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N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Water Quality - Field Lab Certification

Water Quality

Certificate 
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Field Lab Certification

Laboratories analyzing environmental samples for only the following parameters may apply for field lab certification. This includes laboratories analyzing only the following parameters for others and charging a fee.

  • Total Residual Chlorine
  • Dissolved Oxygen
  • pH
  • Specific Conductance
  • Temperature
  • Settleable Residue 

Initial Application Process

To begin the process, you may request an application form by calling (919) 733-3908 or you may download the application here in either WORD or PDF format.

The following must be returned to this office as part of the application package.

  1. Application - must be completed in its entirety with applicable signature and date (directions for completing an application can be accessed here).
  2. Proficiency Testing (PT) results - acceptable results for proficiency testing (PT) samples for each requested parameter (for which a PT is available) must be submitted directly from an approved vendor (additional PT requirements can be found in Field Lab PT Requirements). 

After a complete review of the application package, the auditor assigned to the applicant lab may arrange for the initial on-site inspection of the laboratory's analytical capabilities. The auditor may require evidence of remedial action for any findings cited during the on-site visit prior to proceeding with the application process.

Fees

Once the auditor is satisfied that all requirements have been met, the auditor will send the lab an invoice for the appropriate fee. The fee schedule established in 15A NCAC 2H .0806 is as follows for Field Laboratories. 

Fees Associated with Field Laboratory Certification
Fee description
Amount  
Initial application fee N/A
Initial certification feeMunicipal Field Laboratory1$100.00 per year

Industrial Field Laboratory2$100.00 per year

Commercial Field Laboratory3$200.00 per year
Annual (renewal) certification feeMunicipal Field Laboratory1$100.00 per year

Industrial Field Laboratory2$100.00 per year

Commercial Field Laboratory3$200.00 per year
Other expenses include annual  and remedial performance testing samplesvaries per lab and vendor                        
NOTES
1Municipal Field Laboratory means a laboratory, including its agents or employees, operated by a municipality or other local government to analyze Field Parameter samples only, from its wastewater or wastewater from its water treatment plant(s).  
2Industrial Field Laboratory means a laboratory, including its agents or employees, operated by an industry to analyze Field Parameter samples only, from its wastewater or wastewater from its water treatment plant(s).  
3Commercial Field Laboratory means any laboratory, including its agents or employees, which is seeking to analyze or is analyzing Field Parameter samples, for others for a fee.  

Initial Certification

Upon receipt of payment, a certificate will be awarded with the NC WW/GW LC certificate number and a certificate attachment detailing the parameters and methods within the scope of the laboratory's certification. Certification expires each year on December 31.

Additional Resources

Maintenance of Certification

During subsequent years, laboratories must obtain acceptable results on PT samples for each parameter on their certificate. The graded results must be received in this office on or before September 30. Each laboratory is also subject to announced or unannounced inspections and must send a written corrective action response to inspection reports within the time allotted. Anytime there is a change in laboratory name, address, location, ownership, management (supervisor or manager), telephone number, methodology, reporting limits or major equipment, the laboratory shall notify this office in writing or by submitting an amendment to certification application within 30 days of the effective date of change.

Renewal of Existing Field Lab Certification

Approximately 45-50 days before a lab's certification expires, the NC WW/GW LC program will send the lab a notice of renewal letter and an invoice for the following year's certification fees. Annual fees must be paid within 60 days of receipt of the invoice.
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