This manual is intended to assist EPA in implementing 40 CFR 142.10(b)(4) by specifying criteria and procedures for certifying principal State laboratories. Chapter II describes the responsibilities of each of the parties involved in the certification program. Chapter III describes how the program operates. Chapters IV, V, and VI cover the technical criteria to be used during the on-site evaluation of a laboratory for chemistry, microbiology, and radiochemistry, respectively. Optional audit forms are also included in Chapters IV, V and VI. The appendices include: a recommended protocol and format for conducting on-site laboratory evaluations, which may be used by the laboratory auditors; frequently used abbreviations and definitions; EPA's policy on third-party auditors; a list of contaminants a principal State laboratory must have the capability to anlayze; a list of contaminants in proposed rules; a list of unregulated chemicals for which systems must monitor under section 1445 of the Safe Drinking Water Act; optional record keeping and data audit procedures; and recommended chain-of-custody procedures to be used if necessary.

"EPA 815-B-97-001." "March 1997." "Supersedes EPA/570/9-90/008, April 1990, EPA-814B-92-002, September 1992, and EPA 570/9-90-008A, October 1991." Includes bibliographical references.