Environmental Industry Updates
The Latest News on Scientific and Regulatory Updates from Merit Laboratories
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has launched a statewide program for Michigan schools and public drinking water systems to test for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Schools with water from wells have been notified by the MDEQ of the need for PFAS testing. Schools receiving water from a public water system will be notified of analytical results by the drinking water provider.
The number of sites with PFAS contamination in Michigan continues to grow. The MDEQ has compiled a listing of these PFAS sites along with a map that have been identified as having PFAS levels that are potentially impacting human health and the environment . The sites, which are found at locations throughout Michigan, include:
Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories, delivered a technical presentation to the Michigan Manufacturing Association about Perfluorocarbons (PFCs). PFCs are commonly known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The presentation was held on May 8th in Lansing for members of the MMA Environmental Policy Committee and PFAS Workgroup.
The MDEQ recently released the list of PFAS compounds that should be analyzed as part of the Industrial Pretreatment Program. The list, considered a minimum list of PFAS compounds, was created by the MDEQ based upon the potential for these analytes to be present in Michigan, the availability of the chemical standards for laboratory testing, and ability of laboratories to perform the testing.
Merit Laboratories performs testing for all of the PFAS compounds listed in the MDEQ IPP PFAS directive. The list of IPP PFAS compounds includes:
Our team of scientists recently completed the analytical study for air samples to compare analytical results between 6-Liter and 1.4-Liter Silonite™ Ceramic Coated canisters. The study was performed by collecting the same samples in both 6-Liter and 1.4-Liter canisters. A total of seven split samples were collected and analyzed. Analytical data from the comparison study were in agreement; with an average relative percent difference (RPD) of only 4.6% for each of the 81 compounds analyzed by TO-15. The results of the study confirm that it is not the size of the air sample collected that counts, but sample collection flow rate that actually matters.
Merit Laboratories is Michigan’s environmental laboratory for PFAS analytical testing. Merit offers two analytical options for PFAS: EPA 537 and ASTM D7979. Merit Laboratories performs EPA 537 in drinking water for the list of 14 PFAS substances that are EPA-approved by the method. EPA 537 is a prescriptive Drinking Water Method for 14 PFCs. We also perform ASTM D7979, which is a method for non-drinking water matrices. Merit Laboratories can analyze for the MDEQ PFAS requested list of 24 PFAS substances using ASTM D7979.
Did you know that Merit Laboratories is designated as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WBE/WOSB)?
As part of our SBE and WBE status, we help prime contractors supporting federal and state projects meet subcontracting goals and obligations. In FY2018, the Department of Defense has established a small business subcontracting goal of 33% for prime contractors supporting the DoD. Merit can help you meet these goals and provide you with outstanding analytical data quality and service.
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.
