NPDES Inspections and The Laboratory

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NPDES Inspections and The Laboratory

• Chris Veldkamp
• Senior EQA-Water Bureau
• Grand Rapids District Office

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• Laboratory elements that may be evaluated when
  we conduct an inspection

Sampling Test methods and analyses Laboratory
equipment Records Quality Assurance/Quality
Control
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Components of a Laboratory Inspection

• Sampling
• Representative
• Techniques
• Proper equipment
• Preservation

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Components of a Laboratory Inspection

• Test methods analyses
• CFR 40 Part 136
• Water/Wastewater
• Analyses
• Quantification Levels
• Alternate Test Methods

Correctly
Carefully
Consistently
Proper Procedures
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Components of a Laboratory Inspection

• Laboratory Equipment
• Operating
• temperatures
• Calibration
• Slopes
• Maintenance

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Records
Components of a Laboratory Inspection

• 1) The exact place, date, and time of measurement
• or sampling
• 2) The person(s) who performed the measurement
• 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
• 7) The results of all required analyses

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Components of a Laboratory Inspection
Quality Assurance/Quality Control

• Written procedures
• Reliable data

• Results generated
• Control charts

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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

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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)