Merit Laboratories Adds PFAS to DoD ELAP Accreditation

Merit Laboratories is now certified for PFAS through the DoD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP). As a result, Merit Laboratories has expanded the list of analytical methods, compounds, and sample matrices for which it is accredited through the DoD ELAP, including the DoD’s PFAS method: LC/MS/MS Compliant with Table B-15 of QSM 5.1 or Latest Version. Through this addition, Merit is also accredited by ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Merit Laboratories maintains DoD ELAP accreditation and is designated as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). Merit Laboratories is a leading national PFAS environmental laboratory, analyzing drinking water, soil, wastewater, groundwater, and other sample matrices, including biosolids and sludge.

The DoD ELAP laboratory accreditation is specific to sample matrix, analytical method, parameters, compounds, and elements. The QSM was developed by the DoD Environmental Data Quality Workgroup (EDQW) and the DOE Consolidated Auto Program (DOECAP). Conformance to the DoD QSM is mandatory for environmental laboratories performing analytical testing in support of DoD projects.

PFAS has taken on added importance for DoD sites throughout the United States. The number of U.S. military bases and facilities with known or suspected PFAS contamination has grown to nearly 700, according to a report published by the Environmental Working Group. Every state in the country now has at least one DoD site with known or suspected PFAS contamination. Many states have many DoD PFAS sites, including New York, North Carolina, Michigan, California, Oregon, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

The Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP) is an agreement between the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Navy for environmental laboratory accreditation and analytical testing to support DoD projects and DoD programs. The DoD ELAP, which originated in October 2009, covers environmental programs at DoD operations, activities, and installations, which also includes formerly used defense sites (FUDS). The Department of Energy (DOE) recently became part of the DoD ELAP for DOE sites and programs.

Contact Merit Laboratories to learn more about our federal services program and how we can assist you in achieving your SBE and WBE subcontracting goals by partnering with us for environmental laboratory testing services.