This
manual is for educational purposes only and should not be used
as your only source of information for performing NPDES laboratory
procedures. This manual is not a regulatory document and it
should not be used as the primary source of information for
determining compliance with state or federal laws and regulations.
You must refer to your facility NPDES permit for regulatory
requirements, and to make sure you are using approved procedures
for NPDES laboratory sampling and analytical testing. If there
is a difference between this manual and your NPDES permit, always
abide by your NPDES permit.
Typically, approved laboratory procedures
including holding times, sampling procedures and analytical procedures, can be found in
the Federal Register under 40 CFR Part 136. It
should be noted that approved procedures change from time to time and you should update
your laboratory reference materials on a regular basis. Updated copies of 40 CFR Part 136
are available for downloading from the US EPA Internet website.
All wastewater facilities should develop their own
"Standard Operating Procedure" (SOP) for laboratory practices. Your SOP must
reflect the requirements of your facility NPDES permit in regards to self-monitoring
requirements such as sampling, approved procedures, quality control and record keeping. As
previously mentioned, approved procedures change from time to time and your facility SOP
must be updated to reflect these changes.
Nothing in this manual should be considered as an
endorsement by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of any product, procedures or technique.
This
manual was developed through the Environmental
Training Partnership with input and assistance from the
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and funding from
Pennsylvania DEP and US EPA Region III.
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