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| 70.01 | General Overview |
| 70.02 | Sampling |
| 70.03 | Analytical Methods And Quality Assurance Manual |
| 70.04 | Laboratory Accreditation |
| 70.05 | Workload Monitoring |
| 70.06 | Reporting |
| 70.07 | Monitoring Event Log |
| 70.08 | Safety |
| 70.09 | Hazerdous Materials |
| 70.10 | Appendix |
U.S. Filter recognizes that the laboratory is vital to the effective and efficient operation of the water reclamation facility. The purpose of the laboratory is to provide accurate and precise data for the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance reporting as well as process control. Many operational decisions are based on laboratory test results. In order for valid and timely decisions to be made, valid analytical data must be provided in a timely fashion.
A great deal of planning, care and control must be exercised to meet the laboratory purpose. This must be carried through all aspects of the sample process, including sample collection, sample tracking, analysis and data validation and reporting. A thorough Quality Assurance Plan needs to be in place to establish sample and data quality.
The analytical profile of a wastewater stream or process can never be more representative of that stream or process than the sample from which the data was derived. Therefore, great care must be taken to obtain samples, which are truly representative.
Not only must great care be taken in the collection of samples, but also an equal level of care must be provided to maintain the integrity of samples. Since analyte values can be transitory in nature, appropriate steps must be taken to preserve samples so that analytical values accurately reflect the nature of the sample at the time of collection. Preservation of the sample integrity may involve chemical/thermal treatment, but may also include the physical manner in which the sample is collected and handled. In addition, a custody history record of the sample should be established so as to provide documented proof of what, where, when, how and by whom any individual sample was collected, transported, delivered, received and analyzed.
A Sampling Manual should be maintained to provide a framework for all staff involved in the sampling/sample process so as to ensure truly representative samples are obtained and delivered to the laboratory and properly handled by laboratory staff. Although NPDES permit-required parameters are crucial, process control methods should be addressed as well.
The Sampling Manual should be maintained and updated by the Plant Chemist.
The major components of a Sampling Manual are as follows:
This should include the selection of appropriate containers for each analyte, proper preparation of these containers, necessary analyte preservation methods, documentation of the sample collection, custody, and sample tracking through the analysis process.
This should address locating the sampler to sample from a point, which truly represents the stream or process, plus proper programming of each sampler to provide sufficient volumes for all analytical schemes. Representativeness of sampling sites should be verified through multiple placement comparison sampling analyses.
This plan should delineate procedures to be followed in the event of an auto sampler failure. Methods should be established to provide flow proportioned composites for both influent and effluent and simple composites for other streams and processes.
Each sampling location which requires a composite sample -- but which is not amenable to the placement of an auto sampler -- should be identified, and a procedure for collection established.
All collection locations, method and technique of collection should be described.
Should outline a sampler preventative maintenance program to assist in the prevention of sampler failure.
The Plant Chemist should maintain a site-specific Quality Assurance Manual for the laboratory procedures. This manual should be provided with "as run" procedures for every analyte tested in the laboratory. These procedures are recognized by the scientific community as appropriate for analyte and matrix. The manual should provide specific step-by-step methodology for the preparation of reagents, standard solution, instrument calibration and equipment and instrument maintenance.
The quality assurance section addresses all areas of analytical quality control, establishing a daily schedule of quality control measures and analyses. The major elements of the quality assurance plan should consist of the following:
A formal, documented training plan should be provided. All analyst training should be conducted under the direction of the quality assurance chemist and the trainee's progress documented. Analyses performed by the trainee should not be reported until such a time as the trainee proves he/she is capable of meeting all quality control criteria. In addition, a training plan should be provided each year as part of the laboratory analyst continuing education program.
All laboratory staff should utilize Analyte specific bench sheets. The purpose of these sheets would be to contribute to assuring all raw analytical data and all calculations of reported data are properly documented and readily retrievable.
The accuracy of lab data needs to be established through the analysis of standard solutions and matrix spikes. Both laboratory prepared standards and second source standards should be utilized for cross comparison. Analytical accuracy is graphically determined through the use of quality control limits as established by the preparation of "Shewhart" control charts. All data should be accepted or rejected on the basis of conformance to the control limits.
Method Detection Limits for each NPDES analyte must be established as directed in 40 CFR, Part 136 Appendix B. Values which fall below method detection limit should be reported as > MDL. Blank analyses yielding values greater than two standard deviations above the established MDL should require investigation of the analysis to determine the source of contamination or error.
The precision of each analytical method should be tracked through the analysis of replicates and the resultant establishment of control limits, thereby demonstrating both the method and the analyst's ability to provide consistent analytical results.
The laboratory should analyze two sets of single blind samples each year. These must be obtained from NIST Accredited providers. All data from these analyses are reported to the EPA and the Washington State Department of Ecology and to the corporate QC Manager.
Procedures should be in place for troubleshooting all analyses when shown to be "Out of Control", and for handling data, which fail to meet control requirements.
All reagents utilized in the lab should be of American Chemical Society (ACS) Analytical grade or higher (ultra-pure in some cases). Reagent quality is determined through the analysis of reagents blanks. The preparation of all reagents is documented and expiration dates shown on manufacturers' labels be adhered to.
All reported data and calculations from raw data should be checked daily against bench sheets to assist in the elimination of errors. All laboratory results should be reported to management. Laboratory analysis of Marine Park Water Reclamation Facility samples will be performed at the Westside laboratory.
A table of alarm limits should be established for all NPDES and process control critical parameters. A daily "Report by Exception" should be generated in the laboratory and provided to the operations manager and lists all data in the "Exception" status.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-50 establishes the Department of Ecology's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program. The primary objective of the program is to assure the consistency and the quality of analyses required through NPDES permits. Accreditation through this program is mandatory for all major permit holders. The key elements of the program include quality assurance, sample management, equipment and supplies, safety, participation in an appropriate proficiency testing program and an on site system audit. The Vancouver laboratory received accreditation on April 9, 1992 (prior to code requirement). Accreditation needs to be renewed annually.
The laboratory workload should be monitored through a facility tracking code system, which identifies staff hours for each facility. Time requirements should be established for each analytical method. These reports should be generated weekly, and reviewed by the Chemist.
Laboratory data reports should be generated weekly. These reports should provide both analytical data and QC notes. The facility chemist should review these reports for accuracy.
A log (bound book) should be maintained in the laboratory for the purpose of documenting events, which may have an impact on the monitoring program. Entries should be made in reference to QC excursions, method trouble shooting, equipment failure trouble shooting, unusual or missing samples and indications of toxic influents. Additionally, under the Auto Sampler Failure Contingency Plan, all auto sampler failures and resultant actions taken should be documented.
The laboratory presents special safety issues not generally found elsewhere. A Laboratory Safety Manual/Program should be put in place, which should address such special concerns within the lab. As required by OSHA, a comprehensive Chemical Hygiene Plan provides employees with protection from chemical exposure. This plan and associated training should be provided upon employment, as well as an annual refresher course.
All hazardous waste generated in the laboratory should be properly disposed of. COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) vials are an example of hazardous waste generated in the laboratory.
70.02. Sampling
70.02.b. Sample Integrity
70.02.c. Auto Composite Sampling
70.02.d. Auto Sampler Failure Contingency Plan
70.02.e. Manual Compositing
70.02.f. Grab Sampling of Miscellaneous Processes and Streams
70.02.g. Sampler Maintenance
70.03. Analytical Methods And Quality Assurance Manual
70.03.a. Analyst Training
70.03.b. Benchsheets
70.03.c. Accuracy Monitoring
70.03.d. Method Detection Limits
70.03.e. Precision Monitoring
70.03.f. Single Blind Testing
70.03.g. Analytical Troubleshooting
70.03.h. Laboratory Reagents
70.03.i. Data Reporting
70.03.j. Exceptional Data Reporting
70.04. Laboratory Accreditation
70.05. Workload Monitoring
70.06. Reporting
70.07. Monitoring Event Log
70.08. Safety
70.09. Hazerdous Materials
70.10. Appendix
On-site Library References
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