Accurate laboratory results begin long before samples arrive at the laboratory. Proper field sampling techniques are essential for minimizing the potential for cross-contamination and ensuring data quality. Because PFAS compounds are found in many everyday consumer products, extra care should be taken during sample collection.
Advancing its commitment to supporting a comprehensive federal services program, Merit Laboratories has expanded its DoD ELAP accreditation to include Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) sample preparation.
Merit Laboratories is pleased to announce its participation in the 2026 International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds (Battelle Chlorinated Conference), taking place May 31 – June 4, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. Recognized globally as one of the leading conferences for environmental remediation professionals, the event brings together scientists, engineers, consultants, regulators, and industry leaders to advance solutions for complex environmental challenges.
Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) is an increasingly accepted approach for characterizing soil contamination and reducing the uncertainty commonly associated with traditional discrete sampling methods. By collecting and combining multiple increments from a defined area, ISM is designed to provide a more representative estimate of mean contaminant concentrations within a designated decision unit.
Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) is increasingly used across the environmental industry to evaluate soil contaminants. Unlike traditional discrete sampling, ISM collects numerous soil increments that are combined, processed, and subsampled to produce more representative measurements of contaminant concentrations within a defined area.
With over 36,000 miles of rivers and streams running throughout the state, Michigan is known for its plentiful freshwater and recreation opportunities. Over the years, many citizens and local groups have taken it upon themselves to serve as caretakers to protect these precious freshwater resources. One such group is the Friends of the Shiawassee River (FOSR), which has been doing excellent work for over 20 years.
Merit Laboratories is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed renewal of its National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) certification. Merit's primary NELAP certification is through the New York State Department of Health.
Last October, wildfires ravaged Northern California covering a 245,000-acre path of destruction over a 24-day period. When the last fire was finally extinguished, nearly 9,000 homes and buildings were destroyed with total damages exceeding $12-billion as a result of the wildfires. Quickly, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers went to work to begin a cleanup program that continued through March 2018.
As part of the USACE cleanup program, Merit Laboratories performed analytical laboratory testing on more than 4,000 soil samples over multiple sample collection events that lasted several months. All soil samples analyzed by Merit Laboratories were completed following an expedited 24-hour turnaround time (TAT) for heavy metals.
For over 20 years, Merit Laboratories has been a proud supporter of the Flint River Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN) through a partnership with General Motors. Merit donates laboratory testing services and sampling supplies for students to annually test local streams and rivers.
To support its Department of Defense (DoD) program, Merit Laboratories will be attending the 2018 Environmental Monitoring & Data Quality (EMDQ) Workshop. The 2018 EMDQ Workshop is being held in Orlando, Florida from April 9-12 and is organized by the DoD Environmental Data Quality Workgroup. Merit Laboratories’ Quality Assurance Officer, Barbara Ball, will be representing Merit Laboratories at the DoD conference.
As a leader in environmental laboratory testing, Merit Laboratories’ team of project managers and client service professionals takes pride in providing guidance to clients when setting-up projects that require analytical services. We’ve recognized that sampling for vapor intrusion and indoor air projects often lead to the most questions from environmental consulting clients.
Here are some key questions and points to consider to successfully set-up a TO-15 air sampling project:
The Interstate Regulatory Technology Council (ITRC) just published three new fact sheets on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) along with one updated fact sheet. The four fact sheets address important topics related to PFAS remediation technologies, sample collection, laboratory methods, environmental fate and transport, and more. These four PFAS updates from ITRC are the most current guidance available and will provide environmental professionals with detailed information on PFAS
The presence of PFAS at sites throughout Michigan have prompted the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to require Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) with an Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) to address this emerging contaminant. In a letter to WWTPs dated February 20, 2018, the MDEQ is requiring several actions be taken to ensure that all IPPs are prohibiting discharges of PFOS and PFOA. By June 20, 2018, the MDEQ is requiring WWTPs with an IPP to complete the following:
Because of their prevalence in industrial manufacturing applications, many of our environmental consulting and industrial clients find themselves requiring wipe sampling guidance for PCBs. Merit Laboratories provides its clients with PCB wipe sampling kits to support field sample collection activities. The Merit PCB wipe kits are typically used for the wipe sampling of machinery, equipment, flooring, and other surfaces within industrial manufacturing facilities.
