Laboratory Accreditation

What is the Purpose of this Accreditation?

To become accredited. Laboratories that submit analytical data from the analysis of environmental or drinking water samples to Ecology, the Department of Health, or other entities requiring the use of an accredited lab must be accredited. Environmental data includes data submitted for the purposes of compliance with NPDES or state waste discharge permits.

To become accredited, a lab must submit a comprehensive application, Quality Assurance (QA) manual, and pay a fee. Also, the lab must successfully analyze blind proficiency testing (PT) samples and undergo an on-site assessment. Continued accreditation requires the lab to submit annually an application, successfully complete semiannual PT audits, and undergo periodic on-site assessments.

Who issues this Accreditation?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this Accreditation?

Submittal of data from analysis of environmental, wastewater or drinking water samples.

How Much Will this Accreditation Cost?

Ranges from $80 to $14,000 annually depending on the number and complexity of tests the laboratory requests.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Accreditation?

The application which is called 'Application for Environmental Laboratory Accreditation', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/ecy07004.html.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

The lab must submit a copy of its current Quality Assurance Manual and proficiency testing sample reports. Refer to the application for more detail.

Is the Decision on my Accreditation Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

Yes. Other factors include the Lab Accreditation Unit's staff review and evaluation of the lab's Quality Assurance Manual and proficiency testing sample reports and an onsite audit.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Where do I Submit my Application?

The laboratory submits the application, fee, and required documents to Ecology. You can find more information about the lab accreditation process at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/labs/how-to.html.

How Long is my Accreditation Valid?

This is valid for one year. A lab applies for renewal of its accreditation annually prior to the expiration date of its current accreditation.

What is the Appeal Process for the Accreditation?

An environmental laboratory manager may appeal final accreditation actions within 30 days of notification of final action in accordance with chapter 43.21B RCW.

Legal Authority:

• Chapter 173-216, State Waste Discharge Permit Program WAC
• Chapter 173-220, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Program WAC
• Chapter 173-226, Waste Discharge General Permit Program WAC
• Chapter 173-340, Model Toxics Control Act--Cleanup WAC
• Chapter 173-50, Accreditation of Environmental Laboratories WAC
• Chapter 246-390 Drinking Water Laboratory Certification WAC
• Chapter 43.21A.230, Certification of environmental laboratories authorized RCW

Links:

• Laboratory Accreditation

Statewide Contact:

* Permit information last updated 12/17/2012.