Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What are the test methods for determining whether a waste is a hazardous waste?

The hazardous waste criteria and references to test methods are in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 11, Article 3.

2.  How can I find a certified laboratory?

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) (formerly the California Department of Health Services) operates the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) as well as the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). The list of laboratories can be found on the CDPH website at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/labs/Documents/ELAPLablist.xls.

3.  Where can I find an environmental test method for a specific chemical?

The majority of test methods for hazardous waste testing can be viewed or downloaded from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/sw846.htm. National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) has a wider scope of test methods from many sources. It can be found at http://www.nemi.gov.

4.  Where can I find guidance on Waste Analysis Plans?

The U.S. EPA has a guidance manual at http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/resources/policies/civil/rcra/wasteanalygman-rpt.pdf.

5.  Where can I find guidance on statistical methods for analyzing data?

The Guidance on Data Quality Assessment, EPA QA\G-9, can be found at http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/cat/epaqag9.pdf.

6.  Where can I find additional information on test methods?

ECL has a helpful list of Additional Resources.