method as in 40 CFR Part
58
Air
S02
Air/ N2
EPA Reference or Equiv.
Method as in 40 CFR Part
58
Air
Percent Sulfur
Fuel Oil
ASTM D4294
Air
Vanadium
Fuel Oil
ICP/AES
Air
Dry ashing at 525° C
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Asphaltenes (Hexane
Insolubles)
Fuel Oil
ASTM 3279
Air
Haloacetic Acids
Water
GC/ECD (EPA Method
552.2)
Water
Methane, Ethane, Ethene
Water
GC/FID
SF/RCRA
Ozone Precursors
(hydrocarbons)
Air
GC/MS/FID
Air
PCB Congeners
Solid
GC/ECD
Water
PCB Congeners (209)
Water
HR GC/MS (based on EPA
Method 1668A)
Water
Pesticides
Water
HR GC/MS
Water
Select Pesticides
Pesticides
Water
GC/MS
FIFRA
West Nile Virus Pesticides:
Resmithrin, Sumithrin,
Piperonly, Butoxide,
Malithion
TPH
Water, Solid
Hexane Extraction (EPA
Method 1664)
Water
VOCs
Air
GC/MS (EPA Method
TO-14)
Air
Air Toxics
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
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.
Method as in
40 CFR Part 58
Air
Percent Volatile Matter
ASTM D2369
Air
Percent Water
Ink, Paint
ASTM D4017
Air
Viscosity
Fuel Oil
ASTM D88
Air
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Biomass
Tissue (Animal/Plant)
Caricomp/EMAP Methods
Water
Clostridium perfringens
Water
Membrane Filtration
Water
40
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 2 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
Cryptosporidium
Water
Fluorescent Microscopy
(EPA Method 1623)
Water
DNA-qPCR
(Enterococcus)
Water (Fresh & Marine)
EPA/Cepheid Methodology
Water
Enterococcus Group
Water
Membrane Filtration
Water
Giardia
Water
Fluorescent Microscopy
(EPA Method 1623)
Water
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Water
Pour Plate/Sim Plate
Method
Water
Salmonella
Soil, Sludge
EPA 1682
Water
Toxicity Identification
Evaluation
Effluents
TIE Phase 1, II, & III
Procedures
Water
Toxicity Assessment
Toxicity Testing
Water/Sediment (Marine)
Menidia sp.
Water
Survival & growth (fish)
Toxicity Testing
Water (Marine)
Cyprinodon variegatus
Water
Survival & growth (fish)
Toxicity Testing
Water/Sediment (Marine)
Mysidopis bahia
Water
Survival, growth &
fecundity (crustacia)
Toxicity Testing
Sediment (Marine)
Ampelisca abdita
Water
Survival (amphipods)
NOTE: Uses a reduced
sediment volume
Toxicity Testing
Sediment (Marine)
Leptocheirus plumulosus
Water
Survival (amphipods)
Toxicity Testing
Sediment (Marine)
Eohaustorious estuaries
Water
Survival (amphipods)
41
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 3 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Nitroaromatics &
Nitramines
Water, Soil/Sediment
HPLC
Water
Method 8330
Nitroglycerine
Water, Soil/Sediment
HPLC
Water
Method 8332
Nitrogen, Total
Water
Colorimetric
PCB Congeners
Water, Soil/Sediment,
semipermeable membrane
device (SPMD)*
HR GC/MS
Method 1668C
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Benthic Macroinvertebrate
Sediment, Water
(Freshwater, Marine,
Estuarine)
Invertebrate Taxonomy
Invertebrates
EPA EMAP Protocols
Marine/Estuarine Benthic
Benthic
Organisms identified
to species or lowest
taxonomy possible
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
ID Ozone Depleting
Compounds
Propellants/ Aerosols
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
Ignitabil ity
ID Unknowns
Wastes
FTIR
Screening it, identify
unknowns
42
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 4 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Chromium (+6)
Soil/Sediment
Std Method 3500 CrD
Mercury, Total - Ultra Low
Detection Level
Water
CVAF
Water
Method 1631
Tissue
CVAF
Appendix 1631
Soil/Sediment
CVAF
Appendix 1631
Metals, Total
Waste (oil, drum, etc...)
1 CP/MS
Not Commonly Available
Air
Hi-Vol Filters
U
Metals (TCLP)
Soil/Waste (oil, drum)
1 CP/MS
u
Sulfide
Soil/Sediment
IC
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Freon Products
Canister & Air
GC/MS
Air, OECA
Special analysis technique
developed for criminal
investigations of illegal
Freon
Natural Attenuation
Analytes
Water
GC/FID
Superfund
Methane, ethane, ethene
PCB Congeners
Water
GC/ECD (EPA Method
8082)
Water, SF
Capable of identifying 209
PCB congeners and 12
co-planar dioxin-like PCB
congeners
Soil/Sediment
GC/ECD (EPA Method
8082)
Superfund, RCRA
U
PCB Congeners
Water
HR GC/MS (EPA Method
1668A)
Superfund, RCRA
High resolution GC/MS
Soil/Sediment
HR GC/MS (EPA Method
1668A)
Suoerfund, RCRA
U
Tissue
HR GC/MS (EPA Method
1668A)
Superfund, RCRA
II
Pesticides
Water, Air
GC/MS (Method 8270D)
Toxaphene Congeners
Water
EPA Method 8081A
Superfund, RCRA
Capable of identifying
24 toxaphene congeners
- 22 of which are used
as a guide to identify
and report degraded
toxaphene
Ultimate BOD
Water
Membrane Electrode (Std
Method 5210C)
Water
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Chlorophyll
Water
Water
43
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 5 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Bromide/Chloride Ratio
Brine Samples
IC & related
characterization
techniques; ion balance
Water, UIC&SDWA
Difficult analyses
Chloride
Soil/Sediment
IC
Sediment
Metals
Suspended
Particulate Matter
ICP-MS
Air
Analysis of TSP, PmlO,
PM2.5 filters for metals
Selenium Speciation for Selenate
and Selenite
Water
IC w/metals method
backups
Water
Speciation of selenate
vs.selenite for toxicity
determination
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Nonylphenol (NP), NP-1 and
2-ethoxylate, octyphenol &
bisphenol-A
Water
GC/MS (ASTM D7065-11)
Water
Endocrine disrupter
- High Concentration
method (ppb)
Nonylphenol (AP), AP-1 and
2-ethoxylate, octyphenol &
bisphenol-A
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS (8270 modified /
Internal SOP)
Water
Endocrine disrupter
Nonylphenol (NP), NP-1 and
2-ethoxylate, octyphenol
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 carboxylates
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
Polybrominated Diphenylether
(PBDE) congeners
Water, Sludge
GC/MS/MS, GC/NCI-MS
RCRA, SF, TSCA, Water
Compares with HRGC/
HRMS method
PCBs
Water, Oil, Soil,
Wipes
8082 (GC/EC)
TSCA
Aroclor specific TSCA
reg. Compliance
method & multiple
action levels
PCB Congeners
Water. Sludge
GC/MS/MS, GC/NCI-MS
RCRA, SF, TSCA, Water
Compare with HRGC/
HRMS method
Purgeable 1,4-Dioxane &
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
Water
Method 624-Dioxane
(Wide-Bore Capillary
Column GC/MS)
Superfund
Specific analyte
analysis method
Various analytes (VOAs, SVCOs &
Pesticides/PCBs
Water, Soil/Sediment
ESATFASP Methods GC/
EC for VOAs, SVOCs &
Pesticides/PCBs (XRF for
metals)
Superfund
Fast TAT on-site;
Screening or better
data; Fast extraction for
organics
129 Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs)
& CWA degradants (107 validated)
Drinking Water
LC/MS/MS Library
Screening
WSD, NHSRC
Library search routine
developed under
CRADA with Waters
Corp. Now use NIST LC/
MS/MS Library of over
2,000 analytes
44
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 5 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
Aldicarb, aldicarb sulfone, aldicarb
sulfoxide, carbofuran, oxamyl,
methomyl and thiofanox
Water
LC/MS/MS, ASTM7645-10
NHSRC
SAP Method
Aldicarb, bromadiolone, carbofuran,
oxamyl, and methomyl
Water
LC/MS/MS, ASTM7600-09
NHSRC
SAP Method
Thiodiglycol
Water
LC/MS/MS, CRL SOP
MS015
NHSRC
SAP Method
Thiodiglycol
Soil
LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2787-
11
NHSRC
SAP Method
Thiodiglycol
Wipes
LC/MS/MS, ASTM E2838-
11
NHSRC
SAP Method
Diethanolamine, triethanolamine,
n-methyldiethanolamine and
methyldiethanolamine
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 monobutyl
ether in seawater
Seawater
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7731-
11
NHSRC/SF
SAP Method
Bromodiolone, brodifacoum,
diphacinone and warfarin in water
Water
LC/MS/MS, ASTM D7644-
11
NHSRC
SAP Method
Diisopropyl methylphosphonate,
ethyl hydrogen
dimethylamidophosphate,
ethyl methylphosphonic acid,
isopropyl methylphosphonic
acid, methylphosphonic acid and
pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid
Water
LC/MS/MS, ASTM 7597-09
NHSRC
SAP Method
DIMP, EMPA, IMPA, MPA, PMPA
Soil
LC/MS/MS, ASTM
WK34580
NHSRC
SAP Method
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
Corrosivity by pH
Hazardous Waste
SW846 1110
RCRA
Waste characterization
Particle Size
Soil/Sediment
Particle size analyzer
provides continuum of
sizes-CRL SOP
GLNPO, Water- Sediment
For modelling and soil
migration calcs.
Water Content
Hazardous waste
SW846 -
RCRA, Superfund
Support for flashpoint
Paint Filter Test
Paints and coatings
RCRA, Superfund
Specific Gravity
Soil/Sediment
Appendix IV of the Corps
of Engineers Engineering
Manual (F10-F22)
Sediment
Synthetic Precipitation Leaching
Procedure (SPLP)
Solid Waste
SW-846 1312
RCRA, Superfund
For all TCLP analytes
except herbicides.
45
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 6 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED
PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Ammonia
Air (passive coated filter)
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air collection
device
Ozone
Air (passive coated filter)
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air collection
device
NOx
Air (passive coated filter)
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air collection
device
SOx
Air (passive coated filter)
IC
CAA
Ogawa passive air collection
device
Trace level Hex Chrom
Water
IC/UV
Water
Perchlorate
Water
IC/MS/MS
Water
Metals by X-Ray
Fluorescence
Soil
portable XRF
Superfund, RCRA
field screening
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Fingerprint (pattern
recognition)
High level waste
GC/MS
RCRA
Oil
GC/MS
RCRA
Fuel
GC/MS
RCRA
Incidental PCBs
Water
GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue
Series
TSCA, RCRA
grouped by number of
chlorine
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue
Series
TSCA, RCRA
grouped by number of
chlorine
Waste
GC/MS; Method 680 Homologue
Series
TSCA, RCRA
grouped by number of
chlorine
Chemical Warfare Agents
Water/Solid/Wipe
GC/MS
Emergency
Response
PAMS (C2s and C3s
identified)
Air
GC/MS/FID (split)
CAA
C2s and C3s are
individually quantitated
PCBs (Aroclor)
Electrical Cable
GC; Separation, extraction, analysis
of individual components. Mod of
program specific technique.
TSCA
Toluene is extraction
solvent
PCB screen
Soil
Immunoassay
TSCA, RCRA
For field screening
Pesticides/BNAs
Water
GC/MS; PTV; Microextraction
abbreviated & modified method
3510, 8081, 8270, 608, & 625
Water, RCRA,
Superfund
Large volume injections for
GC/MS
PAHs (trace)
Water/Solid/Oil
GC/QQQ
RCRA, Superfund
Chemical Warfare Agents-
Degradation products
Water
LC/MS/MS
Emergency
Response
VOCs by OVM
AIR
GC/MS
CAA
passive air monitoring
Organophosphorous
Pesticides (OPPs)
Water
GC/NPD
CWA, RCRA,
Superfund
Soil/Sediment
GC/NPD
RCRA, Superfund
Waste
GC/NPD
RCRA, Superfund
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
Corrosivity by pH
Waste
Method 1110 - Corrosivity Toward
Steel
RCRA
46
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 7 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Lead bioavailability
Soil
In vitro digestion with ICP
analysis
Superfund
Bioavailable Lead
Mercury
Water, Soil/Sediment,
Tissue, Waste, TCLP
Direct Mercury Analyzer
(Thermal Decomposition,
Amalgamation &
Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry)
Superfund, Water, RCRA
Replaced CVAA with DMA
80
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Chlordane
Air(PUF)
GC/ECD (EPA Method
TO-4A)
Special Project
Herbicides
Water, Soil/Sediment
GC/ECD
Water
Use Attainability Analysis
(UAA)
Pesticides
Water, Soil/Sediment,
Tissue
GC/ECD
Water
u u u
47
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 8 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Silica
Water
Colorimetric
Water/Superfund
Gadilinium
Water
ICP-MS
Water/Superfund
Wastewater Indicator
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Alcohols
Water
GC/FID
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/ CLLE
Water
GC/MS
Water/Superfund
Monitoring for States and
Tribes
Metals - Arsenic/Selenium
speciation
Water, Soil, Tissue
IC/ICP/MS
Water/Superfund
Speciation data needed for
risk assessment
Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products
(PPCPs)
Water
LC/MS/MS
Water/Superfund
Endocrine disruptors
Waste Indicator
Compounds
Water
GC/MS
Water Superfund
Monitoring for States and
Tribes
VOAs
Water, Soil/Sediment,
GC/PID/ELCD
Water/Superfund
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Bacteria (Arsenic-
Reducing)
Water, Sediment
MPN
Water/Superfund
Bacteria (Iron-Reducing)
Water, Sediment
MPN
Water/Superfund
Bacteria (Sulfate-
Reducing)
Water, Sediment
MPN
Water/Superfund
Bacteria (Clostridium
perfringens)
Water
Membrane Filtration
Water/Superfund
Bacteria (Clostridium
perfringens)
Water
Membrane Filtration
Water/Superfund
48
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 9 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Ferrous Iron
Water
Titration with Dichromate
Superfund
Mercury, Vapor, Particulate and
Reactive
Ambient Air
Cold Vapor Atomic
Fluorescence
Air, Water (TMDL)
Metals (SPLP)
Soil, Sediment, Solid,
Waste, Tissue
SW846 1312: ICP, GFAA,
CVAA, ICP/MS
Superfund, RCRA
Low level hexavalent chromium
Drinking Water
IC with post column
reaction/UV detection
Water
Lead (Pb) in Air
TSP High-Volume filters
FEM EQL-0710-192, ICP/
MS
Air
New Pb NAAQS
Perchlorate
Water, Soil
LC/MS/MS (EPA Method
331.0)
Superfund / Water
In vitro bioassessibility assays for
arsenic and lead in soil
Soil
EPA 9200.1-86
Superfund
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Diazinon
Water
ELISA
WQM
1,4-Dioxane
Water, Soil, Sediment
GC/MS
Superfund, RCRA
EDB/DBCP
Water
GC
Superfund,RCRA
Methane, Ethane, Ethene
Water
GC/FID
Superfund, RCRA
Microcystin Toxin
Water
Immunoassay
Water
PHYSICAL AND OTHER
DETERMINATIONS
Pore Water Extraction
Sediment
Centrifugation
Superfund
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Benthic Taxonomic Identification
Sediment (Marine)
Taxonomic Identification
Water, WQM
Chlorophyll/Pheophytin
Water/Periphyton
Standard Method 10200 H,
Procedure 2b
Water, WQM
Enterococci
Water
Enterolert
Water, NPDES, WQM
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Water
Plate Count - Standard
Methods
Water, NPDES, WQM
Toxicity Test (Acute) [Daphnia magna,
Daphnia pulex]
Water
EPA/600/R-90/27F
Water, NPDES
Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE)
Test
Water
EPA/600/6-91/003
Water, NPDES
Toxicity Test, Amphipod [4 species]
Marine Drill Mud
40 CFR Part 435, Appendix
2 to support A.v.58, no41,
1993
NPDES
Acute for water
Toxicity Test, Mysid Red abalone
(Haliotis rufescens)
Water
EPA/600/R-95/136
NPDES
Larval
development
for water
Toxicity Test, Sea Urchin Fertilization
[Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus]
Water
EPA/600/R-95/136
Water, NPDES
Toxicity Test, Sea Urchin Development
[Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus]
Water
EPA/600/R-95/136
Water, NPDES
49
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 10 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
Asbestos, Bulk
Solids
EPA 600/R93/116 - XRD
Superfund
Mercury
Water
CVAF, Method 1631E
Water
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 speciation
Fish/shell fish
IC/ICP/MS
Superfund, Water
Speciation data needed
for risk assessment
Metals (TAL) + Total Uranium
Small mammals,
invertebrates
Microwave Digestion, ICP/
AES, ICP/MS
Superfund, RCRA
Biomonitoring projects
Metals (SPLP)
Soil/Waste
ICP/AES
Superfund
Perchlorate
Produce (fruits, milk)
IC/MS
Superfund
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
BNA (Selected)
Tissue
SW846 Methods
Superfund
Butyl tins
Soil/Sediment
GC/MS
Superfund, Criminal
WDOE method
Dinoseb
Soil
GC/ECD
Superfund
Field screening with
mobile lab
1,4-Dioxane
Water
EPA Method 8270D SIM/
Method 522
Superfund
Diquat
Water
EPA Method 549.2
CWA
Ethylene dibromide (EDB)
Water
GC/ECD
Superfund
Field screening with
mobile lab
Explosives (Nitroaromatics &
Nitramines)
Water, Soil, fish/shellfish
EPA Method 8330 / HPLC
Superfund
Hydrocarbon Identification
Water, Soil/Sediment
NWTPH-HCID
Superfund, Criminal
Herbicides/Pesticides/PCBs
Water, Soil/Sediment,
Tissue
GC/MS, GC/CI/MS/MS
Superfund
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
Water, Soil
Method 521
Superfund
PAH
Water, Soil/Sediment
GC/FID
Superfund
Field screening with
mobile lab
Pesticides/herbicides/PCBs
Water, Soil/Sediment,
Tissue
GC/MS, GC/ECD
Superfund
Polybrominated diphenyl
ethers (PBDEs)
Water
GC/MS Low Resolution
Water
Polybrominated diphenyl
ethers (PBDEs)
Sediment/bio solids
GC/MS Low Resolution
Superfund, Water
50
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 10 Laboratory Summary Of Unique Capabilities
ANALYTE / GROUP NAME
SAMPLE MEDIA
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
SUPPORTED PROGRAM(S)
COMMENTS
Polybrominated diphenyl
ethers (PBDEs)
Tissue (fish)
GC/MS Low Resolution
Superfund
TPH-GRO
Water, Soil
NWTPH-Gx
Superfund, RCRA
TPH-DRO
Water, Soil
NWTPH-Dx
Superfund, RCRA
VOA and SVOA
Industrial wastes, Solids,
Tissues
Vacuum distillation,
Methol 8261A
Superfund, RCRA
PHYSICAL AND OTHER DETERMINATIONS:
Variety of water quality tests
Water
Various probe-type
measurements
Superfund
Flow thru cell system;
performed in the field
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY:
Aeromonas spp
Drinking Water
EPA Method 1605
SDWA - Unregulated
Contaminant Monitoring
Rule (UCMR)
EPA Approved
Cryptosporidium and Giardia
Water (drinking/waste)
EPA Method 1623
(Filtration/IMS/Staining)
SDWA, Water, Ambient
Monitoring Rule -
recreational waters
On approval list for LT-2
regulation
Chlorophyll-a
Water
SM 1002H
Water
Enterococci
Ambient Water
EPA Method 1600
Ambient Monitoring Rule
Microbial Source Tracking
Water
PCR
Water
Microscopic testing
Drinking Water
Microscopic particulate
analysis
Surface Water Treatment
Rule
Microscopic technique
used to establish GWUDI
characteristics of a
drinking water
Microscopic testing
Water
Filtration plant
optimization
Surface Water Treatment
Rule
Microscopic technique
used to determine
filtration plant efficiency
51
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
Appendix C:
EPA Regional
Laboratory Methods
n Development
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 1 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED COMPLETION
Quantification of
Cyanobacteria/Microcystin in
Surface Waters
Needed for calibrating microcystin
probes as part of effort to
monitoring cyanobacteria blooms in
support of the Water program.
Culture established; cell counting
SOP completed. Use and verification
in probe calibration to be continued
as schedule allows.
Spring of 2014
Microbial Source Tracking using
Bacteriodes/Bacteriodales and
Coliphage F+ by qPCR
Developing capabilities in this
technology for use in Water program
projects and emerging needs.
Instruments and sample processing,
ESAT staff training and/or assessing
methods; ongoing with the following
products to date Draft coliphage F+
RNA SOP, Final Report for EPA R1 lab
analysis and poster presentation at
2013 ASM meeting.
Ongoing
Chlorophyll-a (EPA Method
445.0) Capability Development
Water
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
Enterococcus in Water by qPCR
(EPA Method 1611 Capability
Development
Water
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
EPA Region 2 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED COMPLETION
Microbial Source Tracking Using
qPCR
TMDL and Stormwater
Non Human marker test completed.
FY 2014
Microbial Source Tracking using
non qPCR Techniques including
Coliphage F+ and Optical
Brightners
Develop methods to complement
qPCR MST program
Literature Search Initiated.
FY 2015
SIM Analysis for VOA and Semi
VOA analysis
Drinking and Surface Water
Developing methods on current
instrumentation.
FY 2013
Pesticides in Wipe Samples by
LC/MS/MS
RCRA
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
Pharmaceuticals in Water by
Direct Injection LC/MS/MS
Drinking Water
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
53
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 3 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED COMPLETION
Arsenic Speciation for Water,
Soil/Sediment & Tissue by IC or
ICP/MS
Speciation data to be used for Risk
Assessments in support of Clean
Water Act and Superfund.
Identified developmental need;
initiated research and evaluation
of analytical procedures; necessary
modifications to laboratory in
progress.
Not known
EPA Method 1694 for
Pharmaceuticals and Personal
Care Products by LC/MS/MS
Need for capability to identify
and quantify pharmaceutical and
personal care products.
Reading and researching the
method.
Not known
PCR Quantitation and Source
Tracking
Need for capability to determine
source of E.coli contamination in
support of Water Program.
In-progress.
FY 2013
Glycols in Water
Need for capability to identify
glycol compounds in groundwater
using LC/MS/MS to achieve lower
quantitation limits.
In-progress.
FY 2013
ELISA
Need for in-field testing of surface
and drinking water for presence
of estrogen and estrogen-like
compounds.
In-progress.
FY 2013
EPA Region 4 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED COMPLETION
EPA Method 8276, Toxaphene
and Toxaphene Congeners by
Gas Chromatography/Negative
Ion Chemical Ionization Mass
Spectrometry (GC/NICI/MS)
Superfund
Completed Sept. 2012.
FY 2012
EPA Region 5 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED COMPLETION
PFOA/PFOS in Biosolids and
Water
Water Division study - RMI
Initial work done, new instrument
installed and standards run to set up
instrument.
2013, sooner if 2012 RMI
awarded
qPCR, Gene Sequencing Guar
Gum
HF fluid screening tool - Region 3
support
Some samples sequenced, screening
tool in process.
FY 2014
Methane, Ethane and Ethene in
Water by GC/FID
Water Program request
Method developed, SOP in draft.
FY 2013
Fluorotelemer Alcohols in
Water by LC/MS/MS
Water
Initiated.
FY 2013
Organophosphonates in Soil by
LC/MS/MS
Water
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
BPA in Biosolids, Sludge and
Soils by LC/MS/MS
Water
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
Alkylphenols in Biosolids,
Sludge and Soils by LC/MS/MS
Water
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
54
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 6 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED
COMPLETION
Anions and Oxyhalides by IC
Remove dependence on State Lab for
this test.
Method developed, need DOC/MDL;
SOPs.
December 2013
Asbestos
Superfund/RCRA/Enforcement
Training; DOC; SOP preparation.
program
dependent
Alcohols by Headspace GC/MS Analysis
Energy Extraction
Method developed, need DOC/MDL;
SOPs.
December 2013
Dissolved Gasses in Water by GC/FID
Energy Extraction
Method developed, need DOC/MDL;
SOPs.
December 2013
Bioreactor (Biodegradation Unit
Modeling)
Developing need for Enforcement of
biodegradation units.
Complete, but refining method (final
SOP).
program
dependant
Explosives
RCRA Remedial Sites
Method being developed.
program
dependant - may be
early 2014
Direct mercury analysis (CVAF -
Milestone)
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
DOC/MDL; SOP preparation.
Projected 2015
Pesticide/Aroclors by GC/QQQ
RCRA, Superfund
DOC/MDL; SOP preparation.
December 2013
Energy Extraction/ Frack Anion
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
Method being developed.
December 2013
Energy Extraction/ Frack Cation
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
Method being developed.
December 2013
Energy Extraction/ Frack OA
Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund
Method being developed.
December 2013
PPCP analysis
Water
Method being developed.
December 2013
Passive Formaldehyde
Clean Air Act
Method being developed.
December 2013
Induction Coupled Plasma Axial Method
Superfund. New technique to generate
lower reporting limits for metals.
Method being developed.
FY 2014
Additional Volatile Compounds Analysis
for Resource Extraction
Drinking Water
Method being developed.
FY 2014
Cyanide in Soil Matrix
RCRA and Superfund
Method being developed.
FY 2014
Sulfide in Water Matrix
RCRA and Superfund
Initiated method development.
FY 2014
Optimized Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon
Method (TX 1005) Using Fast GC Analysis
RCRA and Superfund
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
Hexavalent Chromium, Method 218.7
RCRA and Superfund
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
Air Toxics Analysis Upgrades, Scan
Parameters and Target Compound List
Air
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
Low Molecular Weight Acids in Resource
Extraction Analysis
Drinking Water
Method being developed.
FY 2014
Haloacetic Acids in Resource Extraction
Analysis
Drinking Water
Method being developed.
FY 2014
Modified Method for Chemical Warfare
Agent Degradation Products Analysis
Superfund and Emergency Response
Completed during FY 2012.
FY 2012
55
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 7 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED
COMPLETION
EPA Method 1694 for
Pharmaceuticals and Personal
Care Products by HPLC/MS/MS
Speciation data to be used
for Risk Assessments in
support of Clean Water Act
and Superfund.
Performing method validation studies on surrogate
compounds; conducted gap analysis to address
infrastructure, safety and security requirements;
developing SOPs; modifying infrastructure as needed.
FY 2013
Improving Precision of Volatile
Organics Analysis Samples from
In-situ Chemical Oxidation Sites
Superfund
Publication in process.
FY 2013
Rapid Screening Method for PCBs
Superfund
Continued progress.
FY 2013
EPA Region 8 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED
COMPLETION
Asbestos / Electron Microscope
Need for capabilities to analyze water and
soils for asbestos contamination at Superfund
sites.
Instrument operational and running
samples.
Ongoing
Endocrine Disrupter Studies / LC/
MS/MS
Emerging needs for the Water program 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
Develop capabilities in this technology for
use in projects and emerging needs for the
Superfund, Water programs and ORD.
Biolog system installed; some staff
trained; assessing method.
Ongoing
Microbial Source Tracking by PCR
Develop capabilities in this technology for use
in projects and emerging needs for the Water,
Enforcement programs and ORD.
Instruments and sample processing,
ESAT staff training and/or assessing
methods.
Ongoing
Arsenic Speciation for Water, Soil/
Sediment & Tissue/ IC/ICP/MS
Speciation data to be used for Risk
Assessments in support of Clean Water Act
and Superfund.
Identified developmental need;
initiated research and evaluation
of analytical procedures; necessary
modifications to laboratory in progress.
Ongoing
Toxicity - Acute & Chronic in Mobile
Lab
On-site assessment for potential needs by the
Water program.
Mobile lab available; team lead
initiating discussion of projects and
team development.
Ongoing
Pharmaceuticals by LC/MS/MS
Water and ORD
Progress continuing.
Ongoing
Pesticides by LC/MS/MS
Water
Progress continuing.
Ongoing
Hormones and Steroids by LC/MS/
MS
Water and ORD
Progress continuing.
Ongoing
EPA Region 9 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED
COMPLETION
Lead (Pb) in Air on Teflon PM2.5 Filter
Address analytical needs
associated with new Pb NAAQS.
Final stages of development.
9/30/2013
Methyl Mercury in Environmental
Samples
Address regional priority.
Instrumentation installed. Method development
has started.
FY 2014
Inter-Laboratory Study for the
Measurement of Toxicity in Sediments
to Embryos and Larvae of Echinoids
(sea urchins and sand dollars)
Water
Participated in two rounds. Project completed
during FY 2012.
FY 2012
In-vitro Bioassessibility Assays for
Arsenic and Lead in Soil
Superfund site risk assessments
and remediation goals support.
Capability development completed during FY
2012. Providing support to Superfund projects.
FY 2012
56
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
EPA Region 10 Regional Laboratory Methods In Development
PROJECT/METHOD
DEVELOPMENTAL NEED
STATUS
PROJECTED COMPLETION
Multi-Laboratory Validation of
Arsenic Speciation Methods
3110 and 6870 for Marine
Tissues
Speciation data needed for risk
assessment.
Inter-laboratory study using Regional
Methods Program funding was
continued.
FY 2013
Develop Methyl Mercury
Analysis Capability for Water
and Sediment Samples
Methyl mercury data needed to
support regional mercury strategy
toward characterizing levels in the
environment and evaluate public
health risks.
Development of capability for water
analyses completed. Capability for
sediment analyses in progress.
FY 2014
EPA Method 8330B Marine
Tissue Method Evaluation/
Development
Explosive concentration data in
marine tissue samples are needed to
help evaluate marine areas polluted
with military munitions.
Method development completed.
Multi-laboratory study through the
OATS contract is in progress.
FY 2014
Endocrine Disruptor
Compounds (EDCs) Testing of
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Effluent - Fathead Minnow
and Coho Salmon Bioassay
Comparison
Address waste water treatment
effluent effects on coho salmon,
an endangered species in the
Northwest.
Began qPCR analysis of fish samples.
FY 2013
Bioavailability of Lead at the
Bunker Hill Superfund Site
Human health risk assessment
support for residences near mining
sites.
Initiated and completed capability
development. Analysis of Bunker Hill
samples conducted.
FY 2013
Ultra-trace Concentration
Phosphorus Method for Treated
Wastewater Effluent and
Surface Water
NPDES compliance monitoring at
ultra low phosphorus levels.
Experiments conducted using UV/
Vis spectrophotometer, colorimetric
type instrumentation and ICP-MS
system.
FY 2014
Development of Active Air
Sampling and Analytical
Method for Selected Herbicides
Address drift issues with herbicide
spraying operations by the
agricultural industry.
Planning initiated only with target
compounds identified for testing that
are associated with timber industry
spraying in Oregon.
FY 2014
Chemical Warfare Agent
Analysis Capability
Need for capabilities to quantify
chemical warfare agents during
incident of national significance
Capabilities for water, wipes, and
soils established using existing
methods. Successfully completed a
throughput study.
FY 2012
Quick Easy Cheap Effective
and Rugged (QuEChERs,
pronounced "catchers")
Method for Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons Analysis of Clam
Tissues
Further reduce chemical solvent
use in support of the Envirnmental
Management System (EMS) program
and improve analytical efficiency.
Initiated and completed in FY 2012.
FY 2012
57
SEFA
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY NETWORK
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
Regional
Lab Address
and Contact List
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES
Region 1: New England Regional Laboratory
Investigation & Analysis Branch
Ernest Waterman, Director
waterman.ernest@epa.gov
11 Technology Drive
N. Chelmsford, MA 01863-2431
Phone: 617-918-8632
FAX: 617-918-8540
Region 2: Division of Environmental Science
and Assessment Laboratory Branch
John Bourbon, Director
bourbon. iohn(5?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, Director
caporale.cynthia@epa.gov
701 Mapes Road
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350
Phone:410-305-2732
Fax: 410-305-3095
Region 4: Analytical Support Branch
Gary Bennett, Director
bennett.gary@epa.gov
980 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30605-2720
Phone: 706-355-8551
Fax: 706-355-8803
Region 5: USEPA Region 5 Lab, Central Regional Lab
Dennis Wesolowski, Director
wesolowski.dennis@epa.gov
536 S. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-353-9084
Fax: 312-886-2591
59
&Em
-------
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORY SYSTEM
FY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
US EPA REGIONAL LABORATORIES
Region 8: USEPA Region 8 Lab
Mark Burkhardt, Director
burkhardt.mark@epa.gov
16194 West 45th Dr.
Golden, CO 80403
Phone: 303-312-7799
Fax: 303-312-7800
Region 7: Regional Science & Technology Center
Michael Davis, Director
Regional Laboratory
davis.michael@epa.gov
300 Minnesota Ave,
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone:913-5515042
Fax: 913-551-8752
Region 6: Environmental Services Branch
Houston Laboratory
David Neleigh, Director
neleigh.david@epa.gov
10625 Failstone Rd.
Houston, TX 77099
Phone: 281-983-2100
Fax: 281-983-2124
Region 9: USEPA Region 9 Lab
Brenda Bettencourt, Director
bettencourt.brenda@epa.gov
1337 S. 46th Street, Bldg, 201
Richmond, CA 94804-4698
Phone: 510-412-2300
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
60
&Em
-------
£EFA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
------- |