In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters, and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the OQA has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques (Part III) it offers for certification. The list of changes made to the Part III can be viewed by visiting the Changes to Part III 3/1/24 .

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters, and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the OQA has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques (Part III) it offers for certification.  The list of changes made to the Part III can be viewed by visiting the Changes to Part III 12/1/23.

It has come to the NJDEP’s attention that, in some instances, laboratories are not meeting the reporting requirements specified under N.J.A.C. 7:18-5.6(i) and Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141.23(f)(2) when it is determined that a regulatory drinking water sample has a nitrate, nitrite, or nitrate/nitrite concentration that exceeds the maximum contaminant level (MCL). (Note: See Title 40 CFR Part 141.62 for a listing of the MCLs for inorganic contaminants.)  Upon determination of a nitrate, nitrite, or nitrate/nitrite drinking water sample concentration that exceeds the MCL, the laboratory must notify the affected parties by phone or email, as specified in N.J.A.C. 7:18-5.6(i), within 24 hours of the determination of the result, and this includes required notification to the NJDEP.  The 24-hour timeframe does not exclude holidays and weekends.  If the Department is to be notified outside of normal business hours, the Department shall be contacted by telephone to the Department’s hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337), as stipulated in N.J.A.C. 7:10-2.6(d).  Both phone AND email are preferred so that notification can be documented.  Due to remote work locations it is also recommended that an email be sent to the water supply email box to document the notification: please use watersupply@njdepwptest.net during business hours and wsemergency@njdepwptest.net during non-business hours.  This reporting timeframe is not optional and failure to report within the required timeframe is grounds for enforcement action to be issued.

It is important that the affected parties be clearly notified of a nitrate, nitrite, or nitrate-nitrite MCL exceedance and the required resampling so that confirmation sample collection can be scheduled prior to corrective actions being taken and to meet the 24-hour timeframe from laboratory notification, as required under Title 40 CFR Part 141.23(f)(2). A water system failing to collect a confirmation sample within 24 hours may result in the issuance of a Tier 1 public notice.

The laboratory shall have a documented procedure for addressing an occurrence of a nitrate, nitrite, or nitrate-nitrite MCL exceedance, including the method by which the results are to be reported, the process by which the applicable affected parties are to be notified, and definition of the laboratory personnel responsible for notifying the affected parties. The procedure should specify if the laboratory is responsible for collection of the confirmation sample, and the policy must be clearly conveyed to the client.   The notification must be clear that resampling is required within 24-hours of the notification.

It has come to the NJDEP’s attention that, in some instances, laboratories are not meeting the reporting requirements specified under N.J.A.C. 7:18-4.6(k),  and Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141.861(a) when it is determined that a regulatory drinking water sample exceeds the maximum contaminant level (MCL)/ detects the presence of E. coli. Upon determination of the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), the laboratory must notify the affected parties by phone or email, as specified in N.J.A.C. 7:18-4.6(k) respectively, within 24 hours of the determination of the result, and this includes required notification to the NJDEP.  The 24-hour timeframe does not exclude holidays and weekends.  If the Department is to be notified outside of normal business hours, the Department shall be contacted by telephone to the Department’s hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337), as stipulated in N.J.A.C. 7:10-2.6(d).  Both phone AND email are preferred so that notification can be documented.  Due to remote work locations it is also recommended that an email be sent to the water supply email box to document the notification: please use watersupply@njdepwptest.net during business hours and wsemergency@njdepwptest.net during non-business hours.  This reporting timeframe is not optional and failure to report within the required timeframe is grounds for enforcement action to be issued.

It is important that the affected parties be clearly notified of the presence of E. coli and the required resampling so that repeat sample collection can be scheduled prior to corrective actions being taken and to meet the 24-hour timeframe from laboratory notification, as required under Title 40 CFR Part 141.861(a). A water system failing to collect the required repeat samples within 24 hours may result in the issuance of a Tier 1 public notice.

The laboratory shall have a documented procedure for addressing an occurrence of the presence of E. coli including the method by which the results are to be reported, the process by which the applicable affected parties are to be notified, and definition of the laboratory personnel responsible for notifying the affected parties. The procedure should specify if the laboratory is responsible for collection of the repeat samples, and the policy must be clearly conveyed to the client.   The notification must be clear that resampling is required within 24-hours of the notification.

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters, updates noted in recent Method Update Rules, and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the OQA has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques (Part III) it offers for certification.  The list of changes made to the Part III can be viewed by visiting the Changes to Part III 3/1/2023.

As noted in the FY2023 Important Notice provided to you in February 2022, the USEPA promulgated a new Method Update Rule (MUR) at 40 CFR Part 136 and Part 141.  The MUR replaced some outdated method versions with more current versions of those methods.  Laboratory ACPLs have been automatically updated to reflect the approved methods included in the MUR, where applicable.  The updated method is listed with the same status as the previous version of that method, and all outdated method references have been removed from all ACPLs and will no longer be offered for certification.  Laboratories shall ensure the requirements of the methods listed on their ACPLs are implemented as of July 1, 2022.  Please check your ACPLs to verify that you have the new updated methods listed.  A list of the updated methods can be found by visiting the list of updated approved methods.

The Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) renewal applications have been mailed. Laboratories must follow the instructions included in the application package when reviewing and completing the renewal application. Renewal applications must be returned to the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) at the address noted on the Part I of the application no later than April 1, 2022, with the applicable fee payment mailed to Treasury at the address noted on the invoice. Instructions for submitting the application, along with the required forms for any changes, can be found on our website at https://www.njdepwptest.net/dsr/oqa/laboratory-certification-programs.  In addition, the EPA recently promulgated changes to approved methods listed at 40 CFR Part 136 and Part 141 through a Method Update Rule (MUR).  A list of the  newly approved methods and methods that were removed were included in the renewal package.  Those methods can also be found by accessing changes to part III. A list of additional changes to previously approved versions of methods listed in the MUR will be provided at a later date.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released EPA Draft Method 1633 for use as a single laboratory validated analytical method to test for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in non-drinking water matrices (such as non-potable water and solid/chemical materials). Based upon the review of this draft method conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Quality Assurance (OQA), it has been determined that EPA Draft Method 1633 meets the criteria for the Alternate Test Procedure (ATP) process detailed at N.J.A.C. 7:18-2.20. Therefore, the OQA can begin to accept ATP applications for PFAS certification using EPA Draft Method 1633 in matrices other than drinking water (non-potable water and solid/chemical materials matrices). Laboratories interested in obtaining certification for this ATP shall follow the instructions provided in the OQAs January 31, 2022 ATP letter.

The Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) renewal applications have been mailed. Laboratories must follow the instructions included in the application package when reviewing and completing the renewal application. Renewal applications must be returned to the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) at the address noted on the Part I of the application no later than April 1, 2021, with the applicable fee payment mailed to Treasury at the address noted on the invoice. Due to the continuing work from home situation, NO CHECKS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE OQA FOR RENEWALS as it will delay the processing of payment and therefore delay the processing of your application. Instructions for submitting the application, along with the required forms for any changes, can be found on our website at https://www.njdepwptest.net/dsr/oqa/laboratory-certification-programs

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the list of updates to the Part III link to see all of the changes to the OQAs Part III from March 1, 2020 to date. Part III Changes.

In the event of an emergency, certified laboratories may face unforeseen challenges and limitations. The document found at https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/dsr/oqa/oqa-bmp-6-9-20.pdf  addresses identified concerns certified laboratories may face during a crisis. It is essential to remind all New Jersey certified laboratories, which may fall under these provisions, of the obligation to adhere to all current regulatory standards, timelines, operating practices and processes until such time they can no longer support those functions.   If laboratories, due to emergency conditions, cannot meet the regulatory requirements, they shall follow the guidance contained within the document. Documentation of any deviations from current regulatory standards, timelines, operating practices and processes shall be retained and shall adequately address the reason for the deviation.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has adopted amendments to the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act rules and the Private Well Testing Act rules that became effective on June 1, 2020.  The rule changes include the establishment of two new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 0.014 micrograms per liter (μg/l) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 0.013 μg/l for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and require all public community and non-transient noncommunity water systems to begin monitoring in 2021. The changes to the PWTA rules include testing for PFOA, PFOS, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) Statewide that takes effect December 1, 2021.

A courtesy copy of the rule adoption is available at https://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/. Monitoring schedules will be available later this year through the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience’s Drinking Water Watch Application https://www9.state.nj.us/DEP_WaterWatch_public/index.jsp.

For more information visit the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience website at https://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/. If you have any questions, please contact the Bureau of Water System Engineering via email at watersupply@njdepwptest.net.

Laboratories wishing to obtain certification for any of the newly regulated parameters must submit an application request to the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA).  The application along with instructions for submitting the application, and the list of required documentation and applicable fees, may be found on the OQA website at https://njdepwptest.net/dsr/oqa/laboratory-certification-programs/.  Any questions regarding the procedure for obtaining certification can be directed to the OQA at (609) 292-3950.

Important PWTA reporting notification: The PWTA E2-DWR database will undergo enhancements prior to December 1, 2021 to allow for the submission of the new reporting requirements (PFOA, PFOS and PFNA). Laboratories will be notified by the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water when enhancements have been completed.  In the meantime, laboratories should report using the existing spreadsheet provided in PWTA E-DWR. Additional directions will be forthcoming.

Due to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19 the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) would like to request that laboratories notify us if temporary laboratory closures occur. While there are currently no issues with laboratory capacity, in preparation of any pending closures, the OQA asks that any laboratory that anticipates implementing a closure notify the OQA within 48 hours prior to any closure. This will allow the OQA to more easily monitor laboratory capacity for regulatory testing. Notification of pending laboratory closures can be sent directly to the OQAs email address at OQA@njdepwptest.net.

In addition, if you are a regulated entity that is required to collect and monitor samples for compliance with a DEP program it is your responsibility to collect the required samples in accordance with DEP rules. Any regulated entity should contact their applicable DEP program directly for guidance if there are any issues or concerns with sample collection and monitoring.

Contact information for the following Department Programs may assist you with DEP program notifications:

Bureau of Safe Drinking Water: watersupply@njdepwptest.net or 609-292-5550

Bureau of Nonpoint Pollution Control: dwq_bnpc@njdepwptest.net

Bureau of Surface Water Permitting: dwq_bswp@njdepwptest.net

Bureau of Pretreatment and Residuals:
dwq_pretreatment@njdepwptest.net
dwq_residuals@njdepwptest.net
dwq_pas@njdepwptest.net

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the list of updates to the Part III link to see all of the changes to the OQAs Part III from September 1, 2019 to date. Updates to Part III

In accordance with the January 3, 2008 USEPA Memo to all Regional Drinking Water Certification Officers from the Technical Support Center of the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, the collection and analysis of a Field Reagent Blank (FRB) is not required when performing only total Trihalomethane (TTHMs) analysis, using EPA Methods 502.2, 524.2, 524.3, 524.4 and 551.1.

Since total THM analysis would be expected to be present in nearly all disinfected drinking water samples, an FRB is not required to accompany a THM only sample set and is not required to be analyzed when reporting positive results for total THM analysis. This exclusion only applies to the analysis of THMs.

FRBs are still required to be collected for all other analytes in the methods listed above and analysis is required when positive results are observed for all other analytes in the methods listed above.

As stated in the Important Notice the Office of Quality Assurance sent with your Fiscal Year 2020 renewal packet; The NELAC Institute’s (TNI) National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) has announced the 2016 environmental laboratory standard will become effective January 31, 2020.  In support of accreditation to the 2016 Standard, all NELAP laboratories must purchase the full 2016 TNI Standard in order to reference and implement all applicable requirements. All NJDEP NELAP laboratories must revise all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and update Quality Manuals and any related documents at the laboratory to comply with the 2016 TNI Standards. New Jersey Primary NELAP laboratories will be required to have fully implemented the 2016 TNI Standard on or before February 1, 2020 and New Jersey will begin to perform assessments using the 2016 TNI Standard as of that date.  Laboratories will be required to submit confirmation to the OQA that the 2016 TNI Standards, that include the ICO/IEC language, have been obtained prior to scheduling the on-site audit.  If a copy of the 2016 TNI Standard is not obtained within enough time to prepare for the January 31, 2020 implementation date, your on-site assessment may be delayed and cause your laboratory to be out of compliance.
Each NELAP Accreditation Body (AB) will continue to recognize the accreditations of all other NELAP ABs, and secondary accreditations will continue as usual, regardless of which standard is in use by a laboratory’s AB, and without any additional proficiency testing, quality assurance, or on-site assessment requirements.

It has come to the NJDEP’s attention that, in some instances, laboratories are not meeting departmental and/or program specific reporting requirements.  This notice is a reminder that certified laboratories need to meet the monitoring and reporting requirements for the project they’re conducting testing.  For example, if a project requires monitoring down to a standard listed in the Ground Water Quality Standards (GWQS) as required by the Site Remediation and Waste Management Program (SRWMP) or some other program specific required reporting limit, then there must be sufficient analytical sensitivity to meet that limit.  The intended data quality needs, the program that will be using the data and how the data will be used should be communicated between the client and the laboratory prior to the start of testing.  Additionally, the laboratories and their clients must maintain open lines of communication as to the selection of the appropriate analytical method.  It must be recognized that there could be instances where, due to excessive contamination present at a site, the most sensitive analytical method is not necessary.  However, the most sensitive analytical method frequently is required.  As an example, for the analysis conducted to demonstrate 1,4-dioxane is below its standard as noted in the GWQS rule, the laboratory must achieve a reporting limit of 0.4µg/L and that failure to achieve and report data to that limit could result in the rejection of the data and could require reanalysis.  Laboratories are frequently required to analyze a low-level standard at or below an applicable standard (and in the above example, at or below 0.4 ug/L) to demonstrate that they can analytically “see” down to that level. This requirement is an essential quality control objective.  It is the laboratory’s client that is ultimately responsible for determining the usability of data after their analysis and validation of that which has been submitted to them by their laboratory.  If the data does not meet the data quality requirements necessary, then that data may be invalidated by the program and reanalysis may be required resulting in additional delays for the client as well as additional expense both to the client and the laboratory.

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the list of updates to the Part III link to see all of the changes to the OQAs Part III from October 1, 2018 to date.

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the list of updates to the Part III link to see all of the changes to the OQAs Part III from July 1, 2018 to date.

Please note that the category codes for Perchlorate by IC/MS and LC/MS have been moved to the organic MS section of the Part III for all matrices. The perchlorate changes only relate to changes in parameter codes and do not affect the laboratories certification or the original date that the certification was obtained. The OQA will not be automatically issuing new ACPLs for these changes. Any laboratories certified for Perchlorate by these technologies that would like a new ACPL showing the new Perchlorate codes may contact the OQA for an updated signed copy. If you have any questions please let us know.

It was brought to the OQAs attention that field reagent blanks and/or trip blanks may not always be prepared and/or analyzed in accordance with method and NJDEP requirements. Please review the reminder listserv  issued on September 7, 2018. The OQA suggests facilities and/or laboratories confirm any specifics related to field reagent blanks and/or trip blanks with the NJDEP program for which the analytical testing is being conducted to ensure compliance with program requirements.

The Department of Environmental Protection has adopted amendments to the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act rules and the Private Well Testing Act rules that became effective September 4, 2018. The rule changes include the establishment of two new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 0.013 micrograms per liter (µg/l) for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and 0.030 µg/l for 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP), and new monitoring requirements for public community and non-transient non-community water systems. In addition, non-transient non-community water systems will be required to monitor for radionuclides (gross alpha, uranium, and radium), and comply with existing Federal MCLs for radionuclides. The changes to the PWTA rules include testing for 1,2,3-TCP Statewide that takes effect March 3, 2019, uranium testing has been added for the northern counties and takes effect September 4, 2018, and expanded testing for gross alpha and arsenic that takes effect September 4, 2018. A courtesy copy of the rule adoption is available at https://www.nj.gov/dep/rules.

Monitoring schedules will be available later this year through the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience’s Drinking Water Watch Application https://www9.state.nj.us/DEP_WaterWatch_public/index.jsp.

The Division of Water Supply and Geoscience will be holding a Laboratory Roundtable in early November that will include discussion on the new rule and an opportunity for questions. Information will be emailed to all certified laboratories and made available on the Division website at https://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply.

For more information please click on the following links for a summary of rule changes, and a copy of the letters sent to all community and non-transient non-community water systems.

https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/dsr/oqa/cwsnewmclruleoutreachletter9-4-2018.pdf

https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/dsr/oqa/ntncoutreachletter.pdf

https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/dsr/oqa/rulesummarycertifiedlabs9-4-2018.pdf

If you have any questions email watersupply@njdepwptest.net or contact the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609) 292-5550.

Laboratories wishing to obtain certification for any of the newly regulated parameters must submit an application request to the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA). The application along with instructions for submitting the application, and the list of required documentation and applicable fees, may be found on the OQA website at https://www.njdepwptest.net/dsr/oqa/laboratory-certification-programs/. Any questions regarding the procedure for obtaining certification can be directed to the OQA at (609) 292-3950.

Important PWTA reporting notification: The PWTA E2-DWR database is currently undergoing enhancements to allow for the submission of the new reporting requirements (expanded monitoring for gross alpha, uranium, and arsenic). Laboratories will be notified by the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water when enhancements have been completed. In the meantime, laboratories should report using the existing spreadsheet provided in PWTA E-DWR. Additional directions will be forthcoming.

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the link  to see all of the changes to the OQAs Part III from September 30, 2016 to date.

In order for the Office of Quality Assurance to streamline the certification process for granting initial certification, effective October 1, 2017, any laboratories requesting a modification for addition of analytes to their current scope must submit a complete application for initial certification in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:18-2.5. This process will apply to all initial certification requests, including requests made with the annual renewal application. The application must include at a minimum the following documentation in order to be considered complete:

1.) Application: A completed Part I and Part III of the application package. Only the applicable pages of the Part III shall be submitted. A Part II must be submitted if any new categories are being added to the laboratory’s Annual Certified Parameter List (ACPL). *

2.) All associated fees, including the $400 modification fee and any associated category fees for new categories not currently listed on the laboratory’s ACPL.** The modification fee is waived if the request is submitted as part of the renewal application.

3.) A draft SOP for the new parameter(s)/method(s).

4.) MDL(s) (if applicable).

5.) Precision and Accuracy (P/A) study or Demonstration of Capability (DOC) and the associated raw data.

6.) Proficiency Test (PT) provider name and study number(s) used.

7.) PT raw data package.

*If a Part II is being submitted all required educational, employment and training information; and documentary evidence in support of education, training and experience (transcripts, training course certificates, resumes, etc.) must be included.

**If a laboratory is applying for a user defined method a review fee of $600 may be required before the OQA can review the data package.

If any of the above documentation is not submitted the application will be considered incomplete and the laboratory will be notified of any discrepancies. The package will be placed on hold or returned to the laboratory until all the required documentation is received. Once all the required information is received the laboratory will be placed in Applied status and an auditor will be assigned. The items noted above are the minimum items that are required to be submitted in order to start the initial application process. Additional documentation and/or an on-site audit may be necessary to obtain certification. The laboratory will be notified by the auditor if any additional information or an on-site audit is required. All complete applications are processed in the order in which they are received. The submittal of an incomplete package will delay the processing of your application and the request will not be placed in the que for review until a complete application is received.

The documentation noted above will not routinely be required for laboratory’s that hold NJ-NELAP secondary accreditation. However, if a modified method is being requested for secondary accreditation, or if a modified method is listed on your primary Accreditation Body’s scope, the above documentation shall be submitted in order to verify the modifications made are acceptable for the analysis of New Jersey samples.

The OQA may request additional information in support of certification at any time.

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the  link to see all of the changes to the OQAs Part III from September 30, 2016 to date.

In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the list of updates to the Part III  link to see all of the changes to the OQAs Part III from February 26, 2016 to date.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has made revisions to the New Jersey 48 Hour Rapid Gross Alpha method, ECLS-R-GA, Rev. 8.  All drinking water laboratories were notified by a letter dated September 26, 2014.  Revised MEMO of September 26, 2014.   View a copy of the method, ECLS-R-GA, Rev. 8.

Laboratories are required to implement the changes as soon as possible and no later than January 1, 2015.  Laboratories shall forward to the OQA a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and data generated using the revised criteria as outlined in the letter.  Upon receipt of acceptable documentation, the OQA will issue an updated Annual Certified Parameter List (ACPL) for the laboratory that includes the method and revision number.  After January 1, 2015, the Department will not accept data from laboratories that did not implement the revisions and did not obtain an updated ACPL form the Department.

• The laboratory should contact their client (person responsible for conducting the remediation and/or the licensed site remediation professional (LSRP) overseeing the remediation) and inform them of the situation. The LSRP, using their professional judgment based on their knowledge of the remedial activities being conducted and site conditions, should make the determination whether or not to proceed with the analysis of the impacted samples. From the SRP perspective, exceedance of storage temperature is not an automatic rejection of sample results.
• If it is determined to proceed with sample analysis, the laboratory needs to note the situation in the laboratory non-conformance summary section of the data deliverable package.
• The LSRP, when submitting the remedial phase report associated with the impacted data, needs to note the situation with an explanation of data usability.

• The Monitoring Report Form (MRF) Manual was prepared to give direction for Reporting Invalid Test Results.  Although not every example of ‘invalid’ sample issues was mentioned in the manual, NJDEP has expanded on this topic in training sessions and phone inquiries over the years.
• If a permittee calls the NJDEP and knows prior to having the laboratory conduct the analysis that the samples are invalid, they should be instructed to not waste resources for analyzing these samples.  Also, if sample analysis was underway prior to the storm (i.e. BOD samples set up on Day 1 with a loss of power on Days 2), results may be reported by the testing laboratory but must be appropriately qualified. Results reported with appropriate data qualifiers cannot be used to demonstrate compliance with any NJPDES or SQAR regulatory requirements.
• The permittees should report CODE=E if all of the samples for that parameter for the month/monitoring period were in this situation as directed in the MRF Manual.
• If only some of the samples for the month/monitoring period were in this situation, the permittee should only report on the MRF valid data for the month/monitoring period.  The number of samples actually tested is to be noted on the MRF (i.e. 3/month instead of the required 4/month).
• The permittee must explain the situation on the MRF submittal form (or cover letter if necessary).  This explanation must include information regarding proof of power outage – such as HOTLINE notification, etc.  The MRF Manual can be found at the following link: www.nj.gov/dep/dwq/pdf/MRF_Manual.pdf

February 23, 2016: Additional category codes added to Part III
In response to new technologies, newly regulated parameters and to provide pathways for laboratory certification that meet the needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) has updated the laboratory certification methods/parameters/techniques it offers for certification. View the list of additional category codes/parameters/methods  added to the OQAs Part III from September 1, 2015 to February 22, 2016.

Delayed Mailing of the Fiscal Year 2016 (FY2016) Renewal Applications
The mailing of the FY2016 renewal applications will be delayed this year due to the anticipated April 20, 2015 adoption of the amendments to the Regulations Governing the Certification of Laboratories and Environmental Measurements N.J.A.C. 7:18 et. seq. Letter sent to all laboratories informing them of this delay.

May 2013: New Methods Approved for use in Public Recreational Bathing Testing (N.J.A.C. 8:26, Subchapter 7)
N.J.A.C. 8:26 requires the use of a N.J.A.C. 7:18 certified laboratory for the analysis of samples such as swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and spas for total coliform and pseudomonas aeruginosa testing. N.J.A.C. 8:26 regulations have traditionally detailed the microbiological methods approved for required testing. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) was petitioned by IDEXX Labs Inc. for the approval to use Colilert/Coliert-18® for total coliform testing and Pseudalert® for Pseudomonas aeruginosa testing. On May 15, 2012, the NJDOH approved the use of Pseudalert® and this testing was added to the NJDEP-OQA’s scope of available laboratory certification at that time. The approval for the use of Colilert/Colilert-18® was made effective by the NJDOH on April 9, 2013. Laboratories must apply for and receive certification prior to the use of the methods and media. The parameter codes to use when requesting the certification are: Pseudalert (WPP01.11010) and Colilert/Colilert-18 (WPP01.04010). Total coliform and Pseudomonas aeruginosa results are to be reported as presence-absence in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 8:26-7.5(b) and 7.11(b) respectively. A link to the waiver approval for Pseudalert from the IDEXX website can be found at: www.idexx.com/resource-library/water/water-reg-article5CZ.pdf. The waiver approval document for the use of Colilert/Coliert-18 will be available on the IDEXX website soon. Contact Debra Waller at the NJDEP-OQA (debra.waller@njdepwptest.net) should you require any additional laboratory certification information about the approvals for the use of the methods.

Drinking Water Testing
This information (in part) and guidance for non-community water systems for restoring wells that were flooded and/or damaged by Hurricane Sandy are available on the NJDEP’s Water Supply website at www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply:

• For samples that were prepared and were under analysis at the time of the storm, if the analysis was disrupted by the effects of the storm, then this data must be qualified as appropriate and cannot be used for demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements.
• The Bureau of Safe Drinking Water will not issue TCR monitoring and reporting (M&R) violations for October 2012 if you were unable to collect all routine TCR samples required by the end of October. However, you are expected to complete the collection of all November routine TCR samples by the end of November.
• For those water systems that were unable to collect repeat TCR samples and, if applicable, Groundwater Rule samples within the required timeframes due to Hurricane Sandy, you must collect these repeat samples and well (raw) samples as soon as possible during November 2012, as a sampling event separate from the scheduled routine November TCR sampling.
• Water systems on a quarterly TCR monitoring schedule, having had at least one total coliform-positive sample in September 2012, must collect their five routine TCR samples as soon as possible in November 2012 if Hurricane Sandy prevented their collection in October.
• TCR and Groundwater Rule sample results must be submitted to the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water through E2. If your internet access (and your ability to report through E2) has been affected due to the hurricane, please notify the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at 609-292-5550 to inform us of those water systems for which TCR/GWR result submission may be late. (Please note that laboratories are still required to notify the bureau of E. coli-positive and fecal coliform-positive results within 24 hours or call the NJDEP Hotline at 877- 927-6337 after business hours.)

March 2012: USEPA Grants New Jersey Exemption From DMR-QA Submittal
On November 30, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the Departments request to withdraw from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Discharge Monitoring Report Quality Assurance (DMR-QA) Program.  EPA granted approval of the withdrawal because the Departments state-wide laboratory certification program is an adequate surrogate for the DMR-QA Program.  The withdrawal is effective beginning in 2012 and pertains to an exemption for DMR-QA Study 32.  The OQA sent a letter to all laboratories on March 12, 2012 as notification of this change.  Please refer to the March 12, 2012 letter for additional information.

Hurricane Sandy Laboratory Status Survey Results as of 11-16-12
Based upon the numerous issues that have occurred due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections (NJDEP) Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) performed a short survey of the current condition of certified/accredited laboratories that may have been affected by the storm.  Access to the results can be found at: Hurricane Sandy Laboratory Status Survey Results as of 11-9-12  or by contacting the OQA at 609-292-3950.  The results posted are current as of the date noted in the spreadsheet title and includes only those laboratories that have responded as of that date.  Out of State laboratories not included on this list were not surveyed because it was believed those laboratories were not affected by the storm and are presumed fully operational.  If a laboratory is not included on this list it does not mean that laboratory cannot be used for testing.  If you wish to use a laboratory not on the list it is suggested you first contact that laboratory directly to obtain its status. A complete listing of all certified/accredited laboratories and contact information can be found by accessing the OQAs certified laboratory list at: dataminer website.

Notice Regarding Proficiency Test Samples Affected by Hurricane Sandy
Any laboratories that failed to submit water pollution results for WP-212 by November 1, 2012 due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy may purchase a quick response sample for the affected parameters.  Quick Response samples can be ordered from any A2LA or ACLASS approved PT provider.  These Quick Response results must be submitted to the OQA no later than Friday, November 23, 2012.  Any results not received by this date will result in a second failed study and a suspension of the affected parameters.

Regarding the October solid/hazardous waste studies; results for WP-213 are due November 29, 2012 and results for Soil-80 are due December 6, 2012.  Any laboratory that cannot submit solid/hazardous waste results for either WP-213 by November 29, 2012 or Soil-80 by December 6, 2012 due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy may purchase a Quick Response sample for the affected parameters.  Quick Response samples can be ordered from any A2LA or ACLASS approved PT provider.  These Quick Response results must be submitted to the OQA no later than Friday, December 21, 2012.  Any results not received by this date will result in a first failed study and the laboratory will need to participate in the April make-up study.

NOTE:  ERA will replace any PT samples for WP-213 or Soil-80 destroyed by the storm at no cost to the laboratory.  Laboratories should contact ERA directly for replacement samples.

October 2010: HazSite Electronic Data Deliverable File Format Support Changes
Site Remediation Program (SRP) is discontinuing the support of WK1 (Lotus 1-2-3) and DBF (dBase/FoxPro) file extensions for the HazSite database electronic data deliverable (EDD) submissions effective 1/1/2011. Please refer to SRP web site for more information.

August 2010: Analysis of Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbon Compounds (EPH) in Aqueous and Soil/Sediment/Sludge Matrices (NJDEP EPH Method 10/08, August 2010 Rev. 3)
The NJDEP has updated its Environmental Laboratory Certification Programs to add NJDEP EPH Method 10/08, Rev. 3. It is included as a DSAM on the OQA’s Part 3 as SHW06.04540 for GC/FID and as SHW07.04600 for GC/MS. All labs formerly applied or certified for NJDEP EPH Method 10/08 Rev. 2 (under SHW06.04530) have been upgraded to SHW06.04540 for GC/FID. An update letter giving revised application information, including the procedure to follow if the GC/MS option is of interest, has been forwarded to all laboratories performing NJ EPH, DRO/GRO SW846 Method 8015 and/or Method NJ-OQA-QAM-025. The method will be used by the NJDEP’s Site Remediation Program (SRP) and more information can be found on their website as follows:

• EPH Method
• EPH Calculator
• EPH Protocol
• EPH Phase-in
• EPH FAQ

Additional information can also be obtained by contacting Peter Boughton at 609-292-3950.

January 2010: Clean Air Program Proficiency Testing Samples
The State of New Jersey is requiring laboratories certified in the Clean Air certification program to begin analyzing PT Samples in January 2010. All certified laboratories will be invoiced for the Air PTs in late October for the initial study in January. All laboratories must report results for any parameters in which they hold certification.  Since this is the initial study the department will not impose suspensions on the laboratories that do not acceptably analyze the initial rounds.

In the future if a laboratory does not pass the required PTs the will not be able to report regulatory data to the State.  Any ELCP laboratories that do not pass one sample a year will be suspended for that analysis. Any NELAP laboratories that do not pass one sample a year will not be eligible to report data to the State of New Jersey until they are back in compliance with the PT requirements.

May 2009: Revised NJDEP-SRP Low Level USEPA Method TO-15 Air Analysis Method
NJDEP’s Site Remediation Program (SRP) has recently revised Method NJDEP LL TO-15   (and the associated deliverables requirements, NJDEP LL TO 15 Appendix 1) .  The revised method – dated March, 2009 – should promote additional opportunities for laboratories previously unable to meet all the method requirements.  Laboratories wishing to pursue certification are to follow the requirements of the revised method and its associated Appendix 1.  As laboratories are certified and sufficient analysis capacity exists, the SRP will ultimately require all Method TO-15 analyses to be conducted using the NJDEP low level air analytical method.  Additional information can be found at SRP’s Vapor Intrusion Program website.

Specific questions relating to certification can be directed to Mr. Michael DiBalsi or Dr. Z. Bernie Wilk at (609) 292-3950.

EPA Method 537 for Perfluorinated Hydrocarbons (PFC’s) Finalized and Available for Certification
In recent years, the Department has conducted both statewide and site specific monitoring of  PFC’s such as PFOA and PFOS.  On September, 2008, the EPA had finalized its first reference method (EPA Method 537) for the analysis of several PFC’s including PFOA and PFOS.  Given the introduction of the reference method by the EPA and continued interest in New Jersey for the analysis of these compounds, the new method is being offered for certification beginning on July 1, 2010.

Questions regarding this method and certification should be directed to Dr. Z. Bernie Wilk at (609) 292-3950.

March 2008: New Analytical Methods Available for Certification – Issue of Revision 7, Method OQA-QAM-025
Revision 7 of Method OQA-QAM-025 , “Quantitation of Semi-Volatile Petroleum Products in Water, Soil, Sediment and Sludge” has been issued by the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA).

Questions regarding Method OQA-QAM-025 Revision 7 should be directed to Peter Boughton at (690) 292-3950.

March 2008: New Revision to Method OQA-QAM-025
The latest revision of Method OQA-QAM-025 is revision 7. The major change is the sample holding time for aqueous and solid samples from seven days to extraction to 14 days to extraction. Some editorial changes were made to the method. Laboratories do not have to send OQA any data. The SOP revisions will be inspected during the next on- site assessment. Revision 7 will directly replace revision 6 on March 3, 2008.

Major Changes as Follows:

9.1.3 (Aqueous holding time):
Samples must be extracted within 14 days from the time of collection or 12 days from verified sample time of receipt (VSTR). Extracts must be analyzed within 40 days of extraction.

9.2.3 (Solids holding time):
Samples must be extracted within 14 days from the time of collection or 12 days from VSTR. Extracts must be analyzed within 40 days of extraction.

13.0 References:
#24. Miller, M. W., Appleby, C. Wright, D., Skelton, P., “A Gas Chromatography Method to Replace Method 418.1 for the Determination of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons”, Presented at National Conference on Contaminated Soils, Amherst, MA, October 1997. Available on OQA web site.

July 2007: United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Methods Update Rule (MUR)
On March 12, 2007 the USEPA issued a final MUR that revises the list of approved analyses and sampling procedures in wastewater, drinking water and biosolids regulations.  To provide guidance to businesses certified using the NJ – Environmental Laboratory Certification Program or accredited using the NJ – National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, the OQA has issued the following letter and accompanying attachments:

OQA letter of July 13, 2007  (PDF) that provides general details of the MUR’s implementation and an overview of the information contained in the included attachments listed below.

Attachment 1  (PDF) –  Table 1 – List of Chemical and Biological Test Procedures Removed and Alternate Approved Replacement Methods and Table 2 – Replacement Options for Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Attachment 2  (PDF) –  NJDEP Schedule for Responding to Methods Update Rule (MUR)

Attachment 3   (PDF) –  Submittal Requirements for Requesting Changes to Certification and Accreditation Status

September 2004: Air Analysis Certification Update
On October 20, 2003, regulations were published that required regulatory air analyses performed for the State of New Jersey to be conducted by certified laboratories. On that date, the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) initiated the process of certification of air analysis laboratories. During the initial application period, which ended April 17, 2004, a total of 35 laboratories applied for and received temporary certification. Beginning in July 2004, OQA has initiated and is currently conducting on-site assessments of these 35 laboratories. Laboratories that have applied under this program should expect to hear from the OQA in the near future regarding the scheduling of an on-site assessment. After on-site assessments, qualified laboratories will have their temporary certification status changed to certified status.

During the application process, laboratories were given the option of applying for certification under either the New Jersey Environmental Laboratory Certification Program (NJ-ELCP) or the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NJ-NELAP). This was done in anticipation of receiving NELAP approval to incorporate all air analysis methods in the NJ-NELAP. Currently, New Jersey has NELAP approval to certify laboratories for EPA methods TO-15 and TO-17. Pending NELAP approval, all other air analysis methods (as outlined in Part III) are currently only available for NJ-ELAC program certification. New Jersey anticipates NELAP approval for all air parameters in the near future. Additionally, New Jersey will use the NELAC Standard for assessing laboratory capability to grant both NJ-NELAC and NJ-NELAP certification.

Enterococci Update for the BEACH program
July 9, 2004 Method Clarification
The US EPA has clarified the counting requirements in Method 1600 used in the determination of enterococci testing in the BEACH program. The clarification is as follows:

All blue halo colonies must now be measured. Any blue halo colony that is less than 0.5mm in diameter is not to be included in the final count. Only blue halo colonies which measure equal to or greater than 0.5mm in diameter, are to be counted as target organisms (enterococci). Colonies are to be counted using a measuring magnifier that is accurate to 0.1mm.

Laboratories, certified for Method 1600, were notified by the Office of Quality Assurance regarding the changes. All of the laboratories responsible for the testing of the public bathing beaches have submitted documentation verifying that they have complied with the updated method requirements for the determination of enterococci.

For additional information please contact Debra Waller.

April 27, 2004: For all labs conducting bacteriological testing of ocean and bay beaches, the monitoring parameter has changed from fecal coliform to enterococci. This applies to private and public, ocean and bay beaches. For your convenience, details of the change as well as contact information can be found in an April 27, 2004 notice (PDF) .