Introduction: An overview of the history of laboratory certification in Iowa

The Code of Iowa sections 455B.113 through 455B.115 require certification for environmental laboratories performing analyses of samples which are required to be submitted to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) as a result of Iowa Code provisions, rules, operation permits, or administrative orders. The Iowa Administrative Code, 567--83, provides procedures for laboratories applying for certification, establishes laboratory certification fees, and provides the appropriate methods and references for evaluating laboratory competence, including the requirements for laboratories to become certified in Iowa. The purpose of certification is to determine that an applicant for certification has the necessary competence, equipment, and capability to perform the required laboratory analytical procedures. Key elements of this certification are:

• use of approved methodology and associated quality control by competent laboratory personnel
• use of adequate facilities and equipment
• continuing satisfactory performance in proficiency testing
• and periodic on-site evaluation of laboratory operations.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is the certifying authority in Iowa for laboratories providing analytical data in support of the Wastewater (CWA [WW]), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) , Solid Waste of Contaminated Sites (SW/CS) and Underground Storage Tank (UST) programs. The University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory (UHL) provides technical support to the IDNR in the laboratory certification process as the laboratory appraisal authority. Personnel from the UHL evaluate information submitted by laboratories requesting certification in Iowa and perform on-site laboratory evaluations. The UHL makes a recommendation for certification to the IDNR. The Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Environmental Samples for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2003) provides the procedures and criteria used for evaluation of laboratories seeking environmental laboratory certification in Iowa. The manual consists of three chapters. The first chapter of the manual pertains to certification of laboratories analyzing drinking water and incorporates by reference the "Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water: Criteria and Procedures, Quality Assurance, Fourth edition, EPA 815-B-97-001, March 1997". Chapter 2 pertains to laboratories analyzing samples for the underground storage tank program. Chapter 3 pertains to laboratories analyzing samples for the departments wastewater and sewage sludge disposal programs. Chapter #4 pertains to laboratories analyzing samples for the and Solid Waste of Contaminated Sites (SW/CS). Chapters 2 and 3 of the manual are modified from EPA's drinking water manual as appropriate for the fields of testing covered.