environmental measurement symposium 2011 bellevue, wa recap
TRANSCRIPT
Day 1: Monday August 15, 2011
Sessions Attended: Key Note: “Coffee from Seed to Cup” TNI Mentor Session: “Best Practices for Internal Audits” Review of ASTM D7365-09a (Cyanide) Cyanide Methods and the 2010 Update Rule EPA’s Approval of Compliance Monitoring Methods Ultra Trace Hexavalent Chromium Analysis Optimizing Sample Preservation for Hexavalent
Chromium Analysis
“Coffee from Seed to Cup” by James A Ameika MD FACS
Dr. Ameika provided information and insight into the growing and production of Kona Coffee based on his research and ownership of a coffee plantation in Hawaii.
Provided a step-by-step of the coffee process “from seed to cup” and the parallels between the science of coffee and the science of heart surgery.
Stressed that by doing each step the best way possible is the key to success. Went into details about caffeine chemistry and the benefits to the cardio vascular
system and other body systems. Conclusions: Coffee is a fantastic drink!
Contact information: [email protected] 870-972-8030
Best Practices for Internal Audits
All labs Shall do internal audits of all systems and practices in place in the laboratory.
Audits will be done by the quality manager (trained and qualified personnel who is, when resources permit, independent of the activity to be audited).
Audit cycles SHALL be completed in one year. Perfect internal audits are a “Red Flag” to Assessors. Corrective actions Shall be done in a timely manner. Customers Shall be notified (part of the corrective action) when audit
findings reflect negatively on any aspect of analyses preformed for customers.
Everything will be recorded including audit findings, corrective actions, customer notifications, and follow-up activities.
Policies in the laboratory shall specify time frame for customer notification Laboratory Management will assure that all of the above is done within the
agreed upon time frame. Prioritize findings: use levels 1. worst, 2. , 3. , etc.
Best Practices for Internal Audits cont.
Internal Audit Scheduling and Preparation: Make a list and include: methods analyzed in lab; document
control; PT results (lab need to track PT results in-house and not depend on state); control charts; logbooks & records; training & DOC’s; reagents (received, preped, used, expired, etc); customer feedback including complaints; etc.
When to audit? Take into consideration lab work load, external audit schedule, staff schedule, management schedule, etc.
What type of audit: Horizontal or Vertical? Horizontal: follow a process from start to end, spanning many
different functions or departments. Time consuming. Vertical: look in depth a particular function or department Audits can span over the full year. Need to be time conscious in
regards to management system.
Best Practices for Internal Audits cont.
Internal Audit Preparation: Many ways to proceed (follow and SOP, checklist,
computer program, make it up as you go, etc). Preparation is the key to success.
Review past audits, corrective actions, SOPs, methods, QAM, etc.
Internal Audit Checklists Automated Audit Software has the standards already in place and is a great tool and time saver…if your budget allows.
The NELAC 2009 check list is free if you buy the 2009 standards. http://www.nelac-institute.org/qscheck2009-access.php Includes copyrighted materials.
Best Practices for Internal Audits cont.
Corrective Actions Use control charts and set limits. Use LIMS if available. The lab shall have a policy to implement corrective action for
nonconforming work, departures from policies and procedures and technical operations.
The lab shall assign the appropriate authority to implement corrective action.
Procedures for corrective actions shall start with an investigation into the Root cause(s) of the problem. This is the key and the most difficult.
Corrective actions most likely will correct and eliminate the problem and hope to prevent a recurrence.
Corrective actions shall be to a degree appropriate to the magnitude and risk of the problem.
The lab shall document and implement any required actions resulting from corrective action investigations.
The lab shall monitor results to ensure corrective actions have veen effective.
Best Practices for Internal Audits cont
Root Cause Analysis: Basics: Identify what, why, and how Root causes are underlying, preventable and controllable. Ask Why 5 times. Address the issues found and correct problem:
Is it isolated? Is it systematic? Is it a management issue? Monitor results; prevent recurrence; follow up with verification.
Improve management system Results of root cause investigation:
Improved training procedures; Updated SOP’s evaluation of work loads & staffing and changes in procedures to prevent repeat deficiency.
Best Practices for Internal Audits cont
Implementing Corrective Actions: Create a spreadsheet (Excel) or other document to track
progress. Include: deficiencies; sections; corrective action; due date;
completion date; verification date; comments
Verifying Corrective Actions: Create an Audit coversheet. Provide details in sheet, not
just single reasons or words. Verify for implementation and effectiveness (This is one
of the places that corrective actions processes fail). Suggest 30-45 days.
Monitor over the next several months.
Best Practices for Internal Audits cont
Misc. Information: Teamwork in labs benefits everyone. Train new staff in tandem
with experienced staff; working through start to finish insuring that new analyst is in sync with SOP’s and QAM. Works for all size labs.
Good places to find help: Networking helps everyone. Water Environmental Federation Association: post a problem and
they’ll respond. Add to corrective action plan. Linked In
• Water & Wastewater Forum • Environmental Laboratory Forum
References: Betsy Kent [email protected] 407-824-7301 David Caldwell [email protected] 405-702-1039
Standard Practice D7365-09a for Sampling, Preservation and Mitigating Interferences in Water Samples for Analysis of Cyanide
Developing a standard practice for cyanide including proper preservation in the field, checking for interferences and analyzed with the appropriate analytical method works to prevent (a +/- bias in the measurement). Interference can lead to permit violations, fines, undetected
cyanide discharges into the environment. Several cyanide methods have conflicting interference treatment
techniques, are outdated and do not reflect current technology. Procedures are too complicated for field personnel. EPA methods update (3/12/07) review raised many questions
See 40 CFR part 136.3, Table II footnote 6 for information
Standard Practice D7365-09a for Sampling, Preservation and Mitigating Interferences in Water Samples for Analysis of Cyanide
ASTM D7365-09a Presented practice at 2009 NEMC. Proposed during recent EPA MUR to replace current footnote. Applicable for the collection and preservation of water samples
for the analysis of cyanide. Addresses known interferences prior to the analysis of cyanide. States the responsibilities of the field sampler and the laboratory. Procedures recommended in this presentation are
recommended for the analysis of total cyanide, available cyanide, weak acid dissociable cyanide and free cyanide by test methods D2036, D4282, D6888, D6994, D7237, D7284 and D7511.
The information supplied in the presentation can also be applied to other analytical cyanide methods (EPA 335.4)
Standard Practice D7365-09a for Sampling, Preservation and Mitigating Interferences in Water Samples for Analysis of Cyanide
Acknowledgements ASTM D19.06 Cyanide Task Group US EPA Office of Water Presented by :
John R. Sebroski for Bayer MaterialScience [email protected] 724-774-0911
Cyanide Methods and the 2010 MUR
OI Analytical has been working with the EPA in an effort to get the new ASTM cyanide methods approved for NPDES reporting. updated ASTM D2036 to include ion chromatography and FIA gas
difussion amperometry as determinative steps. Have also included ASTM D7284. D7284 determines cyanide by FIA gas diffusion amperometry following small scale distillation. Of course, ASTM D7511 is included as well.
Much work has been done on the Table of approved inorganic methods to try and make it more readable, and also ofn Part 136.6. Part 136.6 is “method flexibility” and the part has been expanded to include example situations of what is allowed.
Presentation was an overview of cyanide chemistry, problems associated with approved methods and solutions that are available using the new ASTM methods.
Contact: William Lipps (AKA the Cyanide Guy) [email protected] 979-690-1711
For more information contact www.oico.com
Overview of the EPA Office of Water’s Alternate Test Procedure Program
An alternate test procedure (ATP) uses the same determinative technique as that used in an EPA-approved method.
A new method uses a determinative technique that is different from that used in a EPA-approved method.
Organized by analytical categories: Chemical, Microbiological, Whole Effluent Toxicity and
Radiochemical methods Process for gaining approval of ATP’s and new
methods for nationwide use in compliance monitoring under the Clean Water Act
Overview of the EPA Office of Water’s Alternate Test Procedure Program
Presentation covered the following topics: ATP Program Management ATP and New Method protocols Performance criteria validation Method defined parameters Application requirements Flexibility at 40 CFR part 136.6 Examples:
Modifications that fall under flexibility include: the use of prepackaged reagents; changes between manual flow analysis and discreet analyzer; changes in calibration range.
Modifications that require approval as an ATP or New Method include: changes to the underlying chemistry of an approved method; changes to the determinative technique of a approved method; changes to methods that measure method defined analytes
Validation Studies and Requirements (including table & explanation) and Results Approval through rule making
Rule making process can take one year or more Contact Information: J. Kevin Roberts, CSC [email protected] 703-461-2036
Overview of the EPA Office of Water’s Alternate Test Procedure Program
Successful ATP’s and New Methods Proposed Method Update Rule published 9/23/11
HACH Method 10360 (LDOR) in Water In-Situ Incorporated’s Method 1002-8-2009 DO by Optical
probe In-Situ Incorporated’s Method 1003-8-2009 BOD by
Optical probe In-Situ Incorporated’s Method 1004-8-2009 CBOD by
Optical probe Mitchell Method M5271 Turbidity in Wastewater Mitchell Method M5331 Turbidity in Wastewater Thermo Scientifics' Orion Method AQ4500 Turbidity in
Wasterwater Systea Scientific, LLC’s Systea Easy Nitrate Method
Trace Analysis of Hexavalent Chromium using IC-ICP-DRC-MS: Presentation Analytical Methods for Cr(VI) Analysis
Method 7196: colorimetry Method 7199/218.6 Ion Chromatography – UV Various preconcentration Methods:
Followed by colorimetry, FAAS, ICP-AES, ICP-MS detection Evolution of IC-UV Methods: Dionex AS7 4mm column; 1mL
injection loop; 0.018 ppb detection limit. The new method (DL = 0.001 ppb); injects 1 mL of buffered sample. Matrix Effects for Blanks: Ca, Mg and transition metals (Fe, Mn and
Al) Cr(VI) Analysis using IC-ICP-MS: providing <10 ppt detection
limit for >10 years. Cr(VI) can be a problem for DW Utilities due to treatment system
Trace Analysis of Hexavalent Chromium using IC-ICP-DRC-MS: Presentation
Presentation went into method specific detail. For information, see handout or contact the following:
Hakan Gurleyuk, Ph.D. [email protected] 425-483-3300 Russ Gerads [email protected] Ben Wozniak [email protected] Tyler Kennedy [email protected] Jacob Meyer [email protected]
Optimizing Sample Preservation for Hexavalent Chromium Analyses in Waters: Presentation
Introduction Background information; regulatory update;
common analytical methods EPA Method 218.6
Instrumentation; optimization & performance; sample results
Conclusion Contact information:
Dr. Yongtao Li [email protected] 574-472-5562
Day 2: Tuesday August 16, 2011
Sessions Attended: “Collaborative Opportunities for Meeting the USEPA’s
Measurement and Monitoring Needs” Electronic Management of Analytical Data Selecting the Proper LIMS Importance of Low Level Analysis (Nutrient Analyses) Accurate Measurement of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Monitoring & fractionation of low-level Phosphorus Key Note: Update on Activities of TNI The important of analytical methods and data interpretation Colorimetric P Speciation Analysis Low level Detection of Ammonia Overview of Approved Methods and candidate method
capabilities
Collaborative Opportunities for Meeting the US EPA’s Measurement and Monitoring Needs
Presented by Lara Autry, US EPA Contact info: [email protected] 919-541-5544 Stated what EPA needs to support more method development and enforce data quality and
reliability. Spoke about the purpose and initiatives of the OSA (office of the science advisor), the
STPC (science and technology policy council) and the FEM (forum on environmental measurements.
Presented the monitoring assessment timeline Agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment Now in the monitoring strategy March 2011 thru present Provided definition of the process
Inventory of efforts Focused on routine programs and database
Stated the data gaps & needs – Administrator’s priorities Common themes
Measurement & Method development Data management Data analysis assessment Emergency response
Program’s Challenges: REOURCSES Need more available resources Strains on existing resources Ability is constrained by resources
Collaborative Opportunities for Meeting the US EPA’s Measurement and Monitoring Needs …cont…
Better, Cheaper, Smaller, Faster!! Monitoring needs to be:
Real time (continuous, automated) Low cost Multi pollutant Portable innovative
Specific prioritized opportunities Both more feasible and less feasible projects
Specific identified opportunities Stated list of what is current
The Agency is working to Support method development; establish a framework for all data and enforce
data quality. What’s next
Identify more specific needs projects; explore use of what is available; establishe collaborative relationships; identify funding; establish new funding; develop plan to meet future needs; develop system to sustain inventory; continue outreach. current
NEMC Analytical Electronic Data Integrity
Attended two am sessions Electronic Management of Environmental Analytical Data
Anand Mudambi, USEPA• Contact info: [email protected] 202-564-2817
Stressed the importance of moving forward towards the use of paperless exchange of data
General environmental flow needs to be electronic Need to work with established data management frameworks such as the
ERLN, WLA, etc. Need to provide standard templates, formats, procedures, etc for all Needs to be non-proprietary, use international standards and provide
guidance Needs data reporting tools Data assessment tools (automating data review and identifying data quality) Stated the benefits
• Ease of: data exchange; data storage; data retrieval; verification of reported data; data reuse.
Getting to this point• Need to: change attitudes; have everyone cooperate; adopt standards
NEMC Analytical Electronic Data Integrity …cont…
Selecting the Proper LIMS Robert Walla, Astrix Technology Group
• Contact info: [email protected] 732-661-0400 ext 12 Presented a systematic approach to guarantee a success
implementation of a LIMS system into a laboratory High level requirements
• Must be: user friendly; operate on Windows; operate on the internet; be able to track samples; perform QC; generate reports; etc
Many LIMS meet the above requirements but at least 50% of all LIMS on market DO NOT meet expectations
How to find a LIMS:• Ask a colleague; internet search; conference; vendor demo; etc
Take a systematic approach• Evaluate and analyze; request proposal and score; extensive vendor
demo. Create and RFP and stick with it. Do a cost analysis
NEMC Challenges of Low Concentration Nutrient Analyses Attended three am sessions
Importance of Low-Level Analysis in Comparison to Sample Timing, Handling and Other Methods to Obtain Representative Phosphorus Measurements in Lake Water
Gertud Nurnberg, Ph.D.• Contact info: [email protected] 705-767-3718
Accurate Measurement of Particulate Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Environmental Water Samples
Carl Zimmermon, Carolyn Keefe, & Jerome Frank• Contact info: [email protected] 410-326-7252
Monitoring and Fractionation of Low-Level Phosphorus in Water and Environment
Wei Ning YAP, kok Yong LIM, Wei ZHANG, Zhongxian GUO• Contact info: [email protected] +65-6326-2925
NEMC Challenges of Low Concentration Nutrient Analyses …cont…
All three presentations were geared towards: Freshwater / surface water research Case studies of specific Lakes Target specific to phosphorus and nitrates Methods and specifics
Update on the Activities of the NELAC Institute KeyNote Address: Steve Arms, FL DOH
Contact info: [email protected] 904-791-1502
Presented the 2010 Accomplishments Most notably: major reorganization; new lab standards; draft quality management plan;
strategic management plan 2010-2015; funding awards; new organizations and accreditations; new work groups; new templates and the new expert committee.
Consensus Standards Development Expert Committee Activities
Involved in many NELAC committees to update, implement and interpret standards, requests and regulations.
Environmental Measurement Methods Expert Committee Goal: New consensus standards developed by 2012. funding support provided by cooperative
agreement with EPA Work on LOD, LOQ, Instrument calibration and other concepts
Standards Interpretations NELAP and NEFAP Online request form www.nelac-institute.org/interpret-request.php
Interpretation process NOT to be used to with a dispute between a laboratory or an FSMO and an AB Laboratories should attempt to reconcile all such interpretations witht eh applicable method publisher
or EPA program
Update on the Activities of the NELAC Institute …cont…
NELAP Accomplishments New process for AB evaluations SOP for general complaint resolution Consistency Improvement Task Force focus on assessor competency Increased number of Accreditation Bodies to 15 Web application for endorsing SIRs Comprehensive plan for implementation of 2009 NELAC standards
NELAP Plans Implement 2009 Standards Continue renewal evaluations for AB’s Implement national database of accredited labs (LAMS) Finalize small lab handbook
NEFAP Program applies to field sampling and measurement organizations (FSMOs) 4 AB’s accredited and ready Conduct training and outreach
PT program Accomplishments Non-potable Water update: review to be completed this summer
FoPT table review to be completed within a year
Update on the Activities of the NELAC Institute …cont…
PT Program Plans Implement updates and tables for all areas
Two new FoPT tables: Field (Lead in paint) and Protozoa (Crypto) Define and process for removal and addition of analytes to FoPT tables
PT Program Summary TNI recognized PT provider accreditors: A2LA and ACLASS
Updates on Boards, groups, support, administration See actual presentation handout for complete information and Updates of committees TNI Cooperative Agreements with EPA
NEW (2010-2015) $750,00 to develop measurement tools, accreditation standards and technical support. $500 to manage the National Environmental Monitoring Conference
Measurement Tools Educational Delivery System New Quality Manual template is available for purchase 2011 and Beyond: Continue to adopt, implement, develop, refine the Standards that
are NELAC Has over 850 active members! Need volunteers: join a committee!
Contact TNI: www.nelac-institute.org [email protected] 817-598-1624
NEMC Challenges of Low Concentration Nutrient Analyses Attended four pm sessions
Importance of Analytical Methods in the Interpretation of Data from Natural Systems
Nancy Simon, USGS• Contact info: [email protected] 703-648-5863
Evaluation of Colorimetric Phosphate Speciation Analysis Using Long Path Lengths and Model Compounds
Scott Smith• Contact info: [email protected] 519-884-0710
Low Level Determination of Ammonia Edward Askew Ph.D.
• Contact info: [email protected] 563-554-9450 Low Concentration Nutrient Determinations in Water –An
Overview and Candidate Method Capabilities William Lipps
• Contact info: [email protected] 303-236-3467
NEMC Challenges of Low Concentration Nutrient Analyses …cont…
All four presentations were geared towards: Freshwater / surface water research Case studies of specific Lakes Target specific to phosphorus, algae, ammonia
and nitrates Methods: new, specific, validation, candidates
and capabilities
Day 3: Wednesday August 17, 2011
Sessions Attended: Plenary Session: “Monitoring Response to Environmental Disasters”
Responding to Environmental Disasters Stages of Incident Response from a Laboratory Perspective Research Needs from the Gulf Oil Spill BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Generating Meaningful Environmental Information During the Chaos of an Emergency Response
Radioanalytical Emergency Response – A State Perspective Standardizing Electronic Data Deliverables: Public Health Laboratory
Emergency Response Emergency Response – Field Support for Sample Integrity Making Progress Detection, Quantitation, and Calibration Activities of
the EMMEC Laboratory Selection During Emergency Response Actions
Plenary Session: “Monitoring Response to Environmental Disasters”
Attended four am sessions Responding to Environmental Disasters
Stan Meiburg, USEPA Region 4• Contact info: [email protected]
Types of disasters: manmade or natural Involved in Response to Katrina and BP Oil Spill The Role of information in Environmental Emergency Response Type of Information necessary to EPA’s response (Air, water,
sediment, waste sampling and monitoring). Tech assistance, data management and community outreach
Many partners and organizations involved in a disaster response Details about responses (EPA, partners, FEMA) to disasters STRESS a unified command. Set up Data management and
Operations divisions Set up an assessment and recovery process Infrastructure support Incident timelines
Plenary Session: “Monitoring Response to Environmental Disasters” …cont…
Testing in Response to Environmental Disasters – A Laboratory Perspective David Friedman
• Contact info: [email protected] 703-389-3821 Four stages (determine nature of problem, the severity and extent, remediation of the situation and
demonstrating remediation accomplished) Discussed both disasters and incidents that presented both a health and environmental impact Stage One: Labs need to assess considerations for samples, hazards, staff, etc. Stage Two: severity and extent of contamination
• What to test for• Number of samples• Turnaround time• Data management
Stage Three: supporting remediation process• Becomes more routine• Indicator analytes
Stage Four: problem over- back to normal Laboratory networks
http://www.epa.gov/erln http://www.epa.gov/safewater http://fern.org http://www.bt.cdc.gov/lrn
Plenary Session: “Monitoring Response to Environmental Disasters” …cont…
Research Needs from the Gulf Oil Spill Danny Reible
• Contact info: [email protected] 512-471-4642 The Deepwater Horizon (DH) oil spill released approximately 4.9
million barrels of oil to the northern GOM and about 2 million gallons of applied chemical dispersants. This oil spill exceeded that of the Exxon Valdez and ultimately became the second largest oil spill in history, trailing only the Persian Gulf spill during the Gulf War in 1991. The oil and chemical dispersants released during the DH spill may have both short- and long-term impacts on Gulf of Mexico ecosystems.
Despite a long history of oilfield activity in the Gulf of Mexico, we were remarkably unprepared to predict the behavior and effects of the oil and propose effective, low impact means of mitigating and remediating the spill.
Presentation summarized the behavior of the spill, focusing on the current status of the spill and its effects in the Gulf of Mexico and particularly in the near shore areas and on beaches and marshes.
Plenary Session: “Monitoring Response to Environmental Disasters” …cont…
BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: An Industry Perspective Al Verstufyft Ph.D.
Contact info: [email protected] 707-815-0213 Lessons learned in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Operational Discipline, Safety Culture,
and the Value of Measurement and Testing. The BP Incident Report Executive Summary and Deepwater Horizon Accident Investigation
Report identified the primary issues.• The annulus cement barrier did not isolate the hydrocarbons.• The shoe track barriers did not isolate the hydrocarbons. • The negative-pressure test was accepted although well integrity had not been established• Influx was not recognized until hydrocarbons were in the riser.• Well control response actions failed to regain control of the well.• Diversion to the mud gas separator resulted in gas venting onto the rig.• The fire and gas system did not prevent hydrocarbon ignition.• The BOP emergency mode did not seal the well.
The Federal Oil Spill Commission found that the Deepwater Horizon disaster was foreseeable and preventable.
Errors and misjudgments by three major oil drilling companies—BP, Halliburton, and Transocean—played key roles in the disaster.
Government regulation was ineffective, and failed to keep pace with technology advancements in offshore drilling.
The well blowout was the product of human error, engineering mistakes, and management failures. These errors, mistakes, and management failures were not the product of a single, rogue company, but instead reveal both failures and inadequate safety procedures by three key industry players that have a large presence in offshore oil and gas drilling throughout the world.
NEMC Environmental Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters Attended five pm sessions
Generating Meaningful Environmental Information During the Chaos of an Emergency Response
Ruth Forman• Contact info: [email protected] 610-935-5577
Presented similarities and differences between large scale responses PPL Martins Creek Fossil Plant TVA Kingston Fossil Plant BP Deepwater Horizon
Presented project background information and event facts Stated what Environmental Standards Involvement was
Global and specific recommendations Data management
Presented Project accomplishments Notes of Interest: Activities & challenges Conclusions
Need to establish incident command and who is in charge Develop a QA plan Full cycle data management process and data management plan
NEMC Environmental Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters
Radioanalytical Emergency Response – State Perspective Jack Bennett
• Contact info: [email protected] 860-509-8530 Not a Matter of “if” but of “when” preparation is the key. National planning
scenario #11 Enhanced capacity of the CDC to analyze 500 samples/day for any priority
radionuclides FDA has set up labs to analyze food EPA has set up labs to analyze environmental samples CT applied for EPA grant in 2007 to enhance analytical capacity
Implementation of rapid methods New state of the art Public Health Laboratory
• Enhanced “safe” area Discussion of lab’s capabilities (methods, protocols, personnel, etc)
Need for RAD safety plan Isotopes of future concern Get more labs up to speed on rapid methods
Lab method validation reporting
NEMC Environmental Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters
Standardizing Electronic Data Deliverables: Public Health Laboratory Emergency Response
Jack Krueger• Contact info: [email protected] 207-845-2482
Environmental health laboratories provide data routinely and during emergencies.
Common practice to request laboratory data in a standardized electronic format also known as an Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD).
Issues: different / unique message formats. Sending data with multiple formats requires significant time during emergencies and compromises coordination of response.
An approach to standardization is to base data element selection on the laboratory analytical sequence and include in the EDD key quality control data or measurement quality objectives (MQO). These MQOs assure the real time quality of data and adds to the capability demonstration that certification offers.
Presentation discussed efforts by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) to standardize the EDD and improve the ability of public health laboratories to participate interoperably during emergency responses.
A White Paper on this topic is also available, “Environmental Laboratory Electronic Data Management”.
LIMS vendors also seek standardization;
NEMC Environmental Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters
Emergency Response – Field Support for Sample Integrity Charles Newton
• Contact info: [email protected] 251-666-6633 Reality vs Expectation Events
Natural disasters; industrial accidents; transportation issues; field activity incidents Chaotic event with multiple parties collecting samples and submitting to many labs
Goals & Objectives Set up a sample receiving protocol Documentation
• Provide to all parties of interest Data quality Reduce need to resample
Common sample receipt issues Special considerations (identify up front if possible) Roles and Responsibilities (prepare ahead) Take pride in the service you provide and in what you do Plan ahead Document everything
NEMC Environmental Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters
Laboratory Selection During Emergency Response Actions – Balancing the Need for Quality Data with the Need for Quick Data
Jennifer Gable• Contact info: [email protected] 610-935-5577
Disasters happen…plan for it Select labs carefully (establish criteria in advance)
Take into consideration location, capabilities, services, ability for data management
Communication is key Challenges
Lack of organization Immediate need for data / quick turn-around No time to plan ahead Intense scrutiny
Develop concise technical specifications (normalize handling and reporting protocol across many labs)
Discuss price in Emergency response plan
NEMC Operational and Advocacy Issues Impacting the Environmental Laboratory Industry
Making Progress on Detection, Quantitation and Calibration Richard Burrows
Contact info: [email protected] 303-736-0100
Current and planned activities of the EMMEC TNI sub committee Create & adopt standards to support a strong technical approach to
quantitation, detection and calibration. Standards need to be usable across various EPA and state programs.
Stated various weakness of calibration practices in EPA methods Suggested solutions to calibration
Pros / cons Challenges:
Tools needed are not currently available in most instrument software Need to be compliant with EPA analytical methods Need to be consistent with quality systems standards
Working draft standard for consideration at January TNI meeting 2012
Day 2: Thursday August 18, 2011
Sessions Attended: KeyNote Address “Observing Puget Sound” Laboratory Readiness for Large-Scale Environmental Incidents –
Practice Makes Perfect EPA Region 9 and 10 Exercise Use of a Work Cell Model to Successfully Manage Large
Projects The Role of LC and LC/MS in the Environmental Laboratory Eliminating the Secondary Extraction pH Step in the Automated
Solid Phase Extraction of Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds from Water For EPA Method 8270D
Also sat in on some TNI committees
Observing Puget Sound
Jan Newton• Contact info: [email protected] 206-543-9152
Great presentation of the on going monitoring of this unique fjord.
Compared to Chesapeake Bay Unique currents and tidal range Highly productive (biota) but also highly retentive (contaminants) Experiences coastal upwelling Puget Sound Partnership (protect & restore)
17 federal agencies WA Tribal Associations Formed a council
On-going
NEMC Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters (Continued) Laboratory Readiness for Large-Scale Environmental Incidents –Practice
Makes Perfect Barry Pepich
Contact info: [email protected] 360-871-8701
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9 Develop nationwide laboratory networks for food, veterinary, plant health, and water
quality that integrate existing Federal and State Lab resources, are interconnected and utilize standard diagnostic protocols and procedures
ERLN Managed by EPA National Network that can be accessed during a national incident Intended to address chemical, biological and radiological threats in Environmental
matrices EPA regional Laboratory responsible during events Case Study of Region 10 Exercise and tour of the virtual Lab
Joint Region 9 & 10 full scale exercise August 20-27, 2010 41 Roles; 25 participating laboratories; 4 utilities; CDC involvement
Benefits of exercise: Coordinated effort between labs, agencies, states, etc
NEMC Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters (Continued) EPA Region 9 & 10 Exercise – A Participating
Laboratory Perspective Blaine Rhodes
Contact info: [email protected] 206-418-5520 Presented scenario of exercise and work done by
laboratory Level 3, 2 and 1 labs involved Exercise incorporated laboratory errors, equipment
failures, weather conditions and ultimately shipment across country to an east coast lab
Ultimately all challenges were met Communication was outstanding Some issues but worked through
NEMC Monitoring Needs Following Environmental Disasters (Continued) Use of a Work Cell Model to Successfully Manage Large Projects
Chuck Neslund Contact info: [email protected] 717-656-2300 ext 1819
Presented problem: busy lab needs to accommodate many samples for an indefinite period of time
Staffing and space not readily available Quality systems and expectations must be maintained Normal workload must be maintained Client specific needs for quick turn-around must be met
Solution Borrow (work cells and cross functional team modeling) Work cells improve quality and efficiency, reduce lag time, eliminate waste, improve
quality Establish Work cell in lab to focus exclusively on project
Presented steps of process (general lab procedures starting with receipt); work cells skip the sample holding step and close gap between receipt, analysis and reporting
Cross train staff prior to event Concluded this was a success
Conclusion
Attending this year’s Environmental Measurement Symposium in Seattle WA was a valuable learning experience both personally and professionally. The seminars, presentations and exhibits enabled me to obtain key information that will assist the Manchester Water Works’ laboratory to improve efficiency and streamline testing the city’s drinking water in order to maintain the quality of water to our customers.
Overall the experience was a positive one and a benefit to not only the Manchester Water Works and myself, but to the City as a whole. Ensuring the quality and safety of this city’s water is of the upmost importance and training like this insures that we are up to date on technologies, regulations, methods and standards.
I would like to thank LANH for allowing me this opportunity and sponsoring this wonderful experience.
I encourage others to take part in this Symposium in the future