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 requried 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.

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. publically 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 specifc questions can be directed to LQAP personnel.

West Virginia Exemption from US 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.

Remote Assessment Policy Due to COVID-19
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) office-based staff continue to work remotely. Additionally, travel restrictions for state employees remain in effect. As a result, the LQAP is continuing to cancel laboratory on-site assessments until further notice.

Staff

Justin D. Carpenter, Environmental Resources Program Manager 1
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water and Waste Management
601 57th St. SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-0499 x43765
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 St. SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-0499 x43797
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 St. SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 546-9303
Email: Kelly.R.Mayhew@wv.gov