NPDES Inspections and The Laboratory Chris Veldkamp Senior EQA-Water Bureau Grand Rapids District Office

Laboratory elements that may be evaluated when we conduct an inspection Laboratory elements that may be evaluated when we conduct an inspection Sampling Test methods and analyses Laboratory equipment Records Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Components of a Laboratory Inspection Sampling RepresentativeRepresentative TechniquesTechniques Proper equipmentProper equipment PreservationPreservation

Components of a Laboratory Inspection Test methods & analyses Test methods & analyses CFR 40 Part 136 CFR 40 Part 136 Water/Wastewater Water/Wastewater Analyses Analyses Quantification Levels Quantification Levels Alternate Test Methods Alternate Test Methods Proper Procedures Correctly Carefully Consistently

Components of a Laboratory Inspection Laboratory Equipment Operating Operating temperatures temperatures Calibration Calibration Slopes Slopes Maintenance Maintenance

Records 1) The exact place, date, and time of measurement or sampling or sampling 2) The person(s) who performed the measurement or sample collection or sample collection 3) The dates the analyses were performed 4) The person(s) who performed the analyses 5) The analytical techniques or methods used 6) The date of and person responsible for equipment calibration equipment calibration 7) The results of all required analyses Components of a Laboratory Inspection

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Written procedures Reliable data Results generated Control charts

Common Lab Problems  Test method not approved  Quantification levels are too high  Improper preservation  Improper calculations (e.g. averages, geometric mean)  Inadequate records  Transcription problems with reported data

Helpful Hints  Have a copy of the permit –For required test methods –For required quantification levels –For info on recordkeeping  Ensure the laboratory has the necessary references (Standard Methods, DEQ Lab Manual, CFR 40 Part 136)