US EPA Regional Laboratory Network

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportRegional Laboratory Network: An OverviewRegional Laboratory scientists are a valuable resource. Scientistshave expertise in analytical methods, quality assurance and qualitycontrol principles, data validation, field analytical techniques, andsolving complex analytical projects.During FY2014, the 10 RegionalSupport analyticalmethod improvementsLaboratories supported more than125 method improvement projects.Regional Laboratory scientists are certification officers for the DrinkingWater Laboratory Certification Program and participate in statedrinking water audit programs. Laboratory scientists also providemanagement, technical, logistical, andoversight support to EPA, State andServe crucial roles intribal programs, operate air monitoringregional drinking waterquality assurance programs, andaudit programssupport field sampling functions.EPA Regional Laboratories provided analytical responses toapproximately 15 significant emergency response events in FY2014.EPA Regional Laboratories are capable of analyzing samplessuspected to contain a variety of chemical and biological compounds,including chemical warfare agents.Also, some Regional LaboratoriesRespond to Homelanddeveloped and validated new methodsSecurity eventsfor chemical warfare agent degradationcompounds that characterize andremediate contaminated areas.Within each Regional Laboratory, core capabilities allow support tovarious EPA programs. Unique capabilities provide the flexibility foreach laboratory to meet geographical environmental demands orregional and national initiatives. Three tables (core, unique, anddeveloping) summarize chemical, physical and biological/microbiological capabilities for eachregion. The Core, Unique, andCore, Unique, andDeveloping capabilities tables for eachDeveloping capabilitiesRegional Laboratory are provided inspan across RLNSection IV and are available on thefollowing EPA websites.Regional Laboratories Core Capabilities — -and-technology-lab-core-capabilitiesRegional Laboratories Unique Capabilities — ocumentation-regionRegional Laboratories Developing Capabilities — ethodsEPA 910-R-15-0025

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportSection II — Regional Laboratory Network HighlightsEPA 910-R-15-0027

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportProtecting Water: A Precious, Limited ResourceEnsure drinking water is safe. Restore and maintain oceans, watersheds, and theiraquatic ecosystems to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities,and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife.Regional Laboratories play an important part inprotecting and restoring the nation’s waterresources by providing: key data for regions and their partners andtarget actions to protect human health andaquatic ecosystems more efficiently technical and regulatory support to drinkingwater laboratories and training and support forwater quality monitoring efforts analytical support for various projects acrossthe U.S.Drinking Water Laboratory CertificationLaboratories that analyze drinking water samples arerequired to be certified by an approved certifyingauthority. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Regional Laboratory personnel, trained certificationofficers, conduct on-site evaluation of drinking waterlaboratories operated by states and tribal communities.Certification Officers also conduct audits of state’scertification programs to ensure all laboratoriesanalyzing drinking water samples are followingapproved methods mandated by EPA’s NationalPrimary Drinking Water Regulations. Ultimately, theeffort of the laboratory certification program ensuresdrinking water is free from harmful contaminants. InFY2014, Regional Laboratories performed 31evaluations and 14 audits.8Regional Laboratories supportedwater-related projects, including TMDL StudiesWater Quality Assessment and Total Maximum DailyLoad (TMDL) Program SupportCrucial for management of our water resources, waterquality data are used to characterize waters, identifytrends, identify emerging problems, determine whetherpollution control programs are working, and help directpollution control efforts to where they are most needed.A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of apollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meetwater quality standards, and an allocation of that loadamong the various sources of that pollutant. RegionalLaboratories provide substantial analytical support forwater quality assessments to, and TMDL developmentfor, water bodies throughout the country.Methyl Mercury TMDL for San Francisco Bay DeltaWatershedRegion 9 Laboratory used its recently-developedcapability to support a study of methylmercury in theSan Francisco Bay Delta Watershed. As one of thelargest and most important estuarine systems on theWest Coast, the Bay Delta estuary is supplyingdrinking water to 25 million people and irrigation waterfor 4 million acres of farmland. Methylmercury, apotent neurotoxin, poses a unique water managementchallenge in the Bay Delta. After establishing a TMDL,Region 9 Laboratory, in collaboration with a jointproject with the Central Valley Regional Water QualityControl Board, analyzed multiple sets of water samplesfrom agricultural sites. The data provided will be usedto develop a more accurate baseline of methylmercuryloads associated with irrigated agriculture, therebyrefining TMDL levels.EPA 910-R-15-002

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportProtecting Water: A Precious, Limited ResourceTMDL Studies in Springfield, MissouriThe Wilson, Jordan, and Pearson Creek TMDLswere established January 2011 after named asimpaired waters from multiple-point sources andurban nonpoint sources. The pollutant causing theimpairment is listed as unknown; however, toxicityfrom multiple pollutants and changes in hydrologyfrom increased impervious surfaces are thesuspected cause of the impairment. Byestablishing these TMDLs, EPA met themilestones of the 2001 Consent Decree.However, after a ruling in 2011, EPA was requiredto further consider impacts based on additionalwater quality. To meet a settlement agreement,Region 7 conducted monthly water and sedimentsampling and diurnal dissolved oxygen monitoring.Water grab samples were analyzed for totalphosphorus, total nitrogen, suspended solids,dissolved solids, total solids, dissolved metals, andhardness. Sediment grab samples consisted ofmetals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs). Water and sediment samples from urbanstreams in Springfield were collected for over 10different traditional methods, including metals,poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, anions, hardness,semi-volatile organics, and pH. This effortsupports EPA’s interest in determining whatpollutants may be present and whether the creeksmeet Missouri water quality standards andeffectively restore these streams. The data will beused to write pollutant-specific TMDLs for eachcreek.For more information:(American Canoe Association, et al. v. EPA, No.98-1195-CV-W in consolidation with No. 98-4282CV-W, February 27, 2001).(City of Springfield vs. EPA, et al., (6:11-cv-03383)Wilson, Jordon and Pearson Creeks).EPA 910-R-15-002Field Auditing for National Rivers and StreamsAssessmentRegion 9 Laboratory provided field auditing support forthe National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA)2013-2014. The national survey is designed to estimatethe percentage of rivers and streams in good, fair, orpoor condition, help citizens and water quality managersevaluate the effectiveness of protection and restorationefforts, and take action to prevent pollution. Trainedsampling crews, consisting of representatives fromstates, tribes, interstate agencies, and private contractscollected samples at 1,800 sites across the countryusing the same methods at each site. Sampling crewstook numerous measurements, including: temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, pH, andmore habitat condition along river or stream banks algae and free-floating plants benthic macroinvertebrates – small aquatic animals:insects, snails, and crayfish (a source of food for fish) bacteria indicators of possible fecal contamination type and abundance of fish contaminants in fish tissue.Regional Laboratories supportedOversight- or Enforcement-related activitiesEnvironmental Studies for Ocean-Dredged MaterialManagement of dredged material and Ocean-DredgedMaterial Disposal Site (ODMDS) is a sharedresponsibility of EPA and the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers (USACE) under the Clean Water Act (CWA)and Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act(MPRSA). Each year, USACE Portland District(CENWP) dredges 3-to-5 million cubic yards ofsediment at the Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) tomaintain the 6-mile long, deep-draft, navigationentrance channel. MCR-dredged material is placed attwo EPA-designated ODMDS locations. In 2014,Region 10 Laboratory participated in studies designedto assess the status of the physical, chemical, andbiological environment on benthos within previous,current, and future drop zones.9

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportProtecting Water: A Precious, Limited ResourceEffectiveness of Storm Water Best ManagementPractice (BMP) EvaluatedPharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products(PPCP) from Hospital DischargesSince its establishment, EPA made it a goal to adhereto BMPs to protect the quality of water and soil.Following BMP guidelines is particularly important whenmanaging the impacts of nutrient loading that buildswithin storm water runoff and enters receiving waters.With constantly advancing technology, EPA mustrespond to changing times and create new ways tocontinue protecting the environment in the most efficientway possible. To ensure the most current standards,Region 1 Laboratory partnered with the regional waterprogram and two municipalities on a study to evaluateeffectiveness of regional storm water BMPs. Partnersconducted a project to monitor and evaluate the BMPsthat will continue for a minimum of 2 years. Theultimate goal of this project is to determine the mosteffective and practical set of BMP guidelines to reducenutrient loads flowing into receiving waters.Region 2 Laboratory coordinated a 4-monthcollaborative study to characterize PPCP in hospitaleffluent and sewage treatment plant (STP) influent/effluent. The study involved six hospitals discharginginto four STPs in Suffolk County, New York. SuffolkCounty field personnel collected the samples from thesix hospitals and four STPs. Region 2 Laboratory, incollaboration with Region 8 Laboratory, conductedPPCP analysis of 72 samples, providing results for 206compounds. Results were used by the Division ofEnforcement and Compliance Assistance (DECA) inJune 2014.AllFor this project, groups worked together to:1. Identify key water constituents to be analyzed byRegion 1 Laboratory and establish general waterquality parameters to asses performance of BMPsin treating storm water.Regional Laboratoriesprovide scientific expertise to supportRegional and National Water Programs andInitiatives, which can include analysis, fieldsupport, quality assurance and data review,and technical support.2. Develop a basic Quality Assurance Project Plan(QAPP) for use during BMP construction phases.The QAPP will be used to test sample accessmethods and storm water content. Afterwards, asecond, more-comprehensive QAPP will beimplemented to carry sampling and analysis of BMPperformances from post-installation through aminimum of 20 rain events and meeting project dataquality objectives.3. Develop performance rating curves for each BMPand create a set of efficient and cost-effective BMPguidelines.The top BMP arrangements chosen will be extremelyvaluable in improving EPA’s storm water management.The BMPs selected are expected to help with concerns,such as mitigating the costs of development andimplementation. The resulting impact of BMPguidelines will be widespread.10EPA 910-R-15-002

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportProtecting Water: A Precious, Limited ResourceCyanobacteria Monitoring & Bloom Watch PilotProgramCyanobacteria and their associated toxins are ofparticular concern to humans and the ecology.Increasing precipitation and land development affectsnutrient loads to aquatic systems. Impacted watersystems are shut down when cyanotoxins are in thewater supply. Ingestion of these algal toxins affectspeople, animals, wildlife, and pets.In New England, regional shifts in monitoring effortshighlighted varying cyanobacteria concentrations andtoxicity levels. However, different sampling approachesand methodology inconsistencies made it extremelydifficult to aggregate data, understand algaecharacteristics and behavior, and share informationacross the region.In 2012, the Region 1 Laboratory convened a regionwide (including New York) cyanobacteria monitoringand “bloom watch” workgroup to ensure uniformconsistency with cyanobacteria monitoring methods andprotocols. The workgroup consisted of stateenvironmental water quality and beach monitoringprograms, departments of public health, tribes, publicwater suppliers, Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs), citizen monitoring groups, and academia. InMay 2014, the workgroup established a pilot monitoringproject, which included an algal taxonomic identification(ID) workshop, methods training, and instrumentcalibration protocols. Sampling commenced in June2014 in all New England states.Three principal monitoring components: wereestablished: in-lake monitoring, shore-side monitoring,and a qualitative “bloom watch” component. In-lakemonitoring consisted of a minimum of three samplingsites with collection of an integrated water sample, across-section from the surface to 3 meters at each siteand a filtrate sample. Shore-side monitoring consistedof a minimum of one sample, a 1-meter integratedsample and one filtrate sample. The site locationsremain consistent; additional sites can be added at thediscretion of the sampler.Protocols allow samples to be analyzed on-site using ahandheld fluorimeter to measure chlorophyll andEPA 910-R-15-002phycocyanin, or frozen to be analyzed at a debriefingsession. Fluorimeters were provided to the NewEngland states through the Region 1 Water MonitoringEquipment Loan Program. The “bloom watch”component established protocols to document time andlocation of a perceived algal bloom and track thefrequency and spatial occurrence in the region. Sitephotos, can be enhanced at microscopic levels for algalidentification purposes. A demonstration was providedshowing how a smartphone can mimic an inexpensivefield microscope.Smartphone apps have been developed and are beingtested. A regional geo-referenced database capable ofproviding “vulnerability assessment” of a waterbodybased on hydro geomorphic characteristics and landuse patterns in the watershed is also being tested.Upon project completion, the workgroup will evaluatetheir progress, refine the approach, makerecommendations, and develop a monitoring program.Capability to analyzewater samplesfor overEPA and otherstandardized methods11

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportAddressing Climate Change and Improving Air QualityProtect and improve the air so it is healthy to breathe and risks to human healthand the environment are reduced. Reduce greenhouse gas intensity byenhancing partnerships with businesses and other sectors and common-senseregulatory initiatives.Regional Laboratories actively support theobjectives of the Agency’s air goals through avariety of activities. These activities include: technical support and training air monitoring and air monitoring qualityassurance laboratory support for various air toxicsassessments laboratory support for numerous other localprojects that address specific community risksand method development.Vapor Intrusion Study in West VirginiaVapor intrusion occurs when volatile chemicals migratefrom contaminated groundwater or soils into anoverlying building in ways similar to that of radon gasseeping into homes. When remediating a contaminatedsite, analysis of indoor air may be required to assesspresence of vapor intrusion. Typically, EPA MethodTO-15 using air canisters is employed to measure levelof possible contamination.In 2014, an extensive vapor intrusion sampling eventwas conducted at a West Virginia remedial site todetermine if a new vapor plume emanated from anunderlying tetrachloroethylene (PCE) plume. The studywas designed to assess impacts to local residents livingabove the plume and Region 3 Laboratory provided airanalysis on these samples.Sorbent Tube Analysis of Routine Air SamplesProvide Cost-Effective AlternativeTypically, air samples for volatile organics are collectedin Summa canisters following Method TO-15 from theEPA Compendium of Methods for the Determination ofToxic Organic Compounds in Ambient Air. Region 7developed an enhanced method using sorbent tubessimilar to Method TO-17. A three-phased sorbent tubethat collects air samples of low to moderate humiditywas field-tested at three different sites. Results werecomparable to Method TO-15 and met Method TO-17requirements. Future method development includesvalidating a single-phase sorbent tube that will alsoproduce good results in high humidity.Regional Laboratorieshave the capability to analyze forPictured above is an air canister used for volatileorganic analysis of air samples.Organic Compounds in Air12EPA 910-R-15-002

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory SystemFY2014 Annual ReportAddressing Climate Change and Improving Air QualityPM 2.5 Performance Evaluation Program (PEP)The goal of the PEP is to evaluate totalmeasurement system bias of the particulatematter (PM) 2.5 monitoring network. Thelaboratory component of the program includesPM filter handling, inspection, equilibration, andweighing; data entry, validation, management,and distribution to client regions; and filterarchival and data submittal to the Air QualitySystem (AQS). The PM filter weighing laboratoryis located at Region 4. Other RegionalLaboratories also provided support for PEPthrough performance evaluation audits, qualityassurance collocations, and PEP audits.Regional Laboratory staff provided trainingclasses for the PM 2.5 PEP program.Ambient Air Audits at NCore StationsAir Quality Monitoring Requires Extensive AnalysisNCore is a national multi-pollutant network thatintegrates several advanced measurement systems forparticles, pollutant gases, and meteorology. NCore airmonitoring sites operate trace-level instruments that aredifficult to audit with conventional through-the-probe airmonitoring equipment.In Pennsylvania, a p

U.S. EPA Regional Laboratory System FY2014 Annual Report U.S. EPA Regional Laboratories Region 1: New England Regional Laboratory Investigation & Analysis Branch Ernest Waterman, Director Waterman.Ernest@epa.gov 11 Technology Drive N. Chelmsford, MA 01863-2431 Phone: 617-918-8632