Current Happenings in the LabCert Program
Certification Standards and Review Council Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday August 20, 2008
August 7, 2008.The next meeting of the Laboratory Certification Standards Review Council is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2008, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the State Laboratory of Hygiene. As they become available, an agenda for this meeting and minutes from the previous meeting can be found here.
DOA Appoints New LabCert Council Representative
July 21, 2008We recently received correspondence from Secretary Michael L. Morgan, Department of Administration, that the following appointment has been made to the Certification Standards Review Council:
- Randall Thater
Mr. Thater, Process Control Supervisor with the city of Waukesha's wastewater treatment plant, has been appointed as the large (> 5 MGD) municipal wastewater representative to the Council.
- McCain Foods, Inc. for small registered facilities and
- Neenah Paper – Whiting Mill for large facilities.
- Judy Tholen
Ms. Tholen, with the city of Watertown's wastewater treatment plant, has been appointed as the small (< 5 MGD) municipal wastewater representative to the Council. - Verify that your facility has paid its renewal fee. Initial invoices were sent out in May. In late July, those facilities that have not paid their fees will be sent a reminder notice and assessed a late fee. For fee-related questions, contact Alfredo Sotomayor at (608) 266-9257.
- Verify reference sample results obligations have been fulfilled. In early June, those facilities whose reference sample requirements had not been fulfilled were sent a reminder notice. For reference sample-related questions, contact Diane Drinkman at (608) 264-8950.
- [for Reciprocity only] Verify that reciprocity information is current. Provide us with a copy of your current certificate from the state through which you obtained reciprocal certification. Also provide a copy of the report of the most recent on-site evaluation performed by the certifying authority. For reciprocity-related questions, contact Rick Mealy at (608) 264-6006.
- Meet our new audit staff
- Decoding the long-awaited Methods Update Rule
- The end of Freon as we know it
- Shipping samples with nitric acid
- Lab of the Year winners
- Find out what really goes on at LabCert Council meetings.
- Electronic PT Result Uploading (for PT Providers)
- What our electronic PT upload system means for laboratories
- New requirements for disinfection byproducts testing
- What is the "Pumpkin Book"? And why did the EPA update it?
- New EPA guidance for SOPs
- April 18 - Eau Claire at Holiday Inn- Campus Area | 2703 Craig Road | Eau Claire
- April 25 - Green Bay at the Best Werstertn Midway Hotel | 780 Packer Drive | Green Bay
- May 09 - Plover at the WRWA Training Center | 350 Water Way | Plover
- May 15 - Whitewater at UW-Whitewater | Prairie St. Esker Rm# 118 | Whitewater
- May 23 - Fennimore at Memorial Building | 860 Lincoln Ave. | Fennimore
- Susan Hill
Ms. Hill, an Advanced Chemist and Quality Assurance Coordinator for the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, has been appointed as the State Lab of Hygiene representative to the Council. - David Kliber
Mr. Kliber, of S-F Analytical Laboratories, has been appointed as representative for commercial laboratories - Chris Groh
Mr. Groh, of Wisconsin Rural Water Association, has been appointed as the member having a "Demonstrated Interest in Laboratory Certification" - Kurt Knuth
Mr. Knuth, of Madison's Metropolitan Sewage District, was re-appointed to a 2nd term as the representative for large municipal wastewater treatment facilities - NR149 Proposed Rule Update
- Required LODs for SDWA
- FY 2007 Fee Schedule
- Luminescence Technology for DO/BOD
- PT Updates
- Phosphorus Calibration
- Mercury - Sensitivity Needs
- BOD: Are You Seeding Your CBODs?
- Latex & the Laboratory
- Amherst Wastewater Treatment Facility Laboratory for small registered facilities and
- Janesville Wastewater Treatment Facility Laboratory for large facilities.
- Form 3400-52 - Other Methods of Disposal or Distribution Report
- Form 3400-53 - Land Application Site Request
- Form 3400-54 - Agricultural Site Worksheet (Appl. Rate Calculations)
- Form 3400-55 - Annual Land Application Report
- Form 3400-56 - Land Application Records Worksheet
Welcome aboard Randy!
NR 149 Implementation Guidance now available.
In keeping with the changes to NR 149, the LaCert Program is in the process of developing
"Implementation Guidance" for working through key aspects of the program. This is a
dynamic document designed to replace the former "Lab Certification Information and Program
Guidance Document (PUBL-TS007-98)" document.
Some of the things that are included are the revised template for Quality manual (formerly known as the
"QA Document for a Small Wastewater Lab", revised application process information, and updated
Proficiency Testing requirements. As materials are completed, live hyperlinks
will be created to direct you to the documents. We encourage you to bookmark the link below
and check frequently for updates.
Navigate to the Implementation Guidance page.
NR149 Information Sessions Update
NEW!Information sessions designed to assist laboratories in
understanding and complying with new NR149 requirements have been scheduled. Some
of these sessions, depending on the venue, offer us only time to provide a brief overview.
As they become available,
a listing of all dates and locations can be found here. Registration information and directions
to specific sites are offered below.
• Flyer and registration info for sessions sponsored by WWOA
»Maps & directions for sessions sponsored by WWOA
• Flyer and registration info for sessions sponsored by Wisconsin Rural Water
• Directions for session sponsored by WELA (refer to WWOA session flyer for detailed agenda)
NR149 published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register
NEW! June 20, 2008.NR219 materials have been posted to the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website.
The proposed rule revision to ch. NR 219: reflects analytical method changes made
at the federal level; adds additional methods approved by U.S. EPA Office of Water
Alternate Test Procedure; incorporates newer equivalent methods published by ASTM,
international standards organization, contained in "Standard Methods for the Analysis
of Water and Wastewater"; and adds methods developed by an instrument manufacturer.
You can download the documents from the following location:
NR 219 Proposed Rule - Hearing Draft version
Status Update Forms will be coming to you shortly
May 23, 2008.The revisions to NR149 require completion of a one-time,
no-fee Status Update Form in order to facilitate the conversion of existing
certifications and registrations to the new program structure. We will be using
an XML-based form for, which will be delivered via e-mail. Status Update forms will be
laboratory specific and will allow each lab to select from a list of specific
certifications/registrations that are available to them based on their currently
held certifications/registrations.
If for some reason, this electronic approach simply won't work for you, we can
complete the exercise via paper (simply print out the form, check the analytes/technologies/matrices
you wish to be accredited for and mail it back to us). For some labs we could even do
it over the phone.We would however like to try it this way. As many of you realize, the
future of these types of forms and applications lies in on-line functions.
For a small WWTP lab, this exercise shouldn't require more than a couple of minutes
of your time. Larger labs, however, may need to spend an hour or more to complete
the form. Examples are provide below for you to try out before the final forms are sent out.
Test out a generic Status Update Form for WWTP labs.
Test out a generic Status Update Form for larger and commercial labs
NR149 published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register
May 5, 2008.NR149 is now available in its final official version.
You can download the official version, in its 2-column format, from the
April 30, 2008, edition of the Wisconsin Administrative Register, No. 628.
NR 149 Final Rule for Publication
Appendix I (Technologies for Aqueous & Solid Matrices
Appendix I (Technologies for Drinking Water Matrix
Appendix III (Authroitative Sources for Methods
The Special Spring 2008 edition of LabNotes has gone to press!
March 31, 2008(Printed copies should be mailed sometime in mid/late April).
This is a special edition dedicated to outlining changes associated with the
revised NR149 rules, which takle effect September 1, 2008.
Read about the following highlights here.
Winners of the 2008 Registered Laboratory-of-the-Year awards announced.
March 31, 2008The following laboratories received their awards at the March 26, 2008 Natural Resources Board meeting.
Congratulations go out to:
For more information about the Lab-of-the-Year award, click here.
New Certification Fees for Fiscal 2009
March 31, 2008.Last week, the Natural Resources Board approved the Laboratory Certification Program's proposed budget for FY 2008 (7/1/2008 thru 6/30/2009). The proposed budget calls for a fee increase of 5.4% over last year's fees. For a detailed breakdown of the new fees, which take effect July 1, 2008, click here.
Wanted: Certification Standards and Review Council Representative
March 31, 2008.The Laboratory Certification Standards Review Council is looking for a member to represent public water utilities. If you are or know of someone who works at a facility that meets this definition and are interested, a letter of nomination should be submitted to:
Mr. Michael L. MorganPlease put "Certification Standards Review Council Appointment" in the subject line.
Secretary
Department of Administration
101 East Wilson
Madison, WI 53702
Self-nominations can be made. Council meetings are held quarterly; meetings are usually held 10 am to 3 pm in Madison. More information about the Certification Standards and Review Council.
Application available to help labs come up to speed regarding NR149 changes
March 10, 2008.The effective date of revisons to NR149, the Laboratory Certification and Registration Program Administrative Rule is September 1, 2008. To assist laboratories in identifying major changes to NR149, we have developed a simple web-based application to highlight changes and allow users to focus on specific code language regarding changes that might affect their laboratory. Where additional information is necessary to clarify a requirement, comments have been added to do so.
NR149 Clears Legislature; letter sent to all labs
March 4, 2008.Revisons to NR149, the Laboratory Certification and Registration Program Administrative Rule have cleared the legislature. The effective date of the rule is September 1, 2008. The final rule is currently anticipated to be printed in the May 15 Wisconsin Administrative Register. A letter has been sent to all active program laboratories announcing finalization of the rule, indicating how to obtain a copy of the rule, and alerting them to planned outreach activities in support of the rule change.
Certification Standards and Review Council Meeting Scheduled for February 6, 2008
January 21, 2008.The next meeting of the Laboratory Certification Standards Review Council is scheduled for Wednesday, February 6, 2008, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the State Laboratory of Hygiene. As they become available, an agenda for this meeting and minutes from the previous meeting can be found here.
NR 149 Approved by Natural Resources Board
October 24, 2007.Today, the Natural Resources Board approved revisions to the administrative rule (NR 149)which governs the the Laboratory Certification Program. The rule now passes to the state legislature, which has 30 days to either hold a hearing oin the rule or passively approve it. If a decision to hold a hearing is made, the hearings must be concluded and a decision made regarding the rule's fate within a second 30-day period. For detailed information regarding the rule which, if approved by the legislature, would take effect September 1, 2008, click here.
DOA Appoints New LabCert Council Representative
October 12, 2007We received correspondence from Secretary Michael L. Morgan, Department of Administration, that the following appointment has been made to the Certification Standards Review Council:
This is a 3-year appointment expiring July 1, 2010. Welcome aboard Judy!
Now available: NR149 Final Rule for adoption by the Natural Resources Board (NRB)
October 5, 2007.The final rule for adoption is now available. This rule package will
be presented before the Natural Resources Board for adoption at its
October 24, 2007 meeting in Madison ( NRB agenda information).
The final revisions to the rule and all "green sheet" package information are available on
our
rule update page.
If you have any questions, they can be directed to either
Rick Mealy [phone: (608) 264-6006; e-mail:Richard.Mealy@Wisconsin.gov]
or David Webb [ phone:(608) 266-0245; e-mail:David1.Webb@Wisconsin.gov ].
Certification Renewal Period Begins
June 29 2007With the start of our new fiscal year on July 1, we formally begin the annual certification/registration renewal process. New fees for FY2008 are effective July 1, 2007. Review the complete list of fees. In addition, letters have been sent to any laboratories that have not fulfilled all of their PT (reference)sample requirements. Please direct any reciprocity or PT questions to Diane Drinkman at (608) 264-8950.
To facilitate the renewal process, be sure to:
The Summer 2007 edition of LabNotes has gone to press!
June 27, 2007(Printed copies will be mailed sometime in late June or early July).
Read about the following highlights here.
New Certification Fees for Fiscal 2008
March 30, 2007.This week, the Natural Resources Board approved the Laboratory Certification Program's proposed budget for FY 2008 (7/1/2007 thru 6/30/2008). The proposed budget calls for a fee increase of 11.1% over last year's fees. For a detailed breakdown of the new fees, which take effect July 1, 2007, click here.
Audit Training Seminars to be Conducted
March 2007 George Bowman (State Lab of Hygiene) and Rick Mealy of the DNR
will present a full-day session dedicated to "Everything you wanted to know about a DNR lab audit"
at five locations throughout the state in April and May.
This training is partially funded by LabCert Program fees and is being sponsored by
the Wisconsin Rural Water Association (WRWA) and the Wisconsin Wastewater
Operators Association (WWOA).
Here is a copy of the full brochure
and registration information that was mailed to all WRWA members and all laboratories
certified or registered for any of the typical wastewater tests in categories 01-04 (BOD, cBOD,
ammonia, total phosphorus, TSS).
Currently, plans are to present these sessions at the dates & locations listed below.
For more information about the Audit training, contact George Bowman at (608) 224-6279 or Rick Mealy at (608) 264-6006.
The "Ultimate" BOD Resource goes live.
November 15, 2006.This web-based resource for all things related to BOD testing is a culmination of about 8 years of training offered jointly by the DNR Lab Certification Program and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. The intent is to provide real-time access to updated information about one of the most complex, under-estimated tests performed today. Test drive the BOD Resource application.
UW Appoints New LabCert Council Representative
August 22, 2006We received correspondence from John Wiley, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, that the following appointment has been made to the Certification Standards Review Council:
This is a 3-year appointment expiring July 1, 2009. Welcome aboard Sue!
Proposed NR 149 Questions… and More Answers
August 1, 2006.An updated list of questions and answers as well as further clarification of previous questions regarding proposed revisions to NR 149 has been generated. Review the most current questions and answers regarding the proposed revisions to NR 149.
--->DOA Appoints New LabCert Council Representatives
June 22 2006We received confirmation from Stephen Bablitch, Secretary of the Department of Administration, that the following appointments have been made to the Certification Standards Review Council:
All are 3-year appointments expiring July 1, 2009. Along with these appointment letters, Secretary Bablitch sent letters of thanks to Paul Junio, of TestAmerica Analytical Testing, and Marcia Kuehl, of the M.A. Kuehl Company, for their two terms (each) of dedicated service on the Council. Thanks very much, Paul and Marcia! Welcome aboard David and Chris!...and pleased to have you back, Kurt! The Certification Standards Review Council's next regularly scheduled meeting is tentatively slated for Thursday August 17, 2006.
The Spring/Summer 2006 edition of LabNotes has been released
June 21, 2006(Printed copies will be mailed sometime in late June or July).
Read about the following highlights here.
DMRQA 26 Confusion
Update June 20, 2006. May 31 2006We understand that Wisconsin "major" NPDES facilities recently received DMRQA26 packages, requiring an immediate response. In light of
the fact that Wisconsin worked extensively with EPA staff at both Region 5 and at headquarters to eliminate the requirement
that Wisconsin permittees participate in the DMRQA program two years ago, this development has understandably caused confusion
and prompted numerous phone calls and e-mails from Wisconsin NPDES permitted facilities.
The LabCert program and the Watershed Management Program are working with the EPA now with the hope that some sort of retraction
letter might be sent out to all Wisconsin permittees from the EPA. In the event that this does not happen in a timely mnanner,
we want to re-assure our customers --registered and certified laboratories-- that neither the Wisconsin DNR nor the EPA require
Wisconsin permitted facilities to participate in the DMRQA program. This was confirmed via telephone discussions with EPA officials
late last week. Maintaining our accreditation, which combines a PT program with a rigorous audit program, satisfies the DMRQA
requirement.
The EPA has responded to the situation with a letter.
BOD Charts & Tables
April 2006.Based on request from attendees at the recent BOD training sessions, we are making available some of the key charts critical to BOD analysis. Now you can download the following items:
Winners of the 2006 Registered Laboratory-of-the-Year awards announced.
March 2006These laboratories will receive their awards from DNR Secretary Hassett at the April 26, 2006 Natural Resources Board meeting.
Congratulations go out to:
For more information about the Lab-of-the-Year award, click here.
REMINDER: ICP methods no longer approved for SDWA Arsenic testing.
January 2006.Effective January 1, 2006 the MCL for arsenic was lowered. Consequently, ICP methods (EPA 200.7 and Std Method 3120B) are no longer approved for compliance testing effective with the revised MCL.
Environmental Lab Survey Results Released
January 2006.
Report of the 2005 Environmental Laboratory Survey
by the WSLH in cooperation with
the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
This report presents findings from the 2005 Environmental Laboratory Survey conducted by the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) in cooperation with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL).
The survey collected information about laboratory characteristics, training needs, emergency and bioterrorism readiness, networking, partnerships and other business issues. Laboratories certified or registered by the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) were invited to participate. Of those 450 labs 170 (38%) completed the survey.
Audit Checklists Developed.
December 2005.In the interest of consistency, the Lab Certification has begun developing checklists as a tool for both auditors and laboratories during on-site evaluations. It is a quite difficult task to develop a single checklist capable of dealing with the realm of issues we encounter during on-site evaluations. Therefore these checklists should be viewed as the minimum standards we expect for our laboratories. By no means should they be considered to be "boundaries" for an audit. "Check out" these checklists here.
New Certificate offers greater flexibility
September 2005.The Laboratory Certification Program recently completed a major upgrade to the software used to generate
laboratory certificates. The first thing you'll notice is the use of color and that
the certificate is more similar to what other states are using.
Rather than listing all of a laboratory's certifications directly on the certificate (as in the past),
we have opted to create a "Scope of Accreditations", which is included
as an attachment referenced on the certificate itself. As always, a cover
letter accompanies each new certificate indicating any specific reason for the issuance of the new or
revised certificate.
With this change, once a lab receives it's renewal certificate as part of the annual renewal process, any revised applications submitted by a laboratory during a given fiscal year will require the generation of only an updated Scope of Accreditation.
Another important change is that LabCert Program now archives all certificates and attachments in PDF format. Laboratories can request a PDF copy of their certificate for use in proposals, Quality Assurance Manuals, etc. If you wish to obtain a PDF copy of your certificate and scope of accreditations, you can either send an e-mail request to the LabCert Program or call the Laboratory Certification Program at (608) 267-7633.
Biosolids Form Available.
May 2005.DNR forms associasted with biosolids (sludge) are now available here on the DNR website. The following forms are available with this initial set:
Questions can be directed to Greg Kester, Residuals Coordinator, at (608) 267-7611.
New Procedure: "Water Extractable Phosphorus"
March 2004.The Bureau of Watershed Management has issued new guidance to permittees for the application of s. NR 151.07(2), to municipal biosolids, industrial wastewater & sludge, and septage. This guidance involves the use of a new procedure for the determination of "Water Extractable Phosphorus". Questions regarding this method or the guidance should be directed to Greg Kester at (608) 267-7611.
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