Laboratory Quality Assurance Program

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Program (LQAP) is responsible for accrediting environmental laboratories to ensure that the data generated for covered statutory program purposes is accurate, reproducible, and verifiable. This data is used to ensure compliance to permits, rules, and orders and to inform and guide department operations. LQAP personnel assess laboratories to ensure conformance to 47CSR32 - Regulations Governing Environmental Laboratories Certification and Standards of Performance which establishes minimum requirements, criteria, and procedures for laboratory equipment, practices, methodology, quality control, personnel, facilities, data reporting, and record maintenance.

The accreditation process begins when a laboratory submits an initial application:

• Instructions for Completing an Application to Become a Certified Laboratory
• Application for Laboratory Certification by Inspection for the DEP ​

Following application, LQAP personnel perform an on-site assessment to ensure that requirements are met and that the laboratory's quality system is adequate. Issues are noted and corrective actions are required to address all findings. Once all findings have been addressed, initial accreditation is granted. Certificates are typically valid for one year and are renewed pending re-application and re-assessment.

Additional Resources

• 47CSR32 - Regulations Governing Environmental Laboratories Certification and Standards of Performance

Certified Laboratories

The LQAP accredits testing in non-potable water (NPW), solid and chemical (SCM), and hazardous waste categories. Certification is offered for the testing of inorganic, organic, microbiological, radiological, and toxicological parameters. Laboratories are grouped into the following types:

• Commercial

  Provide commercial testing services, i.e. for profit.

• Industrial

  Operated by industry.

• Municipal

  ​ Operated by municipalities or public service districts, i.e. publicly owned treatment works (POTW).

Note: the Certified lab lists above are updated on a monthly basis and only include broad categories of certification and general contact information. They are date sensitive and are not intended to be used for determining whether a specific facility is certified or holds specific accreditation(s). Laboratories can provide a copy of their active certificate upon request and specific questions can be directed to LQAP personnel.

West Virginia Exemption from U.S. EPA's DMR-QA Study Requirements

In July 2009, the US EPA granted West Virginia an exemption from the national DMR-QA program. The exemption was granted, in large part, because of the WV DEP's Laboratory Quality Assurance Program.

• Exemption Document

Policies

• Quality Control/Quality Assurance Requirements for the Determination of Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) by the DPD Colorimetric Methodology

  This policy outlines the minimum Quality Control/Quality Assurance requirements for the determination of Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) by the DPD Colorimetric methodology as determined by the WV DEP Quality Assurance Office.

Justin D. Carpenter, Environmental Resources Program Manager 1
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water and Waste Management
601 57th Street, SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 414-3765
Email: Justin.D.Carpenter@wv.gov

Tommy W. Smith II, Environmental Resources Specialist 3
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water and Waste Management
601 57th Street, SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 414-3797
Email: Tommy.W.Smith@wv.gov

Kelly R. Mayhew, Environmental Resources Specialist 3
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water and Waste Management
601 57th Street, SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 546-9303
Email: Kelly.R.Mayhew@wv.gov

Vacant, Environmental Resources Specialist 2
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water and Waste Management
601 57th Street, SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 414-3798