Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
2011 Monthly Accreditation Newsletter
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April 2012 |
News
GRO/DRO Changes from MPCA’s Petroleum Remediation Program
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is updating the standard for Gasoline Range Organics/Diesel Range Organics (GRO/DRO). Please see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website for the changes made to the GRO/DRO Guidance and its impact to your laboratory’s analysis.
Internal Audit Tip: Determine the Most Stringent Criteria!
Per Minn. Rules Chapter 4740, accredited laboratories must ensure they are using the most stringent requirements in state or federal law or as required by the applicable program office. For example, the Code of Federal Regulations listed approved method for sulfide (SM 4500 S2) allows a 14 day holding time while the same publication contradicts the method instructions by publishing a more stringent holding time limit (7 days) in its table of preservatives and holding times. (See the 2007 Method Update Rule, Title 40 CFR part 136.) For regulatory compliance, the laboratory must meet the most stringent requirement. For sulfide analysis, this means a holding time of 7 days. Please assure your laboratory reviews all regulatory and method requirements for compliance.
ELDO Enhancements Released in Version 1.6.0
The Environmental Laboratory Data Online (ELDO) system enhancements are released as soon as new features and fixes become available. The newest release of ELDO includes the following updates and enhancements:
- improved and made universally available the ‘PTs Reported by Fields of Testing’,
- increased the file upload size to 15M,
- additional document designations (e.g. Supporting Documents, Comparison Study)
- navigation ‘Help’ link to ELDO User Guide, and
- clarified navigation buttons and actions within the system
Website Updates
Searchable Laboratory List Improvements
The customizable searchable site for accredited laboratories has been enhanced to return results based on technology. In addition, the scopes of certification can be exported to Excel so they can easily be filtered, sorted, and uploaded into databases.
January 2012 |
News
TNI Voting Draft Standard Available
The NELAC Institute (TNI) is a consensus standard organization that uses expert committees to review and draft standards for use in the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program. The Quality Systems Expert Committee has posted a ‘Voting Draft Standard for Laboratory Quality Systems’ for review, comment, and vote. The voting draft standard will be open to a membership vote beginning on January 12, 2012 through February 11, 2012.
Changes to Proficiency Testing Tables and PT Provider Accreditors
The NELAC Institute (TNI) released updated Fields of Proficiency Testing (FoPT) tables for the approved Non-Potable Water Chemistry and Microbiology analytes for proficiency testing. Effective October 3, 2011, the updated tables move selected fields of proficiency testing from experimental to required status. The FoPT table is posted on the TNI website and the changes are noted in red. If your laboratory holds accreditation for any analyte listed in red, your laboratory is required to add this analyte to it next round of semi-annual proficiency testing. Failure to participate in required PT samples according to the laboratory’s established semi-annual schedule (2009 TNI Standard V1M1) will be treated as a failed study.
The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS has been recognized by The NELAC Institute (TNI) as and accrediting organization for proficiency test (PT) providers. In addition to A2LA, the ACLASS organization has been accredited to provide PT samples to laboratories accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP).
TNI Fields of Proficiency Testing
ACLASS: An approved PT Provider Accreditor
Clean Water Act Proposed Amendments
In late 2010, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to approve several new and revised EPA methods for clean water Part 136 test procedures. This publication received a significant number of comments and the implementation of the rule has been delayed. The EPA continues to solicit comments regarding the proposed methods for oil and grease analysis under the Clean Water Act. The EPA must receive comments prior to February 13, 2012. Please see the Federal Register notice for complete details and commenting procedures. The regulated community and laboratories using the approved methods for compliance will not be impacted by the proposed rule until it has been finalized and published as a Final Rule publication in the Federal Register.
40 CFR Part 136 Proposed Rules
December 2011 |
News
Laboratory Accreditation for Wastewater and Industrial Treatment Facilities
The Minnesota Department of Heath offers Tier 2 laboratory accreditation for facilities performing NPDES compliance samples in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 144.98 and the subsequent revisions during the 2011 Special Session (see September 2011 News item for link). The MNELAP program maintains application materials and a laboratory NPDES testing compliance guide. Laboratories may seek initial accreditation under the alternate program beginning January 1, 2012 or may renew accreditation using this program during the month of October 2012. The guidance document and application materials are available for review and future use via the MNELAP Application quick link from the MNELAP main page.
2011 MN Legislature, 1st Special Session SF No. 10, Section 15
Website Updates
The Application page has been updated to include the Quality Systems for Wastewater Analysis guide for compliance with NPDES testing requirements and the associated Tier 2 accreditation application forms and materials.
Tier 2 Application (PDF: 485KB/20 pages)
October / November 2011 |
News
Renewal Applications for Laboratory Accreditation
Laboratories wishing to seek laboratory accreditation submitted their applications by October 31, 2011. Laboratories used the Environmental Laboratory Data Online (ELDO) system to submit their requested fields-of-testing, laboratory documentation, and general laboratory information. The MNELAP will process application by December 31, 2011. The laboratories will be notified when their Certificate and Scope of Accreditation have been issue and are ready for review.
Workshop Participant Guide and Training Materials
The MWOA Summer Laboratory Workshop was held in St. Peter on October 26th and 27th. The MNELAP Participant Guide and presentation materials are in the process of being edited and will be available on the MNELAP website in February 2012.
Website Updates
The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is sponsoring upcoming teleconferences regarding Laboratory Quality Control and a Traceability Series with standards and reagents, samples and data and equipment, methods and software. In some instances, the APHL sponsors these teleconferences at no cost. Please see the APHL website for additional information, times, associated costs (if applicable), and registration details.
September 2011 |
News
Statute Change: Laboratory Accreditation for Wastewater Treatment Facilities
During the 2011 Special Session, the Minnesota Legislature approved statutory changes requiring the Department of Health to offer a lower tier accreditation to laboratories performing work in compliance with NPDES permit requirements. MNELAP will administer the program. According to statutory provisions, initial applicants may choose the alternate accreditation beginning January 1, 2012. Laboratories accredited under the current program may renew accreditation under the alternate program beginning October 1, 2012. Information sessions and training for compliance with the new program will be offered in Spring 2012.
2011 MN Legislature, 1st Special Session SF No.10, Section 15
(Relevant text begins at line 42.35)
Q&A Sessions for Renewal Applications
All laboratories wishing to seek accreditation renewal must submit applications by October 31, 2011. Laboratories seeking renewal must submit their requested fields-of-testing, laboratory documentation, and general laboratory information via the Environmental Laboratory Data Online (ELDO) system. MNELAP is hosting special question and answer sessions every Tuesday during the month of October. Laboratories should contact MNELAP for instructions on participation in these events. Additional assistance is provided through the ELDO User Guide published on the MNELAP webpage under the Application link. (See Step 6)
Website Updates
Two new Upcoming Events have been posted on the right side banner of the main MNELAP page. The 2011 MWOA Summer Laboratory Workshop in October and the TNI Forum on Laboratory Accreditation in January 2012.
August 2011 |
News
Environmental Measurement Symposium
The combined meeting with the Forum on Laboratory Accreditation (The NELAC Institute) and the National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC) is scheduled for August 15-19, 2011 in Bellevue, Washington. Please visit the TNI website for a conference agenda, meeting topics, and registration information for this event.
Resuming Work after the State Government Shutdown
After a three week state shutdown due to a budget impasse, the State of Minnesota recalled employees on Thursday, July 21, 2011. The MN-ELAP sent a memo to all accredited laboratories and stakeholders regarding the process and priorities for resuming lab accreditation activities. Please see a copy of the memorandum for specific activities and plans.
Resolution of State Budget and Resumption of Work (PDF: 21KB/1 page)
Laboratory Accreditation Renewal Applications
All laboratories wishing to seek accreditation renewal must submit applications by October 31, 2011. Laboratories seeking renewal must submit their requested fields-of-testing, laboratory documentation, and general laboratory information via the Environmental Laboratory Data Online (ELDO) system. Invoices for accreditation fees will be sent to the primary laboratory contact by electronic mail in late August. The application for renewal will be available through ELDO beginning in mid-September. Please remit the laboratory fee payment by check to the address stated on the invoice.
Please see the MN-ELAP website for application requirements, Minnesota Statutes, and the online application.
Application - Accreditation Requirements
Website Updates
The Advisory Committee meeting schedule has been updated to reflect meeting cancellations and additions. The next advisory committee meeting is scheduled for October 11, 2011 by web-conferencing. The meetings are open to the public; however, persons interested in participating must notify the program staff to resolve technological limitations and security issues. Please send any questions or attendance requests to health.mnelap@state.mn.us
May 2011 |
Website Updates
State Specific Analytical Requirements and Guidance Documents (Minnesota)
Laboratories reporting data to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) or contractors under the MPCA’s Petroleum Remediation and Emergency Response programs must comply with the state specific requirements and guidance documents. The updated webpage includes information on ethanol blended fuel, air emissions, and many other guidance documents.
Also, the website was updated to include information and guidance for laboratories performing beach water monitoring for the Minnesota Department of Health, Environmental Health Division.
State-Specific Requirements (Minnesota)
Method and Analyte Codes
The field of testing (FOT) table has been re-published to include the method and analyte codes needed for Proficiency Testing (PT) reporting and tracking. Additions in the available fields of testing tables will be published soon.
Available Fields of Testing (CSV: 986KB/1 page)
April 2011 |
NEWS
TNI Meeting: Semiannual Forum on Laboratory Accreditation
The Forum on Laboratory Accreditation (the semiannual meeting of The NELAC Institute) is scheduled for August 15 – 19, 2011 in Bellevue, Washington. Please visit the TNI website for a conference agenda, meeting topics, and registration information for this event.
PTs Viewable in ELDO
In April, MNELAP began uploading results of PT studies into the ELDO system. Laboratories may view the PTs uploaded to the system. To ensure accurate transfer of data, laboratories must report results to the PT Provider using the method code associated with the method listed on the laboratory’s scope of accreditation. Laboratories may refer to the published list of FOTs with associated method codes. Issues, potential errors, or questions about the PT uploads should be referred to MNELAP (health.mnelap@state.mn.us or 651-201-5200).
Accreditation Requirements (Minnesota)
Website Updates
Re-organization and New Pages
MN-ELAP edited the program’s webpage to better organize the information provided. Significant changes include: creation of new pages (i.e. State-Specific Requirements, Federal Requirements), step-wise instruction on the Application page, and updates to the Advisory Committee page with posted meeting minutes from the April 5, 2011 meeting.
January 2011 |
NEWS
TNI Meeting: Semiannual Forum on Laboratory Accreditation
The Forum on Laboratory Accreditation (the semiannual meeting of The NELAC Institute) is scheduled for January 31-February 3, 2011 in Savannah, Georgia. Please visit the TNI website for a conference agenda, meeting topics, and registration information for this event.
Notice of the List of Analytes Available for Accreditation
Every six months, the Minnesota Department of Health reviews the list of analytes available for accreditation and publishes revisions to the list. The department revises the list based on recommendations from the state and federal agencies utilizing the environmental laboratory accreditation program. The department reviewed the list of analytes and has added analytes not previously offered.
The list of analytes available for accreditation by the department is available on the program’s website. Analytes are listed by date of publication. New analytes will be listed with an official publication date of January 24, 2011. To submit comments on the list or request additional information, please contact Susan Wyatt, Minnesota Department of Health, Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, 601 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55164-0899, phone (651) 201-5323, email susan.wyatt@state.mn.us.
List of Analytes Available for Accreditation (PDF: 29KB/13 pages)
Additional Fields of Testing Added to ELDO
The Fields of Testing (FOTs) within the ELDO application have been updated to include new methods (e.g. Update IV SW846, Air, whole effluent toxicity), new analytes (e.g. PCBs congeners, physical characterization, etc), and FOTs for the Clean Air Program. Please see our website for a complete list of the Available Fields of Testing that MN-ELAP offers. If you have question or concerns regarding the added fields of testing, please contact the MN-ELAP staff at health.mnelap@state.mn.us or by phone (651-201-5200).
Available Fields of Testing (CSV: 986KB)
Website Updates
ELDO User Guide for Laboratories
The MN-ELAP program has posted a technical manual and user guide for the Environmental Laboratory Data-Online (ELDO) system. The manual provides an introduction to the system, basic user information, and instructions for using the main menu options (e.g. application, assessments, documents, etc). Chapters in the manual include step-by-step instructions with a representative screen shot for each ELDO menu and activity. First time users of the ELDO system are encouraged to read through the entire document prior to using the system. Advanced users of the ELDO system will find the document beneficial for troubleshooting and navigation. If you have questions regarding this announcement or ELDO, please contact MN-ELAP staff at health.mnelap@state.mn.us or by phone (651-201-5200).
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Updated Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 15:56:35 CDT