One of the fundamental responsibilities of the management of First Environmental Laboratories is the establishment and implementation of continuing programs to insure the reliability and validity of our product - analytical data. Realizing the important role our data plays in your decision making process, we have developed an extensive Quality Assurance (QA) Program to ensure that all data produced is legally defensible and of consistently known and proven quality, and NELAC compliant. A copy of our detailed Quality Assurance Manual is available upon request.

Our program has been designed to generate data which is in compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements as specified under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and Site Remediation Program (SRP), Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives (TACO).

The following summarizes our QA Program:

Method Validation

Prior to performing an analysis, each method is completely validated. Validation includes:

  • Analyst training and certification
  • Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC)
  • Method Detection Limit (MDL) Study
  • Establishment of linear range of method
  • Establishment of precision and accuracy criteria
  • Documentation of the method in an SOP
  • Successful analysis of single blind Performance Evaluation Samples (PES)
All method validation data is retained in a permanent file for future reference.

Sample Custody

Upon receipt by First Environmental Laboratories, samples proceed through a process specifically designed to ensure the integrity of both the samples and any corresponding documentation.

Once received, the condition of all samples and shipping materials is carefully inspected to verify compliance with appropriate EPA requirements. Additionally, sample labels are compared to the corresponding Chain-of-Custody records. Any discrepancies are documented on the Chain-of-Custody form, and the client is informed.

Once sample receipt is verified, each sample is assigned a unique laboratory identification number and released to the laboratory for analysis. All project and sample documentation is placed in an active job file and forwarded to Project Management personnel for review.

Access to the laboratory is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Complete and accurate documentation of analytical and procedural information is an important part of our QA Program. SOPs detailing analytical and Quality Control (QC) protocols have been prepared for all routine analyses, and are in strict adherence to accepted EPA methodology. In addition to the analytical SOPs, we have developed SOPs detailing non-analytical lab operations such as:

  • Instrument maintenance and calibration
  • Preparation of standards and reagents
  • Glassware preparation
  • Corrective action
  • Data handling and reporting

The distribution of current SOPs and the archiving of outdated ones is controlled by the Director of Data Quality.

Quality Control Indicators

Analytical performance is monitored on a continuous basis through the use of Quality Control Indicators (QCIs). QCIs provide us with immediate feedback on analytical variables such as method performance, systems performance, matrix effects, and precision & accuracy. Statistical analysis and control charting of the various QCIs allows us to identify trends in the performance of a given method, and perform corrective action before a method produces unacceptable results.

Performance and Systems Audits

First Environmental Laboratories routinely participated in the WP and WS Programs, which consisted of the analysis of single-blind performance evaluation samples provided by the U.S. EPA. Upon discontinuation of the U.S. EPA program, First Environmental Laboratories enrolled in a program offered by an independent supplier of performance testing samples. Our current supplier, ERA, provides Performance Testing (PT) samples for drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste fields.  PT studies are conducted in accordance with the rules established by NELAC.  PT samples are received biannually for each field of testing.

In addition to audits performed by certifying agencies and clients, internal audits are conducted on a regular basis by the Director of Data Quality.